Three Leadership Metaphors
I like metaphors because they encourage the imagination to run wild rather than just focus on a definition. In the case of leadership, I like three primary metaphors that shed light on the role of a leader without confining leadership to the definition. Here they are. Shepherd Let your imagination run wild here. Do you […]
Great Leadership Part Two
A lot of pastors feel it’s inappropriate to use power, even if it might cause something good to happen. Great leaders aren’t afraid to use power for the corporate good. They know that in the absence of strong leadership, someone steps in to exercise power. They know what normally happens when leaders fail to lead […]
Great Leadership Part One
Leadership is an elusive characteristic. It takes many shapes, but you always know a great leader when you see one in action. I’ve had the privilege of working with many of our nation’s best leaders, both secular and religious. And I hate to say it but I can divide them into two categories, whether religious […]
Leadership Lessons from the Movie Ender’s Game
I saw Ender’s Game on its opening day and fell in love with the movie. Not because I love sci-fi over all other movie genres (I do). Not because Harrison Ford is my favorite swashbuckling actor (he is). And not even because I thought it had a great plot, great writing, great acting, and great […]
Changing Your Congregational Ethos: It’s Not an Overnight Job
Your congregational ethos is the dog that’s wagging the tail (which is as it should be). The problem is that any strategy for growing your church that you might propose is subject to that ethos. As Jim Collins of Good to Great fame wrote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast and lunch.” That culture he’s talking […]
Classic Worship Leaders and Worship Bands
Music isn’t just a part of worship for today’s generations – it is the primary act of worship. Whereas classic worship services break up songs with other worship tools, such as responsive readings, prayers, etc., successful alternative worship services produce music sets similar to that of a concert, with one song leading directly into another […]