What To Do About Conflict

Conflict happens. There’s no avoiding it.

Conflict happens at work, at school, in the home – even in the church! Many people try to ignore conflicts that arise, hoping the situation will just go away. It won’t.

When conflict comes up, you have to deal with it head on. If you've got a conflict with those you work with, or in your home or at school, deal with it quickly. Don't let it fester. It’s a big mistake to think, "Let's ignore it and hope it will go away." I can tell you from experience, that doesn’t work. Ignoring conflict does not get rid of it. Read the balance of Rick Warren's article.

Five Pet Peeves of a Search Committee

We all have pet peeves; but when it comes to searching for your next ministry job, the last thing you want to do is tick off the search committee. What are the things that church job applicants do that really hurt their chances to getting their next job? Here is a short list of some pet peeves that are heard about most often. Read the complete text.

Christmas Eve Worship Service Is One Of Your Greatest Outreach Opportunities

According to Thom Rainer, author of Breakout Churches and new LifeWay President, your Christmas Eve Worship service is one of your greatest outreach opportunities. He says that the most visited church worship service of the year by non-church goers is Christmas Eve. He also says that these non-church goers are looking for traditional Christmas music, traditional Christmas plays, etc.

Lifeway can to help you minister to your church family and reach out to the unchurched during the Christmas season. Here's a collection of resources to help you with the celebration of Advent (Nov. 27 - Dec. 4). The key piece of this index is called "Advent Devotions for Personal Worship," a series of twenty-eight brief devotions for the Christmas season. These are available as a complimentary download in various formats (PDF, RTF, and TXT). Add your church's contact information on the front and they are ready to hand out to your members and guests this Sunday.

You will also find basic information about the celebration of advent, children's worship ideas, and "Old Traditions, New Life: A Worship Tool for Advent." Go to this page for the tools you need to celebrate Advent.

Poll Shows Most Americans Feel Religion Is 'Under Attack'

A new survey shows the majority of Americans think religion is "under attack" and "losing its influence" in American life.

According to the poll, American Attitudes Toward Religion In the Public Square, 64 percent agreed with the statement that "religion is under attack" in America, and 80 percent of those who identify themselves as fundamentalist/evangelical/charismatic Christians, were in agreement. Read the complete article.

Don't Use A Wired Microphone While In A Baptismal Pool

Never, ever, use a wired microphone while you are in a baptismal pool. A recent tragedy in Texas is only the latest of a long series of church leaders being electrocuted in pools. Even a normally harmless leakage of stray volts into a microphone is lethal when the body is immersed in water.

Make it your church policy that there is no mains-wired electrical equipment of any sort within reach of a baptistry pool, and that a permanent warning is displayed on your PA equipment about this. This includes not only microphones, but also lighting, camcorders, tape-recorders, and power sockets. Do not think that an RCD (earth leakage) trip switch gives sufficient safety - it cannot. Stick a permanent warning message on your sound mixer or amplifier. Please pass this warning on as widely as possible. Musicians should also understand electrical safety too. http://ied.gospelcom.net/electric-safety.php

What's Behind The Rising Popularity Of Multipurpose Buildings?

Could your church use an extra fellowship hall? What about more space for the youth group? Do you need room to start an outreach program for community seniors? If you're asking these questions and others, then it's time to consider a well-designed multipurpose building. And if you think such buildings are something only wealthy churches can afford, think again. Finish the article, "The Community-Centered Church." Find out if it is right for your church.

Finding Time With Family Is A Challenge

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, many of us will soon find ourselves surrounded by members of our extended family -- some of whom we hardly know. Yet even in this busy era when families may be separated by far distances and busy schedules, maintaining close relationships doesn't have to be an impossible task. Those who make family a priority, find ways to stay close. They do not allow distance and time to erode their bonds. Read More - Use these simple ways to stay in touch with loved ones far away.

Launch Something Big With Limited Resources

After 9/11, President Bush challenged Americans to participate in a national candle lighting ceremony and to ask God for help to get through the tragedy. The response was incredible. Days later I walked through my neighborhood and suggested to neighbors that we do something like this in our neighborhood as an evangelistic outreach and to show what happens when communities work together.

