This post is the first in a sketch of the changes I believe are coming to the way ministry is done in small churches. What is a small church? USAChurches.org suggests one set of categories They have four groups: Megachurches (AWA 2000 or above) (AWA = average weekly attendance) Large churches (AWA 300 - 1999) … Continue reading Ministry in Small Churches, pt 1
Author: plstepp
Two Great Posts
Tim Keller on what the Bible teaches about corporate responsibility & how that should affect our response to racism & racial injustice. Vinnie MacIsaac on the person in your congregation who likely is in the direst need of pastoral care.
Let Me Brag About My Wife
I've been married to my wife, Beth, for 32 years this May. And I have been employed in some form of full-time ministry for 31 years this August. In our 32 years, we have moved from ministry to ministry. California, New Mexico, Texas, Georgia, Texas, Kentucky, Texas, Croatia. All those moves were for MY ministries. … Continue reading Let Me Brag About My Wife
Sitrep (Situation Report)
"Sitrep" ("situation report") is a military term, referring to the data & analysis given to decision makers in tactical settings, so that they have accurate, actionable information that they need. What is the sitrep for your church or organization, and the community you are attempting to serve? Seth Godin's Four Questions can drive your tactical … Continue reading Sitrep (Situation Report)
On behalf of the faithful in difficult places …
Sometimes we feel like God is sleeping on the job. When that happens, it's okay to tell him to wake up. (I love the psalmists' raw honesty, don't you? Why would we ever try to hide our feelings from God?) This is a prayer for all my friends who are faithfully serving in difficult places. … Continue reading On behalf of the faithful in difficult places …
“Willing to spend and be spent” (2 Cor 12.15)
I have fallen in love with 2 Cor 12.15: "I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls." Here's why I love that line. The Corinthian church was what we might call "a problem church." Paul loved Corinth; he founded the church there (Acts 18). He spent several years living there, it was … Continue reading “Willing to spend and be spent” (2 Cor 12.15)
“What do they need?”
I habitually listen to Seth Godin's podcast, Akimbo. Godin has forgotten more about communication, leadership, marketing, etc., than most people will ever know. On his most recent episode, "Five Monkeys," Seth talked about how our organizational culture can help or hinder us. He posits four questions that can help us examine our organizational DNA. The … Continue reading “What do they need?”
The True, “Larger” Story of Covington
You've seen the video; you've almost certainly seen several versions of the video. And maybe you were outraged by the first version, and then outraged at the outrage when you saw the longer version and realized how the posters of the original video edited it to mislead the country. Or maybe you "doubled down" on … Continue reading The True, “Larger” Story of Covington
Richard Beck, “Speaking Truth”
See here. I've been reading through the book of Proverbs. What struck me reading the book is how many of its wisdom sayings have to do with speech. A huge theme in the book of Proverbs is speaking the truth: Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. The plans of … Continue reading Richard Beck, “Speaking Truth”
Circleslide 