Church Growth by Internet Advertising
from the Leadership Journal
Attendance at Radiant Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., had been declining for years when Todd Hudnall accepted the position as senior pastor. Recognizing the computer-savvy nature of their community, Hudnall and his team focused their efforts on improving the church Web site and using the Internet for advertising. More

Pastors Urge Christians to Exemplify Generosity
from The Christian Post
In an economic downturn, there will be more and more people living out the phrase "it's mine," says one pastor. And while more people try to clutch onto what they have, Pastor Rob Wegner of Granger Community Church in Indiana is making one simple request – share.More

Collection Plates Remain Full in Illinois Churches
from the Daily Review Atlas
The rough economy is causing widespread unemployment and higher prices for businesses. However, there are plenty of establishments in the area that have seen no change or even an improvement in their economic stability — churches. A report by The Barna Group, an organization that does research for religious groups, predicted church giving and offerings will take a big hit in 2009. But so far, local pastors have not seen that trend. More

Clear the Clutter
from the Baptist Press
Many of our church classrooms could hold more people if we just cleared them of the clutter that has accumulated throughout the months and years. You know how you get used to the junk in your home -- or garage -- over time, but notice the same junk when you're in someone else's house? That's the way it is at church, too. A good Sunday School experience begins with a welcoming environment. More

Video: Texas Pastor Finds Lessons in Super Bowl Commercials
from KXAS-TV
A Grapevine, Texas, preacher has found inspiration in the Super Bowl, saying there are valuable lessons to be learned -- from the commercials. Ken Diehm, the senior pastor at First United Methodists Church asked his congregation last week to text him about the commercials they want him to preach about. "The commercials are selling us things and I want people in the church to think about what they're being sold and how it relates to their faith," Diehm said. More

Starting Pastors off on Right Foot
from The Christian Century
Many pastors remember struggling in their first ministerial position—isolated geographically or professionally, lacking ready access to mentors and peers. More than a decade ago, analysts of congregational ministry for the Lilly Endowment decided that seminarians' customary year or nine months of internship at a church were not enough to prepare graduates for the pitfalls and anxieties facing a new pastor. More

The Biggest Mistakes of Building Projects
from Ministry Today
Churches that take on new building projects often fail to consider certain items that can result in a better-facilitated building project. Here are five of the most common mistakes churches make and the solutions for correcting them. More

The Impact of Conflict and How to Fight Back
from Church Central
Conflict can start at any moment in any church. A disagreement over the color of carpet, program schedule, or a committee’s role can result in a dispute that reaches biblical proportions. Sadly, conflict is a common occurrence in congregations of every denomination across America. It happens to traditional, blended and contemporary churches for a variety of reasons, with the capacity to reach extreme levels of intensity. More

Leading a Church to a Multi-site Model
from Pastors.com
Have you discovered that churches don’t change without a compelling reason? Perhaps you started casting a vision for becoming multi-site and bumped into a skeptical elder, lay leader, or staff member. In this issue, Warren Bird outlines some steps you can take as you explore whether God is calling you to extend your ministry through additional locations. More

A Dozen Reminders for Ministers of Education
from LifeWay
As a Minister of Education, you are in the “people business.” While you will always face office work, personal Bible study, and event preparation, time must be intentionally set aside for being with people. You can make being with people a simple part of your lifestyle. Meet leaders or peers for lunch. Use the time before and after church services to plan lunch and coffee meetings. More

Some Lutheran Churches will Feel Pinch when 'Fee' Replaces 'Free' for Weekly Donation Program
from MinnPost.com
New transaction fees for automatic withdrawals for members to pay their pledges worries some Lutheran pastors. Nancy Bence, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, Minn., believes the new fees will discourage people from using automatic withdrawals as a way of fulfilling pledges because once members learn there is a charge, they might no longer participate. More

Arkansas House OKs Bill Allowing Guns in Churches
from The Associated Press
The Arkansas House on Wednesday approved a bill allowing concealed handguns in churches, despite hearing arguments that lawmakers should put their faith in God, not guns. The bill, which passed on a 57-42 vote and now heads to the Senate, removes churches and other houses of worship from the list of places where concealed handguns are banned. More