“Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets,” observed Paul Batalden. He was talking about healthcare systems, but others have applied his observation to organizations generally. If he’s right, churches need to ask why their systems are … Continue reading Review of ‘Bully Pulpit’ by Michael J. Kruger
For many years, I have taken the turning of the calendar as an opportunity for reflection and resolution. I ask myself, What have I learned in the passing year? What do I want to accomplish in the coming one? Perhaps … Continue reading To Manage Time, Manage Attention
“There have always been people with mental and relational health problems in the church,” writes Dr. Jared Pingleton. “Unfortunately, we just haven’t done a very good job helping pastors to know how to recognize and minister effectively to these pronounced … Continue reading Mental Health Ministry in the Local Church | Influence Podcast
“Many transition specialists, denominational leaders, and local churches are starting to question whether the traditional method of pastoral selection is effective,” writes Gene Roncone in Mentored Succession. “The model of bringing in outsiders with no understanding of the church culture, … Continue reading A Better Way to Do Pastoral Succession | Influence Podcast
“Ever been in a season of life that seemed to lack forward momentum?” asks Jeffery Portmann “You’re doing everything you can to experience growth, maybe even repeating what’s worked before. But then there’s a moment … where what you expected, … Continue reading Slow-Motion Growth in a Fast-Paced World | Influence Podcast
In early 1993, my pastor all but fired me … and I deserved it. He had planted a church in 1989. I interned with him in 1990, then joined the staff in 1991, while also attending seminary. Like many church … Continue reading Saving Your Church From Itself | Book Review
When it comes to planting and revitalizing churches, rural America is a forgotten field. It faces a variety of demographic and economic challenges, and the rural pastorate often means bivocational ministry in small congregations. In consequence, rural ministry is not … Continue reading Effective Ministry in Small Rural Churches | Influence Podcast
On May 2, 2022, Politico made headlines when it leaked the draft of a Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. That draft overturns Roe v. Wade, a 1973 decision, which together with Doe v. Boltoneffectively legalized … Continue reading What Christians Should Do if the Supreme Court Overturns Roe | Influence Podcast
On January 6, 2002, reporters for the The Boston Globe began publishing a series of stories about clergy sexual abuse of minors in the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. Their revelations went on to garner a Pulitzer Prize and shine a … Continue reading What Churches Should Learn from Religious Scandals | Influence Podcast
As executive editor of Assemblies of God Publications, I get paid to read books. I read them to identify potential authors, topics, and reviews for Influence and Called to Serve, as well as to prepare for interviews on the Influence … Continue reading The Pastor’s Bookshelf | Book Review
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