I first called men and women in my church who led Bible studies and got them on board. Finish the article by Brett Eastman.

Seven Principles Required For A Successful Ministry

Through more than 50 years of ministry, Bert Lewis has faithfully served God’s purposes as a pastor, twho is Kay Warren’s father, writes from his heart about some of the lessons he has learned about ministry and Jesus. eacher, and a denominational leader. In this Pastors.com special series of articles Lewis, who is Kay Warren’s father, writes from his heart about some of the lessons he has learned about ministry and Jesus.

Since my ministry has extended over 50 years, I was asked to write this article. My hope is that it will sharpen the ministry of all called to be ministers of Jesus Christ.

The following question is a logical one. You may immediately ask, "How can you provide valid suggestions to those ministering in the 2lst century? Are you not aware of all the changes that have taken place in church work in the last 50 years?"

Only one answer will forever settle these valid questions in every future century. The principles of this article are based on Scripture. If not, they are to be ignored. Since they are, then the following must be understood: Principles based on Scripture never change. Programs do!

This journal goes to leaders of churches of all different sizes. Some of what follows will be applicable to all situations. Suggestions for program planning will vary where a church is led by full-time staff and where a church depends on volunteer leadership.

Now to deal with these principles. More than seven principles could be considered but without these seven preceding, the others will have a lesser significance. Finish this aricle by Bret Lewis.

Failing Isn’t Fatal - How To Bounce Back

Have you ever made a mistake? Welcome to the human race. It just means you’re alive. The Bible says in James 3:2, We all stumble in many ways. We’re all living proof of this verse. But everybody wants to be a success – nobody wants to be a failure.

Come to think of it, I’ve never met anybody in life who’s said, “My goal in life is to fail.” Everyone wants to succeed. As a society, this puts a lot of stress on us because failure is a part of life. Yet, many people will do anything – lie, cheat, steal – in order to succeed. It’s that important. Failure in America is considered the unpardonable sin.

Complete the article, "Bouncing back from failure," by Rick Warren.

Dr. Adrian Rogers, Beloved Southern Baptist Pastor, With The Lord

Dr. Adrian Rogers, one of the greatest preachers and Christian leaders of the 20th century, died November 15, 2005. Like Ezra, the great leader of ancient Israel, Dr. Rogers committed his life to one overarching purpose: the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra 7:10).

Dr. Rogers succumbed to pneumonia after battling cancer that was diagnosed soon after his March 2005 retirement from 32 years as pastor of the Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis Tennessee. One of America’s largest churches, Bellevue has more than 29,000 members and a ministry that reaches around the world. The church grew and thrived under the dynamic preaching and loving pastoral care of Dr. Rogers. He was named Pastor Emeritus of the church at his retirement.

How Do You Measure commitment To Christianity?

Most adults in the United States consider themselves to be Christian, but their commitment to their faith is minimal – or robust, depending on how you measure it. In this week’s Barna Update you’ll see the results of eight different ways of measuring faith commitment. You’ll also discover the population subgroups that are most committed – and those that are much less interested. This information has important implications for the future of Christianity in America. Find out more about people’s commitment to Christianity by reading this week’s Barna Update. For the full update follow this link.

Get Outreach Books For $1.00 Each

According to George Barna, the number of adults not attending church has nearly doubled since 1991. How can you reach people in your community who feel left out, let down, or disillusioned with "church"? What if your members had a non-threatening way to reach out to friends, neighbors, and co-workers this Christmas? Man in the Mirror Ministries offers three great Christian books for about $1 each.

I have used these books for several years and highly recommend their use to reach people for Christ!

Quotes Of The Week

Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better. -Pat Riley

We should not ask, "What is wrong with the world?" for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, "What has happened to the salt and light?" -John R. W. Stott

10 Ways to Maximize the Outreach Effectiveness of Your Church’s Christmas Musicals

We are learning ways to maximize the annual Christmas musical performances for evangelism and outreach.

Here are 10 tips based on our experiences. Any size church can benefit from these suggestions.

