I am genuinely impressed at the way public radio stations unabashedly ask for the money they need. They highlight public radio’s unique mission, excellent quality, and public service. They appeal to listeners’ self-interest in terms of both the time that…

To effect deep change, leaders must be able to stand outside the dominant story of whatever it is we are trying to change—rather than being so immersed in it that we cannot truly observe how to lead a particular group…

Church treasurers might wince at the title of this article. After all, salaries and benefits must be paid. The building requires heat and lighting, insurance, cleaning, and maintenance. The Sunday school needs juice and crackers. Everyone knows it costs money…

In the not too distant past—as recently as a decade or so ago—when people wanted to do good, they volunteered for a non-profit that reflected and expressed their values. The hierarchy would acculturate them into the “right way” of doing…

What words would you use to describe the ideal staff team? I frequently pose this question to church leaders and the two words most frequently offered are collaborative and accountable.  We want our staff teams to be cooperative, to demonstrate…

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net…

Cultivating a lively community of faith is not rocket science or brain surgery. I am well aware that people attend church for some very basic reasons. People go to church to hear a consistent word—sermons are as essential to the…

I was not a perfect kid. I am not a perfect adult. Far from it. When I fail in some endeavor, I am keenly aware that the reason I did was because I had a faulty assumption going in. Nine…