The Latest in Might
Evidence strongly suggests that God has given us two inspired books from which to learn His ways: the Bible, and Nature. Tradition, personal experience, as well as two Scriptures back up this belief: 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Romans 1:20: “For since... Continue Reading
The Latest in Methods
Several readers have remarked how my blog on Social Ministry and Social Justice was helpful to their understanding and application of these two prevailing expressions of church ministry. In this article I want, with the help of a metaphor from Richard Rohr, to further unpack the subtleties of social ministry and social justice. In my... Continue Reading
The Latest in Mission
In our last post we detailed the impact of the “Friedman Doctrine” on America’s economy and business philosophies and values. We argued that its singular focus on profits forever changed America. In this article we will speculate how embracing Friedman’s ideas filtered down and impacted the local church. Admittedly, there are many factors that influenced... Continue Reading
The Latest in Messages
On Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 many of us watched in unbelief as gun-toting United States citizens donned helmets and assaulted the Capitol and threatened the lives of members of Congress, the police, and the press. Immediately the finger pointing began…..at the other side, at Trump, at politicians and political parties, at lies, at unfounded conspiracies.... Continue Reading
The Latest in Manpower
One question that nags all church leaders during the COVID-19 Pandemic is whether or not church staff working from home can be trusted to be as productive as they are when onsite. Despite wanting to give your staff the benefit of the doubt, as a pastor or supervisor you are likely still having trust issues.... Continue Reading
The Latest in Maximization
Ministers are regularly required to make difficult and far reaching decisions. In fact, developing the ability to make wise decisions is foundational to effective church leadership. And, having a grasp of the various basis for decision making helps ministers make wiser decisions. Understanding the various tools for decision making found in these free resources will help... Continue Reading
The Latest in Movement
How do members actually think about major changes in the church? The “prospect theory” from behavioral economics can provide some insights. The prospect theory argues that most individuals do not weigh decisions objectively, rather, they are influenced by whether they think they have something to gain or something to lose. For instance, in a classic... Continue Reading
The Latest in Measurement
Goal setting and the pursuit of goals is generally perceived as positive activities for any person or organization wishing to accomplish meaningful results. What is rarely acknowledged is the two disappointments that accompany the pursuit of goals. One of the two disappointments is that of failing to reach a goal. The other is when one... Continue Reading
The Latest in Meetings
I know, all the church needs is another committee and another meeting to attend. That is my general sentiment as well, but there is one committee lacking in most congregations that is worth considering…..a Clearness Committee. A Clearness Committee is designed to provide a spiritual community approach to personal discernment, and comes from the Quaker... Continue Reading
The Latest in Money
In the article, “Church Staffing Levels – Getting It Right,” we examined the effect of Parkinson’s First Law, “work expands to fill the time allotted” and its application to church staffing. A corollary is Parkinson’s Second Law, “expenditures rise to meet income,” a law that has application to church budgets and expenditures. Northcote Parkinson’s satirical... Continue Reading
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Jim is a Church Organizational Leadership and Management Coach, Consultant and Trainer. Throughout his career Jim has demonstrated a passion for showing Pastors and Ministers how to use organizational tools for church and personal growth and health.
More About Jim“For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:5