Prepare Equip Restore – Christian Leadership and Congregational Resources from the Johnmark Extension
Having just come back from the Safe as Churches conference and assisted two different Christian organisations with Safe Ministry process in the last two weeks, I thought I would put pen to paper or fingers to keys and get a … Read More »
This morning I have been pondering Hebrews 13:17. It is quite a revealing passage on leadership. The focus is on how to follow a person who leads in the church. The current NIV renders this verse: Have confidence in your … Read More »
I have appreciated Dr Larry Perkins’ reflections on leadership in the New Testament. He has a range of excellent articles that have appeared in his blog. Here are some links to the main articles. The Shepherd motif – Pastoring (Ephesians … Read More »
I am often asked about Sabbaticals as they have been an important part of my own leadership journey. Here are some resources I commonly point leaders to when they are wanting to explore the idea of Sabbath and Sabbaticals. … Read More »
One of the ways to ensure a Sabbatical is an intentional and worthwhile time is to form a covenant which is agreed with the church / organisation as part of the planning. I formed the last one I used around … Read More »
A sabbatical is extended leave taken for the purposes of renewal of vision, refreshment of ministry, or enrichment of leadership. Sabbaticals are a minimum of 6 weeks, often 3-4 months and up to a year. Sabbatical leave is an opportunity … Read More »
I have recently been doing some work on teams. There are 10 basic dimensions for a healthy team which both members and leaders can reflect on and work towards. Everyone is clear about the purpose and vision of the team … Read More »
In an insightful article in Congregations magazine (Alban Institute), one my favourite authors on governance, Dan Hotchkiss, outlines the differences between operational teams who work to achieve something together and effective governing committees whose work is thinking, wrestling with values, … Read More »
I have been greatly helped in leadership training and consultancy work by the insights of Family Systems Theory. Have a look at this great short video by Jonathan Camp on Leadership as Differentiation from a System’s Theory perspective.
This article is reposted from http://thomrainer.com/2013/02/05/10-reflections-on-a-decade-of-church-consulting/ February 5, 2013 By Chuck Lawless I love the local church. It’s God’s church, despite its flaws. For ten years, I’ve had the privilege of consulting with churches seeking to grow. Here are my … Read More »
The task of conducting a thoughtful and well facilitated review of a minister is often one tinged with anxiety not only for the minister and his/her spouse but also for the reviewers and the congregation. This is usually due to … Read More »
Making the decision to leave a church family is a difficult process filled with conflicting emotions, some positive and some painful. Harder still, once you have made the decision, is to actually take your leave well. It is easy in … Read More »
I have been discussing elements of church governance with a number of leaders recently. Here is a presentation I commonly use.
Alban Weekly Conversation By Gil Rendle from Alban Weekly Sept 2012 Efforts to lead change are often defeated or sabotaged, not by open and honest disagreement, but by inappropriate, unhelpful, or indirect behaviours. Board members who do not say what … Read More »
Check out the short video clip of Marshall Ganz sent to me by a friend. He shares the importance of leaders being able to articulate the story of ‘self’ and their calling to serve, the story of ‘us’ and the … Read More »
Have a look at this article from the Alban weekly – work life balance for clergy. http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?q=printme&id=9989
Reposted from the Jesus Creed – Guest post by Brian Harris VOSE If you have ever ruled yourself out as a leader because you aren’t a dynamic, upfront person, you might find Badaracco’s Leading Quietly liberating. Badaracco has made a … Read More »
Good governance begins with clear differentiated roles for the pastoral staff and for the church board. It understands the different bases of authority within a church and allows these to create structures and systems which serve the church and community. … Read More »
In spite of a rather cold week, 14 Ridley MA students worked through 16 lectures and workshops on the Ministers Personal Growth and Development from Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 June. The Yarra Valley Conference Centre provided an excellent learning … Read More »
This simple five stage process can be used on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon or an evening. It is a way of bringing together the reflections of individuals and considering or discerning them in community. Set this up by asking … Read More »
Killing the Clergy Softly – Congregational conflict, job loss and depression An interesting article by David Briggs.
Before any church can appoint a pastor it needs to have a clear sense of vision; i.e. who it is and where it is going. Without this sense of vision, clarified and articulated by the community of God’s people, the … Read More »
Many of us received the sad new of the unexpected passing of John Mallison this past week. John was a key leader in Australia in training small group leaders and mentors. In fact he pioneered the way for many years. … Read More »
Teamwork is a key part of Christian leadership. The skills and practices to be an effective and considerate team member and a wise and inclusive team leader need to be consciously cultivated. The team also needs to be formed through … Read More »
There are several key steps to action in conflict scenarios. Create SpaceAfter a conflict has erupted the first thing to do is to create space to deal with it well. Negotiate a cease-fire. In this space spend some time agreeing … Read More »
At a recent leadership meeting we spent some time reflecting on the nature of Spiritual Gifts and how to assist church members identify and use these in the family of God and the wider community. We looked at the Biblical … Read More »
This simple five step process is designed to allow for three sources of spiritual discernment to work in harmony with each other. These are; God-given human insight, the wisdom of reflecting in community, and intentional times of listening to God. … Read More »
The relationship between pastor and church is profoundly important and often transformational for both. The role in relation to any one church however, is never permanent. Discerning whether to stay or leave revolves around spiritual reflection on several key questions. … Read More »
While travelling interstate this last week, I met with a pastor who was seeking to facilitate a time of healing in his church which had been through a difficult time. Conflict and hurt can be profoundly painful for Christian … Read More »