Category: Resiliance

Understanding and Working Through the 7 Levels of Conflict

Conflict occurs when 2 or more people or ideas try to occupy the same place at the same time.  Understanding the 7 Levels of Conflict helps you understand the root causes and how to respond appropriately.

Note:  if a situation is mishandled, the level of conflict escalates. So it is always best to recognize the level and address it in a timely manner.

 

Level 1: Peace in the Valley

Level 1 is basically the phase where all is well.  Ministry is happening. Nothing is wrong and people work well together.  Unfortunately, this level is fleeting – it needs attention to thrive.

Possible responses include:

  1.  Hold a shared vision before the group
  2. Monitor actions between people and groups
  3. Encourage creativity
  4. Establish a Behavioral Covenant (link)
  5. Practice good communication – use “I” statements

Level 2:  We Have a Problem to Solve Together

Level 2 is all about having a mutual problem to solve.  It’s about information. Perhaps there is a new ministry that needs space in the church or there is now a need for a nursery. At this phase, there is a high level of respect and trust.  You won’t find any personal attacks here.  The focus is on the present and what is possible.  You may notice some misinformation. People may not understand the need for a new ministry.  Perhaps an older Sunday school class is the perfect spot for the nursery because of its proximity tot he Sanctuary.

Possible responses include:

  1.  Focus on the facts
  2. Define the problem
  3. Share information
  4. Encourage collaboration to search for the best options to resolve the problem

At Level 2 it is important to train people on how to work through disagreements.  Set clear boundaries.  Be hard on the issue and soft on people.  Work for a win-win solution.

Level 3: We disagree but I want to look good!

Conflict can be caused by funding challenges and where the money is spent.  Offering a second worship service to reach new people.  Even setting a vision for the future can cause tensions to flare.  A disagreement about the strategies and methods used to accomplish a goal can upset people if not handled well. Even the process you use to reach an important decision is not received well.

At this level, people are self-protective and the problem becomes secondary.  They form sides and want to be right or save face.  The goal is to solve a disagreement yet you will notice that there is a record kept of wrongs against people.  Triangulation occurs and trust suffers.  People sometimes cast doubts on other people’s intent.  Things begin to get messy.

Possible responses include:

  1.  Stay focused on common goals and ground
  2. Stay in the moment
  3. Help people seek to understand one another
  4. Ask clarifying questions
  5. Express feelings rather than opinions
  6. Rebuild trust
  7. When necessary: apologize!

Level 4:  We’re in a competition and I want to win!

At this level of conflict, different goals in a group are usually the culprit. You will notice that people are out to win and get their way regardless of what it does to others.  Mutual goals are not supported at this level.  It seems like people are in a contest to win by any means possible.

When power is misused and manipulation occurs, people take sides.  There is “us” vs “them” mentality.  Assumptions flourish. Personal attacks happen. An example of this level is trying to block a second language congregation for using your facility.  It may be that a neighboring church had a fire and needs a place to worship.

Possible responses include:

  1.  Agree on ground rules
  2. Set mutually acceptable goals
  3. Talk separately with the various parties involved to clarify assumptions and check reality.  Discern the needs, objectives, and challenges of the groups involved.
  4. Use liturgical means to bring about healing (prayers of confession, anointing, etc.)
  5. Call in a crisis team or a trained facilitator to help people work through their situation in a just manner.

Level 5:  We will protect ourselves – You must leave!

This level of conflict is often directed at a Pastor or new members who come with different ideas on how to accomplish things.  It tends to focus on the norms or things that we believe.

In this situation, people want to protect their group.  They feel that there way of doing things or their core beliefs are being threatened.  Tensions escalate from the last level as people begin to plot to get rid of someone or a group.

You may notice that there are now organized factions that are causing people to fight or flee.  “You” statements are voiced.  People feel attacked and conflict becomes personal.  Some members feel uncomfortable with what is happening and panic – others leave.

Appropriate responses include:

  1.  Separate people from the issues
  2. Allow people to leave with dignity
  3. Surface majority and minority views
  4. Set boundaries
  5. Use good organizational processes
  6. Generate options for mutual gain
  7. Focus on interests not positions
  8. Hire a mediator

Level 6:  We’re at war and I will destroy you!

