Church Merger vs. Church Plant: Which Is Right for Your Church?
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Church Leadership
Church leadership. Articles and resources for pastors and lay leaders on leading small and rural churches effectively.
Annual Church Planning Guide for Small Churches
For practical guidance on building community partnerships, see our rural church community partnerships guide. For practical help choosing songs that
Small Church Growth Strategies for Rural Areas: What Actually Works
A MinistryPlace Resource Guide By Brent Lacy Small church growth is one of the most discussed and least understood topics
How to Train Church Volunteers: A Practical Guide for Small Churches (2026)
If your church is planning to honor your pastor, our pastor’s anniversary planning guide has practical ideas for doing it
Crisis Communication for Churches: What to Do When Everything Goes Wrong
Every church will face a crisis. The question is not if, but when , and whether you will be prepared.
The Sponsoring Church Model: A Complete Guide for Small Churches
A MinistryPlace Resource Guide By Brent Lacy Most small churches think of church planting as something large, well-resourced churches do.
How to Assess Your Church’s Health: A Complete Guide for Small Church Leaders
A MinistryPlace Resource Guide By Brent Lacy Most church leaders have a general sense of how their church is doing.
Church Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: A Complete Guide for
If your church is planning to honor your pastor, our pastor’s anniversary planning guide has practical ideas for doing it
Senior Adult Ministry Ideas for Small Churches
Small and rural churches often have a higher percentage of senior members than larger urban churches. This is both a
How to Welcome New Members to Your Church: A Complete Small Church Guide
For a practical framework, see our guide to writing a church membership covenant that sets clear expectations. A MinistryPlace Resource