To Change or Not To Change – That Is The Question

If You Don’t Change Your Method You Risk No One Hearing Your Message

I am writing this Blog Article as a 45-year veteran of Gospel speaking and teaching. I have experienced a number of “CRISIS” moments in this life journey. The most impactful crisis moments have all centered on gospel mandates and my actions or lack thereof. I made significant changes in my leadership behavior at these crisis moments to align my ministry more with Scripture versus popular thought. Step-by-step these crisis moments of scriptural mandate have caused my spiritual awareness and behavior to be more sensitive to the voice of God through scripture. Do not misunderstand my words – I am not claiming “super-saint” status. I am claiming that a life lived with God’s Word as a driving centerpiece of behavior and learning, your spiritual senses will increase.

That said I came to a conclusion years ago (over 25yrs.) the Church’s operational functioning in society will look and operate very differently at the sounding of the Trumpet of Christ’s second return. As a student of ministerial leadership during this pandemic shut down to the restart of church, for the first time in over 25-years of leading in the faith community, I believe the church in now facing a very critical moment of transition and change. The paradigm of doing church in a box on Sunday’s has been stood on its head – the church has been forced to go to the people on Sunday, not the other way around. What is at risk if we fail in this moment?  If methodology does not change we are risking no one listening to our message.

The choice in front of people today is “Analog” Vs. “Digital” church. Digital is not primarily a platform for cool graphics and announcement bumper videos with movie clip illustrations to support a presentation. Pause for just a moment and allow the Millennials and Gen-Zers to speak to all of us. Digital is about relationships first and foremost, radical retail transition is second. It is all about relationships, it is about the human touch accelerated because of digitral technology. It is about “being church” versus “doing church.” Churches going digital is not solely about content distribution. Think for just a minute – going to church was the only option to connect with faith during the week. In fact it was once the highlight of the week! What if the church started going to people? What would happen if we made our church sticky? What would change in our leadership model because of a desire to be sticky? Is the front-door of the church over-rated? My heart tells me that people would desire to be part of that church because it touched them at the point of human need and suffering. To change or not to change is a very real question that demands an answer.

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

Faith Life Matters

Racial Divides in Spiritual Practice

Martin Luther King Jr. once stated that it is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian American is 11:00am on Sunday. Progress is slow on racial reconciliation in this country, particularly given recent events. But why do lingering divisions exist in the Church, the very communities built on the promise of forgiveness and reconciliation? Finding racial unity in a congregation is a complex task that requires a deep recognition of racial differences in how Christians understand and practice their faith. 

Consider the following snapshots that were prepared between Barna Research and Navigators in 2015

These snapshots are not designed to elevate one group of worshippers over another group as though they are superior. Careful examination of the data in 2015 reveals there is a real need for improvement no matter the ethnic origin. However, it must be concluded that white congregations have much to learn about spirituality being “soulish”. Black worshippers feel their faith and it is expressed openly. I am not suggesting that any group of worshippers should emulate the style and expressions of other worshippers and force that style to become normative. Can we agree the miracles of scripture and the hope of Heaven will cause a bit of excitement in our soul? How do you keep that quiet? How do you remain expressionless while serving a Mighty God?

For reconciliation to work in the Faith Communities of American it seems we must own our need for a deeper and meaningful growth in our worship expression. We must also accept the fact that white and black worshippers are starting the dialogue from different starting points of belief and expression.  Question: If Faith-Life in Christ does not matter, then what matters?

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

Have We Lost Critical Thinking?

6 Critical Thinking Skills

What is Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is defined as active use of a person’s reasoning ability to identify and analyze arguments, ideas and situations to reach rational conclusions or decisions. Critical thinking also involves developing reliable evaluations before believing something. 

Critical thinking is the process of synthesizing gathered information to decide on a course of action. About.com argues that in order to think critically, a person should be open minded and able to differentiate between reason and emotion. The process involves reflective thinking, problem solving, and arguing from knowledge or evidence. Successful critical thinking requires skills such as observation, evaluation, analysis, interpretation and inference, and it has a place in all academic disciplines and professional fields.[1]

Writer Will Erstad states that even if you want to be a better critical thinker, it’s hard to improve upon something you can’t define. Critical thinking is the analysis of an issue or situation and the facts, data or evidence related to it. Ideally, critical thinking is to be done objectively—meaning without influence from personal feelings, opinions or biases—and it focuses solely on factual information.[2]

Skills Needed

There is no set standard of skills in which to develop to become a better Critical Thinker. It really depends upon the circumstances of the moment and the author you choose to listen to at the moment. Erstad seems to offer a fair appraisal of what a Critical Thinkers skill set would look like. Here are 6 skills to work on.

