Category Archives: Leadership Blog

Ministry is About Shepherding!

Mary Kay is purported to have said, “There is an invisible sign hanging around every person’s neck and it says, ‘Encourage Me!’” Over the years I have discovered that the people who speak encouragement into my life and seek me … Continue reading

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Do People TRUST you?

Our conversation turned to the issue of trust. We had been talking about why my friend was struggling in his current ministry. Things had been going well for a while, and then, out of no where, people seemed to slow … Continue reading

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The Dark Times

As I move into the third week of my unemployment from my 4-year ‘intentional interim’ pastorate, I have been blessed by many who have written messages of encouragement and prayer. Having been unemployed once before for 13 months, Melodee and … Continue reading

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Human Beings or Human Doings?

By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith What’s life all about? Think about it for a minute … as you start answering, be sure to write your ideas on paper. As you scribble some thoughts down, take a look at them more … Continue reading

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What Does Your Life Calendar Say?

By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith As I grow older, I have noticed that time seems to move faster. Yes, there are still 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour. With seven days in the week and … Continue reading

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Crock Pot vs. Microwave Leaders

By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith As I walk down the aisle at the grocery store each month I become more and more amazed at the way the ‘heat and serve’ section grows. Just a few moments in the microwave and … Continue reading

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Philosophy of Ministry Directions (Part 2)

Mission: its what the church is all about. As we said in the last article, “Motion without direction is delusion.” In this article we will talk about how ‘the purpose of the church’ guides our philosophy of ministry. God longs … Continue reading

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Philosophy of Ministry Directions (Part 1)

Knowing where you’re going is more important than going. If there is no specific goal or place where one is headed, it really doesn’t matter if you are going anywhere or doing anything. Motion without direction is delusion. As we … Continue reading

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What Should We Be Doing During Transition?

Resurrecting a dying church is much like working in an ER. The dying patient may have many medical problems, but in order to keep them alive, priorities are made on those wounds and injuries that are most life threatening. As … Continue reading

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In Times of Transition

When churches seek to regain their health and vitality, tensions can rise inside the local church. Turning around a sick and dying church often reveals things that were previously hidden. As they come to the light, these revelations can be … Continue reading

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