Bulletproofing Your Church Archives - Page 2 of 2

Church and State–Vulnerabilities

Separation of church & state – NOT! Let’s talk about vulnerabilities we might not notice. The U.S. government underwrites our churches in ways that might not last forever. Some are shaky as I write. Neil Cole, in his book Rising Tides, puts this eloquently. But I can summarize pretty well. Much like the church in…

Holy Men in Holy Buildings in Holy Garments

Last week’s blog was a bit of a rant against pastors defying the government over Covid precautions. We looked at the felt need of so many to move Church back into a building. I got some pushback (which I welcome) from pastors stuck on large gatherings hardly resembling the Church in, say, Acts 14. Let’s…

Cannibalizing the Church

I’m worried that we’re cannibalizing our churches. A few days ago, Lifeway published data about more churches closing than opening during the pandemic. That week, McKinsey Co. stated that more businesses opened than closed during the same period. We’re losing ground. But that’s not the worst of it. For decades big churches have swallowed smaller…

If We Knew Then What We Know Now…

“If we knew then what we know now, what would we do differently?” Don Stewart left a large aerospace firm to join our staff. A friend and mentor, he taught me much about leadership. The question was his most significant contribution to my leadership ability. Whatever the answer to that question became what we should…

Church Buildings, Ghostbusters & NFL

When in need of a location to house your congregation, you won’t get any help from Ghostbusters. Or from many of the usual sources these days. However, the NFL might be of a little help if you think about it? “How is that?” you ask. While most churches meet only on Sunday mornings, the National…

“Downgrading” Online Church for More Effectiveness

Earlier today a friend told me his church will soon “upgrade” from Zoom services to a pre-recorded service. In essence, he’s going to imitate larger churches which sport bigger budgets and greater technical ability. But is that really an upgrade? During crises, people need to feel connected. Technology can help or hurt depending on how…

Please Don’t Kill Me with Your Church

Disclaimer: I’m old and vulnerable to the virus. Having said that let me remind you that how and when you open your church to the “new normal” has potentially deadly ramifications for people inside and outside your congregation. Your lungs, and mine, host billions of bacteria and occasionally thousands of virus cells. Social distance and…

Pastoring Through a Pandemic

This feels like we’re experiencing a biblical plague. Well, maybe it’s not a plague, but it is a difficult time for church members and leaders alike. I awoke this morning to emails from a restaurant that I frequent and a mall I’ve visited. Both assured me that they are stepping up efforts to sanitize bathrooms,…

Corona Virus Fears–Pastors Must Show That You Care

Note: This is adapted (shortened) from an article on a business site. The advice is good for pastors in a time of crisis. The short-term needs of maintaining a church or similar organization must take a back seat to the well-being of our people. If their perception of our care includes cancelling services, or whatever…