(With the heart and a desire to live out the content of this blog post, One Voice Ministries and Alive Church have made the decision to provide the One Voice curriculum content free to all churches. This is not a promotion; this is a permanent decision. We would be honored if you and your church took advantage of this resource, and please share it with other pastors and churches that you may know. Create a free account today.) God's abundance is a powerful concept that can transform the way we view the church. It is an attitude of faith, trust, and generosity that allows us to see beyond our own limited resources and tap into God's limitless supply. It means recognizing that the church belongs to God, and He has provided all the resources necessary for its growth and thriving. As churches, we are not in competition with each other; rather, we have been called to bless one another by sharing our gifts, talents, and resources. When we embrace this understanding of abundance, it will unlock new levels of growth within the church as God uses His people to bring about His plans on earth. When we are generous with other churches, it has the power to unlock greater growth both within our own church and in the broader Christian community. Generosity helps build relationships between churches, creating partnerships and unity that can lead to improved access to resources, more effective evangelism, and a more unified Church body. When we have an attitude of abundance, it changes the way we view others in the Church too. Instead of viewing our fellow believers as competitors or adversaries, we regard them as brothers and sisters in Christ. We recognize that ultimately, our goal is to glorify God together by being faithful with His resources. This attitude of abundance also gives us a renewed sense of purpose and mission within the Church; together, we are stewards of His abundant love, grace, mercy, and provision. God's abundance is a mindset that can open our eyes to His great love and provision. It inspires us to be generous with one another, seek unity in the Church, and use our resources faithfully. When we embrace God's abundance, it has the power to unlock a new level of growth in our churches and ministries; this growth will not only bless those around us but also point to the amazing grace and goodness of our God. As we strive to live in the abundance of God, it is important to remember that His resources are available for us all. With this understanding, let us now explore the ways in which we can use these resources to unlock new levels of growth and blessing within our churches and ministries. 1. Understanding God's Abundance God's abundance is a reflection of His character and nature. John 1:16 states, "From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another" (NLT). He is more than generous and wants us to use His resources to benefit His church. God has ultimate authority over every resource in the universe, including money, people, and time. He desires for us to be wise stewards of all that He has entrusted to us so that we can use it to bless others and grow our churches. In Matthew 25:29 Jesus said: "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away." (NLT) God's abundance is not limited; it is inexhaustible. There are no limits or boundaries when it comes to what He can provide for His people. God always has enough for those who trust in Him, whether they feel they have an abundance or a lack of resources. Understanding this truth helps us learn to rely on Him rather than our own strength or abilities. God's abundance encourages unity among churches and ministries. When we remember that everything belongs to God, it becomes clearer that we are not in competition with one another but rather working together for the common good of the world around us. By recognizing God's abundance, we will unlock greater growth potential within our churches and ministries. When people understand that everything is under God's authority, they become more willing to give freely, knowing their efforts will make a difference in the lives around them. This understanding also reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves—we are members of God's kingdom, which encompasses all churches in all nations, cultures, and backgrounds—and motivates us towards greater acts of generosity and selflessness. 2. How the Church Can Benefit from Abundance When the church embraces the abundance mentality of God, it can experience an unprecedented level of growth and prosperity. It can unlock new opportunities for ministry by being willing to use God's resources to reach more people around the world. By recognizing there is always enough for everyone, it encourages members to give generously and serve with a spirit of unity. The abundance mentality helps churches focus on using their resources wisely. When they are not worried about competing for scarce resources, they can instead focus on transforming lives, creating a culture of gratitude within the church which fosters greater joy among its members. Because God promises to provide for us abundantly,"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NLT) We can be grateful knowing He has our best interests at heart and will always take care of us no matter what circumstances we face. This thankful spirit also allows us to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate than us—whether monetary or non-monetary—which allows us to truly embody Jesus’s teaching “To whom much is given, much is expected". The abundance mentality brings so many benefits to the church that are both tangible and intangible. Ultimately, by recognizing His abundant nature, we can create a church that encourages growth, unites hearts together in service, and gives back generously in love. 3. Developing an Attitude of Abundance in the Church The church must first recognize and accept God's abundance if it is to experience its many benefits. To do this, members of the church should form a shared vision for how they want to use and benefit from God's resources. This should include both short-term goals, such as creating better programming or investing in leadership, as well as long-term objectives that will help the church thrive and grow. Developing an attitude of abundance requires more than just words; it requires action. Members of the church should be actively engaged in sharing God’s resources with one another and with those who are less fortunate. This could include taking up regular offerings or financially supporting other churches or ministries. This attitude begins with the leadership deciding that your church wants to be known as a generous church in your community and to other churches. Think of ways that you can be generous with your first-time guest and their friends and neighbors. "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." (2 Corinthians 9:8, NLT) 4. God's Resources for the Entire Church God's resources are intended for the entire Church, and we should use them to support one another. Every church is part of God's Kingdom, and each one has a specific purpose that He has given it. By coming together and sharing resources, we can help churches in need by providing them with whatever they require—whether it be financial assistance, volunteers, or even just encouragement. Recognizing that all churches are interconnected, we can be encouraged to come together as one and serve each other so that no church is left behind. This could entail sending donations to a struggling church or having conversations about how our own churches can better serve the community around them. By working together and sharing resources, every church gains an advantage. It is also important to remember that God's resources are not limited to just physical things like money—He has given us His wisdom, time, and love which are equally as valuable when it comes to supporting the Church. We can use our knowledge to provide guidance and mentorship to help churches grow spiritually; we can take time out of our lives to volunteer in any capacity; and most importantly, by showing love for other churches through our words and actions, we create an atmosphere of unity among all believers. "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ." (Ephesians 1:3, NLT) God has provided abundantly for the Church, and He wants each of His children to have access to these resources, regardless of where they live or what their situation may be. As members of His body on Earth, let us come together as one family and share these blessings so that no church is deprived of what it needs to succeed in spreading His word around the world! 5. Not in Competition but Blessing Each Other God never intended for churches to be in competition with one another; instead, He desires for them to work together and bless each other with His abundance. By coming together and sharing resources, churches are able to help each other grow spiritually and ultimately become stronger as a body of Christ. For instance, churches can take part in mission trips or outreach programs, where they serve as a group, allowing everyone the opportunity to use their unique gifts and talents to make an impact. Churches can also offer support, advice, or even financial assistance when one church is struggling—especially if it is located in a low-income area. By doing this, they demonstrate the power of unity while inspiring others with tangible examples of God's love being shared through His children. By embracing a spirit of abundance within our churches, we will not only be shining the light of God’s truth into our communities but also creating an atmosphere where every single person feels welcomed and loved by fellow believers! "Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3, NLT) 6. Practical Steps to Unlock New Growth Through Abundance Unlocking new growth through abundance in our churches requires more than simply having the right attitude—we must also take practical steps to make it a reality. To begin with, churches should strive to create an environment of shared resources and collaboration that emphasizes unity instead of competition, allowing everyone to be blessed by the wealth of God's resources. "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit." (Ephesians 3:16, NLT) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10, ESV) Ultimately, as believers in God, we must remember His promise of abundance and actively seek ways to share it with our brothers and sisters. By doing so, we will create a Church that is unified and empowered by the riches of God’s love—a place where everyone can thrive! With faith-filled hearts full of gratitude for all He has given us, let us continue to strive toward an even brighter future for every church within the body of Christ.

