“But that’s just the way they are.” (Wave the white flag!) That’s what one pastor was overheard saying to a colleague at a circuit pastor’s meeting. His church was a bit quirky and dysfunctional and they were getting kind of grumpy
Assumptions – Fast Forwarding Your Leadership
My assumption is that you probably know your theology pretty well. The LCMS seminaries do a pretty good job teaching theology. Then if you have a desire or need to grow in historical, systematic, or exegetical theology you have your
Christian Catch-22
Equipping the Saints…when they don’t want it So the well-intentioned pastor is in a catch-22. He wants (and is really required) to equip the saints but they don’t seem to want it! They are content, complacent even. The pastor knows
The “St. Peter” Principle?
Perhaps you are familiar with the Peter Principle. It is a management theory that says a candidate for a particular position is chosen based on their performance in their current job rather than what is required in their intended position.
Law/Gospel Leadership…Part 2
Pastor: I was trained as a pastor. I am to preach Law and Gospel, warning of sin and its consequences and the comfort that sins are forgiven. Coach: Sounds wonderful! Pastor: I was also taught that the Gospel should predominate.
Law/Gospel…Leadership?
The following is a fictional conversation with a pastor. Pastor: I struggle with the title of being a leader. I am a pastor. Coach: Okay, what do you do as a pastor? Pastor: I preach and teach and administer the
Leading Yourself Part 2
Would you follow you? Why or why not? Make a list in each category. Solicit the help of a courageous thinking partner, like a coach, who can challenge your thinking and help you get real about your strengths, weaknesses, assumptions,
Leading Yourself Part 1 A Balanced Life?
A balanced life? Is that the goal? How do you achieve balance with your time, priorities and purpose? There is so much to do and so many responsibilities: keeping up work or ministry demands, not to mention growing the ministry