Category Archives: Pastoral Ministry

Everyone who pastors a church smaller than 500 people owes it to themselves to read Brandon O’Brien’s The Strategically Small Church. He believe in church growth — just that healthy churches plant other churches, rather than continuously growing larger. In … Continue reading →

I’m torn between really liking Andy Stanley’s Communicating for a Change and being frightened by some of his assertions. “Presentation trumps information (page 146)” makes me nervous. I’ve taught  novice preachers to remember several sermons that were all presentation and … Continue reading →

What motivates how we preach? I was riveted by this statement in Communicating for a Change (page 88). “Every single person who sits politely and listens to you on Sunday is one decision away from moral, financial, and marital ruin.” … Continue reading →

“Helping people know and follow Jesus . . . one person at a time.” Jan & I had the privilege of visiting Countryside Christian Church in Keizer, OR today for worship. Jerry Christensen, my youth minister when I was in … Continue reading →

I just started reading Communication for a Change by Stanley and Jones and already I like the book. Early on, they pose the contrast between communication for information transfer and communication for life change. Too many sermons are “about” the … Continue reading →

I recently stumbled on a post one of the blogs I follow — Out of Ur. The post is entitled “Small Churches = Big Impact.” The article interviews Brandon O’Brien about his book, “The Strategically Small Church.” O’Brien’s research confirmed … Continue reading →