I received a very nice voice mail this week from a Methodist preacher friend congratulating me on the Charlotte Observer article on our Fed Up Sunday project.During the message, my friend gave some nice words about the creativity I had to "come up with such an...

It is very tempting in ministry to focus so much on the goal that you neglect the goal beyond the goal.For example, I'm part of a team that puts a great deal of thought and effort into Sunday morning worship experiences. We want the Sunday gathering to be powerful,...

By all measures, Christmas Eve was a success around here. We had overflow crowds, high energy, and reverent spirituality. Yet behind the scenes, several things worked to frustrate me. I forgot some important things I needed to say. I broke the part of my wireless...

I recently heard a church consultant say that "younger generations of church go-ers want mission they do, not mission they send to."Which is a way of saying that people want the hands-on experience of making a difference more than they want to send money to overseas...

Last week, I received this email from someone in the church:I experienced something on Monday, while fasting, that I wanted to share with you. I'm not sure where to start, so I'll just say it. On Monday afternoon, I closed my eyes and prayed aloud that the Lord would...

We're having a church-wide fast today.I'm part of it. After all, it was my idea.Jesus tells his followers to keep their fasting private in Matthew 6:16-18. Yet this day is one of those rare occasions when in the spirit of solidarity, we'll encourage each other and...

Today, I'm taking the Good Shepherd staff on a field trip.To South Park Mall.Not exactly high culture. Nor is it continuing education.It's blatant consumerism.But it's also my expression of thanks at Christmas.I've gotten each of them a gift card they can use anywhere...

Today I'm headed to a first-of-its-kind conference. It's a meeting of the pastors of the 100 largest United Methodist Churches in the United States. There are over 34,000 UMCs in our country, and Good Shepherd is one of the top 100 in terms of average Sunday...

Back in June, I had a couple of posts (here and here) about why we don't do fund raisers at Good Shepherd Church.But I neglected to include what is perhaps the most important reason why churches should do no fund raisers other than the weekend offering.Here it is....