99 Questions When Hiring a Worship Pastor

I met a pastor this past week at a conference for church planters. He told me he was searching for a worship pastor. I told him I would help. What I have found over the years through consulting and numerous conversations with senior pastors and executive pastors is...

Risk, Innovation and the Dallas Cowboys

Sunday, I watched and pulled for my beloved Dallas Cowboys. Maybe you’ve heard of the way the game ended. If you missed it, let me catch you up to speed. The Dallas Cowboys played the Green Bay Packers (in Green Bay) for a chance to go to the NFC Championship....

7 Characteristics Pastors Can Learn from Peyton Manning

Sunday night I, like many of you, watched Peyton Manning (Quarterback of the Denver Broncos) set an all-time record for most touchdowns in NFL history. As I celebrated his achievement and performance, I reflected on what makes Peyton so special and what we, as...

Traveling Back to South Carolina

Many of you know I’m from South Carolina. Today, I fly back (with my daughter Grace) to speak at a worship conference there. The good news is that I’ll get to spend some time with my family, in addition to speaking at the conference Thursday and Friday. If...

Leadership and Laughter

Last night I was doing my regular Thursday night thing – watching the comedy shows back to back on NBC (like I have for years). I was reflecting on how good and healthy it was to laugh and unwind. Then I was reminded of some of the best leadership advice someone...

Speaking and Consulting This Week

I’ll be in Kansas City this week speaking at and hanging out at the National Worship Leader Conference (NWLC). If you’re going to be there, come find me. I’m teaching on innovation and my new book on Thursday. Then Saturday morning, I fly to San...