Children's ministry is an integral part of any church. It is a place where children can learn about God and grow in their faith. But it doesn't have to be boring! There are many ways to transform your children's ministry into an exciting and engaging experience for kids, parents, and volunteers. Here are five strategies to make your children's ministry more vibrant: showing love and care for the kids; being creative without breaking the budget; communicating better with parents; setting a good example through role models; and connecting with other ministries in the church. With these tips, you can create a dynamic environment that will captivate young minds while teaching them valuable lessons about life and faith. 1. Show Love And Care For The Kids Showing love and care for the kids in your children's ministry is a top priority for any church ministry. That seems like a "duh"! And yet we need to be reminded that this is one of the primary reasons for the existence of our kid's ministry. Ensuring the kids are loved is important to ensure they are happy and engaged. You can do this by getting to know each child and listening to them when they have something to say. Make sure all the kids feel included, respected, and valued. You can also create special events that help build relationships between the kids or reward them for their hard work throughout the semester. Letting them know you care about them will help create a positive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. There is more; we have to get creative. 2. Be Creative Without Breaking The Budget Curriculum and attraction are essential concepts regarding children's ministry. The curriculum is the content taught in the classroom - it includes bible stories and lessons, teaching strategies, and activities. Content is important because this leads to transformation alongside the leaders' relational aspect. Therefore, the right content that leads to a lifetime relationship with God through Jesus is imperative. Attraction is about creating an atmosphere that will draw kids to return week after week. This could include creative themes, fun decorations, and special events. Many times church leaders think that content alone will be attractional. The reality is that it takes both. We can't make the mistake of being attractional without ensuring we have a transformational curriculum. And to have a transformational curriculum and not have attractional environments will not get kids in the door. It's not either-or; it's both and. You don't have to break the budget to have creative attractional environments. And you don't have to have a team of creative geniuses. (Although you probably have them sitting in your church and could put a team together.) It's simple and makes sense visually to have a creative environment that always connects with your curriculum. This reinforces learning as well through visual focus. 3. Communicate Better With Parents Parents are the primary and most important people in a child's spiritual journey. As a church, we should have the mindset of partnering with parents who are bringing their kids to church to make disciples. So, communicating with the parents of the kids in your children's ministry is very important. It is important to tell parents about everything happening and how their kids are doing. Parents should also be kept up-to-date on what their kids are learning. For me, we teach with "One Voice," with everyone on the campus learning the same Biblical principle in age-appropriate environments. This helps with communication tremendously because it is built into my message to the adults. Other areas that communication needs to ramp up are special events and activities and how parents can be involved. Don't forget to connect special events and activities with what you teach on a week-to-week basis. Too often, churches do random activities in different areas of ministry that don't move the mission or vision forward. Don't! 4. Set A Good Example Through Role Models An excellent example through role models is essential in any children's ministry. Role models help children understand what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus and have faith in God. They also foster positive attitudes and guide children's behavior by setting an example of being responsible, considerate, and compassionate. Role models are people who influence the lives of children. In a church setting, this could include teachers, youth workers, or active congregation members who firmly commit to their faith. Children need to observe role models exhibiting the values they would like them to emulate. When these values are communicated clearly, it will help set the expectations for appropriate behavior, which can be challenging for some kids to learn independently. One of the ways we do this is by having our Elders pray over our kid's classrooms once a month. As a result, the kids are getting to know the Elders of the church and vice versa. 5. Connect With Other Ministries In The Church Connecting with other ministries in the church is a great way to expand the reach of your children's ministry and grow your impact. By connecting with other ministries, you can potentially share resources, work together to create even better programs, and tap into a more extensive support network. When it comes to connecting with other ministries, start by creating relationships. Introduce yourself or your Children's Ministry team to the leaders of other departments and build bridges between them. Make sure everyone is aware of each other's roles and responsibilities, so there is no confusion when it comes time to collaborate. We must intentionally break down the silos that age tends to cause in the church setting. Because we teach with "One Voice" at our church, we see silos naturally turn to generational connections. You can also build relationships by finding common ground through shared events, projects, or classes. For example, have a joint course for children and adults on learning biblical principles or a collaborative service project for all ages. These events allow people of different ages and backgrounds to work together and show appreciation for each other's strengths. In addition, look for ways to use existing resources within the church rather than having each department go out independently to purchase supplies or create new materials. This saves money and creates a more cohesive atmosphere as everyone works together towards the same goal. For example, I often use an illustration the kids use in their teaching as a sermon illustration in my message to the adults. Since we are all on the same topic, this is an easy fit for me. And when I do, it builds incredible unity throughout the entire church. By taking steps to connect with other ministries in your church, you can make sure that everyone is working together towards achieving greater things – both in terms of short-term goals like event planning and long-term goals like spiritual growth amongst all congregation members. Resulting In Transformation Ultimately, transforming your children's ministry is about creating a culture of trust and understanding. By showing kids that they are loved and cared for, being creative without having to have a big budget, communicating better with their parents, setting good examples through role models, and connecting with other ministries in the church - you can create an environment where all members of your church, regardless of age, feel welcome and valued. In turn, this will foster spiritual growth among children while helping them learn to take ownership of their faith journey and learn valuable lessons from older members within the church. These steps may seem small at first, but when done together will help transform any children's ministry into something much bigger than it was before.

Jesus had a unique approach to leadership, and He was incredibly effective. We know that leadership is a tricky thing. And it always feels like there is a new way to lead or someone has found the key to being the best leader. We all have different ideas of what works or doesn’t with leadership. But Jesus didn't try to control or manipulate people; instead, He showed them love and compassion, and they followed Him willingly. As Pastors and ministry leaders, there is no one we should learn more from than Jesus. There are so many excellent books and articles on leadership. Take time to look at the resources that are available to you and find what works for you. Attend a seminar or workshop. Find a mentor. Continue to grow as a leader. As you do, make sure you constantly compare what you are learning or seeing to Jesus. 4 Leadership Skills To Lead More Like Jesus: 1. Be humble and gentle. We must look to Jesus to learn and begin with humility and gentleness. It can be difficult to lead people with humility and gentleness, especially when we are trying to get things done or when we feel like we are under pressure. But Jesus always showed humility and gentleness, even in opposition. He never lost His temper or became defensive; instead, He always responded with love. He only reacted harshly to the religious leaders adding to God's laws, making it hard for people to obey God. Never with His followers or the lost. When you are leading people, remember always to stay humble and gentle. Don't try to control or manipulate people; instead, let them know that you care about them and want the best for them. Be willing to listen to their ideas and suggestions, and be patient with them. People who respond with love and compassion will be celebrated as great leaders. 2. Always put others before yourself. One of the essential principles of leadership is to always put others before yourself. Jesus was a perfect example of this principle; He always put others first, even to the point of sacrificing His own life. He never acted out of self-interest or tried to benefit Himself at the expense of others. When you're a leader, it's important to remember that your primary goal should be to help others succeed. Therefore, you should always be willing to help others, even if it means making sacrifices. Never try to take credit for the work that others have done; instead, give them the recognition they deserve. And be willing to share the burden with others; don't try to do everything yourself. When you put others first, they will be more likely to follow your lead. 3. Lead with love and compassion. Jesus always led with love and compassion, even when people were difficult or challenging to deal with. This type of leadership creates an environment of trust and respect; people are more likely to follow your lead when they feel you care about them. I love the John Maxwell quote: "People don't care how much you know until they first know how much you care." How true. Jesus' leadership and influence always came from His heart of love and compassion. If you want to lead more like Jesus, start focusing on your heart. Make sure you act from a place of love and compassion, even when things are tough. And remember that it's never too late to change; if you've fallen short in the past, don't be afraid to ask for forgiveness and start fresh. 4. Practice leadership daily. Another essential part of developing your leadership skills is practicing them. You need to be willing to take risks and try new things. Sometimes you'll fail, but that's okay; it's all part of the learning process. You also need to be willing to listen to others and learn from their experiences. Whether you're new to a particular leadership position or you've been thinking about a way to get to the place you really want, being a good leader is essential. Everybody can think of at least one "natural" leader in the office, but how do you become a leader if you're not born with those skills? Let me end with this question: do you have leadership development on your schedule? I don't mean just the occasional leadership conference. I mean, is it a part of your weekly or daily schedule? Do you plan for it? If not, you should prioritize it by getting it on the calendar and letting nothing steal that time. As a Pastor or church leader, you may feel too busy to schedule a time to develop and grow in your leadership. However, if that is where you are in your thinking and scheduling, you probably need to set aside time to do so more than most. The more time you spend developing and growing as a leader, the more time you will have, and the vision of your ministry will move forward at a much greater pace. Taking the time to develop your leadership skills can radically increase the success you experience in all areas of your life. God has done His part by giving you the gift of leadership. Now let's do your part and develop and hone your leadership skills to achieve the vision and goals God has given you and your ministry. You will enjoy being a ministry leader at a much higher leer and enjoy a more satisfying life. And the people you lead will do the same!

