I’m becoming more and more convinced that 21st century pastoral leadership doesn’t require titles, offices, positions, buildings or pay cheques. It does demand personal investment in people, authenticity, and a willingness to boldly and humbly challenge the religious status quo.
I wrote this for our church website a few months ago: “The church is not a building. It is the community of God on mission.” How would church leadership change if pastors were asked to mobilize people rather than attracted them to Sunday morning services? What if a church community decided to flatten its leadership…
Sometimes I wonder what the church would be like without politics. As I read the definitions for the term (below), I was struck by the references to power. Isn’t it funny that the very community where power should be shared and given away to others tends to be the context where power is used to…
I’ve taken this week off of church ministry to accomplish two things: 1. Have fun with my family. 2. Come as close as I can to finishing the New Testament Distance Education course I’ve been writing. Here’s an update: Yesterday we spent the day at Canada’s Wonderland. Since Elijah is only 4 years old we…
I got back from Leadership Summit 2009 on Friday night. It was a 2 day simulcast that our staff team attended in St. Catharines. Here are some highlights from the presenters: In regards to hiring staff… -Don’t hire in a great state of need since candidates can get idealized -First impressions are frequently wrong -Look…
I love it when people live life on mission. It characterizes the lifestyle of the exceptional folks that lead our regional coffeehouse gatherings. Once a month a group of 10 to 15 people gather to plan and pray for something we call Conversation Peace. We work hard–coming up with ideas for interesting conversations; administering the…
My wife thinks I’m a freak. Not in a “I don’t want to be around you” kind of way. But in a “you’re special” kind of way. It’s because I’m not afraid of rejection. I actually believe that crashing and burning is not something to fear; that failure is a necessary prelude to success; that…
Am I getting old? It’s strange, I’ve always felt young. Maybe it’s because most other pastors weren’t born at the height of the disco era. Or maybe it’s because Erika and I chose to have our first child in our early twenties. Maybe it’s because most professionals, like Physicians, have always been older than me….
Our cat got spayed yesterday. It took 2 litters in 8 months for us to see the vet. I’m glad it’s done. He called after the procedure to say everything went well. Then he went on to list the concerns he had about her weight loss (she’s a skinny cat) and her overall health. I…
Today I finished the promotional video for the New Testament course being offered at Hanover Missionary Church this fall. It’s an extension course that can be taken for credit or audit through Emmanuel Bible College. Last fall I taught New Testament I in Hanover and it was so successful that we’re following it up with…