April 18, 2007
Tom Ellsworth urges patient, listening-first leadership when guiding change in smaller churches. Mark A. Taylor introduces a book excerpt on helping town and country congregations respond faithfully to demographic shifts and unchosen change.
April 11, 2007
Sue Wilson shares candid insight on marriage, ministry partnership, and the pressures of being a pastor’s wife at a large church. She reflects on criticism, communication, church growth, and practical advice for younger ministers’ wives.
March 25, 2007
Bob Russell shares five practical tips for preaching about money with confidence—building leadership support, weaving stewardship into regular sermons, emphasizing integrity, and framing messages to help people understand money and giving.
February 28, 2007
A reflection comparing fast food to shallow spirituality, urging churches to keep the “flavor” while improving the “content.” The goal isn’t just pleasing crowds, but pursuing the long-term health of the audience.
January 28, 2007
Three leadership models shape today’s church, but only one is biblical. Randy Gariss contrasts storefront and foreman approaches with shepherding—personal pursuit, prayer, compassion, and responsibility for God’s people.
December 20, 2006
Standard Publishing is underwriting and expanding the Energizing Smaller Churches Network (ESCN). Discover the roster of 10 conferences scheduled for 2007—offering vision, testimony, practical ideas, and encouragement for smaller church leaders and volunteers.
December 17, 2006
Should a leader stay or go? Greg Marksberry urges servant-leaders to embrace the discipline of staying—expecting downturns, embracing growth’s cost, and enjoying the long-term yield of stable, faithful ministry.
November 19, 2006
A pastor reflects on the hidden danger of people-pleasing in leadership and the temptation to make decisions by popular opinion. Looking to Moses, he urges leaders to pay attention to God’s voice and remember their call.
October 25, 2006
True friendship is rare—especially for Christian leaders who feel pressure to appear perfect. Mark A. Taylor reflects on Proverbs 27 and the gift of honest counsel, trust, and encouragement among God’s people.
September 10, 2006
Church peace is not the absence of trouble. This article equips leaders to prepare for disputes with humility, Matthew 18 wisdom, and practical steps that model reconciliation for the sake of the gospel.
August 30, 2006
Jim Stanley, executive minister at Traders Point Christian Church, explains “second-chair” leadership, how the role supports a senior minister, and why operations, truth-telling, and spiritual leadership all matter in church staff life.
August 6, 2006
Jeff Krajewski reflects on Paul’s counsel to Timothy, apologizes for youthful arrogance, and invites older and younger leaders to pursue humility and unity as the church navigates change together.
July 9, 2006
A changing generation wants news—and spirituality—on its own terms. This article compares the newspaper industry’s challenges with the church’s, then outlines three responses: deny reality, make cosmetic changes, or pursue strategic, mission-driven transformation.
Capital campaigns can strain a congregation—or strengthen it. Alan Ahlgrim shares hard-won lessons on vision, broad involvement, wise counsel, sustained follow-through, and confident faith that God is at work.
March 12, 2006
What is the chairman of the elders—and what is he not? Gary Fait reflects on rotating leadership, church authority, and why the chairman’s role should be defined by service, not superiority.
March 8, 2006
Disconnected comments can reveal a lot about how elders and ministers relate. Mark A. Taylor contrasts unhealthy patterns with a better path marked by mutual respect, shared accountability, and stronger leadership.
March 5, 2006
John Faust reflects on four early elders at Southeast Christian Church and the leadership qualities that helped lay a lasting foundation—quality, trust, unity, and availability—for the church’s growth in Louisville.
February 15, 2006
A youth-group story about taking work too seriously leads to a challenge for church leaders. Barna survey results highlight a gap between what pastors believe about members’ priorities and what members report.
January 29, 2006
Church life often assumes extroverted norms. Mandy Smith explains what introverts are (and aren’t), how common church practices can overwhelm them, and practical ways leaders can create authentic space for introverts’ gifts and growth.
December 11, 2005
Coaching helps ministers move forward with clarity, courage, and accountability. Ken Gosnell explains why pastors need a coach to navigate isolation, prioritize wisely, and model continual growth—because even champions don’t thrive without one.
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