Church Growth

Why Pain Precedes Change

Only once has a physician told me, “This will hurt.” The anesthesiologist prepping me for eye surgery brandished a long, curved hypodermic needle more suitable for use on horses than my eye. Although he had me loaded with morphine, the injection into my optic nerve was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. But when it

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A Tale of Two Barns –A Tale of Two Churches

Dr. Gordon E. Penfold Co-founder of Turnaround Pastors, Inc.   The Two Barns   “It was the best of times and it was the worst of times . . ..” So begins Charles Dickens’,  A Tale of Two Cities.  I would like to parallel that truth with two barns and two churches. The analogy will

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A Tale of Two Barns A Tale of Two Churches

The Two Barns “It was the best of times and it was the worst of times . . ..” So begins Charles Dickens’,  A Tale of Two Cities. In this edition of the Update, I would like to parallel that truth with two barns and two churches. The analogy will be clear. On US Highway

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Why Pastors and Churches Prefer the Status Quo

They just couldn’t bring themselves to kill the midweek children’s program. It had been singularly unproductive for years. The leader had refashioned a once prosperous program – produced by a well-known parachurch organization – to suit her ow needs and interests. The results were predictable: it was a failure. The church Board couldn’t do the

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Why pastors and churches won’t change

Think you’re up for the challenge? Chances are 9:1 against your being able to pull it off. Here’s the scenario: You’re sitting on the exam table, wearing that silly bit of material, when the door swings open. The physician, a specialist who is a widely respected authority and noted specialist in your particular ailment sits

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1 Helpful Tool for Church Revitalization

You got to know who’s out there! Since this is my blog post, I get to define a couple of key terms. That’s one of the benefits of writing; you get to be sovereign in your own little world, even if no one else is in it! In the world my colleagues and I inhabit,

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Relationships: 1 Key to Church Turnaround Leadership

It’s a stark fact most pastors wish they could avoid. The person most responsible for leading a dying church into life and growth sits in the chair behind the desk in the office that says “Pastor” on the door. The problem is that most pastors have no idea how to do it. The problem is

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Who says it’s not about the numbers?

What should you do first when someone says, “it’s not about the money”? That’s right. Reach for your wallet. Because it really is about the money. What should you do when a church leader says, “it’s not about the numbers”? Stop and think – carefully. Then ask them, “Why not?” Who says it’s not about

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Four Crucial (And Neglected) Issues for Church Greeters

It would be easy to come up with a list of 10 issues for church greeters. Some church gurus even offer them as a free download to join their mailing list! But my experience and observation is that four crucial issues are often neglected. 1.  Start with Greeters in the Parking Lot (or doors), and

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