From the CMBA Vault

A collection of resources for church life, missions & vision-casting


What is Your Congregation’s Future Story of Missional Ministry?
What is Your Congregation’s Future Story of Missional Ministry?DownloadDuring the past ten months, CMBA had engaged in two phases of[...]
George Bullard: Leaving a Mark at CMBA
George-Bullard: Leaving a Mark at CMBADownload As CMBA celebrates the retirement of Executive Director George Bullard on June 30, 2022,[...]
Seven Facts About Congregational Multiplication in the Columbia Metro Baptist Association of 100 Congregations in Richland, Fairfield, and Kershaw Counties
Population: The population of the associational fellowship area is almost 500,000 – up from 300,000 in the early 1980s. Today[...]
Disciplemaking is About Moving Your Feet
Disciplemaking is About Moving Your FeetDownloadSt. Andrews Baptist Church – not unlike many churches in our association – is striving[...]
Seven Ways I Am Finishing Strong
Seven Ways I Am Finishing StrongDownloadAlthough my retirement is less than 100 days away and the association has already conducted[...]
Four Questions for Your Congregation about Unleashing FutureStories
Four Questions for Your Congregation about Unleashing FutureStories Download As a new CMBA strategy emerges, a core focus will be[...]
Biblical Encouragement for Congregational Revitalization
Biblical Encouragement for Congregational RevitalizationDownloadDoes the Bible support congregational revitalization? Yes. Various passages support the need for people, families, tribes,[...]
A Revolutionary Approach – Columbia Metro: Mission Local
A Revolutionary Approach Columbia Metro- Mission Local Download What if no incremental or discontinuous approach works for Columbia Metro: Mission[...]
Mission Field Alpha
Mission Field Alpha Download Mission Field AlphaColumbia Metro: Mission Local(This is a characterization of a real, currently existing mission field[...]
Columbia Metro: Mission Local – February 24th Dispatch
Columbia Metro- Mission Local – February 24 DispatchDownloadAn exceptional way to engage in Mission Local is to adopt a mission[...]
Columbia Metro: Mission Local – February 10th Dispatch
Columbia Metro- Mission Local – February 10th DispatchDownloadIn the January 26th dispatch (Read HERE), we introduced plans to focus on[...]
Columbia Metro: Mission Local – January 26th Dispatch
Columbia Metro- Mission Local – January 26th DispatchDownloadDuring the first half of 2022, CMBA plans to focus on Columbia Metro:[...]
The Cloud and the Box: The Image for the Future of Our Association
The Cloud and the Box- The Image for the Future of Our AssociationDownload CMBA, several other associations in our state,[...]
The Importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Importance of Martin Luther King Jr. DayDownloadOn the evening of April 4, 1968, my college dorm room door swung[...]
Longevity in Pastoral Ministry
Longevity in Pastoral MinistryDownload My pastor announced his retirement recently following 33 years of leading our congregation. That is a[...]
Advance Leadership Podcast with George Bullard
Here is a podcast recorded earlier in 2021 that was just released at the end of 2021 that provides an[...]
Reflecting on 2021 in Our Association
Reflecting on 2021 in Our AssociationDownloadWhen we entered the year 2021 great hope existed for mass vaccination that would halt[...]
Design Worship with Kingdom Impact In Mind
Design Worship with Kingdom Impact In MindDownloadRachel and Cody were new in town. They were visiting various congregations to find[...]
For Whom Are You Praying?
For Whom Are You Praying? Download Modest Changes with the Potential for Big Impact for CongregationsPrayer patterns for small groups in[...]
The Numerology of Critical Congregational Capacity
The Numerology of Critical Congregational Capacity DownloadI believe in smaller membership congregations. Those who have less than 100 in average[...]
No Baptist Associational Family is Perfect. No Not One.
No Baptist Associational Family is Perfect. No Not One. DownloadAt its best a Baptist association is a family of congregations[...]
Churches Who Cannot Make Shifts May Be in Trouble
Churches Who Cannot Make Shifts May Be in TroubleDownloadThe very early Church faced many crises. A series of them revolved[...]
An Association is Congregations in Fellowship on Mission in Their Context and Beyond
An Association is Congregations in Fellowship on Mission in Their Context and BeyondDownloadThe annual session of the Columbia Metro Baptist[...]
Thankful for Ministers!
Thankful for Ministers! DownloadOctober is Minister Appreciation month – what are you doing to show your senior pastor and ministerial[...]
When a Church Lacks Evangelism Efforts is it No Longer a Church?
When a Church Lacks Evangelism Efforts is it No Longer a Church?Download Acts 2:41 tells us that on the Day[...]
Because Online Worship is a New Normal…
Because Online Worship is a New Normal Download. . . it is time to do a serious evaluation of our[...]
Is the Very Early Church Our Best Model for a Local Church?
Is the Very Early Church Our Best Model for a Local Church? Download In a recent strategy post we asked[...]
What is the Missional Health of Your Congregation?
What is the Missional Health of Your Congregation?DownloadThis month our association began an 18-month journey along with 30 associations throughout[...]
When a Church Is Spiritless, It Is No Longer a Church
When a Church Is Spiritless, It Is No Longer a Church Download In a recent strategy post we asked the[...]
