“They” are the problem. “They” are in the way, holding us back, stopping our God dreams. “They” don’t get us/ me/ my kind of people. They… We/us… Whenever a leader allows an Us V Them moment, that leader has ushered in division. Conflict is not necessarily division. Conflict, if led well, can move us from differences to dedication and from… Read more »
“I’m not tired!” said by a toddler as they are carried by a parent to bed. The child is unaware that they are beyond tired, tense and frustrated. This is typical of every child. It is not uncommon for adults either! Adults can be unaware of their emotions, unaware of their anger, not in touch with their frustration, hurt, defensiveness,… Read more »
I have the privilege of working with many great leaders. None look alike. Various personalities, gifting and history, but all with a fierce heart for the Lord. Recently one of those leaders was walking through a season of downturn, and was processing all of the crazy that Satan speaks in those seasons. This is a letter to that leader. May… Read more »
We live in an age of mistrust, especially of organizations. No wonder! We have observed a myriad of leaders choosing themselves over those they lead. Often this is done out of the public eye, but eventually the heart is revealed, and when the constituents discern ANY breach of trust the toxin has entered the system. Organizations can often identify “trust”… Read more »
Worship is a gift of God – a venue or opportunity for us to experience wonder and majesty. Most of us live “contained” lives; squeezed by limitations, rejections, disappointments. Worship is where the Lord opens the skies and reveals, reminds and re-energizes us. In worship, we enter the stories of God’s moving. In worship, we join in community to defy… Read more »
More than leaders who are skilled, who have certain personality traits (extroversion/ D’s and I’s) our people need LEADERS WHO ARE LED! When we serve under leaders who are led, we can follow with hope and joy. We can trust that our church is fulfilling the calling of God upon us. We may or may not immediately see the results,… Read more »
Somewhere along the line we began to doubt the motives of nearly every leader. It is true that the soul of the leader is always experienced by the people who trust that leader and follow. Some do indeed take advantage of their position, thinking they “deserve” privileges and more. But many leaders lead out of a pure heart. And when… Read more »
Powerful theology forms powerful SPIRITUAL leaders. When the word forms our worldview we see differently. We see those we lead differently. We see obstacles and opposition differently. Ultimately the skills of a leader do matter. But the key factor is the leader’s soul. When leaders experience theology (meaning the power of the word in their world) they become powerful spiritual… Read more »
Over the past few decades the call has been to shape the Sunday worship around the unchurched. Continually leaders speak of how they are implementing this tactic. This model is certainly one option and does indeed have impact. However, the implications flowing from that one decision to implement that model can also be treacherous. For instance, if the Sunday experience… Read more »
Responsibility, deadlines, appointments can all come crashing down to squeeze the leader’s schedule. With no clear decision, and mostly without awareness, the leader begins the “leadership run”. Each day they hit the floor running, excited, hectic. One day is skipped in worship and then another. And then the weekend assignment pulls their focus to their “speaking” and anxiously await the… Read more »