While we want to create safety, we honestly can’t—at least for the most part. Jesus certainly didn’t play it safe. His ministry was risky from day one.
All tagged leadership
Focus First on Leadership
A healthy leadership group creates a culture where people feel safe and supported, and this tends to produce positive results in the church as a whole.
When Should a Volunteer Be Paid?
Should those leading the church just assume that person loves to serve? When should leaders ask the question, “Are we taking advantage of someone’s time and talents as a volunteer?”
“I Think We Can Do This!”
Why am I confident that we can do it? We have each other, good resources, the willingness to do it, and more than anything else, I believe with all my heart that the Lord is with us.
Embracing God's Work: The Courage to Be Different in 2024
Let us have the courage to embrace unconventional paths and actively participate in initiatives that bring about positive change and holistic well-being.
The Surprising Power of Hopelessness
What is needed today is a kind of revolution in thinking and imagination. Churches need a radical change in the way they see their mission.
Exemplar, Mentor, Soul Brother, Friend
Proverbs’ wisdom reminds us that a friend sticks closer than a brother and is of immeasurable value. John Willis’ holy living and substantial friendship transformed my life.
When Leaders Get their Feelings Hurt
We all get our feelings hurt. You need thick skin to be a spiritual leader. It is hard. Most people never know how many hours you spend trying to help people.
Companions for the Journey: John Chrysostom
I am convinced that John’s life and ministry can be an example for all of us to proclaim biblical values in our context while remaining connected to our people and culture.
A Path for Renewal
The sneaky thing about renewal is that it is not up to us—it is up to God. God cannot do the work God desires to do when communities of faith assume that they are the center of things.
Jeremiah: God’s Unchanging, Originative Future
Jeremiah’s interpretative leadership has something to say to all of us adapting to the disruptions of the times; God and the ways of God remain unchanged even when recontextualized.
Leaders who Empower Others
We work for the maturation of God’s people, helping them to grow in their Christlikeness in every aspect of their lives.
Thank You for Your Service
I thank God for your leadership and your sacrifice. For many, it goes unseen by the congregation and unacknowledged. But know that you matter, you are valued, you are important to God
Lessons in Leadership from Abigail
Abigail’s leadership is impressive and provides a great pattern for us as we navigate our own challenges and conflicts.
Ask!
It’s time to stop being mad about what people aren’t doing and ask for what you need. I mean it. I’m like a broken record out here as I’m coaching people through conflict. “Just ask,” I say, over and over.
When It Gets Tough
Over the years, I have realized that there are certain things that I need to remember and reflect on during this journey of vision, leadership, and missional engagement.
Flying Like an Eagle
Have you sometimes been humbled by a pastoral situation, entering or exiting in a clumsy or awkward way, or struggling to get a sermon or initiative off the ground?
Most Church Leaders Aren’t Made for This Moment, but Help Is Nearby
If church leadership is centralized within a small cadre of people who may think alike, they may find it difficult to operate in shifting domains.
Ministers in Short Supply
I believe that resilient congregations, pursuing God’s purposes in the world, will find healthy and constructive ways to prepare, support, nurture and partner with ministers in the days to come.
Eastertide
Rather than a single Resurrection Sunday, Easter is an entire season in which Christians explore new life containing eight weeks total.