One of the most frequently read prayers by those seeking peace and comfort is attributed to Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis is the patron saint of ecology, animals, non-violence, and peacemaking—because he understood that the entire circle of life has God at the center of it all. In Francis’ world, the sun, moon, animals, plants, and elements all show reverence... Continue Reading
I find myself frequently surprised by how many people are unaware that the word “scapegoat” has biblical origins. Or how the term is foundational to the understanding of Jesus’s crucifixion. Further, how few recognize just how prevalent “scapegoating” is in the church. For example, when things go south, pastors routinely blame the lack of lay leadership or the ineffectiveness of... Continue Reading
Leading from behind sounds like a contradiction in terms. But, Kelly Wendorff of EQUUS Inspired, says that horses effectively do just that. “The lead horse positions themselves behind the ones they want to guide or lead and literally pushes them ahead. The reason for this is it allows the horses being led to be in front so they can gain... Continue Reading
In recent weeks we have written about “oneness with God’ in the articles: What Is Oneness With God?, What Does The Bible Say About Oneness?, and a Guided Meditation On Oneness With God. In this article we share how the journey toward oneness with God can be viewed as one of the stages of spiritual growth. Stages Of Spiritual Growth... Continue Reading
In recent weeks we have examined the background and meaning of oneness. Experiencing oneness with God can become a wonderful spiritual practice to those who seek it. Below, James Finley offers a simple guided meditation to awaken us to our oneness with God. When you sit in meditation, your breathing naturally slows. Quietly focusing your attention on your breathing is... Continue Reading
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
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