Seven advantages of pilot projects

Leadership

When you have a great idea, start small and see if it works. Here’s why: Trying something on a smaller scale educates you about what works and what doesn’t without the same level of risk that a bigger project would. It’s much easier to get permission for smaller pilot...

The road to dreaming big

Leadership

God often tests the quality of our commitment to a vision by asking us to humbly accept a smaller initial role. If you’re not willing to mop the floor, you shouldn’t be the senior pastor. Before God provides great resources, he asks for faithfulness with what he has...

Check your vital signs

Leadership

In medicine vital signs are key indicators of health. They readily provide a red flag for various types of problems—pulse, respiration, blood pressure, body temperature. What are the vital signs for your ministry? Most ministries have financial vital signs. That...

The five tests of a godly vision

Leadership, Visionizing

Is your vision godly? Measure it in light of these benchmarks. A godly vision… Is right for the times Promotes faith rather than fear Motivates people to action Requires some risk-taking Glorifies God, not people

The value of selectivity

Leadership

Almost always, when volunteer-based ministries are formed, we say to the Lord, “We’ll take anyone you bring us.” Then whoever shows up is automatically a part of the team. At that point, we stop searching for new team members and start using whoever we’ve got to try...