"What Got You Here Won’t Get You There" - Pt. 1

In this review Goldsmith outlines how one can change for the better.  He states that feedback is one way to do this. Goldsmith states that one should:

1. Make a list of people’s casual remarks about you.
2. Observe how people deal with you.
3. Complete the sentence: pick a thing you want to improve on in yourself and list how you will get it done and what benefit will have in your life.
4. Listen to your self-aggrandizing remarks. Figure out what you brag about and check yourself to see if its actually worth bragging about.
5. Look Homeward. Look at your home life and see if you’re the same there as you are when you’re out at work. 

Each of these are excellent options to consider when looking forward to change and better improve either your business or ministry.  While we are ultimately held to the LORD's standards and it is His opinion that matters, it is also important to be considerate of the way you are communicating to others and how others view you.  From other's feedback, one can learn how to better deal with issues in the future and avoid past mistakes.

Written by:

Emily Lyden

Legal Issues in Ministry - Pt. 1

Bayne Pounds outlines in his book legal issues to which many of them I have not ever considered.  This is one aspect of ministry that I often fail to heed attention to.  While I know that there are obvious boundaries, I rarely think through all the possible legal implications.  Through this review--it raised much awareness for me to consider--especially in the near future.  Even while working at camp this summer, it is very good to consider and be very aware of the issues at hand. 

Written by:

Emily Lyden

Leadership as an Art

It is interesting to see so many different successful models of leadership being used around the world.  It goes to show that it is extremely important to understand and acknowledge the context where one is working.  This books seems to model a successful way of handling people and issues.  

One particular part I thought that pertained to ministry significantly is in the fifth chapter on “roving leadership.” One problem I see today in churches is that often times a church becomes too dependent on one pastor.   The pastor leads, guides, directs, coordinates and juggles a myriad of other titles.  This can often lead to burn out.  Roving leaderships explores the idea that there are many who can help and direct in a ministry.  I think that when this occurs it enables many different people to hone in on one talent or ability they are particularly gifted in.  Furthermore, it creates healthy growth and perspective in all areas of the church.  Perhaps this model takes a little more work than average—with coordinating, meeting, and compromising, yet it seems to keep all peoples in check and promotes new ideas, goals and energy! 

Written By: Emily Lyden