In today’s digital age, your church’s social media accounts are often the first impression people get of your church. Often before people even find your website, they see what you’re posting on your Instagram and Facebook pages. With that in mind, it’s important that you have a solid social media strategy in order to give the best first impression online.
It is common for pastors to feel that the toughest part of sermon prep is writing and developing the opening and the closing. You have a topic, you have ideas for your points, and you know how to craft the meat of your message, but you struggle with how to open the sermon and exactly how to wrap up the teaching. Today, I want to focus on the opening portion of the sermon prep process. Here are three different ways you can start a sermon to make sure your congregation is engaged right out of the gate.
Sermon series are common in churches today, but I don’t have to tell you that. Many churches operate based on a series model when it comes to their content planning strategy, but what does it look like to plan and write a successful sermon series? I have good news! That’s exactly the question we’re going to answer today. Consider these five pieces of advice when you’re writing your next sermon series.
The mark of a great leader is a willingness to continue learning. I've found something to be true in my life...the more I learn, the more I realize how much MORE I have to learn! If you are a pastor, or in some sort of leadership role within your church, it is imperative that you continue learning so that you can be the very best leader possible for your organization.
Learning to balance your work with the rest of your life is no easy task, particularly for those of us who work in ministry. It can be easy to fall into the thought pattern of, “Because I’m doing the Lord’s work, I need to say yes whenever anyone needs me.” Before we continue, let me make something very clear: this is NOT true.
We live in a time where distractions are almost impossible to avoid. Whether it’s because of the ease with which we’re able to be reached, or with the constant information overload we get from social media, there is always something or someone fighting for our attention. So when it comes to trying to be productive and stay focused at work, it’s easy to get discouraged when your lunch break rolls around and you feel like you’ve accomplished next to nothing.
Preaching to teenagers can be intimidating. There’s no question about it. It’s not an easy task to take on, but it’s one that’s absolutely worth the investment. The statistics are sad and shocking about how many students choose not to return to church after they turn 18. This should give us an even higher sense of urgency and motivation to reach the teenagers in our congregations. So, as you’re preparing messages with teenagers in the audience, consider these few tips.
Your church’s website is often the first impression of your church that people get, so you want to make sure you’re including the right things and omitting the right things when it comes to the content on your website. That being said, here are three common mistakes you can avoid on your website to make sure people can find the information and help they’re looking for.
Your family is a gift from God, but I don’t have to tell you that. I’m sure you’re aware of the wonderful blessing that your family is to you, and I’m sure you talk about your family often. When something is important to you, it will naturally come up in conversation. As a pastor, you might find yourself talking about your family as you preach but be cautious when you do.
While your goal as a pastor should be to get to know your congregation and build relationships with them, this can be an intimidating task. It can be tough to be relational with the people of your congregation, especially if you’re just getting started at a new church. So if you’re looking for some ways to engage with the members of your church and begin building relationships with them, here are a few tips to get you started.