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Posts Tagged ‘COVID-19’
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: Sherrah Behrens
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
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
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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