The man at the microphone began to sob. "I've got to confess my critical spirit," he said. "For years, I've griped and found fault with everything that went on in this church. The music, the sermon, the attitudes I perceived in others …" He searched for words.

"All this time, I thought the problems in this church were out there," he said, pointing all around him. "God has finally revealed that ...

Topics:	Intercessory prayer, Prayer, Pursuit of God, Renewal, Revivals, Spiritual formation, Spiritual passion
Filters:	Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care, Prayer, Shepherd, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Joel 1:13-14, 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

1. Spiritual growth. The first question for churches to ask is: Are people responding spiritually? Are lives being changed? "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?" (Matt. 5:13).

• In what ways are lives changed when the church is the salt of the earth?

2. Numerical growth. If there is potential, there should be numerical ...

Topics:	Direction, Evaluation, Goals, Measuring ministry, Objectives, Planning, Strategy, Vision
Filters:	Church board, Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Corinthians 11:28
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Click an image or title below to order any of these recommended resources.

Goal Setting for Results
by Gary Ryan Blair
Set the goals that will move you and your church forward. Written by an expert in goal setting and achievement, learn how to set the right goals and then reach them. (The Walk the Talk Company, 2003; ISBN 1885228546)

Topics:	Direction, Evaluation, Goals, Measuring ministry, Objectives, Planning, Strategy, Vision
Filters:	Church board, Church staff, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 11:28-31, 1 Timothy 4:15-16
Date Added:	August 27, 2007