Articles for tag: church leadership

September 10, 2006

Christian Standard

Preparing for Conflict and Sustaining Peace

By Royce Money, with Joe L. Cope and Charles Siburt What can we tell church leaders about conflict? How can we prepare for conflict? How can we glorify God when disputes arise? How can we sustain peace in our churches? And is “saying nothing”””the eventual strategy of the writer in this week”s lead article””always the answer? Peace May Include Conflict Initially, we must recognize that peace is not the absence of conflict. The latter chapters of the Gospel of John show Jesus revealing the true nature of his mission to his apostles. As he began to speak more directly about

August 30, 2006

Christian Standard

Interview with Jim Stanley

By Brad Dupray As executive minister with Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis, Jim Stanley is serving on a leadership team working on a $20 million relocation project. But that pales in comparison to the challenge he and wife Jennifer have in raising 7 year old triplets! Along with Jack, Erin, and Trey, the Stanleys also have a son, Clark, 12. Jim holds a degree in economics and political science from Ball State University and has completed course work toward a Masters of Ministry Degree in Theological Studies at Cincinnati Christian Uni versity. How did Jim Stanley end up as

August 6, 2006

Christian Standard

An Apology and Invitation

By Jeff Krajewski In 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul gives some wise advice to his young apprentice. “Don”t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” I personally wish he would have added, “Don”t be arrogant, self-absorbed, condescending, or a jerk.” I know this is implied, but as I stepped into ministry 10 years ago, I needed a hammer over the head. Later in chapter 5, Paul reminds Timothy that though he should not see his youth as a barrier, he

July 9, 2006

Christian Standard

Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 1)

By Kent E. Fillinger Members of the American Society of Newspaper Editors met not long ago to discuss the current status of newspaper publishing. They considered the fact that the emerging generation tends to ignore newspapers. “Recent research shows that younger people, seeking news when they want it and delivered for free on their computers, are reluctant to purchase newspapers.”1 It”s not that they don”t want news. It”s just that they want the news on their own terms. The same is true when this generation considers the local church. They have an increasing appetite for spirituality, but many exclude the

May 7, 2006

Christian Standard

It’s Faith Raising, Not Just Fund Raising

By Alan Ahlgrim Every growing ministry needs money, whether it”s a new church struggling to purchase land or remodel a storefront, or an established church seeking to expand facilities or relocate. The challenge of raising resources never seems to end. At least it hasn”t for me. After 33 years of church leadership, I”m beginning to recognize a pattern! I have had the opportunity of growing through (and “groaning through”) a variety of funding campaigns. Some were miserable; most were mediocre. However, a few were stellar. Here”s some of what I”ve learned. Communicate a clear and compelling vision. For 20-plus years our

March 12, 2006

Christian Standard

The Chairman of the Elders

By Gary Fait “Congratulations! You”re the new chairman of the elders.” The first time someone said that to me, it gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I felt honored. I felt special. Later, after ending my term as chairman and then spending several years as a “regular” elder, I heard it again: “Congratulations! You”re the new chairman of the elders.” This time I felt a chill go down my spine. I felt a tinge of panic. The chairman is the man who gets the complaints. He”s the one who finds anonymous notes in his mailbox. He”s the one who spends

March 8, 2006

Christian Standard

The Truth About Elders and Ministers

By Mark A. Taylor You may jump to the wrong conclusion from hearing only the snippet of a conversation. And then again, sometimes a sentence or two summarizes the whole truth. What truth would you gather from these disconnected quotes? “¢ From the elder of a church who went with his preacher to a minister”s meeting: “Do all ministers feel as bad and talk as negatively about their elders as this group does?” “¢ From a young minister speaking with some of his church”s elders: “All the years I was growing up at home, my dad served as an elder

March 5, 2006

Christian Standard

Our Acorn-to-Oak Story

By John Faust God”s design for growing a mighty oak tree is simple. Plant a healthy acorn in the ground and wait! Most big things result from small but power-packed origins, lots of patience, and hard work. What is true of oak trees is true of churches. Case in point””Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. People ask, “Why is this church so big?” One answer, sometimes overlooked, is the healthy “acorn” of Southeast”s early church leaders. I want to thank and honor four elders who served faithfully during the 1960s and 1970s, presenting them as leadership models and examples of

February 15, 2006

Christian Standard

What”s So Important?

By Mark A. Taylor When I was a first time youth minister, a kid in our youth group had just taken a job at McDonald’s. This was more than 30 years ago, and fast food was a newer, less taken for granted phenomenon than today. I can assure you this kid took nothing for granted at his new post. He knew the exact temperature of the oil they used to cook the french fries. He knew the time required to prepare each sandwich. He could demonstrate the approved process for mopping floors and cleaning counters. His work was Important, very

January 29, 2006

Christian Standard

The ‘IN’ Crowd: Ministering With Introverts in Mind

By Mandy Smith Imagine hearing the following at the opening of your next church service: Welcome! We”re going to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth today. So let”s strip off all encumbrances by removing our shoes, socks, and accessories. Now, grab someone new and give them a hug. Go on, don”t be shy. In fact, the Bible tells us to greet one another with a holy kiss! Now, empty out the contents of your pockets and purses and form small groups to examine them together. Open up to those around you. Tell them your fears and weaknesses so

December 11, 2005

Christian Standard

Why Ministers Need a Coach

By Ken Gosnell The Harvard Business Review (November 2004) noted that coaching is a $1 billion business in the United States. Business leaders have recognized the need for coaching in their organizations, and churches would be wise to follow suit. Coaching is unique and different from counseling. Coaching is about taking control of your life, being goal-directed and action-oriented, and deepening your knowledge of yourself. It allows the person being coached to dream big and then believe his dream can become a reality. Coaching allows a person to focus on moving forward and gives him the courage to face his

September 11, 2005

Eddie Lowen

Re-Respect Your Elders

Re-Respect Your Elders

Volunteer elders often face misunderstanding and criticism. Eddie Lowen urges churches to reject disrespect, uphold biblical qualifications, and use thoughtful selection practices so elders can lead with integrity and joy.

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