In Preaching Articles: "Executive Pastor"

Your Struggling Church Can Turn Around Today – But Greatness Takes Time

By Karl Vaters on Aug 23, 2023

If you’re pastoring a church that has or is turning around, here's some great news - and possibly your greatest challenge.

Scripture: Revelation 21:5

Tags: leadership, renewal, patience, Church Health, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

No More Email: A Productivity Experiment That’s Paying Off

By Carey Nieuwhof on Nov 17, 2023

How are your email habits affecting your effectiveness?

Tags: stress, Communication, Stress, effective, productivity, email, Pastoral Ministry, avoiding burnout, church leadership, communication  (view more)  (view less)

Can Something This Simple Supercharge Staff Morale?

By Charles Stone on Nov 21, 2023

Several months ago I began something with our staff that has been a huge hit. It’s simple. Any staff can do it, whether in a church or a business application. And it boosts staff morale and excitement when we do it. I encourage you to try it with your staff. It’s called a “Blue Sky Thinking” morning.

Tags: leadership, motivation, inspiration, Solitude, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, church ministry, Staff Meeting, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

3 Ways To Defeat Leadership Discouragement

By Charles Stone on Dec 11, 2023

Discouragement comes with the territory for ministry leaders. Unmet goals, putting out fires, staff issues, displeasing people, and general tiredness all contribute to discouragement. When it weighs us down, how can we dig out? The life of the prophet Elijah gives us hope.

Tags: Perseverance, leadership, Discouragement, Depression, Elijah's faith, Pastoral Ministry, Elijah's Depression, Fighting for Joy, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

4 Easy Steps To Healthy Delegation

By Ron Edmondson on May 21, 2024

How do we let go of responsibility when we are wired so heavily towards not doing so? How do we delegate when the church holds us responsible for getting things done? How do we let go when doing so makes us sometimes feel so out of control?

Tags: Pride, letting go, multiply, pastoral leadership, church leadership, delegating, Effective Leadership, Healthy Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

The Ineffectiveness Of A Team Without A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 4, 2024

"I try to never appoint or release a team to do work until we make sure a leader is chosen. They can choose their own leader, we can appoint one for them, or they may even have co-leadership, but there needs to be someone who has the assigned task of steering, motivating and leading the team to accomplish it’s mission."

Tags: Guide, Teamwork, Cooperation, Church leaders, pastoral leadership, church organization, church leadership, Healthy Teams  (view more)  (view less)

How To Make The Most Of Your Morning

By Josh Reich on Jun 15, 2024

"There is a lot at stake in what we do with our mornings."

Scripture: Psalm 34:8

Tags: Morning, priorities, distractions, Personal Growth, Quiet time, productivity, Good Habits, pastoral leadership, prayers  (view more)  (view less)

7 Ways To Correct A Team Member In A Healthy Way

By Ron Edmondson on Nov 2, 2022

"All of us make mistakes and occasionally need someone to help us become better at what we do. This should always be the end goal of correction."

Scripture: Hebrews 12:11

Tags: leadership, relationships, Restoration, Respect, Biblical truth, Godly Leaders, pastoral leadership, church leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

12 Things I’d Tell My 25-Year-Old Self (About Life And Leadership)

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jun 19, 2024

There are so many things I would do the same, but there are more than a few things I’d do differently.

Tags: Leader, Security, passion, godly character, productivity, Godly Leaders, pastoral leadership, church leadership, leader  (view more)  (view less)

Shepherd God’s Flock: Protecting God’s People

By Chris Pascarella on Nov 24, 2022

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. – Acts 20:28-29

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18, Acts 20:28-29

Tags: protection, encouragement, Courage, Rebuke, Godly Leaders, daily prayer, pastoral leadership, shepherd God's flock  (view more)  (view less)

How Your Calendar Is Killing You (And What To Do About It)

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jul 1, 2024

Here’s the sad truth: when your calendar is out of control, so are you. And so is your life.

Tags: Schedule, Busyness, Time Management, productivity, Personal Life, Balanced Life, Workplace Balance, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

You Can’t Force Teamwork

By Lance Witt on Jul 5, 2024

"When your car is aligned, it runs more efficiently, creates less wear and tear, and operates more smoothly. The same is true in creating alignment and teamwork within our ministries. It takes intentionality; you never drift into alignment. People with skill know how to get down inside the organization and align its systems and structures to increase effectiveness, minimize wasted effort, and achieve greater health."

Tags: Communication, leadership, strategy, Teamwork, Alignment, pastoral leadership, servant leadership, Effective Teams, Leadership, communication  (view more)  (view less)

Slaves In Your Church's Backyard

By David Batstone on Dec 14, 2022

Activist David Batstone urges pastors to focus ministry against the terrible prevalence of human trafficking in the U.S. and around the world.

Tags: Culture, Slavery, Justice, traffic, injustice, culture  (view more)  (view less)

4 Reasons Why I Preach

By Ken Collins on Jul 27, 2020

Have you ever taken the time to define the "why" of your weekly task? Here's one list from a veteran pastor.

Tags: Preaching, motivation, goals, education, Leadership General  (view more)  (view less)

Preacher To Preacher: Three Vital Questions Before You Quit The Ministry

By Leslie Holmes on Sep 26, 2024

Astounding: 50 percent of pastors serving American congregations are so discouraged in ministry that they would quit if they could afford to do so.

Tags: Ministry, Preaching, quit, ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)