The National Survey of Religious Leaders report revealed 35% of all clergy in the U.S. serve bivocationally, holding an additional job outside of their congregational ministry.
If your association catches a vision for imagining itself in the lead missional role in the denomination by the year 2033, you will be proactively different.
Your church can be known this summer for something exciting, fun and life-changing — but only if you promote it with strategy, consistency and heart.
Despite the unique pressures pastors routinely face, only 1.2% of evangelical and Black Protestant pastors leave the ministry each year, according to a 2025 Lifeway Research study.
Now is the time to give your associational context something to talk about — but not like the song popularized by singer Bonnie Raitt that talks about romantic love.
Be aware of these signs that your church might be in trouble …
John McClendon has spent his adult life helping leaders make disciples. He is executive director of the Disciple Leader’s Network, based in Tennessee, though he plans to retire at the end of the year.
Recent Pew Research confirmed earlier trends of a plateauing of the religiously unaffiliated and a pause, at least, of the decline in Christianity.
The answer to the growth dilemma is obvious. When it is shared with congregations, they often reject it in favor of doing things to help existing congregations remain or become vital and vibrant.
Most believers will never share the gospel with anyone, and many will never even invite anyone to church.
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