In my book, Happily Ever After, I share the following humorous story about conflict: Years ago, a large statue of Christ was erected high in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile. Called Christ of the Andes, the statue symbolizes a pledge between the two countries that as long as the statue stands, there will be peace between Chile and Argentina. Shortly aft...

An African proverb teaches us, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."God designed us to work in teams, not as maverick, renegade, lone rangers. If your mission can be accomplished by you alone, I would go on record by saying that it's probably not God's mission for your life or ministry.It's too small.God-sized visions require teams of peop...

I once heard a friend of mine share the following true personal account: When he served a particular church as youth pastor, they would allow him to preach - but only on Sunday nights. After one particular sermon when he passionately challenged the congregation to reach out to their local communities with the gospel, he was approached by the stereo-typical little, old chur...

We read in the book, Descending Into Greatness, "Take ten chickens, any ten. Put them in a pen together, and spread a little chicken feed. In short order, you will witness an amazing phenomenon. 

 "In a matter of minutes, the chickens, previously strangers, will form a hierarchy based on dominance or, in everyday language, they will establish a Pecking Order. Insti...

Every leader, at some point in his or her leadership life, will be called upon to make a tough decision. And the acid-test of credibility for leaders lies in their ability to make, and follow through on, difficult decisions.

I began in church ministry as a youth pastor. I've always struggled with being a people-pleaser, and when I was younger, I really wanted everyone...

I can stand it no longer.I have something within me, that whenever I see an injustice being committed on such a regular basis, I must address it and do all I can to set the record straight! I feel like this around Christmas and Easter each year when I see what has become of the "high and holy days" of the Christian faith.The holiday I tackle with you now, is not on the sa...

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful and costly tombs ever built, but there is something fascinating about its beginnings.
Dr. James Dobson, in his book Coming Home, shares a fascinating insight into the Taj Mahal's history. "In 1629, when the favorite wife of Indian ruler Shah Jahan died, he ordered that a magnificent tomb be built as a memorial to her. The sha...

Bill stopped in at Joe's little general store, seeking to purchase a bottle of mustard. The shelves were loaded with salt - bags and bags of salt. Joe said he had some mustard, but would have to go down into his cellar to find it. Bill went down with him, and to his amazement, there were still more and more bags of salt! Everywhere he looked he saw salt. "Joe," Bill said, ...

Whenmy daughters were younger,I taught them what little I know about the game of checkers. We often enjoyed playing in front of the big fireplace at Cracker Barrel restaurants.I can recall when I was growing up how much my cousins and I enjoyed playing against one another in our own little checkers tournaments. When I was in junior high school, I was introduced to the gam...

Leaders are called upon to make decisions. Sometimes the decisions are greeted with enthusiasm, while others are greeted with disdain. If you have ever tried to change your church's name or construct a new facility, you understand. Church leaders are often faced with inherent difficulties when decisions need to be made. Depending upon the leader's church polity, a decisio...