Defining Your Active Congregation in an Emerging Post-Pandemic Year
Defining Your Active Congregation in an Emerging Post-Pandemic Year DownloadUntil a few decades ago congregations could numerically define their active[...]
A Sprint to the Finish Line – Serving Until the Last Day!
A Sprint to the Finish Line – Serving Until the Last Day Download Watching the Olympics recently, I saw a[...]
Q&A with George Bullard
July Story 2 - Q&A with George Bullard WEB Download CMBA Executive Director George Bullard formally announced his intent to[...]
CMBA Goes Virtual to Serve Churches-in-Association
CMBA Goes Virtual to Serve Churches-in-Association Download This week CMBA’s Visionary Leadership Community voted to close its offices at North Trenholm[...]
A Kingdom Growth Mindset in the Midlands of South Carolina – Fourth Dispatch
A Kingdom Growth Mindset, Fourth Dispatch Download (See, read, and downloaded this series of dispatches at www.BullardJournal.org.)A tough issue for many[...]
A Kingdom Growth Mindset in the Midlands of South Carolina – Third Dispatch
Bullard-Kingdom Growth Mindset_Third Dispatch Download Factors surrounding church growth and church sustainability were addressed in the first two dispatches. (See the[...]
A Kingdom Growth Mindset in the Midlands of South Carolina – Second Dispatch
Bullard-Kingdom Growth Mindset - Second Dispatch DownloadServing as a Family of Baptist Congregations – Words of Challenge for CMBA Second Dispatch The[...]
A Kingdom Growth Mindset in the Midlands of South Carolina – First Dispatch
Bullard-Kingdom Growth Mindset DownloadServing as a Family of Baptist Congregations – Words of Challenge for CMBA First Dispatch A family of Baptist congregations[...]
Rejoice! God is at Work During the Pandemic
Rejoice! God is at Work During the Pandemic - 3.4.21  Download Pastors, staff, and lay leaders in CMBA were asked in[...]
Ministering in the Twilight Zone During a Pandemic
Pastoral-Message-01.05.21Download As we begin the year 2021, it is certainly the hope of many in Christian ministry that we can[...]
Worship Wars Are About Distance Not Style
Bullard-Worship-Wars-About-Distance-Not-Style-12.04.20Download I continue to hear of worship wars and rumors of worship wars. If you are still battling worship wars[...]
Future Church Moments from Will Mancini and Cory Hartman
Future Church Moment Three "I believe that the COVID pandemic probably constitutes the greatest innovation opportunity that leaders will have[...]
Missional MOBS — Missional Opportunities for Breakthrough Service
Missional-MobsDownload What are Missional MOBS? Missional MOBS are formal or informal groups of people from a missional community who choose[...]
Calling, Community, and Congregation During a Pandemic
Calling-During-a-PandemicDownload Something is missing in how churches and congregation participants are connecting during the pandemic. Do you feel it? Are[...]
A Prayer for Our CMBA Family of Congregations
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ O Lord, we pray this morning for every congregation connected with our association. Each one is unique[...]
Listening for the Voice of God
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ No one wanted the pandemic to go on almost six months. No one wants the pandemic to[...]
Beware of the Ides of March 2021
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ On the ancient Roman calendar the Ides of March – the 15th day of that month –[...]
Boldly Go Where No Association Has Gone Before
George Bullard has spent a lifetime relating to Baptist associations and understanding their relationship with other dimensions of Baptist and[...]
The Challenges of Acceptability and Predictability
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ During the COVID-19 Pandemic I have been reading a lot of books. Many are about popular[...]
It’s Time to Assess Your Online Appeal
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ In dialogue with ministry colleagues, one person suggested that for many years we sought to impress[...]
Taking the Long View of the PPP Loans for Churches
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ When COVID-19 struck the USA – and the world – over the last six to eight[...]
Insights for Congregations from the Writings of Jim Collins
Insights-from-Jim-CollinsDownload Insights for Congregations from the Writings of Jim Collins This is a list of 118 insights compiled by George[...]
Insights about Baptist Associations
Insights-about-Baptist-AssociationsDownload Insights About Baptist Associations with an Emphasis on Those Which Developed within the Southern Baptist Denomination This is a[...]
Blowing a Certain Trumpet During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ During the COVID-19 Pandemic, one of the greatest stressors is uncertainty. No one knows for sure[...]
Vulnerable Churches
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic we have heard dialogue about people who are more vulnerable to this[...]
I Am My Father (and, of course, my mother too)
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ This Father's Day is the 33rd one without my father. If you live long enough, then[...]
Keeping the Iron of Racial Redemption and Reconciliation Hot!
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ At some point in your life you have likely heard the idiomatic phrase "strike while the[...]
Everyone Seems to Be Worried About the Kids When We Return to Church. What About the Workers?
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ During the recent primary elections in the United States, the voting process was hampered by several[...]
How Do You Say “Come at Your Own Risk” Without Frightening People?
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ Just as there are swimming pools, lakes, beaches, etc. where there is a sign that says,[...]
The Minimalization of Print Communication in Congregations
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/pg/BullardNetwork/notes/ The COVID-19 Pandemic is causing the minimalization of printing in congregations. The fear is that too[...]
Moving From “Can’t” to “Can” During COVID-19 Pandemic
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/notes/bullardjournalorg/moving-from-cant-to-can-during-covid-19-pandemic/2660461964234202/ A pastor mused recently "I have spent so much time telling people what they cannot do,[...]
