Ron Edmondson

thoughts on leadership, church, and culture
February 24, 2021
14

RELP – Episode 15 – 5 Guarantees For Your First Year In Senior Leadership

By | Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Leadership, Podcast | No Comments

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In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast with Ron and Nate, Ron shares some things he guarantees leaders will experience in their first year of senior leadership.

I have transitioned into a senior leadership position numerous times in my career. When I was in my mid-twenties, I began leading a large division for a major retailer. In my early thirties, we purchased and I began leading a small (large to us) manufacturing company. I took over as a vice-mayor of a medium-sized city when there were other more qualified people around me. And, since surrendering to vocational ministry, I have been the new senior leader in several churches and a nonprofit.

I am not always an emphatic speaker, unless I’m quoting a Biblical truth. Yet, in every one of these scenarios as a new senior leader, these guarantees have come true.

And many of these will remain true throughout your leadership career.

In this episode, we discuss 5 guarantees for a new leadership first year in senior leadership.

I hope this episode helps you be a better leader.

Would you do me a favor? If you enjoyed listening to this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast would you subscribe, share and leave a positive review about this podcast? We are enjoying doing this together, but it is especially encouraging when we know it is helping other church leaders. Thank you in advance for doing this. It is a great help.

Also, we will be recording more episodes soon. Let me know leadership issues you would like us to cover on future episodes.

And be sure to check out all the great podcasts on the Lifeway Leadership Podcast Network.

February 17, 2021
10

RELP – Episode 14 – How I Lead Meetings

By | Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Leadership, Podcast | No Comments

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In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast with Ron and Nate, Ron shares how he likes to lead meetings.

I am frequently asked about how I conduct staff meetings with teams I lead. They are looking for some sort of basic meeting structure to incorporate with their team. 

But I have always had a difficult time answering the question for two reasons: 

1. I don’t always lead staff meetings for the teams I lead. Typically, I let other staff members lead them. In previous churches, I usually let the bulk of staff meetings be led by the executive or associate pastor. I even like to float some leadership in meetings between different team members. It adds a fresh perspective and gives other people experience. 

2. I don’t like doing the same thing every time. Just as I like to see variety in our worship services, I like to see changes in the way we conduct meetings. I get bored easily. It could be that we move rooms. We might change up the setting and go off campus. Sometimes we start with prayer/devotion and sometimes we close with that time. We eat together at times and other times we get right to business. I never want to keep the same pattern long or things get stale. 

So, I want to change things up frequently. Different locations. Even different people in the room. 

But, as I have been asked the question so many times, I reflected on an answer. Regardless of the size of the room – whether it is leadership team meeting or an entire staff, there are some things I’m trying to accomplish every time we meet.

In this episode, we discuss how I like to lead meetings.

I hope this episode helps you be a better leader.

Would you do me a favor? If you enjoyed listening to this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast would you subscribe, share and leave a positive review about this podcast? We are enjoying doing this together, but it is especially encouraging when we know it is helping other church leaders. Thank you in advance for doing this. It is a great help.

Also, we will be recording more episodes soon. Let me know leadership issues you would like us to cover on future episodes.

And be sure to check out all the great podcasts on the Lifeway Leadership Podcast Network.

February 10, 2021
3

5 Bible Verses of Encouragement for Church Planters

By | Church, Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Leadership | 4 Comments

This post is titled “5 Bible Verses of Encouragement for Church Planters”. However, these verses could encourage those attempting church revitalization.

Even those those starting a nonprofit ministry or attempting to operate a small business might be encouraged by them. I don’t want to abuse Scripture, but there are certainly Bible principles which have multiple applications.

Here’s my story. Since surrendering to vocational ministry in my late 30’s, we started our own nonprofit, have been involved in the starting two churches and the revitalization of three churches. Plus, through our ministry, we have assisted a dozen or so nonprofits get off the ground.

I have learned there are days when you simply need outside encouragement. The idea for this post came after a conversation with a very stressed and frustrated planter. (Imagine launching in the middle of a pandemic.)

At times I simply don’t know what to say to someone. In those moments, the best I can do is point them back to truth. These have been encouraging verses to me in my work. If you need it, I hope these reminders help.

5 Bible Verses of Encouragement for Church Planters

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10

Every living thing begins somewhere. Jesus talked about the “life” contained in the smallest of seeds. Sometimes small has advantages. Don’t compare yourselves to others. Contentment is being satisfied where God has you today.

