Q. What are the most significant challenges that Executive Leaders of church systems are currently facing? There are a multitude of things that the Executive Leaders of church denominations are dealing with, many of which are new to the American church. I would summarize the biggest issues in three ways. Pew Research titles one of… Continue reading Learning How to Lead in New Ways
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Friendship, Servanthood and Love
Sometimes when I think of obedience, I’m reminded of those schools for training dogs. Their obedience is won with treats and repetition. Who hasn’t at sometime been told not to ask questions, but just do it? Maybe in the military such unquestioned obedience is a virtue, but in all other relationships, it leaves a person… Continue reading Friendship, Servanthood and Love
The Brotherhood of the Towel
Famed conductor and music instructor Ben Zander starts his school year by announcing to the class that your grade for the year is an A. The one condition is that they write a letter now, dated May at the end of the class year. The letter must begin, Dear Mr. Zander, I got my A… Continue reading The Brotherhood of the Towel
Stampede Breakfast Video 2013
Risk Valuing Others
“There can be no peacemaking or social work or anything else to improve our world unless we are convinced that the other is important.” Jean Vanier. One person who sees the value in another can alter that person’s life. I would like to be that person to someone just as I have needed someone like… Continue reading Risk Valuing Others
Melting into God
The Great Slave Lake can be powerful and majestic when its mighty swells are driven by the winds, or it can be bleak and frozen and still like the winter ice. It is a marvel to me that a lake as vast as an ocean can become frozen over each winter. Yet, it is even… Continue reading Melting into God
Approved
An inner stamp of divine approval, is like a the loving embrace of a parent who says, “You’re alright.” This affirmation of our Heavenly Father gives us the assurance and self acceptance we need. (continued…) The gold embossed seal on the corner of my ordination certificate says that I’ve been recognized by my religious organization… Continue reading Approved
Jesus in Disguise
Being present with people in conversation and living in the moment, isn’t always something that comes natural, at least to me. Perhaps this woolgathering comes from insecurities or my short attention span. Being on the introverted side of the personality scale, I know I can be less interested in small talk and tune out unless… Continue reading Jesus in Disguise
Increasing Our Heart Capacity
When I was buying a car battery at Walmart, I asked another man buying batteries for some advice, as he seemed knowledgeable. He told me about his home solar system that generates enough power to run most of the lights in his house. However, it lacked the storage capacity it needed to carry him through… Continue reading Increasing Our Heart Capacity
The Family Table
Research has shown that time spent together around the table is time well spent. I would agree. Although Bob and I are empty nesters today, we continue to have our supper meals together at our kitchen table, just like we did when our daughters were at home. No TV trays for us, while we watch… Continue reading The Family Table