Once upon a time in a leadership land “far-far” away there lived a man named Bob (not his real name). Bob viewed himself as an accomplished leader who had “it” all together. He had been performing the same leadership role in the exact same way for seven years. Bob was amazed at his own perceived wisdom and prided himself in…
Some life events just stand out. I am referring to experiences which are life-changing…blazed into your mind’s eye forever. These are so poignant, the sights, sounds and even the feelings can be replayed in your head. There are other events that do not fit into the life-changing category, but they are nevertheless memorable. One of these memorable but not life-changing…
I have the best job in the world! At Summit Institute I get to work with my friends: people who share my passion for discipling and developing ministry leaders. We fellowship around the Word, are motivated by the same vision and love to have fun. I am not only privileged to minister to and with pastors and leaders at Summit…
I am taking the last two weeks of July for some time off and creativity. This was one of my previous blogs that many found helpful. I will begin new content on August 5, 2020. Media is replete with the desperate stories of splintered churches, fractured homes and businesses in crisis due to fallen leadership. CEO’s, ministry directors and leaders…
New beginnings are natural occurrences in the life of any growing leader. In the leadership developmental process, systemic change is necessary to consistently moving forward. Possessing both commitment and excitement are foundational qualities which can aid in the launching or sustaining of new ideas. While commitment and excitement are desirable qualities, distinguishing between commitment and being caught up in the…
“I really don’t trust you” is an indictment none of us wants to hear when talking to people with whom we work and minister. It would be offensive and disturbing to hear we are not trusted – that someone has doubts about our abilities or even worse our character. We all like to think of ourselves as someone in whom…
Do you remember from Sunday School the children’s song based on Matthew 7:24-27? I always enjoyed watching children as they enthusiastically belted out each line. Here are a couple of the condensed verses: The wise man built his house upon a rock. (repeat multiple times)The rain came down and the floods came up. (repeat multiple times)And the house on the…
(Guest Post by Betsi Calhoun) I kept thinking, I’m just a "Has-Been" in the ministry. I am rapidly approaching my 70th birthday and here I was driving to speak to a group of young women on the topic of discipleship. Sure, after my dramatic conversion at age 16, I was blessed to lead hundreds to the Savior, and disciple many…
“Good enough is the new perfection” captured my attention as I read the words on a t-shirt. I found it to be extremely intriguing and simultaneously troubling. Was this meant as a joke or an excuse? I admit to being a perfectionist - or shall I say “given to excellence” (as I prefer to refer to my tendencies). However, lowering…
I was only twenty-one years old as I stood reading a copy of the letter my mentor had written. Addressed to a key supporter of our international ministry, it was someone whom he wanted me to visit. Reading the last line, I said to my wife, “I’m not going on this trip. I’m afraid I cannot live up to the…