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”
Tag Archives: ministry
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?”
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?”
Dr. Todd Gray 