When things get out of hand and you reach this point, it is painful to everyone involved.  Groups want to destroy the other and are out for revenge.  Core values seem under attack. Deep positions become intense. There is actual talk of eradicating the opposition.

At this level, you will notice several things:  people forget that caused the conflict in the first place, issues become causes, people think the ends justify the means.  They become fanatical.  Positions deeper.

An example of this level that I see most often is getting rid of your pastor.  It’s not enough to get them “fired” – some have contacted the next congregation considering their call. Congregations that reach this point often split.

Possible responses include:

  1.  Provide a cooling-off time
  2. Stand down dysfunctional leaders for a set time (i.e. they can’t serve for a year, or until they receive training, etc.)
  3. Hire a neutral arbitrator and agree to split or separate
  4. Have a peace-keeping force (neutral third party)
  5.  Design a treaty the parties will agree to keep.
  6. Troublemakers must be disempowered or asked to leave

Level 7: Mutual Destruction

The name of the level says it all.  This is where a congregation is no longer viable.  Earlier attempts to resolve the conflict were not successful. A judicatory officer may then be invited to come and help disperse assets and other resources so they can be used in ministry by others.

Sadly, I witnessed this level in a suburban church.  The congregation was growing quickly and decided to build a new educational building. After much discussion, it was decided that the space would be used for children and youth ministry.  Money was raised.  As the building was completed, a small group made the decision to move the adults into a nice, new space.  Feeling betrayed, parents of children and youth threatened to leave if the church leaders did not honor their agreement.  When the Church Council refused, the parents and their families left leaving only a handful behind to pay the mortgage.  Unable to make payments,  the church building was put up for sale and the congregation disbanded.

Conclusion

It is essential to recognize the level of conflict and respond appropriately.  It teaches us how to work through difficult situations with a sense of grace and purpose.  When the level of conflict is managed well, everyone wins and the congregations become resilient.

Being Less Anxious in Stressful Times

Every day I encounter colleagues, friends and family members dealing with high levels of anxiety. These feelings are causing serious health issues as well as professional and personal paralysis. Right now, more Ministers than ever before are thinking of early retirement or leaving ministry altogether. This is often due to the growing pressure that anxiety generates and all the feelings that come with it.

I get it: we live in an age of anxiety and there are circumstances beyond our control that weigh heavily on us.  Bottom line:  our level of stress and discomfort is increasing.

What can we do?

What is Anxiety?

First things first:  we must understand what anxiety is and how it affects us.

Anxiety is basically a feeling of being constantly “on edge.” It is a prolonged nervousness over situations real or imagined.  Some report a deep sense of foreboding that something horrible is about to happen.  This worry is like a wet blanket that covers you making movement or clear thought difficult. Or, it can manifest itself as over-thinking things beyond your control or reliving difficult moments from your past.

Your heart may pound. You may break out in a sweat.  Your stomach may tighten at unexpected times. Your mind may race here and there.  Some have experienced “panic attacks” that mimic a heart attack.  All this can be exhausting and frightening!

Anxiety can cause extreme tiredness. People feel uncertain about the future. It is an uphill climb for them to get motivated about anything new or even get ready for a productive day. For these individuals, it may feel like they have hit a wall and are stuck. They ask: “why God?”

What causes Anxiety?

It is helpful to know that anxiety is a real condition and must be addressed properly.  Whether you are someone trying to help a person deal better with their stress or experiencing it yourself, anxiety can be treated.

It’s not all in your head, although anxiety is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Because of this, the brain is unable to slow down and relax. It stands at a heightened level of attack.

Some causes of anxiety are caused by factors outside your control; some causes are self-produced like sending yourself messages of inadequacy or living with low self-esteem.

Here is a list of causes:

    • not taking proper care of yourself (having a poor diet, not exercising regularly, not getting a good night’s sleep)
    • tying to live up to everyone’s expectations
    • having poor boundaries or low esteem
    • skipping prescribed medication for depression
    • obsessive focus on something (watching too much news, searching continuously on-line for facts about a situation or event)
    • ignoring health warnings like shortness of breath or tension
    • unresolved conflict in your organization
    • tension over the future of your group or even denomination

I believe that at the heart of anxiety is a lack of differentiation.  Differentiation is more a goal than a state that is ever achieved. Edwin H. Friedman once said.  (Friedman was a gifted expert on Family Systems and a counselor par excellence.)

