In 2003 there were 2,751 places of worship in the French province of Quebec, the vast majority of them Catholic churches. Since then, about 400 have closed, and Mr. Boucher said the rhythm is accelerating. “A church closes every week. It is a huge phenomenon,” he said. “Everyone needs to make a compromise so the buildings find a useful life in society and continue to convey their historical significance.”

The wide dissemination of truth may, in time, destroy the authority of all institutions. Walter Bagehot famously said about the importance of keeping the British monarchy shrouded in mystery, “We mustn’t let daylight in upon magic.” This is true for the leadership of all authoritative institutions, don’t you think? No governing chief or administrative class can long survive if the people under their authority see them as hypocrites, manipulators, or otherwise abusers of that authority.

Sometimes called "God's Marines" for their willingness to go to the frontlines of faith, Jesuits form the largest order of Catholic priests in the church, with approximately 18,000 members worldwide. And, at a time when most religious orders are shrinking and pining for new candidates, the Jesuits say inquiries about joining their ranks are surging. What explains the Jesuits’ enduring appeal?

As a dynamic young preacher at a large church, J. R. Briggs felt God calling him to start a church plant. Gradually, the church grew, but its growth eventually stalled out. Disappointment led him to found the Epic Fail Pastors Conference—"a gathering for pastors and leaders seeking to understand how God works through failure"—and to write Fail: Finding Hope and Grace in the Midst of Ministry Failure (InterVarsity Press).

Sometimes all of us go a bit blind to the need for change because we’re afraid. We’ve seen how change has swallowed colleagues alive. We’ve watched great leaders suffer as they met all kinds of opposition. We sense the conflict pending in our own community. As a result, we ignore the signs that would tell us change is needed. So, how do you know your organization needs to change? How do you stay 100% honest as a leader and engage the difficult issues?

As a pastor this past week, I spent far more hours sitting with people and their problems than I did developing long-term systems and sharpening our programs. A lot of pastoring and very little managing. And I’d gladly do it again. In fact, I know I’ll do it again because, while this wasn’t a typical pastoral week, it’s not unique. Small Church pastors live with this dynamic tension all the time.

On the first day of the semester, or the first time I hear a student preach, I have no way of knowing if he has what it takes or is willing to do what he must to be the preacher he needs to be, but I can usually tell by the second sermon if he does, because that is when he has to act on what I told him after his first sermon. What makes the difference?

Tell me the truth: is your church decorated more like Sport Clips or more like my mother’s beauty salon? As I speak in churches, I notice the beauty salon motif everywhere. Quilts, banners, and ribbons cover the sanctuary walls, complemented with fresh flowers on the altar, a lace doily on the Communion table, and boxes of Kleenex under every pew. Fortunately, churches are beginning to redecorate with men in mind. Gender-neutral décor is one of the hallmarks of the modern megachurch.

I'm thrilled to feature this piece, the first of a two part series, from Leadership Journal's senior editor, Amy Simpson. Amy's work to elevate understanding of mental illness in the church is earning her a national reputation. Today, she traces how codependent behavior is intersecting the church today.

Carl Lentz is not your typical Sunday preacher, he dons tattoos, leather jackets, and attracts a wide range of worshipers.