articles

Mark Cole writes that leading successful worship rehearsals requires careful preparation and organization. Creating a conducive rehearsal space with proper lighting, ventilation, acoustics, and equipment is the first step. Additionally, scheduling musicians well in advance and setting clear expectations for attendance is crucial. Selecting the Right Songs for Your Congregation…

Mark Cole writes that clear guidelines and standards are essential for worship teams in any quality organization. He shares the expectations he sets for the worship teams he works with, inspired by Gateway Church’s code of conduct and his own experience. Guidelines for Worship Ministry Worship team members must have…

The CTT staff writes that serving both in-person and online congregations requires volunteer sound techs to deliver great sound mixes week after week. With churches of all sizes now regularly live streaming, there are even more demands placed on technical ministry teams. However, by following a few simple steps, any…

Thom S. Rainer writes that churches with fewer than 250 in average worship attendance, known as “standard churches,” account for an astonishing 92 percent of all churches in the United States. Given their prevalence, it is crucial to understand the important trends and developments that directly impact these congregations. Migration…

Many churches in North America are struggling and in need of revitalization. Chuck Lawless offers hope for these churches through reflecting on truths from the Christmas story. First, darkness does not have the final say. Despite centuries of darkness, Jesus, the light of the world, was born in Bethlehem. God’s…

by David Manner In informal golf, a Mulligan is an extra shot or do-over after a wayward or errant shot. It is a second chance at a better outcome that then doesn’t count against your final score. As ministry novices or aging veterans, we’ve all looked back at certain decisions,…

Thom S. Rainer writes that a decade after his original research on churches that have closed their doors, Church Answers has continued to investigate this pressing issue. While the findings published in his bestselling book, “Autopsy of a Deceased Church,” remain relevant, new insights have emerged in recent years. Five…

Have you ever wondered why music is so inherent in our culture and in cultures around the world? Have you ever wondered why music is so important and can stir up all sorts of emotions and memories? Check out these points on the power and wonder of music. Read the…