Building Trust
We have been looking at the importance of influence. I am been making the point that to be truly effective as a leader in a church – in good times and in challenging times – leaders must master the ability to influence others. Influence begins with practicing Ministry IQ - getting to know the people you are serving and for these people to get...
Have you ever been asked to give a short devotion, a Bible talk to youth, or even been asked if you’re interested in writing a sermon? If so, it’s possible that the very idea has created fear and anxiety. You may have asked the question – where do I even start? Communicating God’s Word to others is both a tremendous privilege, and a great res...
At the CRCA Synod earlier this year approval was given to begin a formal Post Ordination Training program in our churches. This program is aimed at providing additional support and training for those beginning as ordained pastors in the CRCA. The introduction of this program follows a research project conducted with pastors serving in their first c...
"The time has come for my departure!" These words, a quote from 2 Timothy 4:6, were read in the recent gathering of the TRAIN Workgroup. While these words of the apostle Paul were referencing his approaching death, these same words were referenced at this meeting to reflect on the fact that the time has come for my departure from ...
What is a leader? What do you look for in a leader? What is the one thing that drives good leadership – in a family, in a job, in a church, in the world? What qualities do you like to see in a leader? Perhaps you look for someone who is successful, who has been really good in business, has made lots of money. You might look f...
The music of Simon & Garfunkel hit the airwaves in my formative years. How often I heard these words: "I am alone.... I am a rock, I am an island. I have no need of friendship - friendship causes pain." The lyrics of this song seem to suggest that being alone is a good thing. How different the words of Scriptur...
In my previous article we began looking at the importance of influence. The point was made that to be truly effective as a leader in a church – in good times and in challenging times – leaders must master the ability to influence others. Where does influence begin? It begins with practicing Ministry IQ - getting t...
Bulls do not belong in a china shop! Can you just imagine the disaster and damage that would occur? I love looking for unusual gifts in stores. When I shop I often wear a backpack. I am so cautious knowing that a quick turn here or there could topple some items off the shelves. A bull left alone in a china shop is a wh...
