There are a lot of smart and hard-working people out there.  Some are both.
Have you noticed that power and influence most often seem to only be in the hands of a few who use this influence for personal gain or the destruction of others? There is a smaller percentage of influencers who genuinely seek the [...]

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As we launch into the new year new ideas are naturally on the horizon. 
It is also time to consider putting to bed some old ideas - er uh, make that, terms that are less than helpful to us. 
I move that we take a break from using the term ‘Innovation’ for a while. 
When we [...]

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…the delicate art of loving the wrong people away from negative influence
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 1 Tim. 4:7, New Living

Steve’s Theory Re. Church Boards, #43: “There is a mysterious little red book that is passed among toxic boards with rules of [...]

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As a leader, how do I know when too much is happening too soon?
What Do I Monitor?
God’s Direction
Look for his invitations.  His leading is not mystical in the least.  He will not direct you anywhere he has not gone before you already.  Simply look / listen / sense your way forward for the giant [...]

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This is a 10 minute video that originally "aired" at OutwardBuzz.com.  I think it is appropriate to share here as well, and it blends nicely with the entry before this one, "Atmosphere Killers."

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Churches that are not currently growing, and there are many, are in such a spot for many possible reasons.
 
If you are used to looking out of the sjogrenian kaleidoscope, you know that I see that everything starts with the profound sense of God’s presence being front – center of all that we do.  No [...]

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Just what is required of a pastor-teacher-leader of a local church to produce lasting fruit – that Jesus said is his desire to see in our lives and ministries?
All of us have our eyes opened like little puppies after a couple of weeks on the job in our first pastoral position when we realize [...]

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We all know that people perish without a clear vision.
The recent TV hit show, Lost, has had a group on it attempting to escape the deadly island. In hopes of running across a shipping lane at random, this bamboo raft has experienced lots of problems (bear in mind I have caught only a [...]

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Jump-starting your leadership in 2007 starts with big things and little things. In fact, it is the little things that are the big things! Here is one essential course of action for turning your situation around. Start with noticing what is going on with the people around you:
Pay attention – in case you haven’t [...]

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Paul assumes that a true elder will have a great relationship with “outsiders.”  That seems to be simple enough, but let that image sink in a bit. 

In order to have a great relationship with outsiders, to be liked by those in the greater community, well-known as an individual, appreciated for his or her part [...]

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