As the season of New Year's resolutions approaches, many people are thinking about physical fitness. Whether that means joining a gym, taking up a new sport or activity, or even just committing to an everyday walking routine – fitness is top of mind for many. However, it's just as important to think about mental fitness. Mental fitness encompasses all aspects of our mental health, including emotional regulation and resilience in facing life's challenges. Mental fitness for pastors or any other spiritual leader is essential for ministry. It involves understanding one's limitations and attending to challenging situations without becoming overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. While God gives us all we need through His Spirit, to have the mental health He wants for us we have a part. Much like physical exercise. To be an effective pastor, it's essential to be faithful to all God has given us and continually improve mental fitness to serve our congregations and community better. Self-Reflection One way to focus on mental well-being is through regular self-reflection. Self-reflection is an essential tool for any pastor navigating the challenges of ministry. With the new year comes a fresh start, an excellent opportunity to assess and improve one's mental health. Setting goals allows us to focus on growth areas while being mindful of our limitations and emotional regulation when dealing with difficult situations. Self-reflection helps us better understand our motivations, thought patterns, and beliefs so we can challenge them if needed and allow God to speak to us through conviction. Of course, as followers of Jesus and church leaders, we should do this prayerfully and carefully. Taking time each week – or even every day – to reflect on our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs can help us become aware of any unhealthy patterns or unhelpful attitudes we may have developed. We should also recognize that this practice is about allowing God to keep us healthy mentally as a part of keeping our relationship with Him fresh. He is ultimately making us more effective pastors and church leaders. Goal Setting When goal setting, it is crucial to consider God's plan for our lives and prayerfully plan for the goals He is leading us in. As we do this, we can focus on realistic yet challenging objectives that will help us accomplish all He has for us. It is also helpful to write down our goals to make them concrete and include a timeline for accomplishment or milestones along the way to track progress and measure success. When setting goals, we must be mindful of our limitations and honest about what we can realistically achieve. We should also remain open-minded and flexible when adjusting our plans as needed. Setting goals can initially seem daunting, but with time and practice, we can become more comfortable with goal setting. In addition, setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant/Realistic & Time-Bound) goals can help us narrow our vision while still ensuring they are challenging enough to bring out the best in ourselves. SMART goals clarify what needs to be done and by when; this way, we can stay focused on achieving results without getting overwhelmed with too many tasks simultaneously. Furthermore, these goals help break larger objectives into smaller chunks so that each task becomes manageable and attainable. It's important to remember that God-given goals require a commitment to see them through to completion. With God's Spirit living in us, empowering us every step of the way, we are given the strength needed to see things through even when they seem complicated or overwhelming. By setting realistic yet challenging objectives through prayerful planning, we can see God's plans come to pass. Things that may have seemed impossible before will ultimately make us better pastors who serve our congregation with greater effectiveness! Self-care Self-care is essential for any pastor as they strive to serve God and their congregation. It is necessary to take time out of each day or week to focus on one's mental health and well-being. Self-care can provide balance, grounding, and peace, allowing pastors to serve better in their roles. When taking time for self-care, it is important to focus on activities that help enhance mental clarity, reduce stress levels, and promote overall wellness. As a pastor, one of the main ways I do this is through painting. I love to stand at my easel, paint a landscape painting, and let God refuel me. This is often a time of very close fellowship with me and the Father. For you, it may be exercise, journaling, or other creative expressions. Over the years, in all my relationships with other Pastors, I see this is one area we tend to leave out of our lives. It makes sense because as we have all taken our call seriously to serve God as a Pastor, we are living our lives to serve others as Jesus did. We almost make it a prideful spiritual thing that we don't take time to rest or have a leisure activity that is beneficial to restore our mind and spirit. It can be a spiritual pride that can often lead to burnout. In addition, pastors should cultivate healthy relationships with supportive individuals who can offer emotional support when needed. This could include family members or friends who understand pastors' unique challenges in their ministries. Having someone available to talk through difficult situations or emotional struggles can be invaluable in diffusing stressful environments. Additionally, building relationships with fellow church leaders or peers outside of the church allows pastors to share ideas and support one another throughout their ministries. Live your God-given calling Pastors are some of the busiest people on earth. They often wear many hats and take on various responsibilities, from preaching sermons to counseling parishioners. Therefore, pastors must take time to recharge and rejuvenate. This will help them serve their congregations more effectively. In addition, pastors need to have supportive relationships with individuals who can offer emotional support when needed. By caring for themselves physically and mentally, pastors can better fulfill their God-given callings.

