This Epiphany I introduced Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) to star words. In doing so I learned that this was the first time words were received in worship and that the entire concept was new to many people. Overview For those just learning about star words, I encourage you to google around and learn more. In brief this new Epiphany practice invites people to choose a star. Only after choosing do they turn it over to learn the word it contains. That word - a star word - is then intended as Read More …
clarity
Faith: My Star Word for 2024 (#2102)
The practice of choosing a star word was something I first heard of perhaps a decade ago and first participated in last year. For 2023, my star word was clarity. And, it turned out that 2023 became a year of new clarity. This year, I paused at the star filled table to consider some of the many words that might be waiting for me before selecting one. My star word to guide me in 2024 is faith. Faith Faith has always been central to my identity. A few thoughts immediately came to Read More …
Wrapping Up The Year of Clarity (#2098)
My first post of 2023, Star Word for 2023, introduced the word I received on Epiphany to guide me through the year ahead: clarity. In that post I suggested that while 2022 had been marked by transition, 2023 would be a season of increasing clarity personally and professionally. Personally Reflecting on 2023, I see numerous ways in which the year has been marked by clarity in my personal life. Three important experiences that have informed my increased clarity Read More …
Star Word for 2023 (#2025)
I've resisted engaging in the growing practice of "star words" for long enough. For the first time ever, I've received a star word for 2023: clarity. Clarity Clarity is a word that resonates deeply with me. I trust that my life will be better because of the time I'll devote to achieving greater clarity in 2023. Transition The years 2021 and 2022 were marked by transitions, including new professional roles for my partner (2022) and myself (2021)new home (2022) and renewed Read More …
Common Pastoral Mistakes (#1184)
Eric Geiger, Vice President at LifeWay Christian Resources, recently shared three common mistakes pastors make: not offering clarity, underestimating the power of culture, and switching strategies too frequently. So What? This short list can serve as a helpful tool for those interested in sincere introspection. If you serve in pastoral ministry, which of these three areas is most challenging for you? How might you focus on strengthening your competency in that area Read More …
Organizational Clarity (#0821)
Last week Scott Williams wrote several blog posts summarizing the sessions he attended at the Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Summit, including one on a session led by Patrick Lencioni on the importance of organizational health. Lencioni is the author of ten business books and president of The Table Group, where he focuses on writing and speaking about leadership and organizational life. Williams shares Lencioni's six questions every organization must Read More …