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One of the most costly casualties of church conflict—whether minor or major, short or prolonged—is "hope." As bearers of the Word of God, our calling is to give hope. No wonder that one of Satan’s greatest and most frequently shot at targets is "hope." Daniel Goleman, in his bestseller, Emotional Intelligence, recalled the Greek legend of Pandora’s [...]

C.R. Snyder psychologist of the University of Kansas, made an interesting study of the academic achievements of freshmen students. Results of his study concluded that hope was a better predictor of first-semester grades than were their scores on the SAT. He remarked, "When you compare students of equivalent intellectual aptitude on their academic achievements, what sets [...]

Check those qualities which best describe you... Self-Motivated…they know how to get the ticker to tick, are willing and able to pick themselves up and carry on…even if they have to crawl! Sense of Resourcefulness…they feel that they will find—and God will provide--some way to accomplish their goals, no matter how apparently impossible it might seem to them [...]

Often in the middle of conflict or when we're discouraged, it's so easy just to give up or go the easy way. Greatness--both in and outside of the church--is often based on courage. As Christians in ministry, as God's special chosen ones called for the ministry, we recognize that courage is God's special endowment to His [...]

Chapter 1 I walk down the street. There is a large hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. Chapter 2 I walk down the same street. There is a large hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't [...]

Press on… Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. Nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not. Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of uneducated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. (Plaque given to McDonald's [...]

"A person who is beginning to sense the suffering of life is, at the same time, beginning to awaken to deeper realities, truer realities. For suffering smashes to pieces the complacency of our normal fictions about reality, and forces us to come alive in a special sense--to see carefully, to feel deeply, to touch ourselves and [...]

"On the whole, the same general kinds of things happen because God is in the business of developing leaders. And He is consistent. And certain things must be there—like character, spiritual authority, relationship and giftedness." (LOL, p. 158). Stage One: Ministry Foundations (Age 16-26) Character Shaping Phase: Basic character formation, underlying values, growing awareness of God, beginnings [...]

Lessons From Investors What things do you do before you invest in a stock, bond, mutual fund, etc.? Certainly we can’t guarantee the future. That’s why we look at trends, past performance, past behaviors in bull and bear markets, P/E ratios, investment journals, etc. and, on the basis of these indicators, we make a judgement as [...]

YOU EITHER BEND OR BREAK In a storm it’s better to be a Willow tree than an Oak. Why? Even though the oak is stronger, during strong winds it’s the Willow which can bend. The Oak, on the other hand, will break. When at the breaking point, God’s leaders may—frantically—seek ways to keep them from the [...]

Of all the metaphors Scripture uses for the Pastoral Office, I have yet to find the metaphor of "Airplane Pilot." Though not Scriptural, Peter Drucker in his book, Managing in Turbulent Times, may have some insight for pastors flying through the storm clouds of conflict and organizational chaos. Read, mediate, learn, enjoy...and happy landings! Tom Step [...]

Introduction Those familiar with various personality instruments will likely also be familiar with the Enneagram. Based on the ancient Ennea- ("nine point") gram ("chart"), the Enneagram is often helpful because it not only shows the predominant temperament, but also shows two temperament "wings" which flank the predominant personality style. Type One: Peace-Maker Perfectionists According to the Enneagram, perfectionists can [...]

Sex is a drug. Like other addictions... * It builds tolerances to ever-growing quantities which produce ever-diminishing returns of relief. * It produces withdrawal symptoms. * It is an obsessive-compulsive response to trauma, loss of control, failure of coping mechanisms, etc.   "As the obsession turns to compulsion, the addict finds himself in the act of [...]

The ability to cope with trauma is dependent on numerous factors. Perhaps the most important area to consider is the relationship dimension of trauma. The importance of a healthy and diverse range of relationships is especially critical during pastoral crises. Though not often recognized under "normal" conditions, crises clearly and unmistakably reveal the strengths (or weaknesses) of "normal" [...]

The loss of a major portion of a congregation resulting from major (level 4+) conflict can be the most trying experience in ones life. It will test your spiritual character and your physical and emotional stability in ways you never imagined. Like Peter, you will be "sifted like wheat" What can you do to survive? 1) Remember The [...]

1. True faith will be tested. Christians, because they are Christians, will inevitably undergo constant testing. "Christians do not court suffering, but we do expect it. A disciple, after all, is not above His master." Dr. Norbert Mueller, The Lutheran Witness, July 1995 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. [...]

There Is A Time For Everything… What is God’s calling for you at this particular time in the ministry in which He has placed you? The things we experience, the style of leadership necessary at given times, the life-stages of a congregation’s ministry are all subject to God’s timing. Indeed, over a long congregational tenure, Christian [...]

Trends in the Church in Australia... #1 Clergy are leaving parish ministry in record numbers (there are now about 12,000 ex-pastors in Australia) because (in general terms, and in order of importance)... (1) They don't really know who they are; (2) They are disillusioned - they feel they've failed to fulfill their dream; (3) They're carrying unfinished [...]

One of the most frequent—but unknown—content issues in conflict is the sale of the parsonage. Though approximately two-thirds of all congregations have sold their parsonages to enable the pastor to have his own home, the remaining one-third may soon face that decision. Given the mutual benefits of pastor-owned homes to both congregations and pastors, one might think that the [...]

Presumed Causes Of Conflict Often pastors and members will identify the cause of the pastor-focused conflict as being one or more of the following issues relating to the pastor. Preaching: "Inadequate" preparation, delivery and content Personal Preferences: "Unsatisfactory" grooming, attire, home, car, vacations, spending, hobbies, friends, and politics. Personal Qualities: "Lack" of warmth, enthusiasm, listening skills, accessibility; poor relations [...]

The sad news was finally revealed on May 31, 1997, by San Francisco Chronicle’s religion writer, Dan Lattin. "Incapacitated by a series of strokes, Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross sits in a cluttered corner of her home in the desert, smoking Dunhill cigarettes, watching TV and waiting to die…Kuebler-Ross revolutionized the way Americans look at death and dying, but [...]

I put my name on a call list today. I really didn't want to, you see. It's only my first church and I've only been here not even a couple of years. I put my name on a call list today. I had high hopes of joy and gladness; of fulfillment and sharing the love of [...]

When given the choice to call upon the Lord in prayer or simply carry on my life as if He were not there guiding me, I will serve the Lord. When given the choice to worship the name of the Lord or do what instead seems to be important to me, I will serve the Lord. When given [...]

1. GuiltThe Lord never intended for guilt to be a motivating factor in His service.Remember the difference between guilt and conviction: Guilt comes fromSatan and drives you away from God. Conviction comes from God's HolySpirit's working through the heart of a sinner renewed by Word andSacrament. It draws us towards God. 2. Pressure"There's no one else to [...]