articles

Just because you lead a small church doesn’t mean you can’t turn it into a winter wonderland spectacular this Christmas season. Take a deep breath – Nathan Drake has a refreshing message that might just change how you approach holiday worship this year. What if the intimate size of your…

Remember when everyone thought mid-size churches were headed for extinction? Well, here’s a surprising twist: these churches aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving in ways that might make megachurches a bit envious. As the landscape of American Christianity shifts, mid-size churches (typically serving 150-300 people) are discovering they have some unexpected advantages…

Christmas brings us together to celebrate Jesus’s birth, and while it might be tempting to shake things up with modern elements in your worship services, there’s something truly special about sticking with classic Christmas hymns. Think about it – when you’ve got grandparents humming along with their grandkids to the…

Leading a small church shouldn’t require pastors to get bogged down with endless emails to write and social media posts to create. So what if you could cut your administrative workload in half while maintaining the personal touch that makes your ministry special? The solution is simple: Artificial Intelligence. This…

Imagine a darkened church gradually coming alive with the warm glow of candlelight, each flame representing the light of Christ in the world. This is the magic of a Christingle service, a beautiful Christmas tradition that combines meaningful symbolism with hands-on participation for people of all ages. At the heart…

Christmas is coming, which means you have your eye on those pieces of gear that can create magical Christmas feelings. Time to ask: to purchase, or not to purchase? From snow machines and LED walls to additional lighting and sound equipment, this article dives deep into the real-world experiences of…

Navigating worship music in multi-church events presents a unique challenge. You want everyone to have a meaningful worship experience, but… how? Kenny Lamm is here to help, offering seven practical strategies for worship leaders who find themselves bridging the gap between traditional hymns and contemporary praise; organ-only and full worship…

While pastors are called to shepherd their flocks with compassion and grace, the reality is that some church leaders can display unexpected moments of harshness or unkindness. What drives this puzzling behavior in those meant to exemplify Christ’s love? Chuck Lawless tackles this sensitive yet crucial topic head-on in his…

‘Tis (almost) the season! As December inches closer, worship leaders often find themselves in a familiar rush – scrambling to put together meaningful Christmas services at the last minute. But what if this year could be different? This comprehensive guide offers a roadmap to thoughtful, well-planned Christmas worship that will…

Ever stared at a blank page on Monday morning, wondering how to craft next Sunday’s worship set? You’re not alone. For worship leaders and pastors alike, the weekly challenge of planning meaningful corporate worship can feel overwhelming. But what if there were strategic ways to bookend your services that could…

Ever wondered why we sing songs about God, not just to Him? It’s a question that cuts to the heart of how we understand corporate worship. In this thought-provoking exploration, dive deep into a common misconception that’s reshaping modern church services – the idea that worship is primarily a private,…

In this episode of the Church Production Podcast, host Joseph Cottle interviews Jody Eldred, a seasoned Hollywood filmmaker with over four decades of experience, who now dedicates his expertise to helping churches elevate their media production. Drawing from his extensive background in directing, cinematography, and editing for major networks, Eldred…

As autumn leaves fall and harvest celebrations approach, our hearts naturally turn toward thanksgiving. For believers, this season offers a special opportunity to direct our gratitude heavenward, recognizing God’s faithful hand in every blessing, from daily bread to eternal salvation. Looking to channel that thankful spirit into powerful moments of…

Are church choirs becoming an endangered species in modern worship? With dwindling membership, competing priorities, and the rise of contemporary praise bands, many congregations are watching their once-vibrant choirs fade into silence. But before you write the obituary for this cherished tradition, there’s compelling evidence that choirs aren’t dying –…