Phone: (615) 584-0512
…when shepherds shepherd shepherds It was a Sunday afternoon elders’ meeting. Immediately after opening prayer, one of the men said, “I’ve just come from the emergency room. I was having chest pains. I wasn’t feeling too good.” We went to the first item of business on the agenda without a response from his report. There…
some questions to answer the question I’ve left churches for a variety of reasons. I’m thankful I’ve never left or been asked to leave without an opportunity to speak to the church before my departure. To me, that would be the ultimate insult and punishment. After I knew I was leaving, I’ve stayed from two…
supporting and coaching leaving father and mother I’ve found the best time to set rules and boundaries with in-laws is before you get in-laws and before you have any problems with in-laws. One of the last meetings I lead in pre-marital counseling is a session I call In-Law Stew. Gail and I invite the bride…
Building the Bridge As You Walk On It: A Guide for Leading Change, by Robert E. Quinn Some links are affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. Buy on Amazon: Building the Bridge As You Walk On It: A Guide for Leading Change…
Email from last week: I recently got turned to your blog so I hope you will understand if you have written on the subject but I did not read it. We recently completed our preacher search and are looking forward to welcoming the new preacher and his wife. We are doing a meal, but do…
When I ask wrong questions, I will get unhelpful answers. Which would be the most productive question for elders to ask in the following sets? Please select one and consider a helpful response… What’s wrong with the church that they won’t talk to us? …or… How can we become so welcoming and approachable that people…
How do preachers get continuing education? I was blessed by congregations providing for that in my compensation package. They designated a certain amount of time and money each year for me to attend lectureships, workshops, or other special events to improve my knowledge and skills. Back row from left to right: Robby Nesbitt, Stuart McKinney,…
So, do you have any advice for bringing a new elder up to speed? Tentatively, I’m thinking we should meet immediately and ask for his input on the guidelines we established for ourselves as soon as we were appointed three years ago (how we make decisions, how we communicate to the church, etc.).” For the…
I received this contact from an elder on Facebook Messenger: “Hello! Can you suggest an article on the process of appointing an additional elder at a church with elders? I know you’ve discussed this before and had some good words on the subject. Thanks!” My reply: Click to read: Who Selects Leaders in the Church? Click…
We moved back to Nashville from Sikeston, Missouri, last week. We are unpacking and finding new things every day. I don’t plan to post to New Shepherds Orientation during September and October. I may have an announcement or two. We are in an interim between interims. My plans are to start with a new congregation on…