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Of course, this was written to a young pastor, not to a local church. And you may not be considered young anymore. I love those who are still involved in new things when they are my age. But the principle here is still encouraging. Continue reading the verse and see how you can set yourself apart even in these early days of the work.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

Here is another verse that can quickly be taken out of context and misapplied. But I am confident of this. If God called you to it He has a plan. It may or may not look like what you imagined, but it will be good, because God is good.

“And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” Acts 15:19

Don’t over complicate things. Everything doesn’t have to be elaborate. You shouldn’t compare yourselves to the bigger, more established churches – who also have more staff and a larger budget. Sometimes simple works.

Stick with the basics. People need the hope of the Gospel.

Nevertheless, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel. 1 Kings 19:18

I can’t tell you how encouraging this voice has been over the years. Elijah felt alone but he wasn’t. God already had a people prepared for his support.

I have learned by experience that if God is calling me to it he is already preparing others. Sometimes it is hard to find them among a sea complainers but they are there. Part of my leadership is to find them.

Nate and I have launched a new season of the Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast, so subscribe now. You don’t miss the next one.

February 4, 2021
6

RELP – Episode 13 – Values for Teams I Lead

By | Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Leadership, Podcast | No Comments

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In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast, Ron and Nate some values for teams Ron leads.

After years of leading in different contexts, I (Ron) realized there were common things I have to have in order for teams I lead to be healthy and effective. Regardless of the setting – in business, government, nonprofits or church, I want our team to have these values. So, I began to put them in a list and share them with our team.

I even title them my non-negotiable values, which I explain in the podcast.

Your values may not be my values. And that is perfectly okay. I do believe, however, that your team will benefit from knowing what is important to you as their leader.

In this episode, we discuss values for teams I lead.

I hope this episode helps you be a better leader.

Would you do me a favor? If you enjoyed listening to this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast would you subscribe, share and leave a positive review about this podcast? We are enjoying doing this together, but it is especially encouraging when we know it is helping other church leaders. Thank you in advance for doing this. It is a great help.

Also, we will be recording more episodes soon. Let me know leadership issues you would like us to cover on future episodes.

And be sure to check out all the great podcasts on the Lifeway Leadership Podcast Network.

January 26, 2021
8

RELP – Episode 12 – Hidden Objections to Change

By | Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Leadership, Podcast | No Comments

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In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast, Ron and Nate discuss some hidden objections to change.

Ron has learned from experience that there are some common – often hidden – objections to change. These are secret objections.

No one admits to these, but they are real. In fact, they may be the biggest obstacles you’ll have to face in implementing change.

Show me an objection to change and you’re almost guaranteed to find one of these hidden in the crowd somewhere. And you’ll probably find multiples of them.

These are often hard to admit, but they are true. Understanding them can help you better lead change. Not understanding them can derail the changes you are trying to make.

In this episode, we discuss 5 hidden objections to change:

I hope this episode helps you be a better leader.

Would you do me a favor? If you enjoyed listening to this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast would you subscribe, share and leave a positive review about this podcast? We are enjoying doing this together, but it is especially encouraging when we know it is helping other church leaders. Thank you in advance for doing this. It is a great help.

Also, let me know leadership issues you would like us to cover on future episodes.

And be sure to check out all the great podcasts on the Lifeway Leadership Podcast Network.

January 25, 2021
3

A Constant Challenge: Whether to Initiate Change or Not

By | Church, Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Leadership, Organizational Leadership | No Comments

Whether to initiate change or not is a constant leadership challenge all leaders face on a regular basis. 

Personally, I love continual improvement. I am someone who actually enjoys change. If things stay the same too long I get bored and begin looking for a new challenge. I even stir things for fun sometimes – just to keep life interesting around me. (This is not always a positive characteristic. Ask my wife.)

Personality aside, however, the truth is not everything needs to be tweaked. Some things are probably working okay, achieving great success, and are best left alone for the time being. Change for the sake of change sake is not always good. When Momma said “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” and the other cliché about “the grass is always greener”, she was speaking from some life experience.

There is a fine line between making things better and messing things up. One of the great challenges for the leader is carefully considering the balance intention between instigating change for the good of the organization and allowing things to continue without interference.

Determining when to make change and when to leave things the same is one of the most delicate decisions of leadership, but I know one thing for sure:

“It’s working” should also never be the primary reason to avoid change, either.

It could be a reason. But it should not be the fallback reason or used as an excuse not to change.

