Ministry Briefing

05/06/2019

Of the 8 suggestions for gratitude, here are the first 3:
1. Take a moment to identify one positive event each day.
2. Tell someone about the positive event or share it on social media. This can help you savor the moment a little longer.
3. Start a daily gratitude journal. Aim to find little things you're grateful for, such as a good cup of coffee, a pretty sunrise or nice weather.

Reaching out in kindness, mindful breathing and taking time daily to note positive moments and personal strengths are all part of a program that reduces anxiety and depression. But it takes practice.

04/27/2019

"Many of those who argue that human well-being will be harmed also acknowledge that digital tools will continue to enhance various aspects of life. They also note there is no turning back. At the same time, hundreds of them suggested interventions in the coming years they feel could mitigate the problems and emphasize the benefits. Moreover, many of the hopeful respondents also agree that some harm will arise in the future, especially to those who are vulnerable."

Many experts say digital life will continue to expand people’s boundaries and opportunities. Yet nearly a third think that people’s overall well-being will be more harmed than helped in coming years.

04/26/2019

"Technology, which has made our lives incomparably better in numerous ways, now constitutes one of our biggest threats. It threatens not only our physical, but our mental well-being. It forces us to confront some of the most important questions facing the human condition: What is the extent and the depth to which we are willing to allow technology to intrude into our lives? In other words, how pervasive and invasive are we willing to let technology be? Because we can do something, does that mean we ought to do it? Such questions are profoundly ethical and moral, for they force us to confront the basic issue: “Who is to control whom?”

In brief, the supreme challenges facing us are not technical but ethical. "

Technology has made our lives incomparably better but also constitutes one of our biggest threats.

04/26/2019

"Scientific research is starting to suggest that managers need to recognize the effect that being “always on” has on employee stress and overall efficiency."

Expectations of immediate responses to digital communications negatively impact productivity.

04/23/2019

Christine Sine writes: "I am increasingly convinced that rediscovering child-like wonder and the joy of play is essential for our spiritual health. Awe and wonder, imagination and curiosity connect us to the God who is present in every moment and everything in a way that nothing else can. These qualities enrich our contemplative core and expand our horizons to explore new aspects of our world and of our God."

Unless you become like children you cannot enter the kingdom of God. These words in Matthew 18 riveted my attention a couple of years ago and helped change my perspective.

04/22/2019

How to send an email when you've been out of touch for a long time... It's not as hard as you may think:

Yes, it’s awkward, but you should still do it.

04/22/2019

Pocket is an essential app for Ministry Briefing, but these other productivity apps are worth a look as well...

Here are some of our favorite apps to pair with the distraction-blocking power of Freedom for an enhanced and optimized working experience.

04/21/2019

"Self-assessment can help that happen. One researcher compared several thousand pastors, dividing them between those who meet in peer groups to those who don’t. Her report title said it all: “Is the Treatment the Cure?” Bottom line: as the graphic below illustrates, amazing things happened when, as this researcher framed it, “pastoral leaders met regularly with other ministers or pastoral leaders in a small group for continuing education and support.”1"

After your last trip, how many times did you receive a survey asking, “how did we do?” You get asked by your airline, rental car company, ...

04/21/2019

Here are 8 steps to move guests toward becoming members of your community--an especially important topic for the Easter season.

What is the process by which guests transition from unfamiliarity with your church to becoming raving fans? How do they move through those phases, and how are we helping them

04/20/2019

Don't make this policy mistake: “While many churches have written policies covering a wide range of topics, they’re often filed away incoherently in the archives and no one can find them when needed.”

Welcome to Lessons From the Church Boardroom—The Blog , a 40-week journey through the new book, Lessons From the Church Boardroom: 40 Insi...

04/20/2019

An ECFA Report: 7 Ways to Avoid a Financial Train Wreck

04/19/2019

A compelling argument from Rich Burch of Unseminary against running Facebook ads to attract new attendees and what you should do instead...

Your team had done all this work and is ready for the big day: your musicians have held extra practices, your folks in children’s ministry are excited