Articles

What Great Leaders Know (and how you can do those things this week)

About 40 years ago in Colorado, a few children’s ministry leaders serving faithfully in their communities had a realization. They needed each other. Sure, they could probably white-knuckle through the journey of shepherding kids and families for a bit, but not for the long haul….

Advent Week 4: God With Us Always

Matthew 1:23 (KJV) | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 28:18-20 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us.” “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I…

Advent Week 3: Racing Toward the End

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus,…

Advent Week 2: Candy Hearts, Broken Hearts, Rescued Hearts

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight…

Advent Week 1: Stuck In The Middle With You

“Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” This phrase of longing is one I seem to be hearing a lot lately. The daily news reports feel more depressing than informative, tragic rather than triumphant, deterioration instead of progress. Isn’t there any good in the world to talk about?…

The Children’s Pastor Who Can Do It All

Remember that part in the Bible where it says “You have every strength and talent and gift to do it all. Don’t feel like you have to rely on anyone. You got this!”? No? Good. Cause it’s not in there. In fact, a quick read…

How do we know it’s working?

You’ve heard it before, but let me say it again. Ministry is so hard. It’s easy to point out the uniquenesses of children’s and family ministry. We work with volunteers and children. I could probably end the list there and it would be enough! We…

The Best Flavor of Leadership

Great coffee. Fresh watermelon on a hot summer day. Roasted vegetables that were brushed with balsamic. Cherry pie from my favorite pie shop in Chicago. My mom’s famous stuffing and cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving… I love the flavors of all of these things. They’re all…

3 Odd Habits of Effective Leaders

What makes leaders and teams so effective that living out their mission and achieving their vision is inevitable? And what are the habits that we can cultivate which end up nurturing our effectiveness for the long run? These questions have been following me around for…