Leadership
Last Thoughts on Luther’s Prayer… For This Week
I sat next to a “religion” prof at a Catholic University (remain unnamed) on a flight recently. We had a delightful chat across the country. (She told me I was the most “interesting” person she had ever met on a flight – that was right after I told her I had cleaned more toilets than…
Read MoreSpeak With Passion
For those reading this blog who will speak/communicate this weekend, no matter how you do what you do, no matter what you focus upon, please speak from your heart – not your head alone. People who are present with the anticipation of walking away with a life change will not be “nourished” by information. Those…
Read MoreLiving in the Land of Risk
Had an amazing lunch with an old friend this week. He is not so much a tech wizard like many who accomplish much in this arena, he is more like a building contractor. Contractors may not know how to do framing, drywalling, plumbing, but they are networked with those who know how to get the…
Read MoreThings to Do before You Die
I have been noticing the many books and sites popping up lately, “1000 Things to Do Before You Die” or “X Number of Places To Visit Before You Die.” These titles speak of several things: 1. Boomers especially (the likely ones buying/reading such things) have finally figured out they really are going to die…hey, better…
Read MorePetty-ness That Divides Us
I like Tom Petty and his band the Heartbreakers. Trivia – they got their big break when they were the backup band for Dylan quite a few years ago. Dylan has a way of spotting talent – his intuition is rarely wrong – one of his many talents. “Petty” is amazingly gifted and on top…
Read MoreHow Do We Equip?
How do we walk into the future equipped, with as few surprises as possible? It’s not about merely reading. I have been a big advocate of reading over the years – I will always read, watch, listen. I am hooked on learning as I hope all I have an influence upon are. Yet the ultimate…
Read More6 Smart Reasons Not to Fix What Ain’t Broken How to Lead Without Over-Leading Your Church (Or Yourself)
How to Lead Without Over-Leading Your Church (Or Yourself) In church leadership, the urge to constantly improve can sometimes backfire. When we make changes just to “do something,” we risk stepping outside the flow of what the Holy Spirit is already doing. As Lenny the cuddly but too strong man child in Of Mice and…
Read MoreKindness in Weekend Messages
Monday It is exciting to go to Google on weekends to put in key phrases to see what phrases I can glean on from weekend messages. Contrary to what some might naturally think, I am stoked about others using the phrases I have coined and developed. It will hopefully better explain the expansion of the…
Read MoreThe Power of Anointed Nudgery: Helping Others Come to Faith Step by Step
Evangelism is often seen as a dramatic, one-time event—but in reality, it’s more like a journey of small, Spirit-led steps. I call this process “Anointed nudgery” — a partnership between God’s presence and our gentle encouragement that helps people move to faith. Here’s how we can understand and practice this doable approach: 1. Evangelism Is…
Read More20 Quotes to Encourage Church Planters
I’m pretty picky when it comes to quotes. I think you will find the following list filled with memorable sayings that will come in handy. Here are 20 quotes that I hope you find encouraging as you live out the calling and adventure we call Church Planting: “Desperation is a funny thing. It either humbles…
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