  1. Identify the situation or problem and the factors that are influencing this issue. Ask Who is doing what? What seems to be the reason for this action? What is the end result or how could this change?
  2. Research the issue to learn the competing arguments of PRO and CON in the debate to gain context in the moment.
  3. Identify biases that exists. Who does this benefit? Who suffers as a result of this action? What is the agenda behind this information? What is the language pattern of the debate? Am I being swayed to an alt-position or am I being led to truth?
  4. What inference(s) are you drawing as a result of the data set in front of you? What is being presented as important truth may in fact turn out to be secondary truth.
  5. Determine the relevance of this issue. Am I attempting to solve a problem or am I observing a trend? What does this mean to me at this moment and what action should I take or deny?
  6. Productive Curiosity can be healthy if the end goal is change. If not it is a rabbit-hole!

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com


[1] https://www.reference.com/article/critical-thinking-5d6322f29d4d4b09?aq=understanding+critical+thinking&qo=cdpArticlesACCESSED 18, June 2020.

[2] Will Erstad. 6 Critical Thinking Skills You Need To Master Now. Rasmussen College January 1, 2018.

Next Gen Leaders

I asked a question earlier; What does 9/11 and COVID Pandemic have to do with the Graduating Class of 2020? The answer; They were all born in the 9/11 era in which we faced terrorism on American soil. It was a global Terrorist concern. This class graduated with a Global shut-down due to COVID-19. It is a Biological warfare concern coupled with Racism.

Just let this fact sink into your spirit for just a minute. Gen Z-ers is the generation that will be most impacted by COVID-19. That being said, pause and think about how we are currently attempting to re-open our church and its various ministries. Here are some probing insights and questions to reflect upon.

Parents are stressed out! They were thrust into a scenario of becoming overnight schoolmasters to make sure their child’s digital homework was being accomplished so that can pass their grade or graduate. They have been thrust into a digital work-at-home strategy. There is a lack of children’s activity!

At the same time they are very concerned about putting their child into large group activity. Yes, there is pressure and stress. Consider also that as of December 19, 2019 there was no real online option for Family Ministry. It is needed more now than ever. The North American Church has not made this shift of ministry. For example, how is the church helping Parents with conversation with their 12-14 year old’s regarding the riots, looting and fires in our 24/7 news cycle? How do you keep toddlers socially distant? What happens when there is no Summer Camps to attend? Yes, Parents are a bit stressed!

Question: How do you put the heart of humanity and church into a digital format? All of us are social creatures, especially our children. We have come to learn once again that old fashion pen-to-paper is one of the most effective means of communicating heart, concern, and genuine care for another person.

Consider that 3 of 5 Pastors state their engagement with children and youth has declined. Only 1 in 3 churches have a digital plan that is operational for children and youth. If your church has such a plan, you are clearly in the minority – Congrats are in order, however. Moving forward, our digital platforms are here to stay and should improve. The power of reach has become obvious. If the church does not provide the necessary resources to survive in our new reality, Parents will Google for help. The problem with that, however, is they may not be getting the best help or biblically based help.

In Mark’s Gospel narrative of the Bible, chapter 9 tells of a parent’s concern for his son. There are two key insights in this narrative, The parent pleads for help and yet acknowledges the Disciples were powerless to help. Jesus is the answer for the world today – He heals the concerned father’s son. The disciples ask why they could not perform that miracle. Jesus simply responded that some things only come through prayer. A new Spiritual Authority is needed to face desperate times!

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher – SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Birkman Assessment

Leadershift by John Maxwell

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Will you offer grace and compassion to those who feel terrified, angry, grief-stricken, or hopeless?

https://kurtbubna.com/troubling-times/

Whether your friend, neighbor, or pastor is right or wrong regarding an issue, will you first and foremost love others?

https://kurtbubna.com/troubling-times/

American Gospel – Christ Alone

During our National Quarantine I felt strongly impressed to invest in my spiritual development and growth. I have accomplished this through reinvesting my time in the Biblical languages – Hebrew and Koine Greek. From this there has been a fresh awakening in my soul coupled with a deeper comprehension of the Gospel. This National Quarantine coupled with rioting has caused me to re-evaluate Biblical Discipleship. It all begins with a clear message – Jesus Christ is Lord.

American Gospel is actually a 2-hour presentation. This is a 40 minute portion of the entire program. I can only invite you to view, learn, and pray for a fresh desire to learn and be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Are We Experiencing A Modern Famine?

Do We Need More SMART Leaders or WISE leaders?

