Lesson #4 – Don’t Be Afraid To Fail Rick used to tell us, “If you aren’t failing at least once a day, you aren’t trying hard enough.” I’ve heard Woody Allen put it like this, “If you don’t fail now and again, it’s a sign you are playing it safe.” Notice that the difference between Rick and Woody comes in … Read More
Make Progress – Be Unreasonable
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends upon the unreasonable man.” — George Bernard Shaw, Playwright
Taking Off The Mask
Most pastors want to be perfect. But we can’t be. So what do we do instead? We try to make people think we are perfect. We put on the mask of perfection and go about our day, never letting anyone get too close. Because, if they did, they might see that we are actually (gasp) human. I hope no one … Read More
The Truth About Church Systems (NEW Free Report)
One question I get constantly is ‘Nelson, what do you mean by Church Systems?‘ Great question. And one that definitely needs addressed. Because if you really get ‘church systems’ it will dramatically improve how you lead your church and increase your understanding of how God grows our churches (often much faster than we think possible) But if you go about … Read More
Leaders Have a Small Rearview Mirror
This weekend Kelley and I had a little get away in Los Angeles. On Friday we drove down to Orange County to meet friends, visit Saddleback Church (where I was on staff for a couple of years) and check out our old neighborhood. On this trip, I was reminded of a thought that’s been bouncing around in my head for … Read More
When to Challenge the System
Jay Curlee in Corpus Crisiti, who works with my friend Bil Cornelius, got me thinking about systems today (its not that hard to do – ha! I talk, speak and write a lot about church systems as most of you know). Here’s what he asked: “Progress demands change. It demands a leader who seeks to push through the chaos of … Read More
Sometimes you gotta pull away
If you’ve listened to my Developing A One Year Personal Growth Plan resource then you know I’m a big fan of pulling away. Pulling away for a time of relaxation, recovery and renewal. There are several key times to pull away, including: – Every week (your sabbath) – Every year (your vacation) – After a busy ministry season This last … Read More
Sneak Preview: Time Management Resource
I’m very excited about a new resource we have coming out in a few weeks, its called: TIME MANAGEMENT FOR BUSY PASTORS Here’s a sneak preview of the look. In this resource I teach 34 time management practices (stuff you can use right now to start saving time). I’ll let you know as soon as its available in the store. … Read More
Getting Started is the Hardest Part
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King