Blog | Volunteers
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...
Read MoreShould 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...
Read MoreCreating a Meaningful Send-Off for Your Church’s Graduates
Each spring, churches across the country take time to honor their graduating high school and college students—a milestone moment not just for those students and families, but for the entire church body that has helped shape them. Whether you have two graduates or twenty, don’t let the season slip by without creating space for celebration, reflection, and commissioning. Here are some practic...
Read MoreRaising 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...
Read MoreShould Your Youth Group Host Its Own Retreat or Attend a Large Conference?
Youth ministry leaders often face a pivotal decision: Should we create and host our own student retreat, or should we join a larger conference put on by a denomination or national ministry organization? Both paths offer unique opportunities for spiritual growth, relationship building, and fun—but each also comes with its own challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help your c...
Read MoreThe 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...
Read MoreChoosing the Right Church Management Software
Church management software (ChMS) has become an essential tool for church administrators striving for efficiency and organization. The right software can streamline operations, enhance communication, and foster better engagement within the congregation. However, with numerous options available, it’s crucial to understand the key considerations before making a decision. Here’s what church admin...
Read MoreFun 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. ...
Read MoreBuilding 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. ...
Read MoreA 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...
Read MoreHow 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...
Read MoreHow 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...
Read MoreExciting 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...
Read More7 Creative Ideas for Approaching Church Small Groups
Small groups play a vital role in fostering community, deepening spiritual connections, and providing support within a church family. It’s easy for churches to fall into a rhythm with groups, offering the same recurring studies and breakouts based on age and gender. While there’s nothing wrong with consistency— especially if it’s serving your community!— your church has the creative oppo...
Read More7 Tips for Simplifying Your Holiday Calendar
The holiday season is a special time for the church community, filled with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and share the joy of the season. However, managing the church's holiday calendar can be overwhelming, with the temptation to pack it full of events and activities. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of simplifying your approach to the holidays and focusing on just a couple of ...
Read MoreHow to Build a Strong Teaching Team at Your Church
Does your church need a teaching team? In many churches, the role of teaching and preaching often falls on a single individual, typically the pastor. While this tradition has its merits, there are numerous benefits to building a church teaching team. A teaching team can bring diversity, depth, and a broader range of perspectives to the pulpit. It also allows for pastors to lean into their gifts a...
Read MoreBest Practices for Changing Lyric Slides
When executing services and events at your church, the onscreen presentation is a huge part of your congregation’s experience. When it comes to slides with lyrics, going unnoticed is the goal. If an attender is thinking about when the slides change, it’s likely because they’re too early or too late. In that case, they serve to distract from the experience rather than enhance it. Here are...
Read MoreHelp Students Transition from Middle School to High School
The transition from middle school to high school is an exciting yet challenging time for students. As a youth pastor, you have a unique opportunity to help make this transition smoother for young individuals who are navigating significant changes in their lives. By providing support, guidance, and a nurturing environment, you can help them thrive during this crucial period of their spiritual and p...
Read MorePlan a Church Picnic That Meets Everyone’s Dietary Needs
With warmer weather and longer days, Summer is the perfect time to take your community events outdoors. Outdoor potlucks and picnics are a fantastic way to gather as a community; there’s food to share, wide open spaces for the kids to run around, and minimal prep and clean up required. Chances are, however, there are people in your congregation with dietary restrictions that sometimes make it ha...
Read MorePractical Tips for Training Your VBS Volunteers
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an exciting time of the year for many children and their families. As a children's pastor, it can feel like a lot of pressure to ensure that VBS runs smoothly and to craft a meaningful experience for everyone involved. One of the key components of a successful VBS is a well-trained group of volunteers. Here are some tips on how to best train your volunteers for VBS: ...
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