The Power of Contemplative Action Most leaders feel a heavy weight on their shoulders: the pressure to make things happen. Whether it’s growing a congregation, fixing a budget, or launching a new ministry, the burden of “doing” can quickly lead to burnout....
The Soul of the Cultural Architect: Why Your Interior Life is Your Primary Building Material We often think of church leadership in terms of strategy. We talk about vision casting, budget management, and programming. But as the saying goes, “Culture eats...
Most leaders head into ministry with a vision for transformation – a hope that their congregation will become a place where lives are truly changed. Yet, despite the long hours and the well-intentioned programs, many of us hit a wall where that vision feels...
We’ve all been there. You’re leading, you’re planning, and you’re pouring yourself out, but the old momentum has stalled. The path you’re on isn’t leading to the life or the congregation you envisioned. It’s that uncomfortable, pivotal question the crowd asked Peter...
Lately, as I have led retreats and workshops with pastors and deacons across the country, I have conducted a straw poll asking, “How many of you have ever had a sabbatical?” I have been downright shocked by how many clergy have never had a sabbatical. It’s a very high...
Close to 30 years ago I attended an Alban Institute workshop about visionary leadership, and if memory serves, it was led by Roy Oswald. The presenter was talking about how congregational leaders tend to enter a new call with a high level of vision and energy. But...
