According to a Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors, almost 3 in 4 say their congregation collects physical offerings by passing something around at the worship service.
An association ideally functions like a family of congregations collaborating on God’s mission within their context. This reduces the necessity to invite people to a building.
You’re leading. You’re preaching. You’re promoting. But still… it feels like no one’s really listening. That’s not just frustrating; it’s exhausting.
Remember all those things that happened back then — the things that you “just don’t think about?” Yeah. They’re still there.
The healthiest churches I know have small groups that are intentional about reaching non-believers. They set that goal, and they seek to reach lost people and then disciple new believers. At the same time, though, I’m reminded of reasons unchurched or newly-churched folks may be uncomfortable attending your small group.
Compared to a decade ago, pastors have less training in counseling but are more hesitant to refer church members to professionals.
“If families are drifting from the Lord and diving into sin and putting their faith on cruise control Monday through Saturday, then we are not really a healthy church because that is the church,” said Jonathan Williams.
It is 2033. Enrique Hernandez, associational mission strategist for the Southwest Baptist Association, attended a conference for associational leaders. Returning home, he felt excited, motivated
Most pastors say their churches have policies in place to address significant misbehavior by church members, but few have actually used those policies recently.
Among married pastors, 9 in 10 (89%) say their spouse is enthusiastic about their life in ministry together.