Differentiation is a sense of direction and awareness. It is not synonymous with individuation or wanting to be autonomous, but rather a firm conviction that who you are matters so you can stand firm and weather the storms that gather around you. As I talk to church leaders about their experience of anxiety they often claim one of the following:

    1. obsession with the predictions and concerns that others express about a situation.  The “sky is falling” scenario that causes panic.
    2. inability to take a stand in an intensely emotional system.  Like church conflict or theological differences in the denomination
    3. losing themselves in group-think or behavior contrary to what they believe or need
    4. fuzziness about personal values and goals or inability to defend your non-negotiables
    5. unable to be a “less” anxious presence when others are caught in a frenzy
    6. confusion over where one thing ends and another begins
    7. lacking the courage to step out of a situation that negatively threatens their emotional wellbeing
    8. being polarized by the reactivity others have about a situation
    9. a strong desire to control things outside their sphere of influence
    10. blaming others for their anxiety
    11. feeling futile in efforts to address a situation properly (either by avoiders or bullies)

Dealing with Anxiety

Here are some simple steps that you can take that can really make a difference in getting rid of anxiety. (Note: They are not offered to negate the importance of seeking the advice of a health professional, but are intended as additional support).

    1. Find a person you trust to share your struggles. This step is often hard to take because you may not want people to think that you are weak or unable to deal with things yourself. Yet, we know that the first step to recovery is often opening up and being honest with our circumstances. This sharing with a friend is not supposed to be a “pity party” or a whining session but a candid conversation on what you are experiencing.  Focus on ways to deal with anxiety and ask the other person to hold you accountable for following through on our decisions. Choose someone who loves you and wants the best for you. Treat this time as an important appointment on your calendar.
    2. See a Health Professional. Go to your doctor for a good physical. Find a licensed, qualified counselor or psychiatrist. Do not under-estimate the importance of prescribed medicine in improving your brain chemistry.
    3. Practice Self Care. It’s time to give yourself a hug. Get back on a good diet.  Avoid carbs, sugars and processed/fast foods. Plan your meals around protein, fruits, and vegetables. Plan a proper sleep – at least 8 hours. Ensure that your bedroom is comfortable, dark and free of electronics. Exercise at least three times a week – aerobic and weights. Take a relaxing bath, get a massage or read a good book. Relax! Get off the merry-go-round.
    4. Immerse Yourself in the Means of Grace. Take time for worship and Bible Study. Pray. Some people find it meaningful to journal and record their experiences and thoughts. Ask God to help you find a way through the anxiety. For ministers, practicing this step is best done outside of your place of service or appointment. Go to another church or engage in on-line worship or learning.
    5. Unplug! Protect times during the day where you are not looking at your phone or the web. Use this time to take a walk, or connect with family. If you do surf the web, set a timer and limit the time spent on this activity.  Turn your phone off during meals.  Stay away from sites that polarize, distort information, or are divisive.
    6. Make Necessary changes. Examine your life carefully and discern what is adding to your anxiety. Could it be a job you do not enjoy? Do you need a break from work? Do you have poor boundaries that make it hard to stand up for yourself? Examine your schedule for the week: is it possible to take some time for yourself? What can you delegate? Is there anything you should stop doing that causes stress?
    7. Refocus! Sometimes it is helpful to take stock of your blessings and develop a true sense of gratitude. Find activities outside your profession that you can participate in that make life better for others: serve at a soup kitchen, volunteer to help someone read or tutor a child.

What’s stopping you from alleviating anxiety? Seeking wholeness invites you to embrace fears and tears as a vital part of life. Take the first step and do something for yourself that will minimize the harm the anxiety can do physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Benefits of Anxiety

Believe it or not, there are some good things that come from dealing with prolonged stress. Review the list below. What would you add? Anxiety:

    1. Surfaces what you care deeply about.
    2. Reminds you that you are human.
    3. Affirms foundational grounding of who you are and what you believe.
    4. Creates a renewed commitment to life and your purpose.
    5. Develops relationships that care and sustain you.

