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Archive for the ‘Navigate Cultural Change’ Category
Gathered and Scattered
By: Jock Ficken
Remember when we all shut down and scattered back in March…for two weeks? Remember when whatever it is that you lead adjusted…adapted…zoomed…went online…got creative? And remember when you started talking about “going back to normal?” Do you remember the first time it occurred to you that “back to normal” would not be “normal”—maybe similar but … Continue reading
Letting Go of the Single Voice to Reach the Many
By: Gail Ficken
Many of you know that I grew up in suburban Washington, D.C. Our neighbors changed based on who was ushered in by the most recent presidential election. To say that “I work for the government” was oftentimes code for CIA or FBI, or someone who wanted to appear important or mysterious. As a child I … Continue reading
3 Fundamental Problems Facing the Christian Church in the U.S.
By: Jock Ficken
Last year, pre-pandemic, we proposed that the 2030 church landscape in the U.S. will look dramatically different—mostly gone as we’ve known it! You can download the epub or a PDF. There are 3 fundamental problems facing the church in the U.S. Allow me to simply name them today and talk about doing something with them next week. … Continue reading
What are you Called to Become?
By: Jock Ficken
Once we come face to face with the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ, it prompts us to respond…to take selfless steps of our own. When we remember that we possess something in the person of Jesus Christ that can change the world, it shatters consumer mentality and we start to say: I’ll do whatever it … Continue reading
7 Emerging Benefits of the Lighter Backpack
By: Gail & Jock Ficken
Thanks! We know you’ve been running hard. Dealing with fatigue! Balancing worlds that don’t balance well. Last week Mark Teike pointed us forward on the journey toward understanding and acting upon racial prejudice and racial reconciliation. “In 2020 believers started to act their way into a new way of thinking…a new level of followership…” from … 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
A Response to the Death of George Floyd in Minneapolis
By: Jock Ficken
In the midst of Covid-19, we’ve been rocked—once again!—with the news that an unarmed black American man has died needlessly in the streets as a police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Our emotions run high. Angry. Embarrassed. Depressed. How can this type of injustice still be happening to our brothers … Continue reading
Thoughts at the Cemetery
By: Jock Ficken
My first year as a pastor, as a leader of a congregation, was a shaky one. I arrived, and… By Labor Day was the assistant. By Christmas was the solo. By Easter was the senior. By Memorial Day…exhausted. Today, I shudder to think that my “career” could have been over quickly. Too much, too soon! … Continue reading
Sign Up for “The Great Opportunity” or “School Scenarios”
By: Gail & Jock Ficken
Thanks for Leading! Last week Gail and I shared the 6 questions you and your congregational leaders need to be asking to do more with less in the coming season. These two assumptions inform the two opportunities below! Assumption #1 – The Corona Virus might have a quick cure but there’s a high probability that … Continue reading
Do More with Less in a COVID-19/post COVID-19 World
By: Gail & Jock Ficken
COVID-19/post COVID-19 will have far reaching effects on your church: It will create more opportunities for Kingdom impact. It will result in less resources to do it. It might be over in a few weeks or months…but it won’t be over. It will make decisions for you if you don’t decide to act first. It … Continue reading
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