One of the hardest things about being a pastor is the feeling that what you’re doing isn’t making a difference. You put the work in week in and week out–and for what? People don’t seem to be growing in their faith. Younger generations are disappearing from your church. And you can’t, for the life of…
Q&A: 1. According to Tom Sine, what are two past ways of thinking that hinder our ability to see the future? 2. In what ways does the Enlightenment and individualism impact our understanding of faith and community? 3. How does the quote from Tom Sine highlight the perspective of middle class white folks in…
Discussion Questions: 1. How have stories influenced your own spiritual formation and growth? 2. Are there any stories or narratives that you have accepted without critically examining them? How might this impact your faith? 3. How can the church create space for sharing and hearing each other’s stories? Why is this important for spiritual…
TIMESTAMPS: 00:01:32 Being vulnerable is crucial for leading churches through change. Stay open to correction, empathize with others, and reflect on yourself. Security in relationships is essential. 00:03:27 Leaders need three types of relationships: partners (who care more about the mission than themselves), friends (who care more about the person than the mission), and…
Discussion Questions: 1. How does the concept of being the “wrong person” for the job resonate with you in your own life or leadership roles? 2. Do you agree that salvation is about becoming the person God meant us to be? Why or why not? 3. What are some common interferences that prevent us…
Shalom is one of my favorite words. What is Shalom? The simple meaning of shalom is “peace.” But shalom is so much more than a mere absence of violence or hostility. It’s about much more than a couple of friends or a couple of nations getting along with each other. Shalom has to with…
TIMESTAMPS: 00:01:31 The Church Leadership Institute teaches adaptive leadership for a changing world. People resist change because they fear loss of the familiar. Letting go feels like abandoning family. We must prepare for an unfamiliar future. 00:04:00 The Lord’s Supper is a foretaste of the future wedding feast; we should focus on the future…
Discussion Questions: 1. How can churches effectively identify adaptive challenges and bridge the gap between the church and the community? 2. In what ways can churches listen to the hopes, longings, dreams, and joys of the community they serve? 3. Why is it important for churches to pay attention to changes in the community…
TIMESTAMPS: 00:01:43 The pandemic and political division have caused church and familial splits when people refuse to accept differing views. This goes against the teachings of Jesus to break down divisions. The church needs to focus on reconciliation rather than creating more divisions. 00:05:07 Jim Harrington on the Leader Journey Podcast, where Jim asks…
TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Overworked preacher seeks rest, struggles with burnout in ministry. 00:04:19 Book inversion: Prevent burnout in ministry, become high capacity leader. 00:08:51 Control isolates; false sense of reality. 00:14:37 Control linked to childhood affects leadership negatively. 00:18:37 Avoid entanglements that dampen your flame. 00:23:21 Depend on Lord, choose right people, seek freedom. 00:26:01…