Blessed Assurances
Also view at https://www.facebook.com/notes/bullardjournalorg/blessed-assurances/2652325285047870/ "Some people in my congregation want assurances I cannot give them," was the frustration shared by[...]
Navigating the Technology Issue
Technology has opened up a brave new world in human information sharing and communication. It has impacted education in tremendous[...]
The High Points in Congregational Ministry
What are some of the high points in congregational ministry for your pastor and other staff ministers? Baptism of a[...]
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is an annual event in many congregations. It is a time that typically the largest number of[...]
An Upside to Social Media
While social media is – at its best – a wonderful way to communicate with family, friends, and acquaintances, it[...]
What Type of Volunteer Are You?
Once upon a time in church life, when a general call was issued for volunteers for a certain event or[...]
A Call to Deeper Faith
On the way home from church one Sunday a little girl asks her parents what it means to “fast.” The[...]
Gifting Among Ministers
Earlier this month we shared the same “wordle” you see here. At that time we asked you about the number[...]
Circus and Monkeys
We would all hope that no pastor or other staff minister ever considers their church to be a “circus” and[...]
Do You Peek?
Okay, admit it. Have you ever looked when the pastor says, “With every head bowed and every eye closed?” The[...]
Student Minister Appreciation
One of the most important ministry roles in a congregation is the leader of the youth or student ministry. In[...]
God Is Always Speaking
God is always speaking. God is always speaking into the lives of each person. God is always speaking into your[...]
When a Pastor Goes Long
There is an old joke that asks the question, what does it mean when the preacher/teaching pastor looks at their[...]
Remember the Team
George Bullard grew up in Baltimore, MD, and followed the then Baltimore Colts. Many years later in another part of[...]
Ministers Are Human Too
Whatever you do during the month to show appreciation to the ministers among you does not have to be formal,[...]
That Awkward Moment When…
A pastor once admitted that he was not musical. However, he would often catch himself humming to the music being[...]
Tangible Ways to Appreciate Your Ministers
We are now halfway through October. How is it going in your church or ministry setting? In what ways have[...]
A Lifetime Campaign
Serving in Christian ministry is like engaging in a lifetime campaign for a political office. There is seldom a day[...]
There is a Sermon Illustration Somewhere…
People in Christian ministry often have decades of preaching, teaching, testifying, and dialogue with people either seeking spiritual guidance, attending[...]
Sacrifices and Service
All Christians are called to serve our Lord with their full heart, soul, mind, and strength. That is a foundational[...]
Share Your Gratitude
The next time your family is gathered around a table for a meal, or you and your spouse, or you[...]
Volunteerism vs. Recruitment
Among the things that have changed over the decades about church life is how people volunteer. When church was the[...]
How Many Hats?
How many hats does your pastor and other ministers in your church wear? Probably a lot more than you think.[...]
“I Appreciate You”
Do you remember that time a minister from your church came to the hospital during a critical surgery of a[...]
Cutting Edge Ideas
If you are a youth group leader – volunteer or paid – or many other positions in a church, you[...]
What is an Awesome Minister?
“We serve an awesome God” is a phrase often heard around church worship services. Yes, we are in awe and[...]
Ministry and Family
Ministers have families too. Not every member of every minister’s family is excited about their parent serving in a ministry[...]
Those Who Diligently Labor
In spite of the fact that each of us is responsible for our own spiritual health, faithfulness to God, and[...]
“My Pleasure!”
If you ever dine at a Chick-Fil-A you will hear the two-word phrase “My Pleasure” said to you when you[...]
Ministers Must Be Confident
Okay so this t-shirt may be a little bit over the top. It does, however, remind us of the pastor[...]
Ministers Should Be Bold!
While Jesus was known for flipping over tables and chasing people with a whip, that is probably not what you[...]
October is Minister Appreciation Month
Are you ready? October 1st - 31st is Minister Appreciation Month. Use this month to express appreciation for the ministers[...]
The Bullard Journal for July 7, 2019
Sunday, July 7, 2019: Posts to The Bullard Journal will now take a summer break. They will return by the[...]
The Bullard Journal for July 6, 2019
Saturday, July 6, 2019: “A Call to Action” An Uncommon Witness. The seventh of at least seven uncommon characteristics of[...]
The Bullard Journal for July 5, 2019
Friday, July 5, 2019: “A Call to Action” An Uncommon Generosity. The sixth of at least seven uncommon characteristics of[...]
The Bullard Journal for July 4, 2019
Thursday, July 4, 2019: “A Call to Action” An Uncommon Expectation of the Miraculous. The fifth of at least seven[...]
The Bullard Journal for July 3, 2019
Wednesday, July 3, 2019: “A Call to Action” An Uncommon Worship. The fourth of at least seven uncommon characteristics of[...]
The Bullard Journal for July 2, 2019
Tuesday, July 2, 2019: “A Call to Action” An Uncommon Prayer Life. The third of at least seven uncommon characteristics[...]
