Good teams take time

Good teams take time

Teambuilding

Good teams take time to build. Do you want good, solid team relationships in your ministry? Building an outstanding team requires a considerable investment of time and energy, but it’s well worth it. One thing you can proactively do is take time to be together...
The country church and the town church

The country church and the town church

Networking

A man I know pastors two congregations: one in a rural area and another in a small town. As he was talking with his coach about how to get effective discipleship processes in place in both contexts, he pieced together some principles that could be helpful to many...
The importance of discipleship relationships

The importance of discipleship relationships

Discipleship, Missional

Once we have a clear sense of where we need to grow, now we need a relational context for that growth. There is no substitute for intentional discipleship relationships. During some seasons those are one-on-one relationships. During some seasons they are peer or group...
People flow

People flow

Leadership, Outreach

As you’re making disciples, you’re helping people move from where they are to the next appropriate steps in their journey of faith. The focus isn’t on where the person currently is, but on what’s next. Don’t let them wander around the edge of the vision–...

The problem of community

Missional

We as the church of Jesus are supposed to “do life” together in the context of community. But how can we really do that, especially in the western context most of us find ourselves in? I believe our ministry does need to be very countercultural, since our context is...
Journey with others

Journey with others

Coaching

This blog entry is part of a seven-part  series on some of the central principles of coaching… from the perspective of the one receiving the coaching. How can we get the most out of our coaching relationship? Principle #7: journey with others Even though the journey...

A well-timed word

Leadership

Quite a few years back when I was finishing up a big project, someone pointed out to me that my drivenness to get the thing done was wearing others out. That comment caused me to reflect on my workaholism and perfectionism and make some adjustments. I recognized the...
Journey with others

Three critical components for ongoing ministry success

Leadership

My wife, a very wise woman, keeps in mind three important strategies for maintaining long-term success in ministry. These apply no matter what kind of ministry you’re involved in, whether you’re leading a network of churches, organizing a small group service project,...