“Most people want to hear the truth, even if it is unpalatable. There is something within us that responds deeply to people who will level with us.” – Susan Scott, author of Fierce Conversations Brain researchers found that people experience a similar physiological response to feedback as they do to physical threats. Even though we want honest feedback, our hearts... Continue Reading
In a recent post we cited Acts 6 as an example of the early church leaders’ willingness to place the good of the entire church over the good of a small special interest group. Acts 6 is also an excellent illustration of the principle “less is more.” Out of the myriad of responsibilities the 12 Disciples had in organizing and... Continue Reading
In Acts 6, the Twelve Disciples faced a difficult decision, whether or not to get personally engaged in the food distribution dispute between the Greek and Hebrew widows of the Church of Jerusalem. They faced a classic leadership decision, whether or not to put the good of the whole before the good of a few. Ultimately, they determined to assign... Continue Reading
In the late 1800’s Russell Conwell became famous for his lecture in which he encouraged listeners to find the “acres of diamonds” in their own backyards. Conwell was a Baptist minister, the first president of Temple University, and a captain during the Civil War. At the ten year reunion of his troops, he delivered the Acres of Diamonds speech. Thereafter,... 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
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
Many churches and ministries struggle because they fail to fully understand the implications of inputs and outputs. Simply, outputs are the results produced by the church or ministry. Inputs are the resources the church or ministry uses to produce those results. The responsibility of the church staff is to use the church’s resources (inputs), for maximum productivity (outputs) toward accomplishing... Continue Reading
Studies of various businesses and organizations reveals over 70% of strategic plans are never significantly implemented. My guess is this percentage is much higher in the local church. Why do most strategic plans never make it off the printed page to implementation? In my experience a lack of execution can frequently be traced to a failure to understand the power... Continue Reading
Ministers are regularly required to make difficult and far reaching decisions. Having a grasp of the various basis for decision making helps ministers make wiser decisions. There are seven basis for good decision making: Instinct, Discernment, Facts, Logic, Policies, Experience and Opinion. #1. Instinct The first basis is using your instinct, or intuition. Often this is the first solution that... 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