Change in a church is a given. However, it can have unintended consequences if implemented haphazardly. This episode includes the first part of a conversation between Jason Lowe and Jeff Crabtree in which they discuss strategic questions that pastors should ask before implementing major change in their new church. The questions discussed on this episode include:

• Have I prayed about this change?
• Who will be responsible for making this decision about change?
• What will this change cost?

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Leading Major Change in Your Ministry by Jeff Iorg
• Who Moved My Pulpit? by Thom Rainer

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In a fallen world, conflict is inevitable, and church conflict is no exception. As you begin your ministry in a new church, you will encounter conflict sooner or later. However, some conflict will be necessary, while some of it will be unnecessary. In this episode, we identify five common causes of unnecessary church conflict. Those causes include:

• Conflict over third-order doctrines
• Conflict over opposing preferences
• Conflict due to implementing too much change too fast
• Conflict due to a lack of communication
• Conflict due to a lack of emphasis on the starting well priorities

In a fallen world, conflict is inevitable, and church conflict is no exception. As you begin your ministry in a new church, you will encounter conflict sooner or later. However, some conflict will be necessary, while some of it will be unnecessary. In this episode, we identify four additional scenarios when church conflict is necessary. Those scenarios include:

• Conflict is necessary when church members are at odds with one another.
• Conflict is necessary when church members oppose the church's mission.
• Conflict is necessary when financial problems need to be addressed.
• Conflict is necessary when helping the church recognize its current reality.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Resolving Everyday Conflict by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson

When Church Conflict Happens by Michael Hare

In a fallen world, conflict is inevitable, and church conflict is no exception. As you begin your ministry in a new church, you will encounter conflict sooner or later. However, some conflict will be necessary, while some of it will be unnecessary. In this episode, we identify four scenarios when church conflict is necessary. Those scenarios include:

• Conflict is necessary when engaging in spiritual warfare.
• Conflict is necessary when major doctrines are challenged, denied, or opposed.
• Conflict is necessary when there is blatant sin in the church.
• Conflict is necessary when preaching challenging texts in the Bible.

Many new pastors begin their ministry by casting vision, developing strategies, and implementing changes. While those tasks have their place, they will only be effective if the pastor first establishes trust with the congregation. In this episode, we talk about three reasons why trust is essential for starting well:

• Trust grants leadership permission.
• Trust allows you to make mistakes.
• Trust minimizes unnecessary conflict.

Pastors can sometimes get so busy serving others that they forget to care for themselves, often leading to burnout. In this episode, we identify five key areas where new pastors should build healthy habits to avoid ministry burnout. By setting intentional boundaries and practicing appropriate self-care, you can live well outside the church and serve well inside your church.

The five areas we discuss include:

• Your spiritual health
• Your emotional health
• Your relational health
• Your physical health
• Your financial health

Leadership is essential if you want to start well in your church. In this episode, we discuss six strategic ways to lead well early in your ministry. Those ways include:

1. Lead prayerfully.
2. Lead patiently.
3. Lead humbly.
4. Lead collaboratively.
5. Lead optimistically.
6. Lead strategically.

If you want to start well in your church, you must be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). This episode helps new pastors identify five voices to listen to discern God's vision for the church and effective strategies for carrying out that vision.

Those voices include:

1. Listen to the Lord.
2. Listen to other godly church leaders.
3. Listen to other pastors.
4. Listen to the congregation.
5. Listen to your wife and family.