1. What signs of growth might indicate to you that you are ready to do more than just receive insight—to pass it on to others?
2. Recall a time when someone sought your advice in an area for which you have special experience or expertise—from changing a flat tire to dealing with a rebellious child. What did you learn from the experience that might apply to sharing spiritual wisdom?
The Case
As Park Ridge Community Church began its visioning process, a group of leaders were asked a simple question: "Why do you like this church?" Without hesitation, a young professional asserted, "I like this church because it makes me feel good." Heads nodded in agreement.
On the surface, everybody felt good about Park Ridge. And why not? Power struggles were nonexistent. The church had recently ...
As Park Ridge Community Church began its visioning process, a group of leaders were asked a simple question: "Why do you like this church?" Without hesitation, a young professional asserted, "I like this church because it makes me feel good." Heads nodded in agreement.
On the surface, everybody felt good about Park Ridge. And why not? Power struggles were nonexistent. The church had recently ...
Leader’s Progress These five pastors have learned from experience that change is integral to ministry. by Leadership Journal
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Church leaders are expected to be so many things. Premodern Paul said he was "all things to all men." His postmodern counterparts find that list getting longer and longer. The pastor is at various times chaplain, cheerleader, coach, CEO, visionary, fundraiser, preacher, plumber, spiritual director, fellow struggler, disciplinarian, confidant, and urgent-care coordinator.
Growing Pains When a church or ministry grows, its leaders have to change, too. by Calvin Miller
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In that long ago, far away book The Peter Principle lies the doctrine of my insecurity. The book states that climbers on the ladder of life are promoted rung by rung until they eventually reach a level they're not equipped to handle. Thus, by doing well, a person arrives at a plateau beyond his real capabilities and successfully "out succeeds" himself. I have often been haunted by the fear that my ...
The Changing Seasons of Ministry Younger leaders and older leaders face different temptations and enjoy different rewards. by Kent Hughes
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Our youth pastor, Dennis, came to me. "I want to rappel off the church," he said, "off the fourth story!" It was to be a scene for a youth video he was making, he explained.
I could have easily said no. First, it was dangerous. (I like to give my staff room to fail, but this gave a whole new meaning to the idea.) Furthermore, people could justifiably criticize me for allowing such crazy activities. ...
Every pastor I know affirms the priesthood of all believers and preaches that every Christian is called to ministry, including the ministry of providing pastoral care for one another. But most also admit there's a big gap between the actual and desired level of lay ministry.
One reason for this, I believe, is that releasing people to minister involves risks, both for pastor and people. For the pastor, ...
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