A dialogue continues among researchers about the differences between managers and leaders. It is clear that there is overlap between the two roles. It is equally clear that some managers do not lead, and some leaders do not manage. A helpful (but ultimately inadequate) distinction is that managers deal with maintaining consistency in the here and now, while leaders work to change the future. Pastors of congregations hold both roles (among many others). They lead. They manage. There is an overabundance Read more [...]

Almost half of the U.S. population lives in the suburbs. And sprawling suburbia is changing. The WSJ recently reported that the place where people grew up will change as they grow old. The suburbs are graying, and there is a movement to make them more compact. While large tracts of single-family homes are not being demolished, struggling shopping centers and vacant land in the suburbs are being converted into dense, mixed-use neighborhoods. In short, the ‘burbs are getting a retrofit. The goal Read more [...]

During my transition to FBC Murray, I have the opportunity to worship with a few churches before making the move up to Kentucky. Today my wife and I worshiped with First Baptist Orlando. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Every time I pass through Orlando, I cannot help but think of the grand vision of Walt Disney. The common sermon illustration sums it up: When Epcot Center was finished in 1982, Walt Disney had already passed away. Disney executives asked Walt’s wife to cut the ribbon Read more [...]

It depends – according to new research conducted by the Barna Group. I’ve heard several opinions, anecdotes, and estimations on the popularity of house churches. While Barna’s study is by no means conclusive, it does help clarify some the guesswork about the number of house churches in the United States. Barna’s estimates range from a minimum of 4% of the adult population to a maximum of 33%. Of course, the wide range represents the varying definitions of “house church:” When a question Read more [...]

I recently did a breakout session at the Connect Conference in Charleston, SC (you can register here for the Shreveport, LA venue on September 24th and 25th). In preparing for the event, I looked over previous research, added a few anecdotal observations, and developed ten critical issues in leading young adults. 1. They desire integrity among leaders. Our research has shown that young adults don’t drop out of the church because of large-scale moral failures of leadership. But they’ve seen enough Read more [...]