Churches

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

What does Jesus think about Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality a sin? It’s an age-old question, and there are people on both sides of the debate, each quoting their Bibles. How do we know who’s right? What would Jesus do if he were…

Single mums finding acceptance in church

The days of castigating unmarried women with kids are ending

I went to church with Bruce Jenner. Here’s what Caitlyn Jenner taught me about Jesus.

Caitlyn knows who Jesus is, and Jesus knows her by name.

His pew or hers? Woman concerned about man she met in church

Q: I met a nice guy at church of all places, and he's invited me out. I'm excited but nervous. Do I stay at his house or let him come to mine? It's been a while.

Why I’m Coming Out as a Christian

I’m not scared that non-believers will make me feel like an outcast. I’m scared that Christians will.

3 Options When the Church No Longer Reflects the Community

I was coaching a group of pastors and was asked a question I’ve encountered, but never really answered. It’s a question, which seems to come up frequently these days. In fact, I think it’s a question many churches need to considerThe reality is some churches have had their community leave them. The community changed and they no longer look like their community demographicallyTo avoid…

How Social Good Organizations Can Build Community at a Social Distance

Ideas on how nonprofits and other social good organizations can build their communities, engage supporters and stay united.

'Will Our Children Have Faith?'

How to Avoid Being Fired When Leading a Growing Church

For sure, there are no guarantees. But we have heard from many change leaders who have found these approaches to be highly effective. Leading change is difficult. Leading change wisely is best.

10 Tips for Creating Inclusive Religious Organizations

We are a stronger country when religious organizations of all faiths live up to our values -- when we are welcoming, diverse, moral, and respect one anot...

Diversity Is Not the Goal; Community Is

By Jerome Gay, Lead Pastor of Vision Church in Raleigh, NC I recently had a conversation with a fellow African-American pastor who doesn’t think diversity is something we should pursue. As he put i…

Can attending church really help you live longer? This study says yes

A recent study by Vanderbilt University professor Marino Bruce has found that people who attend religious services live longer and are less stressed.

10 Things To Consider About Those Who Visit Your Church

#1 You will have more guests in one year than you think. Research shows that five to eight percent of your worshipping community wil...

Seven Things that Aren’t Reasons to Leave Your Church

While leaving a faith community should never be done on a whim, there are good, valid, theological and philosophical reasons for leaving a church. The reasons below are not any of them. You donR…