When we enter into the lives of our churches and church members, may we bring the same love and joy that God designed each of us to have and to become.
All in Church
Book Review: Jim Davis and Michael Graham, The Great Dechurching
While each congregation and minister has a particular context, there is a reinforced theme that, no matter what, an emphasis moving forward must encompass belonging.
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.
Onboarding on My Mind
Your new hire isn’t just starting a new job, they’re joining your outpost of God’s kingdom, and we want to take intentional steps to help them succeed.
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.
Asking More, Not Less
Before we ask people to do more in our churches, we need to make sure that what we are asking them to do creates identity, community, meaning, and purpose.
Sustainability versus Fruitfulness: Which Matters More?
When it comes to churches, does sustainability or fruitfulness matter more? Is it more important for a church to have a long life? Or is it more desirable that a church be productive?
We Disagree and I Think You Are…
Just because we disagree does not make one of us stupid. In the same way, one of us may be wrong about things, but that does not mean we are not in love with Jesus.
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.
In the Name of Jesus: A Reflection on Christian Leadership
Using two passages from the New Testament—Matthew 4:1-11 and John 21:15-19—Henri Nouwen offers us a profound reflection about the type of leadership Christ wants for his church.
Confident Insecurity: Embracing Vocational Marginality
Frustration and insecurity are difficult vocational experiences. However, invaluable growth can result from embracing insecurity, uncovering paths to deeper ministry and mission.
Thinking about God, Money, and Budgets
I have been thinking about God and money lately—and how that applies to my family and to my church family. Here are a few things I believe.
Why One Minister Has Stayed
These are my top five reasons that I have stayed in ministry. This isn’t the final word, but I do think that these are things that every person in full-time ministry needs to some degree.
The Particular Challenge of Older Congregations
Folk who study congregations speak of congregations having a “life cycle.” If you’re thinking that your church might be one of them, let’s take a deeper look.
Why Does My Ministry Exist?
Why does my ministry exist? This might seem like an overly simple question, but I think it isn’t just valid but essential. What role does my ministry play in the Kingdom of God?
Hiring a Minister: Five Suggestions for Ministers
If you find that you absolutely must get a particular job, then you end up broadcasting a message to a search team (and just about everyone else) that they must affirm you and validate your plans for the future.
Hiring a Minister: Five Suggestions for Churches
There are various methods that churches can use to search for and hire ministry staff. Regardless of which process is used, all of us in the kingdom of heaven benefit when we share our best practices for hiring.
Hard Hats in the Church
Sometimes we exalt others for their skill in ministry, whether as great preachers or talented musicians or wonderful prayer leaders, but we end up exalting the person rather than remembering to give thanks to the God who gave those gifts.
Lattes, Candles, and Ukuleles Are Not Exactly Missional
The missional call is not doing what you already do at a better or more creative level. It’s joining people where they are, bringing the love of Jesus with you, and allowing the Spirit of God to form Christian community.