|
|
 |
Articles for Church Leadership
Prepared by Dr. Neil Chadwick
|
Choose from the following titles:
The Authority of the Pastor
Pastoral authority is a combination of personal and spiritual qualities which make it likely that people will listen to what the Pastor says, and follow his leadership.
Conflict Resolution for Churches
Too often church leaders and members either avoid conflict, or manage it by either "fight or flight". Because we think good Christians aren't supposed to fight, we often deny its existence in the church and end up being much more victimized by conflict than we need to be. This small collection of thoughts on the subject may be offered to church leaders for training and discussion.
Benefits of Religious Practice
It's hard to understand why government officials shy away from public policies that give
religion a prominent role.
Baby Dedication
An Example of a Dedication of a Child, Including Charges to the Parents, Family, and Church.
In the formation and direction of small groups the Senior Pastor will provide the primary leadership with the assistance of an Assistant Pastor.
On a typical Sunday in an evangelical church, the pastor will begin work at 7:30 in the morning and knock off at 6:30 at night. And that is not even the busiest day of the week.
The HFG ministry will provide opportunity for spiritual growth and friendship building in the context of conversations about the meaning of Scriptures and the Christian life, prayer for one another, and fellowship in a warm and informal setting.
Exposing the Accuser of the Brethren
More churches have been destroyed by the Accuser of the Brethren and its fault-finding than by either immorality or misuse of church funds.
One day an expert in time management was speaking to a group business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget.
An Indian Eye Doctor with Extraordinary Vision
Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, now 82, was born in a farmer's family in 1918 - in a village where there was no school. Each morning, he would take take the buffalo out to graze before walking nearly three miles to school. Years later, when a school finally did open in his village, there were no pencils, paper, or even a slate.
A program-based church is one that sets up various programs in response to perceived needs, or often just because 'it's the way things are done.'
One thing is for sure, small churches are not just big churches which haven't grown up. With all the attention given to the "mega" church, an effort needs to be made to help small churches understand their unique role in the Body of Christ. Over twenty topics of interest to leaders of small churches are here discussed.
Scriptural Teachings - Why We Practice Baptism
That leadership is a gift, like music, may be obvious, but perhaps the analogy should be pressed a little further. When it is acknowledged that a young person is gifted with musical talent, they are encouraged, sometimes even forced to submit to training so that the gift may be developed for the benefit of all who will listen.
When I was elected pastor of my church, I had no real concept of what a pastor does. I thought it was all about preaching on Sunday. Within just a couple of Sundays I found out that it is much bigger and grander job than that.
Classes for New Christians: The Bible is God's Book; The New Birth is the Highway to Heaven; The Holy Spirit is not a Ghost; A Disciplined Walk; A Determined Witness and A Developing Wisdom; The Christian Ministry
Nine Differences Between A CRITICAL Spirit and A CARING Spirit
People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Excellent Protestant Congregations
Paul Wilkes summarized the common traits that he found in the 310 churches featured. Here are the characteristics he looked for.
What Does a Healthy Church Look Like?
Health Signs; The Nine Habits of Highly Effective Churches; Ten Characteristics of a Healthy Church; Characteristics of a Healthy Church; Characteristics of a Healthy Church; Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches; Twelve Keys to an Effective Church; Marks of Church Health; Vital Signs of Healthy Churches; Windows into the 21st Century Church.
Job Description for Ministerial Intern
The ministry position described here will provide opportunity for experience and development for a Ministerial Intern, and at the same time benefit the church with the ministry gifts and abilities brought by this intern.
The supervision of Volunteer Ministers in the church is a most essential, although often somewhat thankless task. The effectiveness of church leaders in accomplishing this will greatly impact the growth possibilities of the church as well as the spiritual growth of its members.
Pastoral Leadership - Questions and Answers
In a letter to a group of Pastors, a number of questions were posed concerning Pastoral Leadership. This article was prepared from answers compiled by Pastor Ron Kelly in a conversation with the author, Rev. David K. Muir.
When any member desires to initiate a process leading up to disfellowshipping, the Council of Elders will follow the steps outlined here.
