pastors Archives - NoSuperHeroes

From A Missionary to the Local Church

July 10, 2012

This post represents an open discussion between missionaries and the local church. This does not come form a place of anger or bitterness. My goal to bring awareness.

We have two incredibly supportive churches behind us. When we share the concern and care these churches show to our family, our peers are stunned.

I have posted on the danger missionaries face when we feel entitled to the support of a local body. Today I would like to turn my focus to the second half of this relationship.

As a veteran of missions for over 20 years, here is my encouragement for the body of christ about their care of missionaries.

5 Ways the Local Church can serve a Missionary:

1. Communicate
It’s often lonely on the mission field. I remember calling home collect in the middle of the night when I happened to find a phone. Now with technology, we literally are always available. Read more... (674 words, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)

In Missions & Cross-Cultural Bible, Christianity, church, confrontation, Cross-cultural, donors, forgiveness, God, leaders, local church, missions, pastors, rest, support, Youth With A Mission, YWAM

6 Ways To Overcome Hurt From Leaders

May 17, 2012

Much of what is learned in leadership comes from personal mistakes, as well as lessons learned from the mistakes of other leaders.

This is true in my own story.

I was hurt by leadership early in my missions career. There were issues of control, manipulation, and a very works oriented mentality. The smallest mistake was treated as massive, leading to feeling as if you disappointed the leaders. Perfectionism was modeled, grace was not.

During these years I had to contend with tribalism, accusation, character attacks, and many other wretched things people do to each other. At one point, I was even advised to engage in illegal activities by a senior leader in the organization!

I would like to share several tips which have helped me journey out of the pain. These tips will help you regain health and succeed as a leader. Read more... (642 words, 1 image, estimated 2:34 mins reading time)

Have You Lost the Plot?

March 2, 2012

In 20 years of leadership I have seen many times where situations or circumstances have clouded my judgment and ability to see clearly. In those times, warning signs appear, showing me that I am in danger of losing the plot, the big picture, or even my perspective.

I have recently seen a number of these things flare up in my own life that reminded me of the need to see the sky through the clouds.

I am going to share these perspectives through the grid of ministry, but they are true anywhere people are involved. Be that a family, a business, or even a marriage. We can lose sight of the what the greater story is.

Here are four signs that you may have lost the plot: Read more... (495 words, estimated 1:59 mins reading time)