Sometimes we talk too much. By over-explaining we not only lose people’s attention, but their trust and respect. Usually, by the time a person says, “Well, to make a long story short,” it’s too late.
Category: Leadership
Saying “Yes” or “No” (Part Two)
Saying “no” makes way for the “yes.” Yes is active and eager. It moves us forward into the future. The biggest challenge is to know what to say yes to. Usually it will not be a matter of right and wrong, but rather between good, better, and best! The Bible calls this wisdom. We need…
Saying “Yes or No” (Part 1)
Your “yes or no” will determine much of what happens to you in this year. It will define how you spend your time, who you hang with, what gets your attention, and what doesn’t. This year, really think about your “yes” and “no”. Ask yourself why you are making that choice. Your “yes or no”…
Election Reflections
Like many of you, I spent most of last night watching the election results. Wow! Was I ever surprised that Donald Trump was elected (I know some of you were not!). In fact, I wrote this blog assuming that Hillary Clinton would win. No matter who you voted for, one can’t help but be frustrated…
The TurnAround Project
This week sixteen of our churches, with their pastors and leaders, are participating in a TurnAround Boot Camp. That’s one third of our churches! The Pacific Conference is committed to help build healthy local churches and this is one example of how we are working together. LET’S TALK… Here are four “musts” for church transformation…
Pastor’s Appreciation Month
This month is Pastor Appreciation Month. Yes, there is a “Pastor Appreciation Month” and it’s now! Focus on the Family named and began emphasizing Clergy Appreciation Month in 1994, reminding congregations about the importance of honoring our pastors and their families. If you didn’t know about it, don’t feel bad. I’m late getting this out,…
Why You Need a Coach
As we work to build healthy local churches, one of the priorities of the Pacific Conference is developing leaders. As part of that area of focus, we’ve begun a program of Coaching for our pastors. I’ve personally been coached, both in the past and at present. (I wrote about it here.) I’ve found that it…
Problem People or People with Problems?
I don’t like labels and generalities, but here I go. Shortly into the ministry I began experiencing people problems. I admit that as a young pastor I was sometimes brash, bold and not always sensitive. However, while most people were willing to work through a problem, a few certain people seemed to resist everything and…
Four Qualities of a Servant Leader
Do you know that serving can be self-serving? I can open the door for you, not because I want to help you, but because I want to look good! Serving can be done for all the wrong reasons. It can be the ultimate “look at me!” opportunity. “You’ll know if you truly have a servant’s…
You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Superintendent Randy’s taking a well-deserved rest this week after a busy month of leading our Annual Conference meetings and promoting and attending the Leadership Summit Simulcast. So this week, for the first time, and the last time, I, Carl Duhrkoop, will be filling in for him and writing “Coffee with Randy.” So sit back, pour…
Five Reasons to Attend a Seminar
Last week the Pacific Conference hosted the Global Leadership Summit Simulcast (a satellite feed from Willowcreek). What a great time to be together: to learn, to discuss, to be challenged. (Did you miss it? Here is a link to 6 insights.) It reminded me that taking time to attend seminars like this should be a…
Appreciation
There is a difference between a simple thank you and appreciation. While appreciation begins with thankfulness, it goes a step further by recognizing the value and significance of others. In Acts 20:2 it says that “…(Paul) gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope” (MSG). That’s much more than a passing…
Coffee with Randall 