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.
Evangelism for everybody
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.
3 Myths About the Small Church Pastor
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.
FIRST-PERSON: The legacy of the SBC Pastors’ Conference
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.
FIRST-PERSON: 5 ways to pray for your pastor
FAIRVIEW, Texas (BP) – Many years ago, someone asked Charles Spurgeon why he was so successful. His response? “Because my people pray for me.”
FIRST-PERSON: 2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference update
FAIRVIEW, Texas (BP) – Here are four things to watch leading up to the 2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference.
¿Quién dirigirá la SBC hacia adelante? Los mensajeros. Ya lo están haciendo.
“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.
FIRST-PERSON: Who will lead the SBC forward? The messengers. They already are.
“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.
FIRST-PERSON: 3 ways to harness social media to the glory of God
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?