Each day, countless numbers of lay people respond on your behalf to the gentle nudging of
the Holy Spirit.
Taking Care of Busyness - How to minister at a healthy pace
For most of us, the great danger is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.
How to Get Rid of Your Minister
How to Get Rid of a Minister - Look him straight in the eye when he is preaching and say "Amen" once in a while. He'll preach himself to death in a few weeks.
In response to a humorous article about getting rid of your minister, a reader posed the obvious, but more serious question, 'What are the proper procedures to use to get rid of the Pastor?'
Handling Criticism and Complaints
If you do anything in your work or private life that impacts someone else, criticism is
always possible, and likely. When criticism comes to you, do you view it as a failure or opportunity?
While many of us are in churches and denominations that have a rich heritage and strong reputation for evangelism, in many cases precious little is actually happening. Let's be honest: in most ministries very few lost people are actually being reached for Christ.
The subtitle to this article would be: 'How Churches Destroy Good People'. It is my belief that organized religion while contributing many beneficial things to society, has single-handedly wreaked havoc upon the psyche and morale of those who truly wish to live according to simple Biblical truths.
Ethical temptations for church leadership.
How to Minister Effectively in Your Size Church
Here is a brief description of each church size and the author's understanding of what members expect of clergy in each size.
Today you are accepting the responsibility of serving, and together with the Pastors, leading this congregation in all matters - spiritual, program, and financial. With this in mind, I present you with this public charge concerning the fulfillment of your role.
The Missions Advisory Commission (MAC) will consist of 6-10 people who have a very strong interest in World Evangelization. Members of this group will be nominated by the Chairperson in consultation with the Pastor, and approved by the Deacons.
Probably the greatest example of persistence is Abraham Lincoln. If you want to learn about somebody who didn't quit, look no further.
Is your church interested in conducting a Passover Seder? A script has been developed for this purpose. Each member of the group should have a printed copy, with individual members being assigned a part to read. Having a greater understanding of Passover will enrich our appreciation of Calvary.
Music Minister Job Description
The ministry position described here will provide the church with inspiration and guidance for the growth and development of an effective music ministry within the local church and the larger Body of Christ.
Supernatural manifestations and gifts of the Holy Spirit have played a
distinctive role in the origin, development, and growth of the Assemblies
of God. From the earliest days of our organization, spiritual gifting has
been evident in the ministries of many outstanding women.
Church Consultant Lyle Schaller fills the gap for much needed organizational theory, group processes or sociology in preparation for congregational leadership.
Practice of Deacon Oversight Ministry
Deacons are often installed in their positions without understanding their role. This model definition assumes that the Deacons have been given the responsibility to provide oversight with regard to the various ministries of the church.
Church Office Employee Policy Manual
Too often church office workers faithfully devote their time and energy to the work of the Lord, but do not have a clear understanding as to what is expected of them or what is offered. Although each situation is somewhat unique, what is provided here will help begin the process of developing a Policy Manual for Church Office workers.
Fear of Conflict and Procrastination
People who handle conflict well are those who have worked with it a lot and who aren't afraid of it. Conflict is not something that you can get comfortable with in the abstract. You'll never feel comfortable with conflict without engaging in it.
This book is about finding your authentic self-your real self-and living it to the fullest. Dr. Phil, as he is usually referred to, sets out to show how it has been covered over by external factors and internal reactions. The result is a fictional self, a self made up of and lived according to the wishes and directives of others.
Fellowship Between Pastor and Pew
Where and how do church leaders have direct fellowship with 'ordinary' church members? How do
they know how their teaching is being received, understood, perceived?
A Report on Religion in the United States Today
Faith Communities in the United States Today reports on the largest survey of congregations ever conducted in the United States. More than 14,000 congregations participated in the survey. The 41 participating denominations and faith groups include about 90 percent of worshippers in the United States.
Pastoral Ministry Review Committee
In order to provide helpful evaluation and support of the ministry of the Pastor, a "Pastoral Ministry Review Committee" should be formed.
Questions Related to Pastoral Transition
When the Pastor leaves a church, many questions are asked by members. These and other questions need to be raised and responded to.
