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A preacher had done well. The church was growing. He was happy. He received communication from a men’s meeting asking him to prepare a plan for the church to grow and present it to them. This was the first information he received this was being considered. He hadn’t been invited to the men’s meeting. They…
I’d been at this church about a year. It was my second full-time work. I was twenty-four years old. The elders told me I’d been doing a good job as their preacher and they were going to give me a raise. The only raise I’d received was when I was twelve years old. I was…
My observation: a great weakness of many leaders (preachers, elders, parents, others): the hard rule they have that they won’t admit and apologize for mistakes, weaknesses, sins, shortcomings, offenses, and neglect for fear of losing respect and power. When that rule is followed, that person cannot be blameless, without fault, above reproach. Many times I’ve…
…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,…