Putting out the fires of hell with a squirt gun

Putting out the fires of hell with a squirt gun

I once coached a planter who could inspire a group of people to do almost anything. He was an amazing communicator and motivator. I often chuckled that he could preach a message inspiring people to go put out the fires of hell with squirt guns and they’d be ready and...
When it’s okay to fire the client

When it’s okay to fire the client

Almost always my time coaching people is a wonderful experience where they gain insight, address challenges, experience breakthroughs, and take positive steps toward their vision. But there are times when we just don’t seem to get traction. When those kinds of...
Why people give

Why people give

When people ask me for advice about raising support, I ask them to consider why people give. In my experience, there are four reasons why people give: 1. Because they have a relationship with you 2. Because they believe in the vision 3. Because you have a clear...
Whose approval do you seek?

Whose approval do you seek?

I recently asked this question of someone. He’d been working hard in his ministry, putting forth a great deal of effort, yet receiving very little by way of appreciation from his congregation. He was frustrated and tired. Yet the question, “Whose approval are you...
Responses to the Missional Journey

Responses to the Missional Journey

It’s probably too early to tell, but my newly released book, The Missional Journey, really seems to be resonating with a wide variety of readers– from mainline denominations to Pentecostal. Many have told me they experience a deep, visceral, heartfelt...
How to pray for leaders

How to pray for leaders

As we pray for the development of leaders, our motivation should reflect that of Jesus: the harvest fields themselves. We need to allow our heart to break for the harvest. 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the...
Motivation: the parking lot

Motivation: the parking lot

Note: part of a series from From Followers to Leaders.  See Feb 21 blog entry for backstory. The parking lot is the decision-making place. It’s not somewhere people want to stay and hang out. It’s the place where people make up their minds about whether they want to...