Who Is Really King of the Hill?
The realignment of leadership is an expected, unavoidable and necessary part of leadership. Often this realignment happens over-against the new leadership of the pastor. Thus one can pretty much predict that realignment will occur within the first twelve to eighteen months of a pastorate.
No Bridge Over Troubled Waters
'At the board meeting last night a motion was passed requesting your resignation.' These were the words Pastor Wilson heard three days after returning from a very successful missions trip.
Pastor of Personal Care
The Pastor of Personal Care will consistently seek to identify areas of personal concern throughout the church body and develop caring ministries that will address those concerns, both on an individual and group level.
The Bible Does Not Teach The Absolute Authority For The Pastor
In the multitude of Godly Counsel there is wisdom; In every single passage of New Testament, elders is always plural; Elders govern the affairs of the church.
Gathering is a skill or ability that leaders must have to be effective. It encompasses the non-negotiable fact that all leaders have a vision, and the fulfillment of that vision requires people.
God has called us to a life of holiness. Yet in an age condoning
impurity, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the spiritual leader
to guide his flock into the Lord's way of righteousness.
Role Definition for the Pastor
There are as many ideas concerning a Pastor's role as there are church members. It might be helpful for the leadership of the church to draft a Ministry Description so that at least among the leaders there can be a common understanding about the Pastor's role. This article may be used as a starting guide for this process.
I've noticed that there is a big movement to leave the established, organized, "man-made" church. There is a dark side to this move that I want to comment on, so that I can hopefully help some of those lost along the way!
Different leaders often lead with dramatically different styles. As I can discern it, they all have the spiritual gift of leadership, but they express that gift in varied ways.
The Position of the Modern Day Pastor
Nowhere in the Bible will you find that a church was ruled by one man. Nowhere! Yet most churches today are. But, where does the Bible say that a church should be run by one man? If you know of one clear example or one Scriptural command, please let me know.
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
The now famous sermon by Jonathon Edwards, likening sinners to a spider dangling by a thin thread over the fire of Gos's wrath. A "must read" sermon for every preach of the Gospel.
Reasons for having special church services called 'Guest Services'
Parliamentary Procedures for Churches
Often church members are reluctant to speak out in a business meeting because they're worried about "doing it right". Not having a basic understanding of Parliamentary Procedure, they hold back for fear of being told they are out of order. These simple pointers may be handed out to members so that everyone can be aware of the basics for an orderly meeting.
Key Parts to the Planning Process
Most church planning is accomplished without a thought about the process involved. As a result, important steps are ommitted and the plan fails, not because it was a bad idea, but because adequate attention was not given to how it best may be accomplished. Here's a simple, common sense outline to utilize when making plans.
Job Description for the Pastor's Secretary
The Pastor's Secretary at the church will serve as a personal assistant, aiding the pastor in every way possible on the carrying out of his leadership and pastoral duties.
Pastoral and Church Ministry Evaluation Survey
In many churches, little attention is given to evaluation. Seldom do we stop long enough to ask important questions like, "Are we doing what we say we're doing?" "How well are we accomplishing what we feel is most important?" "Where are the areas of our church life which need to be strengthened?" Here are two versions of a tool to be used for this purpose. Note that a computer analysis is available to help analyze the results of the survey.
This article simply consists of insightful excerpts from the book by John C. Harris. Not everyone will agree with what he's written, but there's a lot to think about concerning the Pastor's autonomy and his relationship with his or her congregation.
Abraham Lincoln Speaks Concerning People,Building of Strong Alliances, Unjust Criticism, and the art of public speaking.
In order for our church to develop and continue an effective ministry for edification and evangelism, a great many decisions have to be made, and it's important that the wise counsel of members be tapped in the making of these decisions.
A charge to those who are being received into church membership.
The church has accepted the resume as one way to facilitate movement from one ministry to another. Here are some helpful hints about what should be included, and how to best formulate a resume when the time comes to seek relocation. We may deplore the idea of "marketing" ourselves, but at the same time it has become clear that most positions needing to be filled require that a resume be offered.
