If you haven’t read Stephen Covey’s excellent book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” you’re missing out.  Out of the many helpful things in the book, here’s one I have found most useful:  Covey’s distinction between URGENT things and IMPORTANT things. Urgent things shout at you – flashing lights, ringing phones. Important things will not – maintenance, relationships, planning. Urgent and Important things must be done or things will fall apart immediately. Important,

Every pastor knows that Easter and Christmas are two Sundays that are most likely to attract the unchurched and the de-churched to attend. You probably have given thought to your Easter services already, since we’re just a few weeks away. Between now and Easter you’ll probably brainstorm ideas decorate the Sanctuary rehearse special music or programs recruit prayer warriors pray God does something great But have you built systems to capture what God does?  Or will your guests

There’s a running joke among preachers, where sermons are referred to as “Saturday Night Specials.”  It’s one of those jokes with an element of truth.  Every small church pastor knows the feeling of a busy week of ministry, outside jobs, counseling, maintenance — and an emergency crash sermon prep session on Saturday night.  (Or Sunday morning!) I know the stress & pain in that.  Recently, I’ve had to a few times, with our 6th baby arriving in September. But for some, it’s a