Over the summer a number of archaeological discoveries have made mainstream headlines as they cast light on the biblical record. At the end of September this included the claim that the lost civilization of Edom had been discovered. From The Daily Mail to Popular Mechanics, an array of publications carried the story. The Times ran the story with the headline … Read More
4 Key Steps to Take NOW for a Successful Christmas Offering
NOW is the time to add a Christmas Offering this year. This gives you an unmatched opportunity to fully fund your missions efforts for 2020 AND encourage the spiritual growth of your people. But first — what is a Christmas Offering? A Christmas offering is, by definition, a special offering given during a set period of time around Christmas that … Read More
How to Plan and Conduct A Christmas Offering (and Why You Should Get Started ASAP)
As the old carol says about Christmas, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But when does that “time of the year” actually begin? Every year, the push toward Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier. Before the fall leaves hit the ground, we see Christmas trees revealed in all their glory through shop windows. By now, children are … Read More
Top 3 Christmas Offering Mistakes
A Christmas Offering is a special offering given during a set period of time around Christmas that encourages people to give over and above their regular tithes and offerings. In working with over 1,000 churches to implement effective Christmas Offerings, I’ve learned there are some common mistakes that you can avoid. 1. Not doing a Christmas Offering every year. It would … Read More
Two Easy Ways to Get More Sleep
Sometimes it is hard to put down what we are doing and turn out the light. We are all guilty of what sleep scientists call bedtime procrastination. That is, we don’t go to bed when we know we should because there is always one more thing to do—one more email to send, one more chapter to read, one more episode … Read More
Leaders Are Not Afraid
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Lyle Schaller on the Right Budget Focus
“If the discussion about the budget can be shifted from money to ministry, from economy to effectiveness, and from means to purpose, there may be no ceiling on what Christians will do to fulfill their calling.” — Lyle Schaller (April 19, 1923 – March 18, 2015), the Dean of Church Consultants, began his career as an urban planner for the city … Read More
Three Things You Can Learn About Employee Retention From the Disney Company, by Advantage Family
As one of the most successful and enduring brands in the world, the Walt Disney Company gets a lot of attention for its attention to detail and customer experience. While the brand’s focus on customer service is important, its dedication to employees makes the brand one of the best companies to work for. Disney consistently appears on top employer lists, … Read More
How to Defeat Bitterness with Humility and God’s Strength
During one of the most emotionally difficult periods of my life, I (Nelson) was facing some circumstances that had me completely on the defensive. I felt as if I was being attacked from all sides and wanted nothing more than to give up and run. During that time, God kept bringing this passage to my mind: In my distress I … Read More
What to Communicate to Your Small Group Leaders
Once you have confirmed a leader, it’s time to get busy nailing down all of the important details for their group, as well as important information about the leaders themselves. While you are in the process of collecting this information from your confirmed leaders, use the opportunity to communicate some important details to them. Make sure your small group leaders … Read More