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leadership united methodist church

Are You Trying to Solve a Condition? You Can’t.

When looking to make progress on important issues, there may be technical problems and adaptive challenges. In either case, you may be able to find a solution. Kansas City District Superintendent, Mike Chamberlain, reminded clergy at one of our district gatherings that if you can’t find a solution, it’s not a problem. It is a […]

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church life renewing the church

Power of Environment: I Want to Work Here

At one of my favorite coffee shops, I overheard a group of students say to the barista, “We’re going to work here when we get old enough.” I was struck by the power of this statement. The environment and culture is so enjoyable that someone would want to work there in the future. Not just […]

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leadership ministry renewing the church

You Can’t Lead Beyond the Leader

Last week, someone shared with me an insight that they had gained serving as a volunteer at Resurrection. You can’t lead beyond the leader. If you are not ultimately responsible for a ministry area, worship service, congregation, or nearly any other grouping of people there is always some limit on what you can implement. The […]

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leadership ministry worship

Director of Worship Arts – Welcome Sarah Newberry!

I am excited to share the news that we have hired Sarah Newberry to be the Director of Worship Arts at Resurrection West. Next week, I am hoping to share a bit more of the process with you. Until then, I wanted to pass along the update that Pastor Molly shared the news via email […]

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communications life ministry

Telling the Story: An Example from the @OlatheChamber

I appreciate a well told story. Telling stories is one of the most effective ways to lead a community or congregation. The church that I serve, Resurrection West, is a member of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce who recently released a video to promote Olathe. This model could be effective for a wide variety of […]

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leadership renewing the church united methodist church

@HarvardBiz and the UMC: The Right Mindset for Success

One of my favorite podcasts is the HBR IdeaCast. Episode 283, The Right Mindset for Success, focuses on the distinctions between a fixed and growth mindset. One of the most helpful portions was about supervision and management. This list, from Carol Dweck, describes the methods and message that a manager or leader could give to […]

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leadership ministry

Perspective on Capacity from Ray Pitman (3 of 3)

I have had the privilege of spending time with Ray Pitman, a member of Resurrection, over the past several months. Several years ago, I officiated at the funeral for his wife, Betty, and we reconnected this summer when I lead worship at Leawood one Saturday night. I found his perspective on capacity to be particularly […]

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leadership ministry

Four Keys to Business and Entrepreneurship from Ray Pitman (2 of 3)

I have had the privilege of spending time with Ray Pitman, a member of Resurrection, over the past several months. Several years ago, I officiated at the funeral for his wife, Betty, and we reconnected this summer when I lead worship at Leawood one Saturday night. He has shared with me over and over his […]

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leadership ministry

Wisdom for Life from Ray Pitman (1 of 3)

I have had the privilege of spending time with Ray Pitman, a member of Resurrection, over the past several months. Several years ago, I officiated at the funeral for his wife, Betty, and we reconnected this summer when I lead worship at Leawood one Saturday night. Last Friday he invited me to hear him speak […]

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life

My 31st Birthday

Today is the day. I’m 31. I suppose that makes me in my early 30s. Any advice on this decade?

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leadership united methodist church

Viable or Vital: Which would you choose?

As far as congregations go: Vital > Viable > Inviable I would much rather lead and be part of a vital congregation than one that is simply viable. I would much rather lead and be part of a viable congregation than one that is inviable and has not yet closed. I believe that one of […]

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fun life ministry

How Could the Church Have More Pleasant Surprises?

Last week my son and I met Nicole for lunch at Chick-fil-A. This is a restaurant that has hospitality down pat and from which the church could draw helpful lessons. I have come to expect this when I go there to eat, but this time I had a surprise. We had ordered a Kid’s Meal […]