Friendships vs. Professionalism
How does one in a middle management position (associate pastor), foster friendships within the congregation and remain effective in a leadership role with those same people? When relationships develop into friendships it seems to result in a lack of respect (or less effectiveness) when I later have to function as a leader toward them. It seems to be a balancing act that I have not yet mastered.  I want to be friendly, but I don’t want to minimize my effectiveness in leadership.  What guidelines would you give to a staff minister who is trying to get this area right? Read the responses.

Rights and Responsibilities
by Rev. Tony Cooke

Someone once said, “I am tired of hearing about our rights.  The time has come to hear about our responsibilities.”  While that statement was probably made as a secular observation of society, there is no doubt a great need for believers to make sure our own focus, attitude, and perspective is healthy.  If we are so preoccupied trying to secure our rights that we are not focusing on serving the needs of others, then we may have some significant adjustments to make. Read the article.

Staffing for the Growing Church
by Pastor John Nuzzo

Most pastors that I interact with can clearly articulate the direction, focus and passion of their hearts for the church they serve.  They also typically possess the ability to share the vision with their congregation.  However, many of them have failed to acquire the skills and tools to effectively communicate to their staff.  Read the article.

Be An Example
by Pastor Bill Anzevino

Being called to serve the people Jesus died for is a great privilege that carries with it tremendous responsibility.  Knowing this, Paul in his letters to Timothy, provided instruction to guide him in fulfilling his ministry and living an exemplary life before God and man.  A major point of emphasis was for Timothy to be an example of believers in six areas of concern.  Read the article.

From Visitor to Member: Strategies to Keep
First-Timers Coming Back
By Don Burns

While churches must focus on attracting visitors, they also must work to turn those visitors into regular attendees and members. Some believe that money invested in retaining visitors is between 10 and 20 times more effective than money invested in attracting visitors. Let’s look a few tools churches can use to encourage the transition from visitor to attendee.  Read the article.

Just for Thanksgiving

Top 10 Signs You Overdid it at Thanksgiving Dinner

Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Tips for Managing Stress, The Blues, and Grief During the Holidays

Johnny, Sally, and the Duck
A Story of Forgiveness

As Johnny came back to Grandma’s back yard, he spied her pet duck. On an impulse he took aim and let fly. The stone hit, and the duck fell dead. The boy panicked.  Desperately he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to look up and see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.  Read the story.