When in juxtaposition to one another, the songs “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Singin’ in the Rain” reflect the extremes of our emotions. Karen Carpenter sings, “Hangin’ around, nothing to do but frown. Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down.” To feel sad, click here. Gene Kelly, in contrast, soft (soggy)-shoes while crooning, “I’m singing in the rain, just …
Strategic Neglect
We’re finishing up the first month of a new year. It’s a good time to ask, How are we doing? Busy? Even busier than last year? Are we willing to admit that this busyness does not necessarily equal effectiveness, success, accomplishment, or satisfaction? One way of describing the challenge of effective leadership and service is in the contrast between doing …
Your Leadership Development Pathway
Written by Burt Braunius At the beginning of this new year, church leaders are wise to ask, “What will be our plan for developing future leaders?” One of the sure signs of an unhealthy church is the failure of leaders to have a vision for leadership development; leaders should, rather, be focusing not just on current leadership needs but on the …
Our Leader Rode A Donkey
Our Leader Rode A Donkey Yesterday we celebrated Palm Sunday. The event takes place during a time when Roman leaders mounted steeds and stallions and Jewish leaders proceeded with pomp and pageantry, yet our leader rode a donkey. Excerpts from the Palm Sunday story include Jesus instructing two disciples, “’Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you …
Leaders Show No Fear
Leaders Show No Fear We were with a tour group and needed to cross a busy street in Rome. If you’ve been to Rome, you understand. Big cars, little cars, smart cars, scooters of every sort, and a plethora of tourist buses. The simple act of crossing the street can be a life or death experience. The 57 in our …
6 Easy Ways to Change a Church’s Culture
6 Easy Ways to Change a Church’s Culture How is it that some churches are friendly and others are not, some churches are outgoing and others are inwardly-focused, some churches are intent on multiplying themselves while others are self-serving? It has to do with their organizational culture. In the same way that each individual has his or her own personality …
“How can we get more leaders like these in our churches?”
“How can we get more leaders like these in our churches?” Last week, four candidates were being examined by Zeeland Classis in order to become Commissioned Pastors. Jose Duran is a church planter, Ken Kleinheksel and Steve Martin provide congregational care, and Craig Hoekstra specializes in men’s ministry. In addition to being asked questions by the meeting chairperson, Elders and …
Church Planters Travel Light
Church Planters Travel Light We were able to disembark early from the cruise ship if we hauled off our own luggage. Not a big deal. My wife had a purse and a carry-on case. I had a small backpack, a carry-on, and a mid-sized suitcase. Our departure wasn’t too bad. It just involved a little wrestling with the cases, which …
Developing Missional Churches
Developing Missional Churches The members of a Classis Commissioned Pastor Support Team were talking about their appreciation for the work of Church Leadership Center. One member said, “CLC provides quality, missionally minded leadership.” Later in the discussion, someone referred to CLC as “launching missionally minded, equipped people into ministry.” These are affirming words. We work at having a missional perspective. …
For The Anxious Leader
For The Anxious Leader There are times when leaders feel troubled, perplexed, frustrated, and discouraged. For some, there may be easy solutions: Take a vacation, accept the fact that it’s the weather or the day of the week (e.g., Karen Carpenter’s song, “Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down.”). Other kinds of anxiety may require intensive professional counseling to …