I’ve just downloaded a free audio book for “A Tale of Three Kings”, a book by Gene Edwards. A Tale of Three Kings uses the stories of Saul, David and Absalom to explore healthy ways of dealing with abusive leadership in the Christian community. I read the book shortly after it came out in 1992 and have never forgotten the question, “What do you do when someone throws a spear at you?” When someone attacks or undermines your leadership it is tempting to “throw the spear back”, by justifying oneself and seeking revenge. I believe that there are times when it is appropriate to stand up to and challenge ongoing abusive patterns of behaviour. However we need to watch that we don’t turn into abusive leaders in the process.

Continue reading →

I’m working with a great bunch of leaders Uniting College for Leadership and Theology in Adelaide this week, with the final two days of a 6-day intensive on media and communication, at Uniting College of Theology and Leadership. The first two intensives were run by Paul Teusner and Steven Garner. This workshop has been focused on hands-on engagement in advertising and marketing, multimedia/multisensory worship settings, church websites and social networking. This morning we’re looking online engagement, drawing inspiration from Paul’s connection with the Areopagus in Mars Hill, Athens. We looked for inspiration on marshill.com and marshill.org, along with a few local sites. Here’s our reflections on really useful church websites.

Continue reading →

I’m in Sydney this week for the Messy Ministry in Context, a conference organised by the Uniting Church in Australia, NSW/ACT Synod, designed as an inservice event for pastors, youth, children and family workers. We’re meeting at the Centre for Ministry in North Parramatta, hosted by the ELM Centre (Education for Life and Ministry), Childrens Ministry and Youth Units, each of which are due for closure before the end of the year.

Continue reading →

It’s been over six months now since the September 4 earthquake hit Christchurch, and coming up to a month since the February 22 quake. I recently had a chance to talk with members of my family who were there when it all happened, and was reminded again about the emotional impact of trauma (high levels of adrenaline change the body’s chemistry for a long time), disruption (closed schools and roads) and hardship (lack of water, power, sewage system). I was impressed to see the caring environment being shown in places like Auckland Airport where residents of Christchurch were welcomed and offered support. At another level, I’m hearing about Presbyterian church leaders in Christchurch who are facing deep issues as buildings are assessed for damage, repair or destruction, and people rethink the shape of ministry and mission in an unstable city.

Continue reading →