Leading from the pulpit

Most pastors don’t realize the power of their sermon and to what a great extent their sermon can provide leadership. Carl George once told me, “Tell me the stories you’ve used in your sermons in the last six months and I will tell you where your church is going.” He...

Affirmation as the foundation of change

When we see someone doing something poorly, what’s our natural inclination? To tell them what their problem is, of course. How else would they fix it unless we tell them what they’re doing wrong? Advice, “constructive” criticism, unsolicited feedback… these are our...

What would Jesus tip?

Okay, I saw this article recently and I thought, “Here’s some good preaching material!”  Take a couple of minutes to read it, then think about it: What kind of testimony are we leaving in our wake?  If all people see of Jesus is what they see in his followers, what...
Affirmation as the foundation of change

Affirmation as the foundation of change

For me, seminary preaching classes were a painful experience. The worst part was when I had to go to the preaching lab to be videotaped as I struggled to deliver a message. Having to listen to myself on tape seemed bad enough, but having to see myself too was just too...