Leadership

I have two toolboxes, which should identify me as a handyman. For some reason, they do not provide enough evidence for my wife. She has this idea that I should not only use the tools in those boxes but be proficient in handling them. Tools should be used.  I do…

What are the top 3 days of the year people will attend your service? Did you guess correctly? Easter is number one. Christmas is number two. And did you know that Mother’s Day is number three? Amazing. We’ll talk about that in another article. Today, however, I want us to…

It’s here. Christmas Eve service is just a few days away. Are you ready? Well let’s go over the checklist: Music team in place? Check. Bulletins printed and folded? Check. Presents bought and wrapped for my kids? Che…wait. Don’t get distracted. Back to the service. Sanctuary clean? Check. Spouse's present…

Okay, we should be honest: whether you’re a pastor or new to a faith journey with Jesus, there is one concept that rings true for all of us in communication, “What you say is whom you portray.”  For pastors and leaders, this portrayal is of Jesus Christ and the legacy…

I love getting to know our contributors. To read about their favorite books, authors, music and movies, I am reminded that they are people just like you and me. I really enjoy hearing about their morning routines and their advice on keeping their relationship with Jesus alive and vibrant. This…

Easter is quickly approaching, and with that, many church leaders have already jumped into the somewhat frantic mode of all things Easter service preparations. No matter where you are in the scheme of planning, studying, or praying, though, here are some tips and reminders that will hopefully guide you along…

Blogs are not new. Many of the first ones started as online journaling, people blurting out feelings, opinions without facts, moods of the day. It was a way of expressing yourself. The beauty of it is that blogs progressed and evolved to become agents of change, thought-provoking writings and now,…

One of the most powerful, somber, and life-giving seasons is upon us. And even though you may already be thinking all things egg-dying and Easter bunny visiting, the resurrection season is so much more meaningful than Little Bunny Foo Foo sing-a-longs and Cadbury chocolate egg feasting. The heart of the…

“I’m not satisfied with how well I help when someone comes to me for counsel.” “When the other person is sharing their trouble, are you thinking of how to answer?” “Yes.” “That’s your problem.” I went on to explain to the young intern who had come to me that his…

In my previous article, “The Art of Listening,” I noted that while listening well can be difficult, it is not complex. The difficulty lies more in our motivation and assumptions. The nuts and bolts are few, and assembly is much simpler than putting together an IKEA bookshelf. 1. Give signals…