Clik here to view.
The “Dark Night” of Leadership
John of the Cross, the 16th Century Carmelite monk who wrote The Dark Night of the Soul, described how God often works upon the soul of a believer—not in the way of joy or light, but in the ways of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The “Dark Night” of Leadership: Part 2
‘Greed and ambition…the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole ministry.’ -John Calvin This is the second post in a series based off of John of the Cross, the 16th Century Carmelite...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Leadership Gluttony: The Dark Night of Leadership- Part 3
This is the third post in a series based off of John of the Cross, the 16th Century Carmelite monk who wrote The Dark Night of the Soul. Leaders, if they are to grow and mature into the leaders God...
View ArticleClik here to view.
9 Ways To Develop Leadership “Awareness” For Innovation
Effective leadership requires effective thinking. One of the best means of developing the skill of effective thinking is to create frames that helps guide and direct their thinking towards a desired...
View ArticleClik here to view.
4 Degrees of Servant Leadership: Lessons From Bernard of Clairvaux
The path to servant leadership is not an instant one. In fact, the road one travels toward servant leadership can be compared to the road one travels towards loving God. We move down the path in...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Leadership Envy and Sloth: The Dark Night of Leadership-Part 4
This is the fourth and final post in a series comparing the Dark Night of the Soul as described by John of the Cross and leadership. The first post examined the sin of Secret Pride in a leader’s life....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Leadership and The Contradictions of Creativity
He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth— the Lord God Almighty is...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pastor As Innovation Coach
I have an idea… “It will never work.” “We don’t have the budget to do it.” “It will take too much time and we just don’t have any to waste.” “The board won’t like it.” “The members won’t want to do...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Story of Leadership
Stories and leadership share a similar characteristic. Both stories and leadership point our minds, our hearts, and our imaginations to a picture of what should be. Stories and leadership point to a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Leadership Liturgies
Leadership is often thought of in terms of “information.” Leaders communicate to their followers, they teach and inform them (hopefully), and tell them where to go by sharing information. Leadership...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Commodore and A Savior: Leadership Lessons On Empowerment
When I was in the Marine Corps, the term “Command Intent” was used regularly to describe how leader empowered their followers to accomplish the mission. Simply stated, command intent meant that a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
For The Joy Set Before Us: The Leadership Endurance and Perspective of Jesus
Is this your picture of leadership? Doubtful. Most leaders, being humans, seek to admired and thought highly of. For many, that is the very reason they pursued positions of leadership. Leaders desired...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Anonymous Cross of A Crucified Leader
The other day I was walking the Journey with Jesus trail at Saddleback Church’s Retreat Center. I snapped this photo of Jesus hanging on the cross. I noticed that a shadow had fallen across Jesus’...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Three Characteristics of Great Leaders
Guest Post: This is the first guest post from Pastor Dave Alford. His thinking and approach to leadership has shaped much of my own approach. Look for more of Dave’s posts on Extraordinary Leadership...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Leadership Parables: The Hidden Treasure of Vision
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Moving From Leadership Development To Leadership Formation
What kind of leader, daily, without much thought or effort, displays the Fruit of the Spirit? How does a leader naturally—mindlessly—demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pursuing Power and Acquiring Advantage
Power and the pursuit of power is the accepted norm of many leaders. But should it be? After Paul’s conversion, he did not just reject the ordinary comforts and expectations of the life of one in a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
I Just Prayed To a God That I Don’t Believe In
I was asked the other day, what I am thinking about and wondering about at the back of my mind. My answer was two words. “The soul,” I said. I have recently done a great deal of reading and listening...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Three Ingredients for Perfect Leadership
Guest Post: This is a guest post from Pastor Dave Alford. His thinking and approach to leadership shapes and challenges much of my own approach. Look for more of Dave’s posts on Extraordinary...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Praxis Leadership Communities
Leadership development is a crucial challenge for every church and organization. The key is to link both skill development with character development. To get better at your craft while growing closer...
View Article
