ARE:A Renewal Enterprise

Time To Play!

Mainline denominations are notorious for spending years of study on something before they make a decision or take an action. We don’t make a move without forming a committee, task force, or team, which has as its sole purpose looking at every angle, from every perspective, until we can come up with a recommendation that will not upset anyone. This usually ends up not pleasing anyone, of course, and often produces the least compelling option.

Likewise, when congregations are faced with figuring out “What’s next?” in their ministry, they think they have to spend an extended period of time studying in an effort to make sure they come up with exactly the "right" plan, without any flaws, that won’t ruffle any feathers.

I say let’s stop studying so much…and let’s start playing! And, specifically, let’s play JAZZ.

Put Your Best Theological Thinking Cap On [Book Review - Part IV]

Things have been hopping in Texas for the Episcopalians. Bishop Claude Payne describes why and how in his helpful book called "Reclaiming The Great Commission." Today I want to share with you, however, the #3 thing I believe you need to do differently than he did them, if you're really serious about the transformation of your church in the 21st century. The #1 thing is to use more participative processes; #2 is to make sure your efforts are really outwardly focused. And here is...

Discovering Your Purpose...Together [Book Review: Reclaiming The Great Commission (Part II)]

Yesterday I strongly recommended Bishop Claude Payne's book Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Practical Model for Transforming Denominations and Congregations (2001). And I promised that I'd tell you three things I believe you need to DO DIFFERENTLY than he did them in Texas if you're serious about the transformation of your congregation, judicatory, or denomination in the 21st century. I was going to give them to you all at once but, well, I changed my mind. Here is the #1 thing you should do differently. I'll share #2 with you tomorrow!

Transformation IS Possible [Book Review: Reclaiming The Great Commission (Part I)]

Looking for a helpful resource to help you transform your congregation, judicatory, or denomination? Here are 3 good reasons you should read Reclaiming the Great Commission: A practical model for transforming denominations and congregations (2001), written by Claude Payne, a transformational leader who has served as Episcopal Bishop of Texas since 1995. Come back tomorrow and I'll tell you 3 things I believe you should DO DIFFERENTLY than he has done them in Texas if you're really serious about transforming the church for the sake of God's mission in the world.

The Most Important Job Of A Leader

Tana Kjos

Quote of the Day:

"There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions—in a way that serves the world and you…From Bono and Quincy Jones to Maya Angelou and the Dalai Lama, they all challenged themselves to do more, be more and give back more than even they thought possible. Everyone wants success, but you can do better than that."

(Sir Richard Branson founder of Virgin Airlines commenting on the soon to be released book Success Built to Last: Creating a Life that Matters by Jerry Porras, co-author of Built to Last.)