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 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...
Mar 9, 2017 | Calling, Fear, Leadership, Loneliness, Mentors, Relationships, Uncategorized
Pastors often struggle alone. While having breakfast with a pastor earlier this week, we talked about how leaders tend to feel trapped when they’re going through a difficult season. Questions like: “Who do I talk to when I’m hurting?” and “Who is safe to confide...
Dec 29, 2016 | character, Gossip, Leadership, Relationships
Friendly fire describes what happens when a military person accidentally fires on a fellow soldier. One of the most well-known of these incidents happened to Pat Tillman. He was a football player in the NFL who enlisted in the U.S. army in response to 9/11. Tillman...
