Beware the seduction of ambition
image credit: Creative Commons user JapInTheGap Ambition is a double-edged sword. When it is God-directed and Spirit-managed, it can bear tremendous fruit. When it is restrained by humility, ambition can be a powerful motivator. But when it is hijacked by self and ego, it can leave a wake of destruction in its path. I […]
God’s strategy for your success, part 3
This is the third installment in a four part series. Today, I am going to look at another one of the principles of success. In the last two issues, I discussed the first three principles: 1. Be clear in your direction 2. Be confident in your desires 3. Be committed to your decision This month, […]
What to Stop and Start in 2012
Stop ignoring the dysfunction Many churches and ministries suffer from I like to call “terminal niceness”. We just aren’t very good at hard conversations. For the most part we are polite, sensitive, and hate conflict. So, we beat around the bush and make nice. One of the byproducts of our “terminal niceness” can be […]
A Pastor must be in a small group
A pastor must be in a small group. You need to show your congregation that small groups are so important for spiritual growth that even you belong to one. This allows you to share about your experiences, such as how being in a small group helped you during a difficult time or how the small […]
God’s Strategy for your Success, part 4
This month I will be discussing the final principle for success. To recap, the first four principles are: 1. Be clear in your direction 2. Be confident in your desires 3. Be committed to your decision 4. Be corrected by your defeats Now, the final principle. 5. BE CONSCIOUS OF GOD’S DEPENDABILITY. Joshua 1 is […]
Replenish Your Soul: What Kind of Old Person Do I Want to Be?
What kind of old person do you want to be? It’s a question you never think about in your twenties, rarely in your thirties, and only occasionally in your forties. But at least in my case hitting the big five-zero caused me to ponder this question with great frequency. Turning fifty flipped an inner switch; […]
What’s On Your Mind: Part Three
This month I will continue to look at how you can stay mentally fit by looking at some practical suggestions. 1. SCHEDULE SOME THINK TIME EACH WEEK. Every week, you need to schedule some alone time with the Holy Spirit. Sit down, get alone, get quiet, and think. Don’t read, don’t talk, don’t listen to […]
7 tips for connecting new members
This past weekend I went to a Home Improvement store. I needed help from two different departments on two issues I had in my home. As I walked into the spacious warehouse, lost at where to go, I started my quest to find the right person to help me buy the right product to end […]
What is your intended destination?
Recently, Steve Gladen, founder of the Small Group Network and the small groups pastor at Saddleback Church, sat down for an interview with Andrew Mason of SmallGroupChurches.net. Steve covers the basics of starting groups well, and focusing in on the intended destination you’re aiming at for your small groups. Enjoy! www.youtube.com/embed/j6eiwmZBKWI</a>” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>
Can you really
Over the years I have led worship for many small groups. I love it!. Almost every small group I have led worship for has been grateful for the music as if they had a deep hunger to worship together in their intimate setting. One thing I have found in common with vibrant Small Groups is […]
