Here is a great summary of what makes a good spiritual director. These qualities are also useful for those of us in any form of spiritual leadership. You can easily change out the words ?spiritual director? for ?Christian leader.? How is God growing these qualities in your own life and ministry? The lines in bold […]
Trusting in the Dark What We Saw in the Light
Can you think of moments or seasons when God?s purposes for you seemed quite unmistakable? And have you been walking with Him long enough to encounter seasons when your confidence is tested through long seasons of lesser certainty? I know I have. I read the following word from Jean Blomquist in an edition of Weavings […]
Deeply Rooted Leadership
One of our core themes in The Leadership Institute is holding the cultivation of the inner life (of prayer and communion with God) and the outer life (of ministry and leadership) in healthy tension. It?s easy to give attention to one and neglect the other. One writer who spoke often on these themes was Elton […]
Optimistic Counsel from a Pessimistic Book
The pessimistic book I have in mind is the book of Ecclesiastes. That?s at least one perspective on that book of thoughts from someone coming towards the end of their life?s journey. Having a bit of a pessimistic bent myself (whether by temperament or experience, I?m not sure), I like to think of it as […]
Henri Nouwen on Spiritual Leadership
In The Wounded Healer, Nouwen talks about the shortcomings of some of us whose vocation is Christian leadership. All I can say is ?Ouch!? I?m grateful for many Christian leaders I know who have already taken his counsel to heart and are growing in spiritual leadership. Listen to his words in the context of his […]
A Non-Measurable Resolution
There is something about the beginning of a new year. It is fresh and crisp like the cold winter morning air. Ahead lies the promise of spring, where the beauty of new life reminds us that there is the possibility for rebirth, for things once dormant to thrive once more. And so, the new year […]
God’s Grace: Given to Me for You
When you think about the words ?administrate? or ?administration?, what comes to mind first. I usually think of details that need to be solved and managed. Maybe you think of it as a word describing the current government and their activities. It?s not usually a very inspiring word. I came across this word, though, while […]
