Navigating Change May Require Demolishing Strongholds

Change. It can be one of the most contentious areas of church life. Even the smallest or most insignificant of changes can cause petty bickering, disgruntledness, and even disunity. The church then becomes fertile ground for Satan who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 4:8). We “give the devil a foothold” (Eph. 4:26-27). If we’re going to effectively navigate change, we may need to demolish some strongholds. . . . Continue reading Navigating Change May Require Demolishing Strongholds→

Leader Qualities that Promote Peace on Boards and Teams

Church boards, committees, and ministry teams provide a great means of showcasing Body Life in the Church as God designed us to function, each doing our part (Rom. 12:1-8). That requires healthy handling of disagreements and other issues that arise. Notice how further in the Romans passage we’re told, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). What will it take to do that? — the right heart qualities that drive what we do . . . Continue reading Leader Qualities that Promote Peace on Boards and Teams→

Don’t Like the Results of an Assessment?

Let’s be real. An assessment of our church or ministry may lead to results we don’t like. We may face significant challenges for which we have insignificant resources. How easily discouragement can set in, leading to a sense of defeat and urge to give up.

Solution to What Seems Like Insurmountable Assessment Results . . . Continue reading Don’t Like the Results of an Assessment?→

How a Leader’s Roles Affects Vision and Goals

In casting a vision and goals for our churches and ministries, we need to be on page with God. We do that by living up to our God-given roles as leaders. Our leadership roles affect how we go about discerning where God wants to take us but also how we cast that vision and set goals to get there. Continue reading How a Leader’s Roles Affects Vision and Goals→

Let God’s Word Guide the Use of Your Time

Since God gave us the time we have on this earth, it only makes sense that we look to Him for how to most effectively use our time (Ps. 139:16). He’s given us His Word to thoroughly equip us for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17), so why wouldn’t we let God’s Word guide the use of our time? . . . Continue reading Let God’s Word Guide the Use of Your Time→

Rise Above Dysfunctional Team Issues

Functioning as a team isn’t always easy. Problems can quickly distract us from focusing on God’s purposes. If we aren’t careful, certain issues can keep us from functioning interdependently, as a team, the way God designed the Body to work best. And, we may find ourselves reacting from our flesh rather than with Christ-like character. When dysfunction sets in, we lose some of the fellowship that spurs teams forward, on mission together. — Is there any hope of rising above the dysfunction? . . . Continue reading Rise Above Dysfunctional Team Issues→

Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning

“What went wrong?” you ask. “The plans seemed so good, but we’ve had nothing but problems.” — Perhaps it’s the foundation on which strategic planning began. The upper structure may seem good but if built on a foundation of lies, we have a big issue. Our enemy, the devil, hopes we’ll build on the wrong foundation so he can reap havoc. Remember, “your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). . . . Continue reading Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning→

Staff Evaluations to Help People Do Ministry God’s Way

We serve God so it only makes sense that we encourage both paid and volunteer staff to do ministry God’s way. Since Scripture teaches us all we need to know about God and His ways, use the Word as the measuring tool, not some man-made standard. Tailored staff evaluations can help you do that. . . . Continue reading Staff Evaluations to Help People Do Ministry God’s Way→