Posts By Stephanie Martin
Stephanie Martin, a freelance writer and editor in Denver, has spent her entire 30-year journalism career in Christian publishing. As senior editor of The Newsletter Newsletter and ChurchArt.com, she helps church administrators with their communication needs. Stephanie also covers current events from religious angles at ChurchLeaders.com. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and recently fulfilled a dream by appearing on Jeopardy! (She came in second.)
The decrease in people who identify as Christians seems to be leveling off, according to new research. That’s good news for pastors and ministry leaders — especially ahead of Easter, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Although Lent just began, you probably have a solid plan in place for Holy Week worship schedules and…
Many pastors and congregants prefer consistency, but adjustments are sometimes needed to accommodate changing circumstances — including changes in worship times. You’re not alone if hearing that topic makes you cringe. Service schedules and worship styles can be a major source of friction in churches. But collaboration, effective communication and prayer can help pastors navigate…
Could your congregation use some renewal in the new year? Do church members and leaders need a fresh spark of resolve? If you’re looking for ways to re-energize your faith community (and yourself!), this is a great time to do it. January is ideal for reflection and new beginnings. In Revelation 21:5 (NRSV), Jesus proclaims…
Working on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is common in many professions. But it’s a given for pastors, who lead and oversee worship services for church members and lots of visitors. With so many church tasks to prepare and manage, pastors might feel like their personal and family celebrations receive short shrift. Advent is a…
Thanksgiving is one of America’s most cherished holidays. For most people, the observance means traveling, family time, turkey and stuffing, pumpkin pie, football, and naps. Gratitude usually fits in somewhere, but giving thanks is often relegated to a brief prayer or blessing before the meal — or gratitude that traffic wasn’t worse. Some churches and…
Every autumn, churches and children’s ministry leaders begin conversations about Halloween and Christian alternatives to secular celebrations. While the broader culture eagerly participates in spooky festivities, pastors and Christian parents often wrestle with how to approach the season in ways that align with their faith. Halloween alternatives for churches let people have fun each fall…
Conversations about candidates and political issues can get heated during an election year. But civic engagement can — and should — remain civil. This is especially true when God’s people gather to worship, study and discuss Bible-based living. Church leadership and Christian congregants will likely have differing views. Political disagreements might even arise. So, during…
As summer wraps up, churches and ministries are busy gearing up for a new programming year. The approaching fall season offers fresh opportunities to re-engage and re-energize church members. It’s an ideal time to welcome new people, recruit volunteers, conduct community outreach and strengthen the church body. Your congregation might already kick off fall with…
Staff departures are inevitable at any organization, including churches. The entire congregation is affected, whether a staffing upheaval is anticipated or unexpected. Pastors and church leaders need to manage HR considerations as well. By navigating staff changes with grace and transparency, ministers can maintain a stable, united and healthy church. What is the best way…
The long-awaited summer months bring warm days, family vacations and — unfortunately — waning church attendance. Is summertime church involvement an oxymoron? A Herculean challenge? It doesn’t have to be. Read on to discover a dozen hot tips for keeping church members engaged all summer long. A Look at Summertime Church Involvement Your church programs…
