Tag: Church
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9 ways experts are killing the church?
Is the western church not making progress because pastors run things and lay people are passive?
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A trauma-informed church
Last post I summarised some useful information on how churches and christians can be more aware of traumas that some people suffer. This post I summarise information on how churches can not only be aware of trauma, but better minister to those who have suffered trauma. Please note: I am not a counsellor or a…
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Being aware of trauma
People can suffer all sorts of hurts and trauma. One of the church’s tasks is to “weep with those who weep” and “bind up the broken-hearted”. How can we do it best? And what if the church is the cause of the trauma? (If you have suffered from church trauma, I suggest you read When…
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Change and the church
Change in church can be hard but necessary. Here’s a few ideas on why this is, and how change can best be achieved.
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Do we really want to communicate?
Christian churches have a number of functions, and one of them is communication. We have a message to proclaim. There are things followers of Jesus need to know. We need at different times to be encouraged, challenged and comforted. These things are important, so they should be communicated well. How can we learn to do…
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Finding the church they want?
There’s a quiet revival of faith among younger adults, they say. I’ve written about it myself. Twice. Younger men, particularly are said to be coming to church for the first time, making this demographic highest for attendance when previously it was lowest. There is a growing belief in God among younger adults and a sense…
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Measuring mountains …. and churches
If we measure what is most important in our churches, rather than what is easy to measure, we will find out reaql ways to improve.
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Another way to make church interactive
It is clear that sermons are a poor way to teach or to encourage people to be transformed in their faith, despite the fact that pastors and many lay people like them. Discussion and active learning are more effective. But how to do these in a normal church service? There are many answers. And a…
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From little things big things grow
Over two millennia, the christian church has been at the forefront of social justice and care for the vulnerable. From care of the poor, the sick and abandoned babies in the early church, through establishing hospitals and schools, to the end of slavery and the civil rights movement, Christians have had a large impact. But…
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Do we want them to learn and grow, or do we want to control them?
Is teaching in church as much about keeping control as about effective learning?