One of the best teachers I ever had was a three-time failure. He taught my High School chemistry class and I remember how he explained why he was such a good chemistry teacher. He said, “In college I had to take chemistry four times because I failed it three times. Each time I took the […]
A Letter To My Biggest Critic
I wrote this letter several months ago. Feel free to use it as a guide for writing a similar one of your own. Dear Inner Critic: I have thought about writing you for sometime now. I’m not sure where we first met or how long we’ve been together, but its been long enough that I’ve […]
April 20, 2011 by 5 Comments
Before You Go: Are You Willing To Work at Being Different?
As I wrote in a previous blog, before you move on to something new, its important to ask how you’ll be different in the new situation. It doesn’t do much good to ask the question if you’re not willing to actually work at being different. It’s not enough to sit down and make a list […]
April 19, 2011 by 4 Comments
Before You Go: How Will You Be Different?
While I’ve been writing these posts with preachers in mind, I’ve had several readers tell me that they see them applying to other situations as well. Thanks for the great feedback. When we have the opportunity to leave a job, church, or relationship for another one, it’s easy to believe that changing circumstances will make […]
April 14, 2011 by 1 Comment
Seth Godin on How to Fail
Seth Godin gives some great advice about how to fail. Here are his six suggestions for how to fail better: Whenever possible, take on specific projects. Make detailed promises about what success looks like and when it will occur. Engage others in your projects. If you fail, they should be involved and know that they […]
April 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I Didn’t Sign Up For This!
When I went to work with the Garnett Church in 2003, I believed I was stepping into a ministry with tremendous upside. After being there for less than a year, I found myself in a mess I hadn’t signed up for. A key staff member, someone who was crucial to my effectiveness there, resigned unexpectedly. […]
April 8, 2011 by 10 Comments
Before You Go: Leave Your Ideal Church Behind
A friend sent me this note in response to my last post. I share it with his permission. If I’d have practiced this principle two wife’s ago I wouldn’t have had two previous wives. But, if I hadn’t screwed up in my relationships then I wouldn’t have developed to be ready for “———” who I […]
April 4, 2011 by 9 Comments
Before You Go: Can You Love The Church As It Is?
I’ve recently had some great conversations with a couple of preachers who are thinking about moving to new churches. I’ve shared with each of them the following principle. When considering a new church, make sure you love the church as it is before you say yes to their invitation to become their preacher. Here’s one […]
April 1, 2011 by 8 Comments
My Position On Hell (or lack thereof)
I’ve been thinking about heaven and hell a lot lately, thanks to Rob Bell and his new book Love Wins. Have you heard of it? I haven’t read it yet, but this post really isn’t about what he says in the book. It’s more about why I have a hard time jumping into a discussion […]
March 28, 2011 by 16 Comments
Advice to Churches Working with Young Preachers
I’ve been hired as a young preacher twice, at ages 23 and 29. I made tons of young preacher mistakes and the churches I worked with had to put up with a lot from me. I’ve given advice to young preachers in the past and I’ll do it again in a future post. In this […]
March 14, 2011 by 13 Comments
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons