Vision can be polarizing! Some people will be drawn while others will be repelled. While it may appear that most of the “battles” are over vision, that is NOT where the bigger battles are found. Leaders, we are discovering, often get the essence of a dream or vision correct. By “essence” we mean that the dream likely will morph a… Read more »
Every week church communities gather to worship. Worship includes singing; the vocalizing of praise and gratefulness, the words spoken to tune that can be declaration of rich theology and truth. People have varied emotions about singing but for the people of God singing has always been significant, powerful and formational. Songs can put words into our mouths that remind our hearts… Read more »
How we handle differences can reveal how we are maturing spiritually! Differences are a testing ground for how we respond to challenges, to opinions strongly stated, and to disagreements. Differences need not bring division, but they can. In fact, when those disagreeing begin to polarize, they may “reach” for other proofs or substantiations. That was happening in the church in… 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 »
Colossians 1:18 “And He is head of the body, the church.” Wondering if that is a missing factor in our hectic, success driven world? Sure, we who are trained in scripture would affirm that truth, but how do we live it? What are the key factors, patterns, etc., that assure Christ is the head of the body you lead? For… 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 »
What do you do when your church struggles? How do you lead in those seasons and times? Of course analyzing would be important. However, the most significant “to do” of the leader is to intensify time with other leaders. Move closer to invest and bless, not further away. If the key factor is leadership (not just yours but others) then investing… Read more »
The scripture says the Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Did you know He doesn’t eat beef? And He does’t need money! The only reason He has those cattle (yes it is an analogy but follow along) is for us! And as the perfect Father, He knows when to give to us and how to give to us…. Read more »
Holy leaders are a gift to the people. They are evidence of God’s love for us! Isn’t that striking? When we ponder how much the Lord loves us, one expression is the leaders He places over us! The sacrifice of a leader is an expression of our value! The willingness of a leader to lay down their life (which could… 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 »