Structure of the Ushering Ministry
Too many ushers have been asked to perform a very vital service to the church without being given a clear understanding as to what is involved with this ministry. Good leadership and a clearly written job description will greatly enhance the performance of the ushering staff.
The Seven Habits Of Highly Ineffective Leaders
Stephen Covey wrote a book describing the seven habits of highly effective people. Well, if there are habits that people can acquire to make them effective, then there are also habits that leaders will want to shed that cause them to be ineffective.
There are four main leadership styles which relate to who has the resources. Are they primarily in the Pastor's hands, or are they controlled by members of the church? How a Pastor leads depends upon his and church members' understaning concerning resources.
Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive
Harvey Mackay is the owner of a $35 million envelope manufacturing company in Minneapolis. What follows are a few select excerpts from his book.
Richard should have heard your sermon yesterday; but he was at the shore.
What a downer! For him and you. Then there was the attendance chart left on the back pew. It would have
been better for you if you had not passed that way at the close of
Sunday. "Why did I have to see those figures?" Right. The bottom line
was not all that encouraging.
The purpose of developing Pew Pastors will be to provide personal contact with every member of the worshipping congregation in an intentional and caring manner.
An essential tool for today's local church ministry, but often it is assumed that those who use the telephone know how to use it well. Leaders should not take this for granted, but should provide some training. The use of the answering machine should also be examined in light of the church's projected image.
Do you see areas where your leaders could use some improvement? You can help them develop specific skills by using personal development plans similar to those used in the business world.
Debra, age 34, a captain in the U.S. Air Force, complained to her physician about
increasing headaches, sleep disturbance, irritability, indigestion, and difficulty
concentrating. After a thorough examination, the doctor found no physical reason for
Debra's symptoms, so he asked about her daily routine.
Is Your Church Too Small To Grow?
Is your church too small to grow? Be careful before you say yes. The first Christian church had only 12 members, and they turned a whole city upside down. I suggest any congregation willing to pay the price of change can grow with these four steps.
A church was in need of a Pastor. One of the deacons was interested in knowing what kind of minister they desired. He therefore wrote the following letter, as if it he had received it from an applicant, and read the letter before the pulpit committee.
Bible Study on subjects related to personal development, skills, and relationships.
What makes you confident that you are doing anything worthwhile in
ministry? Is it how certain folk define you as "success"? But what happens to your validation when persons leave your church for
another church? How do you rate yourself as an accomplished pastor when
there are those who are lax in attending your services?
A group of church members sat together to discuss reasons churches should grow, and ways to go about ecouraging such growth.
90% of pastors work more than 46 hours per week. 80% believe pastoral ministry has affected their families negatively.
33% say that being in ministry is an OUTRIGHT HAZARD to their
families.
Several years ago my family visited the country of my wife's birth, Sweden. While there, we ministered in a particular church which was quite impressive.
I want more than anything else, for
everybody who sits under this ministry to know the glory of
Christ. To know that when they sin they don't have to run and
hide from Him. They don't have to live in guilt and fear. They
need to turn around and go to the Cross and know that there is
forgiveness and they can rise by faith.
Youth Minister Job Description
The ministry position described here will provide the church with inspiration and guidance
for the growth and development of an effective ministry with the youth of the church and the
nearby community.
12-Step Program to Youth Ministry Longevity
12-Step Program to Youth Ministry Longevity
I believe that for those who work, or aspire to work with young people, there are some constants that transcend culture and time.
When a couple approaches the church with the request to be married, they can be given a description of what services are offered, and what expectations the church has concerning weddings. This Wedding Manual will help get this process under way. A "Bride's Calendar" is also provided.
Thou Shalt Not Turn Me Into a False Idol
I married a banker. I like to remind my banker-turned-pastor husband of this when we're having a particularly difficult time in the ministry. Although I wouldn't trade his occupation — some would say 'calling' — my husband's career choice bestowed on me a title I never bargained for when we walked down the aisle. I am a pastor's wife.
What is good worship leading? Lately I've found myself ruminating about this subject in the least likely places: time-out during one of my son's basketball games, standing in front of the frozen food section, waiting for the little cylinder to pop back into place at the drive-up teller.
