While the day was successful in terms of accomplishing my agenda, I realized that my greatest achievement on that day was that I got out of bed – despite the mental odds, self-doubt, and insecurities.
Reflection Roundup: Relationships Birth Understanding
The resurrection Spirit pursues us as we continually cycle through relational renewal with the evidential environment of the created world: with the people, the creatures, the living organisms therein.
The OODA Loop and the Overflow of the Heart
How can we apply the OODA loop – observe, orient, decide, act – to congregational leadership?
Reflection Roundup: “This is the way; walk in it” (Is. 30:21)
When at a crossroads, not knowing whether to go to the right or to the left, trust the voice of God who says, “Here is my way; walk in it.”
Five Steps to Restore Your Church’s Vitality
Sometimes, a health crisis hits a church squarely in the face. If the church possesses enough self-awareness, it then faces the choice to either make dramatic changes or else permanently lose health and vitality.
No Words
We can get so paralyzed by the complications, the insecurities, the fears, the bruises from past failures, our defenses and the many other things that make up life’s big ball of yarn.
The Challenge and Opportunity of Discontinuous Change
During a time of re-imagination, these challenges can open new doors and help us see our communities in a new light.
Reflection Roundup: Joining
Our ultimate powerlessness levels the human playing field yet serves to unite when we courageously join God’s movement, continually willing to dance the faithful steps of contemplation and action.
Visiting the Sick
As more things open up, many hospitals are once again allowing visitors. But some Christians are not sure how to visit the sick. They feel a little intimidated.
Reflection Roundup: Identity Celebration
The doctrine of the Trinity is what the church represents as she bends knee to the other who is giving a hand up while standing on the shoulders of a third, infinitely in sync and completely acrobatic!
Turning Toward Resiliency
Sometimes being faithful is the order of the day. And for those of us who practice leadership in congregations, we may need some different practices.
Be an Open Door
As churches continue returning to spaces of in-person community, what are some ways that we can minister to the multitudes who remain in isolation?
Reflection Roundup: Coming Up for Air
My first favorite memory verse was around age 14, and it happened to be Exod. 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” Hmm, wonder if there’s something to that.
The Importance of Operational Pauses
In a world that values productivity – doing more and more – Jesus reminds us that faithfulness is greater fruit than fame. There’s always work to do … so we must begin in prayer.
Reflection Roundup: Trauma as Teacher
Because of your protection, I sing. I stay close to you; your right hand supports me.
Love Requires Vulnerability
Hate is about controlling others, while love is about becoming vulnerable to them. Vulnerability opens us up to suffering because people will inevitably hurt us.
Movement Gives the Unmentionable Momentum
Talking about the pain and difficulty of this past year is going to be very important to all ages within our churches. But, how do we guide people to mention their pain?
Reflection Roundup: Mama Said, Mama Said
Gathering one another for nurture, for centering, and allowing oneself to be gathered, for focus, admonition, and empowerment: this is the maternal work of God.
10 Questions with David Kneip, Associate Director
We announced this week that David is joining our team. For those of you who don’t already know him, allow me to introduce you to my new boss!
God Talks About Sex, and So Should We
I wonder if some of the problem is that church leaders do not share what God says about sex.