The shift can be imperceptible. Nobody drifts into holiness, but we sure drift into unholiness. It is the default setting of our flesh. And so the pastor is auto set to self-protect, self-justify You insulate yourself from criticism and/or interpret any criticism as attacks or insubordination You have a paranoia about Who Is and Who…
Bill Hybels has a really powerful word on the relationship between pastor/shepherd and the sheep and explains how we must not lead with a domineering spirit. Throughout my entire ministry, one thing has almost always been true: If I communicate the right mission at the right time of the year in the right way and…
Bill Hybels in his book Axiom has some very insightful and wise thoughts regarding the seasons organizations go through. For my context, the organization is the church. Here’s his breakdown: Season of growth. In this season everything is going well, attendance is spiking, giving is on the rise and the future looks bright. Season of consolidation.…
Here’s some sobering observations (from Dave Kraft in his book Mistakes Leaders Make) on Saul’s life. Insecurity leads to motivation by fear of failure Circumstances, not God’s desires, control Saul’s choices Rationalization, not repentance, follows his sin He loves the favor and respect of his son, Jonathan He loses favor with God He assumes the problem…
Dave Kraft in his book Mistakes Leaders Make gives 10 things pastors should strongly avoid. Allowing ministry to replace Jesus Allowing comparing to replace contentment Allowing pride to replace humility Allowing pleasing people to replace pleasing God Allowing busyness to replace visioning Allowing financial frugality to replace fearless faith Allowing artificial harmony to replace difficult conflict…
This piece was written by Dr. Lawless and posted on Dr. Rainer’s website, which day-in-day-out is probably the most helpful, practical blog on leadership out there. Here’s what Dr. Lawless says regarding how to recognize arrogance: 10 Ways to Recognize Our Arrogance May 27, 2014 By Chuck Lawless I’m writing this post for me as much as…
06.12.2014 Wise leaders are often repulsed by the idea of a ministry or organizational silo. A silo is, by definition, “a system or department that is isolated from others.” Silos can cause ministries or organizations to move in a plethora of disparate directions. Thus, a silo sucks funding from the overall mission, causes confusion as…
Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law. We read in Exodus 18 that when Jethro observed Moses’ daily responsibilities of providing judgment for the people he said, What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to…
This is simply a short follow-up post from Dr. Eric Geiger (V. P. for Lifeway Christian Resources), where he states that perhaps the greatest gift we can give to the people we lead is to completely yield to the Spirit of God. You can read the entirety of the short post here.
Here’s a brief word from Dr. Rainer on Emotional Intelligence (summarized from Daniel Golman’s book Emotional Intelligence). The implications of emotional intelligence within pastoral ministry or leadership in general, are very significant. In fact, Dr. Rainer says that “ministry leaders who have a healthy emotional iq (intelligence quotient) are likely to have greater ministry benefit.” So what…
Theology Along the Way 