For many people, Christmas is anything but merry. Christmas can be a difficult time for many people. Yes, it can be a time of great joy but also a time of loneliness and sadness. This is especially true for those who don't have a close relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And yet that is why Jesus left Heaven and came to Earth that first Christmas. As Pastors and ministry leaders we all recognize that this is one of the times of the year when we can make a big impact in how we share the good news of Jesus with those who are facing the difficulties of life. Our regular Christmas services are one of the things we tend to do really well. And we need to keep doing those times of worship and celebration. They are so important in the life of the church. One of the things we struggle with is doing an event that will help our church to fellowship and have fun with one another and reach those not attending a Christmas service. Why not reach out to your community this year and invite them to a special Christmas party? A party where everyone is welcome? A party where there's no pressure to buy or give anything? A party for your church and their friends, family, and co-workers? A party where you can connect with new people and still share the full meaning of Christmas in a non-threatening environment? A party that will speak to every age and generation? Yet, I want to make the most of this time of year. Host A great multi-generational Christmas party 1. It brings people together from all walks of life. 2. It encourages family bonding and strengthens relationships. It provides a fun, festive, and non-threatening environment for families to come together and celebrate Christmas. There is no pressure to buy or give anything, and everyone is welcome. This is a great opportunity for your church to reach out to their friends, family, and co-workers in a way that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. It's also a great way for families to connect with each other and strengthen their relationships. 3. It allows different generations to learn from each other. Making sure your event is multigenerational is important, as it will ensure everyone feels welcome. You can do this by having different activities for different age groups or setting up a special area for kids. 4. It gives you a chance to share the full purpose of Christmas with everyone. Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time when we come together to rejoice in the hope that is found in Him. And it is a time when we get to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who may not know Him. What better way to do that than by throwing a Christmas party? A Christmas party is the perfect opportunity to reach out to your community and share the full purpose of Christmas with them. It is a festive and fun environment where everyone is welcome. There is no pressure to buy or give anything, and you can connect with new people while still sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. What could be better than that? You are probably like me, as a Pastor myself, the idea of putting on a Christmas event can feel overwhelming. There's so much to do just keeping up with my regular weekend services and so many details to take care of. As a pastor, you don't have time to plan and execute a Christmas outreach event. And, it can be difficult to find volunteers to help plan and execute a Christmas outreach event. Most people are already busy with their holiday preparations and may not have the time or energy to help out. That's where One Voice's Merry Mania comes in. The team at One Voice Ministries has developed everything we as Pastors need to help us be successful in throwing a party to reach our church and community all the while allowing us to focus on building relationships rather than production. As a Pastor, I am passionate about reaching out to people who might not otherwise celebrate Christmas, especially without expending all of the energy that myself, our volunteers, and staff need to continue being successful on the weekend. One Voice Merry Mania can help you make your Christmas event a success, regardless of your community's age and demographics. Sign up today and download the FREE Merry Mania Event Kit!

As the New Year approaches, many pastors and church leaders are considering the upcoming sermon series for their congregations. One of the most powerful sermons that can be preached is on generosity. Generosity is a spiritual discipline that plays a significant role in our individual and collective growth. Teaching a sermon series on it during the New Year can help foster a spirit of generosity within your church. (Download the first 3 chapters FREE of my book "Lord Of The Fries," a book on living and teaching about generosity.) The Spiritual Wisdom of Generosity Generosity is essential in anyone's spiritual growth as a servant of God. But, unfortunately, we make the mistake of thinking that all God cares about, or all the church cares about, is money. The truth is all that God cares about is our hearts. And money is one of the biggest competitors to God for our hearts. That's why Jesus spoke so much about money; that is why we, as pastors and church leaders, should do the same. But, as we do so, we must speak circumspectly to ensure that we are always focused on the heart and relationship with God and not on raising money. Generosity not only helps individuals to develop spiritually, but it also helps to create an environment of trust and acceptance among members of the congregation. Research has shown that churches with more generous members are more likely to have higher attendance levels and greater financial stability, making them better equipped to reach out to their local communities. In addition, studies have found that people with high levels of generosity tend to live longer, healthier lives due to the stress-relieving effects kindness and giving have on our physical health. Teaching Generosity Through Scripture and Life Stories One way pastors can teach generosity during the New Year is through stories from Scripture. For example, Jesus said in Matthew 5:42: "Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow." This verse shows how important it is for Christians to practice generosity even when they don't get anything in return. It also serves as an example of how we should be generous with our resources—no matter how small or insignificant—to bless others in need. Another effective way of teaching generosity is by looking at stories from your own life. I'm sure most of you can relate to one of my favorites from my life: buying my kid's french fries and taking a few for myself. After all, as their dad, I'm the one who purchased them. I could buy my own, but I want them to have the heart to share with me as their father, who gave them their fries, to begin with. And they should know that I don't need their fries; if I wanted to, I could buy so many fries that I could bury them in fries. I wrote about this in a teaching on generosity in my book called Lord of the Fries (Download your copy of the first 3 chapters FREE). Empower Your Congregation When we teach on generosity, we are living out a part of the great commission of "teach these disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." (Matthew 28:20). Jesus taught us that we are to be like the Father and to give. "For God loved the world so much that He gave..." (John 3:16) and Jesus tell us that we are to "Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back." (Luke 6:30, NLT) You can not disciple someone or a church without discussing generosity in a healthy biblical fashion as Jesus did. Yet, many of us as Pastors don't like talking about it. Teaching generosity during the New Year can serve as an opportunity for you as a Pastor to invite your members into deeper conversations about money management and financial responsibility. By discussing financial stewardship within a spirit of giving openly, pastors can guide biblical principles related to tithing or offering financially sacrificial gifts for charitable causes outside of the church walls. In addition, doing so helps members understand why being generous is beneficial spiritually and practically, too—allowing them access to new opportunities they may not have had before while simultaneously providing others with much-needed support and resources they would otherwise lack access to. Generosity is an essential part of spiritual growth and a crucial element in the life of any church. It is a way to express our love for God and others and an opportunity to be used by Him to bring about change in the lives of those we serve. As Pastors and church leaders, we are responsible for teaching our congregations how generosity can impact their spiritual journey and encourage them to give generously. This article will explore ways pastors and church leaders can help foster generous spirits within their congregations. We'll discuss the power of giving, how it brings us closer to God, why it should be encouraged in churches, and some practical tips on teaching generosity within your church community. A Tool For Spiritual Growth Generosity is a powerful tool to help us grow closer to God in our spiritual journey. By giving generously, we demonstrate our faith in Him and trust Him to provide for us. Generosity is more than just putting money in an offering - it's about changing lives. Generosity always positively affects spiritual growth. Generosity is an essential part of any church community. As pastors and church leaders, we must equip our congregations with practical tips for personally living a life of generosity within their church community and the greater community. As we do, we are helping those in need while deepening their relationship with Christ simultaneously. It is clear from Jesus' teaching that generosity impacts those who receive it and those who give it - directly impacting one's spiritual journey and the overall health of any church community when appropriately practiced. Therefore, as pastors and church leaders dedicated to the cause of Christ, let us always strive to encourage generous living among members so that we can continue fulfilling God's plan. In Christ, Pastor Jeff P.S. I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in helping to equip your congregation for generous living through practical tips and spiritual growth. Check out the all-new sermon series "Lord Of The Fries" to help you make an impact regarding generosity in your church. It's on sale to kick off the New Year!

