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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…
…a few good funerals What do people mean when they have death wishes for leaders? I’ve heard them countless times. A church isn’t growing as it should. Or, there may be sustained conflict in the church. Someone states, “What it’s gonna take to get this church straightened out is a few good funerals.” How’s that…
who would tell us? I don’t recall anyone ever saying he or she was a member of an unfriendly church. “Our church is really friendly,” most people tell me. And as an observer at some congregations, they are…to each other with their best friends in the congregation. Should we be concerned about whether others perceive…
I don’t recall anyone ever saying he or she was a member of an unfriendly church. “Our church is really friendly,” most people tell me. And as an observer at some congregations, they are…to each other with their best friends in the congregation. [bctt tweet=”Should we be concerned about whether others perceive our congregation as…
What’s the purpose of the task and the job description of the person who turns off lights after worship? Save as much electricity as possible? “We don’t need to waste the Lord’s money.” Leave quickly to eat or watch TV? “I need to go and I can’t leave before I turn out the lights because…
I didn’t post Monday afternoon. My mother, Annette Barber, was diagnosed with cancer May 31. Hospice started services June 1. Mother died June 15. I returned to Sikeston to preach Sunday and returned to Centerville Monday. We’re making preparations for her funeral Thursday. My son, Jerrie Wayne, and his family have been preparing a month…
I’m not talking about the elder of the month—the one who leads opening prayer, sets the agenda, and goes around the table asking, “Do you have anything to bring up?”. I’m asking: are you aware of a leader of your leaders? Have you considered the effect he has on your group. Is it healthy or…
We had a hard working group for the 7th New Shepherds Orientation Workshop. It was a beautiful drive around the Northern border of the Smokies the weekend of August 25-27. This is one of the most culturally diverse congregations I’ve visited. The Spanish and English worship together. Their website is in both English and Spanish….
One of the frequent petitions I hear about elders in public prayers is, “Lord, bless our elders as they make their decisions.” I often cringe when I hear that. What about, “Bless our elders as they shepherd the flock; bless our elders as they set examples of excellence, dedication, service, and holiness; bless our elders…
The sixth New Shepherds Orientation Workshop was with the Puyallup Church of Christ in Puyallup, Washington. We had the training sessions in the Holiday Inn Express in Seattle, Washington. I was touched and encouraged. Although two of the elders were involved in deaths close to them, they were present for most of the training. One…