Mary JahnkeAccording to Lifeway Research, “64% of churches either have nothing to assimilate new members, or no systemic plan to move people towards membership.” Imagine if that were true in the workplace . . . not a good start. Like onboarding and...
Every month, around 350 people search for “Bible reading plans PDF.” Nearly 12,000 people on average (and as many as 30,000!) search for “Bible reading plans” monthly. Here’s a great (free) option for every one of those people—and you too. Here’s...
Mark Twain said, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—’tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.” The same could be said for your church media. The right image can stop the...
What were 2021’s most popular worship songs? What about most popular sermon topics? Find out in the free 2021 Songs & Sermons Report for worship leaders, pastors, and anyone who’s just really curious. (Can’t blame you there.) Popular worship...
The definition of spiritual endurance (or “steadfast endurance”) is this: the power to withstand hardship or stress; especially the inward fortitude necessary. This definition from Logos Bible Software (Bible app and Basic package available free) is...
Bible study can be as addictive as eating Fritos: “You can never eat one. You can eat a half a bag, but not one.” That’s what Chuck Swindoll, one of the best Bible teachers, says. But for many Christians, reading the Bible feels like eating...
According to Hallmark, Clergy Appreciation Month (aka Pastor Appreciation Month) started in 1992 “with a mission of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries, and religious workers.” I don’t know about you, but I think it was long overdue...
There seem to be countless sermon illustrations on faith—but some are better than others. Find six memorable ones below! Sermon illustration on enduring faith From Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes: Faith honors...
Millennials and Gen Z are weighing heavy on pastors’ hearts these days. According to Barna, When presented with a list of possible challenges facing their church today, half of Protestant pastors note that “reaching a younger audience” (51%)...
Have you ever reread a line in an email and thought, “Yikes. That’s not how I wanted it to come across”? (Please say it’s not just me . . . ) The same thing can happen with sermons. Preachers know their people-loving, mission-minded intentions for...
Surprised at how busy this year has already been? Me too. How’d you like to save some time? Shave off minutes–hours with Proclaim + Pro Media, where you won’t have to scroll endlessly through church media that’s too cheesy or too drab to draw...
Confession: I have a soft spot for paper hymnals. They keep everyone on the same page, show the lyrics and music, and give you a look at what’s next. Plus, flipping pages can be fun. (Maybe that’s just me?) But I can’t tell you the last time I used...
Many of us can remember sitting hunched over the kitchen table as a kid, toiling away at a stack of thank-you notes. We wanted to say thank you—but it seemed so hard to come up with an interesting way to express our gratitude. Years later, and that...
The number of atheists in the United States has doubled in the past 10 years (from 2% in 2009 to 4% in 2018–2019). The number of agnostics has nearly doubled, too—it’s now 5%. The world is becoming increasingly skeptical of Christianity. Are we...
“Spring forward, fall back.” That little ditty is how I’ve remembered the time change for more years than I’d care to admit. And even though I remember which way the time goes, I always need a reminder for when it’s happening. (This year, it’s...
“How is it this late already?” Finding a church staff member or volunteer who hasn’t asked that question is harder than finding strong opinions about pumpkin spice. Even deciding on one background photo for one announcement slide can take what feels...
Sometimes the easiest tricks are the best. You know, the ones that make you wonder “Where has this been all my life?” For example, did you know that keeping your ice cream box in a plastic bag keeps it soft and scoopable? Or that if you cut through...
First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing,” yet how many of us do? Prayer is so hard that unless circumstances demand it—tragic accidents, an illness, or saying grace at a meal—many Christians simply don’t. And without even...
My husband leads singing in our small church. Every now and then, he’ll ask me early on a Sunday morning, “What song is on your mind today?” Last Sunday, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” popped into my head. The first Sunday we couldn’t meet in person...
Faithlife sports quite a few remote-work pros from all over the United States (and other countries, too). But we’ve also got some remote-work newbies due to coronavirus social distancing. We’re all adjusting—trying to keep that community feeling and...
In times of crisis, people need community—especially their church community. But when a pandemic spreads or a hurricane hits, gathering together becomes more difficult (or impossible) for many churches. Here are some steps for taking what could push...
The start of a new year invites us to stop and reflect, doesn’t it? We think about the healthy habits we need more of . . . and the unhealthy ones we need less of. About balance and healthy rhythms. As I thought through how to achieve a healthier...