In our work with churches and pastors, we have found the Stockdale Paradox to be an essential underpinning for leader health as well as church health and revitalization. Jim Collins term this concept the “Stockdale Paradox” named after Admiral James Stockdale, one of the most decorated United States Navy officers, Read more…
Many years ago, I had several clay flower pots crack and break apart. As an avid gardener, I loved the iconic look of the clay pots on my porch, and I was sad they had met an untimely demise. I contemplated what to do with the broken pieces since I’m Read more…
One of the readings for the Sundays in May was from 1 Peter chapters 4 and 5. In 1 Peter 4:12, Peter says that suffering is not strange and that we ought not be shocked by it. However, what I found interesting was the type of suffering. It says, “don’t Read more…
The truth is we are in a Pastor Crisis…. It’s so easy in our society to point the finger of our American Church struggles to the pastors, and maybe there’s a piece of truth in that. But as the CHURCH, we are one family, and in turn, we should be Read more…
A couple friends and I just finished recording a podcast series on ethics. After dialoging through 14 episodes we asked, who are we becoming? So many of us are on autopilot unaware of the conditioning we are undergoing, shaping who we are becoming individually and collectively. In other words, we Read more…
We are facing a full-blown pastor crisis. Currently, there is a massive shortage of clergy/pastors and other church staff. The signs are everywhere. Because of the work I do, it is much easier to see the negative than the positive. That said, I generally tend to be a hopeful, optimistic Read more…
Several years ago, I was in an unhealthy place. Not only did the congregation I served make everyday life difficult. I was also plagued by a paralyzing self-doubt. For the longest time, I thought “if only.” For example, “if only I was more extroverted, people would like me more”; or Read more…
Has the church in the United States entered into a Post Christian Era much like Europe? Without a doubt, yes. This question, however, while important, points us to a greater question. Is the emergence of a Post Christian Era in the United States good or bad news? But first, a Read more…
It’s the second week of Easter season. A week ago, we remembered our Lord’s crucifixion, descent into death’s realm, and triumph over death in the resurrection. By entering into death, He healed us—just as He healed and cleansed by touching the unclean, the socially outcast, the outsider, the broken, the Read more…
Recently, I sent out an email to a ministry leader with our ministry’s self-inventory tool attached. I had encouraged him to read through it and reflect on his current health. He wrote back a message that basically said, “Um. That’s long. Where do I even start?” He’s right. Pondering our overall state of health can be Read more…