Many church leaders allow their fears of offending or not doing things people like to dictate their lives, resulting in missed opportunities and unfulfilled vision. There’s no denying that fear can be paralyzing. Whether it’s fear of doing something new and different, fear of rocking the boat, fear of the unknown, or fear of reaching people that you’ve never reached before, that little voice in our head can talk us out of anything. But what if you could learn to overcome your fears and finally start growing your church? If you’re ready to break free from your fears as a leader and start growing your church, try these strategies: 1. Identify and confront your fears. First, identify the things that scare you—for example, doing your weekend services differently. It’s easy to get into a pattern and routine, into the concept of “we’ve never done it that way before.” The results often being that we could still be a church the way it was 50 years ago and no longer culturally relevant. Once you know what your fear is, you can address it. For instance, we are making a big change in how we launch our Christmas series this year, we are doing a big Christmas party called Merry Mania to reach all generations and our community. At first, we thought of doing it as an extra event, but we quickly realized we were only doing that because of the fear of not doing a normal Sunday service. After praying and facing the fear, we are doing our services differently that weekend to reach all generations and the community through one big party while still sharing the Christmas message. 2. Face your fear with innovation. One of the ways that we have dealt with fear at our church is through innovation. The more we live in innovation, the more we grow in how many people we reach and in maturity in our faith. Innovation will often help you and your church conquer fear, yet we struggle to be innovative because of the fear of the unknown. We have to be okay with being uncomfortable and stepping out in faith. This could look like starting a new worship service, doing a big event, or anything that would get us outside of our comfort levels as a church. For us, it has been stepping into using the One Voice model of ministry. This innovative way of speaking to all ages with the same biblical content but at age-appropriate levels radically changed our ministry for the good of reaching people for Christ. When we started to innovate this ministry idea, we were told it was a great idea but that there was no way it could be done. And if it could be done, it wasn't sustainable. Now, 3 years into living in this model, we hear stories of lives being transformed for Jesus every week. As a leader, you may not feel like you are an innovator. And many of us are not. So what do you do? You don't have to personally be an innovator to lead your church in innovation. You can hire staff or develop gifted lay leaders in this area. You can also seek resources and training to help you and your team become more innovative. But whatever you do, don't allow the fear of innovation keep you from doing what God has called you to do. 3. Take small steps continually rather than giant leaps. Start by leading your team and church leaders in small goals that are realistic and achievable. For example, when we began ministry with One Voice, we set out to do 4 series in the first year as a trial to see the results. The results were amazing, so we committed to doing several more teaching series in alignment next year. Then by building on the success of those smaller goals, we could shift to living in alignment for every teaching series. And now we can share those with other churches as well. The giant leap of sharing One Voice with others in the church was not our first small step. That would have been overwhelming. Take small steps and keep taking small steps. Don't allow yourself as a leader or your team and church to ever be complacent, stretch your faith continually. Which leads to the next step. 4. Continue setting goals that challenge you and your church. You’ll be one step closer to conquering your fear with each goal you achieve. Once you have achieved one goal, look to the next goal that God has for you and your church. It's good to celebrate, but you need to challenge a fresh vision on the heels of success and celebration. The danger for us as leaders is that we are tempted to coast once we reach a goal, which is very costly because you can only coast downhill. So, it's important for us and our teams to always have goals and a clear vision of the future God has for you. Fear will set in as soon as you allow yourself and your church or team to coast a little. 5. Lead with intention. Once you’ve overcome your fears, it’s essential to live your life and lead with purpose. What God has called you to do is more important than what others think. When you lead with intention, you’ll be confident in your decisions and better equipped to conquer any fear that comes your way. The key to leading with intention is being clear about your calling and living out of that each day. As a leader, you must be clear about God's calling and ensure that your decisions, actions, and words align with that calling. It's not easy, but it's so worth it. Fear can be a debilitating emotion that prevents you from achieving your goals and living your dreams. But it is possible to overcome fear and start living a more fulfilling life. God did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Take these simple steps and break free of fear!

Although you may find yourself with enough work and family duties as a pastor or church leader, it can be life-changing to occasionally contribute your efforts to something bigger than yourself or your family. Namely, I'm talking about the big church, the capital "C" church. In other words, other congregations besides the one you Pastor. Getting your church and congregation to help other churches will bring new life, vision, and growth. Doing something relevant and helpful for other churches opens your ministry in ways you may have yet to consider. You may think you can barely keep things going and moving forward in your church, let alone help others. Yet, that is precisely the time to lead your church to invest in the life of another church's success and growth. God's universal principle of "sowing and reaping" is at work here. When you are struggling in your ministry, the most important thing you can do is to get into the sowing mode. It would help if you got more seeds in the ground for future harvest. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." (2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV) Ponder these positive benefits of helping (sowing into) other churches. 1. You strengthen your connections to others in God's work when you seek to help. We all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, especially in Kingdom work. The yearning to find fellowship and relationships with our brothers and sisters beyond our church walls will help us do just that. Assisting other churches forges strong bonds within your church and the capital "C" church. Your people need to remember and experience that they are a part of something bigger than your weekly gathering. 2. Giving something of yourself as a church increases your feelings of generosity. God is a God of generosity. As pastors and church leaders, we teach this to our congregations. So, let's lead the way through our leadership of generosity from church to church. Of course, you may be struggling with needs in your church and congregation, and the best thing you can do is get generous as a church. It gets the focus off of ourselves and helps people to walk in faith and trust that God is our provider. We know that experiencing the joy of giving to others is one of the most incredible feelings you'll ever have. It's time to share that joy will your entire church and watch God work! Knowing deep inside that you gave your time or effort to others from a heart of generosity that God has given will help you and your church see what an awesome God we serve. 3. It also feels great when others acknowledge your church is generous. There is no greater joy and honor than to know that you are serving as the Pastor of a generous church. There is no self-gain in this, but rather a very humbling position to know that your people are willing to take on the character trait of God the Father and be ready to give and sacrifice. And the reward of seeing the value you add to the Kingdom of God through other churches that need help or need a boost, the thanks necessary to remain motivated to continue. When you hear another Pastor, another church leader, or another member from another congregation say, "Thanks," and shake your hand or hug you, you'll feel the incredible feeling of knowing that you and your church are a part of Jesus' mission to the world. 4. You discover more about your church and your people when you assist another church. You will probably find that your people are with you more than you imagined and will see and experience a new level of leadership support. You may discover that you have a group of people who need to focus more on a greater vision than themselves. You'll find that others are attracted to a church that sees a bigger picture. Perhaps your church will have a sense of new life when you begin to see the struggles and ministries of other churches who are in a different situation than your own. 5. You and your people will grow. You grow most when you help others succeed. This is true spiritually, emotionally, and numerically. Why? Sowing and reaping! It is the basis of making a disciple. You may need to be one step ahead of another to add value to them. Your church is at least one step ahead of another church in your community that could use some help. And what's in it for you? Growth in every way. (One of the fears that many of us as pastors struggle with in doing this is "what if our people decide to go and attend the church you are helping?" They might. Remember though they, we are shepherds of His flock, and He can and will move His sheep whenever and wherever He wants. I have to tell you I have had this happen. Some quality volunteer leaders move on to be a part of the leadership team of a church we serve. They have become a bridge for our church to continue helping other churches. We are viewed as a church that is generous not only with money and things but with our most important assets – people. God's plan to multiply is at work, and the more we have seen this happen, the more we live in God's blessings.) 6. It's a way to show God gratitude for everything you and your church are thankful for. Most pastors and churches have experienced one or two rough spots in our lives and ministries when we needed help or guidance. Think of how much someone's assistance helped you in the past. You have the opportunity to pay it forward by serving others. Consider these ideas to get started helping other churches: Ask your congregation if they know of friends who attend another church in need. Doing this as part of a series or teaching on stewardship or generosity is powerful. (Lord of the Fries series link here) Find a church in the area that may have an older congregation and offer to do a work day at their church to help them. Make a special Christmas or Valentine's dinner to honor other pastors and church leaders you invite. (Your people can do the meal and serve and thank these usually unappreciated leaders for all they do to move the Kingdom forward day in and day out.) Send a volunteer team to help support the ministry of another church. Often there are smaller churches that need worship leaders or someone to fill in for the Pastor to have a weekend off or even to serve in children or youth ministry until they can get folks recruited and trained. This is big picture vision, and your people will be attracted to serving on this level. This happens now in our church, where I often don't know or hear about it until after another Pastor thanks me. It's just becoming more and more of our DNA. Share your sermon content or original small group content etc., with others. Funny to say that it is original; after all, we are just a cover band for Jesus. We are simply teaching His content. (Or at least we should be.) All the work we put into a sermon series could go well beyond your walls with other pastors who may be bi-vocational and not have the sermon prep time you have. Or they may need to be spending more time on leadership and shepherding. (At One Voice, I am always looking for Pastors that want to be a part of creating sermon content as a team with other Pastors that can then be turned into a One Voice series for churches. Contact me a contact@teachonevoice.com if you are interested) Listen and look for the physical or financial needs of other churches. Get the word out to your congregation to do the same. Often the needs of another church can be met by your church and celebrated. When you upgrade any equipment or facilities, look for others who need the equipment you upgraded from. You can help others churches in life-enhancing ways for them and life-enriching for you and your church! You might be surprised by how God will use your congregation to be an answer to prayer for others. And the more you do this, the more you and your church will walk in a new level of faith and trust in God as The leader and Sustainer of your church. Check out your local organizations and decide where and how you'd like to be of service. And yep, we are here to help and serve the church. So if y are struggling to provide curriculum for your Adults, kids, or youth and can't afford it, let me know. At One Voice, we are with you and are here for your success!

