We live in a part of New Mexico that was formed by ancient volcanoes, leaving a legacy of beautiful rock formations. While hiking, we often find rocks where several colors have merged to become a part of the same rock. Rocks with streaks of red, black, white, and yellow become a beautiful metaphor for the oneness God desires for His... Continue Reading
In recent posts we have been examining the definitions and differences in using judgment, being judgmental, and what the Bible says about judging others. In this article we use Jesus as our hermeneutic to mine the meaning of judging. “Thou shalt not judge” is a phrase that Christians hear frequently, from believers as well as non-believers. Both groups tend to... Continue Reading
In our last post we examined the definitions, examples, and differences in using good judgment and being judgmental. In this article we take a look at specifically what the Bible says and means about judging others. Jesus’ command not to judge others is one of the most widely quoted of His sayings, even though it is frequently quoted in disregard... Continue Reading
It’s a complicated question…..one I have wrestled with as I often question, as an individual and as a church leader, whether I am being judgmental or simply using my God-given judgment. Scripture surely helps, and we will examine what the Bible says in our next post. But, to begin with I have found that determining clear definitions and guidelines helps.... Continue Reading
Centering Prayer is a simple form of Christian meditation rooted in the spiritual practices of early desert monastics and mystics such as Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. The contemporary Centering Prayer movement has been popularized by the writings of Trappist monks Thomas Keating, William Menninger, and Basil Pennington. Father Thomas Keating emphasizes the source of centering payer,... Continue Reading
Regularly reading and watching the news makes it hard not to become cynical about current political, business, organizational, sports, and church leaders. People of all stripes are beginning to question and argue what leadership means, the qualities that make an effective leader, and the behaviors that are permissible for leaders. Many are jaded by the term itself, and for good... Continue Reading
In recent months several of my friends in local church ministry have left their positions, some voluntarily, some forced. Inevitably, these are seasons of anxiousness about the future but also about the ministry and relationships we leave behind. This has reminded me that it is often in our departure that the Spirit of God is manifested. For example, at the... Continue Reading
I have written before about the value of practicing silence as a spiritual discipline. By and large I find evangelicals prefer extroverted and action oriented expressions of faith, so silence is not something we have traditionally placed a lot of emphasis on. That is why it is a joy to watch those who come to our Casita in rural Northern... Continue Reading
My ministry peers frequently joked that I had the spiritual gift of “Overwhelming.” This was a kind way of saying that at times I could overwhelm them with information, data, and documents. The 21st Century reality is that we all have people, circumstances, and responsibilities in our lives that conspire to overwhelm us. What is being overwhelmed exactly? For most... Continue Reading
Have you ever read a book, blog, or article and related to virtually everything the author said, or thought this guy is really inside my head? Have you ever read a quote and said, “I wish I had said that!” Recently, that was my experience when reading Tim Steven’s blog. Tim is the former Executive Pastor at Granger Community Church... Continue Reading
Recently, after a long slow decline in health, my wife and I had to put down our 15 year old Shitz Shu, Francie. Though we had been through this twice before and had been preparing ourselves for this eventuality, we were surprised by the intensity of our grief and sadness. I wondered what God was trying to say to me... Continue Reading
It appears that we have forgotten the nature and definition of Sabbath, though it is a pattern written by God into the very core of our beings. While Sabbath can refer to a single day, as in the Jewish tradition, it can also serve as a larger metaphor for cultivating the qualities, customs, and practices of Sabbath keeping found in... 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