It was a Sunday night in high school. And even though I was sitting in the back pew with my buddies, it was a day that would change my life forever. We had chosen these seats, the farthest possible away from the action because there was a guest speaker from out of town. A missionary who had asked if he could come preach in Chicago because they happened to be in town, even though most of his supporters were out West. My dad had offered his pulpit. I knew the missionary sermon all too well. Matthew 28… Great Commission… pictures...

Could This Be a Good Friday?   I was born into darkness. Not the kind of darkness that comes with the night, but the darkness that shrouds the world when you cannot see. For I was born blind, navigating the streets of Jerusalem by touch and sound, reliant on the generosity of strangers for my survival. Life was a constant struggle. I scrounged for food wherever I could find it, my tin cup serving as a meager vessel for the coins tossed my way. Some days, I managed to scrape together enough to buy a few morsels of fresh fruit...

Nothing is more important than sharing the Gospel. Nothing. I remember like it was yesterday. I was in seminary (not ‘cemetery,’ as kids often call it) with a room full of potential pastors. I was the only kids pastor. The rest were in training for much “higher office,” aka Lead Pastors. The professor in the front of the room described a horrible situation in graphic detail that I’ll spare you. In short, a man had been in a terrible car accident and was dying on the side of the road. In this hypothetical situation, he said that we happened along...

In any professional setting, even ministry, maintaining open communication with your boss is not just a good practice; it’s essential for personal growth, team success, and organizational effectiveness. Working in a church is no different. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your ministry career, understanding the importance of transparent dialogue with your lead pastor can significantly impact your career trajectory and overall job satisfaction. Few things can sap your joy more than not getting along with “the boss.” So let me suggest some ideas for working on that relationship. Importance of Open Communication: Clarity and Alignment: Open communication...

In any community endeavor, the strength of the team often determines its success. This rings particularly true in the context of church volunteer settings, where individuals come together driven by a shared purpose. However, beyond mere cooperation, cultivating camaraderie among team members is crucial. Camaraderie not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also fosters a sense of belonging and support, ultimately enriching the volunteering experience. Let’s delve into the significance of building camaraderie within church volunteer teams and explore practical strategies to transform teammates into genuine friendships. What is Camaraderie? Camaraderie is the intangible bond that forms among individuals bound...

The Only Check-In System Designed for Youth! Kids in your organization grow up fast, and as they mature, they have different needs and requirements when participating. Teens and young adults want independence, desire autonomy, and are fluent in using technology. They attend independently or are dropped off and usually check themselves in on their own. YouthCheck meets these changing needs. YouthCheck is a full-featured check-in system with a youth-driven design that offers the same ease of use and extensive security features as KidCheck’s children’s check-in. It’s engaging and age-appropriate while encouraging accountability and connection. As a leader, you’ll love it...