Financial Reports
As a pastor, I'm curious as to what other pastors do in terms of providing financial reports to the congregation. Most of the people in our church are fine to simply let our board handle all of that, but a few of the people are from church backgrounds where detailed reports are given to the congregation. How much information do most churches give out, and how/when is that information disseminated? Read the responses.

Throwing Out the High and Low Scores
by Rev. Tony Cooke

When I was young, I remember watching certain Olympic events, such as figure skating and gymnastics, where judges were involved in “scoring” the athletes.  There would be a panel of judges from different countries and they would always “throw out” the high and the low scores.  I thought of that in the light of the flattery and criticisms (especially the criticisms) that we sometimes encounter in life.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could develop well the ability to “throw out” unjust criticisms (as well as ego-inflating flattery)?  Read the article.

Technology: Beast or Blessing?
An Audio Interview with Dr. Dale Doty

Technology has brought many new opportunities to our lives, but what happens when the internet, texting, and social networks such as Facebook™ and Twitter™ become intrusive, or result in obsessive or addictive behavior?  I recently conducted an interview with Dr. Dale Doty, a seasoned professional counselor, about some of these pitfalls, as well the boundaries and guidelines that we need to help keep these tools constructive.  This is vital information for parents, married couples, and church leaders.  Click here to download or listen to this interview.

The Absalom Spirit:
Unmasking the Malignant Imposter
by Pastor Dave Williams, D.Min, D.D.

Absalom Characteristics in a Nutshell

• Kindness and favor are their tools.  Sometimes they give special gifts and pour out exaggerated “sweetness.”
• Absalom caused division by sweetness, “stealing the hearts of David’s followers.”
• Behind the scenes they covertly plant doubt concerning leadership. They look for faults in pastors and leaders.
• Absalom is self-seeking and egotistical and loves to listen to complaints that under-mine authority.

Read the article.

Working 9 to 5:
Helping People Excel in the Marketplace
by Pastor Jim Herring

In a recent survey I ran across in Rev. Magazine, only a small percentage of people felt they received anything at church that helped them on the job.  In other words, our eloquent, impressive, and deeply theologically messages are having little impact upon people professionally.  As a result of this sobering statistic, I began to research what God’s Word has to say about work.  I knew God’s Word spoke about it, but I was shocked to find out how much.  Read the article.