Internships 101: Tips from a Veteran Intern
It is no secret that fewer people are going into local church ministry now than they were twenty or thirty years ago, and there is a whole slew of reasons that contribute to this. As Jesus himself noted, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37b). In the same way that there […]
Facing the Future: Join our National Gathering April 28-29.
When Christianity begins to decline in a country, one of the first signs is a drop in those choosing to become leaders in churches. I lived in Canada until I was 36 and witnessed this transition firsthand, as Canada became more and more secular, like Europe did decades earlier. First, Canadian Bible Colleges failed to […]
Sabbaticals: An Exploration on the What, Why, and How of Pastoral Sabbaticals
When I mentioned the idea of taking an extended sabbatical to our elder chairman, a man of proven character and wisdom, he hesitantly said, “Huh, okay . . . I guess I’ll need to hear more about that. I come from a tradition where we . . . well . . . work.” I smile […]
Help! I’m Lonely: Good News for Lonely Leaders
I once heard Tim Keller say, “Wise leaders know that leaders are lonely, and they escape the trap of self-pity about it.” True, but Keller’s talk provided no answer to my immediate question, which was, “Yes. But how?!” I dare not trust myself to attempt to round off a Tim Keller sermon. But I will […]
The Unintended Consequences of the Modern Church
It’s a good season to reexamine the effectiveness of the modern church. Our commitment, as RENEW.org leaders, is to continually go back to Scripture, to restore and prioritize what it teaches. We face a challenge because in the last fifty years, as church leaders have sought more effectiveness in our churches, we have come to […]
Pastoral Burnout: Beating Burnout Before it Begins
Being a minister is hard. Being a lead minister in 2024, post-COVID in the United States, is harder than ever. Barna Research Group’s 2022 research revealed that 41% of lead ministers have thought about quitting.[1] When they did a follow-up survey in 2023, they saw an encouraging trend with only 33% giving serious consideration to quitting.[2] […]
Beyond the Headlines: Recognizing the Faithful Shepherds
The recent news that Robert Morris, pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, was involved in a serious offense against a twelve-year-old girl over thirty years ago is exceptionally troubling. I grieve for the victim of his abuse. Jesus taught there are few sins more egregious than harming a child. Although all sinners can accept […]
Revitalized Churches Start Listening
*Editor’s Note: In this series on church revitalization, Adam Jones, senior minister of Connect Christian Church in Carl Junction, MO, walks through important steps a declining church can take. Revitalization requires renewed leaders and a rediscovery of family. In this article, Jones explores the need to calm down and listen. When my son was four […]
