Leadership in a crisis is hard. Very hard. In a crisis, the norm for us laughably flawed human beings who are trying to lead entire groups of laughably flawed human beings, is to make a mess of things. In a crisis, mistakes are normal, wisdom is exceptional and brilliance is almost unheard of. But if […]
Leadership In A Crisis: Ten Ways To Succeed, Part Two
Last week I shared that leadership in a crisis is so hard that it’s normal for us to use this opportunity to make a mess of things. In a crisis, mistakes are normal, wisdom is exceptional and brilliance is almost unheard of. But if you lead anything – from a family to a church to […]
The Revitalization Playbook: Play #1 – Help Your Church To Face The Facts
The human capacity for self-delusion is amazing, isn’t it? People who “can’t carry a tune in a bucket” enter singing competitions. Some of us try to squeeze into shirts or pants that are several sizes too small. Couples without carpentry skills take on remodeling projects that would make the best You Tube DIY-ers give up […]
The Parable Of The Christmas Lutefisk
Author’s note: Lutefisk (loo– ta – fisk, literally, “lye fish”) is a version of codfish that involves soaking the fish in a lye solution, followed by baking. The end result is a piece of fish that is white, almost translucent, jelled, wiggly, has a strong flavor and an even stronger scent. Most people – including […]
Consider A New Year’s “Physical” For Your Church
Nobody likes getting a physical, but most of the adults I know get one every year anyway. We know that it’s the wise thing to do. Problems are spotted earlier, rather than later, and the healthy habits that some patient physicians take the time to teach us improve and even extend our lives. Churches can […]
Even More Of The Devil’s Plans For Your Church
“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” I Timothy 3:6,7 “Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I […]
Seven Reasons To Not Publicly Criticize Your Pastor
Here’s something that never ceases to amaze me. Church members sit in their favorite spot in the worship service on Sunday morning. They pray, praise, sing, listen and, through the words of hymns, creeds, prayers and covenants, they commit themselves anew to following Jesus and loving the brethren. The service ends, there’s a ten-minute break, […]
“Pastor: How’s Your CHURCH Doing?”
I have many conversations with pastors which include this question. We talk about lots of other things, from illnesses to children to football, and then I invariably get around to the “How’s your CHURCH doing?” question. Some pastors have the privilege of leading churches which are building the Kingdom of Christ with some real God-given […]
How To Not Get Fired Next Time
This is going to be a long post. I know it’s not for everybody but it might be for you, or someone you love, so please read the next paragraph. A couple of weeks ago I read a new post by Thom Rainer, founder and CEO of Church Answers and the author of over 40 […]
Taking On The Crowd: 23 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Rebuking Your Congregation
Sooner or later, most pastors will sense that it’s time to “take on,” confront, rebuke or correct their congregation. Some combination of (1) his people’s words or behaviors (2) a compelling teaching of the Bible (3) the constraint or leadership of the Holy Spirit, or (4) the pastor’s own impassioned spirit, will convince him that […]
Loving Your Enemies, In Church
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45a We all know this simple command. It’s challenging enough when we think in terms of […]
