It has been said that “peace of mind” is an oxymoron…….that if you are “in your mind” there is no way you can be “at peace.” The truth is that a consistent peace of mind is illusive for most of us, yet one that scriptures promise is abundantly available to us. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,... Continue Reading
Most of us are inclined to mostly use only one side of our brain. Our thought processes are either predominately creative, intuitive and abstract (right brain), or logical, rational and concrete (left brain). This is true in our work as well as our spiritual life. To engage both the right and left sides of our brains requires concentration, focus and intentionality.... Continue Reading
Joseph F. Schmidt, noted lecturer, spiritual director, retreat leader, and author of “Praying Our Experiences,” “Praying with Thérèse of Lisieux,” and “Everything Is Grace,” shares this paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, the Love Chapter (original author unknown). I invite you to read these statements as a spiritual exercise and see yourself in them and open yourself to being love. Opening to... Continue Reading
In their widely read book, Fresh Encounter, Henry Blackaby and Claude King, challenge church leaders to be shepherds of the people they serve. They suggest several passages of scriptures to use as “plumb lines” for shepherds of God’s people. Below are selected passages and questions Blackaby and King provide to help you evaluate how God views your work as a... Continue Reading
Ministry by definition is depleting. We walk down the halls of our church and feel as if people are sticking vacuum hoses into us. Without intentional extended times for renewal, ministers implode as the pressure on the outside exceeds the structure on the inside to sustain spiritual and emotional health. Taking a one or multi-day personal spiritual retreat on a regular basis... Continue Reading
We can so easily get lost in the constant demands of “doing” life and ministry that we develop habits of nonstop business and lose our sense of “being.” Then we wonder why we feel burned out, empty and isolated. We need to develop a dance of life in which we regularly disengage from life and get away with God for... Continue Reading
Personhood is defined as the state or act of having human characteristics and emotions. Personhood awareness and understanding involves insights into why one functions and relates as he/she does and how personhood impacts their behavior and relationships. Personhood issues have to do with one’s self-perception, personal identity, character, personality, emotions, fears, insecurities, compulsions, drives, gifts, talents, strengths, weaknesses and relationship... Continue Reading
We are called to ministry out of our love for Jesus. Yet, almost immediately the activity of our lives (“doing” for Jesus) begins to eclipse the contemplative dimension of our lives (“being” with Jesus). Soon we are engaged in more activity for God than our being with God can sustain. Our prioritization of doing for God over being with God... Continue Reading
The greatest need of the hour for today’s minister may very well be a more intentional approach to their own soul care, to paying attention to their “inner spiritual life.” The minister’s inner person must be constantly renewed and without regular introspection and self-examination minister’s run the risk of a fruitless ministry or “sudden failure.” The good tree, Jesus... Continue Reading
Understandably, the minister’s education and training focuses for the most part on developing biblical knowledge and spiritual leadership skills and attributes. Yet, within weeks, if not days, of arriving at their first job in the local church the gospel minister learns they need another set of leadership skills and attributes……those of an organizational leader. In Acts 6 we see this... Continue Reading
In a December 19th post Rev. Bosco Peters reported Pope Francis received the senior officials of the departments of the Roman Curia on Monday, December 22, in their traditional exchange of Christmas greetings. In his address, Pope Francis listed 15 ailments that are temptations of both Clergy and Church. Peters quotes Pope Francis as saying, “It is good to think... Continue Reading
Empowerment is a commonly used buzzword. Everyone is for it but find it difficult to achieve. In his thought provoking book, Deep Change, Robert Quinn defines two opposite orientations to empowerment in most organizations. Mechanistic – Starts at the top and involves clarity, delegation, control and accountability Organic – Starts with the individual and involves initiative, risk, growth and teamwork... 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