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Posts Tagged ‘COVID-19’
A Look at (almost) Post-Pandemic Ministry in Suburban Boston
By: Jock Ficken
An Interview with Eric Sahlberg I recently sat down with Pastor Eric Sahlberg to talk about leading on the other side (almost?) of the pandemic in suburban Boston. Eric is succeeding a gifted, long-tenured pastor who recently retired. COVID disrupted the smooth transition that was planned. Eric is humble, thoughtful, a champion of D2MC and … Continue reading
Discipleship in Uncertain Times: An Interview with Sarah and Micah Greiner
By: Jock Ficken
Several years ago, as Gail and I would give updates at PLI learning communities, we would challenge leaders that the church in America needs pioneers. Leaders who are willing to dare and try and risk with no confidence that the outcome will be preferred. Leaders who are willing to experiment for the sake of the … Continue reading
Community in Uncertain Times: An Interview with Sarah & Micah Greiner
By: Jock Ficken
Last week we started a conversation with Sarah and Pastor Micah Greiner. We explored how each of them has led in the uncertain times of a pandemic that shuttered their church and school. Today I’d like to pull the lens out a bit beyond COVID and look at the challenges almost all of our churches … Continue reading
Leading in Uncertain Times: An Interview with Sarah and Micah Greiner
By: Jock Ficken
A few weeks ago I sat down with Sarah and Pastor Micah Greiner to discuss leading in uncertain times. Sarah and Micah have served at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois, for a decade or so. They’ve been in Leadership Essentials, Senior Leader and D2MC. Now they teach and coach others. You’ll appreciate … Continue reading
Opportunity Often Exists on the Far Side of Adversity
By: Jock Ficken
Gail and I just finished reading the story of Joseph in Genesis. It’s a great example of how opportunity often exists on the far side of adversity. Joseph is set up with his brothers as his father’s favorite Lacking humility Sold into slavery Wrongly accused of rape Forgotten in prison All of this happened before… … Continue reading
5 Solutions to Pandemic Inadequacy and Insecurity
By: Jock Ficken
Is pandemic conflict and uncertainty making you feel inadequate? Insecure? Let’s be honest. Pandemic conflict and uncertainty is taking a toll on the best of congregational leaders. Hope is maybe on the way but it’s still a ways away…if you’re thinking vaccines. You’ve probably identified with Elijah’s “I’m the only one left.” OR Abraham’s “Sovereign … Continue reading
Tap Into Some New Ideas
By: Jock Ficken
Can I offer a word of encouragement and an idea going into Thanksgiving and Christmas? Because… It’s tough to be a leader now. You’re tired! Are you discouraged, too? Let me suggest “Idea Parties” at your church. Keep it light and fun! The next great idea for the future of your congregation almost certainly won’t … Continue reading
Mike Newman: The 1918 Flu Pandemic, Today’s COVID-19 and the Future of the Church
By: Jock Ficken
A few weeks ago I sat down with Michael Newman. Mike currently serves as president of the LCMS Texas District. He’s the author of the excellent book Gospel DNA: Five Markers of a Flourishing Church. We each served wonderful Chicagoland congregations an hour apart some years ago. Mike, church leaders are trying to gain some … Continue reading
God will Equip Us – An Interview with Bob Newton
By: Jock Ficken
A few weeks ago I sat down with Dr. Robert Newton. Missionary. Seminary Professor. Pastor. Bible scholar. Denominational executive. We laughed and lamented. Bob shared wisdom and biblical insight as it relates to our current environment. Bob, let’s start with some perspective. What do you see happening in the world right now? What’s going on … 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
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