What qualities do you think a good Church leader should have? You would probably expect them to be powerful, charismatic, and decisive. However, you might overlook the value of being funny. You may already think this blog is nonspiritual; read on. Jesus had many moments of humor that we quickly overlook while sermonizing. Look at Mark 6:48-49 when Jesus is walking on water: “He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost.” We quickly go past “He intended to go past them”. Right about now, some are getting out their commentaries. See what I mean? We quickly come up with 4 or 5 different deep spiritual meanings. What if Jesus was having a little fun? Take it for what it says, and have a little fun with your congregation when you teach it. Research shows that humor has many benefits. Those benefits include bringing people closer, reducing stress, and increasing productivity. Does anyone want a closer church? A less stressful church? A more productive congregation? The truth is most church people need a little cheering up. While the average four-year-old laughs about 300 times a day, they're down to three chuckles by the time they turn 40. On the other hand, there are limits. You know you’ve gone too far if you make someone cry or choose Michael Scott as your role model. Influential leaders know how to use humor to their advantage. Join their ranks by studying these tips for remaining professional while you tap into your funny side. Jesus was great at this. We often overlook His hyperbole that was relevant in His culture. Look at this moment in Matthew 7: “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?” This was one of those moments where I could picture the disciples who were listening rolling on the ground. “Oh Jesus, you are so funny!” Don’t believe me? Illustrate it in one of your messages. I have. I used an 8-foot 2x4’ and held it up to my eye. The congregation couldn’t help but laugh at how absurd it looked and very clearly got Jesus’ point at how ridiculous we look when we do this in our judging of others. And then…in the middle of the laughing, you hit them with the truth. I love to give my most challenging points and teach around moments of the greatest laughter. Look at Jesus’ following words after giving this hyperbolic statement: “Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye” (Matthew 7:5, NLT). If you call someone a hypocrite, it works best by setting it up with a bit of humor! The Benefits of Leading with Humor: Enhance your leadership skills. Laughter can be profitable because it triggers brain chemicals that help you to concentrate and think creatively. A study by the University of Warwick found that introducing comedy into the workday increased productivity by 12%. Want to be more productive in ministry? Or how about helping your staff be more productive? Have fun! Boost your reputation as a leader. Other research has found that leaders who use humor are viewed as more competent and credible and receive higher ratings from their subordinates. Lightening up could help you stand out. Your people love being with those who brighten up their world. After all, we are all about the “Good News”! Reduce stress. Heavy workloads are one of the significant reasons job stress has increased steadily in recent decades. Having opportunities to relax makes it easier to accomplish more. I find ministry to be fun. Yes, it is hard and heartbreaking, and painful at times. But I’m having fun being about the Father’s business. The good and the joy in it all keep the stress level low. Strengthen relationships. Humor is often a social activity. You learn things about your coworkers that may not be listed on their resumes, and you create happy memories that deepen your bonds. We need people in our lives so that we can have fun. As a Pastor or ministry leader, work on and focus on being one of those others look to for a good time. It will strengthen and build relationships. Protect your health. There are also many benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing. For example, humor can help relieve pain, boost your immune system, and lessen depression and anxiety. It’s just a medical fact. It’s one of the reasons vacations and times of being unplugged are so important. Schedule times in each day like you schedule your vacations to have fun. Get with your staff and make them all tell a joke. Develop a culture where they can’t wait to tell you a funny story that happened to them. Lead the way. Tips for Using Humor in Your Sermon: Stay safe. Many stand-up comedians try to be controversial, but you must watch out for your job security and reputation as a Pastor. Steer clear of sensitive topics that offend people. I often say I don’t mind offending people with the gospel if they find it offensive. I don’t need to offend with humor. Pace yourself. Surprise your congregation with a witty remark now and then. If you joke around throughout the entire message, it will be difficult for them to take you seriously when they need to. And make the most of a humorous moment. I often hit people with the hardest Biblical truths after a moment of laughter. That is when they are most open. So, yes, I work on planning that in my teaching. Consider your church culture. Every church and every congregation has its own culture. Please pay attention to how the congregation reacts to gauge whether you’re amusing or offending them. If people think you shouldn’t have fun at church, they probably won’t attend the church I pastor. It’s a part of our culture. As the leader, you are the one who leads the way in setting your church culture. Liven up meetings. The joke for church “board” meetings is often that they are “bored” meetings. Make your meetings more memorable by setting your presentations to music or throwing in a few pop culture references. We always laugh in our meetings, even when dealing with a series of decisions. We say, “While we take God and what we do very seriously, we never take ourselves seriously.” This helps us as a team have fun together. Share content. You can send your team entertaining video clips and news stories, even on busy days. Searching for content about penguins and cheese rolling takes a few minutes. Is it spiritual? It’s relational, and relational is spiritual. This is good to share on your social media for the church body. Let them get to know you by sharing what you consider funny. They will feel they are getting to know you better as a leader. Tell stories. Humor can be especially meaningful when you tie it into an appropriate narrative. Strengthen your connection by revealing something about your personal life. Find a case study that backs up your point. Especially in your sermons, tell stories. Jesus did: “Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry, he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them” (Mark 4:33–34, NLT). Play games. Make office tasks more like your favorite video game by awarding points and rewards for submitting your timesheets when they’re due. Keep a jigsaw puzzle in the break room for anyone to work on while passing through for a cup of coffee. You will keep good staff members longer when they have fun in ministry with you and the rest of the team. Your church needs to see that you and the staff have fun together. Stage events. Encourage friendly competition with your own office Olympics. Host a movie night with popcorn and retro candy. As you plan many other things in your ministry schedule, plan fun for the staff and leadership team. They will thank you for this. As a leader, you can make your team and your church laugh without getting into trouble or offending people. Who knows, it could be a part of the secret sauce for attracting people to your church. After all, most people think you can’t have fun in church, let alone have fun when you are a Christian. Nothing could be further from the truth! Shouldn’t we, as Christians, have the most fun in this life? After all, we are free, we know we are forgiven, and we know where we go when we get to the end of life. We have a lot to celebrate and be joyful about!

