What about taking a different approach or changing our perspective by looking at "Family Services" as an opportunity for intergenerational experiences? Here are some ideas for good practices in family services.

What happens when a church goes from plateauing or declining to growing by reaching lost people? Every church that is growing needs to be thinking about multiplying. This is how we quadruple our impact. A church that grows needs to be multiplying in three ways.

How can I grow my organization when there are limited resources? "Scaling up" is a way to break through limitations to growth within your organization. In this article, we show you that it's possible to think outside the box and creatively use the resources you already have to help propel you forward.

How can I overcome my tendency to react defensively to disagreement or criticism? This tendency is a learned behaviour and can be detrimental to a leader's life.

What metrics are you using? Tracking the right metrics in the church will help you make the right course corrections and seek the right help as you move forward. 

Connie Jakab talks about being a brave leader but has noticed people who usually don’t see themselves as leaders: people like parents (even though you’re only raising the next generation), teachers (who only have influenced everyone you see today), and entrepreneurs (who bring new ideas to solve problems and lead change in our world). Here’s how she moved past fear.

What changes are you planning in the future? Don’t stay where you are. Keep moving forward. Make sure that as you change, you navigate through some of these challenges in a healthy way. Whenever we implement change, we can either underestimate or overestimate how complicated it can be.

I'm feeling overwhelmed by challenges. Where can I turn for help? Every pastor faces three challenges. Each one is big. Sometimes, all three will gang up on you on the same day. The nature of your ministry will be changed in these crucial moments, and you can ensure the changes are for the best.

What should I do when I have been badly hurt? My mentor heard my diatribe in silence. Then the wise old sage gave me some advice I have carried with me ever since that day.

Why should we receive counselling support? Christian counselling is a wonderful complement to our faith journey for many reasons. This article will explore those reasons.

Why would a church create a preteen ministry instead of combining this age group with kids or youth? Tweens are at a unique time in their lives when they need critical investment. It is a time when they make many life decisions and form their values.

How were we using our resources (both time and money) for VBS programs? Read why Jon DuHamel thinks that VBS needs to pivot in Canada.

How do I best disciple the people around me? Team leadership is the best leadership.

Can I make ministry a lifetime vocation? Al Downey, our Pastoral Care Director, gives some tips for staying in the race until the end.

How could our church support local athletes and share the gospel? First Assembly in Medicine Hat has become one of the most highly engaged Canadian churches in chaplaincy to a local sports team. The WHL Tigers organization trusts the church as a partner in the development of their young men. Players in the WHL (ages 16-20) live away from home, balance hockey and school, and face pressure that their peers wouldn’t understand, but they appreciate mentoring with no strings attached.

Can community service transform a congregation? Mill Creek Christian Assembly became like family to Ukrainian refugees. Congregants opened their homes in 2022 as more and more displaced families arrived.

How can our congregation make a difference in our community? Recently, the congregation in St. Paul initiated an outreach to local indigenous people and have seen many residents from Saddle Lake, Goodfish, Kehewin, Fishing Lake and Frog Lake reserves attend Sunday services in 2023.

A young Bible College graduate recently asked me, "Pastor Al, what has kept you in a place of vocational ministry for well over four decades?" His question was direct and simple, the answer not so much. Here it is with my attempted response.