There are phenomenal opportunities available this Christmas to start or strengthen a relationship between your church and a local school or schools.

Did 2020 cause you to stop dreaming, to stop thinking big? It has for many. It’s why a setback can be a big opportunity. While many have stopped dreaming, you still can.

While we are engaged in debate about the great global reset, we do not want to miss the fact that God is re-positioning the Church for the future as well.

Pentecost teaches us not to fear the new or idolize the familiar, and that the divine power of Pentecost is the love of Jesus revealed in the Cross. Ready for God's next?

What will the local church look like in the future? That was the subject of discussion I was invited into recently. And the number of answers was greater than the number of participants. There was a lack of certainty but a multitude of possibilities.

The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is clear. Will those who are identified as “Christians” become disciples—students, apprentices, practitioners—of Jesus Christ?

The simple truth is that strategy is what takes us from where we are (point A) to where we want to be (point B).

Go through each one of these items and ask yourselves how are we doing on this? Close the gaps. Remember, intentionality is the key to becoming a welcoming church.

Your First Impression is the greatest impression you can ever make for a newcomer. Here are 5 easy ways to make a great first impression.

A call for authenticity in the life of the believer.

Leaders are learners. We learn as we lead. A season of major change is a dangerous time to lead poorly. Poorly handled change is at the root of a huge portion of church conflicts, splits and exits. Learn well to lead well.

Christmas is a sparkling opportunity to contrast the stereotypes about Christianity with the real person of Jesus. This Christmas make it possible for your congregation to bring church to their family.

As a minister, you may qualify for a tax reduction. Treasurer/bookkeeper/administrator - did you know that the minister(s) in your church/ministry could qualify to have payroll taxes reduced each pay period? Details from our Director of Finance & Admin.

There is only a one-letter difference between “rest” and “reset” but there is a world of difference in outcomes. Pastors wouldn’t be blamed if they need to rest. We're all COVID exhausted. But the antidote to exhaustion is not just rest. It's reset.

Outreach Ideas

• Sermon series

• Graphics

• Connect with your community at Christmas

What if ushers, vocalists, parents, children … everyone had a role shaping the weekly message, would it change congregational engagement? Would you hear the same sermon? Or would the message start to shift in ways no one predicted?

If ever there is a year to care about your community at Christmas, 2020 is the year. The churches that are going to win Christmas this year are the churches that find a way to serve their community, offer hope and tell that story better than ever.