October 19, 2008
Hunting or Hunted?
Don Wilson urges pastors and church staff to handle ministry transitions with honesty, prayer, and open communication, reducing misunderstandings and honoring the body of Christ together.
Articles for tag: church staff
What Is an Elder”s Most Important Job?
By Arron Chambers Who is an elder supposed to be? The Bible makes it clear Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God”s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall
Second Thoughts About Mission Giving
Sam E. Stone calls churches to rethink missionary support with consistency, fairness, and care for both foreign evangelism and the ministries that sustain Christian service.
October 14, 2007
TRIED & TRUE: Vacation Bible School
A Plainfield Christian Church leader shares a memorable VBS offering moment—and practical principles for planning, training workers, involving staff, and building relationships to help Vacation Bible School thrive.
September 26, 2007
A Special Couple, a Special Ceremony
A minister’s wife joins her husband to officiate a wedding, offering a lived-in witness to marriage. Their shared presence shifts the moment from routine words to heartfelt counsel—and leaves the congregation reflecting on commitment.
June 20, 2007
Interview with Eleanor Daniel
Eleanor Daniel reflects on Christian education as disciple-making, the need to equip lay teachers, the strengths and limits of small groups, lessons from global believers’ prayer, and the ongoing debate over women in leadership.
March 25, 2007
Five Ways to Prepare Your People for a Stewardship Sermon
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.
December 31, 2006
Looking for Church Leaders
Jesus chose imperfect people and shaped them into leaders. This article explores the qualities he modeled and sought—humble service, compassion, discernment, prayer, action, delegation, and courage—for leaders serving the local church today.
August 30, 2006
Interview with Jim Stanley
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.
July 26, 2006
One Course, Two Kinds of Runners
Mark A. Taylor reflects on “sprinters” and “marathon runners” in ministry work—why different rhythms can clash on church staffs, and how healthy teams learn to plan, adapt, and value each other’s strengths.
July 19, 2006
Please Update Your Listing!
A church locator can help travelers and researchers—but only if listings are current. Mark A. Taylor urges churches to verify and update their Christian Church Today Locator information and highlights other site features that serve the Restoration Movement.
July 5, 2006
Interview with Shane Sooter
Friendly fire in ministry can leave lasting wounds—especially in worship wars and staff changes. Becky Ahlberg urges church leaders to invest in development, check motives, and plan transitions that build up rather than tear down.
July 2, 2006
Collateral Damage
After decades of “worship wars,” Becky Ahlberg urges churches to stop wounding their own leaders through “friendly fire.” Before making staff changes, invest in development, check motives, and plan transitions that build up rather than tear down.
June 7, 2006
The Apostle’s Ministry and Mine
A weekly task list can breed weariness and self-pity. Mark A. Taylor looks to Paul’s hardships in 2 Corinthians to reset perspective and remember that comfort won’t satisfy like serving others does.
June 4, 2006
Gloriously Out of Control
After decades in ministry, Rick Lowry asks whether church “success” can be measured by numbers—or by revival. He reflects on awakenings he’s witnessed and challenges leaders to pray for renewal that begins with themselves.
3 WOMEN IN MINISTRY: ‘I Couldn’t Be More Thrilled’
Linda Ahlgrim reflects on stepping into an “interim” children’s ministry director role, serving on the same church staff as her husband, and persevering through the constant pressure of recruiting volunteers—while finding deep joy in shaping young lives.
First Things First
A call for “compromise on compromise”: before churches fund new construction or renovation, the author proposes giving the first 51 percent of capital dollars to missions or benevolence—linking spending to belief while seeking unity.
How to Finish a Ministry Well
Floyd Strater offers practical guidance for ministers weighing a move or a stay—why not to decide on Monday, how to evaluate the whole church context, and how to leave with peace and integrity.
September 21, 2005
A Month for Ministers
Clergy Appreciation Month (CAM) offers a timely reminder to encourage your church’s ministers. Try simple, personal steps—activate leaders, write specific notes, thank the spouse, give thoughtful gifts, or support a favorite cause.
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.
