One of the most difficult questions that almost all church leaders face at one time or another is whether to stay in their current position or leave. Beyond fervent prayer and sensing a clear understanding of God’s will, we look for concrete signs to provide guidance. But what are those signs? They can differ for each person and each circumstance... Continue Reading
I recently read of an accomplished violinist who conducted his own informal social experiment. He began by playing for 45 minutes on the New York subway leaving his violin case open for donations. During that time four people stopped to listen and one clapped and he managed to raise 20 dollars. The following night the same violinist played to a... Continue Reading
It isn’t easy to set boundaries with people who you find toxic, unhealthy and personally harmful. It’s even more difficult to set boundaries for people who routinely plow through the boundaries you set. Yet these types of people are in the lives of every church leader and when you do set effective boundaries it can make a huge difference in... Continue Reading
In our previous articles, Understanding Healthy Boundaries and Four Types of Personal Boundaries Every Church Leader Needs to Build, we talked about how strong personal boundaries are necessary to protect our time, energy, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. As ministers we consistently put other people’s needs before our own. And in the process, we sacrifice our right to safety, respect... Continue Reading
In our last post, Understanding Healthy Boundaries, we looked at the definition, value and importance of personal boundaries. We noted that personal boundaries are limits that help us honor our values, priorities, and our truest and most authentic selves. Without strong boundaries you may be overly vulnerable to criticism or insults from others, you may struggle to manage your feelings... Continue Reading
Boundaries are thought of in many different ways. A moat around a castle, an impermeable wall, an immovable fence, or limits we place on someone’s influence in our life are just a few. Boundaries are often thought of as mean, punitive, and controlling. But these ideas are rooted in a misunderstanding of exactly what healthy boundaries are and what... Continue Reading
Admittedly, most of what I have set out as goals in the past have been goals related to acquiring, achieving, and accomplishing rather than ceasing and letting go. After all, our Western culture teaches us that to grow personally and professionally we must acquire new knowledge and skills and to grow our churches and organizations we must achieve results and... Continue Reading
Ministers are regularly required to make difficult and far reaching decisions. In fact, developing the ability to make wise decisions is foundational to effective church leadership. And, having a grasp of the various basis for decision making helps ministers make wiser decisions. Understanding the various tools for decision making found in these free resources will help you make better decisions. The... Continue Reading
There is a fundamental difference between ancient indigenous peoples, ancient Greeks, and modern Americans that provides timely insight for today’s church leaders. Today we are people of precept. We are rule and law driven society that relies on documents such as the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and laws passed by elected officials to bring order to our lives. We... Continue Reading
I find it ironic that familiarity often leads to complacency. This is true in relationships, in our work, and even in our spiritual journey. When we are familiar with something we often lose the energy, mystery, meaning, and excitement of it. Through familiarity we can easily become numb to our homes, where we live, our friendships, jobs, and even our... Continue Reading
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 around and causing damage that... Continue Reading
In determining one’s life calling and truest self, many questions should be addressed. But maybe none as important as the question, “are you a more goal oriented, or a more role oriented person?” How you answer that question will impact critical decisions throughout your life. Goal and Role Definitions For purposes of this discussion, let’s take a closer look at... 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