Here are five, frequent, presenting symptoms in a church that often point to a more serious disease:
1. Inordinate self-interest. Most new churches are open to newcomers and then weaken into self-interest.
2. Negative self-image. Complaining about the church's health may not seem bad, but the negative discussion rarely leads to positive, practical action for improvement.
In the midst of the turmoil of the Cromwellian revolution, a tribute was written to the local pastor of the Harold Church in Staunton, England. It remains on the church wall and says, "In the year 1653, when all things sacred were throughout the nation destroyed or profaned, this church was built to the glory of God by Sir Robert Shirley, whose singular praise it was to have done the best of things ...
Called to Lead Three leaders discuss how they balance two priorities that don’t always mesh: serving and leading. Interview with Leith Anderson, Erwin McManus, and Glenn Wagner
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Painted on squad cars of many police departments is the motto: "To serve and to protect." The calling for pastors and other church leaders is similarly twofold: to serve and to lead.
Two noble tasks. But those two aspects of the calling don't always mesh smoothly. Some people want you to be more of a leader—until they disagree with something you've done. Then they suggest you should be more of ...
Ensuring ‘Quality of Soul’ An examination of the needs and motivations of a spiritual leader Gordon MacDonald
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It was a Saturday morning almost 25 years ago, and I had officiated in the burial of two homeless men during the past week. In both cases, I felt, their lives had been meaningless and wasted. I was overwhelmed with the sadness and emptiness of the experience.
Combined with several nights of inadequate sleep, no recent spiritual refreshment, and lots of nonstop ministry activity, their deaths left me ...
The Spiritual Leader's Vitality Two leaders discuss the steps they’ve taken to develop strong spiritual lives. Interview with Richard Foster and Henri Nouwen
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The crying need of the spiritual leader, someone once pointed out, is "a sense of the spiritual center." But how does a leader develop that sense? What roads lead to increased spiritual vitality?
Discussing those questions are two men who have ventured on the inner journey and written eloquently of their travels. This interview, from a conversation between Henri Nouwen and Richard Foster, catalogues ...
Finding Your Center Leaders need to remember the source and strength of their vocation. Gordon MacDonald
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When he was an infant, Gordon MacDonald survived two close brushes with death—a near drowning and being close to a fatal plane crash. His mother viewed these as providential deliverances. From his earliest days, she often told him, "God is raising you for something special."
His reaction? "Throughout childhood and even my somewhat rebellious adolescence, I had an awareness that God had this stake ...
Our national conference had been an enjoyable time with fellow pastors and missionaries. Denominational leaders warmly welcomed us.
Then it happened. An official told us about someone beginning a new ministry, who was leaving a "significant" work. We knew exactly what he meant: that pastor had left a large church. Suddenly the encouragement of the conference turned into a gut-churning moment.
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