Most significant changes in business, organizations, churches, and even individuals occurs through paradigm shifts. My favorite definition of a paradigm shift is “a change in thinking and acting that results from a challenge to one’s underlying assumptions.” This definition implies there is no paradigm shift unless it is accompanied by a change in the way we think and act. What... Continue Reading
Too often in our attempt to solve the various problems we confront in the church we stop at treating the symptoms rather than getting to the true cause of the problem. That is why so many churches have problems that won’t go away. We resort to quick fixes that address only surface issues. I have found the “5 Whys?” process... Continue Reading
One of the biggest challenges in implementing a multi-site strategy is ensuring the transference of the core attributes of the birthing church to its various sites. In most cases, this forces a church for the first time to think through what it really believes about how they “do” church. In an effective multi-site strategy, successful transference of the DNA of... Continue Reading
SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats originated by Albert S. Humphries in the 1960’s as a simple strategic planning tool for individuals and organizations. It is intended to identify internal and external factors that might influence an organization, objective, or decision. By definition, Strengths and Weaknesses are considered to be internal factors over which you have... Continue Reading
“Matthew 25 scares the hell out me,” was the response of a pastor friend to the question of what he had learned during his recent sabbatical. Reading with new found clarity where Jesus thrice states we will be judged by our compassion towards “the least of these” had unnerved this seasoned pastor. And, observing social ministry and social justice... Continue Reading
I am often asked to recount the history of the remarkable growth of Brentwood Baptist Church while I served as Executive Pastor. Inevitably I find myself describing a clear unfolding of a strategic plan moving seamlessly through various phases. When in reality we often had no clearly defined plan and our path was at times tortuous as we discovered right... Continue Reading
Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it – George Orwell Pastors and church leaders everywhere are seeking to better understand the Next Generations* and develop practical ways to reach them with the gospel. And for good reason. These emerging generations will impact the... 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
5W1H represents a list of fundamental questions, What? Why? Who? Where? When? and How?, whose answers are considered basic in information-gathering, analysis, problem-solving, communication and decision making. They are often mentioned in journalism, police investigations, brain-storming exercises and research projects as they constitute a formula for providing a complete overview of an idea, subject or topic you want to understand.... Continue Reading
There are three levels of planning and decision making required in developing a comprehensive plan: Strategic, Tactical and Operational Planning. Strategic Planning decisions are the broadest and most general, Operational Planning decisions are the most narrow and specific, and Tactical Planning decisions fall in between. Leaders can use the STOP approach as a roadmap in developing and communicating plans, and ensuring the... 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