CHURCH LEADER INSIGHTS - August 2008

Church Leader Insights:
Church Health, Church Growth and Church Planting

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::EVANGELISM / CHURCH GROWTH::

WHAT THE LARGEST CHURCHES ARE DOING RIGHT
“One of the myths about America's megachurches is that they all had easy growth. The truth is that there are churches among them that faced dreadful challenges and were about to close their doors. Some, like many smaller churches, did cease to exist... Do what you can, with all that you can, with as many as you can, as soon as you can for the kingdom's sake. You cannot do everything, but together we can all do more than we have done.” <Read More>

** For more on developing an evangelism culture in your church, see “The Evangelism Seminar ” by Nelson Searcy by CLICKING HERE

THE FIVE STAGES OF RENEWAL IN THE LOCAL CHURCH
“The structure that works for a church of 100 won’t work for a church of 250 and so on. There is no perfect structure in Scripture. Why? Every situation is different. We’ve got to structure our churches differently depending on our circumstances.” <Read More>

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::NEW AUDIO TRAINING::

The Top 10% Principle In this insightful discussion, Nelson Searcy explains one of the secrets to leading change faster and more effectively through "The Top 10% Principle"<Listen Here>

Listen Now

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BEAT THE SUMMER SLUMP WITH A MID-YEAR GIVING LETTER
“A mid-year giving statement is a great way to communicate vision; a great way to challenge people during the summer slump; a great way to shepherd your people by showing them what they have given; a great way to keep your stewardship system tight; a great way to lower end of the year edits to giving statements; a great way to honor God by reporting to those who are supporting your church.” <Read More>

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::CHURCH PLANTING::

SIX PHYSICAL FACTORS THAT AFFECT YOUR WORSHIP SERVICE
"Until you get your focus OFF of the people who are disgruntled, unhappy, unsupportive, and resistant to the direction God has called you to go, and ONTO those who are excited, supportive and on board, you will NEVER gain momentum and see a new culture created in your church." <Read More>

::ATTENTION CHURCH PLANTERS::

ATTENTION CHURCH PLANTERS: Are you a church planter?  If so, we'd like to send you $50 worth of Church Leader Insights resources and training materials at no cost. (Including Launching Large, Funding Your Church Planting, The Call to Start a New Church and Starting Small Groups from Scratch (NEW OFFER) by Nelson Searcy)  For more, see:   Free Church Planting Resources

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:: LEADERSHIP::

IN PRAISE OF SPEED READING
2 - pre-read. That is read the table of contents, the slip cover, leaf through the book. You will find you retain more and know more of what interests you. Also, sometimes you will find the book is virtually summarized for you in the sub titles, insert boxes etc.
3 – don’t read it if it is not good. Some people figure if they get a book - they need to read it. Variant on this – don’t read it all. I only read completely half the books I get.
5 - simply pushing forward works. The more you do it, the more easy it becomes.
8 - sometimes only read the first and last paragraph of the chapter, the article etc.” . <Read More>

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::RECOMMENDED BOOKS::

THE COMPLETE BOOK OF DISCIPLESHIP by Bill Hull “I made the mistake of starting this book late at night.  Three hours later, well after 2am, I was still reading.  Bill has done us a great service with this book.  He’s taken over 20 years or writing and thinking on discipleship and put it all in one place.  Whether you’ve read Bill before or if this is your first time, get this book and read it.  I’m making it required reading for our entire staff.”– Nelson Searcy

PREDICTABLY IRRATIONAL The Hidden Forces that Shape Our Decision By Dan Ariely “Our Executive Staff just completed reading this book.  Last month, I took one idea from this book, applied it to our small groups sign-ups and we had 119 new people sign-up!  This book will help you understand how people make (irrational) decisions and how you can influence them toward the best (rational/Godly) result.  Along the way you’ll find some great sermon material on temptation, commitment and habits.  You’ll also find great info to make you a better communicator and evangelist.” – Nelson Searcy