The best critic is the not the one who is merely right, but rather the one who has earned the right to be heard in a way that changes things for the better. That only happens when the critic is someone you trust. Whom do you trust more than that one you are already convinced loves you?
David Goodman
A certain leader took on a very promising young man to disciple in the faith. The leader’s reputation was such that if he were to let it be known that he was looking for someone to mentor, most people would drop everything to volunteer for the position. The leader poured heart and soul over that young man, but he was still a tremendous [...]
David Goodman
What makes a better teacher: the ability to ask the right questions or having all the answers? Is it better to be the “Bible Answer Person” or the one who encourages the learner to think? Remarkably, Jesus only answered three of the 307 questions He asked. Why was that?
David Goodman
We have all staked out our plot in the Temple grounds, so to speak. Carefully set up our ministry tables in a manner befitting someone of our experience and training. If Jesus made a surprise visit, would ours be one of those tables upended, its contents scattering about the floor? Or would He simply smile approvingly as He reviewed each [...]
David Goodman
Leaders might learn a thing or two from a silly goose. Geese develop remarkable synergy, allowing them to fly as far as 1,700 miles without stopping. Flying solo doesn’t hit the mark for geese; neither can leaders go it alone for their whole adventuresome journey.
David Goodman
Adults know what they know and know what they want to know. They will tune out even the most gifted or well-prepared teacher if they perceive the upcoming message isn’t of value to them. Dr. David Goodman explores how to overcome this reality.
David Goodman
As a child in Africa, it took two weeks for us to learn of the death of my own grandmother by way of a telegram relayed from continent to continent and handed off to a bicycle courier who made the day-long trip in hopes of a gratuity upon delivery. Things have changed.
David Goodman
Barnabas, the “son of encouragement,” demonstrates mentoring in some ways we might find surprising. Dr. David Goodman examines five qualities in this gifted mentor’s ministry, for each of us to emulate (including, possibly needing to kiss a few frogs).
David Goodman
How do we as leaders know when to keep going and when to rest? How do we avoid becoming TOO comfortable with this world and its comforts as we seek to fulfill our calling as leaders?
David Goodman
We need to get better at criticism. Much better. That is my criticism of the church.
David Goodman
When the apostle Paul describes the church as God’s household, His family, what does he really mean?
David Goodman
Cynicism provides a way out of change — a response restating the issue, often humorously, and allowing for a sense of intellectual superiority before dismissing the issue out of hand. If we are honest, we must admit cynicism is quite often a cheap substitute for honest dialogue. What should we do about our cynicism?
David Goodman
Rewards come in all shapes and fashions. David exhorts us that the greatest reward of leadership is being forced to frequently confront and admit our own shortcomings, constantly growing even as we are the catalysts for others to grow.
David Goodman
Members of flocks might wish shepherds were more sensitive to their needs. But the reality is, when shepherds find their sheep can bite like wolves, they easily become too defensive to act in their own best interests, let alone that of their flocks. This is true not only of pastors, but Christian leaders of all sorts.
David Goodman
