February 15, 2006
What”s So Important?
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.
Articles for tag: church leadership
January 29, 2006
The ‘IN’ Crowd: Ministering With Introverts in Mind
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
Why Ministers Need a Coach
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.
November 30, 2005
Suffering, Shepherding, and Seasons of Faith
LeRoy Lawson recommends three worthwhile reads: Lynn Gardner on suffering and hope, Lynn Anderson on shepherding leaders with character, and Barbara Brown Taylor’s memoir tracing changing “seasons of faith.”
How We Look at a Minister’s Departure
A reflection on why ministerial transitions can feel like calling to ministers but loss to church members—and how taking the long view helps congregations and pastors navigate resignations with healthier perspective.
September 25, 2005
What Youth Ministers Really Want
Youth ministers want more than assumptions and stereotypes. Mike Andrews explains what they hope for from congregations and senior pastors—shared discipleship, intergenerational relationships, and ministry that integrates students into the whole church.
September 25, 2005
Partners With God
Partnership is often overlooked in kingdom work. Tom Ellsworth reminds leaders that God is the senior partner, and Noah’s story shows how faithful obedience and trust carry us through the storms.
September 11, 2005
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.
August 30, 2005
TWO VIEWS: EGALITARIAN “ALLOW WOMEN TO FULFILL THEIR CALLING”
Lana West explores the debate over women in ministry by tracing Scripture from creation through the early church, with special attention to 1 Corinthians 14 and 1 Timothy 2 and the role of cultural context in interpretation.
July 17, 2005
Ministering to the Mentally Ill Pastor
A pastor’s mental illness can’t be ignored or handled with shame. This article shares Fosdick’s story and offers clear dos and don’ts, warning signs to watch for, and practical ways leaders can provide steady, hopeful support.
July 13, 2005
Homegrown Ministers
A child’s view of ministry is shaped early at home. This piece urges families and churches to model respect, prayer, and support for ministers—especially when a child senses a call that may lead far from home.
June 12, 2005
Five Keys for Effective Teaching and Preaching
Strong communication shapes how people perceive a church. Jim Tune shares five practical keys—preparation, clear structure, respect for time, effective storytelling, and wise use of technology—to help teaching and preaching move from dull to dynamic.
Moving from Managers to Shepherds (Part 1)
Lynn Anderson contrasts “shepherd and flock” leadership with institutional management, showing how authentic relationships and integrity shape spiritual influence. A mentoring story and biblical examples invite leaders to move from the boardroom into the pasture.
May 22, 2005
A Guide to Effective Leadership
Randy Richards and Gary York outline a leadership model that clarifies elder and staff responsibilities, emphasizes policy leadership and empowerment, and helps churches measure progress toward a God-given vision.
May 22, 2005
A Guide to Effective Leadership: Policies
Randy Richards and Gary York describe four key elder policy categories—vision, process, relationship, and limitation—kept in a regularly updated policy manual to guide proactive oversight, delegation, and clear boundaries for church leadership.
Equipping Leaders from Within: Partnerships
David Faust reflects on how Bible college and seminary shaped his Scripture understanding, ministry skills, and lifelong learning—and why churches and schools still need to partner to equip leaders well.
March 29, 0010
Long Story Short
Becky Ahlberg reflects on how answering a letter, making a phone call, attending a meeting, and baking cookies opened doors for community outreach in Anaheim.
