Discipleship

Committed Action (part two)

Imagine the impact on the United States if Christians here were known – first of all — for being people of action.  When you read the New Testament, you see Jesus in action much of the time.  So much so that when he drew away for prayer, reflection, and rest—it was noteworthy.  But, most sermons […]

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Repentance that lasts a lifetime (part two)

Buried in the archaic curiosity of the King James translation is a gem: “…godly sorrow worketh repentance … not to be repented of…”. [2 Cor 7:10] Repentance that sticks. Consider that when God sorrows, it’s not the self-serving, feeling-sorry-for-myself kind of sorrow that leads to death.  God sorrows for others. There’s the key to deep

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Compendium (part four)

Leadership Courage Series # 38 We’re reviewing nine traits essential to lead effectively in a Church caught in a culture of cowardice.   Three: Promote healthy differentiation within the church or system you lead. Healthy differentiation means to take full responsibility for your own being and destiny.  Pastor, this means that you will discard the ministerial

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Compendium (part three)

Leadership Courage Series # 37 We’re making a brief, final lap through nine traits called for from pastors and influencers in the Church in North America.  The second is: Take full responsibility for your own emotional being and destiny. Pastor, more than you know, you are the model of what maturity in Christ is.  Regardless

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Undermine the 80/20 Rule

Leadership Courage Series # 22 Why is it that 20% of the people in our churches are doing all the giving, all the serving, all the ministry? What if we who lead have actually established the culture that reinforces 80/20? What are we communicating such that the vast majority of church dwellers feel great about

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Leadership Courage Series #13:

Leadership in a Culture of Cowardice (part four) What does it take to be a courageous leader, particularly in a culture that has been growing more cowardly, childish, self-absorbed, and immature? Is it possible to live and lead in our Christian context so that spiritual and emotional maturity emerges? If it is, you, as pastor,

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