In honor of Dr. Gary McIntosh’s new biography of Donald McGavran, here’s today’s Monday moment: “Nothing focuses effort like setting a goal. As Christians seek to do effective evangelism, they need to set membership goals. Goal setting focuses their efforts on the main task..” – Donald McGavran Secure your copy of the book at 40% OFF plus insightful bonuses here. … Read More
Always have some work on hand, that the devil may find you busy
“Never take your hand or your eyes off your book; learn the psalms word for word, pray without ceasing, be always on the alert, and let no vain thoughts lay hold upon you. Direct both body and mind to the Lord, overcome wrath by patience, love the knowledge of Scripture, and you will no longer love the sins of the … Read More
Raising Up Timothys
Recently, I shared my #1 regret in my last 25 years of ministry is that I have not done enough to call out the called. You can read about some of the ways I plan on correcting that mistake here. Have you thought about raising up people to answer God’s call to preach? Does your church have systems in place to help … Read More
What Can Donald McGavran Teach Us?
Donald A. McGavran, the founder of the church growth movement, became fascinated by one predominant question: Why do some churches grow rapidly while others don’t grow at all? Related to that, he began asking how he and his fellow missionaries could strategically begin to cultivate the harvest where the soil was more pliable while giving consistent, yet less, energy where … Read More
My Early Birthday Gift to You!
It’s my birthday this week (coming up this Saturday actually) and my team’s already been looking at ways to celebrate. But I’d rather make this about YOU. My birthday wish is that you experience massive growth in your church this fall – and into the new year! So here’s my (early) birthday gift to YOU: HALF OFF BIRTHDAY SALE – … Read More
Are You a Strategic Leader?
The following is an excerpt from Preparing For Change Reaction: How to Introduce Change in Your Church by my good friend Dr. Bob Whitesel. Bob serves as Professor of Christian Ministry and Missional Leadership for Wesley Seminary and holds two doctorates from Fuller Theological Seminary. He currently serves as president of the Great Commission Research Network as well as a board member … Read More
McGavran Monday: Developing Church Growth Eyes
In honor of Dr. Gary McIntosh’s new biography of Donald McGavran, here’s today’s Monday moment: “Discover new ways of thinking about your church and community, develop Church Growth eyes that see more accurately the various parts, the homogeneous units, the responsive segments of the community which can be won.” – Donald McGavran Secure your copy of the book at 40% … Read More
A Minister Before God – A Saturday Quote
“A minister may fill his pews, his communion roll, the mouths of the public, but what that minister is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more.” – John Owen, church leader, theologian, and academic administrator at the University of Oxford
Does Donald McGavran Still Matter Today?
Donald McGavran is the single most important thinker on how we do ministry today. His life’s work is the foundation of what you and I know about growing healthy, impactful churches. Yet, if you are under the age of fifty, you may have never heard his name. Rest assured, Donald McGavran’s life impacts you. It impacts me. All of us who … Read More
My #1 Mistake in Ministry, Part 4 of a 4 part series
Today is the conclusion of this 4 part series where I’ve shared my biggest mistake in ministry and the 7 ways I plan to correct it. Yesterday I revealed the first three strategies I’ll use to get more intentional about calling out the called. Here are my remaining four: 4. Work the call to ministry into our discipleship classes and membership … Read More