One of the most challenging areas in ministry, and I suspect in life, has to be good communication. It is vital for a leader in women’s ministry to communicate the ministry’s vision and goals and expectations to pastors, the women on their WM leadership team or council, and the people in their church body. When you communicate […]
15 Tips to Effectively Engage Newcomers
Here are some ideas to help you plan to effectively engage newcomers: Be intentional in greeting guests. Make a deliberate plan for creating a welcoming atmosphere. Establish a welcome team. Look for the people in your church or ministry who are excited about the things you are doing. These folks love to meet new people […]
Listening Equals Love
Have you ever dialed the phone and then started thinking about something else while it rang and then can’t remember who you called or why? Yeah, me neither! I often surprise myself at how quickly my thoughts can drift. One minute, I’m right there, in a conversation, and the next minute, I’m on the beach. […]
Called into Ministry: What’s a Spouse and Family to Do?
“Honey! I’m home – and guess what? I’ve been called into the ministry!” Or, how about this one? “Welcome home, my Dear. How was your day? The kids are fine. Mail is on the table. And, oh yes! I’ve been called into the ministry!” This scenario has been played out many times in many marriages. […]
Tulle Tales: Conflict in Ministry
Once upon a time there was a ministry team that planned a very special event. They prayed and prepared and set up and decorated. They created the look and feel of a cozy coffee house, and a talented team added truly spectacular food. Everything was just right. With a couple of spare hours, the diligent […]
Conflict: God’s Way!
We don’t know if their trouble began over a serious doctrinal issue or what color napkin to use at the Fall Retreat. Their conflict affected the entire church. Euodia and Syntyche – the two disagreeing women in the church in Philippi – were both Jesus-loving, servant-minded believers, but they struggled to get along with each […]
4 Personalities That Derail Group Discussion
We’ve all been in one… a group discussion “off track.” Challenging personality types can easily derail a productive discussion. Here are four personality types and some practical tips which will help everyone enjoy the conversation. Discussion Hog The Hog has something to say about almost everything and dominates the discussion! If leaders don’t harness the […]
Words of Grace
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29, ESV Whether we initiate a conversation or respond, we should always speak with grace, considering the grace God has given us. Here […]
7 Biblical Steps to Resolving Conflict
Take the initiative to resolve the conflict. (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17) Even if you think you were the one wronged. Talk face-to-face if possible or by phone. Don’t use email or text. Bring a non-biased mediator if she refuses to meet with you alone. Focus on goals bigger than your personal differences. (Eph 4:3, Philippians 3:12-14) […]
The Power of Telling a Story
One evening, Herman Melville, the author of Moby Dick, was visiting his friend and fellow novelist, Nathaniel Hawthorne at his Massachusetts home. The evening was filled with friendship and colorful story telling. Melville recounted to Hawthorne and his wife the harrowing adventures he had while on a voyage in the South Seas. With exuberant gestures and […]
