How can we handle mean words and hostile criticism from the people we are called to lead and do so with grace? Here are 7 thoughts that may help you navigate this difficult and unwelcome rough patch in the leadership trail.

How do I balance fruitfulness and the health of myself and my team during the hectic Christmas season? This year, prepare for Christmas and the team helping you. Begin with the end in mind that will make this Christmas your most fruitful ever without burning out your team or congregation.

Why is prayer essential for the life and health of a local church? If prayer is de-emphasized, the heartbeat of the church slows to a critical level and eventually stops altogether. If a local church is to remain a vital, life-giving entity, it must have a healthy heart.

Prayer is the engine that drives everything we do as ministers of the gospel. Nothing significant in the kingdom of heaven will happen unless it's preceded by prayer. When we pray, our hearts and minds align with our Heavenly Father's will.

Why is working with a team in vision development so important? We know that pastors seeking to do God’s will don’t want a simplistic, formulaic plan that requires no spiritual fervour or biblical depth. You want to see God do something only He can do.

Who are the young pastors that need to apply for the next YL Accelerator? Young Leaders Accelerator is one of the great ways we partner with churches to develop our young pastors. Year two is in the books, and here are a few of the highlights from this past year.

What sacrifices will you make to maximize your legacy? Sure, most of us are on board with the idea of mentoring. But we would be wise to count the cost. We need to be willing to sacrifice our ego to see others succeed. It's worth it every time. In fact, your legacy depends on it.

What habits should I develop to be a good team builder? There are no problems we cannot solve together and very few that we can solve by ourselves. The truth is that teamwork is at the heart of great ministry.

What about taking a different approach or changing our perspective by looking at "Family Services" as an opportunity for intergenerational experiences? Here are some ideas for good practices in family services.

What happens when a church goes from plateauing or declining to growing by reaching lost people? Every church that is growing needs to be thinking about multiplying. This is how we quadruple our impact. A church that grows needs to be multiplying in three ways.

How can I grow my organization when there are limited resources? "Scaling up" is a way to break through limitations to growth within your organization. In this article, we show you that it's possible to think outside the box and creatively use the resources you already have to help propel you forward.

How can I overcome my tendency to react defensively to disagreement or criticism? This tendency is a learned behaviour and can be detrimental to a leader's life.

What metrics are you using? Tracking the right metrics in the church will help you make the right course corrections and seek the right help as you move forward. 

Connie Jakab talks about being a brave leader but has noticed people who usually don’t see themselves as leaders: people like parents (even though you’re only raising the next generation), teachers (who only have influenced everyone you see today), and entrepreneurs (who bring new ideas to solve problems and lead change in our world). Here’s how she moved past fear.

What changes are you planning in the future? Don’t stay where you are. Keep moving forward. Make sure that as you change, you navigate through some of these challenges in a healthy way. Whenever we implement change, we can either underestimate or overestimate how complicated it can be.

I'm feeling overwhelmed by challenges. Where can I turn for help? Every pastor faces three challenges. Each one is big. Sometimes, all three will gang up on you on the same day. The nature of your ministry will be changed in these crucial moments, and you can ensure the changes are for the best.

Why would a church create a preteen ministry instead of combining this age group with kids or youth? Tweens are at a unique time in their lives when they need critical investment. It is a time when they make many life decisions and form their values.

How do I best disciple the people around me? Team leadership is the best leadership.