In working over 4,000 Pastors through Church Strategies I hear the stories of church finances that bottom out during the summer months to the point where Pastors are forced to make hard decisions that impact ministry and families. As we enter the Summer in just a couple of weeks, I wanted to share 2 ways you can navigate the summer giving slump and maybe even see a bump in giving over the summer (Yes, that actually happens). #1 – Inspire new giving – this best way we’re done this at Calvary is through the Tithe Challenge. When people hear God’s … Read More

– Amazing day at Calvary! All I can say is wow! – 2 packed services and tons of families taking Mother’s Day portraits. – I taught Romans 2. The message was entitled, “God is parenting us” – A lot of people said it was an emotional service. – I talked about my daughter being sick in January. It was hard to write and even harder to share. – It will be on the podcast if you want to hear it. – But I talked to so many people afterwards who were ministered to by it – It was a reminder … Read More

Historically, churches usually break out their best Proverbs 31 message on Mother’s Day and moms leave feeling inadequate for the task of being a mom. Over the years I’ve taken a different approach. Instead of focusing on moms on Mother’s Day, I focus on talking about family. Why? Mother’s Day is the one day that mom can get even the most hardened unbeliever to come to church, simply because she says, “All I want for Mother’s Day is for my whole family to go to church together.” So to only preach to mom is a wasted opportunity to reach the … Read More

With Mother’s Day this weekend, I thought I’d share a couple of FREE resources that I believe will help you as you reach out… 1. Start Here – I wrote a book that we give away to those who make the decision to follow Jesus at Calvary. I’m giving away a pdf copy of the book. Click here to request a free copy. 2. 5 Steps to Making Facebook your greatest Evangelist – There’s still time to use Facebook ads to invite your community to your Mother’s Day services. Click here to request a Special Report I wrote called, “5 … Read More

I make no apologies that I believe Mother’s Day is the 2nd best day (only after Easter) of the year to reach people. Historically, it’s been the 2nd highest attended service of the year at Calvary and also our 2nd highest day of people making decisions for Jesus. Here’s a couple of tips for making Mother’s Day big: Mobilize your congregation Use Facebook to get the word out Do free Mother’s day portraits for families Use direct mail to your list (those that are connected to your church in some way Email your list and remind them This can be … Read More

Most churches experienced lower attended services the Sunday after Easter. Some Pastors will get depressed. Those of us who understand the tides, know that the weekend after a huge Sunday that attendance usually dips a bit. Here’s the thing: don’t stop reaching out to those who showed up on Easter. Many of them will return on Mother’s Day if you invite them. I know many churches added those newcomers to their database and they’ll get the weekly emails about the upcoming weekend. But here’s my recommendation to you: invite those first time guests specifically to attend on Mother’s Day. Here’s … Read More

As you’re doing your Easter follow up, consider the following: 1. No matter what you do, the Sunday after Easter is going to be less attended than Easter. Don’t sweat it. Just accept it and move on. 2. It’s never too soon to invite your Easter guests to come back. Mail and email everyone who attended that you’re hoping to see them back next week. 3. Mother’s Day is a great Sunday to invite everyone back. Do something special and Mother’s Day can be a great bounce back Sunday for many of your Easter guests. (FYI – Mother’s Day has … Read More

So it’s back to reality… Easter is over, but the hard work is just beginning. Now is the time to start the follow up process of those who took next steps in your Easter services yesterday. Here’s my advice to you: don’t do anything else until all of your Easter follow up is done. It’s too easy to move on and get busy doing other things and all the while, those who trusted Jesus yesterday are waiting to be follow up on. So… 1. Get that new believer material in the mail 2. Send the emails to those who took … Read More

One of the best days in Calvary’s history today! I was blown away at the response to the Gospel. Over 100 people made a decision to follow Jesus! I love it! Nearly 2,000 attended one of our 3 Easter celebrations. That shattered last year’s Easter record! The band was incredible today. Our host teams were over the top as well Children’s ministry was running better than I’ve ever seen it Every area of ministry was running on all 8 cylinders I felt great about my message. We kicked off a new series called, “Inside Out” as we journey through the … Read More