Got this question from Church Planting Coaching Network Alumni Mike Sorcinelli (New Day Church – www.newdaychurch.cc ) in Longmeadow, MA: “I really want to be a reader but it literally took me 6 hours + to read your book “Fusion”, which is a short book. It’ll take me almost a month to read “Planting Missional Churches” (I’m about half way … Read More
What is The Path of Discipleship in Your Church?
“What is the path of Discipleship in your church?” This is a question I get a lot. My response is usually that the path of discipleship at The Jouney is not knowledge driven with an appeal for people to serve at the end, but service driven with the knowledge that people need provided along the way. There is a huge difference … Read More
Hanging with Church Planters
Today Kerrick and I will be leading a one day Launch conference based on our Church Planting book of the same name. The event will be here in NYC. We have a full house coming from all over the US. If you have a moment, please pray for us! There’s nothing more exciting than hanging with a group of fired … Read More
Q & A: Who Develops Leaders At Your Church?
My friend Che Chowan from Church on the Rock in Ocho Rios, Jamaica (yep, that’s me and him in the pic, taken at a recent seminar I did in Florida) sent in this question from the Ask Nelson button on the right —-> “Hey Nelson. Good blog. Do you personally disciple a group in your church for leadership development, outside … Read More
Charles Arn – Church Growth Hero (If I Dare Say ‘Church Growth’)
Last Saturday, while Kelley and I were in Los Angeles, I was able to meet one of my Church Growth Heroes – Charles (Chip) Arn of Church Growth, Inc. He and his wife Ann were gracious enough to share dinner with me and Kelley at Kate Mantinlini’s in Beverly Hills (yep, we were living it up!). Win Arn, Charles’ father, … Read More
Leaders Have a Small Rearview Mirror
This weekend Kelley and I had a little get away in Los Angeles. On Friday we drove down to Orange County to meet friends, visit Saddleback Church (where I was on staff for a couple of years) and check out our old neighborhood. On this trip, I was reminded of a thought that’s been bouncing around in my head for … Read More
Church Growth Requires Action
“There are risks and costs to a plan of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.” — John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States What action do you need to take this week (maybe something you’ve been putting off until conditions are perfect) that will benefit you, your church and … Read More
The Two Questions That Can Change Everything
“Day after day the congregations became stronger in faith and larger in size.” – Acts 16:5 When I read this passage in Acts it struck my with the power of its’ clarity. These congregations that Paul and Timothy visited grew BOTH stronger in faith AND larger in size. Those are the questions I need to regularly ask about The Journey … Read More
When to Challenge the System
Jay Curlee in Corpus Crisiti, who works with my friend Bil Cornelius, got me thinking about systems today (its not that hard to do – ha! I talk, speak and write a lot about church systems as most of you know). Here’s what he asked: “Progress demands change. It demands a leader who seeks to push through the chaos of … Read More
Sometimes you gotta pull away
If you’ve listened to my Developing A One Year Personal Growth Plan resource then you know I’m a big fan of pulling away. Pulling away for a time of relaxation, recovery and renewal. There are several key times to pull away, including: – Every week (your sabbath) – Every year (your vacation) – After a busy ministry season This last … Read More