With Labor Day being this last Monday, we are going to reflect on the importance of our work, namely our ministries, and how it can impact our spiritual lives. Many pastors and church leaders may struggle with balancing their work and personal lives, but there are ways to integrate the two seamlessly and overcome daily challenges. Let's explore some helpful suggestions for work-life integration in the ministry context. Guiding Principles 1. Make your own decisions. As a pastor or church ministry leader, it's important to prioritize the fulfillment of your calling and productivity when making decisions based on your values and needs. Avoid assuming that you are simply there to please others. Remember that ministry-life integration is not about following others' lead but defining what works for you and your congregation. Keep in mind that any decisions you make must also be beneficial to your church. If they're not, it might be time to consider other options. 2. Consider your boundaries. Establish clear boundaries between your ministry and personal time to avoid burnout and stress. Communicate with your congregation or leadership team to find a comfortable balance that allows you to recharge and be fully present for your ministry duties. Taking care of yourself will ultimately benefit your congregation as well. 3. Think long-term. Prioritize your physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being for the long haul. Remember to allocate time for your loved ones, hobbies, and interests as they contribute to your overall wellness and prevent burnout. By taking care of yourself, you also honor God and serve your congregation more effectively. 4. Update your plans. Having a general plan for your ministry is important, but remain flexible as change is inevitable. Adapt to new environments and responsibilities to achieve success without sacrificing your personal life or the needs of your congregation. Check in occasionally to ensure you're on the right path and fulfilling your calling to serve others. 5. Give yourself credit. Remember to celebrate your milestones. It's easy to feel guilty about ministry and forget to be kind to yourself. Take time to acknowledge the small wins and give yourself credit for the progress you make. Different seasons of ministry may require different work needs, so be mindful of balancing your time with family and ministry duties. For example, when my children were growing up, I had to make sure I spent time with them. As a pastor, you may need to prioritize time with your congregation during certain seasons, but remember also to prioritize self-care and rest. 6. Remain flexible. Flexibility is crucial in balancing your ministry life and personal life. Consider ways to incorporate flexibility into your church and ministry practices or seek out opportunities that offer the flexibility you require. While it's not your congregation's responsibility to provide this flexibility, it's your responsibility as a leader in ministry to create the culture. It's important to keep in mind that financial limitations may factor into your decision-making process. Time Management Balancing our ministry and personal lives can be a challenge. However, with effective time management, we can ensure that we are completing tasks efficiently while also making time for personal pursuits and relaxation. This is key to achieving successful work-life integration. It enriches work-life integration. Time management isn't merely about getting more work done, it's about optimizing our time to engage in activities that enrich our lives. (Hopefully, your ministry is also enriching your life; if not, consider a change.) Proper time management helps us focus on tasks, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. It assists in integrating our ministry and personal lives, ensuring we have time to rest and recharge. Effective time management skills help us take control of our schedules, prioritize tasks, and balance work and personal commitments. Even those of us who aren't naturally organized can benefit from using tools and techniques to stay on track. Remember, the goal of ministry-life integration isn't to work harder but to work smarter. And that begins with mastering time management. So here are some tips that I have found work for me as a Pastor: 1. Be realistic. Establish your top priorities and stick to them. If you're struggling with your to-do list daily, you probably need to cut back on the less critical tasks. 2. Get organized. You can accomplish more when you have solid systems in place. Look for ways to accomplish things more efficiently. A reliable, systematic approach to everything will give you peace of mind. And yes, we are all systematic. Often, we have a terrible system in place. 3. Limit distractions. We all have the same 168 hours in a week. Maybe you lose track of time watching TV or talking on the phone. Reclaim those wasted hours. Working 50 hours a week and sleeping 8 hours a night leaves you almost 9 hours a day for everything else. Consider what you are genuinely and honestly doing with those 9 hours. 4. Schedule downtime. Even just five minutes of relaxation can help you stay calm and focused. Take a walk, meditate, or listen to worship music. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy life! God designed our minds and bodies to need adequate rest, although we often think we need more than He says. He said we are to work 6 days and rest 1. I can't help but wonder if much of our stress is that we have too much downtime and don't use life for the purpose and plans He has given us through our work (Just a thought). Additional Suggestions 1. Recognize individual differences. Everyone approaches their calling and ministry with the gifts, talents, and personality that God has given them. Take the time to discover how your unique strengths and abilities can contribute to a successful ministry and personal life integration. Regardless, it is important to keep learning. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in ministry by participating in online classes, conferences, or workshops. Continuous learning will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for success as a ministry leader. 2. Ask for support. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help. As Pastors and ministry leaders, this is a part of our job (Ephesians 4). Your church may have resources to help you with time management or work-life integration. Talk to your board or Elders about what support they can offer. 3. Reach out to others. Pastors need pastors. Look for ways to provide the same kind of assistance to those around you. Team up with a coworker so you can help one another in ministry and with their churches. 4. Take care of yourself. Keeping yourself fit enables you to contribute at home and in the church. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and stick to a regular sleep schedule. This is about us being faithful stewards to God and our people. A healthy church does its best to help you enjoy your ministry and life. 5. Be yourself in ministry. As much as possible, reveal your authentic self as you lead. It will liberate others to do the same. You'll also be more likely to form true friendships with your people. It's a big job to coordinate all the facets of your life and ministry. It's a responsibility that God has given each of us as individuals and ultimately we answer to Him. Ephesians 6:7 tells us to "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people" (NLT). The key is understanding and integrating our ministry and personal lives. Achieving this doesn't have to be daunting; it can be an enjoyable journey. So take the first step today by incorporating the tips above into your daily routine. You will find that ministry-life integration can be both rewarding and fulfilling!

