Neue | 01 September 2010

Each week, Neue asks a question that is meant to challenge, inspire and encourage today's ministry leaders. Feel free to respond and discuss in the comment section. This week, we want to know:

How well do men and women collaborate within your ministry? Are the roles shared and respected equally? 

Read more...

Neue | 31 August 2010

We talk to Brad Lomenick, Executive Director of Catalyst, about this year's upcoming conference. It's a struggle for ministry and leadership conferences to find ways to both inspire and engage their attendees. But if anybody knows how to put on an event that is both entertaining and poignant, it’s Lomenick. In this interview, he shares his tips for creating opportunities for conversation and community at mass conferences, and how to get lifelong results from a two-day experience. Plus, Neue announces an exciting Catalyst contest! Click to listen now or subscribe at iTunes.

Read more...

Ed Gungor | 31 August 2010

YEARS AGO, WHEN my daughter Elisabeth was little, I was cleaning out a car before trading it in. As I checked under the driver’s seat for any leftover treasure, I noticed a music tape nestled deep underneath. I got on my knees and started reaching for the tape. To my chagrin, I only touched the edge of it, pushing it further under the low-sitting bucket seat.

Undaunted, I pushed my arm deeper into that tiny space. Instead of reaching the prize, my arm was only scratched up further as it tried to traverse the space.

Elisabeth watched me struggle for a minute before she started pulling on my shirt.

Read more...

Neue | 30 August 2010

We are giving away 2 tickets to Catalyst, October 6-8 in Atlanta, GA!

ENTER TO WIN BY FOLLOWING THESE STEPS:

1. TWEET THIS
Just entered to win 2 tickets to the @CatalystLeader Conference from @Neuemag. http://bit.ly/cZOoKi

2. COMMENT BELOW
Comment below and tell us why you should win. Remember to include your Twitter handle.

3. ENTER THE CONTEST BEFORE SEPTEMBER 2 at 5PM EST
We will choose 2 random winners and announce them on the next Neue podcast, September 7!

Read more...

Neue | 25 August 2010

Each week, Neue asks a question that is meant to challenge, inspire and encourage today's ministry leaders. Feel free to respond and discuss in the comment section. This week, we want to know:

Do you learn most from books, speakers, personal experience or some other source? 

Read more...

Dave Browning | 24 August 2010

Deliberate simplicity is counter-intuitive. It contends that “Less is more.” It is not immediately obvious how this can be true. More, after all, is more. How can less be more? But in your ministry and your church, the adage is true ...

Less Ministry ... More Execution

By focusing your energies, you are typically able to bring about better execution. Many churches dabble in so many ministries they are unable to carry any of them out with a level of impact. Resources and attention is diluted. There are so many pans in the fire that none of them are hot.   

Read more...

Neue | 23 August 2010

We talk to Charles Lee, CEO of Ideation and the creator of The Idea Camp. Lee lends insight into the value of branding, especially for ministries and non-profits. When it comes to taking an idea and turning it into an action, Lee is full of practical and creative advice, including properly communicating your concepts and effectively using social media,  The pastor and non-profit pioneer also explains how he finds a balance between pursuing big ideas and staying grounded in faith and family. Click to listen now or subscribe at iTunes.

Read more...

Neue | 18 August 2010

Each week, Neue asks a question that is meant to challenge, inspire and encourage today's ministry leaders. Feel free to respond and discuss in the comment section. This week, we want to know:

How important do you think it is to have a ministry-related education before entering into a full-time ministry position? 

Read more...

Trevor Brisbin | 17 August 2010

For a pastor, receiving a wedding invitation in the mail is a bit like getting the monthly bills. Whether you want them or not, they’re coming. Some summers, it seems as if every weekend is consumed by a Friday night rehearsal and the big event on Saturday. I have grown to love being involved in these weekends. Wedding rehearsals provide a front row seat into the family dynamic. The ceremony is an opportunity to make a church experience engaging for the many guests who would never otherwise be at church. And the reception is always a chance to meet interesting people and prove that
Baptists really shouldn’t dance.

So, that Thursday morning, when my wife and I received yet another wedding invitation, it should have been an occasion for joy, right?

Instead, the invitation sparked something ugly within me. Without warning, one of those hibernating fears somewhere deep within my being awoke.

Read more...

Neue | 16 August 2010

We talk to singer/songwriter Audrey Assad, who has just released her debut album, The House You're Building. The artist recently converted to Catholicism, and talks to us about how her songwriting process has been influenced by this spiritual journey. Though her music has a worshipful tone, she explains what worship really means to her, on and off the stage. The up-and-coming artist also reveals where she finds inspiration, from reading C.S. Lewis books to working out. Click to listen now or subscribe at iTunes.

Read more...