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Why Are So Many Pastors Perplexed?
I was recently a part of three-day training conference with about thirty other men. Most of them were boomer-aged pastors. During our first session, one of the facilitators did the usual "Let's get …2012-02-10 - Hal West -
3 dumb things I’ve done in worship... and intend to keep doing
I do dumb things. I admit it. I'm embarrassed about it. However, some things I do are only considered dumb by others, not me. Many of the "dumb" things I do may just bear repeating. Years ago in a …2012-02-10 - Doug Lawrence -
Book Review: Preaching in Plenty and in Want
Preaching in Plenty and in Want, by Matthew Tennant, is a thoughtful reflection on how pastors can engage with economic matters in their preaching. The author is a pastor as well as a former VP in a …1 comment2012-02-09 - Margaret Marcuson -
Chapter 5: Lead through stories
Leadership Principle #5 There is no need to rely on manufactured fanfare or high-tech presentations to motivate people. Leaders should simply tell stories."'You saw with your own eyes the great …2012-02-09 - Tom Harper -
Emergency Care when it's been one of those weeks
ARGGGHHHH! Yep, it's been of those weeks. Hardly a day off. Too much on your plate. Too many interruptions. Conflicts and complaints. Meetings, visits, and unexpected crises. Nobody's happy! And this …2012-02-03 - Mitch Todd -
Five thoughts on innovation
Every organization—including churches—must deal with continuing change. The crux of the matter is not if it will occur, but whether the organization can lead change rather than just react …2012-02-03 - Thom Rainer -
Chapter 4: How skills training builds spiritual strength
Leadership Principle #4The leader who constantly trains his or her people also builds their spiritual strength, which multiplies the effects of their skills and resources. "'We can't go up against …1 comment2012-01-31 - Tom Harper -
Chapter 3: The benefits of reduced work stress
Leadership Principle #3: Productivity increases when organizations celebrate core strengths, reduce non-core operations, and eliminate distractions. "'These are … the appointed feasts of the …2012-01-24 - Tom Harper -
How much “Klout” does a church leader need?
There's a relatively new website out there called Klout.com. Heard of it? Klout actually measures your online influence. Your Klout score takes into account how much you post to Facebook, how often …2012-01-23 - Mitch Todd -
6 things you DON'T/DO want said about your church
Churches want, and rightly so, for their extended communities to speak well of them. These days, a lot of time and money goes into promulgation of good PR about the local church—particularly …1 comment2012-01-21 - Doug Lawrence -
Leadership by Plan B
Most leaders receive due recognition for the great decisions they make. They are often lauded for the ways they have led people and organizations to change. But what if change is extremely difficult …2012-01-20 - Thom Rainer -
Is It Time to Rest?
When is it time to push, and when is it time to rest? The New Year is a time when our culture tells us to push on with those new resolutions, but winter is a time our bodies may want to slow down and …2012-01-20 - Margaret Marcuson -
Creative Collaboration
Creativity is a blessing and a curse. Creativity led Pastor Ed Young, Jr. and his bride to place a bed on the roof of their church. Their bed-in drew attention far and wide to Pastor Young's new book …2 comments2012-01-18 - David Bowman -
Chapter 2: Have you had a dream that's died?
Leadership Principle #2 Because external forces control the birth, death, and resurrection of dreams, leaders shouldn't dwell on what might've been. "…It would have been better for us to serve …2 comments2012-01-18 - Tom Harper -
Chapter 1: Creativity is still a one-brain affair
This is the first post in a series of chapter summaries from Leading from the Lions' Den: Leadership Principles from Every Book of the Bible. Leadership Principle #1:Creative leaders coax the best …2012-01-12 - Tom Harper -
Laughing Matters.
When I was 8 years old, I won the Saline County Fair talent show in Michigan. My challenger was a bratty girl with a big stuffed animal singing "what's up pussycat". When it was my turn, I walked …2 comments2012-01-11 - Mitch Todd -
Missional Communities
I've been watching the missional movement now ever since Alan Hirsch landed on our shores and spent a couple of days at my place. And I've watched the evolution of the movement during that time. The …4 comments2012-01-11 - Bill Easum -
3 Episcopalian "secrets" about worship
You may think that worship in the Episcopalian church is mostly about ritual, but you'd be wrong—as it turns out! My wife and I have been honored by the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas to give …2012-01-11 - Doug Lawrence -
Journeys to Significance
Journeys to Significance is one of the more interesting books to come along in a long time. Based on the life of the Apostle Paul and his journeys, Cole explores the various stages in life a leader …2012-01-11 - Bill Easum -
When hubris comes to church
For nearly the past three decades, I have been studying the life cycle of churches. I continue to be amazed at how certain patterns play out repeatedly in most churches. Yet, I am also challenged to …2 comments2012-01-06 - Thom Rainer