Here are some indicators whether to initiate change or not:

  • When energy is starting to wane with the status quo
  • If potentially damaging variables are beginning to impact the organization
  • When change can result in greater efficiency or realization of the organization’s mission
  • If it is clear a change will be needed soon to remain competitive or relevant
  • When there is pent up energy for something new (people are waiting for leadership to what’s next)

Organizations and teams need change. (Churches are included here.)

Change keeps momentum going. At times change is needed simply to build a culture of change. And you often discover something wonderful you would have never discovered without change.

Plus – and this is a big one for me – I am always reminded leaders want to be in environments of change. I want to be surrounded by leaders – people who think big, have bold visions, and want to move things forward. Leaders are most comfortable when they can explore, take risks, and keep things stirring. There’s a reason marketers are always changing things – it’s not just leaders who want change – people tend to like change too, even when they don’t think they do. (Apple has made a fortune knowing this.)

Sometimes a little change, even a little drama, will motivate a team into action. Need some momentum? That can be an indicator whether to initiate change or not. 

There is an example which illustrates a change principle of organizational dynamics. You’ve seen it happen many times. Your ball team is behind in the game. The referee makes what you and the rest of your team’s fans believe is a bad call. It energizes the crowd and the team and helps spur your team on to victory.

If things are becoming dull or routine in your organization, as the leader you may need to stir up some change, even if it seems disruptive at the time. There are times to change just for the sake of creating more energy.

This doesn’t mean you change your overall vision and your attempt should be to make a positive change, but if things are stagnating some change may be needed. It would almost be better to have a change that didn’t work than to allow things continue at a standstill.

So while change isn’t always necessary, “it’s working” shouldn’t keep us from considering whether to initiate change or not either.

Which makes the decision of when to change that much more difficult, doesn’t it? I almost need a default zone for when to make change and when to leave things alone.

One rule of thumb for me:

If there hasn’t been any change recently – chances are good it’s time.

What change are you attempting next?

BTW, our latest podcast addresses some specific ways to know it is time for organizational change. Speaking of podcast, Nate and I have launched a new season of the Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next one.

January 21, 2021
5

RELP – Episode 11 – How to Know It is Time for Organizational Change

By | Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Leadership, Podcast | One Comment

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In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast, Ron and Nate discuss how leaders can know it is time for organizational change.

If the structure is impeding the accomplishment of the vision it is time to make changes.

Healthy organizations maintain an unchanging vision that they sustain long-term. One way they do so is with a willingness to change their organizational structure as needed.

How do you know when organizational structural change is needed?

In this episode, we discuss ways leaders can know it is time for organizational change.

I hope this episode helps you be a better leader.

Would you do me a favor? If you enjoyed listening to this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast on how to know it’s time for change, would you subscribe, share and leave a positive review about this podcast? We are enjoying doing this together, but it is especially encouraging when we know it is helping other church leaders. Thank you in advance for doing this. It is a great help.

Also, let me know leadership issues you would like us to cover on future episodes.

And be sure to check out all the great podcasts on the Lifeway Leadership Podcast Network.

January 13, 2021
6

RELP – Episode 10 – Ten Dangerous Distractions For A Pastor or Leader

By | Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Leadership, Podcast | No Comments

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In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast, Ron and Nate discuss Ten Dangerous Distractions For A Pastor or Leader.

Unfortunately, so many who used to be pastors no longer hold the position. Many of them fell into what I call a dangerous distractions for a pastor.

Sometimes it isn’t a blatant sin. Often it is a casual drifting that gets pastors in trouble. Often it is simply a distraction from what matters most.

I can’t address everything that gets in the way of being a healthy pastor, but there are more common ones in my experience.

And many of these are also dangerous for any leadership position, which is why I expanded the title to pastor – and leaders. It is difficult enough to lead these days in trying times, we should certainly try to avoid things we know will get in the ways. These I’ve learned from experience.

So, in this episode, here are 10 dangerous distractions for a pastor or leader.

I hope this episode helps you be a better leader.

Would you do me a favor? If you enjoyed listening to this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast where we discussed Ten Dangerous Distractions For A Leader, would you subscribe, share and leave a positive review about this podcast? We are enjoying doing this together, but it is especially encouraging when we know it is helping other church leaders. Thank you in advance for doing this. It is a great help.

Also, let me know leadership issues you would like us to cover on future episodes.

And be sure to check out all the great podcasts on the Lifeway Leadership Podcast Network.