When it comes to working with volunteers there are two dangerous mindsets in which leaders must fight. Each mindset is dangerous because it comes with false beliefs and it informs poor leadership action. The first mindset is what many struggle with: “I do not have enough volunteers.” Let’s be honest, every leader has struggled with this mindset … More Take Down Your Help Wanted Sign

Have you ever been to a mystery room? We have one in our area and I have been able to go a couple of times with teams that I work with – and it is quiet the experience. The idea is that a group of you is locked in a room and has 45 minutes … More Surviving the Mystery Room

A few months ago we were preparing for a response moment at church. I was leading a quick connect with some staff to walk through the flow of the moment. We were all on the same page and moving forward until a moment when I could tell I lost the room. A few phones came … More 3 Realities of Team Culture

Basic training is the term used for the physical and mental training of military recruits, to prepare them for service. It provides a foundation for service men and women – basic principles and competencies are derived to help ensure success in their military role. To have success in leading volunteers each of us need something … More Best books for working with volunteers

For about 3 years of our marriage Cami and I lived in this amazing historic home in downtown Buford, GA. The house was built in 1904, and had a great story and legacy that came with it. I am not sure if you have ever had experience with an old house, but there is something … More Beware of the Quick Fix

Language is a beautiful thing. With words we can communicate with others and build relationships. Words can bring us together – and in our current political climate we also see how words can create a great divide between individuals. Words and language are one of the mysterious things that God has given us. They are … More Power in our Words

In a couple of weeks we will host one of my favorite events of the year. We are gathering together the mass of volunteers who serve at the Central Campus of 12Stone Church for a night of fun, celebration and encouragement. I love gatherings like this because I believe it is essential that at least … More Celebrating Volunteer Heroes

No matter the size of the church or culture of the community there is one thing you can always count on – there will be projects or initiatives that pop up late in the game. Some of the best ideas are last minute God-prompts, and our ability to act on these prompts is tied to … More Last Minute Pressure

When is your favorite day of the week? Every person has a day of the week that they most look forward to. For some it is Friday because it signals the kickoff to the weekend. (TGIF right?) For others a calm Saturday is the best. Maybe there are a few out there who really love … More Burn-Out

I recently had a chance to reconnect with my friend Yanni over a cup of coffee. Yanni and I served alongside each other for years doing college ministry. More recently he and his bride moved to Texas to help launch a new church in the Austin area. As Yanni and I caught up we inevitably … More When do you show up?