Community
Articles in this category focus on rejoicing in the community of other believers, how to build and nurture community, and how to better reflect Jesus Christ to our brothers and sisters in the faith.
Why Leaders Don’t Listen
Osmo Wiio’s first law of communication is that “Communication usually fails, except by chance.” The barriers to effective listening are numerous. In order to be effective leaders, we must identify and understand that which hinders us from effective listening.
Malcolm Webber
Bridging the Gap Between Millennials and the Church
There is a growing divide between church importance and Millennials, and it’s not getting any better. To close the door of the divide, the church must relate the importance of salvation for the collective community ‒ the power of God on display ‒ through prayer, proclamation, and practice.
Matthew Fretwell
What NOT to Say to Someone in Pain
Words carry great power. The book of Proverbs tells us they have the power of life or death and that a well-placed word is very valuable.
Charles Stone
Daring to Be Vulnerable
When people are facing extreme problems, their organizations often embody those same challenges. The Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS was one such agency. Having grown quickly, but haphazardly, it was on the brink of tearing itself apart. This is the story about the power of forgiveness to resolve conflict and bring positive change.
Joyce Mataya
How Your Church Can Feel More Like the Family of God
When the apostle Paul describes the church as God’s household, His family, what does he really mean?
David Goodman
Are You a Shepherd Warrior?
We can’t fight all the time; we need time for refreshment and encouragement. The warrior becomes a shepherd through his or her love and affirmation of the sheep.
Stephen Mayers
A Leader’s Real Power: Vulnerability
As a leader, I can't offer renewal for others unless I experience it myself.
Ritch Hochstetler
Leaders Need Friends
Any leader is only complete when they have healthy, nourishing friendships. Specifically, they must be nurtured through four different communities.
Malcolm Webber
Get In The Ring: Embracing Healthy Conflict In Your Team
I used to avoid conflict because it made me feel uncomfortable. Over the last few years I have chosen to embrace it and have seen how it could be one the biggest blessings for a team.
Gerhard Duvenhage
Do Extroverts Make Better Leaders?
Do extroverts make better leaders? The answer is important for people engaged in leader development.
Susan Jensen
Eight of the Most Common Worship Leading Mistakes
Here are eight of the most common worship leading mistakes that I’ve observed in my own ministry, and through friendships and experiences with lots of other worship leaders too.
Jamie Brown
How to View God’s Weak, Flawed and Messy People
It’s easy to look at our brothers and sisters and see their warts and blemishes. Yet the perfect One, the holy One, the One without a single imperfection doesn’t look on His people the way we often do.
Mark Altrogge
Mentoring the Mentors
Mentors are normal people like all the mentees. Mentors try to appear strong and confident in their projection of looking at problems and pains. But deep within, they are as weak and vulnerable as others. There are three areas where I think mentors need mentoring.
Herman Moldez
Are You Drained or Tired?
When are we truly loving people, and when are we just getting “sucked dry?”
Adrian Pei
First In, Last Out Leadership
By adopting a healthy “first in, last out” leadership approach, you will be well on your way to setting a lasting example for the people in your care.
Dan Lovaglia
Fostering an Environment of Collaboration
I’ve been in many church offices where I observe walled-off office after walled-off office. Collaboration is paramount to a healthy church culture. Even if you are the only paid staff member you still need to be collaborating internally on projects, creativity, and other things.
Joe Hoagland
How to Be a Critic People Love
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
Before We Criticize Our Leaders
How do we respond when our leaders fail or disappoint us?
Adrian Pei
Under-Delegation vs. Over-Delegation
Delegation is also the number one development tool you possess as a leader. No amount of education (important), training (also important) or feedback (very important) can substitute for direct responsibility. Emerging leaders need to learn under the yoke of responsibility. Look back at your own growth as a leader to see the truth of this. But there is a danger in both under-delegating and over-delegating.
Jess MacCallum
Is Your Leadership More Than Words?
If you want to be the kind of leader whose organization is on the cutting edge, stop asking for someone to give you an answer you already know. Great leaders have the courage to act!
Mike Mowery