In the summer of 2012, Bryant Wright sensed God was telling him to prepare for his next season of ministry. Wright, the founding pastor of Atlanta’s Johnson Ferry Baptist, had just completed 30 years of ministry leading the church and was preparing for his fourth decade at Johnson Ferry. His new book, “Succession: Preparing Your Ministry for the Next Leader,” shares not only … [Read more...]
Survey: Few pastors say adulterous ministers should face permanent ban from pulpit
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Half of Protestant pastors say their colleagues should step down from the pulpit for a time if they are accused of misconduct. Most say such accusations should be kept in confidence until proven. And few think pastors who commit adultery should be permanently banned from ministry. Those are among the findings of a new telephone … [Read more...]
‘Most dying churches develop me-first mentality’ Rainer writes in new book
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The church was dying and didn’t know it. Attendance was down, the building was mostly empty, and the glory days had long since passed. As a last resort, a church member asked Lifeway Christian Resources president and CEO Thom S. Rainer for some advice. Rainer spent a few weeks studying the church, then recommended a number of … [Read more...]
