A number of years ago, a friend of mine through the Arrow Leadership Program, Jim Wallace (now with the Australian Christian Lobby, once himself Commander of the SAS Regiment, retired Brigadier), recommended a book by Sir William Slim, entitled “Defeat to Victory”, which recounted Slim’s amazing feat of leadership in turning the disastrous Burma campaign [...]
According to this bottom line piece, British forces in Hellmand Province, Afghanistan, have 20 helicopters to support 9,000 troops – not sure who’s running that whole effort, but that’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of in a modern war scenario…
This is just plain disturbing. According to a CNN piece, “the more often Americans go to church, the more likely they are to support the torture of suspected terrorists, according to a new survey.” “More than half of people who attend services at least once a week — 54 percent — said the use of [...]
This happens to pastors all the time, especially in smaller churches. Never ceases to amaze me how far two sets of expectations can be from each other, and how the big evaluation every 3 (or maybe 5) years is a pretty stupid way to go. This is one of the key reasons I am committed [...]
So, again, we have in the Australian parliament the case where a single senator gets to make the call on a huge issue. I don’t know, but this kind inordinate leverage these handful of senators have really irritates me for a range of reasons. I don’t like these guys nickel and diming for stuff on [...]
I really like this. This is a real challenge for us in ministry leadership. Connecting with people on the basis of the their felt needs, but navigating them gently towards exploring their real needs. To do this well and genuinely is the sign of great leadership and love. Sometimes we get it right in authentic [...]
I’m still amazed at how popular certain church/ministry conferences are featuring speakers/presenters who have no track record of success at all. I like ideas people, but I would rather take financial advice from Warren Buffett than an ideas man. Mostly, these ideas guys are famous for writing books, not necessarily actually getting the job done [...]
I preached a sermon a few weeks back focused on being generous people this year, not just financially, but more particularly in the way we think, speak and act. Then I was reminded of this great line from Napoleon: “Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence.” I laughed out loud (um, [...]
A great quote… “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.”
One of the greatest privileges in my life was the gift of God to me in allowing me to study at Dallas Theological Seminary. It has played (and continues to play) a significant role in shaping who I am as a leader and servant of Christ. One of the amazing blessings of being able to [...]