by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Nov 10, 2023
It’s the preferred way many people like to think of their church – extended family. What better metaphor for describing the potential for a church community to be as close, vulnerable, and supportive as one’s own kin? There are some pitfalls to this...
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Nov 1, 2023
We have all seen it. A church has a wonderful clothes closet or food bank or some other resource-giving ministry that just makes you feel kind of sad. Oftentimes, churches will invest the minimum to make spaces welcoming in exchange for reaching more people with more...
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Oct 25, 2023
It may sound like a broken record for regular readers of our blog posts, but the so-called “Nones”* are a big demographic in our communities. In this blog for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, friend of Project Thrive Dr. Ryan Burge discusses ways...
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Oct 17, 2023
During our Microgrant Retreat last week, we saw something amazing happen. As churches spoke about their microgrant plans, other churches offered feedback and ideas, leading to a sense of shared purpose and mission between the persons in attendance. Congregations work...
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Oct 11, 2023
Programming. Outside of Worship, programming is the meat and potatoes of many churches’ communal life. Whether a Bible study, an interest group, even a prayer circle. We as Christians do our best work when we gather. But I’m sure you, as have I, have been...
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Sep 28, 2023
As much as we are trying to move forward in our churches, many congregations are still full of members who have “church fatigue.” In our fast-paced, fill-every-moment culture, many church folks commit less time to church in exchange for other activities....
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Sep 19, 2023
There is immense heartbreak in the closing of churches; however, with those sad moments comes a very important question: “What do we do with the proceeds?” An expert in finding life from tragedy in her own life, Dr. Amy K. Butler started an organization to...
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Sep 6, 2023
Churches exist in life cycles. Even the largest, most impressive church of today will very likely have to reimagine and rebuild itself after its bread-and-butter ministries and styles no longer meet the needs of the people there. Some churches – long past a...
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Aug 29, 2023
It is no secret that the median age found in churches is higher than the median age of most communities. This can be either a hindrance or an opportunity for church leaders who want to increase the vibrancy of their congregation. In this article from The Lewis Center...
by Nick Baird-Chrisohon | Aug 22, 2023
Growing up in the Deep South, many of us are taught family is the most important connection after God. But what qualifies as a family can differ person to person. In this article from Faith & Leadership, Shannon Hopkins reflects on family, friendship, and the...
