I have asked our staff to evaluate me. Using Google documents, I set up group for our staff and me and then placed a document in the group just for this evaluation. I then invited the staff to participate anonymously. Here is what I posted. I will let you know their responses good and bad. (unless they cuss a lot!)
I have spent so many hours with couples or individuals who come for counseling because they say they want to save or improve their marriage only to find that what they really wanted was some justification to get out of the marriage. They were hoping I would be so convinced their marriage was beyond repair that I would encourage them to end it. I would have to admit, I have encountered some seriously damaged marriages, but I have not found one beyond repair if both people are willing to try to make the marriage work.
As a former businessperson and now as a pastor, I know firsthand there are two areas of operation every church, business or organization has to have in place, and that must be managed well, but most ministers and many leaders, especially the more entrepreneurial leaders, usually know little about and really don’t enjoy doing:
I was reflecting this week about how much my family has shaped the person that I am today.
I realize the economics may not work that way, but I almost wish the title could read: Tennessee considers business tax reduction to aid jobless.
Tweet John Maxwell shares a very authentic story on his blog about a stupid mistake he made that ended badly and the comments are incredibly positive. I think this is…
Our church is three and half years old. We have seen God do some amazing things in our short time and we continue to stand in awe of His grace upon us. Planting a church is hard work and not for the faint-hearted, but it’s been a joy ride at the same time. I love seeing people get excited about life, and especially gaining passion for Jesus, so these have been some of the best years of my life.
Tweet I needed this quick laugh. I’m the old lady today! Quit your honking!
I met with a couple today that is going through one of those waiting times on God. I could sense the tension developing in them as their patience, and literally their faith, is stretched. I could easily identify with their situation, because I have personally been there many times.
What should you do when it feels like God has forgotten you. Here are 7 things to remember or do in those times when God appears silent.
That also made me consider what other ways we may miss the big picture of God’s blessings because we are caught in the little picture of the routines of life. Sometimes we literally miss God, because we are caught up in the busyness of life.
I think it is important however, to allow this incident, and other tragedies in recent years, to consider the security measures of our churches. Ultimately, God is in control of His church and can protect His people, but we live in a scary world where deranged people carry out desperate activities and it is important for us as leaders to be prudent in these matters. (Certainly prudence and wisdom are Biblical concepts.)
Most pastors I know have great hearts for ministry, but don’t always have the tools to move the organization of the church forward. Unfortunately, some of what we experience in the real church world is not taught extensively, if any, in most seminaries.
My heart goes out to the family of Dr. Fred Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church, Maryville, IL. According to news reports a gunman killed him in the middle of services at his church this morning. Read a news report HERE.
Okay, I gave into the pressure. At least once a day for the past couple months someone has asked for this list that has been going around Facebook. Just so you know…well, I’ll put that as one of my 25 things. Here are 25 random things about me:
Here’s a piece of advice for everyone in business, as well as in church life, today. It’s simple, yet complex. It requires time and energy, but it will pay off when needed.
Keep your resume updated and keep it handy.
