The Latest in Might
I invite you to engage in a contemplative spiritual practice with a familiar Eastern Orthodox prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The Jesus Prayer is mirrored after the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14, where the tax collector said, “God, be merciful to... Continue Reading
The Latest in Messages
In the article What Does It Mean To Be Open Minded? we examined the definition and characteristics of open-mindedness. In this article we take a look at the benefits and steps you can take to become more open-minded. First, what are some of the benefits of being more open-minded? Gaining Insight: Challenging your existing beliefs... Continue Reading
The Latest in Maximization
There is a sobering story for leaders in Victor Hugo’s novel, Ninety-Three. The story concerns a young ensign on a wooden military sailing ship who is given the responsibility of caring for a large rolling cannon. One of his jobs was to keep the cannon lashed securely to the deck to prevent it from rolling... Continue Reading
The Latest in Manpower
In the article, All I Need to Know About Being an Executive Pastor I Learned on West Wing,all we looked at the similarities of the relationships of the President and his Chief of Staff and the Pastor and his Executive Pastor. In this article we continue with that analogy by sharing insights from Chris Whipple’s... Continue Reading
The Latest in Mission
Charles de Foucauld chose to define his life with the simple phrase, “Present to God……present to People.” I am intrigued by the simplicity of that life mission of presence, but must confess I don’t always find it easy. I have difficulty being present to God unless I am still and quiet enough to sense his... Continue Reading
The Latest in Methods
When our church began considering a multi-site strategy, as Executive Pastor I was the point man in the research and implementation. One of the initial steps was to hire a religious researcher and statistician. He expertly provided insights into where to locate our campuses using a sophisticated demographic mapping tool. His contention was that “like... Continue Reading
The Latest in Movement
Recently I talked with an Executive Pastor friend who shared the frustration his Senior Pastor had with the staff’s inability to focus on the future of the church. I find this is a chronic challenge in many churches as staff focus the majority of their time on planning for the near term and executing their... Continue Reading
The Latest in Measurement
Control. Now days that is a dirty word. People with control issues seem to abound, yet none of us enjoy being controlled. But, control can have a helpful connotation as well, as in a “control system.” What is a control system? A control system manages, directs, or regulates behaviors, devices, or processes. Control systems can... 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
Sign up now to get a FREE ebook and new posts delivered to your inbox with proven resources to help you grow as a church leader.
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