Graceland Gospel Reading Plan: Day 1

Today is the first day of our church’s Bible reading plan. Today we’re reading Mark 1. Here is one observation from my time in reading Mark 1: I’m struck by the openness people felt to approach Jesus; this is in stark contrast to the religious leaders. In Mark 1:41 a leper came to Him asking…

“Like a Boss.” 5 characteristics of what that actually should mean.

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash Trust is crucial for influence and credibility. Oren Harari in The Powell Principles: 24 Lessons from Colin Powell, a Legendary Leader shares a good word on establishing trust that’s essential for leaders to learn. People are inclined to trust those who… Are competent – individuals who have relevant knowledge and experience and…

5 statements your kids need to hear (and you too, probably)

My bride and I love our kids. Honestly. We enjoy hugging and kissing them. We enjoy holding their hands, though they’re quickly seeing that I’m not nearly as cool as they once thought I was! We love seeing them smile and hearing them laugh. We love when they ask questions about Jesus, truth, the Bible…

Preacher, do you want to be a help to people?

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash Confession: I do not read or study the art or craft of preaching as regularly as I should. Though I’m not entirely sure what “regularly” is, I am quite sure that it’s more often than what I’m currently doing. That being said, Meditations on Preaching by Francis James Grimké has been a…

Leadership Must Involve Encouragement

One of my favorite leadership expressions says that if you think you’re leading people but no one is following, you’re not leading – you’re just taking a walk. A surefire way to get people to stop following is to be demanding and correct them constantly without offering profuse encouragement. As Mark Chanski says in his…

The Heart of a Shepherd-Leader

Christian leaders know and invest their lives in those they lead. To a faithful Christian leader, those in their ministry do not exist for their benefit. The true shepherd so desires the vitality of those they lead that the impression they make on the shepherd’s hearts lasts long after the leadership relationship is completed. One…

5 statements every kid needs to hear (over and over)

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash My bride and I love our kids. Honestly. We enjoy hugging and kissing them. We enjoy holding their hands, though they’re quickly seeing that I’m not nearly as cool as they once thought I was! We love seeing them smile and hearing them laugh. We love when they ask questions about Jesus,…