Every church or nonprofit ministry experiences all the stages in the organizational lifecycle. They are launched at a certain point in time, grow, plateau, decline, and eventually merge or are shut down. Some nonprofits experience this over the course of 10 years and others over 100 years. Some may decline rapidly after a scandal and … Continue reading Organizational Lifecycle Lessons

Managing a team today requires us to cultivate an environment that values learning, where leaders have a positive motivational impact on the individuals within their team. James Champy, author of Reengineering Management (HarperCollins, 1995) stated, “we must hold fast to our faith in human beings: the knowledge and belief that we are all eager to … Continue reading Know Your Team!

Donor development contains a built-in tension that’s not easily solved. People want their donations to impact lives. In fact, donors would be happy if 100% of their contributions went exclusively to the programs and services that benefit recipients most. That’s a problem, however, because we hear from donors that they are frustrated by two things: … Continue reading Navigating the Fundraising Maze

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) My mother had two green thumbs.  She could plant any seed, water it and a plant would grow.  She said the seed would open … Continue reading Rooted in Christ

It’s tempting to compare ourselves to others. It’s an easy trap to fall into for any leader. “He has this; she does that, if only I could be….” Well, you get the idea. While we might be tempted to blame social media for the advent of “Compulsive Comparing Disorder” (CCD), let’s remember the final half … Continue reading Compulsive Comparing Disorder

Have you ever served in an environment where you truly thrived? The word itself brings visions of flourishing … of prospering and developing, growing and progressing, succeeding and advancing … of bearing fruit in such a way that a person’s service is a sincere pleasure, a deep delight and a true joy. In his wisdom, … Continue reading Good Shepherds

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” (Hab. 2:2) In Christian ministry, our vision, mission and values must communicate a clear way a ministry is seeking to impact the world for Jesus. Communicating a clear vision shares with the world that you … Continue reading What is Your Vision?

As Christian organizations, we often assume that our mission is so clear and compelling that employees will flock to be a part of the “Lord’s work” that we are advancing. We do indeed often have an advantage in attracting employees because they genuinely feel called and resonate deeply with our missions. However, many of us … Continue reading Employee Engagement

God made us to change the world. He made us for influence. How? One way we express our influence is through money. The Bible talks a lot about it. Why don’t we? Money has tremendous power and influence, yet even with close friends we’re afraid to share openly. But what if we did? What would … Continue reading The Power of Gratitude

If you’re a “leader” now, I’ll bet you were a great “doer” in the past. Your inclination to take charge and get busy distinguished you from the other doers and won you the opportunity to lead. Unfortunately, the do-it- yourself attitude that made you a great doer can make you a lousy leader because they … Continue reading A Strategic Shift