What does a good transition look like? Every good transition requires two important factors: The existing leader must let go and the new leader must take charge. It is much like John the Baptist’s words, “He must increase and I must decrease” (I hope that isn’t taken wrong). Many of you know we have a…
Getting to Know the Supt. Elect
This past Saturday, we elected Brian Hotrum as our upcoming new Superintendent. Congratulations! I remember how nervous I was when I was elected; no one feels ready or capable for this role! Leading leaders is only possible through relationships. Willingness to be led by the Superintendent allows our Conference to pursue unity and health. It’s…
Five Vision Killers
We need vision. A vision sees what could be. It energizes us to work together towards a better future. The Bible warns, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). As pastors and leaders, we are tasked to cast God’s vision for the future. Unfortunately, wrong attitudes and unhealthy cultures can get…
Preparing for an Election
In ten days, we plan to elect a new Superintendent for the Pacific Conference. All pastors and lay members of the Annual Conference should plan to attend. You need to be present to vote, so mark your calendars for next Saturday, August 6th, at 10:00 am at Valley View Church. We will worship, partake of…
Temptations That Can Destroy Us
Today’s blog is by one of my favorite bloggers, Dave Kraft. Dave has served with The Navigators for 37 years, as well as many years in the local church. Regarding the temptations we face, he writes, “Temptations of a leader are not different than what everyone else faces. The difference is that there is usually…
It’s a Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood(s)
Remember Mr. Rogers sweetly serenading us with the words, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?” I believe it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood for churches. Pastor Rick McKinley pastors a sizeable regional church in the Portland area called “Imago…
Dealing With the Changing Times
One thing you can count on is change. Change happens and it is happening at a faster rate than we have ever seen before. Tom Rainer, from Church Answers, writes, “When the pandemic came, change was accelerated, and the challenges were exacerbated. Church leaders and church members must deal with the reality of rapid change…
Comments from Gen Con
Hi from the Bozeman, Montana! The Evangelical Church Denomination is starting on Day 2 of our General Conference. Six Conferences from across the country are meeting together for the business of prayer and planning, and inspiration. It’s great to see old friends and meet new ones! Please be praying for our time together and the…
Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.
Two things are true of leadership. Leadership requires decisions and not everyone will agree with the decisions. That’s why decisions require discernment. Not all decisions have the same importance. However, the more the responsibility, the more may be rding on a decision we make. LET’S TALK One blogger I regularly read is Dave Kraft. He…
Don’t be a Know-It-All!
Know-it-alls show up everywhere, don’t they? At work, around the community, in politics, in the church, and even at home. Know-it-alls share two common characteristics: They always think they are right and always want their way. They may look and sound like leaders, but in the end, it is all about them and their goals….
Pride Month
Everyone seems on board with Pride Month. No matter where you turn, you will find concerts, commercials, parades, and parties celebrating the LGBTQ community. Officially, the month is to “recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.” NOTE: The acronym now includes an I and…
5 Mistakes More Likely to be Made by Small Churches Than Big Churches
Karl Vater is a champion of the small church. What I like about his approach is that he sees the value of our smaller churches, while at the same time, he holds us to a high standard. In other words, we may be small, but that doesn’t give us an excuse not to be all…
Coffee with Randall 