Dec 14, 2017 | Calling, Career, discouragement, Fear, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, People Leaving, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
Growth often starts with subtraction. Thousands of years ago, when Israel was being oppressed by the Midianites, God raised up a leader named Gideon to deliver His people from their enemy. When Gideon initially rallied the troops, 32,000 men showed up. But God said:...
Oct 12, 2017 | character, Growth, Kindness, Relationships, Uncategorized
During his 1988 acceptance speech of the Republican Party’s nomination for president, George H.W. Bush called for a kinder, gentler nation. Almost 30 years later, we’ve apparently ignored his speech. Kindness seems in short supply. No matter where we turn—the...
Sep 8, 2017 | Calling, Career, Growth, Leadership, Success, Uncategorized
Success can be dangerous. When success arrives, it’s easy to get full of ourselves. To let our accomplishments go to our head. To think we’re better than we really are. I’m 100% in favor of success—but hidden within it are dangerous forces that if we’re not careful,...
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 10, 2017 | Burnout, Calling, Fatigue, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Spirituality
Working from the home office today and listening to the rhythmic beat of rain landing on the roof. Why do I love that mesmerizing sound so much? Why is it so soothing? The steady pounding of rain takes me back to fond memories of vacations with Laura and the boys....