Are you feeling frustrated right now? Maybe it’s just me. This season has been incredibly frustrating to me. I’m tired, and it feels like I’m not winning.   So, what’s causing the frustrations? I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and depending on how you are gifted and wired, this pandemic could be messing with you. It’s definitely messing with me.   Perhaps you’re a visionary leader. You have the gift of planning for the future. This is where we need to go! This is the future! You can get...

Recently, we announced our plan for reopening services. I thought it was a good plan. It seemed to accommodate everyone. It was prayed over, debated, and amended. I thought, “this is a good plan; our people will appreciate this.”   We made a video to communicate the plan. The message was clear, and the tone was right. We posted it to Facebook, and...the comments were a warzone.   Should we reopen or not? Is COVID-19 a threat or a passing virus? Should we wear a mask or not? During this season,...

I’ve been watching a documentary on Disney+ with my family, called Into the Unknown. It’s about the creative process and production behind Disney’s Frozen 2. I find the culture and creative process of Pixar, and now, Disney Animation Studios, incredibly fascinating. There’s a level of iteration, creativity, and humility I respect. I first encountered Pixar’s culture in the book, Creativity, Inc., which I highly recommend. Stay Committed to the Mission As I watched Into the Unknown, I...

Highlights include: 1. New Online Giving Reporting, 2. Simplified Refund Reporting, and 3. Free Text Message Increase. Online Giving Redesign (In Beta) Giving pages have been updated with an all new look and feel, along with more customization options. The new page has also been designed to be more mobile friendly, making it easier for members to give from any device. You now have the option to add a button to your confirmation page, which can be linked back to your church’s homepage or any...

During this pandemic, I’ve been doing everything.  And, I’m sure you have been too.  This season has required so much leadership that I’ve been involved in many decisions that normally don’t require me.  And now, I’m asking the question, “Wait a second...what am I supposed to be doing again?”  It feels like it’s time to refocus on what I’m supposed to be doing—what I’m called to do and not do...well, everything I’m doing. Are you with me?   This week, I heard a leader in my life frame his role...

For the past few months, our churches have experienced significant challenges. Our staff and volunteers have carried the weight of change, stress, and uncertainty. We’ve asked them to pivot and pivot and then pivot again. (I’m starting to think of the word “pivot” as a curse word.)  While I’m proud of how my church has adapted and grown, it has been stressful for our whole team. It’s been an exhausting season filled with uncertainty, and social distancing and remote work has put a strain on...

Many churches have started, or likely will soon be, returning to some form of in-person services. Something we’ve been wrestling with, that perhaps resonates with you is this: How do we provide a hospitable and inviting experience without shaking hands, being close to each other, hugs, trays of cookies, etc. Can it be done? I’ve been learning a lot from our director of hospitality, who has a ton of experience in the field. She describes hospitality this way, “Making people feel at home in your...

Have you ever had one of those, “How did I end up here?” moments? Before smartphones and Google maps, it used to happen to me almost every other day. Sometimes, we experience moments like this in life and ministry. We end up in places saying, “How did I get here? I never wanted to be in this spot.”   I’ve been spending a lot of time in Proverbs lately and, in particular, a story from chapter seven. The narrator of Proverbs gives us a story that sheds light on why we end up in undesired...

We're excited to announce our new referral program! Starting today, when a church or organization you refer to Breeze signs up through your referral link, they’ll receive their first month free and you’ll receive a $50 Amazon gift card! How it works: Copy your personal referral link found in the User Menu of Breeze Send it to the church or organization you’d like to refer When they sign up, they receive their first month free When they reach their first billing cycle (30 days), we’ll email you...

The last few weeks have been shocking and painful for so many. How as churches do we respond to the cultural upheaval? What’s our role? Answers to these questions may differ significantly for every church. In fact, I’m not going to tell you how I think you should respond in these moments. However, I do want to share a few resources that might be helpful as you and your church process how to think and respond amid the racial tension we are experiencing in America.   If you’re wondering what...