The Elements of Productivity
When science was in its infancy there were only four elements: earth, air, fire, water. Researchers believed everything in the universe was comprised of these essential building blocks. Even human…
Pastoral Staff Evaluation Structure (audio post)
It can be a difficult thing to evaluate pastoral staff. On the one hand, we don’t want to solely evaluate our staff on the basis of their spirituality (they’re not…
What if I were to pastor the city? (audio post)
Several years ago, while on vacation in Vancouver, I began teasing out a thought experiment during a prayer walk. In part, this line of thinking was sponsored by Len Sweet’s…
Sacramental Ministry
There are times in our lives when the ordinary expressions of Christian spirituality feel hollow and glib. Such moments lead us to rediscover the deeper parts of our humanity. Traditionally…
Encouraging Momentum
Good news: you can make people better. Bad news: you can only make them better at things they love, care about, and enjoy. In my earlier years I often tried…
Pastoring not Posturing
Much of Christian spirituality deteriorates into posturing. When we try to sound spiritual—as though we are experts on development, discipline, and growth—we come across as vainglorious, arrogant, and egocentric. I…
Tell a Good Story
Everyone needs to know how to tell a good story. Stories are the heft of good friendship, good education, and good sermons. “Thou shalt not” is always trickier to remember…
Five Kinds of Capital
Five Kinds of Capital Mike Breen, leader of 3DM ministries, has an interesting way of framing the spiritual demands of people in the marketplace. Business people, by and large, feel…
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