Category: Miscellaneous

The headlines scream often of tragedy whether it’s shooting, hurricane, or murders. What do we do at church? Pastors Knute Larson, Jim Brown and Jeff Bogue filmed this special edition of #Pastorpedia talking about how a pastor should respond to a recent tragedy that made the headlines. Visit https://cenational.org/pastorpedia to see previous editions of #pastorpedia. Continue reading “Church Security – What do we say the next Sunday?”

It’s a fact of life that wherever two or three are gathered together, there will be conflict. Below are some general principles about conflict that have worked well in the congregations I’ve served.

First, recognize that it will happen. Genesis 3:14-19 reveals that since the fall we have had conflict in marriages and within the earth itself. It groans, and so do we.

In football, the linebacker isn’t surprised when someone breaks through the line; and when an opponent does, he tackles him. That’s why he’s called a “line-backer.” In a sense, that’s the job of pastors. We’re called shepherds because there are wolves, and the sheep need protection and guidance. Continue reading “Conflict in General”

Of course conflict is inevitable. Wherever two or three are gathered together, there will be conflict. And, wherever two or three are gathered together, there must be a chairman.

Let’s go through some principles about conflict that relate to staff: Continue reading “Conflict with Staff”

Over the years in my role as a pastoral coach and church consultant , I’ve visited many churches and met often with groups of pastors, and the most frequently asked question, whether one-on-one or in these groups, is, “How can our board function better?” or “How can I get along better with the board?” Continue reading “Conflict with the Board”

We continue our thoughts on conflict in the church. We’ve talked about conflict with staff, or the main board, and now we approach the issue of conflict with individuals in the pews.

First of all, it happens. Of course it does. Perhaps these thoughts will help. Expect it. But do not make it bigger than it is, or think your church is unique. Wherever there is a group of more than one, there will be some disagreement.

Make little of little disagreements. It does not matter if a few did not like a song the church sang or a sermon thought you gave. Relax. Don’t dwell on the negatives and feel blue. Let it be. Continue reading “Conflict with the Church”

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1.    Our view of Scripture and primary doctrine.

(not tertiary and minor areas)

2. Our values

    Grace                    Worship                          Community                    Mission                            Integrity

                                                                                                                                             

  God’s Love            Glorify God                           Love                             Purpose

                                                                                  Great Command            Great Commission

 

3. Our unity and mood; love, kindness and respect (I Cor. 13; Eph. 3, 4)

 

4. The priesthood of believers; the leadership of love.

5. Financial and ethical integrity

6. Hard work!

7. Cannot settle for status quo

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1.   At the worship part of the preliminaries part of the worship service is the preliminaries.

2.   That visitation is the most important thing a pastor does.

3.   That a church stands for truth at the expense of love.

4.   That people should be at the church as much as possible.

5.   That the priesthood of believers means serving at the church building or in services.

6,   The pastor is the main doer.

7.   Making changes as a very slow process previously now needs to have easier expedition.

8.   The worth and regularity of meetings – especially

     Committee meeting just to discuss without action.

    District or area meetings that do not benefit the local church.

   Congregational meetings or electives that keep changing the  “congregation” so that no relationships are built.

9. The dependence on volunteers – where the average active volunteer gave eight hours, he now gives two.

10. The pastor as the answer man or authority figure – the need for relationships and trust but warm love.

11. The attention-span issue.

Truths to be Respected

 

• Change is a necessary part of life and growth.
•  People hate changes and surprises.
• The pastor must be the catalyst and manager of change.
• A good leader influences people to come along.
• Love means we lead carefully.
• The local church is the Lord’s, then the people’s.

It is amazing how little we can change in a year, and how much in five years