Leadership Culture Matters Episode 10: Stewardship is Standard Practice
When most people think of ministry leaders and churches embroiled in controversy, they typically think of sex scandals. But I believe a close second would be money scandals. We have all heard the horrific tales of televangelists misusing and abusing finances. Most Christian leaders I know don’t make it a goal to be irresponsible with […]
Leadership Culture Matters Episode 9: Ideas Are Welcome
As leaders, we can fall into the trap of thinking we have to be the ones with all the ideas, but that is simply not true. Our teams need to know that not only is bringing fresh, innovative ideas welcomed, but it is also needed. That is why I invited Jason Williamson, the mission pastor […]
Leadership Culture Matters Episode 8: Honesty is a Given and Gossip Doesn’t Exist
Nothing can create a toxic work or ministry environment quite like dishonesty and gossip. Ministry is already emotionally demanding enough. So, why would we want to waste emotional energy by fostering unhealthy relationships where everyone is venting and talking about one another instead of resolving issues with each other? I invited Asheton Amerson, Pastor of […]
Leadership Culture Matters Episode 7: Unity is Everything
No one would argue against the need for unity in our churches and organizations. But I am sure you also know that unity does not come easy. So, how do you even begin creating this cultural characteristic where you lead? I invited Lawrence Kind, a high-level leader who worked for Milliken, to join me for […]
Leadership Culture Matters Episode 6: Criticism is Given Gently and Accepted Humbly
Giving and receiving criticism can end up being difficult and emotionally charged situations. Both require us to check our ego at the door so that criticism can be given gently and accepted humbly. But how do we actually get to where we can offer it without being reactionary and receive it without being offended? I […]
Leadership Culture Matters Episode 5: Laughter is Common
How often do you hear people laughing where you lead, and why does that matter? I recently had a conversation with Dr. Josh Epton, the worship pastor at the church where I lead, for the Leadership Culture Matters podcast series, where we discussed why laughter needs to be common in your ministry, workplace, and home. […]
Leadership Culture Matters Episode 4: We Win When My Win is Helping You Win
Ministries cannot grow and thrive when everyone involved holds a dog-eat-dog mentality. Creating a kingdom-minded culture means the people on your team want to help each other win because of the bigger picture and purpose. So, how do you guard against those you lead becoming so myopic that you end up with deeply fragmented teams? […]
Leadership Culture Matters Episode 3: People Matter Most
When it comes to our churches, businesses, and ministries, we should want to pursue excellence, but never to the point that projects begin to matter more than the people we lead. I recently had a conversation surrounding this topic with Pastor Jarrett McNeely on Episode 3 of the Leadership Culture Matters podcast series: People Matter […]
Leadership Culture Matters Episode 2: Prayer Trumps Plan
Most Christians will say that there is power in prayer. They will even say they want to pray about everything. Sadly, though, there is often a disconnect between what we say about prayer and what we do in prayer. We can run the risk of operating our churches, businesses, ministries, and lives at high levels, […]
Leadership Culture Matters Podcast Series Episode 1: The Lord is Honored
Many years ago, God took me on a journey to reset the leadership culture of the church I pastor. It wasn’t that we weren’t already accomplishing great things, but I began to see that, second only to the clear proclamation of God’s Word, creating and nurturing a leadership culture that reflects the person and mission […]