When a congregation welcomes a new pastor, it is an exciting time, a new beginning for both the congregation and the new minister. To maximize this new beginning, it is important to prepare spiritually, cognitively and emotionally for a new chapter.

How does sexual abuse effect those who are victimized? How is the impact experienced when one is a child, a teenager and then an adult?

The biggest and most costly mistake church leadership can make related to child sexual abuse is assuming “it can’t happen here.”

The fairy-tale nature of my life (and maybe yours, too) should not be a diversion from the need to acknowledge and respond to stress, especially as our response to stress presents an opportunity for followers of Christ to grow closer to him and to exhibit his hope to a world awash with stress.

Using the metaphor of Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the American West, a Fuller Seminary vice president explores the leadership challenges for the church in a post-Christendom world.

“People often ask for a simple explanation of how a church grew or some ministry flourished. … More often than not, there wasn’t one big thing.”

Church security is a matter of discipleship and stewardship. As disciples of Christ, our ultimate security is not in this world but is in Christ. As stewards of all God gives us, we must provide the best care we can for people.

What will you do when something unexpected happens that turns the eyes of the world on you and your ministry? What will you do when reporters call, knock on your door or show up with cameras? Are you prepared for a crisis and the media attention that follows?