Christian Leadership Alliance
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
What would be the first words from a man who just had his right arm cut off in an industrial accident? Over forty years ago, Tom Heflin, a seminary student assigned to me as my “big brother,” told me the following shocking story in our first phone conversation. “I work in a warehouse with several … Continue reading Sustainable Faith
Equipping people to serve, achieve higher performance, attain goals, and become better people is what leadership is all about. As a leader, a part of your legacy is developing other people and growing your team. Jesus Christ was the ultimate equipper. In Ephesians 4:11-12, we see five ministry gifts that are given by Jesus Christ … Continue reading Equipping Your Team
When asked to cite a favorite Bible passage dealing with generosity, many pastors, ministry leaders and development professionals will point to the Apostle Paul’s instruction to the church at Corinth: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have … Continue reading Donor Discipleship
