MinistryPlace Journal
Fresh guidance for small and rural church leaders—clear enough to use this week.
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Church LeadershipMarriage & Family
Premarital counseling is one of the most important things a small church pastor does. Here is how to do it well, even without formal counseling training.
Church LeadershipMarriage & Family
Most small churches have no formal marriage ministry. That does not mean they cannot have one. Here is how to start something real with what you already have.
Bi-Vocational MinistryChurch Leadership
Generic pastor interview questions produce generic answers. These 50 questions are designed specifically for small and rural church pastor searches, organized by category.
Church LeadershipPastor Search & Transition
Most small church pastor searches take 12-18 months. Most search committees expect 3-4 months. That gap is where most searches go wrong. Here is what to actually expect, month by month.
Church LeadershipPastor Search & Transition
Most small churches cannot afford a full-time pastor. That is not a failure. It is a reality that has several workable solutions. Here is how to evaluate your options honestly.
Church LeadershipPastor Search & Transition
Most small churches do almost nothing to onboard a new pastor. They announce his arrival, hand him the keys, and expect him to figure it out. Here is what to do instead.
Church LeadershipPastor Search & Transition
The candidating weekend tells you how someone preaches. The interview tells you whether they will last in your specific context. Here is how to interview for rural fit, not just pastoral competence.
Bi-Vocational MinistryChurch Leadership
Most church profiles fail to attract bi-vocational candidates because they were written for full-time pastors. Here is how to write one that speaks directly to the bi-vocational pastor you are actually looking for.
Children's MinistryChurch Operations
Object lessons work because children learn through their senses. Here are 30 that make abstract Bible concepts concrete, memorable, and connected to real life.
Children's MinistryChurch Operations
Bible crafts are not filler. They are a way for children to engage with Scripture through their hands. Here are 50 ideas organized by age group and Bible story.