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Archive for the ‘Leadership’ Category
Leading in an Urban Community
By: Jock Ficken
I recently interviewed Rev. Dr. Dan Czaplewski about leading in the urban community of Milwaukee. Over the last 30-40 years 55 Lutheran churches have closed in Milwaukee. Today, Mt. Calvary is a vibrant church and school a few blocks from the location of the 2016 riots in Milwaukee. Here’s part one of two offerings. Dan, … Continue reading
Lessons for the Church…from the Geese
By: Jock Ficken
Did you ever think you’d be getting leadership lessons from geese? “Geese in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to up their speed. It is important that honking from behind be seen as encouraging. Otherwise, it is just—well—honking.” Dr. Robert McNeish Here are three thoughts: Thought #1— Leadership got decidedly … Continue reading
Meet Young Leaders Alex and Rachel
By: Jock Ficken
Gail recently sat down to record an interview with two gifted young leaders to share with our advisory board. Alex Stoll works in corporate finance and is completing 1,000 Young Leaders. Rachel Stathakis leads the children’s ministry at her church in Hales Corners, WI, and is wrapping up Leadership Essentials. They recently got engaged and … Continue reading
The Muddled Mess of Leadership
By: Jock Ficken
I have three simple thoughts today for our COVID-19 world and the muddled mess of leading a congregation! There’s a deep longing to go back to what used to be, to put it all behind us and return to normal. We want to escape the anxiety and ambiguity and go back to what we used … Continue reading
11 Things Church Leaders are Getting Right in COVID-19
By: Jock Ficken
COVID-19 is no longer an interruption. It’s a disruption of everything. Church. Education. Economy. Government. Disruption. No bump in the road. Church experts are gone. Those that claim to be are mere pretenders. Crises eliminate experts. Here are 11 things church leaders like you are doing and getting right. They: Make decisions for today…not forever. … Continue reading
The 7 Hope Killers of a Leader
By: Jock Ficken
Leadership hope is being tested these days. Leaders and congregations can overcome all manner of obstacles and take on the greatest of challenges when hope burns bright. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake … Continue reading
Mark Teike on Racial Reconcilation…a Conversation (and Invitation)
By: Jock Ficken
Join us tomorrow, Friday, June 12, on PLI Facebook Live at 11 AM CDT for prayer and an insightful dialogue around racial reconciliation with Pastor Mark Teike, a longtime PLI mentor, teacher and trainer, and Dr. Frank Griffin, Bishop Charles Sims and Dr. Jane Sims, longtime friends and colleagues in Columbus, Indiana. Invite others to … Continue reading
The 5 Courage Killers Meet COVID-19
By: Jock Ficken
Almost a year ago I wrote “The 5 Courage Killers” below. Some of the people in your church probably won’t be coming back to the church…soon. Others will be in a mad rush to get back to “everything’s normal.” Just to feel “normal”… Good or bad. Just Normal. You’re in a tough spot as a … Continue reading
4 Simple and Important Steps in Leading Your Leaders During COVID-19
By: Jock Ficken
Let’s be brief this week… Here are 4 Simple and Important Steps in Leading Your Leaders Celebrate What You’ve Accomplished in the Last Two Months! You’re doing things today that you didn’t know how to spell let alone do two months ago. Make a list. Celebrate. Smile and tell each other you never would have … Continue reading
7 Pandemic Essentials and 8 Ways to Stabilize Congregational Giving
By: Jock Ficken
Again, thanks for leading. For praying, communicating, guiding, listening, remembering the mission. Allow me six leader guesses… You’re starting to realize COVID-19 and “shelter in place” isn’t going away quickly and could be around for months or years. You have some regrets about pre COVID-19 decisions you made…or didn’t make…as a leader or as a … Continue reading
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