The Bullard Journal for July 1, 2019
Monday, July 1, 2019: “A Call to Action” An Uncommon Life of Fellowship. The second of at least seven uncommon[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 30, 2019
Sunday, June 30, 2019: “A Call to Action” An Uncommon Experience with God’s Word. The first of at least seven[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 29, 2019
Saturday, June 29, 2019: “A Call to Action” An Uncommon Church. Acts 2:41-47 talks about the very early church where[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 28, 2019
Friday, June 28, 2019: “A Strategic Insight” Gathering and Scattering the Church. This evening my wife and I went with[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 27, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019: “A Call to Action” Nurturing Fully Devoted Followers of Christ. I had the opportunity for lunch[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 26, 2019
Wednesday, June 26, 2019: “A Strategic Insight” Seventh Day Baptists Worship on Saturday. When I was 15 years old my[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 25, 2019
Tuesday, June 25, 2019: “A Call to Prayer” Connecting with an International Student. This evening a group of people gathered[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 24, 2019
Monday, June 24, 2019: “A Strategic Insight” Completed Communication is an Illusion. George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright who[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 23, 2019
Sunday, June 23, 2019: “An Answered Prayer” Church Adoption Decision Made. Today Park Street Baptist Church gathered for worship followed[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 22, 2019
Saturday, June 22, 2019: “A Strategic Insight” The Church and Their Edifice Complex. You already know the answer to the[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 21, 2019
Friday, June 21, 2019: “A Call to Action” To Affirm and Build is a Learned Behavior. Early in my ministry[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 20, 2019
Thursday, June 20, 2019: “A Call to Action” Lay Leadership Development. Great, significant, and exceptional lay leaders in congregations do[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 19, 2019
Wednesday, June 19, 2019: “Strategic Insight” Where is the Voice of the Holy Spirit Clearest? I believe the Holy Spirit[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 18, 2019
Tuesday, June 18, 2019: “A Call to Action” Ministry is Personal! Ministry action is always personal and direct. Ministry support[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 17, 2019
Monday, June 17, 2019: “A Call to Prayer” Church Adoption is Hard! By now the word is out throughout the[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 16, 2019
Sunday, June 16, 2019: “A Family Story”: A God Moment? This Sunday morning when I woke up I checked my[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 15, 2019
Saturday, June 15, 2019: “A Call to Action”: I was in Toronto, Canada this week meeting with some leaders from[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 14, 2019
Friday, June 14, 2019: “A Call to Action”: Where Have All the Musicians Gone? At one time the average congregation[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 13, 2019
Thursday, June 13, 2019: “A Call to Prayer”: Who’s Church is This? Regularly I interact with congregations who are struggling[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 12, 2019
Wednesday, June 12, 2019: “Strategic Insight”: The 50+ Congregation. It is time to pull out an old file and reintroduce[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 11, 2019
Tuesday, June 11, 2019: “A Call to Action”: Over or Under Communication in Congregations? As I observe congregations, I see[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 10, 2019
Monday, June 10, 2019: “Strategic Insight”: Fair Weather Christians? I am not talking about people who failed to get out[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 9, 2019
Sunday, June 9, 2019: “A Family Story”: Time for VBS? School is out. Many churches are holding their Vacation Bible[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 8, 2019
Saturday, June 8, 2019: “An Answered Prayer”: Celebrating a Future Story of Ministry. In January 2019 almost 400 members of[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 7, 2019
Friday, June 7, 2019: “A Call to Action”: The Rule of 21 Leaders. In an urban area in the southern[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 6, 2019
Thursday, June 6, 2019: “A Call to Action”: Conducting a Congregational Assessment and Learning Experience (CALE). Today is the first[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 5, 2019
Wednesday, June 5, 2019: “A Family Story”: A Young Adult Leaders Forum. In an earlier post the spiritual strategic journey[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 4, 2019
Tuesday, June 4, 2019: “A Call to Prayer”: Making Decisions Without God. In too many congregations in too many situations,[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 3, 2019
Monday, June 3, 2019: “A Call to Action”: The Missed Opportunity of a Pastoral Interim. Early in my ministry I[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 2, 2019
Sunday, June 2, 2019: “A Call to Action”: Today I preached on what I would call the “very early Christian[...]
The Bullard Journal for June 1, 2019
Saturday, June 1, 2019: “A Call to Prayer”: Summer is here in that school for the year is ending. Many[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 31, 2019
“A Call to Action”: The best model of congregational multiplication is for churches to start churches rather than church planters[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 30, 2019
“A Call to Prayer”: This evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. representations from 12 people groups who are immigrated to the[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 29, 2019
“A Family Story”: One of the goals of CMBA is to tell the stories of our congregations and their leaders[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 28, 2019
“A Call to Prayer”: Pray for the open doors God has given CMBA this week. Would you join me in[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 27, 2019
“A Call to Action”: What happens when congregations wait too late to consider radical transformation? Many things. Here are a[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 26, 2019
“A Family Story”: Today St. Andrews Baptist Church will ordain Lisa Dempsey as a Baptist minister serving in a role[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 25, 2019
“A Family Story”: Last Sunday more than 100 leaders of Spring Valley Baptist Church gathered to hear a report entitled[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 24, 2019
“A Call to Action”: Casey Williams, senior pastor, North Trenholm Baptist Church in Columbia presented some of the research this[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 23, 2019
“An Answered Prayer”: During our Vision Day this week, First Impressions Cheerleader Mary Ann Sibley said “Parking cars is not[...]
