By Christy Barritt Mystery Guests Rank Churches Faith Perceptions, a church research and marketing firm, partnered with church leaders and sent out mystery guests to rate first-time visits at churches across the country. The guests found that churches with 300 to 500 attendees gave the best first impressions, while their experiences at megachurches and […]
By Bev and Phil Haas My dad has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Our children are very close to their grandpa and we’re looking for the best way to prepare them for his approaching death. First of all, we’re so sorry about your dad’s terminal illness. Your concern is not uncommon. Most […]
By Bob Russell There seems to be an obsession with being creative and different among some church leaders today. Rather than being bold with the gospel, we’re bold about being cutting edge. But if we become obsessed with gaining a reputation for being cutting edge, we’ll wind up reinventing church every few years and […]
By Sheila S. Hudson Sports enthusiasts are familiar with the phrase, “The best defense is a good offense.” Jack Dempsey, a famous pugilist, recoined the quote to mean, “Take your opponent out before he takes you out.” Mr. Dempsey made it a practice to study and know his opponent. Know Your Audience Often […]
By Christy Barritt Boy Scouts Retain Ban on Gays After two years of examination, the Boys Scouts of America announced in July that it will not be changing its membership standards to allow openly gay persons to become members, volunteers, or leaders. A special 11-member committee that included a diversity of perspectives and opinions […]
