The idea of Annual Budget Projections is being put on hold by numerous Pastors. The truth of the matter is that churches should operate from a “3-Month Rolling Budget.” This means you keep and eye on the Long View Numbers, but you are only operating from a 90-day window. In other words, only the basics […]

Communicate Clearly, Honestly, & Often It is hard to over-exaggerate the importance of this first factor. Evidence of good communication, especially between a church’s leadership and congregation, is the single biggest factor in a smooth leadership transition. The inverse is also true! This trend persists regardless of the events that precipitate a transition. Even when a leader is leaving under scandalous circumstances, communication is vitally important to communicate reality, but also to […]

How big is this Relational Health Crisis? In 2019 54% of all practicing Christians stated  they have at least one relational issue that is impacting relational connectivity. Consider also that 34% of practicing Christians were experiencing Anxiety or Depression in 2019. Since our COVID shutdown, these numbers have the potential of increasing exponentially.  Church leaders report […]

We are 29 weeks into our COVID journey and there are some data points that are solidifying. Notice the following:•Church Attendance Pre-COVID – 52% lower; 32% equal; 17%increasing•Giving Pre-COVID – 27% dn.; 56% same; 17% increased•Projected Overall Post-COVID – 51% decrease; 27% same; 17% growth What can be stated about these data points? While growth is occurring it is not as a rapid as pre-COVID days. Many churches have plateaued sooner and […]

The “Call of God” to pastoral ministry has taken a huge hit in the last 28 weeks of COVID. This results in a huge impact in churches. 58% of pastors state they feel confident their church will survive 12 months from now. You might say, at least this is a majority! However, this is not […]

COVID will not propel spiritual growth – When we started this journey the majority of Faith Leaders felt the COVID experience in our nation would turn people’s hearts toward spiritual renewal and revival. The data has dropped from 50% believing it would cause a renewal to presently there are only a few that still hold to […]

I want to start this Podcast with some data points for context. Pre-COVID 3 of 5 Youth were walking away from the church. This is a fact that many did not even realize. Many leaders were tone deaf because of their own echo chamber – Everything is OK here! Millennials and Gen-Zers live a  boundary-driven world. […]

We will take a look at five trends—illuminated by decades’ worth of Barna research, including studies conducted during the COVID-19 response—about engaging with and discipling the next generation. The Church Must Help Younger Generations Navigate Screen Time – Reports confirm that Millennials and Gen Z’s are spending an increased mount of time in front of screens during this […]

How are you doing at week #18 of our COVID journey? I trust that you have a support network of close friends and other leaders. I have prayed for you today! Our COVID journey is turning out to be far more than anyone could have imagined. There are 60% of churches in America that are […]

Covid seems to be the gift that keeps on giving! Here are some data points for review. •23% of families have been severely impacted – There is a need for holistic family systems training. •Top Pastoral emotions for the week: 18% anxious, 14% tired, 35% hopeful, 48% state that Kids and Youth Ministry are top […]