Christian Leadership Alliance
To wear or not to wear, that is the question. For a couple of years, we have thought, talked, and maybe even argued about masks at church. But I first contemplated mask-wearing at church about ten years ago, before the pandemic and for a very different reason. While leading a class called “Christianity Explored,” I … Continue reading A Higher Allegiance
Fear and trepidation roiled within me as I walked into my first offsite leadership meeting. Nine or ten men in their late 30s to mid-50s, in business-casual attire (what did that even mean for women in the middle of the ‘80s?), stood around talking leisurely. I felt so conspicuous: I was 26 years old, the … Continue reading Living as the Beloved
You get a phone call, a text comes in, or you finally have some time to sit back and think. No matter the source, you realize that change is upon you. A growth opportunity is starting to take off, a new external challenge threatens your organization, or a critical mistake was made by a member … Continue reading Leading Through the Stages of Transition
One rhythm of life that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered in 2020 was weddings. Virtual weddings officiated online and socially distanced wedding with only a handful of your closest friends in attendance were the norm for a year. It is not likely that many 2020 newlyweds would say that their wedding was just as they … Continue reading The Beautiful Community
Growing up in southern California in the 1960s and 1970s certainly had its perks. You can picture them – clear skies, the Pacific Ocean, nearly perfect weather year-round, and you guessed it, Disneyland. Walt saw his vision realized as one “land” after another was designed and erected. It would eventually attract children of all ages … Continue reading A Shepherd’s Vision
In my office, I have a peace lily that we saved from my dad’s memorial service more than 14 years ago. This common house plant represents many memories because of the sentimental value it holds. However, this plant has had its share of “trials” over the years. It used to sit in a planter pot … Continue reading Thriving Plants and Thriving Leaders
“What then are we afraid of? Can we have too much of God? Is it a misfortune to be freed from the heavy yoke of the world, and to bear the light burden of Jesus Christ?” – François Fénelon Can we have too much of God? What a question from this French theologian to ponder … Continue reading Take My Yoke
During this challenging season, everyone is saying, “What do we do?” The situation forces us to ask deeper, harder questions. This article features six of them related to stewardship and giving. With each one, we explore the example of Paul and his response to the famine in Jerusalem. This process provides six practical insights for … Continue reading Crisis Stewardship and Giving
Indeed, no one saw this coming. If you asked any leader in January (even February) of 2020 if they foresaw a national quarantine that would forcibly shut down businesses, churches, whole communities, even an entire nation, the solid bet is that they would answer with a hard “No.” And yet, it happened. The result? We … Continue reading Embracing Generational Diversity
One of my direct reports had come to me for advice on how to solve a problem he was facing. His options were several—all with good and bad consequences. Which one should he choose? As I listened, I was having a conversation with myself. “He’s going to expect me to have an answer. What should … Continue reading Kingdom Wisdom
