When I read through 1 Kings and consider the different kings of Judah and Israel, one question comes back to my mind again and again. The question is this: what is the difference between a good king and a bad king? Traveling through the history of God's people, we receive a running commentary on their …
The Pathway to Slow Decline, part 2
This continues a post from yesterday looking at the slow decline of Saul the Benjamite, the first king of Israel. As I recently read through Saul's story again, I was struck by the pattern of Saul's slow decline. Here are a few reflections on that for us today. Tormented and Angry Saul It is shortly …
The Pathway to Slow Decline, part 1
The word 'decline' has a different value based on different situations. Seeing a decline in unemployment rates is good, but seeing a decline in gross domestic product is bad. Watching dirty bath water go down the drain is good, but watching your marriage go down the drain is bad. One of the most gripping stories …
Ministry Mulligans (via Leadership)
A couple of people drew my attention to an article entitled "Ministry Mulligans" by Jack Connell in the most recent issue of Leadership. The honesty and insight Connell offers in this article are both admirable and poignant for anyone in ministry at any level. We all would do well to consider these words from someone …
10 Questions for Every Leader
Tuesday morning at our all staff meeting for Eastbrook Church, we watched a message by Bill Hybels called "The 360-Degree Leader." It sparked some meaningful conversation around the topic of self-leadership or self-care. Here are ten questions that Hybels recommended for every leader to consider in relation to self-leadership. I'd love to hear your thoughts …
Matthew Erickson 