Where Do You Plan to Go this Year and Beyond?
A year ago today my family and I were in Israel. One of the reasons we were able to go...
Book of the Quarter: The Ideal Team Player
The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues #ad, by Patrick Lencioni, Copyright © 2016,...
What Is Adequate Payment for a Visiting Preacher?
Elders often ask about compensation for events: gospel meetings, workshops, and special Sunday services: Homecoming, Friends and Family Day, or...
Central, McMinnville, Tennessee — New Shepherds Orientation Workshop # 19
Left to right in the above picture: Doug and Becky Bost, Gail and Jerrie Barber, Toni and Dennis Ruch New...
My First Year as an Elder — Bill Thornton
When I started the new blog New Shepherds Orientation in January 2015, I emailed many elders and their wives. These...
Book of the Quarter: Crucial Conversations
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler; Copyright ©...
Who’s Gonna Fill Their (Our) Shoes?
Who’s gonna fill their shoes?Who’s gonna stand that tall?Who’s gonna play the OpryAnd the Wabash Cannonball?Who’s gonna give their heart...
Rewarding Growth — Do Little Things a Long Time
Jesus said faith as a mustard seed could move a mountain: Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith...
“How Much Visitation Will You Do?”
I was “trying out.” I had preached and was answering questions after services. A kind, gracious, dignified, older lady asked,...
Book of the Quarter: The Way of the Shepherd
The Way of the Shepherd: 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People, by Dr. Kevin Leman and William Pentak; Copyright...
