The 10 Biggest Issues Facing the Church Today
I just enjoyed a lunch sponsored by The Aspen Group which featured Darren Whitehead, teaching pastor at Willow Creek Church. Darren listed the top 10 issues facing the church today. He based it on a survey from Lifeway. Here are the 10, in reverse order. Abortion Homosexuality Relevance in the church Marriage Apathy Doctrine Evangelism
Brokenness in a Pastor’s life: a Blessing or a Curse?
This is a brief excerpt about brokenness in a pastor’s life and ministry from my latest book, 5 Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them. __ Circumstances beyond a pastor’s control (demographics or a location that hinders growth), an uncooperative board (they say no to an important initiative), or even family issues (a chronically ill
Pastor, Slow Thyself Down
A brief excerpt from my latest book, 5 Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them. Thomas Kelly, a twentieth-century Quaker, died the day a company discussed publishing his essays. Fortunately a friend followed through and those essays were compiled into A Testament of Devotion. Kelly succinctly captures why we need to heed Jesus’ offer: “Come
Neuroleadership clues to Tiger Wood’s Meltdown
Last week Augusta, Georgia hosted one of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments, The Masters. Tiger Woods, a four-time winner and arguable today’s most talented golfer made the cut. He entered the tournament hoping for a strong showing. Unfortunately he finished tied for 40th. What happened? Neuroscience gives us clues not only to Tiger’s downward
Discover your Leadership Vibe in 10 Minutes
If you follow my blog, you know I love to read. As a life-long learner I learn from others’ writings and I believe integrous writers should always give generous attribution to authors whose ideas they embrace or write about. That’s why I often reference my ideas. Recently I read Do More Great Work by Michael
Do Extroverted Pastors Marginalize Introverted Pastors?
I sat next to a brilliant PhD at a recent men’s breakfast and he made an insightful statement that struck a chord with me. We chatted about the master’s degree I’m pursuing in neuroleadership and about his shift from chemistry to software development. During that conversation I felt prompted to ask
A great devotional journaling app for busy pastors
I’m a busy pastor. Even though I never can complete my to-do list, I must never let this one to-do slip, my walk with Jesus. Technology supports my spiritual disciplines as I use my Mac, iPad, and iPhone in tandem. I just purchased a great app that helps me journal more consistently. Journaling, a classic spiritual
6 questions that reveal if you only give ADVICE or extract VISION
Often ministry leaders give advice rather than seek to bring out personal vision in others. These 6 questions help others think about their personal vision. The next time someone asks you for advice, respond with one or two of these questions before dispensing advice. What’s working for you now? What’s not? What really excites you
8 good reasons pastors should find a coach
I’m beginning my second week in becoming a certified coach with the Professional Christian Coaching Institute. In the weeks ahead, I’ll share some of the best insights I learn through short mini-blogs. Gary Collins, one of Christian coaching’s gurus gives these 8 reasons why anyone would want a coach. I see great applicability for anyone in
Do Pastors Need a Personal Coach?
I just began a 30 hour training program to become a certified coach through the Professional Christian Coaching Institute as I hope to be a resource to pastors serving them as a coach. (blog written in 2011) I was coached a few years ago and didn’t feel it helped much. However, I didn’t give up