May 29, 2023
June 4 | Application (‘Overcoming Our Reluctance to Serve God’)
If you ever feel unsure about stepping into a service or leadership role, you are in good company. . . .
Articles for tag: Good To Great
September 28, 2020
Are We Making Progress? (Oct. 4 Lesson Application)
This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Oct. 4, 2020: Teach (1 Timothy 4:6-16) ________ By David Faust Ronald Reagan quipped, “Status quo is Latin for ‘the mess we’re in.’” We won’t get out of this mess without God’s help. That’s why we need teachers who communicate God’s grace and truth with reverence and relevance. Progress Requires Intentional EffortPaul urged Timothy to carry out his ministry “so that everyone may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15). That verse compels me to ask, Would others say I’m communicating God’s Word more effectively today than I did five years ago?
August 6, 2017
Hitting the Target: Measuring Success Through Outputs
A comprehensive strategy for realigning your church”s ministries, activities, and programs for fall By Tom Harper For many, August marks the beginning of a new school year and, with it, a new church year as well. Most of us now face a plethora of programs, classes, small groups, events, and holidays that stand looming like a line of horses ready to burst out of the starting gate. No matter that the pastor and his staff were supposed to enjoy a summer of rest. Dutifully, you”ll jump back in the saddle, like you always do. But before you put your feet
December 30, 2016
Growing the Kingdom
By Bruce Webster The Bible”s mandate is to grow quickly, not to grow large. Look what happens when believers today take their strategy from the New Testament instead of the church in the West. Are you like me? For many years when I read the parable of the mustard seed1, I pictured a tiny seed growing slowly like an oak tree, attaining good height as it matured. But when the people listening to Jesus heard him tell that parable, they had a very different picture. They knew the mustard plant didn”t grow very big””maximum height about 10 feet””but it grew
November 15, 2009
Developing the Leadership Culture
By Glen Schneiders READ THE SIDEBAR: “Keys to Cultivating Leaders” Leadership development never happens accidentally. I learned this important lesson in the early years of our new church. I had a very young, inexperienced staff, and I found myself increasingly frustrated that they were not more assertive leaders. They were tentative at times, and at other moments were like bulls in a china shop. “Why don”t they just step up and lead?” I kept asking myself. One day as a staff member and I were making a hospital visit, it hit me. Actually, I made the visit while he was
October 19, 2008
Keys to Teamwork (Part 1): Chemistry
By Stephen Bond Steve Bond and his wife, Pam, launched Summit Christian Church in March 1998. The church met in the Sparks YMCA for 3½ years before moving to a new permanent facility on a 36-acre site. Summit”s vision is to “Love God, Love People, and Serve Others.” Over the past 10 years the church has grown to more than 2,000 people in weekend worship attendance. Approximately 1,000 adults are also involved in life groups. One of the keys to this growth has been a high level of teamwork among Summit”s staff and elders. This is the first of four
October 5, 2008
Raising Up the Next Generation of Genuine Leaders
By John Derry  Sociologists have identified certain characteristics associated with contemporary generations, differences church leaders will find helpful as they seek to resolve conflict and bring generations together to achieve common goals. One generation is not better or worse than another. They are just different, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.  DIFFERENT GENERATIONS The Silent Generation or “Tradition-alists” (born between 1925 and 1946) lived through the Great Depression and World War II and experienced the postwar boom in America. They are known for loyalty, a strong work ethic, respect for authority, and resistance to change. They are
June 8, 2008
Good to Great Groups
By Michael C. Mack READ THE SIDEBAR: “God’s Word on Great Shepherds” READ THE SIDEBAR: “Great Small Groups Need Shepherds” Good small groups are the enemy of great small groups. Jim Collins opens Good to Great (HarperCollins, 2001) with similar words: “Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great.” God promises to make us into something great (i.e., Genesis 12:2). Yet countless small groups settle for good. They acquiesce to ordinary and adequate rather than pursuing an abundant, transformational ministry. In his book The Relational Way,
December 23, 2007
The Sign of Peace
By Alan Ahlgrim “Peace on earth, good will to men.” It”s one of the most common refrains of Christmas, and yet one of the most elusive of realities. Conflicts rage all around us. Families are fractured. Friendships are strained. Nations are at war. Christmas is not always a peace-filled time, and yet, peace is the essence of the message of Christmas. I suspect peace is what everyone most wants: peace with God and peace with others. You could receive all sorts of expensive and extravagant gifts this year, but without peace in your heart you will be unfulfilled. If you
April 25, 2007
In Case You”ve Missed Our Blogs
By Mark A. Taylor Some of the best writing for CHRISTIAN STANDARD never appears in the magazine! I’m talking about our three bloggers, whose regular posts can be found at our Web site, www.christianstandard.com. Read these three snippets, and then log on to discover what you’ve been missing. From Jennifer Taylor’s blog, “Write About Now,” February 23: Leaders clutch dog eared copies of Good to Great but are unable to practice one of its major points: all the great companies (and their level 5 leaders) could “confront the most brutal facts of current reality.” They wait for situations or people
November 13, 2005
Dealing with Distractions
When distractions and criticism threaten to pull you off mission, Nehemiah’s example offers a steady reminder: stay on the wall. Learn to set higher priorities, eliminate what isn’t best, and keep your focus on God’s work.
October 9, 2005
Teaming in Ministry: The Affinity Factor
Ministry effectiveness often hinges on teaming. This article challenges the “sanctified partnerships” myth, explains the affinity factor, and draws biblical guidance from Paul and Barnabas and Jesus’ careful disciple selection.
