Covenant Ministries Church of North Alabama

Shut down the bus tours: What older church members should really be doing

So how do you engage older church attendees… say people over age 50? The question’s been around a long time. And, as most church leaders could tell you, it’s a bit of a loaded question. It’s also a question I’m...Read More→

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

How I Learned to Embrace the Stand and Greet Time

I may not know you, but I think one thing is safe to say: You do not have as much natural revulsion as I do toward a stand and greet time during a church service. You don’t feel a greater measure of inward terror when you hear a service leader command, “Stand up and greet a few of the people around you.” I am naturally shy, introverted, and easily intimidated, and can always feel the fear rising when I hear …

The Meaning of Namaste: Greet the World Authentically

The word Namaste literally means “bowing to you”. To say the word, while bowing your head and joining hands, symbolizes humility. Learn five ways to embody Namaste.

8 Concerns That Church Members Seldom Tell Pastors

There are some concerns that are harder to bring up than others. Things like: We're concerned about your marriage.

Paying for Church Ministry…Who Decides? Me or My Millennial Friend?

Lecturing my millennial friend on the priorities of giving won't accomplish much. Truth is, he has a lot more to say about how and when church ministry will be paid for than I do.

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

7 Must-Ask Questions When Looking to Large-Church Ministry Leaders

Be careful when looking to high-profile pastors and churches on your quest to research best ministry practices.

Building Churches and Religious Facilities

The Bobbitt design & construction portfolio includes religious facilities of all types & sizes. See how design build could work for your specific needs.

Religious Freedom as Freedom to Discriminate?

Removing religious exemptions will not promote tolerance or inclusiveness. It will forcibly strip religious organizations of their ability to operate as religious organizations.

Do Megachurches Provide a Better Religious Experience than Smaller Churches?

Leadership Network’s work with innovative pastors regularly pairs us with megachurches. Indeed, in recent years no one has done more megachurch research than us.Thought leader @lensweet recently tweeted “No one knows more about...

Why so many non-religious Europeans pay church taxes

What if the Church Was the Church?

What does it look like to be the salt of the earth? For one thing, it might look like Christians welcoming sinners and eating with them.

Baptism, Christening and Religious Occasion Ideas

Delicate Blessings Cross - Personalized #Baptism Invitations

Is It Okay to Listen to Non-Religious Music?

A reader writes: Despite being a Protestant, I enjoy reading your blog. Since I see that you’ve answered other people’s questions before, I thought I’d ask you a question about a problem I’m having. In my community, people often say […]

Seven Things the Church isn’t and what the church is.

As a pastor in the 20th century, a part of preparing sermons is coming up with the “phrase that pays.” Sometimes they stick, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes I don’t even rem…

Why Isn't My Church Like The Church In Acts?

It’s tempting to imagine that the early believers represented a golden era of the Church.

Why Millennials Are Valuable in the Church

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word millennial? Lazy? Commitment Issues? Entitlement? These are just a few of the major stereotypes that revolve around the millennial generation. But as a millennial myself, I can tell you that these aren’t always true when it comes to my generation. In

Religious? Atheist? None? There’s An App for You

Everything from prayer to holy texts, these apps have got you covered.

A religious Institution sending me mail to join the church…so WHO is on the Moon?

We will be talking about all the news around the world and my message to all Jehovah Witnesses.....I'va taken the time to listen to what you had to say...and now I have a few questions for YOU. WHo is