One of the most valuable truths I learned is that every pastor/leader is an interim. Whether short or long term, every pastor/leader is an interim. Consider the teaching of Scripture. In the Old Testament Moses was an interim leader. So was Joshua. So was Samuel. So was Saul. So was David. Think of some New Testament leaders: Stephen, Philip, Peter, …
The Question of Age
There is a question that comes around a least once a year in our lives. Someone asks us, “How old are you?” Sometimes we embrace it – like when we turn 16 or 21 – because it presents new privileges. Sometimes we push it away – like when we turn 40 or 50 – because it feels like something is …
The Need for Courageous Leaders
How often have powerful members of congregations been allowed to undermine the direction of a ministry? How often have rooted relationships, personal preferences or treasured traditions replaced God’s mission at the center of congregational life? How often has unchristian behavior been tolerated to keep from losing members of a congregation? How often has the “tail wagged the dog’ in congregational …
The Art of Transition: What to Consider When Your Pastor is Leaving
At Luminex, we believe strongly in the value of experienced, strategic transition ministry. That’s why we’ve worked hard to create a Transition Ministry Services team that is trained, equipped, and ready to help churches that are in transition. Here are seven important elements that we provide: Objectivity: Fresh eyes see both overlooked issues and new opportunities. An experienced, well trained …
Five Surprising Keys to Leading with Courage
Take Prayerful Risks: The courageous leader is not afraid to try something that requires a miracle! From Moses to Joshua, from David to Nehemiah, from Peter to Paul. God uses people who realize that without him their plans and leadership will ultimately fail. Have Fierce Conversations: The courageous leader is not afraid to have difficult and sometimes painful conversations. Paul’s …
Gospel and Culture
As pastors and leaders in Christ’s church, the Gospel must always be at the very center of all that we do, say, and think. We know this to be true, yet we also know that what we do with the Gospel – how we bring the Gospel to people – can be, at times, confounding. Because while the Gospel is …
Trust is the Coin of the Realm
Over the years, I have learned that TRUST enhances leadership effectiveness, as much as any other single factor. I believe a leader needs to demonstrate vulnerability to those she leads and serves, which may be counter intuitive to some. Maintaining one’s integrity and closing integrity gaps, large and small, are keys to developing the TRUST factor! Some years ago, as …
Let’s Play!
Many “friendly churches” are not very good at making friends, and we know that people “stick” at church or in any social group if they have made a number of friends in the early days of their experience with the group. Many churches are stagnant in their growth, not because they are not friendly or because they lack a system …
Of Kings, Presidents, and Faith
“… give us a king …” 1 Samuel 8:7 In what has been for many the most vitriolic and distasteful primary election in memory, we now know that Donald Trump will be the Republican Party presidential nominee and, barring a complete collapse, Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic Party presidential nominee. For some, this is a welcome development. For others …
This does not compute
Effective leaders exhibit deep personal humility and an unshakeable will regarding the mission/vision/values of the organization. Many bigger than life leaders have charisma oozing from their persona! Many are hard drivers who have an amazing level of persuasive influence. Many are able to get a lot done in a relatively short period of time. Some fall victim to the pride …