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”
Tag Archives: ministry
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”
Shaped by suffering
Those who have been in Christian ministry leadership for any length of time have learned an important lesson: pain has a purpose. Pastors and ministry leaders know that God saves us, shapes us, sets us in an assigned ministry, sustains us in the work, and then secures us safely home. We also know that partContinue reading “Shaped by suffering”
It only takes one
Some have heard the maxim that pastors of mid-size churches leave over the opposition of fewer than seven people. In other words, a church of 500 active members could lose their pastor because of a handful of vocal and dissatisfied church members. There is another number that needs to be considered—the number one. Sometimes itContinue reading “It only takes one”
Hire slow, fire fast
I am by no means an expert on hiring new staff members. I do, however, make hiring decisions and understand the gravity of those choices. Hiring the right person for a position can change the direction of a ministry or an organization. On the other hand, hiring mistakes are both costly and painful. When aContinue reading “Hire slow, fire fast”
God uses pain
Every leader I know has been impacted by painful life experiences. Whether it was the unjustified dismissal from a ministry position, chronic health issues, or a difficult upbringing or home life. No leader, in fact no person, can escape pain in a fallen world. The good news is that pain is not wasted. God usesContinue reading “God uses pain”
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?”
Dr. Todd Gray 