One of the greatest obstacles to your church growing, thriving and reaching its “full redemptive potential” is a short, 6-word phrase that has led to the plateau and ultimate decline of many a church: That will never work here because… If only I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that statement over the years – it’s normally followed … Read More
How Healthy Church Systems Help You Persevere through Tough Situations
Unless this is your very first time reading this blog, you probably know that I’m a firm believer in the power of systems for the health and growth of your church. In fact , over the years I’ve gained something of a reputation as “the Church Systems guy.” You can download a Free Copy of my “Healthy Systems, Healthy Church” … Read More
Church Systems and the Concentric Circles
The Purpose Driven Church is one of those “must have” books that every pastor should have on his bookshelf (like all of mine – ha!). One of the paradigm-shifting concepts that Rick Warren shared with the church leadership world in this book is the “Concentric Circles” that help us visualize how people move step by step from the community into … Read More
Q & A – Church Systems, Where to Start?
Here’s a recent question I answered from a church planter: Q: Nelson, thanks so much for all you do. I came across some of your resources recently and have really learned a lot from them. Our new church has just launched and I’m wanting to start implementing the systems, where do I start? It’s a little overwhelming and any advice … Read More
Free Church Systems Teleminar on Wednesday
In case you missed it, you have one LAST CHANCE to sign-up for my free Church Systems Teleseminar on Wednesday (the Tuesday one is already sold out at 999 people!). Here’s the info: Join me for a FREE 75-minute tele-seminar without ever having to leave your office or home! I will teach you all the basics of church systems and … Read More
The Power Of Systems In Mobilizing Disciples
I wanted to share this brief article that I wrote recently: You and I may look different on the outside but beneath our skin we are a function of common machinery. We both have hearts that pump blood, even though we are different blood types. We both have senses that take in the world, though some of yours may be … Read More
I Love Church Planters!
I’m honored to be a part of an incredible lineup of speakers today at the ChurchPlanters.com Conference near Atlanta. There is something exhilarating about being in a room full of people who are so passionate and driven by God’s call on their lives that they are stepping out to start new churches all over the country. I love to think … Read More
Top Posts for September 2008
Blog readership for September increased by over 25% – mainly thanks to your links and some positive press in the Rick Warren Ministry ToolBox. Here’s the most popular posts for the month (in case you missed them): The “One Month” Perspective Successful Church Planters Must Be Able to Recruit a Worship Leader Where There’s Slack There’s Lack – Part 8 … Read More
Where There’s Slack There’s Lack – Part 8 of 8
SYSTEM #8: THE STRATEGIC SYSTEM It’s hard to believe that we’ve worked our way to the last post in our weekly, Wednesday “Where There’s Slack There’s Lack” series! If you have been taking this opportunity to spend some quality time with your systems over the last eight weeks, I trust that you are already seeing the effects. If you haven’t … Read More
Where There’s Slack There’s Lack – Part 7 of 8
SYSTEM #7: THE LEADERSHIP SYSTEM Welcome back to the weekly, Wednesday “Where There’s Slack There’s Lack” series! If you’ve been following along with us for the last six Wednesdays, let me commend you for putting in the effort to take your systems up a notch. As we learned a couple of weeks ago, effort = excellence when it comes to … Read More