Sep 21, 2017 | Burnout, Calling, Career, Emotional Health, Family, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Productivity, Rest, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
I enjoy watching the ABC show, Shark Tank. It’s entertaining, funny, informative, and at times—touching. The show reminds me about the importance of focus, passion, hard work, and commitment to one’s calling. It’s a weekly testament to the power of diligence,...
Aug 24, 2017 | Burnout, Calling, Growth, Leadership, Productivity, Uncategorized, Work
One of the more important puzzles a leader will ever solve is: How can I get more out of my team. . . without killing them? Unmercifully squeezing as much as possible out of team members until they burn out is not good leadership. Manipulating or coercing your team...
Aug 3, 2017 | Calling, Career, Growth, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Productivity, Uncategorized, Work
Ever notice how much work you get done right before you go on vacation? Your energy level surges, your focus sharpens, and your productivity soars. Things get done. Why? In large part because you’re motivated by a deadline. David Burnett, writing for The...
Jul 27, 2017 | Calling, Family, Fatigue, Leadership, physical health, Rest, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
“Reflection turns experience into insight.” ~ John Maxwell We (Laura, Chad and I) recently returned from a week of vacation in northern Michigan. The multi-shaded blue waters of the Great Lakes, the beautiful rivers, the feel of sand between my toes, fantastic...
Jun 15, 2017 | Fear, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Work
Most kids battle childhood fears. Fear of the dark, the closet, strangers, loud noises at night, monsters and ghosts, etc. Growing up in Saginaw, our three-bedroom ranch had a menacing room in the basement we called: “The furnace room.” Back in those days furnaces...
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...