Nov 04
A few years ago, Costco redesigned the shape of its milk containers. The spout was larger and the container taller and skinnier, giving it a more cylindrical shape. They told customers the new shape allowed for easier, more efficient stocking and delivery, and was thus cost-effective. They could sell milk cheaper and with a better …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/does-the-milk-get-in-the-bowl/
Feb 27
Every church struggles to get and keep volunteers. In most churches it goes something like this: Announce from the pulpit and run in the bulletin for a couple of weeks with no results. Finally an announcement from an elder or preacher shaming–begging–guilting someone into volunteering for the job gets someone. Yet, the church depends upon …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/shoulder-tapping-the-way-to-get-more-workers/
Sep 17
The interstate system developed during the 1950s is successful because of the ease of getting on and off the road. The highway never stops. It is a constant flow of 65+ mph traffic. Drivers choose when they want on and when they want to get off. We call these entrance and exit ramps to allow …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/getting-on-and-off-the-ministry-highway/
Nov 06
[Note: This is a special guest post from Lance Leavens. Lance is the involvement minister and Deacon with the Piedmont Road Church of Christ in Georgia. He is married to Susan and has four daughters.] Not all decisions carry the same weight or consequences. Some are more important than others. Three years ago I made …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/career-choices-leaving-secular-work-for-ministry/
Mar 20
Do you ever leave a great class feeling worse about yourself than when it began? The speaker didn’t want to communicate this message, but they presented such material that it overwhelms you! Being a preacher, I can feel like this sometimes when I go to a lectureship or conference. The speakers do a good job and …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/dealing-with-information-overload/
May 13
This is a special guest post by my friend Mark Ray. Mark preaches at the Benton Church of Christ in Benton Kentucky. He is the author of a book on marriage I am teaching now and recommend for your use. He also has a web presence at www.markdray.wordpress.com. He has lots of excellent resources on …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-one-church-had-success-with-a-gospel-meeting/
Mar 05
All churches have people leave. But it should break our hearts when people leave. It certainly does the Lord when people leave Him (Luke 15). Yet people don’t have to remain gone! They can come back and we should do everything we can to encourage their return to the body. In order to do this we …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/what-keeps-people-from-coming-back-to-the-church/
Jan 11
Is your church involved in missions? When was the last time you had a Bible class studying missions? At Seven Oaks we didn’t know if we had ever had a class on missions. We are currently having a class open for any to attend on Sunday mornings. It is aimed at those primarily involved in …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/have-a-missions-class/
Jan 07
In 2014, the Seven Oaks Church of Christ did a new benevolent ministry. This ministry proved successful and I wanted to share it with others. The idea is certainly not original to us and has been done by other churches in various forms. We simply asked every individual in attendance Sunday morning to give a …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/every-one-counts-ministry/
Oct 12
The local congregation is wonderful and plays a necessary role in the life of the Christian. The church provides Bible instruction, fellowship, worship, accountability, and overall edification. But sometimes, I think we can leave our discipleship and spiritual growth solely up to the church in our attitude and mindset. Here are some things that you …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/dont-leave-these-up-to-the-church/
