SHAPING THE CULTURE YOU NEED
Here at Converge Coaching, we spend a lot of time talking about things pastors never learned in bible college or seminary. Today’s subject is one of those things. When we talk to leaders about shaping culture, sometimes we get head nods. Other times, we get blank...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT – EPISODE 89 SHOW NOTES
Wounds and unfinished business from the past impact us as leaders in the present. Part 2 of John's conversation with Josh Spurlock unpacks how this dynamic plays out in the life of a leader. Today's pod outlines practical pathway to address past wounds so leaders can...
TELL ANGER WHERE TO GO
Anger is ‘in.” Being outraged, upset—and vocal about it—has been with us since the beginning of the human race. But doesn’t it seem like today more people than ever are outwardly angry about something? Anger has almost become chic. Anger can be used for good. It...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT – EPISODE 88 SHOW NOTES
Wounds and unfinished business from the past impact us as leaders in the present. In today's podcast, John and special guest Josh Spurlock unpack how this dynamic plays out in the life of a leader. They outline practical approaches to identify and address these past...
LESSONS LEARNED WHILE ON VACATION
Laura and I returned earlier this week from a ten-day vacation in the Smoky Mountains. To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we revisited the place where we honeymooned. The mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife were beautiful, inspiring, and refreshing. There's...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT – EPISODE 87 SHOW NOTES
The purpose of today’s pod isn’t to gain sympathy, it’s to share what I learned by experiencing a battle with Covid-19, and to increase our understanding as leaders regarding what people suffering with this nasty virus go through. In the middle of my own struggle,...
WHEN LEADING SQUEEZES YOU
In 1906, Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto noted 80% of Italy's land was owned by 20% of the people. He became somewhat obsessed with this ratio, seeing it in everything. The 80:20 ratio of cause-to-effect became known as the Pareto Principle. The Pareto Principle is...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT – EPISODE 86 SHOW NOTES
As the virus rages on here in Michigan, the impact on churches and their leaders has been heavy in many places. We hear from leaders who are hanging in there, but some are hanging by a thread. So I thought it would be good today to rap about some practical ways...
INFLUENCE VS. CONTROL—WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Today we welcome Jaime Hlavin back to the blog. She unpacks a most important subject, one that trips up so many of us . . . focusing more on what we can influence, and focusing less on what we cannot. It's so important that we get this right, because if we do, we'll...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT – EPISODE 85 SHOW NOTES
In today’s pod, we’re going to turn the mic around as I interview my cohost, Jim Wiegand, as he lays out a proven, simple-to-follow method that helps churches with one of their most pressing problems . . . rebuilding their volunteer force. Today’s pod is loaded with...
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP RESILIENCE
As the virus rages on here in Michigan, the impact on churches and their leaders has been heavy. We hear from leaders who are hanging in there, but some are hanging by a thread. So I thought it would be good today to write about some practical ways leaders can develop...
Leading From Alignment Podcast – Episode 84 Show Notes
By now, I think most of us thought we would be on the other side of the pandemic. Back to growing, visioning, releasing, discipling, etc. Over the past few weeks, I've observed fresh weariness among leaders. A recurring sentiment has been, “when is this going to let...
FOCUSING ON WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD—SO WE CAN FIND ENERGY TO FIX WHAT’S WRONG
Today, a brilliant and encouraging post from our teammate Jaime Hlavin, written to encourage pandemic-weary pastors and ministry leaders. Enjoy ~ John One beautiful sunny day in March, I received a text from a friend who hadn’t yet been back to church in person. She...
Leading From Alignment Podcast – Episode 83 Show Notes
Today we welcome Brian Pruitt to the pod, for part two of a two-part conversation on the subject of, Why Discipleship? FYI the show notes below serve as the outline for both parts one and two of our conversation with Brian. Why did so many Christians not speak up in...
EMERGING FROM THE FOG OF COVID-19
Sixteen days ago, I tested positive for Covid-19. I realize the experience I will describe to you in a minute is not the worst case of COVID ever. Many have had it much worse than I. But I’m pretty sure mine wasn’t the mildest case either. Thankfully, each day is...
