Each time church leadership transitions from one generation to the next, outdated terms are exchanged for fresh language. New leaders find new words to present the same message to a new generation. Many churches no longer have “fellowship” though they still build strong relationships. What once was a “sermon” is now often referred to as a […]
Category: Leadership
How to Move Your Team from “Playing Nice” to “Winning Together”
If you’re like most church leaders, you probably wouldn’t describe your team as dysfunctional. After all, it’s been a while since someone yelled in a meeting or started a fistfight. But dysfunction and disagreement are not nearly the same thing. Most ministry teams “play nice” but they don’t “win together.” A winning team is able to withstand […]
Once-A-Day Bible for Leaders
A couple months ago, I found my daily quiet times in a bit of a slump. Looking for a new tool, I took Zondervan up on an opportunity to try their Once-A-Day Bible for Leaders (NIV). It turns out this resource was exactly what I needed. After using it for over 50 days, here are the 4 […]
What Most Leaders Miss When They Implement A New Idea
Originally written for TonyMorganLive.com Great church leaders are always implementing new ideas to further develop their ministry. Unfortunately, many fail to see fully what those ideas will require of themselves or their team. It is not uncommon for leaders to seek new “products” while resisting the underlying processes required to create them. For example… Many […]
3 Questions To Ask Before You Copy Another Church
Originally written for TonyMorganLive.com Recently, I helped a church staff evaluate the early blueprints for a new building project. I noticed a coffee bar was located in a very tight spot in the far corner of the lobby. When I asked the purpose of the coffee bar, know one on the team was entirely sure […]
3 Places To Look For Greater Self-Awareness
Originally written for TonyMorganLive.com Everyone who lacks self-awareness has one thing in common: They don’t know that they need to be more self-aware. In fact, I’ve never heard anyone say, “I really need to work on my self-awareness!” So if people who aren’t self-aware don’t know that they are not self-aware, how can we know […]
3 Critical Questions To Cultivate Your Culture
Originally written for TonyMorganLive.com I discovered a new coffee shop today. It’s by far the nicest in Canton, OH. The branding is unique and strong. The baristas are welcoming. The environment is very attractive and engaging. There is only one thing the establishment is short on: Customers. About twice an hour, the door swings open […]
10 Reasons Why You Don’t Have Momentum
Originally written for TonyMorganLive.com There’s no doubt you know how important vision is to leading an effective ministry. But despite casting a great vision, many church leaders fail to experience lasting momentum. Are you struggling to build or keep momentum in any area? You might be held back by one of these 10 reasons: You haven’t […]
The Problem with Structure
Originally published on TonyMorganLive.com Regardless of your church’s size, there’s no doubt it is built on an organizational structure. To effectively lead a large number of people, you need a way to protect your circle of influence and the decision-making process. This is why most church boards and leadership teams were created. Over time, however, a structure […]
Moment Maker by Carlos Whittaker
I recently read Carlos Whittaker’s new book, Moment Maker. Within just a few pages, it was clear that Carlos and I have very different approaches to life. I see my life as a series of dots on a timeline. Carlos seems to see a winding path with an undisclosed destination. I plan each moment of […]