I have a passion for the brain and how applying newly discovered brain science can impact leadership and spiritual growth. I even wrote a book about it. Now into my sixth decade of life, I want to maximize my brainpower as I (and everybody else) faces inevitable cognitive decline. In this post I share three morning habits you can build into your routine to boost your brain power and stay mentally sharp […]
As congregations return methodically to in-person services, something else will be taking place. It will be obvious to some churches; it will be more subtle to others. Simply stated, churches will have an incredible window of opportunity to make substantive and positive changes. We have been watching closely the responses of congregations and their leaders … Continued
Discover the essential merger-friendly pastor qualities needed to ease the pain of transition.
Ive been thinking about confessions lately. Augustines Confessions in particular. I even quoted The City of God in my Sunday messageI felt quite scholarly talking about inordinately loved things. Yet, for today, I want to focus on what is among his best known quotes. He wrote, Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and […]
Leadership is more important now than ever. In fact, good leadership is essential if we hope to make progress toward a better future. In well over three decades, Ive had the privilege to connect with thousands of leaderssome for a short time, and many in great depth. These many connections have allowed me to identify certain great leaders practices that the best leaders I know consistently practice. (Not perfectly, but consistently.)
Prior to COVID-19, we could connect with those in our congregation and communities almost whenever we wanted. We could have lunch with them, meet at local sports games and of course see them before or after the worship experience. However, now those options really do seem to be things of the past. I am sure though that we would all agree that connection in life and in church are of the upmost importance. But how do you pivot church connection?
Several of the most famous quotes about leadership point to the paradox of embracing the challenge of the season and giving vision and hope in the midst of the challenges. Max Depree quipped: “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is … Continued
The more we pastors help people discover, develop and deploy their spiritual gifts, the healthier our churches become. In this post I suggest six tips that can help others discover their gifts. 1. Ask, “What Do I Enjoy Doing/What Do I Do Well?” A good indicator of where a person’s giftedness lies may be found … Continued
You probably already have some regrets as a leader. I know I do. Not only as a leader, but as a husband, dad and friend too. Leadership is so complicated that sometimes its hard to know what to focus on. Add a global crisis into the mix and its even more confusing. So why is it that so many of us adopt practices that lead to fewer regrets?
I keep hearing people say, “When it is back to normal …” Well, that ship has sailed. Even when it is “back to normal,” it will never be the same again. It will be a new normal. Church as we know it is over. The debate about online church is over. Online won. Stop trying … Continued
