I am often asked to recount the history of the remarkable growth of Brentwood Baptist Church while I served as Executive Pastor. Inevitably I find myself describing a clear unfolding of a strategic plan moving seamlessly through various phases. When in reality we often had no clearly defined plan and our path was at times tortuous as we discovered right... Continue Reading
I know of no other profession where it is more tempting to play victim than in ministry. It’s so easy. After all, why be responsible when I can blame so many other people and circumstances for my troubles? The congregation, the staff, the church leaders, the culture…..they are the problem. It’s especially easy for the senior leadership of the church... Continue Reading
Rarely in an interview have I asked an applicant if they are an effective problem solver. Yet, at some point in virtually every interview the applicant mentions they are good problem solvers or enjoys solving problems. I surmise most people feel problem solving is a desirable attribute and may want to make certain the interviewer is aware that is a... Continue Reading
The mobilization of members in an Acts 1:8 model of local, national, and international missions engagement is a goal of most churches. Yet, many churches fail to maximize member mobilization because of a limited strategy. Broad based participation in hands on mission experiences requires providing options that appeal to a variety of demographics, passions, and abilities and offer a range... Continue Reading
The Old Testament is divided into three major sections: the Torah, the Prophets, and the Wisdom books. Old Testament Christian Theologian Walter Brueggemann observes that these three are an excellent representation of the sequential stages of healthy human development. They may also serve as a representation of the stages of developing ourselves as healthy church leaders. The Torah: The First... Continue Reading
Well, for most of us the treadmill you’ve been on for decades has abruptly stopped. What has happened is inexplicably incredible and profound. It’s arguably the greatest gift God could have ever given our generation. Not the deaths, not the COVID-19 virus, but The Great Stoppage. What the pandemic has given us is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stop, to rest,... Continue Reading
The generalist nature of the responsibilities of the Executive Pastor results in a myriad of items that demand attention. With the broad range of actions and initiatives that you could be doing, how do you determine those that you should be doing? For most of us “less is more.” Focusing on no more than three roles and their corresponding responsibilities... Continue Reading
I’ll never forget my first Budget Planning Meeting following my transition to Executive Pastor. As a newcomer to the process I mostly observed, listened and tried to learn “how things are done here.” My first surprise came when it was time to determine the new staff positions that would be funded in the coming year. What transpired was a lobbying... Continue Reading
A “principle” is a fundamental law or truth that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior or chain of reasoning. Principles are essential to comprehension, understanding, and effective decision making. The Heisenberg Principle The purpose and practice of measurement can also be better grasped when rooted in a principle. One such principle is commonly referred to as... Continue Reading
Jesus illustrated the power of a parable in communicating complex truths in simple terms. A parable is nothing more than a short allegorical story that demonstrates a truth or lesson in a manner that enhances understanding and comprehension. Steven Covey in his classic book, First Things First, shares a parable on prioritization that spawned the widely used term “big rocks.”... Continue Reading
A metaphor is a term, phrase, or imagery used to represent something else. It may help provide clarity and understanding to a concept, word, or term. A metaphor is simply understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another. Aristotle said in his work, The Rhetoric, that metaphors make learning pleasant. Jesus masterfully applies metaphors when he refers... Continue Reading
The longer I am in ministry the more convinced I become that any God honoring effectiveness I experience is a direct result of the cultivation of my inner spiritual life. Most in ministry would say the same, but few of us believe it enough to incorporate the spiritual disciplines, practices and habits necessary to consistently maintain our inner spiritual life.... 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