It's that time again when everyone gets into the Christmas spirit. Carols are sung in the streets, decorations are going up, and everyone seems to be a bit friendlier. Churches often make the same mistakes each holiday season- they hold only peaceful services on Christmas Eve or Christmas day and do nothing else. Some churches don't take advantage of any opportunities at all. When really, the community celebrates Christmas just as much as anyone else, if not more. Your church can quickly become a part of that by hosting a Christmas party that includes your church community and their friends and neighbors. It's a win-win; not only will members be happy but invited friends and community members will come too and have their lives changed because of it. Here are 6 reasons why your church needs to host a multi-generational Christmas party this year. And a simple way to do so with very few volunteers and a small budget - with great potential returns! 1. It's an excellent opportunity to invite friends and neighbors from the community. With so many holiday parties and events geared towards children or adults, finding something everyone can enjoy together can be challenging. But Merry Mania solves this problem by offering a festive and fun event that everyone will love. If you're unfamiliar with Merry Mania, it is a giant party in the weeks leading up to Christmas. A Merry mania party is a party your church can host for your church people and the community as an outreach. It involves a lot of food, music (people want to sing Christmas Carols together at Christmas), and fun. Merry Mania will provide a festive and fun event that everyone in your church will love. 2. A multi-generational Christmas party is a great way to celebrate Christmas Christmas is a time when family and friends get together to celebrate. What better way to celebrate than to have a party that includes everyone? A multi-generational Christmas party is the perfect way to celebrate the season. There should be something for everyone at the party. You are providing an excellent opportunity for people to get to know each other better. A Merry Mania Christmas party is designed to help you and your church do just that. 3. It's a great way to share the Christmas message. One of the great things about a multi-generational Christmas party at your church is that it allows everyone to hear the true Christmas message in full. This is often lost amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. By providing a Merry Mania party, you will be helping people take a step back from the busyness of the season and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. 4. You will provide lasting memories for your church and community. In today's world, it can be easy to get caught up in our lives and forget about the people around us. Your church should provide an opportunity for families of your church to come together and connect, as well as all generations of the church and community. This is important for everyone this time of year, but it can be especially valuable for struggling families. By coming together and celebrating Christmas, your church will provide a way for families to create lasting memories they can cherish for years to come. 5. People will see that your church is where they belong. Christmas is when many people are looking for a place to belong. And what better place to find belonging than in your church? By hosting a party, you will open another connection with other families. This can be difficult to do during Christmas when everyone is busy with their holiday plans. But by hosting a Christmas party at your Church, families will have the opportunity to come together and celebrate Christ's birth. They will also have a chance to connect with other church families, which can be a valuable experience for all involved. A Merry Mania party is an excellent way for families to come together and celebrate Christmas. If your church is looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Christmas this year and provide a place for people to belong, you should consider hosting a Merry Mania event! 6. A Christmas party is a non-threatening way to reach your community. Many people in the world still remember that something is different about Christmas, even if they're not sure what it is. This is your chance to reach out to them and show them what Christmas is really about. Please don’t complain about the world; reach out to it. As people think less about Christianity, Christmas provides a unique opportunity for churches to make an impact. What's surprising is that many churches don't take advantage of this opportunity. This is the one time that your entire community is paying attention. This is the one time of year that everyone in your community is willing to slow down in life and celebrate. You can help them celebrate while at the same time reaching them with the good news of Jesus. This provides an incredible opportunity for you and your church. This is a fantastic way to partner with your church attendees to reach others. Rather than just grieving and focusing on the commercialization of Christmas and how culture disregards Christ at Christmas. You and your church can take advantage of the fact that culture is open to singing and celebrating Jesus' birth and make Christmas a time to connect with you and your ministry. What is Merry Mania? Merry Mania is an event for churches that want a multi-generational Christmas party. There will be fun for all ages, and people will hear the Christmas message in full. They will also sing some of the old familiar and favorite Christmas Carols in a contemporary version. When it comes to Christmas, one of the best things we can do is come together as a community and celebrate. Because the church is to be multi-generational, this is the perfect place and time for a Merry Mania party. It allows people of all ages to come together and share the season’s joy. It will enable everyone to get involved. The young, old, families, and singles can participate in the activities, and everyone can enjoy the music and message. This is a great way to bring people together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Merry Mania makes hosting a Christmas party easy by providing all the materials you need, from games to crafts. Plus, it engages all of the senses! It's a great way to celebrate Christmas with families in your community and requires few volunteers. So if you're looking for a fun, festive, and meaningful way to celebrate Christmas, be sure to check out Merry Mania, a party that will help you and your church focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It's sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

When describing teenagers, a popular image gets used a lot: a moody, awkward, and explosive young person. And while there's undoubtedly some truth to that characterization, it's not the whole story. Teens are also incredibly creative, full of energy, and capable of great things. But unfortunately, they don't always get the support they need to tap into their potential. As a result, many teens feel lost and uncertain about their future, but it doesn't have to be this way. Like most adults, they struggle with self-doubt. They think they are not good enough, and the world is against them. After all, they are going through one of the most turbulent periods in their lives, transitioning from childhood to adulthood. All along, parents are going through all of this with them. They often do not know what to do. They hope that they, both their teens and themselves, survive. With no surprise, it seems to be a mess. Parents depend on the church, specifically the youth Pastor or youth leader. The Pastor is doing the same thing by focused on teaching and leading adults. They often forget that what the adults need is help with their teenagers. What do you do? It's Time For a Big shift One of the best ways to help teens is to shift our ministries to partner with parents. Too often, parents are left out of the equation, and that's a mistake. They're the ones who know their kids best and they need to be involved for ministry to be effective. Partnering with parents looks different depending on the ministry. One of the biggest mistakes we make in ministry is that we are asking something more of the parents. We ask them to attend another class at church or another event. Like all of us, as much as we love our kids and want them to succeed and live as followers of Jesus, we are spent, exhausted. So, how do you tackle this problem? We already have everything we need for those who are a part of the church. We need to do some realignment of how we do what we do. Imagine the Outcome Imagine that you are partnering with the parents in your church while they are already at your services. And no, you don't need to move them out of the adult service to a class. Instead, you align the teachings at age-appropriate levels. In other words, the adults are hearing a sermon or message as usual about a Biblical topic and applying it to their lives. At the same time, the teens are learning the same Biblical passage at an age-appropriate level. Now partnership can truly begin. For example, the lead Pastor may mention something to parents as he is preaching, like, "your teens are learning this same thing today; on your way home, be sure an talk about..." Likewise, the youth leader can do the same, "be sure and talk with your parents about this issue on the way home and throughout the week." Always Provide Resources More than likely, you are already providing parental resources in your ministry. If not, it's time to start. Unfortunately, in most churches, we provide resources to parents that require them to go home and do more homework. Something most of us couldn't wait to get out of school to quit doing. By getting in alignment with your teachings, there is no more homework. There are receiving the training they need during the service. And the follow-up resources are a result of both the learning for adults and teens. Communicate, communicate, communicate Communicate with parents regularly. You may be thinking our youth Pastor does that already. That is not what I said. Pastor, lead Pastor, communicate with parents regularly. Get on the same page with the youth Pastor in the communication during services and throughout the week. If you are a lead or senior Pastor, you are the one who is totally and entirely responsible to "teach these new disciples to obey my commands" (Jesus, Matthew 28). Not only is it essential to partner with parents, but with your pastoral staff and volunteer leaders. They represent you and your ministry leadership every time they have a gathering or teaching. With the teaching alignment, you can talk about what you are teaching at a new level. Not only will you be better at communicating with parents and teens, but you will also be better at communicating and working with your team. They will feel part of the vision and mission of the church like they never have in the past. In the same way that parents should not just be handing their teenagers off to the church and hoping the youth group and youth Pastor will make them a disciple, you as a Pastor and church shouldn't either. You are in this together; ultimately, the success or failure of the youth ministry is on you as the leader. Pray for Parents Finally, we need to pray for parents and their kids. They face many and varied challenges and can't do it alone. We need to ask God to help them stay strong in their faith and to guide their kids through the difficult teenage years. Do this publicly and privately. When you have your teachings aligned, at the end of a service, you can pray for the parents then and there. You don't have to have a separate prayer meeting. At that moment, ask those in your congregation that don't have teenagers to commit to praying for parents throughout the week. You will begin to build unity as everyone gets on board with the vision. Looking Back, Looking Ahead Most of us, as adults, look back on our teens years with fond memories, even when going through mood swings, dramatic outbursts, and embarrassing situations. We recall our adolescent years with fondness. But, if we as church leaders take the steps described, we will raise a generation of leaders who don't have to dig to remember teen years with fond memories. Instead, we will raise a generation that values the formative years of becoming adults alongside parents and pastors who cared enough to pour the life of Jesus into them. And, in turn, will be warriors for the teens under their care. P.S. Want to know more about how you can live this out in your church? One Voice Ministries exist to help you. Check out how you can not only do this but get back more time to do and enjoy the ministry God has called you to do: teachonevoice.com