Competencies
Articles in this category focus on how a Christian leader can build and nurture competencies and apply them practically in ministry life.
Dave Odom9 Things Pastors Can Learn From Missionaries
Pastors may already be doing these things, but here are some things missionaries can remind us.
Chuck Lawless
Leaders Rarely Listen Well! Here’s How to Fix That
A leader’s ultimate success depends directly upon his effectiveness as a listener.
Malcolm Webber
Fine Lines – Leading with Balance
Most people have never walked a tightrope, but anyone who has watched someone do it knows balance is the ultimate key to staying upright. The same holds true for leadership. Balance is the key, and Rick addresses several significant characteristics of leadership that can be perverted from good to bad. He shows two sides of the coin in five classic examples.
Rick Weston
One Terrible Leadership Mistake We Make as Pastors (and Leaders)
There are many leadership mistakes we make as pastors. I’m certain I make one nearly every day. This post is only about one mistake. Only one, but one of the worst.
Ron Edmondson
Leaders Act!
Sometimes weathering a storm is just the act of hanging on for dear life. Most times, however, leaders must do more than that. You cannot wait for the perfect world. It will never come. You’re in the middle of a very messy one – so deal with it. And the better you do at taking initiative, the more responsibilities you will be given and the messier it will become.
Malcolm Webber
The Key Thing About Failure Is What We Learn from It
It’s not enough to have an attitude of tolerating and accepting failure. We must have an attitude of intentional testing and experimentation.
Justin Long
9 Ways to Lead Through Decisions
Use these suggestions to alter your church decision-making process and create a positive experience for you and your church community.
Brian Thorstad
5 Thoughts About Spending Your Leadership Equity Wisely
Every decision you make, and every risk you lead your organization to take will require an investment of some of your leadership equity (the trust people place in you). Here are five thoughts on how to do it right.
Brandon Cox
You’re Working on the Wrong Things and It’s Wearing You Out!
Many leaders are very conscientious and have a hard time giving away power to others. To be sure that things are done properly, they often end up just doing the work themselves. As a result, they are exhausted and their team members are frustrated. But how do we know which responsibilities we can give away and which ones we personally must do?
Malcolm Webber
6 Essential Identities of a Ministry Leader
As God’s people, our activity must be rooted in the identity He has graciously given us. Eric writes about six essential identities a ministry leader must have.
Eric Geiger
One Thing
What is the one thing that is making us get stuck as leaders or organizations? Is it pride, ego, mistrust, poor communication, visionless leadership, or leadership style? Once we focus on that one thing, we may get moving again and reach our destination.
Jonathan Mbuna
Reading This Article Will Make You A Bit Dumber ‒ Scientifically Guaranteed ‒ And Wiser Too!
While multi-tasking might feel like you are getting more done, you are actually getting less done and possibly doing long-term damage to your brain.
Brent Hoover
6 Questions Shaping Your Week of Ministry
Just yesterday I sat down with a church planter and helped him to structure his week. No one had ever helped him with a grid for how each day should be organized and the possibilities that this could unleash. Here are some priority-centered questions that can help you shape your week.
Alan Briggs
Leading Through Crisis
Have you ever been paralyzed by a crisis? You know what you should do, but you’re caught off guard, you weren’t prepared for what is coming. Your team is looking to you for leadership, and you aren’t real sure how you’ll get through the situation. Here are five tips for successfully leading through crisis.
Russ Cline
10 Keys for Compelling Teaching
Landmarks are signs that provide clear direction. They help us keep our bearings and move us down the right path. Craig shares ten up-close and personal ways to be a compelling teacher of God’s Word.
Craig Parro
Single Tasking
Smartphones are indispensable for today’s leader, yet smartphones get us off track as well. On the plus side, multitasking is phenomenally enabled by those handhelds. However, focusing on one thing for an extended period, without electronic interruption, significantly impacts our results. Leaders must learn to balance multi-tasking and single-tasking.
Corey Olynik
Can I Borrow Your Glasses?
Research provided by McKinsey’s Organizational Health Index suggests that one of the most important behaviors for effective leadership is “seeking different perspectives.” Why do leaders choose to “go it alone?” What are the mental roadblocks that prevent leaders from taking advantage of the value of different perspectives?
Paul Metler
11 Questions to Ask to Grow More Intentional
Being intentional was a reminder for me to stay focused, to know what on earth I am here for, to live proactively, and not be caught up reacting to the many needs that surround me, and to live purposely the one life that has been entrusted to me, with courage and humility.
Rod Denton
Skip What They Skip
The late, great Elmore Leonard (Get Shorty) was once asked why so many people like his novels. He answered, “I leave out the parts readers skip.” Wow. Don’t you wish more business speakers took that advice? Can you?
Corey Olynik