The Cowardice of Christian Niceness
Many years ago, a young man was transferred to my department. During his first annual review, he asked me why his raises had been consistently lower …
Christian Leadership
What’s Your Legacy?
Babysitting two grandsons Tuesday morning, I felt discouraged. Not with them; they were great. Not even with changing their diapers—although I’m a …
Avoiding The Pain of Regret
I am the son of a pastor. During my dad’s forty years of ministry, he did many great things; he probably committed a few stupid acts; and he …
The Danger of Natural Christian Leadership
I studied at the University of Michigan in the 1970’s (like, before indoor plumbing). I joined a campus ministry that emphasized community, the Holy …
The Hidden Side of Paying Off Church Mortgages Early—We Can’t Take It With Us
A church I know (whose leaders I once met on a trip out west) recently kicked off a Capital Campaign to pay off their building mortgage early. Their …
Do You Want To Be A Leader? Learn To Listen Not Lecture
Twenty-five years ago a client asked me to meet with her president for an hour-long lunch. Her president was an industry innovator. She warned me, …
Why Do Our Children Leave The Church?
Why do so many people—with incredible conversions—parent children who leave Christianity? History overflows with great saints whose offspring lose …
What’s Missing in Christian Leadership?
The movie The King’s Speech tells the true tale of a shy prince who becomes a King. “Bertie”—as only his family can call him—is the frog who becomes a …
What’s The Problem With Christian Leadership?
A few years ago a good friend of mine listened to a set of my sermons. He offered me constructive criticism. He liked what I said, but he had one bit …