Last week I shared that the theme of this week’s Conference is “Next Steps.” In Mark 3:14 we find some next steps Jesus took in his ministry – “He appointed 12—He also named them apostles—to be with Him, to send them out to preach.” From this passage we are asking ourselves three questions: How can…
Category: Leadership
Next Steps…
The theme of our Pacific Conference Annual Conference is “Next Steps.” It is based on Paul’s appeal to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). My prayer is that all of us will come away from our time together with specific “next steps” for our lives and ministry. LET’S TALK… During our morning devotions…
Five Leadership Blogs I Read
I believe that learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Whether it’s preschool, high school or a PhD, there is always more to know. Ongoing learning can strengthen and enhance your skills or help you discover best practices, find inspiration, and be challenged. The good news is that you don’t have to log classroom time in order…
Five Signs You May Be Unteachable
Good Morning! Here’s a newsflash… In order to learn, we must be teachable! So how teachable are you? It’s amazing how often we get stuck because we think we know it all! The fact is there are things we all need to learn and things, yes, we need to unlearn. LET’S TALK… This month I’m…
The Church, Christians and Politic
What are those two topics you’re not supposed to talk about? Religion and politics, right? What is your view of the church and politics? How involved should we be in government? LET’S TALK… Here’s my opinion about church and politics: The church should never be involved in politics, but the Christian must be. Maybe you…
Risk and TurnAround Churches
How much of a risk taker are you? I’m convinced that when we get to heaven, we will all wish we had risked more for the kingdom. Another word for risk is faith. The Bible says that without faith is it impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). I think God is pleased when we take…
The Legacy of Integrity
This past week I attended a conference on discipleship at the Cove Training Center in NC. (The photo is a picture of a needlepoint portrait of Billy Graham hanging in the Cove Training Center, Asheville, NC.) Will Graham, Billy Graham’s grandson, gave the devotional one morning. He said that he is often asked how his grandfather…
Delegating vs. Dumping
Wouldn’t you agree that there is a huge difference between delegating to others and dumping things on them? Delegating unites people. Dumping isolates. Delegating invites people to be part of the team. Dumping pushes them away. LET’S TALK… First and foremost, delegating is not optional. Too many pastors try to take on too much. One…
The Difficulty of “Growing” a Church
Back in the day (I’m referring to Seminary days), much was made of “church growth.” We were taught that every church could grow if they just followed a certain formula. I wish it were that simple but frankly, it just wasn’t true! Church growth is both complicated and challenging. LET’S TALK… I believe it is…
Building Trust
Trust is essential in ministry. For people to engage with us, they must believe we are trustworthy people. The basic idea of trust is making and keeping promises. Am I who I say I am? Do I do what I say I will do? If people trust you, you can lead them. If people don’t…
A Culture of Learning
Hi! So, what have you been learning lately? One person told me that we really haven’t learned unless we have changed! What do you think? Real learning will change something: our perspective, our behavior, our values. The fact is, if we are not learning, we are not growing. LET’S TALK… So, what are some ways…
The Art of Asking a Good Question
GOOD MORNING! Hope you are having a great Easter Week! I’m praying for your Sunday, that God will draw people to Himself and that many would come to faith in Him! This morning I’d like us to talk about questions. Of course, not all questions are good questions. Some are irritating. Others seem meaningless. And…
Coffee with Randall 