The Missional Movement is Overwhelmingly White

The Missional Movement is Overwhelmingly White

Written in June, 2019. Updated. While finishing my book (e-book only $2.99!) Thrive, the bibliography reminded me of overwhelming lack of representation in the movement. At one point there were ZERO authors of color in the list. There was one woman. In fact, despite...

3 Ways Churches Fake Success

Originally posted in 2015 and updated. The church in North America has lost profound influence over the past 50 years. That’s no longer a surprise to leaders. Despite watching the slow decline unfold leaders have either ignored the shift, or at best made attempt...
Membership Decline Post-COVID for Churches

Membership Decline Post-COVID for Churches

5 years ago I posted this article as a reflection. I’ve revamped it and now ask, what will church membership look like post-COVID? I have a hunch. Purely a guess, but 25-50% membership decline. Not everyone, but as a whole. We’re noticing how little we...
Today’s Church Growth Expectations in Numbers

Today’s Church Growth Expectations in Numbers

If I asked you to give me a number of how much your church should grow every year what would you say? 1%? 5%? 10%? Ever since church leaders noticed they were losing more people than gaining, we have been on the prowl for the next solution to aid in church growth....

Why Debt and Seminary or Bible College Don’t Mix

**Repost from 2012, 2015, with updates.** In May 2019, billionaire Robert F Smith declared to the graduating class of 2019 at Morehouse college in Atalanta, GA, that he would cover their student debt. 400 students had amassed approximately $40 million in student loans...
Why Don’t Church Planters Collaborate?

Why Don’t Church Planters Collaborate?

What would it look like if we built church planters and leaders to join existing churches in the neighborhood regardless of affiliation? *Originally posted in 2015, edited, and reposted.* I remember when I started my first church plant in 2009. Within a couple of...