September 27, 2016 0 While leadership is always about change, change is not the first movement in leadership. Jim Collins and Jerry Porras help us understand the proper sequence when they remind us that “Contrary to popular wisdom, the proper first response to a changing world is not to ask, ‘How should we change?’” They offer a better first question:“‘What do we stand for and why do we exist?’ This should never change. And then feel free to change everything else.”
September 27, 2016 0 Church leaders have the potential to model power that comes from a starting point rare in this world: a starting point of truth and mercy, of grace and dignity, of regard and respect. This is the kind of power that will truly save the world.
September 27, 2016 0 A church must know its mission, but that is never enough. Churches implement their mission in an ever-changing environment that will shape how the mission is expressed to produce fruit. Vijay Govindarajan, an expert in strategy and innovation, suggests these questions for organizations: What factors and conditions does our current success depend on? Which of these factors might change over time or are changing already, thus putting current success at risk? How can we begin to anticipate and prepare for these possible changes?
September 21, 2016 0 Race and gender are givens of God. . . . Being racist and sexist are a state of mind and a choice. Marian Wright Edelman
September 20, 2016 0 Someone who helps others anticipate the future in their planning uses these questions:Are those you serve changing faster than you are? Are they learning faster than you are?
September 20, 2016 0 Your church’s weekend services are perfectly designed to reach the people you are reaching. If you want to reach others, things need to change.
September 1, 2016 0 The primary responsibility of leaders is to promote the well-being of people, not themselves.
September 1, 2016 0 Doing everything yourself is efficient but limiting. Perhaps this question can help expand the number of people who have the knowledge and ability to do more than they currently do:How might I involve someone else in this project to achieve the task and develop them to assume more responsibility?
September 1, 2016 0 Nothing has the potential to change the world like the mission of the local church fully realized.
September 1, 2016 0 When we are part of planning a new initiative, event, or ministry, there is excitement about getting it started. It is good to remember that while we know our plans and hopes, we cannot anticipate accurately how it will be received. Questions to consider along the way that can help prepare for your eventual results include:What if this does not work?What if it works far better than we expect?
