Intentional Neglect

I recently received this birthday greeting on Facebook from my friend Christian Schwarz: “Happy birthday! Let this year become your most focused ever, full of courage for intentional neglect to get even more powerful & empowering than before.”  It felt like a word...

Moving the critical node outward

When you have a system that is multiplying disciples, groups, leaders or churches, it’s common to see a slowing of momentum at the 3rd or 4th generation. One solution that is often helpful is to intentionally move a stronger leader out from the center of the system to...

Never do ministry alone

It’s interesting that after the time when the Apostle Paul found himself in Athens all alone, we start seeing a much greater emphasis on team-based ministry. I suspect that Paul learned some things about the value of a team during his time in Athens. Teams encourage...

Needs and opportunities

As you’re praying and listening to God for what he would have you do, he will likely show you areas where—if you invested time or energy—the results could be very fruitful. These are the opportunities. Often in ministry we are accustomed to looking only at the needs…...
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...
The Three Colors of Leadership

The Three Colors of Leadership

God uses “special” people. Jacob was a cheater; Peter had a temper; David had an affair; Noah got drunk; Jonah ran from God; Paul was a murderer; Gideon was insecure; Miriam was a gossiper; Martha was a worrier; Thomas was a doubter; Sara was impatient; Elijah was...