Leading From Alignment Podcast 82 – Show Notes
Today we welcome Brian Pruitt to the pod, for part one of a two-part conversation on the subject of, Why Discipleship? FYI the show notes below will serve as the outline for both parts one and two of our conversation with Brian Why did so many Christians not speak up...
REBUILDING YOUR VOLUNTEER TEAMS
In today's post, our teammate Jim Wiegand lays out a proven, simple-to-follow method that helps churches with one of their most pressing problems . . . rebuilding their volunteer force. Jim's post is loaded with practical, easy to follow tips that will help you build...
Leading From Alignment Podcast Episode 81 – Show Notes
Getting Comfortable with Disappointing People Jesus more than once disappointed people. They thought He came to overthrow the Romans and reestablish Israel’s governmental rulership In Luke chapter 12 He refused to referee a dispute between two brothers regarding their...
THE DECEPTIVE DANGER OF DISLIKE
I want everyone to like me. But everyone liking me isn’t required to have a good life. I want to like everyone. But let’s be real . . . some people are easier to like than others. I’m not sure liking everyone is possible. So, many of us humans tend to make peace with...
Leading From Alignment Podcast Episode 80 – Show Notes
In Pod 79 we explored the inherent dangers coming along with success. In today’s pod, we’re going to unpack a few ideas about what success is . . . and isn’t. And why understanding the difference matters. Success – what is it? What is it not? Pre-Covid metrics Butts...
GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH DISAPPOINTING PEOPLE
Jesus—more than once—disappointed people. There, I said it. This profound truth was brought to my attention several weeks ago while recording a podcast with Josh Spurlock, the founder of My Counselor Online. His words hit like a ton of bricks . . . “Jesus often...
Leading From Alignment Podcast Episode 79 – Show Notes
Leading From Alignment: Episode 79 - The Peril of Success Ah success . . . an oft-used word in our country. Many times, an oft-misunderstood word. Today, we want to focus on the subject, The Peril of Success. In seasons of tremendous growth and blessing, I made three...
SUCCESS & LONGEVITY
Today Jaime Hlavin presents part three of our series on success. Today's post unpacks the power of longevity in leadership. Enjoy ~ John. We’ve been camping out on the subject of success these past few weeks. Our focus has been on what that means from the Christian...
Leading From Alignment Episode 78 – Show Notes
One of the more challenging responsibilities of a senior leader is dealing with their team’s performance. Especially when a member of that team is underperforming. Dealing with a staff member’s lack of good outcomes starts with you. Today’s pod will outline a...
SUCCESS REIMAGINED
Success . . . is it a good thing? Or not-so good? There is a significant debate about this within the church. Most leaders have an innate drive to be successful. To achieve. The challenge is figuring out what success is. In many ways, how we define success defines us...
Leading From Alignment Episode 77 – Show Notes
Today we present Part 2 of our conversation with Josh Spurlock, founder of My Counselor Online, a clinically-informed faith-based counseling ministry that comes alongside pastors, missionaries and their families as they face challenges of being on the front lines for...
The Peril of Success
Ah success . . . an oft-used word in our country. Many times, an oft-misunderstood word. Over the next three weeks, we’ll be posting on the subject of success. We’ll look at it through the lens of God vs. the lens of humanity. We’ll talk about how leaders get this...
Leading From Alignment Episode 76 – Show Notes
Welcome to Part 1 of a wonderful, can’t-miss two-part interview with Josh Spurlock, founder of My Counselor Online, a clinically-informed faith-based counseling ministry. Josh's organization comes alongside pastors, missionaries, and their families to hold up their...
HOW TO HANDLE UNDER-PERFORMING STAFF
One of the more challenging responsibilities of a senior leader is dealing with their team’s performance. Especially when a member of that team is underperforming. More than once, I’ve heard leaders complain to me, “My staff just doesn’t get things done.” Missed...
Leading From Alignment Episode 75 Show Notes
Today we wrap up a three-part series of pods on mental and emotional health. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you...