I wrote the post below more than six years ago. While I think the ideas are still DEFINITELY at play in our churches, I think this is a microscope we can turn onto ourselves. When we hear about needs in the community -- whether they're one-offs or larger systemic needs -- can we just ignore … Continue reading Do you really understand the needs of your community? #maybenot
Read or listen to ME by Elton John
One of the best gifts I've ever given myself is an Audible subscription. I commute 80 miles round trip each day and enjoy the opportunity to listen to a variety of books -- everything from the latest fiction and classic literature to books on business, biographies and autobiographies. My latest listen was the much-anticipated autobiography … Continue reading Read or listen to ME by Elton John
Branding: Which church are you building?
Are you building a church? Or are you building THE Church? Sometimes, there's a difference. I ran across a website for a business that offered church marketing services. The company offered churches a way to "build your brand" through social media, digital press releases, print canvassing, TV, and billboard campaigns. I get it. I work in … Continue reading Branding: Which church are you building?
Painful memory of a church’s snub
One of my saddest memories took place in a church. I grew up in the Catholic church. When I was a little kid, my parents divorced. And, depending on whose house I was in on the weekends, that's the parent who took me to Sunday mass. When I was old enough to partake of Holy … Continue reading Painful memory of a church’s snub
“Not Everyone is Going to Like You”
It was 2009. I was several months into a new job -- my first job as a manager -- and I was miserable. Miserable to the point of insomnia. Depression. Anger. Constant self-doubt. And even bouts of tears. I won't lie. I made a lot of missteps as a first-time manager, and those missteps led … Continue reading “Not Everyone is Going to Like You”
Thankful for God the Father
People will let us down. Even the good ones, the ones we think will never hurt us. Fathers included. Just ask my sons. This weekend, we honor our fathers and stepfathers and grandfathers and guardians and mentors. We thank them for their love and support, their advice and their provision. And at the same time, … Continue reading Thankful for God the Father