Christians today are Biblically malnourished—severely so. A dearth of Biblical preaching is the No. 1 reason the evangelical movement is so spiritually anemic. (John Macarthur)

The Bible foretold times like these. The Old Testament includes this prophecy: “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord God, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord’” (Amos 8:11, NKJV). Lamentations 2:9 seems to indicate that prophets will not be able to find a vision from the Lord. In others the Deity of God will become obscure not because He withholds himself, but because the people have rejected Him.

The Apostle Paul likewise foresaw an era that would be marked by a severe shortage of God’s Word. He predicted that a time was coming when people in the church “will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). As you study the context for Paul’s instruction what you see is a stubborn resistance to the gospel message. Paul describes three features that indicates a restless craving for novelty. (1) Listeners would grow weary of sound doctrine (2) People will amass teachers to suit their own desires (3) They will do this to satisfy their “itching ears” – a satisfying message that is pleasing to hear. In other words, they want a gospel without the cross.

The primary question is “Are we experiencing a modern-day famine?” The implication is not that people are incapable of hearing with their ears. The issue is the passion of life have drawn people away from God to such an extent they cannot hear him any longer. Coupled with this fact, is the challenge for Ministers that speak regularly to their attendees. The Bible is a message about the Gospel! Christ declared that all that had been written in the Law, Prophets, and Gospels were about Him. The American church has allowed novelty to creep in to such an extent that sermons are being referenced as TEDx Talks. For a thorough review I strongly encourage you to watch American Gospel – Christ Alone.

It is interesting to note that Paul understood this gospel famine was already at work in his day. We can declare no less for our day. In fact, the spirit of this famine is strong. Present Christ to as many as you can, as often as you can, for as long as you can.

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

Reshaping & Reclaiming Culture

We are re-opening – Now What?

As the world moves toward re-opening, a remarkable opportunity is also opening for leaders to re-claim and re-shape the culture of their team and organization. With crisis comes opportunity. Using the 5 Levels of Leadership from John Maxwell as a model, leaders can take intentional actions to fully engage their teams as they return to the new normal of business.[1]

Level 1 in the 5 Levels of Leadership is called Position and means that your influence is entirely dependent on the fact that you are the boss; you have the title. This is not an effective way to lead and why we encourage leaders to enjoy the fact that someone saw leadership potential enough in you and gave you the title and move quickly to Level 2. Level 2 is called Permission and is where leaders are investing in relationships to increase their level of influence with the people on their team.  Level 2 is the starting place for the culture you enjoy as an organization.

Consider these Level 2 actions to reclaim and reshape organizational culture:

  • Connect intentionally with every person on your team
  • Talk openly about the crisis and what you learned as a team
  • Share personally about your journey during the crisis
  • Collaborate with the team on a new standard of excellence
  • Communicate with clarity your purpose and mission
  • Confirm and verify your core values – add or change as needed

Level 3 in the 5 Levels of Leadership is about producing results together with your team. A strong team culture is cultivated when you generate results together.

Consider these Level 3 actions to reclaim and reshape organizational culture:

  • Reflect on learnings from the crisis and design new operating procedures for the team
  • Consider what’s now possible
  • Rethink roles and responsibilities to serve clients better
  • Rethink team dynamics to serve clients better
  • Communicate the value that each individual brings to the work you do
  • Get small wins early to build momentum over time

When crisis or adversity occurs, leaders have a fantastic opportunity to rethink how they communicate with their team, how they serve others.


[1] Re-Claiming & Re-Shaping  Culture As We Reopen Business ACCESSED 9 June, 2020.

The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah & The Mystery of God’s Mercy (New York: Viking, 2018)

God deals with this Old Testament prophet on issues like race, nationalism, obedience,  self-image, fear of death, trusting God and much more.  The predominant theme, however, is our understanding of God’s grace and its impact on how we deal with others. So the question begs, how do you seek the welfare of your city, the one where God has strategically placed you?  Keller offers 8 Qualities Of A Healthy And Prosperous City And Community in his book:

  1. A safe environment rather than a community that is plagued by crime or health hazards.
  2. Economic prosperity and humane workplaces rather than a community with few jobs where poverty is rampant.
  3. A state of peace rather than one marked by violence between individuals, races, groups, or nations.
  4. A just social order rather than one marked by corruption and by a justice system weighted against the weak and poor.
  5. Publicly available resources such as good educational institutions, medical services, parks, and recreation.
  6. Social harmony and civility in which people from different races, cultures, and moral frameworks relate to one another with respect.
  7. A community committed to caring for the weak, the elderly, the chronically ill, single parents and orphans, immigrants, and the poor.
  8. A government that works on behalf of all citizens, not just the rich and powerful.

You seek the welfare of your city by working toward these things.  Which one can you impact the most today