Slowing Down

Some of my recent thoughts on measuring growth: “We need new ways of measuring church success.  In a large church, Sunday morning attendance indicates an ability to attract people.  We give them excellent music and dynamic preaching.  And Christians come.  Then, when we measure our effectiveness we ask, ‘are people coming to church?’ We rarely ask, ‘are those…

This week has been a whirlwind of activity. Yesterday, I perused a stack of resumes for a office position we’re hoping to fill in the coming 2 weeks. Today, I spent the whole day–locked in a room full of white boards, coffee, and ministry staff–drafting next year’s intentional plan. It was productive and helpful. It…

Our week long meditation and study in blogland concluded yesterday. Thanks to everyone who participated by posting comments. Thanks also, to those who followed the conversation and participated in the readings but didn’t feel comfortable sharing comments. I’ve been blessed by all of you. I’d love to hear any concluding thoughts you have about the…

I’m officially in a new office. While I was away on holidays my workspace was relocated (don’t worry, I agreed with the move before I left). My new space has a similar look to the former (squarish space with one window and one door) but now it’s in a low-traffic high-cinderblock laden section of the…

Sabbath. Do you take one? That was the topic of conversation around the staff meeting table this morning. I brought a book I picked up this weekend called, Sabbath by Dan Allender. It’s part of the Ancient Practices series of books edited by Phyllis Tickle. Allender writes, “We live in a dark day, but it…

I wonder what would happen if I treated my family like a congregation? 1.  We’d align our couch and chairs in rows whenever we watched T.V. 2.  If my kids wanted to talk to me, they’d have to make an appointment. 3.  I’d make special ‘visits’ to my wife.  She’d make tea and we would…