The Bullard Journal for May 22, 2019
The is the "Real" George Bullard's Journey is a Journal. It is a 5.5x8.5 "Field Book" by Elan Publishing that[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 101 By George Bullard
When the first century church at Jerusalem lost vision and slowed missional action, it invented the holy huddle. Now many[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 100 By George Bullard
Vision is more about transformation of the prodigals than honoring the elders among us. Congregational vision is more about creating[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 099 By George Bullard
God’s empowering vision often disrupts the status quo and who is in charge. That is why some people try to[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 098 By George Bullard
Myopia prohibits many long-tenured congregational members from seeing the long-term benefits of new vision. Many longer-tenured members are nearsighted. They[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 097 By George Bullard
Killers of a new vision in a congregation are the people who will not let go of the old vision[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 096 By George Bullard
In general, the longer people are connected with a congregation, the more difficult it is to see a new vision.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 095 By George Bullard
When vision wanes in congregations they can become angry at God for forsaking them, when they may actually have forsaken[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 094 By George Bullard
Vision which is not fulfilled in new and innovative ways each year will become stale and lose its cutting edge.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 093 By George Bullard
Vision does not call for the rejection of heritage. It sees heritage as a foundation, a centering, and a mooring.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 092 By George Bullard
Vision is always about the future, never about the past. The past is a prelude to the emerging future. Congregational[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 091 By George Bullard
Vision involves forgetting what is behind and looking forward to what is ahead as urged in Philippians 3:13. Congregations captured[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 090 By George Bullard
People with vision know they must leave the 99 and focus on the one. People without vision primarily see the[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 089 By George Bullard
Vision is about leaving your land of heritage and going forward to a new place God will show you as[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 088 By George Bullard
If vision is too clear it may be too short-term, not sufficiently challenging, prophetic, or focused on your full Kingdom[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 087 By George Bullard
Vision will always be something beyond your current grasp, out of sight, around the corner, or over the next hill.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 086 By George Bullard
Vision, after the first generation of a congregation, expresses where a congregation discerns it will be seven years from now[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 085 By George Bullard
Even though congregational vision involves the long view during the first generation, it must still be reconceptualized thereafter at least[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 084 By George Bullard
Following the first generation of a congregation, vision must be recast, renewed, and re-owned every seven years. A great challenge[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 083 By George Bullard
The founding vision in a congregation often empowers the congregation for the first generation of its life. Launching a new[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 082 By George Bullard
From the Apostle Paul's life we learn that a vision of your destiny guides many choices along the road to[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 081 By George Bullard
Living into vision involves congregations increasing their expectations of members and regular attendees. As congregations live into vision, they often[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 080 By George Bullard
Living into vision involves an intentional disciplemaking process that seeks to help people grow spiritually. I do not know of[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 079 By George Bullard
The sustainability of vision may be dependent on how well it is cast to and owned by newcomers in the[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 078 By George Bullard
Vision is continually clarified as a congregation journeys in the direction of God's future for them. In the clarification of[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 077 By George Bullard
Vision may always be a little fuzzy—particularly in the ways to fulfill it—because it is always looking beyond the current[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 076 By George Bullard
During a visionary journey God at times changes our plans and heads us to a new Macedonia as told in[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 075 By George Bullard
Vision not used to evaluate the goodness and rightness of congregational decisions will not remain the vision for long. Around[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 074 By George Bullard
Living into vision requires regular spiritual celebration of the fulfillment of the future story of ministry for the congregation. Vision[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 073 By George Bullard
Vision should be the main framework and focus of a congregation's actions and not just part of the puzzle. Vision[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 072 By George Bullard
A congregation captured by vision is always asking in every dimension of ministry how decisions and actions will help them[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 071 By George Bullard
Vision and its fulfillment should positively impact every decision a congregation makes, or vision becomes marginalized. When it comes to[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 070 By George Bullard
Leaders sold out to their congregation's vision often think about how they can help fulfill God’s empowering vision. A high[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 069 By George Bullard
A vision for a needed or wanted new or retrofitted building is seldom, if ever, a missional vision that is[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 068 By George Bullard
Vision is not about new or retrofitted buildings, but about the lives transformed through the ministries that take place within[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 067 By George Bullard
Living into vision is not about a checklist of tasks, but a map for a scavenger hunt that moves from[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 066 By George Bullard
When visionary leadership is not present in a congregation, it creates a vacuum into which management rushes. Management is the[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 065 By George Bullard
Vision is about leadership rather than management. Management should be accountable to visionary leadership. Visionary leadership should take the initiative.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 064 By George Bullard
Effective visionary leadership is supported by empowering management that is captured by God’s empowering vision for the congregation. Management can[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 063 By George Bullard
Vision fulfillment is about empowerment over control, relationships over programs, and hope over heritage. Empowerment, relationships, and hope are the[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 062 By George Bullard
Management is only fully happy when it is driving the congregational vehicle. When not driving, it is trying to drive.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 061 By George Bullard
It is easy to confuse having vision with the success of programs, ministries, and activities. They are not the same.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 060 By George Bullard
