Leadership
What About The Dark Nights?
Grief can be deeply isolating. Even our closest friends may pull away—not because they don’t care, but because lament is difficult to witness. The raw pain of a broken heart can feel disorienting, unsettling, and messy. This is especially true when the grieving person is someone we expect to be “strong” in their faith. When…
Read MoreHow to Pastor the Political Crazies
In just a few seconds on social media, pastors can discover a great deal about their church members. We can learn all about their kids’ accomplishments, what they had for dinner last night, and even, if you care to know (I do not), how intuitive their cats happen to be. We can also discover just…
Read MoreOur Two Conversations
For some time, I’ve had two conversations with two very different groups of my Christian family. One is with white Christians and the other with African-American Christians, both mostly evangelicals, although many of the African-Americans don’t use that label. Most often the conversations are in the larger church community rather than in the church I…
Read MoreLet Him Be Teacher
Most people started the year by capitalizing on the novelty and nuances that came along with its introduction. Witty sayings emerged, even within the Church, like: Gospel Focus, Remain Focused, Keep Your Eyes On Jesus, 2020 Bible Vision, Focus 2020 – and here’s a good one, 2020 Vision. Nevertheless, it seemed that the Church had…
Read MoreCUANDO PERFECCIÓN NO ES UNA OPCIÓN
La expectativa de que todos somos líderes altamente funcionales, en todo momento, tiene que morir. Ciertamente no quiero que mis voluntarios intenten estar a la altura de esa expectativa imposible, así que les decimos a nuestros líderes y voluntarios que nuestra expectativa para ellos es que no son perfectos, solo están creciendo. Sin embargo, cuando…
Read MoreEmbracing the New in New Year
For the past six years I have practiced the rhythm of asking the Lord to give me a word for the upcoming year. Usually in late November or early December I begin praying and seeking His direction about a word that He has for me that will help me grow spiritually and serve more effectively. In…
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