In the 1830s Alexis de Tocqueville wrote about democracy in America: “Each new generation is a new people.” At the time, America was rapidly expanding. Political thinkers like de Tocqueville were watching to see how American democracy would balance liberty and equality. The American experiment that began in 1776—a political miracle of sorts—created a climate in which each generation could reinvent, change, and become something unlike their parents. Fast-forward to the 1960s, and the Baby Read more [...]
Good leaders are both analysts and catalysts. Leaders must accurately describe reality. Leaders must create for a better future. An analyst has a proper understanding of present reality. A catalyst knows what to create for a better future. The analyst helps followers understand the present. The catalyst inspires followers to move towards the future. All effective leaders are both analysts and catalysts to a degree, but most tend to lean one way or the other. The analyst is more prophet, warning Read more [...]
The “established” side of the established church is often viewed with some derision. I certainly understand why. The establishment can be stodgy, stuck, and stuffy. Being established, however, is what you make it. The establishment can also be advantageous for churches. Two benefits, in particular, are worth noting: seasons and rhythms. You don’t necessarily see these benefits. There is no instant gratification of a season or rhythm. They simply exist, but seasons and rhythms are Read more [...]
I average one about every other day. Someone wants our church to become a mission partner. The requests come through different means—email, in-person, lunch meetings, over coffee, phone calls, and social media. The asks all differ slightly, but the spirit of most of them is the same: Will you support my ministry? Sometimes they want people resources (we need access to your volunteer base). Sometimes they want funding (we need help financially). Sometimes they want the church to help raise Read more [...]
Many cultural changes affect generation gaps. For instance, my father’s choice of 1960s rock is quite different than my preference of 1990s rock. And we all know music style can be a contentious issue in the church. Technology, however, is often cited as the main wedge between generations in the U.S. culture. Here’s one of the main reasons that the generation gap is larger now more than ever: Technological advances are increasing rapidly at the same time life expectancy is increasing Read more [...]
If you’re like me, you want your voice heard, even at the top levels of leadership. I may not be able to have lunch with the President of the United States, but I do want to feel like he’s listening to me. I don’t believe it’s an unreasonable expectation of followers to want their voices heard by top leaders. As a leader, you should want to be at the ground level. All leaders should listen carefully, with posture of learning. But you can’t possibly be with everyone all the Read more [...]
Perhaps you’ve noticed, but a few people are beginning to campaign for the presidential election in 2016. Ultimately, the field will narrow to two (maybe three). I’m not a political junkie, but I try to pay attention to someone who might end up leading my country. First, the presidential candidates are all older than me, so they are at least one life stage in front of me. Second, I don’t personally know any of the candidates. How should I assess them? They know more, have seen Read more [...]
Church, this weekend was amazing. I’m honored to serve as your pastor. You are a multi-generational body unified for the simple purpose of sharing the gospel and making disciples. I can’t wait to start ministering in Bradenton in a few weeks. Thank you for the way you showed love to my wife and children. Thank you for your generosity in supporting me. Thank you for being salt and light in Bradenton for decades. Thank you for keeping the primary focus on Christ. Our history Read more [...]
Most people don’t like change. Most leaders want to challenge the status quo. Leadership is, in part, the process of helping people see the need for change, embrace the vision for change, and then implement the change. Getting mad at people who question change does not help the process of change. Those who are truly malicious are typically small in number. When people have questions about change, it does not necessarily mean that they are questioning your leadership. It’s likely Read more [...]
Today at 11:47am my son Joel entered the world. He’s 9 lbs 0 ounces and 21 ½ inches. Welcome to the world, Joel. Your Mom and Dad love you. Your sisters love you too, even though they’ve already sneezed violently on you and somehow managed to get lipstick on your face.
Five Ways to Heal the Negativity of the Election Season in Your Church
How Many Extra Hours Are Pastors Working During COVID-19?
Pastor, You’re Tired. Maybe It’s Right Where You Need to Be
EST.church Podcast: When Pastors and Deacons Do Ministry Together
What Happened When We Changed the Order of Our Worship Services
Leading a Whiteboard Session with Your Staff or Church Leaders