November 2009 Issue
Measuring ministry effectiveness objectively
Thomas C. Fillinger
How do pastors determine success? How should they?
How do pastors determine success? How should they?Experiencing the power of God
Ben Clausen
David marveled at the vastness of the heavens as he took time to study them (Ps. 8:3, 4).
David marveled at the vastness of the heavens as he took time to study them (Ps. 8:3, 4).Welcoming and retaining your visitors
Drexel C. Rankin
An experienced pastor shares five steps to creating an atmosphere for first-time guests to his church. They'll work in your church too.
An experienced pastor shares five steps to creating an atmosphere for first-time guests to his church. They'll work in your church too.The pastor's guide to resource materials on church history
Michael W. Campbell
Must-have information for the serious student who wishes to research the historical development of the church.
Must-have information for the serious student who wishes to research the historical development of the church.Appreciative inquiry: Lessons from a business model
William Loveless
Examining the assumptions supporting David L. Cooperrider's business model, we can focus on the good rather than the problems and thereby achieve a creative spirituality orientation.
Examining the assumptions supporting David L. Cooperrider's business model, we can focus on the good rather than the problems and thereby achieve a creative spirituality orientation.The pastoral counselor as prophet and priest
Bill Jackson
While not necessarily acting in a mediatory way, pastoral counselors find themselves in a unique position where they can act in both priestly and prophetic roles with church members.
While not necessarily acting in a mediatory way, pastoral counselors find themselves in a unique position where they can act in both priestly and prophetic roles with church members.Creative Celebrations: Involving children in your special services
Karen Holford
What would change if we worked out our worship, mission, and service from the perspective of the children in our congregations? Here are some ideas to start you thinking about involving children in the special events of your church. Churches are in different places along the journey of child inclusiveness, and various cultures find some things unacceptable or have different local meanings for actions and symbols. So, a wide range of ideas has been included, not as prescriptions, but as ideas to stimulate thoughtfulness and creativity.
What would change if we worked out our worship, mission, and service from the perspective of the children in our congregations? Here are some ideas to start you thinking about involving children in the special events of your church. Churches are in different places along the journey of child inclusiveness, and various cultures find some things unacceptable or have different local meanings for actions and symbols. So, a wide range of ideas has been included, not as prescriptions, but as ideas to stimulate thoughtfulness and creativity.Letters to the Editor
Thank you for theSeptember issueThe September issue of Ministryhas a number of very helpfularticles: “Ten Things to Be Learnedin Pastoral Ministry,” “Pastoral Careof Veterans and Their Families,” and“Evangelism’s Big Picture: FromBaptism to Discipleship.”But I particularly…