Pastor, Leader, and Equipper – O My!
If you’re a pastor, you’ve likely heard it. “We need a pastor who is more of a shepherd!” What does that mean? I interpret that to be the 20th century American fallacy that we pay people to do things on our behalf, including pastors to do the primary ministry activities. Go visit members in need. […]
Hospitality Begins with Signage
Think about times you’ve been embarrassed. What was the context? How did you feel? It wasn’t good, was it? Being embarrassed is a terrible feeling. When I’m embarrassed, I’m tempted to turn around and run. And that’s what I see from you too! I hang out at a coffeehouse where there’s great service and lively […]
My Problem with Old People Even Though I Are One
Before you get mad, I am an old person. I’m 77, so I’m one of those old people I have a problem with (I Know, preposition in the wrong place. Get over it; it’s not 1950). But here is my gripe with old people in church – they almost always come to church early and […]
Don’t Waste Your First Six Months
There are two ways to approach a new calling to a declining church. (1) Start slowly, build relationships, get the lay of the land, and then slowly effect changes. Ready, Aim, Fire. Or (2) Assess quickly, make changes, and then make adjustments. Ready, Fire, Aim. The first method is the most common approach in ministry. […]
Hospitality as the Foundation of Church Life
Had a great time at the mall recently. The wife gave me a dollar to spend in the arcade. Skeeball is certainly in heaven. And, in total abandonment of my normal aversion to sugar, I and my wife indulged in a chocolate chip double doozie at Great American Cookies. Now I have very good peripheral […]
Lead Like an Old English Sheepdog
For years I’ve asked my coaching clients, “What’s your hobby?” (because, Church Leaders – including you minister-types – it’s critical we have at least one hobby). It’s been said, though, that “those who can’t do teach,” and so I was caught a bit off-guard when a cohort of ministers I was coaching turned the question back on me, “So, […]