Why you need to play favorites in leadership (and even in ministry)
One of the biggest challenges you will face as a leader is figuring out how to treat people.
Even on the job
No part of our lives should remain untouched by our faith.
Embracing today with wisdom from the past and hope for the future
Two mindsets that can prevent us from living our best lives today. One is hallowing the Good Ol’ Days, and the other is placing all our hopes on Someday.
Is your vision statement doing more harm than good?
The only thing worse than not having a clear vision is having a poorly defined vision.
Reinvent nursing home ministry by viewing it as a church plant
In this 1-minute video, Bob Whitesel discusses insights he gained from one of his doctoral students about how people in nursing homes may view our ministries to them as patronizing.
Trusting your team during vacations
Taking time to unplug during vacations is vital for the success of yourself and your team.
Praying for discernment, not just decisions
As leaders committed to prayer, let's remember that God has already been operating and has had plans in motion long before our prayers arrived on the scene.
Embracing the mission Jesus gave us
When they reached Emmaus, Cleopas and his friend asked Jesus to stay with them. But Jesus left.
IF success comes from God, THEN inputs > outcomes
Because "wealth and honor" and success come from God alone, you can rest anytime you have faithfully put in the work and the "inputs"—not just when you've achieved your desired outcome.
Setting the right goals: A path for Christian leaders
Every Christian leader faces the challenge of setting meaningful and achievable goals, both for their ministry and personal life.
The single best way to lead change in a very traditional, old, or resistant setting
Focus on the why. Not on the what and the how. What and how are inherently divisive. Why unites people.
How the church can help younger people with their baggage
Being aware of the baggage young people have and the stages of life they are going into can help churches better minister to younger generations.
Anchored in perfect peace: Trusting God through every journey
Ancient mariners knew the value of fixed points in the sky. Those anchors above gave them confidence to release their ropes at the shore and to navigate their journeys toward lands they knew lay beyond the rising and falling seas.
5 places of decision where churches must communicate better
In our noisy world where there are lots of choices to make, with many places of decision, the church needs to be clear about options and very specific with direction.
A quick overview of the triple nones
I remember my surprise at the response to a book I wrote in 2001, Surprising Insights from the Unchurched. The fact that I remember something that took place almost a quarter of a century ago is a testament to its indelible mark on my memory.
What I learned about grace from a 50-year-old sermon
One of my favorite preachers is Steve Brown who was formerly a pastor at the Key Biscayne Presbyterian church in Florida. Steve is an author, speaker, and now a seminary professor.
Assume someone is recruiting your best employees. What will you do?
The winning strategy is this: Be the best at attracting, building, and retaining your team. You can't play without a team.
Why most churches greet you like it’s 1999
When you welcome people to your church during your in-person services, do you still behave like it's 1999?
How to create a culture of innovation and creativity
Innovation and creativity are hallmarks of a great organization. They know what they do well, think about what to do next, and then innovate to get there.
Finding hope even in prison
The Bible tells us that hope, real hope, never disappoints. But what if you're in prison, and you've lost all hope?
