Feeling heard and understood is a basic human need. Everyone needs to feel understood. Feeling understood is not only a basic human need but it is also how we connect, help, and support one another. If we can’t recognize someone in pain, how can we support them? For this reason, empathy is a crucial practice for those in ministry. Rutgers psychologist... Continue Reading
If you are in vocational ministry there is a better than average chance that you are an empath, or at least have some of the attributes of an empath, or have an empath that is prominent in your life. What is an empath? People who acutely feel the emotional, mental, and at times, physical states of others are called empaths.... Continue Reading
If you are a church leader then chances are you have at one time or another practiced spiritual bypassing, whether you are aware of it or not. What is spiritual bypassing? It is a term coined by prominent psychotherapist and author, John Welwood. He defined spiritual bypassing as using “spiritual ideas, words and practices to sidestep or avoid personal, emotional... Continue Reading
What is an examining prayer? Typically, it involves reflection on and evaluation of one’s thoughts, activities, and conduct. The Jesuits refer to such prayer as an “examen” or an “examen of conscience” that is based on a spiritual practice developed by St. Ignatius in the 16th Century. Many forms of “The Examine” have been developed over the years but the... Continue Reading
Most of us don’t have a pre-determined process in how to discern the will of God for our lives when considering a significant or potentially life altering decision. We pray and search Scripture, seek Godly counsel and hope for the best. That’s not necessarily a bad approach and admittedly, decision making and discernment of God’s will may vary from person... Continue Reading
In our last article we pointed out how church leaders need to intentionally prepare for staff to return to the office once COVID-19 restrictions are eased. We observed that one of the most important questions leaders will have to address is How do we get staff to want to work on-site? All signs point to employees returning to a “hybrid” work environment... Continue Reading
After over a year of layoffs, cut backs, remote working, Zoom staff meetings, and worrying about employee wellbeing, asking church staff to return to work in the office can feel like yet another challenge for church leaders to overcome. But, it can also be viewed as an opportunity…an opportunity to redefine the benefits of your onsite workplace culture. First Things... Continue Reading
What you are doing is not good. You and the people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; You cannot handle it alone. But, select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties... Continue Reading
Do you feel stressed and overloaded? If so, it may be time to recognize that even super-efficient you needs help and support from time to time. There’s only a limited amount that you can do, however hard you work. You can only work so many hours in a day. There are only so many tasks you can complete in these... Continue Reading
In contrast to last week’s article where we talked about tasks that should be delegated, this week we look at some tasks that should never be delegated and should typically remain as the Manager’s/Supervisor’s responsibility. What Shouldn’t Be Delegated Each church leader must determine those tasks, responsibilities and projects that they and they alone should do, assume, or lead. These... Continue Reading
Often some of the most challenging decisions a Manager/Supervisor has to make is determining what to delegate and what to keep for themselves. I’ve found it helpful to think in terms of two buckets of tasks – what should be delegated and what shouldn’t be delegated. In this article we will look at how to determine what should be delegated.... Continue Reading
In previous articles we’ve written about how delegation is a win-win when done properly. Yet, that doesn’t mean that you can delegate anything and everything. To determine when you should delegate I’ve learned that it is helpful to ask yourself a series of questions. When You’re Deciding Whether To Delegate Work, Ask The Following Questions To determine when delegation is... 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