5 First Steps in Assimilating Newcomers

Happy multigenerational friends

It is well known and well documented that the church in North America is in decline. However, we see and hear of pockets of well-sustained growth and healthy discipleship in […]

An Indy Celebration

“There’s a lot to celebrate,” said our new SBC president, Clint Pressley, during his press conference following his election. Clint was underscoring the good news which came out of our […]

For What are You Searching?

Woman with binoculars in a forest

Perhaps you have heard the story of the woman searching under a streetlight for a quarter she dropped. A stranger comes along and asks if all is okay. She explains […]

Praying for a Church Planter or Pastor

Man praying on his knees with his head bowed at church

Over the last several years, I have especially had the privilege of praying for church planters on a regular basis. Church planting is a spiritual engagement in darkness – to […]

Building Alignment in Your Life and Leadership

Level, ruler, and caliper on wooden background

Have you ever known a leader who was maddeningly insecure – about everything? They live among us. These are people in management or leadership positions who are wobbly and always […]

5 Truths for Investing in Men

Three men sitting together on a couch praying with man on left placing hand on the back of man in the center

Few things bear more fruit and have a greater impact on a local church than systematically and consistently investing in men. By J. Josh Smith I am a fourth-generation pastor […]

Stay Centered, Stay in Your God-given Lane

Landscape of a highway with two yellow center lanes

What thoughts do you dwell on when you see others overcoming obstacles that you just can’t seem to overcome? Why do other organizations like yours seem to be flourishing and […]

How to Dress For Church

Closeup shot of clothes hanging on hangers in the closet

Occasionally I receive comments or questions regarding the way I dress for church. When preaching, I almost always wear a jacket and tie, or maybe a suit (depending on the […]