One of the biggest challenges facing congregations in pastoral transition is realizing how radically the search process has changed since the turn of the century, according to Bill Wilson, founder of the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his successor,…
Upcoming BNG webinar guests: Matt Cook and Bill Wilson, Emily Smith, Amy Butler
There has been a slight time change for this week’s BNG webinar with Matt Cook and Bill Wilson of the Center for Healthy Churches. The webinar will begin this Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. Central time. Also, two more…
Next up: BNG webinar with David Gushee this week
BNG readers are invited to a free webinar this Wednesday afternoon with BNG columnist David Gushee. The Mercer University ethicist will talk with BNG Executive Director Mark Wingfield about Gushee’s newest book, Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies. The webinar…
You’re invited to four change-making conversations upcoming through BNG
Beginning this Wednesday, BNG Executive Director Mark Wingfield launches a fall series of “change-making conversation” webinars that are free to attend. Confirmed guests are Mikeal Parsons and Joao Chaves, authors of the new book Remembering Antônia Teixeira; David Gushee, BNG…
What’s happening with church budgets and personnel expenses in a post-pandemic world?
When rethinking church budgets in a post-pandemic world, one old-fashioned rule still applies: Every situation is unique. While some church leaders may be tempted to seek ready-made formulas to guide their new-world budgeting, that’s never been a great idea, according…
Tim Keller was a really nice guy, but that wasn’t enough for everyone
The one thing everyone who interacted with him seems to agree on is this: Tim Keller was a heckuva nice guy. So nice, some say, it’s hard to believe he was a conservative evangelical. So nice, others say, he caved…
How to avoid hiring a toxic pastor or church staff member
I recently listened to yet another pastor tell a story of havoc let loose in his congregation by a toxic staff member who never should have been hired and was difficult to fire. I’ve heard this story over and over,…
Smaller churches are both endangered and resilient, panel reports
The pandemic shoved most small American churches further into a post-denominational reality but also demonstrated their capability of surviving in a post-Christian culture, according to congregational consultant and coach Deborah Wright. She spoke during a recent webinar on the challenges…
Free webinars address five hot-button issues for churches in a post-pandemic world
A new webinar series aims to provide ministers with tools to nurture resilience in the face of congregational challenges such as political toxicity, declining attendance and financial pressures, said Matt Cook, assistant director of the Center for Healthy Churches. “The…