In the mind of the ministry leader lots of thoughts race through our heads: What about the hit we will take with people away from the Word and Sacrament? (We don’t want to gather with more than 10 people, cause
Culture, Change and Leadership
Things needed to change. John was the lead pastor of a church that was nearing 65 years old. The church had grown during the years where people were moving to the new new suburbs of the city. But that was
I Know I Should…But
I know I should lead in identifying and clarifying a distinct purpose for our ministry. I know I should cast that vision. I know I should lead in defining a strategy. I know I should lead in identifying goals and
The Missing Ingredient
Five Things that Haven’t Worked and One that Does “Why won’t they listen?” “Why can’t people do what they are supposed to do?” Have you ever felt that way before? There’s an old joke about pastoral ministry that says, “ministry
“I Hate All This Talk About Leadership”
I agree. It’s kind of annoying. There’s plenty of other roles and skills that are helpful and purposeful. From pastors to DCE’s to lay and public “servants” to butchers, bakers and candlestick makers! And by the way, since when did
Faithfulness = Fruitfulness?
When living in Florida, fruit is kind of hard to avoid. There’s lots of it. Florida is known for oranges, grapefruits, mangos and many more. I have to admit, it’s kind of nice. But freezes, hurricanes, bugs and disease can
“Hurricane” Discipleship
Living in Florida has a particular temptation. When on the phone in the winter with someone who is up north, one is tempted to mention how nice the weather is where you are in Florida. But the trade off is
Necessary Ministry Shifts 3: From Head to Hands
For decades we have assumed that any Christian growth of necessity has to be information based, intellectual and aimed at your head Think: classroom Bible study. But should it always be that way? Is that the best way to grow