Wise Words to Remember

One of the activities, I practice weekly is to put a saying or phrase on my refrigerator or face mirror to read frequently. Here are some examples:

Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams (Proverb)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phillipian4:6)

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. (Charles Spurgeon)

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. trouble of its own. (Matthew 6, selected passages)

Conclusion

Anxiety does not need to have the final word. It does not have to destroy life and it’s enjoyment. With proper effort and a renewed commitment to live life fully, things can and will get better. It takes time.

I believe that there exists today an intentional sabotaging of leaders who try to stand tall amongst the raging storms of anxiety. Don’t let this happen to you.

Take the steps necessary to care for yourself because you are important and vital. We need you strong and healthy to face the challenges that exist in today’s world. You can do it! Make your self-care a priority then all the other things you face can be addressed from a position of strength.

An invitation: If you know of someone who is suffering from anxiety, share this article with them.

 

 

Healthy Church Idea – Get a Ministry Coach

Ministry Coach – why have one?

Today, Ministry Coaching for Pastors and Church Professionals is a necessity. Many Pastors and Church Staff feel isolated in their positions.  Church professionals spent significant time receiving training in their area of specialization. Yet, the world is constantly changing and offering new challenges.  Learning needs to continue and we can’t always have the experience that makes the best responses possible.

Too often, leaders tend to rely on what they know or have done in the past.  Sooner or later, they discover that things are not going as smoothly in these rapidly changing times.  Conflicts and tensions arise over choices and personalities. Knowing what to do next is confusing. Even the best leaders must constantly learn new skills, be aware of their context, and stand ready to lead their congregations in reaching new people for Jesus Christ. It is not an easy task, is it?

Even the world #1 tennis players have a coach – so why not you? Yes, it can be challenging to find someone you can trust to honestly reflect with you on your effectiveness, needs, and find fresh opportunities to serve your community. But finding that person will strengthen your ministry.

Having regular contact with a Ministry Coach can make the difference between getting by or getting there. A skilled coach can help you accomplish your ministry goals and sort out the complexities of interpersonal relationships, stress and choices.

What is a Ministry Coach?

A Ministry Coach is a trained/certified or very experienced person who understands ministry and have successful experience working with Pastors and Church Professionals. They are people who know how to help you maximize your effectiveness and not just tell you what to do! They also have interpersonal skills that help them to know you well enough to be an honest sounding board for the issues and celebrations you face in your work.

Working with a Coach is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it takes a dedicated leader to recognize areas of improvement and accountability. It takes maturity and commitment to always be seeking to grow as a person and in ministry. If you have these qualities than entering into a coaching relationship can bring new vitality to your service.

How do You Find a Good Coach?

Finding a good coach that you can trust is vital! Ask your supervisors, judicatory leaders and colleagues if they have a ministry coach or know the names of good coaches. Sometimes you can locate these individuals on-line. Find out who others admire for their skillset in listening and discerning fresh directions.

Once you have a few names, contact them to learn their approach, availability and fee. This conversation often results in a first session so that you can become better acquainted and discern if they are a good fit for your needs. Treat this contact as a job interview and prepare questions in advance of your initial meeting. You will need to know how they were trained and what ministry specializations or credentials they hold. Inquire how long they have served as a ministry coach and ask them to provide concrete examples of what they have accomplished in working with Ministers.

How Does It Work?

My clients set our session’s date/time, topic and talking points. I find that regular sessions work best for my clients so we arrange the coaching session date and time to fit our schedules. Most clients meet with their coach monthly (although sometimes it may be best to meet more often if you find yourself in a new situation or one that is extremely stressful).  Setting the session times is best done in advance at the end of each coaching conversation.  Sessions typically last for 60 minutes.

Conversations with your coach should fit your style and location. They should be convenient. Most coaches are flexible in how you accomplish your session. Perhaps there are coaches who live close enough to your location that they can meet with you in person. Most of my clients live all over the country, so we utilize Skype or the telephone.

The approach I use is called the GROW model. It is an effective way to assess a situation and work through the challenges you face. This method often produces adaptive leaders who generate the next steps they need to take in order to be efficient. It stands for:

    1. Goal – what are you trying to accomplish?
    2. Reality check – what is your specific situation?  What have you tried?
    3. Options – name 2-3 ways you could resolve your concern?
    4. Will do – what will you commit to doing?  Are there any obstacles that we need to address that could prevent a successful resolution?

