Articles in this category focus on how a Christian leader can build and nurture competencies and apply them practically in ministry life.
I know a particular leader who is very conscientious and has a hard time giving away power to others. To be sure that things are done properly, he often ends up just doing them himself. As a result, he is exhausted. Recently he told me: “I recognize that leaders should give power away; and that […]
Malcolm Webber
We want to bring the best of ourselves to work. There is a science to how we rest and restore our energies and creativity.
Rick James
The coaching approach listens and asks for understanding through open questions first, rather than sharing opinions and making judgments. It can be useful for all kinds of issues and in all kinds of relationships, including marriage and family, not just ministry or with our staff.
Stephen Mayers
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 [...]
Malcolm Webber
It seems that like breathing, we can all rest naturally; but to perform at our peak, we can all learn to do it better. It turns out that we have to work at taking deliberate rest. What do you do to rest and recover? How do you detach from your work?
Rick James
In ministry, innovation can be a great thing when utilized to reach and serve people. But like all great things, innovation can become an idol—something that ministry leaders seek as an end in itself. When innovation becomes the goal, it has moved from tool for reaching people to an object of affection. How do we know the difference?
Eric Geiger
We won’t always get the details of culture right. Yet, when our attitude is humble and Christ-like, allowing the Holy Spirit to spur our internal GPS to “recalculate” over and over, when we let the client lead, rather than our culturally bound expectations, there is grace and transformation ahead!
Tina Stoltzfus Horst
Fall follows Summer, which follows Spring and time marches on just as God designed. He limited time for us in set hours in a day, and set days in a week. We think there are not enough hours in a day, but God knew before He created time how mankind would use it. Scott discusses some poignant points about time management, and notes that [...]
Scott Rodin
An overview of non-formal leader development.
Malcolm Webber
Ever feel like someone is not paying attention to you when they are not looking at you? How about when you are talking and they are tapping on a screen? What does that body language say when someone is trying to communicate with you? God has put you into other people’s lives on purpose. How can we as Christian leaders be a better [...]
Brittney Moses
The goal of teaching someone to climb mountains is more than teaching mechanics of climbing. The teacher equips the student with all the nuances of safety and planning as well as appreciation of the splendor at the top. God empowers all believers to serve with their gifts and not just to listen to teaching. Teachers must help keep the [...]
George Patterson
The following four questions and statements can give an insight into whether we are infants, children, adolescents, or adults emotionally.
Stephen Mayers
What might coaching one of your staff look like? Even if you don’t see yourself becoming a coach as a main ministry, these skills are so useful in everyday life that I would encourage anyone, and especially leaders, to at least get basic coaching skills training.
Stephen Mayers
Do you struggle to involve others in decision-making as appropriate? This holistic design will help.
Malcolm Webber
“Just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, [I ask] that they also may be in Us.” (John 17:21)
Skye Jethani
Are you a leader or a manager, or a bit of both? Find out more in this excerpt from Leaders and Managers by Malcolm Webber.
Malcolm Webber
I hope you realize that you have less time ahead of you than at any point in your life. So, let’s talk about time.
Ron Cline
Do you possess spiritual authority that is recognized by others? This holistic design will help.
Malcolm Webber
I’ve experienced one that I believe often trips leaders up. It’s called the confirmation bias. It’s a thinking bias that looks for information that supports our preexisting attitudes, beliefs, and actions. So, how can leaders counter the confirmation bias?
Charles Stone
Wisdom sends the enemy fleeing. It is God’s gift-in-waiting. All we need to do is ask for it, seek after it and expect God to provide it. What will you do today to accept this gift?
Scott Rodin