Articles
Mentors - Part 2
Published by on November 23rd 2009
For the second part of this series on mentoring, I want to share some things about my grandfather, Tom Peters, who died several years ago. He was bigger than life to me. Growing up, I believed there was nothing he could not do. He had a very sharp mind and was a true “entrepreneur.” In many ways, he was a pioneer in business in our home town, being the first to open a grocery store and then later a furniture store. He had great vision for the future and was an extremely hard worker.
Mountaintops and Milestones
Published by on November 20th 2009
This month has been, and will continue to be, a big one for me. Foremost, today is my 10th wedding anniversary. My two oldest children have their birthdays in November. They will be 9 and 7. Our church had an open house this week to preview our new main campus that opens next month. We have been there nearly seven years, four of which I served on staff. The total of all these years is more stories and memories than a whole series of books could contain.
Mentors - Part 1
Published by on November 16th 2009
What are the benefits of having mentors? First, they serve as great role models. Second, they are wise counselors. The Bible speaks in Proverbs of having a multitude of counselors.
Avoiding the Parkinson Laws
Published by on November 2nd 2009
C. Northgate Parkinson lived from 1909-1993, was a famous British economist and was also known for many other accomplishments. Here are three laws he identified that relate to our world today.
The Ministry of Giving
Published by on October 30th 2009
This week I had the opportunity to attend a two-day seminar geared for the church administrator. The Ultimate Financial and Legal Conference covered such topics as budgeting, procedures, employment law, internal controls, risk management and more. With such an ambitious name, the conference organizers needed to deliver – and they did – even bringing in the closest thing to a rock star in church law, Richard Hammar!
Some of my best takeaways however, came from a breakout session facilitated by Sherrye Willis of the Faith & Philanthropy Institute (http://www.fpiweb.org). She shared some foundational fundraising principles. Here are a couple of highlights:
Pick Up The Pace
Published by on October 26th 2009
A former staff member contacted me last week to say thank you for some suggestions I had shared during a staff development meeting. Frequent infusions of encouragement and motivation should be a staple in your staff meetings. What I had shared that day were some self-improvement tips that I’ve picked up over the years. If you’ve known me for very long, then you’ve heard a truism that goes something like this . . . speed of the leader, speed of the team.
A Skill Set Called Leadership
Published by on October 19th 2009
As I write about this subject, I will be giving away my age. I grew up watching Star Trek. Now, I was not a “Trekie,” but I enjoyed the T.V. series.
Closing the Pharisee Factory
Published by on October 5th 2009
Pharisee. The word evokes certain feelings immediately. In the church realm no one would want their life, let alone their church to be associated with such a term. However, time after time I have encountered people and churches that would be properly labeled as modern day pharisees. How does this happen? How does this occur when no one seems to be striving to achieve this status?
I believe many leaders have unknowingly established a “Pharisee Factory.” They never intended too, but it has happened. How can you avoid this? Is there a way to shutter the doors of such a place and close down the assembly line? I believe there is…
