LFM Connect (Leighton Ford Ministries)

This past weekend I consulted with a church that's held drive-in worship for 20 years. When the pandemic hit, they were ready! Now, in the midst of the pandemic, they're boldly moving forward with their visioning process. They are determining where the puck is going to be.

Did you know the average lifespan of an American church is only 56 years? Good churches often get "stuck" in the Maturity Phase and stop thinking about the future. @LeightonFordMin partners with churches on visioning to support #ThrivingMinistries bit.ly/2JCBfHm

SUNDAY EXTRA PREVIEW: In times of trouble, we want a leader to solve all our problems. Yet almost all of our real problems are spiritual & cannot be served by an earthly king. This week on Sunday Extra, we explore "who is our king?" Here's a preview: vimeo.com/452642056

My friend and colleague, Dr. Jim Osterhaus, has been reflecting on the lasting impact of #coronavirus on our current ministry models. He asks some vital questions, which I encourage you to consider. Click here to read: bit.ly/340hYJf @LFMConnect

Managing to attract & retain talent requires "timely & relevant feedback." In our research, productive team members described their managers as "helpful." Someone who is helpful provides assistance as needed, but doesn't hover. Go deeper in #SecretSauce or PM us.

Every great leader is a great listener. Listening is so powerful, affirming, & essential to the understanding that drives great leadership that it must be present for truly lasting leadership to take hold & make a difference - @LFMConnect 's Jim Osterhaus #RedZoneBlueZone

Five questions for leaders engaged in changing or crafting a thriving church or parachurch organizational culture: 5. When we say things like "evangelism is a priority," do we actually behave as if that is true? #SecretSauce

Five questions for leaders engaged in changing or crafting a thriving church or parachurch organizational culture: 4. Does our annual budget match up to what we say are our core values? #SecretSauce

Five questions for leaders engaged in changing or crafting a thriving church or parachurch organizational culture: 3. Are others clear on my personal values? #SecretSauce

Five questions for leaders engaged in changing or crafting a thriving church or parachurch organizational culture: 2. Am I clear on my own personal values and do I live them out? #SecretSauce

Five questions for leaders engaged in changing or crafting a thriving church or parachurch organizational culture: 1. Would the people who serve in ministry with me say I walk the talk? #SecretSauce

Had a great conversation with John Walker yesterday about his incredible #leadership, love for people, and experience of #Godsgrace in his life. The Walker Golf Course and Walker School of Economics @ClemsonUniv Glad he has become a friend of @LFMConnect!

Really enjoying working with the executive leadership team of @RCAOnline as they clarify their True North - core values, mission, strategy. A wonderful group of men and women who are committed to expanding God's Kingdom! @LFMConnect @LeightonFordMin #christianleadership

A technical fix can also distract leaders from facing the adaptive issue. I once worked with a church where leaders had argued for 3 years about a projection system. In reality, it was only a distraction from dealing w/the deeper issues of how decisions are actually made.

When I see churches trying to fix adaptive problems with technical fixes, I am reminded of the old TV commercial: "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later." The key is courage to acknowledge when change is imperative. #TransformingChurch @LFMConnect

Leadership as a noun is based on the passive entitlement of consumerism, the arrogance of a leader with all the answers, and the misdirected idea that a journey of significance can be achieved without loss or sacrifice. #TransformingChurch @LFMConnect