It’s short. It’s sweet. It’s timeless. It needs hardly any explanation or commentary. It applies to church leaders, politicians, artists, designers, Millennials, and especially Baby Boomers. “If the horse is dead, dismount.” Stop flogging that idea that just won’t seem… Read More »“If the horse…” [from the archive]
Is newer always better? Many churches seem to be perpetually clamoring for innovation, perhaps as reaction to those churches that have stayed the same for so long and lost their voice. What could be more important than staying fresh? People… Read More »Is newer always better?
How much time do you spend complaining? Well, I know we don’t like calling it that. How about, “pontificating on what could be improved in certain people and situations?” Great leaders are often idealists, and many get frustrated when things… Read More »Complaining or praying?
This is the transcript of the sermon I preached this past Sunday, re-formatted for easier reading. It’s more lengthy than my usual posts, but i think it summarizes well the general attitude toward religion in our society today and the… Read More »Bad Religion?
Busyness is not the same thing as effectiveness. In fact, constant busyness may actually be the enemy of true effectiveness. Why is that? Because making your mark—having an effect—on the world around you is not possible without intentionality, reflection, and… Read More »Busy or effective?
I love poetry. On a couple other occasions I’ve posted poetry on this blog (here and here). I’ve even posted some of my own poetry (here and here). Presenting language in the form of poetry causes us to consider it… Read More »The now on which the shadow stands
Robert Morris in his book The Blessed Church (review coming soon), points out that Moses is the archetypical “pastor;” leading the nation of Israel through the wilderness. Hence, he labels Moses’ prayer in Numbers chapter eleven the “Prayer of the… Read More »The prayer of the burned-out pastor
Most of these ideas and quotes are from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Required reading for leaders. Obviously. Liberty is more options to choose from in your environment. Freedom is more internal power to exercise… Read More »Thoughts on being proactive
Have you ever read the excellent short story, Leiningen Verses the Ants? I remember when I first read it, I was a fifth grader and it blew my mind. Leiningen (no first name is given) is a wealthy plantation owner… Read More »Leiningen and the ants on leadership
I believe people will pay any amount of money for something they really value. It’s a proven fact in my ministry that students who have been to summer camp in previous years are less likely to respond negatively to a… Read More »Cost, value, and grace