Call to Prayer

As I continue sharing traits of an effective leader, this week I focus on the attributes of risk taking and courage.  These are aspects of leadership that are easier to define and discuss than to practice, simply because it can be costly.  I have heard it said that courage is not the absence of fear…

Healthy Foundations – Scripture This week I share the fifth of nine targets for healthy churches – Scripture.  The three targets under the category of Healthy Foundations are Gospel, Scripture, and Prayer.  From the church’s beginning they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching (Acts 2:42). The apostle Paul commanded Timothy, pastoring in Ephesus, to be devoted to…

This week I continue a series of articles focusing on our values.  So far we looked at the value of Meaningful Relationships, Purposeful Partnerships, Kingdom Expansion, and Healthy Leadership.  The fifth value we embrace is that of Congregational Support.  We value churches working together to assist one another toward health and vibrancy.  Therefore, we believe we can strengthen and encourage struggling…

Healthy Structures – Membership This week I share the eighth of nine targets for healthy churches – Membership.  The three targets under the category Healthy Structures are Leadership, Membership, and Discipleship.  One of the New Testament images of the church is that of a Body made up of many members (1 Cor. 12:12-14, 27).  Paul goes on…

I recently have been learning and teaching on the idea of resilience, i.e., the ability and strength to bounce back.  In life and in ministry we often experience the body slams of trouble and tribulation.  Jesus told us we would face these experiences but adds, “But take heart I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  …