Sharpening your axe

Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” Do you find yourself working harder and harder in leadership with little increase in effectiveness? Many ministry leaders around Kentucky work diligently each week to further the gospelContinue reading “Sharpening your axe”

Using your liberty

Recently a group of Kentucky Baptist Pastors and church leaders gathered on the steps of the Capitol in Frankfort to thank God for, and pray for, religious liberty. The group traveled from various parts of the state because they believed their prayers could make a difference. Pastor Steve Hussung from Rich Pond Baptist in BowlingContinue reading “Using your liberty”

Leading with leaders

It has been aptly said that leading leaders is like herding cats. The imagery indicates that each cat has a mind of his or her own and a plan for what they will and will not do. Cats are rarely compliant or cooperative. Trying to lead a group of leaders does have similarities to organizingContinue reading “Leading with leaders”

Those Who Undermine

Over coffee recently, a friend brought up the topic of those who undermine the work of leaders and the churches or organizations they lead. Previously, I had not given much thought to these individuals as a distinct category, though I had certainly met people who seemed to stand in the way of the progress ofContinue reading “Those Who Undermine”

Failure is not final

Did you know that one well-known product was named to remember the numerous failed attempts? In 1953, a fledgling company with a staff of three people set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents for the aerospace industry. After 39 failed attempts, they finally got it right on the 40th try. The rest isContinue reading “Failure is not final”

Evangelism just happens

Contrary to popular belief, evangelism doesn’t “just happen” in church life. It requires intentionality, effort, and practice. Many of us have heard the contemporary mindset that says, “Get the church or ministry healthy and evangelism will follow.” In other words, instead of trying to motivate Christians to share the good news, let’s focus instead onContinue reading “Evangelism just happens”

Where are we going?

I love to hop in the car and drive without a particular destination in mind. Maybe one or two stops are rolling around in my head, but the potential of discovering new places and things is part of the fun. When it comes to leadership, however, most of your followers will want to know whereContinue reading “Where are we going?”

Three Steps to Vision

Do you ever wonder how things come about? Things like Christian colleges, seminaries, mission boards, and even churches. How do they come into existence? Take as a case in point Christianity Today magazine. The publication has been around for well over fifty years, has sold millions of copies, has commented on Christianity and the cultureContinue reading “Three Steps to Vision”

How did it go?

Whenever a leader finishes any major project someone will inevitably ask, “How did it go?” The question may receive an enthusiastic, “It was great,” or a less hopeful, “Not so well.” Most effective leaders will conduct some type of formal, or informal, evaluation of a major event, project or initiative for the sake of celebratingContinue reading “How did it go?”