3 TENSIONS WE NEED TO MANAGE IN ORDER TO BEAT WORRY
No amount of money will ease all your anxieties if you leave trusting God out of the equation. Jesus said worry chokes the life out of what He’s planted in us. And elsewhere He stated: “Do not worry, saying ‘what shall we eat/drink/wear?’ For the pagans run after all...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT PODCAST EPISODE 246: 4 MASTER KEYS TO BEATING DISCOURAGEMENT
Discouragement is the universal experience of leadership. Extended seasons of discouragement can cause leaders to doubt their calling, capability, and value. Some leaders even prematurely exit ministry due to a growing sense of hopelessness. In today’s episode John...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT PODCAST EPISODE 245: EIGHT CHURCH TRENDS IN 2024 – PART 2
Pastoring in 2024 is not like it was pre-pandemic. Last week in Episode 244 we explored four trends we are noticing right now: The gravitational pull toward the tactical at the expense of the strategic; the way church health is measured; the loneliness of the people...
BECOMING A LEADER OF LEADERS
You can be a leader who possesses an amazing, God-inspired call and at the same time, trip over a hidden flaw in your approach to leading. In Exodus 18 we observe this in Moses. He and the Israelites were just getting started on their mission to reach The Promised...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT PODCAST EPISODE 244: EIGHT CHURCH TRENDS IN 2024 – PART 1
Pastoring in 2024 is not like it was pre-pandemic. We can either live in denial or figure out how to adapt without diluting our message. In today’s episode we explore four trends we are noticing in the Church post-pandemic (we will cover four more trends next week in...
4 MATER KEYS TO BEATING DISCOURAGEMENT
Discouragement is the universal experience of leadership. Every leader, no matter how seasoned or successful, occasionally faces moments of despair. “Can I get through this challenge?” “When is this tough stretch going to be over?” “Am I the guy/gal for the job?”...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT PODCAST EPISODE 243: THE LEADERSHIP LANDSCAPE IN 2024 – INTERVIEW WITH GREG SURRATT – PART 2
In today’s episode, we welcome back Greg Surratt. Greg is the founding pastor of Seacoast Church in South Carolina, the co-founder of the Association of Related Churches (ARC), and a pastor to thousands of pastors across the world. In our conversation today, we...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT PODCAST EPISODE 242: THE LEADERSHIP LANDSCAPE IN 2024 – INTERVIEW WITH GREG SURRATT – PART 1
In today’s episode, we welcome Greg Surratt to the mic. Greg is the founding pastor of Seacoast Church in South Carolina, the co-founder of the Association of Related Churches (ARC), and a pastor to thousands of pastors across the world. In our conversation today, we...
THE IMPACT OF IDENTITY, AFFECTION, & AFFIRMATION ON YOUR LEADERSHIP
A few weeks ago, on the Leading from Alignment podcast John and Jim explored Luke 3:21-22. “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT PODCAST EPISODE 241: UNDERDOG
Have you ever felt like an underdog? Like you are operating at a disadvantage? That you are unlikely to win at home, or at work, or at your walk with God, or at your God-given purpose? If so . . . welcome to the club! The Bible is full of people who felt they were...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 240: FOLLOWING GOD’S LEAD
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved of all the Psalms. It carries fresh meaning for those of us who lead. In today’s episode, John and Jim unpack how leaders can navigate chaotic times by tuning in, listening to, and following God’s voice. Psalm 23:1-4 “The Lord is my...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 239: THE IMPACT OF IDENTITY, AFFECTION, & AFFIRMATION ON YOUR LEADERSHIP
Luke 3;21-22 says, “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too… and a voice came from heaven: “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well-pleased.” Pastor, if you want to lead better, lead longer, and enjoy it more, three foundational items...
AFTER THE CONFLICT GETS RESOLVED
We have spent significant time camping out on the topic of conflict because we strongly believe that conflict resolution is a vital skill both for the individual Christian and the collective Church. If you missed any of the posts or podcasts, be sure to get caught up...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 238: ADDRESSING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM PART 2 – COLLAPSING RELATIONAL TRIANGLES
Gossip . . . perhaps the most pervasive problem in the church today. And the lack of unity it produces weakens the witness of the Church and ultimately the reputation of Jesus. In today’s episode John and Jim tackle a subject that comes from a friend of Converge...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 237: MANAGING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM PART 1 – MANAGING CONFLICT
Conflict . . . for most leaders, the bane of their existence. Something to be postponed instead of embraced. And yet, a leader’s unwillingness to embrace conflict is one of the most limiting factors in his or her leadership journey. In today’s episode John and Jim...
