From infancy, babies learn trust. When a baby cries, they are soothed; when they are hungry, someone makes sure they are fed; when a baby has a wet diaper, their diaper is changed and they are made comfortable again. When children are left with competent, loving leaders for a period of time, they learn their […]
From the Very Beginning…… Read More »
Many ministers are considering moving to other careers. What are some of the reasons these moves are contemplated? Is the church becoming a more difficult place to work? Is God calling these ministers to unfamiliar places of ministry in a different context? Is it a misunderstanding of calling? I would like to hear your comments
Ministry in Other Contexts Read More »
Many ministers are caught in the church’s downsizing brought about by fewer members and diminishing finances. What are the warning signs that hint downsizing may be coming? How can we help ministers in mid-career retool for the next step in ministry? I would like to hear your comments about these thought provoking questions. Contact me
Warning Signs for Ministers Read More »
I had my annual check-up last month and my weight is going up. I know the job change I have had has led to my eating differently. I had been doing very well but now I am slipping. But even the knowledge that I have well before, and knowing exactly how I did it, it
A Class on Spiritual Disciplines Read More »
The exegetical study method is taught in seminary is now something most congregational members can learn and use. The resources that used to be so expensive, like commentaries, now are on church library shelves or are easily accessible on the internet or in a Bible software program. Teaching the three parts of good Bible study:
A Class on How to Study the Bible Read More »
In our most recent newsletter, I wrote about a time where I reacted impulsively and poorly to a set of circumstances happening around me, and it happened in front of some teenagers in my youth group. I discussed four ways in handling when teens see you mess up. In this follow up, I want to
Before You Push Send… Read More »
I tell folks the angriest and most perilous moment in my career revolved around shared space. And it had nothing to do with childcare or outside groups, it was all about the parlor. A Sunday School class had redecorated an unused room for use as a parlor for weddings and funerals. It shared a door
Avoiding Space Disasters Read More »
I’m blessed to serve in a church where the congregation sees its facilities as an opportunity for ministry. This outlook was expressed in the summary of our first Dawnings Process in 2015: God calls us to be the Center of our Community; relating, loving, and engaging with our neighbors as followers of Christ who makes
The second part of Einstein’s equation that is symbolized as c2 stands for the speed of light multiplied by itself. Yet how can this relate to your church? In my years of working with churches the primary way that God’s Light, His Word, gets to us and therefore gives us energy is found in two
Another Twist on E=mc2 for Your Church Read More »
So how does your church get the energy it needs from God? Many churches have fallen into the trap that if we are actively doing good things it must be God’s will. Busyness or goodness doesn’t equal spiritual energy. It must come from a different more focused and sustainable source. In order for your church
A Twist on E=mc2 for Your Church Read More »