1. Clear the Church Calendar
2. Commit to Excellence
3. Know Your Purpose
4. Consider Multiple Performances
5. Promote the Musical as a “Gift” to the Community
6. Use a Publicity Mix
7. Register Everyone Who Attends
8. Extend an Invitation
9. Serve Refreshments Afterward
10. Pray for God’s Blessings

Read the complete article by Gary Hardin, pastor, Crossroads Community Baptist Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Beware of Professional Christians by Dan Reiland

At Crossroads, we pray what can seem like a strange prayer. We pray that God does not send Christians to our church. Before you yell "heresy" and push your delete key, keep reading. We have such a passion to reach the un-churched that we don't want to fill up the limited space we have with Christians who are looking for a new church to attend.

I have been asked: "How can you pray such a prayer?" "Do you turn away followers of Christ?" Of course we don't. We don't turn anyone away. We don't have our parking lot attendants "carding" people, asking if they are Christians and turning them away. It's easy to pray such a prayer when your heart is hot to reach people far from God.

We pray also for a second group. We pray for Christians to come who are nominal in their faith. We would love for the majority to be non-Christians, but particularly in the Southeast, that is not our reality; there are many who have some church background and consider themselves Christians even though their lives give no evidence. (Don't go theological on me, stay practical here.)

We pray for a third group to attend. We pray that the Christians that do come are leaders who are ready to serve. For these believers we are most grateful. We ask God to make this a small but powerful percentage of new people.

If we must choose who we offend (though it is not our desire to offend anyone), we will offend Christians, not the un-churched. If we offend anyone, we are most likely to offend what I call "Professional Christians." Professional Christians are believers, but have no intention to roll up their sleeves and serve. They are looking, in contrast, for a church to feed them, meet their needs, serve their schedules, and offer many of the latest and coolest programs in town. If you felt a little heat there, it is intentional. The consumer mindset in the local church is killing us.

I was recently asked why we don't have a softball league as one of our ministries. This person was pleasant and polite, someone you would enjoy being around. When I asked (kindly) why we would have a softball ministry, the answer was, "Because my spouse likes to play, and a large church should offer lots of programs and stuff for us to do with other Christians." I attempted to contain myself, but my long pause (silently counting to 10) may have been a giveaway. In that span of silence, this person jumped in and asked, "Other large churches offer tons of stuff, why don't you guys?" Only the kindness of God and His merciful Holy Spirit, and the fact that I was standing in the midst of hundreds of people, kept me from doing a clergy version of "going postal." For all that is holy and sacred, we are a local church not a cruise ship! I hope to challenge you to think the same way.

The following three thoughts are not purposed to be critical against any grouping of Christians, or a particular ministry. They are, in contrast, a challenge to church leaders to be bold, courageous, and sold out to the Great Commission, not trying to keep everyone happy.

• Don't cater to Professional Christians.

All church leaders are tempted to cater to Christians who come in with obvious local church experience. You want to grow your church. You need to increase revenue. You are under pressure to find good people to serve in the areas of high need. And who of us wouldn't want to be gracious and grateful for one of God's people who shows up and indicates abilities and a desire to jump in? Not so fast. Ask some questions, get to know them, and proceed slowly. (It is not always a new person, but often someone who has been part of your church for some time and begins to change in their desires and direction.)

First, find out if they are willing to surrender leadership to others and simply follow and serve. Make sure you know whether they are on the church's agenda or their own. And do your best to know their heart. Sometimes a Professional Christian is only misunderstood or lacks good leadership. By taking the time to know their heart, you may know how best to respond.

The single most important principle in dealing with Professional Christians is that you must never start programs in your church to make them happy, comply with their passion, or gain their resources. Run your ministries lean and fully designed by the Holy Spirit's guidance.

• Challenge Professional Christians to think outbound, not inbound.

Similar to the fact that non-Christians can become Christians, Professional Christians can become mature, serving, and sold out to the Great Commission. That is a challenge to your leadership, not a confrontation of their mind-set.

