Americans disagree about what to do about health care. Christians disagree about the purpose of the local church. Couples disagree about how to spend money. As have all leaders, I’ve experienced disagreements. Certainly, not everyone has seen life the way I have nor have they had the same vision for ministry that I have had.… Continue reading HANDLING DISAGREEMENTS
Category: Insights for Leadership
PAUL’S FRIENDS: The importance of team building
Throughout my pastoral experience, I have had the privilege of working as part of a series of teams. It is one of the challenges and joys of leading and serving in larger churches. I have learned from my team members. I have been able to pour myself into the lives of others. It has been… Continue reading PAUL’S FRIENDS: The importance of team building
BUILDING TRUST
Recently, I made an appointment with a friend to meet at 2 o’clock the next afternoon to review some important activities we were doing. It was an important meeting for me. I rescheduled my entire day so I could be at the appointment. However, when 2 o’clock came, I was left alone, waiting for my… Continue reading BUILDING TRUST
Staff Engagement
The global economy is floundering. All over the world, organizations are struggling to carry on. It is affecting not only big corporations but also those of us who work in churches and Christian organizations. I am hearing of churches that are being forced to close. Other ministries are cutting programs and staff. While we can… Continue reading Staff Engagement
WHAT THE BOARD CAN EXPECT FROM THE PASTOR!
In response to an earlier post, What I Tell My Board Each Year, I have received a comment suggesting I write a mirror article – “What my board can expect from me!” I appreciate the comment and suggestion. Here’s the result. After 45 years of ministry, many as a district and national church leader, I… Continue reading WHAT THE BOARD CAN EXPECT FROM THE PASTOR!
THE MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. “ (2 Corinthians 3:6). A few years ago, a missionary friend of mine was driving down a rural road. Everything was going well as he approached a… Continue reading THE MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT
ERGOCENTRICITY – “My work is more important than your work!”
First Published in Leadership Magazine It was a battle royal. They were two department leaders in the same church, both genuinely loving the same Lord, both wanting to work for the cause of Christ, yet shouting at the top of their voices at each other. The women’s leader and the youth president both wanted… Continue reading ERGOCENTRICITY – “My work is more important than your work!”
PEOPLE OR PROGRAMS?
While a missionary in Kenya, I was the managing editor of a large publishing house. Part of my responsibility was to train African writers in journalistic skills. One morning, I gave an assignment to Joseph, a competent and promising writer. The people in the printing department had reserved time on the large presses to run… Continue reading PEOPLE OR PROGRAMS?
THE BIBLE AND CULTURE
The world is full of thousands of cultures and sub-cultures. Each of us is influenced by his culture. Which culture is right? Cultures differ in marriage customs, the way hospitality is shown to strangers, patterns of business behavior and communication, as well as the unique characteristics of food, clothing and houses. Culture is the particular… Continue reading THE BIBLE AND CULTURE
What I Tell My Board Each Year
1. I expect you to be a people of prayer. Ministry can only function in an atmosphere of prayer. Problems are solved by prayer. Personality conflict issues are dealt with in prayer. God speaks and guides through prayer. Corporate prayer needs to be coupled with private prayer. 2. I expect you to be a people… Continue reading What I Tell My Board Each Year