August 31, 2021
Where Have All the Deacons Gone? (Part 1 of 3)
Part 1 of 3: What Deacons Are and Do — To some, the term "deacon" is a signpost of an outdated model of ministry. Let's reexamine the biblical material . . .
Articles for tag: Ministers
October 20, 2015
Entrepreneurship ≠Leadership
By Mark A. Taylor Big ideas. Bold initiatives. Novel thoughts and new approaches. Replacement strategies and structures and processes to eliminate the out-of-date. Change. Growth. These are the fruits produced by all good leaders, right? Maybe. It”s certainly true we hear all of these described in leadership seminars and discussed among many ministers and their advisers. But lately it has dawned on me that what some see as leadership is really entrepreneurship. And they are not the same. The entrepreneur is, at least at first, a lone ranger. He (or she) pushes forward compelled by a new idea or a
Consensus: What Is It and Is It Necessary?
By J. Michael Shannon I frequently hear of church boards and ministers that claim to do business and make decisions on the basis of consensus. Is this really what they do and is it really practical? It is interesting that people differ significantly on the meaning of the word consensus. The Random House Dictionary defines consensus as “general agreement or concord; harmony.” Interestingly, the dictionary”s second definition is “majority of opinion.” When I have heard the term consensus used, the person usually means “unanimity.” How much progress can be made if we depend on unanimity? If this were essential there
NACC 2012: Interview with the President
Rick Rusaw shares how the 2012 North American Christian Convention aims to refresh ministry leaders through encouragement, connection, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of commitment and calling.
January 27, 2010
Ever Heard a Minister Talk About Himself?
Mark A. Taylor invites church members to look beyond a minister’s public role, listen to his challenges, and offer prayer, encouragement, help, and support.
January 30, 2008
Ministers: The Happiest Workers in America
A Time survey said clergy are America’s happiest workers. Mark A. Taylor reflects on ministry’s pressures and why lasting joy often comes from serving others and offering hope in Jesus’ name.
What About Accountability?
When ministers fall, the question returns: where is accountability? This reflection explores how plans can fail, why a weekly confessor matters, and how honesty—one week at a time—keeps a vulnerable heart away from the edge.
March 8, 2006
The Truth About Elders and Ministers
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.
December 31, 2005
Obituaries from 2005
An alphabetical collection of obituary and memorial notices honoring ministers, missionaries, and Christian leaders. Each entry shares key life details, ministry service, surviving family, and (when available) service locations and memorial giving information.