Programs, processes, and emphases in a congregation must have their own vision that supports the congregation's vision. One of the[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 059 By George Bullard
Many congregations structure their life around programs rather than relationships, thus putting a drag factor on vision. Too many programs[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 058 By George Bullard
Vision is more about relationships with God, one another, and your context than it is about successful programs. If the[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 057 By George Bullard
Many congregations fall back on their mission statement as their vision, rather than being embraced by a specific vision that[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 056 By George Bullard
Vision is more about increasing and deepening disciplemaking than it is about successful and growing programs. Program fulfillment is an[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 055 By George Bullard
Having a proactive, excellent call to disciplemaking action plus experiences that live into vision is as important as casting vision.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 054 By George Bullard
When vision is of a mediocre, business-as-usual future, it can negatively impact the spirituality of the congregation. If the vision[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 053 By George Bullard
When vision is of a mediocre, business-as-usual future, the congregation may be turning its back on the call of God.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 052 By George Bullard
When vision is of a mediocre, business-as-usual future, then less is less and more is nowhere in sight. I was[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 051 By George Bullard
When vision is of a mediocre, business-as-usual future, then you get a future less vital and vibrant than you projected.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 050 By George Bullard
When vision is of a mediocre, business-as-usual future, you will get a mediocre, business-as-usual future. When I pushed for excellence[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 049 By George Bullard
When it comes to vision, good enough is never good enough, adequate is never acceptable, and mediocrity is never excellence.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 048 By George Bullard
When vision is of an excellent, challenging future, then it can positively impact the spirituality of the congregation. Congregations with[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 047 By George Bullard
When vision is of an excellent, challenging future, then the congregation is continually seeking God's presence and leadership. One way[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 046 By George Bullard
When vision is of an excellent, challenging future, then more quality, depth, and quantity is a strong possibility. Excellent, challenging[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 045 By George Bullard
When vision is of an excellent, challenging future, then a more vital and vibrant future is a strong possibility. If[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 044 By George Bullard
When vision is of an excellent, challenging future, then you are more likely to get an excellent, challenging future. Mediocrity[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 043 By George Bullard
Vision is much more than a marketing statement or motto, yet these tools can be important in communicating vision. It[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 042 By George Bullard
Vision is not about doing the same old things the same old ways and giving them a new name and[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 041 By George Bullard
Too much focus on a professionally crafted vision statement takes the focus off a real visionary experience. While your vision[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 040 By George Bullard
Since vision is not a statement, do not try borrowing a vision statement from your favorite congregation. Sure, I have[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 039 By George Bullard
We write the vision we have experienced to create a consistent historic and dynamic record of the vision to share[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 038 By George Bullard
Vision is experienced. We reflect on it and share it orally with our full heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 037 By George Bullard
When considering how vision comes to us, it may be helpful to consider how the New Testament came to us.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 036 By George Bullard
Vision is not so much written as it is experienced. Vision must be sensed and experienced more than read or[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 035 By George Bullard
Any similarity between the typical committee-developed vision statement and true vision is purely accidental. Committees write statements, create mottos, and[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 034 By George Bullard
Vision crafted using an organizational model misses the fact that a congregation is a spiritual organism. Vision in an organization[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 033 By George Bullard
Casting vision is a forever activity. When does congregational leadership finish casting vision? Never, or vision wanes. Pastors, staff members,[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 032 By George Bullard
Potential leaders who cannot articulate their passion for the congregation’s vision need to remain “potential leaders.” The functioning of lay[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 031 By George Bullard
Few followers get vision easily. Leaders must paint a picture of what the congregation could be like once captured by[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 030 By George Bullard
Vision casting is the responsibility of all leaders in a congregation with the pastor providing initiating leadership. Pastors would do[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 029 By George Bullard
When pastors do not get vision easily, they may find some true visionaries among their congregation who do get it.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 028 By George Bullard
Pastors and staff who feel entitled to their role with a particular congregation are not likely to empower vision. Entitlement[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 027 By George Bullard
Pastors not passionate about God’s empowering vision for their congregation are likely to become known as “former pastor.” If there[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 026 By George Bullard
Pastors not passionate about God’s empowering vision for their congregation are likely to gain a reputation as mediocre. Let’s admit[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 025 By George Bullard
When congregations expect the pastor to provide vision, they often mean a vision with which they agree. Even if a[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 024 By George Bullard
If vision is deeply felt throughout the congregation, it does not diminish when there is a transition in pastors. This[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 023 By George Bullard
If congregations focus on the pastor’s vision, when the pastor leaves vision often leaves. Vision from God never leaves. Does[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 022 By George Bullard
Vision plus Intentionality is the core formula for an Enduring Visionary Leadership Community to follow. Congregations seeking to transform only[...]
Boldly Go Where No Association Has Gone Before — Overview
Boldly Go Where No Association Has Gone Before!  For some leaders and churches there are big misunderstandings about the truly[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 021 By George Bullard
Visionary Leadership is about who we are, what we believe, where we are headed, and how we are getting there.[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 020 By George Bullard
God offers transformative vision. Too often our possessions, deference to other people, and pride blind us as we are only[...]
