May 18, 2017 | Marriage, Relationships, Uncategorized
Our son Nathan is getting married this weekend! As the big day approaches, my mind is overflowing with memories. Great memories. Memories of raising a boy who had a happy temperament from day one. His dimpled cheeks, Lake-Michigan-blue eyes, and infectious personality...
May 4, 2017 | Abuse, Anger, Difficult people, Fear, Relationships, Uncategorized
Ever been abused by a jerk? This past weekend I watched a large chunk of the NFL draft. I was amazed by how many draft prospects’ value plummeted due to off-the-field issues—many of those issues involved the physical abuse of women. Is it just me, or does it seem like...
Apr 27, 2017 | Career, Interviewing, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Uncategorized, Work
Building a great organization requires a great team. Building a great team starts with a robust hiring process. And a robust hiring process begins with conducting great interviews. College didn’t teach me about interviewing, Fifteen years of pastoral ministry didn’t...
Apr 20, 2017 | friendship, Leadership, Loneliness, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Relationships
Can a lead pastor have close friends? This question was posed to me by a client last week. My initial reaction? “Yes of course.” But as we dug deeper, he wondered if it’s safe/advisable to be close friends with his staff and congregation. The longer we talked,...
Apr 13, 2017 | Calling, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Relationships, Uncategorized
One of the biggest mistakes I made as a young pastor was spending too much time trying to get uncommitted people to be committed. I would do breakfasts, lunches, and coffees trying to convince the unfaithful fringe to become faithful. And in doing so, I largely...
