
“I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.”
A.W. Tozer
Brad Daugherty, Senior Columnist
Brad serves as the COO of Replicate Ministries, a coaching and consulting organization with a mission to empower churches to activate their unique disciple-making movement. Prior to Replicate, he has held various roles within the church, from Worship Pastor to Executive Pastor, and loves serving the local church by helping pastors and leaders discover ways to do ministry differently. Brad has coached and consulted leaders from both large and small churches, equipping them to grow sustainably through discipleship tools and strategies. Brad Lives in East Texas with his wife Stephanie, and four kids, James, Henry, Eleanor, and Andrew. He loves serving at his local church, New Beginnings, where he is on the worship team, and serves on the lead team in an advisory role.
The Senate recently unanimously passed two resolutions that echo Christian values of justice, compassion, and the importance of remembering God’s work in history.
For many churches, budgeting is often treated as a financial exercise—a process of managing income and expenses to keep the lights on and the ministry running. While this is important, it falls short of the higher calling of stewardship.
In the realm of church leadership, success is often defined by spiritual depth, theological knowledge, and administrative competence. While these qualities are undoubtedly important, one often overlooked but equally vital attribute is emotional intelligence.
Church leaders today must balance the spiritual care of their congregation with the practical demands of ministry, navigating the tension between shepherding and strategy. When integrated thoughtfully, these roles complement each other, creating a ministry that is both relational and purposeful, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Christ.
Hidden seasons may feel quiet and stagnant, but they are often where God does His most transformative work—strengthening our roots and deepening our faith. Just as a vine develops unseen roots before bearing fruit, these times prepare us for the growth and purpose God has planned.
Generosity reflects the very heart of God and is central to the Christian faith, shaping not just financial habits but hearts and discipleship. By teaching, modeling, and celebrating generosity, church leaders can inspire a culture that mirrors the selflessness of Christ and transforms lives for God’s glory.
Church growth is exciting, but without strategic planning, it can quickly spiral into chaos. By prioritizing vision, sustainability, and alignment with their mission, churches can navigate growth effectively and avoid pitfalls like burnout, mission drift, and reactive decision-making, all while staying rooted in God’s purpose.
The First Amendment and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protect your right to express faith-based greetings like "Merry Christmas" and accommodate religious practices at work, ensuring the joy of the season can be shared confidently and respectfully.
Church leadership often involves balancing vision with patience, moving people toward change at a pace they can handle. Navigating the four stages of change—designing, communicating, implementing, and adopting—requires strategic pauses, relational wisdom, and a commitment to lead with people in mind.
In many churches today, the temptation to focus on programs can overshadow the deeper purpose of disciple-making, leading to a disconnect between leaders and the people they serve. Shifting from a program-centric approach to prioritizing personal connections fosters transformative relationships that encourage spiritual growth and community engagement.
In ministry, it’s easy to confuse our calling with our vocation, seeing them as one and the same. But calling goes beyond the duties we perform; it’s rooted in our relationship with Christ and our identity in Him. When we prioritize abiding in Christ, our work becomes an overflow of that connection, enriching our lives and our ministries with genuine purpose and balance.
As pastors and church leaders, our tendency to cling to control can hinder discipleship by preventing others from growing into their own ministry roles. True delegation—like Jesus modeled—means empowering others through guidance and support, fostering a sustainable church that can carry the mission forward for generations.
Explore the vital role of discipleship in the church. Too often, discipleship is treated as just another ministry option, but it is actually the core mission of the church. A disciple-making church goes beyond hosting events, focusing instead on transforming lives by equipping believers to engage deeply with Scripture, build authentic relationships, and live missionally. Discipleship isn’t a Sunday-only activity—it’s a seven-day calling. At Replicate, we help churches shift their focus from managing programs to fulfilling Jesus’ command to make disciples.
Fostering unity in churches and non-profits requires servant leadership and celebrating team successes. Leaders who prioritize service and acknowledge team achievements create a culture of care, strengthening the collective commitment to the organization's mission.
Transitioning from business to church or non-profit work highlights the challenge of balancing measurable outcomes with less quantifiable goals like spiritual growth. Unity in these environments comes from a shared mission of making a positive impact, reinforced by clear communication and collaboration.
A worship pastor serves by guiding the congregation in worship through music, prayers, and Scripture, ensuring the service aligns with the gospel message. Their role extends beyond leading songs, as they foster spiritual connection and help create an environment for encountering God.
A worship pastor's role goes far beyond leading music; it involves shaping theology through song and shepherding the congregation into deeper worship. By selecting songs rooted in sound doctrine and caring for their team spiritually, worship pastors play a critical role in both the musical and pastoral life of the church.
At its core, the Executive Pastor’s role is not just about managing tasks but leading people, both spiritually and practically…
While new buildings can address practical needs, they cannot fix a church’s vision problem. A clear, compelling mission must be the foundation of any building project, as facilities alone won't sustain growth or solve deeper issues.
Churches must understand legal protections like RLUIPA to continue their charitable work without interference. This law safeguards religious institutions from discriminatory land-use regulations, ensuring they can serve communities freely, while also protecting the rights of the institutionalized.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated with recent cross-border attacks, adding to the challenges Israel faces. While the focus remains on Israel's conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah's actions highlight the broader threat in the region. Despite the ongoing conflict, we are reminded to persist in faith and prayer, trusting in God's ultimate promise of peace (Rev. 21:4).
Students in public schools have the right to pray, express religious beliefs, and wear religious symbols, while schools must ensure equal access and provide accommodations for religious practices. Teachers remain neutral during school hours but can express personal beliefs outside of work.