How Sleep Benefits a Leader’s Brain
Sleep. Ahhhhh. Wonderful, restful, sleep. Something we all crave and often don’t get enough of. For centuries scientists have pondered what sleep does for us, except to cure sleepiness and make us feel better. But in recent years neuroscientists have discovered significant benefits that sleep brings, especially to our brains. We leaders need our brains to function at their peak and sleep can
A Simple Way Leaders (or anybody) Can Reduce Stress
God created our brains to help us survive in our world. Whether it’s a real threat (a bear outside your tent on a camping trip) or a perceived one (a board member or boss who acts like a bear), a part of our nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), engages the stress response. It’s that fight-flight
3 Ways Stress is Actually Good for You
I’ve often written about stress, here, here, and here. Most of my writing about it has focused on the detrimental effects upon our body, leadership, and brain. However, I read an eye opening book by health psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonical, The Upside of Stress, Why Stress is Good for You and How to Get Good at It. I
Do You Problem Solve too Much as a Leader?
Good leaders help team members solve their own problems with their own insight. Average leaders tend to solve their team members’ problems, thus truncating their opportunity to grow themselves. So, how do we help our team members learn to problem solve on their own? In this post I begin with a story and then suggest ways
What Should Pastors Do with Personal Pain?
Every leader carries personal pain and baggage not only from his or her family of origin, but also from previous ministry experiences. For some, that baggage may feel like a light daypack. For others, it may feel like a 100-pound duffle bag. What we do with it affects our personal well being and the well being of
Introverts Don’t Make Good Pastors
Or, maybe they do. I’m a pastor and an introvert. I get energy from being alone. Being with people for long periods of time drains me, although I have strong people skills. I love to read. I go on silent retreats. After church every Sunday I need to spend time without high people interaction. Did
The Life Model for Spiritual Health
Today I’ve invited my friend, Michael Sullivant, to be by guest. He’s the director of Relational Networks for Life Model Works. This organization, founded by my neurothologian friend, Dr. Jim Wilder, has helped thousands of people become more spiritually and emotionally whole by combined the Truth of Scripture with insight about the brain. Dr. Wilder
When People Compare Pastors
Many pastors secretly struggle with measuring up to very successful pastors and churches. It’s tough, but it comes with the ministry. It’s especially true now with more church people viewing online services of very large churches due to covid. And, people will compare their current pastor to the best of the best online. In this post
6 Keys to Mastering Change in the Church
Leading change is difficult in churches. I’m always looking for fresh insight on how to effect change. I’ve found great insight from this author. Kevin Cashman wrote the book Leadership from the Inside Out: Becoming a Leader for Life which I highly recommend. In one chapter he writes about mastering change in an organization. His insight applies to churches as
The Millionaire Pastor – an Oxymoron?
Some time back I listened to the audio book The Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Burchard. He’s authored two New York Times Bestsellers, speaks to thousands, and offers a plethora of training materials. He became a multi-millionaire before he turned 30. His inspiring book (even for pastors) challengers its readers to become experts in their field and become millionaires