What would you teach your leaders?
I’m putting together a leadership curriculum for the student leaders in my campus ministry. For good or for ill, I’m staying away from how-to books (though there are some good ones) and instead provoking a deeper level of reflection about servant-leadership and Christian formation. Here’s what I’m toying with (yes, I know it’s a long … Read more
And You Give Yourself Away
The theme for this year’s Texas Annual Conference, reflecting the idea of Extravagant Generosity, immediately calls to mind U2′s anthemic “With or Without You.” Without a doubt, it was one of the best annual conferences I’ve been a part of. The highlight was Tuesday night’s service in which my wonderful wife Christie was ordained as … Read more
Discipleship, Leadership, and Community
For those of you who have read my blog somewhat regularly over the past year, you know that one of the questions I have is about how communities of faith grow both excellent leadership and provide a context for high-capacity Christian discipleship to flourish. One of the metaphors I’ve been using is that of a … Read more
Rievaulx Abbey
Yesterday was the feast day of St Aelred of Rievaulx; you can read about his monastic leadership and reflections on love and friendship here. I had the good fortune to visit Rievaulx Abbey (Yorkshire, UK) on a snowy evening in late December 2005, and took this picture, which might just be my favorite from that … Read more
Hugh of Lincoln
Reflecting on the life of Hugh of Lincoln (November 17), and learning lessons from this lesser-known saint: wisdom, creativity, good stewardship, faithfulness, and justice.
The Preaching Life: Countercultural
…there is a certain contrary character to all faithful preaching…The words of the sermon will be expressing our culture in need–beloved by God, but not itself God. So the preacher’s life, as well, will have certain countercultural strains to it. Perhaps simply being willing to become a preacher was already a beginning. In any case, … Read more
Smart Leaders and Smarter Churches
Applying NASA Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale’s thoughts on “Leading Your Leaders” to ministry and church leadership.
