Straight Way Ministries

Shut down the bus tours: What older church members should really be doing

So how do you engage older church attendees… say people over age 50? The question’s been around a long time. And, as most church leaders could tell you, it’s a bit of a loaded question. It’s also a question I’m...Read More→

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

How I Learned to Embrace the Stand and Greet Time

I may not know you, but I think one thing is safe to say: You do not have as much natural revulsion as I do toward a stand and greet time during a church service. You don’t feel a greater measure of inward terror when you hear a service leader command, “Stand up and greet a few of the people around you.” I am naturally shy, introverted, and easily intimidated, and can always feel the fear rising when I hear …

The Meaning of Namaste: Greet the World Authentically

The word Namaste literally means “bowing to you”. To say the word, while bowing your head and joining hands, symbolizes humility. Learn five ways to embody Namaste.

8 Concerns That Church Members Seldom Tell Pastors

There are some concerns that are harder to bring up than others. Things like: We're concerned about your marriage.

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

What is United Christian Ministry?

Have you wondered how an elderly person on a small fixed income can pay an electric bill that has increased dramatically? Or how an impoverished family can feed several children breakfasts and lunches on days when there is no school?  Or what happens when food stamps are cut, with insuffici

The Ministry of Asking Questions

Finding Girls Ministry Volunteers

Not everyone is cut out for girls ministry. It can be tempting to give an open invitation to the women in your church in order to find volunteers, especially when you need help, but doing so you ma…

One ministry, many partners

Every life that is transformed will be part of transforming a family, a neighborhood, a community.

How Should Ministry Wives Respond to Criticism?

"Anyone that is leading a pack is just going to receive criticism."

How to Handle Confrontation in Ministry

Confrontation seems to always rear it’s ugly when you least expect it.

Are you suited for Specialized Pastoral Ministry?

LCMS Specialized Pastoral Ministry invites you to explore opportunities to serve in this important area. Information is available to help you evaluate if God is leading you to serve in SPM.

5 training tips for 5 common word ministries

What simple training can boost the effectiveness of common church 'word' ministries?

Trends in Women's Ministry

"When I look at what's happening I find that there's some really positive things that are happening among our churches."

4 Warning Signs for Ministry Failure

Don't let your ministry be derailed by moral failure. Pay attention to these warning signs.

Ten Joy Stealers in Ministry (And How to Get It Back)

What are the joy stealers? Even more importantly, what are pastors and other church staff doing to recapture their joy?

MultiBrief: 5 tips to prevent burnout in ministry

Do you sometimes feel like you live at the church? Do you feel guilty leaving each day knowing there's still more work to be done? If so, you’re not alone. I've worked in ministry and felt the struggle between the work I was dedicated to do for God and my own physical, emotional and spiritual health.

What the Church Misunderstands About Urban Ministry

"We need to come and think about new ways that we are engaging with people in the city."