Church Revitalization

Why Church Members Resist Change

At some point in our lives, we have all heard the phrase “change is the only constant.” However, in practice, many people find change difficult, especially when it comes to their religious institutions. Church members, in particular, are known to resist change. In this article, we will explore why church members resist change and how

Read More »

Church Revitalization Plan (Part 1)

Church Revitalization Plan (Part 1) Note: This is the first of two brief articles on church revitalization plans. This one maps out a revitalization strategy for an incoming pastor while the second one will explain how to do the same as an established pastor. So the candidating experience went well and the church just called

Read More »

A Church Resisting Revitalization is a Good Thing

Church revitalization pastors are often seen like the fabled monk who made a vow of silence. He was allowed two words per year. After his first year, he spoke to the abbot. “Better food,” he said. The abbot appoints a new head cook. Year two the monk said, “Warmer blankets.” New blankets show up in

Read More »

7 signs “the problem” isn’t the problem

“You two — stop that! Don’t you know it’s impolite to run up and down the aisles in church?” It was clear why that church had a hard time attracting families. Julie (not her real name) made it known that she didn’t like children. But Julie wasn’t the problem. She was only a symptom. Several

Read More »

How to rise above conflict

Hostility, sabotage and open conflict. That is the lot of the pastor who leads change. Anyone brave enough to be pastor must possess steel in the spine, ice water in the veins and a steady hand at the helm. The American church needs a pastor “who is less likely to become lost in the anxious

Read More »

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

Read More »
Pentecost

Four Powerful Reasons Your Church Should Celebrate Pentecost

Quick question! When is Pentecost Sunday this year? Sunday, May 20.  Did you know?  Maybe not. Why? Because there is no “Pentecost Bunny,” stores have not decorated a month ahead of time for Pentecost, and there are no “Pentecost sales.” In other words, Pentecost has not been co-opted by commercialism or consumerism. I recently noted

Read More »

Three Things Tom Brady Can Teach Pastors

Sam Darnold, QB of USC is being projected as the first pick in this year’s NFL Draft.  Why? “After his pro day performance in the rain, Darnold to the Browns at No. 1 overall became the overwhelming consensus.” (Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports, 3/26/2018) Do JaMarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf and Jeff George bring back any memories?  Each one

Read More »