Types of Missional Engagement and Missional Support — A Document for Dialogue
Things a congregational expression or missional community can do to engage in and support the Missio Dei (Mission of God)[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 019 By George Bullard
Earthly things, preferences, and tangible security blind us to the brilliance of God’s new vision. Humankind regularly confuses the leadership[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 018 By George Bullard
Vision is not a passing fantasy or a fleeting passion. It is a long-term view of God’s calling on a[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 017 By George Bullard
When congregations are in the best possible relationship with God and one another they can easily experience vision. Distance from[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 016 By George Bullard
Vision is about pressing on towards the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus as shared in[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 015 By George Bullard
Even if only a small percentage of leaders in your congregation are visionaries, God still has a perfect vision for[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 014 By George Bullard
Vision is specific to your congregation. Mission is transferable to many congregations in your denominational family. A key difference between[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 013 By George Bullard
Do not confuse our eternal mission, your everlasting purpose, and your enduring core values with God's empowering vision. These are[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 012 By George Bullard
The word vision contains neither the letter “m” nor the letter “e.” Vision is not about “me.” It is about[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 011 By George Bullard
One crucial test of vision is that it moves the congregation forward in God's image and not the image of[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 010 By George Bullard
Vision is more about the pulling of God into the future than the pushing of humankind to do better each[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 009 By George Bullard
Vision is initiated by God to the body the church, cast by leadership, and owned by membership. Pastors, staff members,[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 008 By George Bullard
The only vision that will work is God’s empowering vision. Neither the pastor’s vision nor the lay leadership’s vision is[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 007 By George Bullard
Vision is the super high-octane fuel that drives the spiritual and strategic journey of a congregation. Vision is not about[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 006 By George Bullard
Moses did not see vision in the burning bush. He experienced it with his whole being and was transformed by[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 005 By George Bullard
Vision is about seeing with your full heart, soul, mind, and strength, rather than with only your eyes—even with corrective[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 004 By George Bullard
Vision is not what leaders cast and followers catch. It is something by which leaders and followers are captured. Vision[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 003 By George Bullard
Vision is about walking by faith in God rather than by what is in plain sight, as we are admonished[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 002 By George Bullard
Vision is the current understanding of God’s spiritual and strategic journey for a congregation. It is not yesterday’s understanding of[...]
Captured By Vision Insight 001 By George Bullard
Vision is a movement of God that is memorable rather than a statement of humankind that is memorized. Vision is[...]
Has the Multi-Site Movement Been Good for US Churches?
George Bullard’s Perspective on the Dave Travis National Church Intelligence Poll #1 -- July 16, 2018 Dave Travis--pictured here--who has been connected[...]
When Congregations are Family and Not Just Friends or Acquaintances
Download this Post: When Congregations are Family, 07.13.18 Latterly*, I was in a conversation with a small group of people about[...]
People of Passion vs. People of Position
Download: Top Ten People of Passion Some years ago, when consulting with various sizes and shapes of congregations, I realized[...]
Vision Plus Intentionality is the Holy Grail
Download this Post: Vision Plus Intentionality, 06.07.18 Vision Plus Intentionality are the three most important words in congregational vitality and vibrancy.[...]
An Endorsement of Captured By Vision — a Book by George Bullard
Today I received an amazing unsolicited endorsement of my latest book today--I must share--from a pastor in Michigan who is[...]
Chart of Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course
Radical Transitions and Changes When Congregations Fully Surrender to God's Empowering Vision Download the chart: The Ten Rs Chart, 05.14.18 Tuesday,[...]
Resurrection — Replanting as a New Congregation
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Reinvention — Restarting as a New Congregation
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Redirection — Changing the Focus of Your Congregation
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Reconciliation — The Merger of Congregations
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Redemption — Joining with A Congregation of Potential
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Reception — Becoming a Location Partner
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Contrarian Strategies for Congregational Movements
By George Bullard It is dangerous to be away from a regular routine for too many days. (I am at[...]
Relocation — Moving to a More Promising Location
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Reproduction — Planting New Congregational Expressions
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Replication — Launching Multiple Congregational Campuses
One of the Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
The Ten “R”s for Plotting a New Congregational Course Overview
Radical Transitions and Changes When Congregations Fully Surrender to God’s Empowering Vision Download this post and make copies for use in[...]
Through Fundraising We Work Together for the Full Coming of God’s Kingdom
“Fundraising is a very rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful, and hope-filled expression of ministry. In ministering[...]
Fundraising is a Life-Giving, Hope-Filled Expression of Ministry
“How do we become people who security base is God and God alone?" "How do we move from perceiving fundraising[...]
Fundraising Must Increase the Significance of the Organization
“In the world, those who raise funds must show potential donors a strategic plan that convinces donors their money will[...]
Fundraising Must Create New, Lasting Relationships
“We have something to offer--friendship, prayer, peace, love, fidelity, affection, ministry with those in need--and these things are so valuable[...]
Fundraising is About Providing the Ministry of Community
“When fundraising as ministry calls us together in communion with God and with one another, it must hold out the[...]
Fundraisers Invite People Into a Spiritual Communion
“When we ask people for money to strengthen or expand the work of the kingdom, we are also inviting them[...]
God’s Love Can Multiply the Effects of Our Generosity
“When Jesus fed five thousand people with only five loaves and bread and two fish, he was showing us how[...]
Donors Are Asked to Put Their Resources at the Disposal of the Kingdom
“Asking people for money is giving them the opportunity to put their resources at the disposal of the kingdom. To[...]
Fundraisers Must Approach Potential Donors in the Spirit of Christ
“Because we approach potential donors in the Spirit of Christ, when we ask them for money we can do so[...]
Only When We Are Free Can We Ask Donors to Give Generously
“Once we are prayerfully committed to placing our whole trust in God and have become clear that we are concerned[...]