Coaching works best when your coach asks appropriate questions that stimulate your thinking,  provide fresh approaches and necessary feedback. This respects your ability to be accountable in achieving your objectives while growing in your leadership abilities.

Conclusion

Church ministers who utilize ministry coaching often report a better self-awareness of their gifts and abilities, a well-focused productivity and less isolation. They find new ways to deal with tension and difficult situations. They become learning leaders who are productive and effective.

Consider coaching!

 

 

 

 

Resilience in a Congregation – 5 signs

Resilience testers for a congregation

Sooner or later all congregations experience challenges. These challenges are often caused by different factors. Whatever the cause they can test our confidence that we can deal with them wisely. Our resilience can be tested!!

Perhaps your congregation has experienced one of these difficult situations:

  • Shifting realities force a decision between 2 choices such as moving forward in a new direction for ministry or returning to the ways of the past.
  • Dealing with differing views between 2 or more strong-willed individuals that often results in an escalating conflict.
  • Having a storm or freak act of nature destroy your church building and then having to work through grief in order to rebuild.
  • Losing a beloved Pastor who has led your congregation for many years, perhaps through death or moving to a new placement.
  • Realizing that your congregation is losing members and becoming smaller each year but you don’t know what to do about it.

How these situations are handled can test the resiliency of a congregation. They are an indicator of their ability to bounce back stronger.

What is Resilience?

Resilience is the ability of an organization to overcome challenges (hard choices, trauma, tragedy, crises, or simply life’s problems), and come through them stronger, wiser, and even more powerful. The ability to bounce back and make repairs after being stretched, compressed or almost destroyed is the hallmark of a resilient group.

Indicators of Resilience

Here are 5 signs that your group is resilient. Each of these signs describes the very heart and soul of your organization. These characteristics can be developed intentionally. However, they cannot be ignored if you are serious about the wellbeing of your congregation or group.

 1.  A Clear, Compelling Vision

When a congregation knows where it is headed and what is important to their very life and mission, there is energy and purpose. A clear vision draws people together. It points to the future that God intends for them. It fosters a commitment to meet God in the days to come in fresh, renewing methods that brings life.

In my work with congregations, I am often amazed at how many do not understand what pulls them together into the next stage of their ministry. Often, these congregations rely on things that they have done in the past. It is as though the world around them has not changed.

Sadly, there are congregations out there that act as if they wake up tomorrow and it’s 1950 – they are ready to reach that world! Sounds silly, right? Yet these congregations are putting a sincere effort into reaching a world that is no longer there. Why? Because the world is changing.

A good vision is based firmly in the reality of where you are located. Your context. When was the last time you looked at the demographics of your community to understand who lives near you? Do you honestly know what the needs of those groups are? Do you offer ministries that meet those needs? Are you proactive in offering new ways to disciple children, youth and adults or stuck in the methods that have worked in the past?

I once attended a church that wanted to offer a Vacation Bible School (VBS) in the summer for children in their community. (They had not offered this program in 15 years!) I watched them plan an event from 9 a.m. to noon that would last a week. Fliers were put out in the community gathering spots to advertise the theme and times. An excellent curriculum was chosen, teachers were trained, and finally, they were ready.  Imagine how disappointed they were on the first day when only 7 children attended (and, they were grandchildren of the staff!)

What happened?

Would you believe the parents in that community worked during the day? So, they had enrolled their young children in daycare near where they were employed. In many households, both adults worked. A month after the VBS, we held a listening circle with some of these parents. There we learned that they would have attended an evening program or one held on a Saturday. Energy and resources were squandered just because they did not know who they were trying to reach! Resilience is being able to come back from that first disappointment!

2.  A Curious Sense of Humor

It’s true: a group that can laugh together has the attitude to weather all sorts of storms. Yes, life happens. People make mistakes. Yet, the power to be curious and look honestly at oneself offers a buoyancy that can help you rise above life’s challenges.

I have witnessed groups over the years get so tied up in a situation that they can not see God active in the midst of the situation. This robs them of the joy to weather life’s storms.

