The Trouble with Self Awareness
The trouble with self-awareness is that we aren’t aware that we don’t have it! Self awareness remains one of the key components of effective, excellent leadership. Since leaders deal in re...
Will there be an Emerging Spirit II?
No. Emerging Spirit was designed to go four years. There was money left after the four years and so the program went an extra year so that we could continue to respond to requests from congregations a...
We need both sanctuary and launching pad
We stand on the edge of a world about to be radically reshaped in many ways. The new church is being called to be a place out of step but in tune, out of step with all with which we are bombarded dail...
Who prays the Lord’s Prayer?
The email took me back to the garden outside the Pater Noster Church in Jerusalem. My friend, Ed Searcy, is facilitating groups in his congregation to study the book “Lord, Teach Us: The Lord...
What’s the big deal about leadership? How hard can it be?
No one ever says it out loud but sometimes the question hovers. What really makes leadership such a challenge in these times? I have been making a list. This is what I have so far. Clarity Whether peo...
The Trouble with Emerging Spirit
Part of the trouble with Emerging Spirit was not in its mandate or vision but in failing to appreciate just how difficult it is for local leadership to make significant shifts in a congregational cult...
Wonder and Surprise
My 16 month old grandson has gone home now. I enjoyed our time together even though he is teething and not feeling like napping or being overly playful. Perhaps it is the particular privilege and pers...
A Few Morsels
I am fond of the DT Niles quote which describes Christians as people who are “like one beggar telling another where to find food.” In this vein, I recommend three readings: 1. Especially a...
Learning and Unlearning
This year I have agreed to be part of a learning experiment at the Vancouver School of Theology. Officially the title is PT651 – “Studio for Strategic Leadership.” During the fall 20...
Marvelously Made!
I understand that the kind of messages we give children are vitally important and I’m working on my affirmations but sometimes – between you and I – I wonder what the cutting edge of...