When they found him beside the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” This was Jesus’s reply. “I’m telling you the solemn truth,” he said. “You aren’t looking for me because you saw signs, but because …
Dealing with Discouragement
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 …
Broken Hearted Leaders Effect Change
The term “broken hearted” has multiple meanings in my memory. This summer, during a trip to Israel, we were shopping in Old Jerusalem. The culture in one part of the Old City required dickering over prices. When we were attempting …
A TULIP for Leaders
Spring is officially here, at least according to the calendar. In West Michigan, the sure sign of Spring is tulips popping up. We’re getting close!With respect for the five points of Calvinism, allow me to suggest a TULIP for leaders. …
Leadership Lessons from St. Patrick
Of course, you would see St. Patrick as a leader, too, if he banished snakes from your country! Well, that part of the story is a myth. It likely represents the fact that through his ministry he preached against evil, …
Leaders: Grating or Grateful
Over the years, I’ve probably reported to dozens of supervisors. Most have been grateful, some have been grating. You know the difference immediately. By grateful, I am referring to those leaders who express appreciation. They acknowledge, support, and encourage those …
Who Do You Trust?
Can you complete this phrase: “In God we trust. All others __________ __________.”? Society is experiencing a trust deficit.A leader writes, “It isn’t unusual for me to remind our volunteer team, ‘You are a primary trust builder in our ministry!’”* …
Mentoring Leaders
Most of us remember Augustine (345 – 430 AD) for the quotes attributed to him. A book entitled Augustine as Mentor suggests that in addition to being a theologian and bishop of Hippo (today’s Algeria), he played a significant role …
Dream Dream Dream
Two leaders had coffee together recently. After the meeting, one sent the other an email saying, “I’m thankful for having met another man who has the invitation and freedom to follow his dream – and the dream we understand to …
Sticker Prices
Soren Kierkegaard once wrote of a strange break-in at a large store in his native Denmark where the thieves didn’t remove anything. When clerks opened up in the morning, all the merchandise was still there. Instead of stealing the goods, …
