I wasn’t surprised by Lisa’s question, it’s a question I have heard many times. “Is working at the church as wonderful as it is attending here?” I’m a pastor, and all of my years in the workforce have been spent working in growing, healthy churches. I don’t know the “ins and outs” of corporate world […]

In Choluteca, Honduras, there is a bridge that has become famous for leading nowhere. (See picture at right.) The bridge wasn’t designed that way, at one time it was highly functional. Today, the roads that once led to it are gone and the river is no longer below it. In late October 1998, Hurricane Mitch […]

It’s been said, “Change of Place + Change of Pace = Change of Perspective.” Anytime I can get my team away and disrupt their rhythm I open them up to new ideas and opportunities. However, it is tough to find time to get away. It’s a challenge to find the right location. Plus there is […]

Recently I became a volleyball parent. My youngest has started playing volleyball, and with this season I find myself on Saturday at random gyms for daylong tournaments. In just a short time, I’m learning that there is a volleyball culture. The players’ possess apparel and use equipment uniquely designed for volleyball. Apparently, it’s important to […]

Most people, if they are truly honest, would admit they don’t like change. They like the idea of change. They see the need for change, and deep down, desire to change at least one aspect of their life. They would love the result of a personal change, but the idea of going through a personal […]

Last August, we wrapped up our Kids Ministry Summer with the annual Camp Woodside, our overnight camp for 3rd-5th graders at Center Lake Bible Camp in Tustin, MI.  My primary role for the week was to speak to the kids at the morning and evening sessions.  As I reflect on our week, I had a […]

Click here to read part one of Pat’s series about high capacity leaders. Click here to read part two of Pat’s series about high capacity leaders. In my personal finances I have to keep reminding myself that investments DON’T pay off immediately, they require time. The same is true in leadership development. The ministry leader […]

Click here to read part one of Pat’s series about high capacity leaders. This week, we are talking about how you need and can find “High Capacity Leaders” for your ministry. Previously, we talked about the need to challenge people to join your mission. In part 2 we are looking at this idea of delegation. […]

A number of my conversations with family ministry leaders lately have gravitated toward the desire for them to multiple themselves through high capacity leaders. A high capacity leader is like manna from heaven to a ministry leader. You don’t worry about them following through because they bring others along on the mission. You don’t wonder […]

“Pat, I’m just not sure this Orange thing is going to work here.” Over the last six years I’ve heard that from a few people, so I wasn’t worried when Mark approached me last year. He raised some good questions and concerns about our recent transition to using the Orange curriculum in our kids’ ministry. […]