Only When We are Free From Money Can We Freely Ask for Money
“If our security is totally in God, then we are free to ask fro money. Only when we are free[...]
Fundraising Respects the Whole Life of the Rich and the Poor
“The poor are indeed held in the heart of God. We need to remember that the rich are held there[...]
Fundraising Helps People Store Treasures in Heaven
“The pressure in our culture to secure our own future and to control our lives as much as possible does[...]
Multiplication of Worship and Music Leaders for Congregations
There exists a current need, and a growing future need, for high quality worship and music leaders for various types[...]
Money is a Greater Taboo Than Sex or Religion
“Money is one of the greatest taboos around. Money conversations are a greater taboo than conversations about sex or religion.”[...]
Money is Only One Aspect of Our Personal Worth
“It is interesting that the phrase 'personal worth' can mean both the extent of our financial assets and our value[...]
Fundraisers Must Know Their Relationship with Money
“We will never be able to ask for money if we do not know how we ourselves relate to money.”[...]
Fundraising Creates a Community of Love
“Indeed, if we raise funds for the creation of a community love, we are helping God build the kingdom.” (Nouwen,[...]
Fundraising Helps the Kingdom of God to Come
“The kingdom is where God provides for all that we need. It is the realm of sufficiency where we are[...]
Fundraising Transforms the Fundraiser
“If we (the fundraiser) comes back from asking someone for money and we feel exhausted and showehow tainted by unspiritual[...]
Fundraising Gives People a Spiritual Vision
“By giving people a spiritual vision, we want them to experience that they will in fact benefit by making their[...]
Jesus Helps Us to Multiply the Impact of Our Generosity
“When Jesus fed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, he was showing us how[...]
Fundraising Often Happens More Effectively in the Marketplace
"In fundraising, people who work in the marketplace are often wiser than people who work in the church.” (Nouwen, p.[...]
Fundraising is a Call to Conversion
"Fundraising is always a call to conversion.” (Nouwen, p. viii) Both the fundraiser and the donor are called to conversion.[...]
Fundraising is an Act of Proclamation
"Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with[...]
Fundraising is as Spiritual as . . .
"Fundraising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, entering a time of prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry."[...]
Fundraising as a Form of Ministry
"Fundraising is first and foremost a form of ministry." (Nouwen, p. vii) Fundraising is not a "show me the money"[...]
Is It Discipleship, Stewardship, Generosity, or Fundraising?
The best answer is “yes!” It is about all of these.  What is “it?” Here it means the short-term and[...]
Denominational Service Is a Unique Spiritual Calling
Download this article:  Bullard, Denominational Service a Unique Spiritual Calling Denominational service is a unique spiritual calling within God’s constellation of[...]
In Church Planting It Should Be Pull Not Push, and Receive Not Send—Part Two
Continuing from part one, I have certain convictions I want to test. In some I am a contrarian to the[...]
In Church Planting It Should Be Pull Not Push, and Receive Not Send—Part One
This is my 54th year to be involved in planting new congregations. I helped my parents plant a congregation when[...]
The Search for Best Practices for the Multiplication of Congregational Expressions
I am traveling Sunday, February 25th to Orlando, FL for the Exponential church planting and multiplication conference. They claim it[...]
Hey Church! Is it the Great Commission or the Great Commandment?
Download This Article Here:  Hey Church, Great Commission, Great Commanment Words are important. Even the order in which words are expressed[...]
We Need Baptist Associations
Or, Other Forms of Local Denominational Organizations My denominational tradition—Baptist—and specifically my denominational tribe of heritage—Southern Baptists—has three dimensions of[...]
What About Location Partners? #1
I am just having an opportunity to read the 2016 Barna Report produced in partnership with Cornerstone Knowledge Network entitled[...]
Common Sense Security for Houses of Worship
This is a repost from the summer of 2015 that is still relevant today and points to a resource that[...]
Theological Education vs. Ministry Preparation?
Should seminaries engage in theological education or ministry preparation? Of course the initial answer should be "both." But, Let's go[...]
The Dinner Church Handbook (A Review)
I just finished reading The Dinner Church Handbook: A Step-by-Step Recipe for Reaching Neighborhoods. As an organic, missional approach to[...]
Jesus and Our Brain Compete for Racial Reconciliation
Sunday, October 15, 2017 Today I attended a presentation and dialogue on changing the way the Church views racism. With[...]
Intentional Interim Pastoral Ministry is an Art More than a Science, Post One
Saturday, October 14, 2017 This week I had the opportunity to speak to the leadership, and some invited guests, of[...]
Choosing to Pivot: 10 Hinge Points for Congregations–An Introduction
Pivot. Whirling around on one foot. In basketball, a pivot is the action by the player with the ball that[...]
Seven Strategies for a Baptist Association–An Overview
The following conversation could have taken place between any Baptist pastors, staff ministers, or laypersons anywhere in North America any[...]
Baptist Associations are a Family Heritage
For my family, Baptist associations have been part of our DNA since at least the 1940s. I suspect it goes[...]
How Do Economics Impact Churches in Your Ministry Area?
I hope we all know that economic situations, and patterns of both increased and lessening prosperity significant impact the opportunities[...]
George Bullard Speaks to Accept His Election as Director of Missions in Columbia, SC
With great joy, and with my promise to you of faithful, effective, and innovative service, I accept your election of[...]