
6 takeaways from church hospitality research
Earlier this year, Lifeway Research released the results of a study on how Protestant churches welcome first-time guests. The results, as they say, speak for themselves.
Earlier this year, Lifeway Research released the results of a study on how Protestant churches welcome first-time guests. The results, as they say, speak for themselves.
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If you’re pastoring a mid-sized church, you’ve likely felt that slow undercurrent of change that’s harder to name than it is to feel.
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The first seven years of C. H. Spurgeon’s ministry in London were accompanied by a surprising revival. No one could have expected it. Through a nineteen-year-old country preacher, a dying congregation was revitalized, and hundreds—perhaps thousands—were converted under his ministry during those early years. Though only a few dozen were in attendance when Spurgeon first arrived at New Park Street in 1853, by 1861 membership was at 1,473, with thousands more regularly attending.
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An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure.
Do you remember those old insurance commercials with the phrase, “So easy, a caveman could do it,” in the early 2000s? I do, though the grey hairs in my beard remind me that was nearly a quarter century ago. Around the same time, there were also the office supply store “Easy Button” commercials. Man has often looked for ways to do things easier, faster, cheaper, etc.
Although only 10% of churches have more than 250 people and 70% have 100 or fewer, I won’t quibble on the reality that “typical” or “normative” is a better descriptor than “small” for churches that run fewer than 250 in attendance. The vast majority of churches are small in attendance. But there seem to be a few myths about the pastors who lead them.
FARMERSVILLE, Texas (BP) – This weekend, flights filled with pastors and their families from all over the country will land in California. They'll grab rental cars or book Ubers to make their way to the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors' Conference for two days of encouragement and edification. As they do, I thought it would be helpful to look back at the history of our legendary conference, give a taste of what to expect Sunday and Monday, and look ahead at our future.
FAIRVIEW, Texas (BP) – Many years ago, someone asked Charles Spurgeon why he was so successful. His response? “Because my people pray for me.”
FAIRVIEW, Texas (BP) – Here are four things to watch leading up to the 2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference.
“Desde 2018, la Convención Bautista del Sur ha perdido una serie de líderes de alto perfil cuyos mandatos terminaron debido a controversias o mala conducta”, comenzó el artículo reciente de RNS, “¿Puede alguien llevar adelante la Convención Bautista del Sur?” por Bob Smietana. Pero tal vez el autor esté buscando líderes en los lugares equivocados.
“Since 2018, the Southern Baptist Convention has lost a series of high-profile leaders whose tenures ended due to controversy or misconduct,” began the recent RNS article, “Can anyone lead the Southern Baptist Convention forward?” by Bob Smietana. But maybe the author is looking for leaders in all the wrong places.
Before sending on an online message, pastor and author Matt Henslee asks himself: Is this true or false? Does it build up or tear down? Does it amplify or diminish Christ's Gospel?