Having a sense of humour is not the same as laughing at everything or one another. The humour I look for in a group is the joy that explains their outlook: we’re on an adventure together seeking to follow God faithfully! There will be dips and bumps on the road but we will get through them together because we trust God.

3.  A Learning Heart

Yes, there are Pastors and Church staff out there that are well trained.  However, most of their education stopped with their ordination or initial employment.

Resilient leaders are curious to discover what works today to reach people for Christ. Therefore, they attend training, read books, or advance their continuing education with a mentor or coach. Specifically, they are able to empathize with visitors and newcomers. They can place themselves in their shoes to experience what the church feels like for others.

They assess ministry. Evaluate. Improve.

I know a Pastor who is retiring early because she no longer understands how to reach the people in her community. She truly thought that she learned everything she would ever need to know for her career at Seminary. Sadly, she stopped being curious about new methods to successfully make disciples.  For her, considering new options disrespected the past.

I get it: you may be thinking that there are tried and true ways of doing things and you simply don’t mess with these methods. Right? Wrong! We must remember that in changing environments like today, the leaders who excel are those who consider options wisely without feeling that they are disrespecting the past if they adjust.

In church seminars, I often talk about the things that endure in ministry:  our mission, values, and guiding principles/theology. These things never change – they are our backbone. Then I explain that there are also things that can change so the organization can endure with effectiveness: vision, goals and methods. These are our muscles to stretch and grow. Resilience comes from understanding what to hold on to and what to let go.

Congregations that have a curious heart for learning know how to honestly assess how well they are doing with their plans and make the necessary adjustments to stay on track. They spend time in meetings asking the vital question: did we accomplish our goals? What are we learning?

4.  A Forgiving Nature

Having the humility to acknowledge that we are only human and make mistakes is essential for resilient organizations. These groups understand that they are loved by God while acknowledging there is room for improvement.

In pastoral workshops, I often give participants a clean QTIP and tell them to “quit taking it personally” (QTIP). There are leaders who take criticism personally and beat themselves up over things that must be put in perspective. While I take ministry seriously, I stopped taking it personally a long time ago because I realized that I was not the Messiah. Further, that risen saviour reconciles me with God (warts and all).

I grow concerned when I work with a congregation that is really being rough on their leaders. Harsh words, disrespectful behaviour, and alienation reign in churches that do not show resilience. They actually foster competition for resources and demean innovation. Sound familiar?

The first step in turning this situation around is being authentic and saying: “I’m sorry” when you make a mistake. Doing this and asking for forgiveness is essential. Leaders that can do this with integrity also go one step further: they love people for who they are and not for what they can do for you. They are able to be compassionate and caring no matter what.

Do you have a forgiving nature?

5.  Living into God’s Blessings

This characteristic is simply the icing on the resilient cake. Whenever I find myself in difficult situations I count my blessings. Hopefully, this doesn’t sound corny to you. I sincerely get a piece of paper and write down all the good things that I see in the midst of crisis or challenge.

Resilient congregations frequently do an audit of their blessings in the midst of difficult situations. Therefore they list the many blessings that God has given them. It is an amazing act of faith in the midst of life’s challenges.

God embeds within each of us spiritual gifts and the fruit of the spirit that carries us through whatever we face. So, when I realize that I am blessed by God I’m able to face any situation. This carries me through difficulties with grace. I find that I often make my best choices and am even able to celebrate God’s goodness with dignity.

So it is with congregations showing resilience. They are able to take stock of the many assets that will get them beyond stressful times toward a new, brighter future.

This means that instead of trying to compete with a church down the street and copy their ministry, they discern a way to be faithful based on what they have to offer. However, resilient congregations are like treasure chests filled with God’s grace. Treasure is intended not to hoard unto themselves but to give away to a hurting world.

Be a blessing to others by generously giving of yourself to connect people to God in fresh ways (yes, even if it means to change!)

Conclusion

So, how resilient are you? After reading about the 5 factors that lead to a resilient organization, which characteristics do you practice well?  Where is there room for improvement?

At makingchurchdecisions.com we are available to coach leaders toward increasing their resilience factor.  Drop us an email and we can discuss coaching options that are affordable and accessible.