The word Midrash is a Hebrew term with several different definitions, but perhaps the most ancient definition is the one that draws my attention. That is when Midrash is used as a mode of scriptural interpretation in which many different exegetical methods are employed in an effort to derive deeper meaning from a text. In this context Midrash is a... Continue Reading
Your church or organization’s shared team values set the tone for your workplace culture. In fact, they are the bedrock upon which your culture is built. Your workplace values are the shared guiding beliefs and principles that are most important to your team about the way you work. They help you choose between right and wrong and guide employee decisions,... Continue Reading
Our spiritual language changes over time. Read the religious classics and we find these spiritual saints speak of a relationship with God and Christ using a language with which we are unfamiliar. Just in my life time the Christian church language has changed from “having a personal relationship with Jesus” to “studying about Jesus,” from “following Jesus” to “worshipping Jesus,”... Continue Reading
Every church needs a Pastor Interpreter, someone who is seen by staff and members as the one who knows and can translate what the Pastor said, meant, thinks, or wants accomplished. In other words, someone who can interpret to others on behalf of the Pastor. The likely candidates for this role is the Pastor’s Administrative Assistant, Executive Pastor, or Associate... Continue Reading
From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders…..all these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take. 1 Chronicles 12:32 NLT There is a new generation on the scene making up 25% of the US population that represents nothing less than a seismic cultural shift. Born between 1993 and 2012, Generation... Continue Reading
In recent decades pollsters in a number of countries have discerned a clear trend: the word “spiritual” is far more appealing than the word “religion.” For much of our history, the words spiritual and religious meant roughly the same thing. In his book “Spiritual But Not Religious: Understanding Unchurched America” Robert Fuller observes this is no longer true: “The word... Continue Reading
If you have served on church staff or in positions of church leadership for any length of time you have heard statements such as: “Everyone’s saying…….” “Everybody thinks…….” “A lot of people are……..” “I’ve had many people tell me……..” “People wish you would……..” “I’ve heard people say……..” “Everyone wants to know……” “Nobody believes that…….” “A ton of people want………” “No... Continue Reading
In his book, The Emotionally Healthy Leader, Pete Scazzaro provides a helpful assessment for senior level church staff to get a sense of how intentional they are in building a healthy church staff culture. Below is an adapted version of the assessment with suggested action steps. Next to each statement, write down the number that best describes your response. Use... Continue Reading
In architecture, a “keystone” is the centermost stone in an arch that supports all of the other stones, yet carries the least amount of weight. In Charles Duhigg’s book, The Power of Habit, he introduces the idea of a keystone habit, a habit that helps hold other good habits in place. We all have habits in our lives, but certain... Continue Reading
Frequently, a pastor or minister experiences frustration, resistance or lack of acceptance of their change initiatives. Often this results from a failure to recognize the difference between church climate and church culture. Both climate and culture reflect environmental conditions but the climate of the church, like the weather, is dynamic, inconsistent and can change quickly. Church culture, on the other hand, is steadfast,... Continue Reading
There is no silver bullet for building a church culture, but culture savvy church leaders recognize culture shaping requires an intentional process. Church culture is complex, but in its simplest form consists of a set of underlying cultural values. Viewing church culture building through the lens of cultural values can be a helpful approach. What might the intentional building of... Continue Reading
Every profession has its own language. Lawyers, electricians, plumbers and auto-mechanics all have terminology unique to their profession. They use these common terms to create mutual understanding and shape behavior. A common language is especially critical with doctors, firemen, policemen and the military who are in life and death situations where even the slightest misunderstanding can have tragic implications. A... 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