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successful-staff-retreat

Tips for a Successful Church Staff Retreat

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a one-day local retreat, taking intentional time away with your church staff is a valuable investment you can make in the health, unity, and vision of your ministry team. A staff retreat isn’t just a break from the routine — it’s an opportunity to refocus, refresh, and realign for the season ahead. Here are some practical tips to help you plan ...

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10-church-production-controversies

10 Controversial Topics in Church Production

Church production has grown dramatically over the last few decades—encompassing audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and visual elements. With that growth has come a wide range of conversations, debates, and tensions. While production tools can enhance worship, they also raise important questions about theology, community, and authenticity. Here are 10 of the most controversial and talk...

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return-to-natural-light

Why More Churches Are Embracing Natural Light in Worship Spaces

For years now, the modern worship environment has been defined by dark rooms, blacked-out ceilings, moving lights, and LED walls. While production-heavy settings bring exciting energy and creative freedom, a quiet shift is happening in many churches: a return to natural light. From floor-to-ceiling windows to strategically placed skylights and open-air spaces, churches are rediscovering the...

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big-truths-small-hearts

How to Teach Big Truths to Small Hearts

One of the greatest joys and responsibilities in children’s ministry is teaching kids the foundational truths of the Christian faith. But how do you communicate deep, complex ideas—like grace, sin, the cross, the Trinity, or eternity—to kids with limited vocabulary and growing attention spans? The answer isn’t to water it down. Kids are more capable than we often think. What they ne...

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summer-schedule

Should Your Church Change Its Summer Service Schedule?

Every summer, churches across the country face the same question: Should we change our service schedule to reflect the seasonal drop in attendance? Whether you're thinking about cutting down from two services to one, pausing Sunday evening gatherings, or experimenting with outdoor or midweek options, there are real pros and cons to weigh before making the leap. PROS of Changing the Summer S...

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raising-up-voices

Raising Up Voices: Tips for Training Volunteer Leaders to Preach and Teach

As pastors and leaders, one of our most vital callings is not just to teach, but to equip others to teach also (2 Timothy 2:2). In many Protestant churches, there's a growing need—and opportunity—to empower faithful, gifted members of the church to step into preaching and teaching roles. Whether it's in small groups, adult education, youth ministry, or even Sunday mornings, raising up new voic...

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should-your-church-invest-in-original-music

Should Your Church Invest in Original Worship Music?

In today’s worship culture, it’s easy to be inspired by churches that are consistently writing and releasing original music. Their songs resonate deeply within their communities and often spread far beyond them. It’s a beautiful picture—and one that naturally leads other churches to ask: Should we be doing that too? The short answer? Maybe. Writing and introducing original worship music...

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why-details-matter

Why the Details Matter (Even If No One Notices)

In the world of church production and worship, the best Sundays often go unnoticed. The lights transition smoothly, the lyrics appear on time, the sound is clean, and the worship flows without distraction. Ironically, when everything works as it should, most people don’t say a word—they’re too focused on worshiping, listening, or praying. But when something breaks or misses the mark, it can ...

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introducing-lent-to-your-church

Introducing Lent in Evangelical Churches: A Fresh Invitation to Spiritual Depth

For many evangelical Protestant churches, Lent has traditionally been viewed as a “Catholic thing,” or perhaps as a foreign or unnecessary ritual. But in recent years, more and more churches from non-liturgical traditions are beginning to rediscover the spiritual richness that Lent can offer. If your church has never observed Lent before, you don’t need to adopt centuries of tradition overni...

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pros-and-cons-family-easter

The Pros and Cons of Family Services for Easter

Resurrection Sunday is one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, drawing families and individuals to churches around the world. When planning Easter church services, one important consideration is whether to offer family-friendly services with limited or no childcare options. While such services can create opportunities for families to worship together, they also present challe...

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Fun-and-Effective-Childrens-Ministry-Volunteer-Training

Fun and Effective Children’s Ministry Volunteer Training

Every children’s pastor wants to see their volunteers feel confident, equipped, and excited about serving in kids’ ministry. A well-planned training seminar can make all the difference by providing practical tools, fostering relationships, and infusing fresh energy into your team. Below are seven tips to help you create a memorable and impactful volunteer training event. ...

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hospitality-in-worship

Hospitality in Worship?

As followers of Christ, we’re called to love and serve others. One of the most profound ways we do this in the church is by practicing hospitality. While hospitality often brings to mind prayer teams, coffee stations, and friendly greeters, it’s essential to recognize that the work of music and production teams plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for everyone who...

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building-a-music-team-sustainably

Building a Music Team Sustainably

As a music director in a small church, you may find yourself inspired—and perhaps a bit overwhelmed—by the incredible worship teams showcased by large churches. Their polished sound, expansive resources, and professional production can set a high bar. But here’s the truth: your church’s music team doesn’t need to look or sound like those big churches to make a meaningful impact. ...

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How-to-Find-the-Perfect-Name-for-Your-Church-Plant

How to Find the Perfect Name for Your Church Plant

So you’re planting a church? This almost certainly was not a decision made lightly, or without months if not years of prayer and discernment. As you start to organize all of the details for your launch, you’re going to need a name, and you’re not going to want to phone it in. Your name is your church’s first impression. It sets the tone for how you take up space in the mind of your communi...

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a-pastors-guide-to-effective-sunday-morning-huddles

A Pastor’s Guide to Effective Sunday Morning Huddles

Conducting a successful Sunday morning service week after week requires intentional planning and coordination of numerous volunteers. With so many moving parts and on such a tight timeline, holding a Sunday morning huddle is a great tool for setting the morning off on the right foot. A huddle is a dedicated time before the service where volunteers come together to prepare, connect, and align their...

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how-to-engage-volunteers-for-one-time-projects

How to Engage Volunteers for One-Time Projects

In the life of a vibrant church community, there are often special, one-time projects that require the energy and dedication of volunteers. Whether it's setting up for a special event, lending a hand at Vacation Bible School (VBS), or participating in a community service excursion, these projects, though not recurring, are important parts for fostering community engagement and spreading goodwill b...

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how-to-structure-a-newcomers-class-for-church-membership

How To Structure a Newcomers Class for Church Membership

Every church congregant goes through certain phases— first, they may just be visiting. If they stick around, they’ll probably attend casually and anonymously for a while. After a little bit, as they feel more belonging and investment in your community, it’s important to give these newcomers the opportunity to take a more concrete step in becoming an active participant in and member of the co...

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meaningful-youth-ministry-trends-for-2024

Meaningful Youth Ministry Trends for 2024

Youth ministry is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities of each passing year. As we embark on the journey of 2024, here are the latest trends shaping the spiritual development of today's youth to give you ideas and inspiration for how to breathe new life into your youth ministry in the new year. Digital Discipleship. In an increasingly digital...

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exciting-trends-in-kids-ministry-for-2024

Exciting Trends in Kids Ministry for 2024

As we step into 2024, the landscape of kids ministry continues to evolve, driven by innovation, changing societal norms, and the ever-growing need for engaging and impactful experiences for children. Here are some of the most notable trends shaping kids ministry in 2024 to give you insight and inspiration for how to nurture the spiritual growth in your children’s ministry in this new year. Di...

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10-ideas-for-elevating-the-guest-experience-in-your-church

10 Ideas for Elevating the Guest Experience in Your Church

The heart of every hospitality ministry desires to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for both regular attendees and newcomers. Your team plays a crucial role in shaping the first impressions of guests, making it essential to focus on simple yet impactful gestures. Here are some ideas to enhance the guest services and hospitality experience within your church. Genuine Greetings Sometimes th...

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