Anxious groups make sometimes make decisions too quickly—the rush to judgment. Or they make decisions too slowly, unable to take a risk of any kind. What’s a leader to do? Remember that not only is anxiety contagious, so is calm.”
My father was not in ministry. He was a lifelong salesman, selling industrial locking systems to institutions. Yet I’ve come to realize that frequently his tips are relevant to ministry.
The Bible is not the only old book that’s worth reading. Other old books may not be divinely inspired, but they can be treasure houses of wisdom.
In a diverse society, we face the challenge of differing perspectives and life experience all the time. From the holiday dinner table to the church council to interfaith dialogue, we encounter people who think, believe, dress, and act differently than we do.
I’m grateful for the season of Lent, and these practices that have helped me be more aware, more thoughtful, and more free. Have you taken on a Lenten practice this year? Whether you take something on or give something up, it’s not too late to begin.
The disruption and loss which generate fear can be necessary and even life-giving. Dealing with change and loss is a constant part of human experience. It’s never easy, but being overcome by fear, or simply resisting and complaining take a tremendous amount of energy which we could put into more creative pursuits.