Navigating change and crisis in ministry can feel as daunting as learning to drive a manual vehicle for the first time—uncertain, shaky, and complex. As leaders, embracing the challenges of transition with encouragement, empathy, and presence helps cultivate resilience and trust within the team. By staying supportive and focusing on forward momentum, we can turn difficult shifts into opportunities for growth and strengthened faith.

"Who's going to carry the boats?" This powerful question, drawn from the grueling training of Navy SEALs, challenges us to embrace leadership, resilience, and divine partnership in the face of hardship. Just as Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls against great opposition, we too must step forward to carry the loads God has called us to bear, trusting in His strength to push beyond our limits. As we face 2025, the question remains—will you carry the boats?

Tracking the right church metrics can transform how you assess ministry impact in 2025. This article explores five essential measurements—Engagement Conversion Rate, Lifetime Ministry Value, Member Referrals, Volunteer Retention, and Donation Engagement—to help churches move beyond attendance numbers and truly understand spiritual growth and community involvement. Learn how to implement a data-driven dashboard to foster deeper connections and long-term ministry success.

Transform your volunteer ministry with a discovery-based approach that focuses on placing individuals in roles aligned with their gifts and passions. Learn how tools like spiritual gifts assessments, StrengthsFinder, and DISC profiles help uncover each volunteer's "sweet spot," resulting in energized teams and sustainable ministry. Discover how this method fosters fulfillment, ownership, and a thriving volunteer culture.

Discover the roadmap to sustainable church growth with insights from Michael Masterson's Ready, Fire, Aim. This blog outlines four growth stages—Foundation, Development, Expansion, and Enterprise—helping churches identify their current stage and take actionable steps for healthy progress. Whether you're leading a small team or a large ministry, these principles will guide you toward maximizing your impact.

Ditch the pressure of rigid resolutions and embrace the transformative power of yearly themes! This grace-filled approach helps you focus on progress over perfection, fostering meaningful growth in your personal and professional life. Reflect, choose a theme, and create a framework that aligns with God's calling—because transformation is a journey, not a checkbox.

Transform your Planning Center database into a community-building powerhouse! Learn how to optimize forms, lists, workflows, and automations to foster deeper connections and streamline engagement. Start building a thriving church community with practical strategies to personalize outreach, celebrate milestones, and support every individual's journey.

Navigating obstacles in work and leadership is crucial for team success. This blog explores how internal and external interferences—like communication gaps or personal insecurities—hinder progress and shares actionable tips for leaders to remove or navigate these challenges. By fostering clarity, empowerment, and supportive environments, leaders can help teams thrive and grow through obstacles.

Discover the latest Planning Center updates that enhance church management and streamline communication. From innovative team chats within the Church Center app to improved event management tools, these features make collaboration easier for staff and volunteers. Learn how these enhancements boost efficiency and support your ministry efforts effectively.

Struggling to find time for church growth and ministry priorities? This blog challenges the common excuse, "We just don't have time," and offers a faith-driven approach to time management. Learn how small, consistent efforts can transform your church's outreach, retention, and community impact by making time for what truly matters in ministry.

Discover Planning Center's newest updates designed to simplify ministry management. Highlights include church-branded emails, enhanced form management, improved privacy for social media integrations, mobile app upgrades, and customizable check-in features. These innovations empower churches with flexibility, security, and user-friendly tools to better serve their communities.

Thanksgiving afternoons, building epic Hot Wheels racetracks, inspire lessons on teamwork and achieving goals. This blog connects childhood memories to the power of SMART goals, providing a clear framework for setting and accomplishing organizational and personal objectives. With actionable tips and a faith-centered approach, it encourages clarity, collaboration, and celebrating milestones along the way.