It is human nature to move from cutting edge, fearless, aggressive, and all about the un-churched to comfortable, cautious, over-programmed, and focused on discipleship only. In my travels to well over 100 churches I have not seen one that is not tempted to give in to this gravitational- like pull. I refer to this as "machine over mission."

I am not writing anything I don't believe or practice. I consistently challenge our leaders to think "outbound," not "inbound". Simply put, this means nearly all, if not all, new ministries are for and about those who are not connected to our church. Outbound efforts are often, but not excluded to evangelism and compassion. In March of this year we added a staff member, Norwood Davis, whose title is Director of Extension Ministries. 80% of his efforts and energies have little to do with Christians connected to the church. This energy often results in the un-churched becoming part of the church (a good thing), and once again we are tempted to build our repertoire of ministries to offer Christians. Hold steady leaders, and point even the new ones back out into "His harvest fields."

• If Professional Christians leave your church, relax and let them go.

This is tough for all of us. No one wants to see anyone leave the church. I personally hate to see people go. But I remind myself that when this person is a Professional Christian who came from another church in town because they were unhappy there, it is not unlikely that they will become disappointed again.

If they are upset because you won't offer all that they want when they want it, treat them kindly, but let them leave. I mean that with utter sincerity. Treat them with dignity and respect, but do not persuade them to stay, and by all means do not reshape any part of your ministry to align with their desires.

I know that I have written this article with the potential of being misunderstood. That is the risk of anyone who is willing to be bold for the sake of the good of the church, and puts it in print! I hope you have caught my heart and that my purpose was to challenge and encourage you as a leader. My desire is for your church to flourish, and at times that calls for bold and courageous leadership. May God bless you with both.

"This article is used by permission from Dr. Dan Reiland's free monthly e-newsletter 'The Pastor's Coach' available at www.INJOY.com."

So, You Want to Be Like Christ?

A recommendation from the bookshelf. . .

So, You Want to Be Like Christ?: Eight Essentials to Get You There by Charles Swindoll

In this user-friendly study, Swindoll guides readers toward a greater understanding of eight spiritual disciplines of the Christian faith--prayer, humility, self-control, sacrifice, submission, solitude, silence, and hope.

Practice makes perfect. And readers of So, You Want To Be Like Christ? learn how to cultivate spiritual discipline through projects, activities and exercises that lead to the essence of what it means to be a Christian.

Inspired by the acts of sacrifice and discipline exemplified by the D-Day generation as well as the current generation of young American soldiers, many Christians today are looking for an obedient, disciplined approach to faith. In this user-friendly study, Chuck Swindoll guides readers toward a greater understanding of eight spritiual disciplines of the Christian faith-- prayer, humility, self-control, sacrifice, submission, solitude, silence, and hope. Each chapter defines and discusses the concept, then provides interactive assignments and suggestions for further study, as well as content summaries and outlines that aid in retention. Activities can be revisited again and again for a new outlook or just for a periodic refresher.

Perfect for individual or group or family study, So, You Want To Be Like Christ? is just right for anyone desiring to delve deeper into the fundamental elements of Christian life, and essential for all who hunger for authentic faith experiences. It is destined to be a classic text on the practice of Christianity. Follow this link for more information on this book.

Follow this link to find the transcript of a recent interview by Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church. The interview is based on Bob Buford's most recent book, Finishing Well but the ground covered between this meeting of the minds is a tremendous read.

Willow Creek is known for hosting some of the best educational conferences in the world, Christian or secular, and 2004’s Volunteer Revolution Conference was no different. The thousands of individuals in attendance heard many of the best communicators in the world tell how the church is being invigorated to prevail.

In a special segment geared to calling and motivating volunteers Bill Hybels interviewed Bob Buford. Bob is the Chairman and Founder of the Buford Foundation and Leadership Network as well as the author of Finishing Well and Halftime.

5 Land Mines Pastors Should Avoid

Pastor, Scripture cautions us to "Stay away from every form of evil." 1 Thess 5:22 (HCSB). LifeWay president Jimmy Draper identifies five potential trouble spots in the life of the pastor. Perform an inventory to make sure you are not falling prey to any of these potentially damaging land-mines. Read "Five Land Mines Pastors Should Avoid."