DEALING WITH THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM – MANAGING CONFLICT (PURSUING UNITY)
A few weeks ago we began addressing the topic of conflict. For a lot of people, the tendency will be “I hate conflict” so the temptation to merely scroll past posts and podcasts on this subject is real. If you are one of those people, you probably refer to yourself as...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 236 – INTERVIEW WITH JOSH SPURLOCK – PART 2
Are younger male leaders, and female leaders more emotionally aware than their older male leader counterparts? In today’s episode we welcome back our friend, Josh Spurlock for Part 2 of our conversation focusing on how the way our personal world impacts our ministry...
PODCAST EPISODE 235 – INTERVIEW WITH JOSH SPURLOCK – PART 1
In today’s episode we welcome our friend, Josh Spurlock, founder of My Counselor Online, a Faith-based counseling ministry utilizing Neuroscience-Informed Therapy providing both support and resources to ministry leaders around the world. In our conversation today we...
ADDRESSING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM – MANAGING CONFLICT
Difficult people go to church. I wish it wasn’t true . . . but sadly, it is. Not all people who go to church are difficult. In fact, the majority are not. But those who can make life miserable for a leader. I graduated from Oral Roberts University a...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 234 – GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH SAYING NO
In Episode 233 John & Jim unpacked this idea: part of understanding the value of time is determining what and to whom we say yes or no. In today’s episode they explore how the way we value time has a lot to do with what and to whom we say yes or no. It’s...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 233 – WHAT I LEARNED ON VACATION
In today’s episode John & Jim unpack two powerful lessons John discovered on his most recent vacation. If you get your arms around these two items, they will shape your life and leadership in a profound manner. Two Big Ideas: There is never one...
GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH SAYING NO
In our post two weeks ago, I stated the following: Understanding the valuable asset of time was determined largely what and who we say yes or no to. And saying yes or no thoughtfully comes by understanding our capacity. I was having coffee a while back with a staff...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 232 – RESPONDING TO A FORCED EXIT – INTERVIEW WITH KYLE ISABELLI – PART 2
Today John & Jim welcome Kyle Isabelli back to the mic for Part 2 of their conversation on the subject, Responding to a Forced Exit. In today’s episode they explore, among other things, the stats behind the forced termination of pastors, the proper tension...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 231 – RESPONDING TO A FORCED EXIT – INTERVIEW WITH KYLE ISABELLI – PART 1
Today John & Jim welcome Kyle Isabelli to the mic for Part 1 of their conversation on the subject, Responding to a Forced Exit. In today’s episode they unpack Kyle’s forced termination, a few big lessons Kyle learned through the journey, and how to leave a...
WHAT I LEARNED ON MY VACATION
This past February, Laura and I were blessed to get away for a two-week vacation on the Atlantic Ocean. It was an incredibly relaxing time. God seems to use the ocean waves to speak to me, and this past vacation was no exception. The Lord downloaded at least...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 230 – HOW THE CHURCH IN AMERICA IS DOING – INTERVIEW WITH MIKE CLARENSAU – PART 2
Today we welcome Mike Clarensau back to the mic for Part 2 of our conversation about the current health of the Church in America. In our discussion today we explore the role of coaching in church health, and the challenge of next gen leaders’ struggle with the call of...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 229 – HOW THE CHURCH IN AMERICA IS DOING – INTERVIEW WITH MIKE CLARENSAU – PART 1
Today we welcome Mike Clarensau to the mic. As a proven strategist, Mike has helped churches and ministry organizations identify new direction or the steps necessary for greater effectiveness. In Part 1 of our conversation, Mike unpacks how the Church in America is...
LEADING FROM A FULL TANK
Over the past couple of months, we’ve been camped out on the topic of The Leader’s Well-Being. At Converge Coaching, we strongly believe our wellbeing is a matter of obedience and not simply a matter of preference. It is difficult to honor God in our assignments if...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 228 – WHEN SHEEP BITE WITH CRAIG OWENS – PART 2
Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Craig Owens about his newest book, When Sheep Bite. In today’s episode we unpack how to express gentleness in the face of biting sheep and why gentleness matters; how to find a “release valve” for our anger; and how to...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPSODE 227 – WHEN SHEEP BITE WITH CRAIG OWENS – PART 1
Today we bring Craig Owens back to the mic for Part 1 of our conversation around his newest book, When Sheep Bite. If you are a pastor, you have been “bitten” by more than one of those you lead. And when that happens, it can be hard to manage. In today’s episode we...