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
All cannot use the same kind of spiritual exercises, but one suits this person, and another that. Different devotions are suited also to the seasons, some being best for the festivals, and others for ordinary days. We find some helpful in temptations, others in peace and quietness. Some things we like to consider when we are sad, and others when... Continue Reading
You rarely hear of a minister “going postal.” We don’t take an Uzi and shoot up a deacons meeting…….we think about it, but we don’t do it! But, we do get depressed, cheat on our spouses, become addicted, emotionally hurt those we lead, and burn out to the point we do something so stupid they have to fire us. Like... Continue Reading
In his book, Abandonment to Divine Providence, Jean-Pierre de Caussade says, “Every moment we live through is like an ambassador that declares the will of God to us. If we understood how to see in each moment some manifestation of the will of God we should find therein all that our hearts could desire. If we were attentive and watchful... Continue Reading
“There is not a moment in which God does not present Himself under the cover of some pain to be endured, of some consolation to be enjoyed, or some duty to be performed. All that takes place with us, around us, or through us, contains and reveals His divine action. If we understood how to see in each moment some... Continue Reading
“……train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8) From my observation of the spiritual condition of church members today I can’t help but conclude that many are living off of other people’s spirituality, are... Continue Reading
Solutions to impasses or sticking points generally come by learning how to spot and mediate third force, which is present in every situation but generally hidden. —Cynthia Bourgeault Today our political, business, media, and religious leaders increasingly reflect polarity in their thinking and acting. Polarity is the quality or state of being as different as possible. Or, two opposing yet... Continue Reading
In the article “Solitude: The Foundation of Personal Leadership” we spoke to how productive solitude is essential to the effectiveness of church leaders. Prior to our cacophonous age, leaders naturally found solitude anytime they were physically alone. In today’s world it can be difficult to find times and places to be alone with our thoughts as we are surrounded with... Continue Reading
“We live, in fact, in an age starved for solitude.”—C.S. Lewis Solitude has played a critical role in my own leadership journey. Comfortableness with solitude has been imbedded in me since early childhood where I grew up in a home and neighborhood without children my age. As my ministry and life responsibilities grew I found I needed even more solitude.... Continue Reading
Last week we looked at the history, definition, and outcomes of the Command, Demand, and Control Leadership approach that has become so popular in businesses and churches in recent decades. This week we examine an alternate approach for church leaders to consider. The Church and Culture Has Changed Today’s churches are too large, too complex, and too dynamic to put... Continue Reading
Command, demand, and control is a common leadership style in the local church. Many of today’s church leaders were mentored themselves by command, demand, and control leaders, and therefore the culture of most churches is based on command, demand, and control behaviors. A command, demand, and control leadership approach is based on models from the military, where top generals develop... Continue Reading
One of the most helpful ways I’ve learned to pray is to listen, read, and observe the prayers of saints who walked with God. One such example is Moses in the book of Exodus. Moses faced similar challenges to today’s church leaders and I have found five aspects of his prayer in Exodus 33 an excellent outline for my own... 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