Enhancing Team Performance with Common Language
The penalty that is most frustrating for any hockey coach is that of too many players on the ice. Just look at the face of the coach when their team gets called for this mistake.…
Called to Live the Gospel
I was a young adult when I was first introduced to the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer at a weekly breakfast book club. I was fascinated by Bonhoeffer’s story, his wisdom, and his boldness. A few…
Good Leaders Don’t Offer Solutions
You are a leader if there is anyone in your life who’s decisions are impacted by your decisions. Most people are leaders to some degree. Assume you are a leader. Assume that there are people…
Secular vs. Sacred
Historically, there has always been some form of differentiation between that which is sacred and that which is secular. The terms may have changed over time and contexts, but the idea is similar: there is…
How to Avoid the Pride Trap
If you are fortunate enough to have a strong sense of personal calling or talent or giftedness, one of the great temptations will be pride. It is common for great leaders to think of themselves…
Calling is the Outworking of Your Response-ability to God
When you are alone, and there is no one holding you responsible for your actions, what motivates you to behave “properly”? Your answer to this question points to your foundation for morality. To whom, or…
What Is Your Default?
We all have a default mode of operation. It’s how we operate in the moments when nothing is expected of us. When we are alone, on vacation, on a Saturday night or a Sunday afternoon.…
The Blessing
The Lord bless youand keep you,make His face shine upon youand be gracious to you.The Lord turn His face toward youand give you peace Amen. This blessing is recorded in Numbers 6:24-26. It was first…
The longest weekend of my life
Recently, I was faced with a decision to cancel some important organizational events due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The response of several people was, “We should not act out of fear.” I agreed, but also…
In Crisis, the Purpose Remains. The Method Changes.
Historically, adversity is a familiar experience for the church. It has come in many forms, yet the church remains strong and growing. This is due to the eternal purpose given to us by Jesus: to…
Being a Source of Peace and Stability
We are in a time of opportunity. In the midst of uncertainty, it may be easy to just shut down and wait for the storm to pass. But this is not the example set by…
Becoming What We Are Not Yet
This teaching is a continuation of an ongoing theme that seeks to set a foundation for discovering your purpose. It may sound repetitive, but it is meant to reinforce a very elusive concept that followers…