Going to extremes

In my years of working with many different types of groups, I’ve found that there are two extremes to avoid when it comes to planning. One is simply going into all-out planning mode where we think through our project on the human side, make all the decisions, then...

The action-reflection loop

Often in ministry, we start to feel overwhelmed by the task before us. Engaging in what I call the action-reflection loop can help. Plan some time for reflection and take stock of where you’re at. Dream about where you want to be. You need clarity in terms of where...
The keys to growth

The keys to growth

Note: this entry is part of a week-long series with Dave White from the Philippines. Yesterday we talked about the growth and multiplication Dave White has been seeing in the church in the Philippines. I asked him what he saw as the keys to some of that growth, and...

ViaCordis turns three!

The church I’m helping plant, ViaCordis, recently celebrated its 3rd birthday.  We had a campfire get-together to share and celebrate, and the Lord prompted one of our team members to look back at our prayer journals from when we first started ViaCordis.  What we saw...

Recovery from wounds

How do you recover from the wounds received when people hurt you?  Too often people—including Christian leaders—let the wounds fester until they become infected.  Here’s a different strategy.  Although the medicine may taste bitter, it leads to long-term healing....

The condition of the heart

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the parable of the sower. Jesus said, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It...

Who prays for you?

Who do you have who prays for you? What intercessors are a part of your life? Doug prays every Tuesday for one hour and I know I’m included in that time he spends before God. I recently received a word from Doug that had the unmistakable ring of truth. Let’s not...