As I work with churches I have observed that one of the significant differences between big and small, healthy and unhealthy, growing and declining, effective and ineffective churches is the quality and sophistication of their structures. I believe structure is so vital I have named my organization, Sacred Structures, and committed this season of ministry to helping churches put into... Continue Reading
Every church I visit, it seems that ministers keep getting busier. The work backs up, quality goes down and stress increases. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day. When faced with an overload situation people try to cope in a variety of ways, some that are healthy and some that are not. Causes of the Time Crunch Problem Because... Continue Reading
The key to time management is priority management. Focusing on a few priorities allows you to experience the counterintuitive biblical principle of “less is more.” Not only does focusing on less allow you to experience less stress and more joy and meaning in your work and life, but you are more productive because “focus expands.” The more time you spend... Continue Reading
Innovative strategies are often characteristic of growing and high impact companies, organizations and churches. Year in and year out these entities exceed the results of others by developing cutting edge tactics, technology, programs, products and systems. Yet, surveys show that few employees identify themselves as especially creative or innovative. How then does innovation occur? Research indicates growing organizations draw upon... Continue Reading
It has been said, if you don’t know where you are going, any path will take you there. And, if you aim at nothing you will be sure to hit it. Scripture illustrates, beginning in Genesis, that planning is in the nature and character of God. We are designed to plan in partnership with Him. Therefore, planning is a critical... Continue Reading
Things stay the same unless they change. Change is required for progress and planning is essential to progress – no planning usually means no positive change. But, how do you determine what needs to be changed and how much change is required? I have always found it helpful to begin with a thorough review of existing ministries, programs, strategies, processes... Continue Reading
Pastors have learned that where two or more are gathered, there will be conflict. This means if you avoid addressing conflict, you avoid a major responsibility of ministry. Ken Sande, in his classic book, The Peacemaker, recommends pastors consider an approach he calls cooperative negotiation when managing personal or corporate conflict. He notes that cooperative negotiation is highly recommended in... Continue Reading
As we noted in the post The Five Choices We Make In Conflict Resolution, conflict management is essential to effective ministry and being able to employ various conflict management styles improves the likelihood of a healthy outcome. We introduced the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument and its five modes of conflict management as an approach to consider. In his book, Discover... Continue Reading
Our shadow self is any part of ourselves that we try to hide or deny because it seems socially or biblically unacceptable. One definition is that The shadow self is not of itself evil; it just allows you to do evil without recognizing it as evil! Jesus’ phrase for our shadow is “the log in your own eye,” which you instead... Continue Reading
Ken Sande is an attorney and the president and founder of Peacemaker Ministries. He has helped hundreds of churches and ministers overcome disputes and resolve conflict by using biblical peacemaking principles and questions. Summarized in his classic book, The Peacemaker, Sande’s Four G’s provide a simple yet comprehensive approach to resolving any type of conflict. The Peacemaker’s Four G’s For... Continue Reading
Conflict abounds in the church. Because no two individuals have exactly the same expectations, needs, perspectives and desires, conflict is a natural part of our daily interactions. Research shows that most ministers spend several hours a week addressing some form of conflict. In the majority of cases, the outcomes are unsatisfactory and lead to personal fall-outs, pain, disharmony, and distractions... Continue Reading
The church, like any organization, is not immune to conflict and disagreement. Regretfully, church members practice many unhealthy methods for dealing with conflicts, grievances and disagreements. These include but are not limited to, parking lot and hallway meetings, complaining to others, hearsay gossip, passive aggressive behavior, verbal personal attacks, withdrawal and isolation. Ken Sande, president and founder of Peacemaker Ministries,... 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