Breaking All the Rurals

In Rural America delegation is a must!!  Hiring staff is not always an option, so at Brand New Church delegating leadership has to happen.  Knowing when to delegate is a sensitive and spirit filled decision.  Here are some suggestions to get started in delegation:

1) Make a list for 2 weeks of what you do.
So many employees struggling knowing what they do day in and day out.
2) Identify "priority tasks" that ...

6 years ago God called us to Southside, now BNC and I am amazed at His gracious care and compassion for the work here in Rural America. I believe He is  passionate about Rural America because it's the "second choice" and His return is soon. In Luke 14 Jesus tells a parable about a banquet feast and He invites many guest who make some great excuses. The table is still full and ...

A typical Goldfish is less than five inches and often three inches or less. Here is what I learned recently; A goldfish will grow to size of it's environment. If you put it in a small bowl it will be a small goldfish...if you put it a river it will grow and grow.

It's the same principle in your organization...small vision and small environment equals small results. I ...

6 Qualities to look for in a Staff Member

When I was hired at Southside Baptist Church, now Brand New Church these were the mandatory requirements…
1) Five years of pastoral experience
2) Must be married
3) Seminary degree
After reading those I realized Jesus could not get a job at this church. He was single, only had three and half years of ministry experience and never attended seminary.

So now we have restructured ...

Most Important Goals of Rural Ministry

You have little resources and few staff so you must make every opportunity count. Whether it’s a community event, weekend experience or staff retreat is must add VALUE to your church ministry goals. Here is how we spell VALUE:

V- ision
Everything you and I embark on must be in line with the overall organizational vision of your church. Our vision is Worship ...

I need your help with my next series "Where in The Word". Have you ever asked "I wonder what the Bible has to say about...?" This series will answer your questions concerning any question. We have established a website where you can submit your topic and the top six is what I will be teaching. You can vote as many times as you want. This is our third year to ...

There are so many things I have got to stop doing...I am going to blow the whistle on myself and what I need to stop doing. Look at what God tells us to stop and do:
Job 37:14 "Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders."
Isaiah 1:16 "Stop doing wrong."
Amos 7:5 "Then I cried out, "Sovereign LORD, I beg you, stop!"
Luke 8:52 "Stop wailing," Jesus said.
John 5:14 "Stop sinning ...

As a leader learning from mistakes is the key to success...and I have made a ton of mistakes!! These are not in any order, but definite no no's for the remaining days of my life and ministry:

10) Ask my wife when we are arguing "Have you had your time with God today?".

9) Believe ministry success is found by the size of your congregation.

8 ) Miss a date night with Cindy!

7) ...

I believe that endurance is a lost character quality in our world. Endurance is crashing through the breaking points! When we breakthrough God's glory shines through...when we give up God's glory is put up! What is God calling you to endure? A frustrating relationship, tough job, financial struggle, diet and exercise, a wayward child or maybe just spiritual discipline. Here is what God says about endurance:

Romans 15:4
For everything ...