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leadership life ministry

From the Balcony

This view feels long ago and far away. I haven’t stayed in a hotel, much less one big enough to have an atrium, since I can’t remember when. Travel is only one of the aspects of life that is much different these days. This view feels long ago and far away. I haven’t stayed in […]

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church experiment leadership ministry renewing the church

Bricks and Stones

This corner marks a turning point – in the structure and materials. The wall turns at a right angle and changes in composition and color. The bricks and stones are different, while the purpose of the wall remains the same. It supports the roof and makes space for rooms inside. Local churches may or may […]

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church leadership ministry renewing the church

Growing from Our Roots

Churches can learn from big bluestem. This picture is of this native plant putting out new spring growth. Once established, this grass can be burned, mowed, or otherwise cut back and grow again. It draws strength from its roots, which have made their way deep into the soil. The church has roots in the good […]

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leadership life ministry

Two Tracks

Two tracks. Both are going in the same direction. One filled with cargo and a train on the move. The other empty and waiting. Waiting for what? Another train to come along? Could you send two trains along these tracks at the same time? Do they converge somewhere ahead? Do they split and go in […]

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church leadership transition

Pastoral Transition Tools – Transition Timeline

I have come to understand that the planning and execution of a pastoral transition can make a significant difference in the fruitfulness of both a pastor and congregation in the months ahead. There are a number of resources that I have used to develop tools which I have used in transition. You can find these […]

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church leadership transition

Pastoral Transition Tools – Pastor to Pastor Debrief

I have come to understand that the planning and execution of a pastoral transition can make a significant difference in the fruitfulness of both a pastor and congregation in the months ahead. There are a number of resources that I have used to develop tools which I have used in transition. You can find these […]

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annual conference leadership renewing the church

#gc2020 Clergy Delegate Profile – Challenges and Opportunities

I have submitted a profile to be considered for election as a clergy delegate from the Great Plains Annual Conference to the 2020 General Conference, South Central Jurisdictional Conference, or as an alternate. You can find a list of all clergy and laity who have submitted profiles from the Great Plains Conference here. Here is one […]

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annual conference leadership renewing the church

#gc2020 Clergy Delegate Profile – Considering 2019 Special Session

I have submitted a profile to be considered for election as a clergy delegate from the Great Plains Annual Conference to the 2020 General Conference, South Central Jurisdictional Conference, or as an alternate. You can find a list of all clergy and laity who have submitted profiles from the Great Plains Conference here. Here is one […]

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annual conference leadership renewing the church

#gc2020 Clergy Delegate Profile – Unique Skills, Knowledge, and Gifts

I have submitted a profile to be considered for election as a clergy delegate from the Great Plains Annual Conference to the 2020 General Conference, South Central Jurisdictional Conference, or as an alternate. You can find a list of all clergy and laity who have submitted profiles from the Great Plains Conference here. Here is one […]

Categories
annual conference leadership renewing the church

#gc2020 Clergy Delegate Profile – Consideration as a Delegate

I have submitted a profile to be considered for election as a clergy delegate from the Great Plains Annual Conference to the 2020 General Conference, South Central Jurisdictional Conference, or as an alternate. You can find a list of all clergy and laity who have submitted profiles from the Great Plains Conference here. Here is one […]

Categories
annual conference leadership renewing the church

#gc2020 Clergy Delegate Profile – Involvement in the UMC

I have submitted a profile to be considered for election as a clergy delegate from the Great Plains Annual Conference to the 2020 General Conference, South Central Jurisdictional Conference, or as an alternate. You can find a list of all clergy and laity who have submitted profiles from the Great Plains Conference here. Here is one […]

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church leadership ministry renewing the church united methodist church

Local Church Conversation about #gc2019

Yesterday afternoon, we had an all-church conversation at Berryton United Methodist Church to process the 2019 special session of the General Conference. I put it on the calendar about a month ago. While it was, of course, impossible to predict how things would go, I did figure that we would need some time and space […]