There is a really pesky thing that happens to my car every so often.  I am not “Mr. Fix It” when it comes to automobiles, so car issues can really stress me out.  Additionally I am notorious for packing my calendar out – I never have time for car issues (but who does?).  I have … More Vision Leaks

A number of years ago I was struck with a sense of clarity about the importance of good training for volunteers.  I was talking with a friend who had attended our church for many years and as far as I could tell she was jumping onto a serving team for the first time.  She wasn’t … More How to Create a Good Training Experience

One of my favorite memories from early in Cami and I’s relationship was a conversation we had at Waffle House.  We both worked at the same church (and still do!) and knew that there were some complexities we would face working together and dating each other.  Whether it was good wisdom or bad judgment we … More Three Qualities of a Good Volunteer

There are a number of great restaurants that my wife and I love to go to.  We are foodies and really enjoy good food as well as a good experience.  Depending on how well trained the staff or how low or high end the price will usually affect our experience in a big way.  One … More Who Owns the Team

Healthy relationships, functional systems, continual flexibility and consistent equipping are essential elements when building a volunteer environment.  However, if you fail to include development as a part of your volunteer plan, you will still feel the breeze of an open back door.  Larry Osborne put it best in his book Sticky Church, “If left alone, the back door never … More The Power of Development

The first time I tried getting a job as a teenager I attempted to work at a fast food restaurant that will remain nameless.  Before they would allow me to start “working” I had to learn a few basic things about the business.  What I expected was some level of training…what I received was a … More The Value of Equipping

The distance between intention and implementation is often farther than we would like.  When Cami and I found out we were having a baby we started talking about all the intentions we had for parenting.  It wasn’t too far into parenting that we had a decision to make: we could adhere to our exact intentions … More The Power of Flexibility

I’ve mentioned before that my wife and I love going to explore and find new restaurants.  Whether it is a brand new local joint, or a chain restaurant that has finally come to our area – we are almost always game to check out the new place in town.  Sometimes the new place we are … More The Value of Process

There is a game that I have enjoyed playing for years now which tests my movie and TV show knowledge – a game that I will jump in and play at any given chance.  While the game has many different names or forms, the most common name for it is the 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon game.  … More The Power of Good Relationships

Whether you describe yourself as organized or unorganized – good systems are a common ground that makes life easier.  They are a dream come true for both the organized and unorganized.  For the person who is highly organized implementing a good system is like speaking their love language.  For the unorganized person it brings clarity where … More The Value of a Good System