It has been almost 40 years since I graduated from seminary. My courses and study equipped me in so many areas – history, theology, and biblical languages. During that time felt like I was drinking from a fire hydrant. When I graduated, I was well aware there was still much to learn. I had no idea there would also be a few HARD lessons waiting for me. Each of them would completely transform my life and ministry. In today’s podcast, I share just 5 of these important lessons hoping they can be a gift to you as well.

Most leaders are consumed with solving problems, putting out fires, and managing people. This was the first 17 years of my ministry. I had become so accustomed to responding to all that was happening on the outside of me that I didn’t know how to lead from the inside. Tell me if this sounds familiar…  You’re externally managing institutions, people, buildings, and ministries Your prayers are focused on maximizing impact, attendance, and finances You’re busy, overloaded, and anxious. You’re not reflective or curious. You’re always looking for the next book to read or conference to attend You’re determined to remove obstacles and interruptions You regularly ignore your limits Your best energy is spent powering through your to-do list Most leaders are taught that THIS is good leadership! But the truth is, if you want to be a transformational leader, you must learn to lead from the inside out. In today’s episode, I share about the three. Read more.

Last week on the podcast we covered a thorny topic – Church Scandals. In order to get underneath this disturbing (and accelerating) trend, we must take seriously the work of cultivating spiritual depth in our churches. As we discussed last week, this starts with taking a look at the board that oversees your church. But it doesn’t stop there. In today’s episode, I tackle several questions that listeners sent me last week, and then we dive into part two of the key to addressing our church scandal crisis.

Church scandals. They seem to be more and more frequent in headline news. Each one has a dramatic effect on all of us. They are to be grieved but also carefully examined. Each one leaves us wondering Who’s next? – and more importantly – How might we examine our own church culture? It’s easy to point fingers at surface-level problems. But after long hours of prayerful thinking, I want to highlight one key that I believe will help us work towards a better, healthier future in our churches and ministries. Please listen to today’s episode, and if appropriate, share with others leaders who could benefit from this conversation.    

We have an urgent need to recover a slowed down spirituality – a way of life that allows us to live each moment in loving union with Jesus. One way we cultivate this way of life is by prioritizing a regular Sabbath day. In contrast with what many people believe, Sabbath is more than a “day off”. It is a day holy unto the Lord that transforms the other six days of our week. When we enter into Sabbath we are able to work from our rest, not just rest from our work. This is the theme we explore in today’s podcast episode. Working from our rest allows our lives to become a sign and wonder pointing to the reality of Jesus. Want to see how? Listen to the episode now.

I want to clarify something… Becoming an emotionally healthy disciple is not just about self-discovery and self-improvement. Ultimately, our discipleship MUST lead us to become spiritual mothers and fathers of the faith – helping those around us discover their God-given power and purpose. In the gospel of Mark, we get a clear picture of how Jesus does this with a leper, a paralytic, and a tax collector. In each encounter, he steps into their lives and rewrites their story. He reveals their true identity, giving them beauty, power, and a voice that matters. This is what God has done for us, and this is what we must do for the world. The truth is – you can be 70 years old and still be an emotional infant. Or, you can be 30 years old and already be a spiritual mother or father. In today’s podcast, I share a message that invites us to become spiritual mothers. Read more.