In recent articles we have written about why delegation is important, some of the hindrances to delegation, and the skills required to be an effective delegator. By now I hope you are convinced that delegation is a key to being an effective church leader. In this article we turn our attention to the biggest mistakes leaders tend to make when... Continue Reading
After watching several ministry leaders assume broader departmental responsibilities, I can say with confidence that one of the most difficult transitions for new Managers/Supervisors to make is the shift from doing to leading. As a new department Manager/Supervisor your temptation will be to hold on to the work you did so effectively as an individual ministry leader. Peers and bosses may even appreciate... Continue Reading
Most church staff are notoriously bad at delegating. Delegation is proven to boost productivity, efficiency and effectiveness yet not all church leaders are willing or able to delegate. But why? As stated in last week’s post, most organizations don’t teach their leaders how to delegate, especially churches. However, there are a number of other reasons besides a lack of training... Continue Reading
I have yet to come across a church leader who doesn’t confess that they should delegate more. Nor have I come across any leader who has been formally taught delegations skills. Is it any wonder then that we see so little effective delegation? The good news is that it is a skill that can be acquired. Over the next several... Continue Reading
In our last post, Eight Church Staff Culture Building Assessments, Surveys and Questionnaires, we provided tools for building a more engaged and productive church staff culture. We noted that building a healthy church staff culture requires an ongoing commitment on the part of leadership as well as a variety of tools and approaches. Today we provide six additional resources for... Continue Reading
Building a healthy and engaged church staff culture is a never ending process that requires a consistent and ongoing intentionality. And, because there are so many factors that influence staff culture it helps to come at it from a variety of different angles and approaches. Below are some of the tools, surveys, assessments, and questions I have successfully used as... Continue Reading
A well-known Christian therapist, who almost exclusively works with pastors, once noted “The number one problem I encounter with pastors is a lack of self-awareness.” That can probably be said of most leaders as well. Why? There are many streams that come together to create that river but in my estimation a few include arrogance, authoritarianism, and isolation from honest... Continue Reading
A bias is typically thought of as an unreasoned or prejudicial perspective or judgement. Some biases are innocent, but most often bias is used to describe a situation where we oppose someone, some group, some belief, or something unfairly because we allow personal opinions to influence our judgement. Biases can be innate or learned and popular examples include self-serving bias, status quo... Continue Reading
Navigating conflict is one of those “comes with the territory” responsibilities of church leadership. Yet, most ministers I know, myself included, avoid conflict at all costs and only address conflict as a last resort and with great reluctance. Inevitably, failing to address the conflict early leads to even greater and unnecessary issues that eventually requires the leader’s diplomacy. As with... Continue Reading
In our last post we talked about Jesus’ path being one of humility rather than that of the ego driven self-promotion that is so prevalent today. Admittedly, I have struggled with the issue of humility and self-promotion, especially as I have wrestled with how to tell others about my coaching and consulting practice and my religious art. Make no mistake,... Continue Reading
God hates pride, and He opposes proud people—but He loves humility, and He blesses humble people. So turn away from pride and learn humility! Luke 14:11 We see self-promotion everywhere–on social media platforms, podcasts, magazines, billboards and in conversations. Self-promotion, self-flattery, self-glorification, self-importance, and self-praise is attempting to present yourself to others as an accomplished, talented, smart, and skilled person.... Continue Reading
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 the creation of the world... Continue Reading
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