I was a young minister. I had a few appointments and a few calls to return. I had a lunch meeting scheduled that day. For some reason, in those years, I thought that the busier I was, the more I was accomplishing. Decades later, as I think about my motives for this pace of ministry,… Continue reading On Refusing to Live a Hurried Life
Category: Leadership
5 Practical Ways Church Leaders Can Make a Difference
Church leaders sometimes wonder if they are really making a difference. Elders, ministers, and influencers in a variety of roles may wonder, “Am I really making a kingdom difference in my congregation?” Others may even feel discouraged wondering if their service, as a part of a congregation, really matters. Remember that we serve by faith,… Continue reading 5 Practical Ways Church Leaders Can Make a Difference
Six Helpful Suggestions for Any Christian Leader
The following are six suggestions for leadership that I recently shared with a group of church leaders. These six have helped me greatly. If you are in any leadership role, these can be helpful. (I am indebted to Edwin Friedman, Peter Scazzero, and Ruth Haley Barton for some of the seed thoughts in these statements.)… Continue reading Six Helpful Suggestions for Any Christian Leader
5 Attributes of Wise Leaders
Wise leaders understand that life and ministry is a long game. Far too many church leaders act as if real ministry began once they came on the scene. It almost sounds like what the congregation may have been doing for many years long before the present leaders showed up is not as legitimate as what… Continue reading 5 Attributes of Wise Leaders
3 Questions that Can Change Your Life – Really
Are you grappling with important questions? Some people are preoccupied with their image. (How do I look?) Some are preoccupied with their success. (How can I win?) Others, however, have discovered that one’s life can really change for the good when you deal with some very important questions. The question of character. What is the… Continue reading 3 Questions that Can Change Your Life – Really
What Validates a Minister’s Value?
How do you know when a minister has great value? Or, if you serve as a minister of a congregation you may wonder how much value you really have. Perhaps there are times when you when you feel as if you have great value. What factors have led you to come to that conclusion? Perhaps… Continue reading What Validates a Minister’s Value?
Held Hostage By the Least Mature (Leadership)
Perhaps you’ve known one or more of these people. He or she is the least mature person in the group. He is the most difficult elder in the group. Time after time, the other elders have attempted to appease their fellow elder. Yet, no matter what they do, he remains unhappy and demands other concessions.… Continue reading Held Hostage By the Least Mature (Leadership)
When People are Impulsive
It is true. Some people are slow to decide and slow to act. Some groups are so afraid of making a mistake, they miss opportunity after opportunity to make a difference. Some churches are so bogged down in committees they rarely take action. There are some people, however, who seem to act impulsively with little… Continue reading When People are Impulsive
Mentoring: The Promise of Relational Leadership
(The following are reflections based on Walter C. Wright’s book, Mentoring: The Promise of Relational Leadership.) Want to start or enhance a mentoring relationship? Are you interested in having a relationship with someone who might serve as a mentor? Are you already a mentor to one or more persons but you are not sure how… Continue reading Mentoring: The Promise of Relational Leadership
Ministry Inside.103
I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” every December. George Bailey had many dreams but they were put on hold for the sake of others. He lives in Bedford Falls with his family, trying to keep the Building and Loan afloat. At one point, he realizes that he is in serious trouble. He wishes he had… Continue reading Ministry Inside.103