BuildingChurchLeaders.com

Download: Pastoral Visitation

"It is not our words or insights that [suffering people] want most; it is our mere presence," says Philip Yancey in the resource below. It can be surprising what people are looking for when we visit them as pastors or church members. This 25-page resource offers a plethora of helpful do's and don'ts for those tender situations. Whether you're visiting someone who's sick, someone who's going through a rough patch in life, or someone you just want to check in on, these articles can guide you. NOTE: You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies of this resource to be distributed in a church or educational setting.

Download: Corporate Spiritual Disciplines

"Spiritual practices are often thought to be so private and individual that they don’t have anything to do with the church gathered," says Mindy Caliguire in our interview with her. "But we can intentionally show up for God in interpersonal or large-group settings as well. And a church can do a great deal to equip people for the disciplines." This 19-page resource can help you think about where your church is already practicing disciplines corporately, and where you could grow, from things as intangible as an attitude of simplicity to ideas as concrete as a 24-hour prayer vigil. NOTE: You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies of this resource to be distributed in a church or educational setting.

Download: Surviving Information Overload

"Information was once a sought-after and treasured commodity like a fine wine," says Richard Saul Wurman, quoted by Kevin A. Miller in this resource. "Now, it's regarded more like crabgrass, something to be kept at bay." As inundated as we are with information today, it is more important than ever to know what to seek out and what to block out. The articles below—including a fascinating historical survey by Alan Jacobs—offer some helpful perspective on the issue of information overload. They also suggest a number of concrete, practical ways you can address it in your life. NOTE: You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies of this 29-page resource to be distributed in a church or educational setting.

Download: Teaching in Smaller Groups

Teaching looks different in different contexts. Aside from preaching, most of the teaching in a church happens in smaller contexts—Bible study, Sunday school, etc. This 22-page resource is designed to help anyone who teaches a smaller group in the church. We've paired general teaching tips with guidance for leading good discussions. NOTE: You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies of this resource to be distributed in a church or educational setting.

Download: Improving Small-Group Accountability

Many small-group members are frightened by the concept of accountability. The word itself can bring to mind images of stern men and women trying to catch others in their sin.But that kind of accountability is rarely helpful. And it's not needed in small groups. This resource will show you an better way to develop authentic, caring relationships that lead to spiritual maturity and growth.NOTE: You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies of this 22-page resource to be distributed in a church or educational setting.

Article: Why We Do Visitation

Three reasons it is a vital part of ministry.

Article: The Missing Metric

An important way to look at church attendance.

Article: How Do You Take Criticism?

Insights from an old letter.

Article: The Leadership Triangle

Learn how to solve the three kinds of problems your church faces.

Article: Depth Before Breadth

One leader's response to the challenge of information overload.

Subscribe to BuildingChurchLeaders.com

The latest updates to BuildingChurchLeaders.com delivered to your inbox.