YWAM ACTs (Area Circle Teams) – a new structure for new generations?

Posted on by stephe

I recently read the metaphor which Jesus taught in Matthew 9:17 on ‘wine and wineskins.’ And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine, and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved. Every new generation enjoys new wine or a fresh approach to leadership. They require a new wineskin or structure that they feel comfortable with to serve their new passion. The latest generation is Read more about YWAM ACTs (Area Circle Teams) – a new structure for new generations?[…]

Which keys can unlock the impact your life or team has on others?

Posted on by stephe

Patrick Winston, a respected MIT professor from the USA said, “Your success in life will be determined largely by your ability to speak, your ability to write, and the quality of your ideas, in that order.” What do you think of that statement? In the west, we tend to be focused on our identity, our success, our legacy, and we enter the comparison game, reaching our goals, and making a name for ourselves. In contrast, Read more about Which keys can unlock the impact your life or team has on others?[…]

When was the last time your team did some brainstorming?

Posted on by stephe

Does spontaneous brainstorming work? Not according to Susan Cain who has given a great TED talk on brainstorming with a special focus on the introvert. A standard definition of brainstorming: it is an activity that teams use to generate ideas and solve clearly defined issues or problems. With an open environment and the right questions, teams can produce a vast array of ideas that can prove very fruitful. Have you been in many brainstorming sessions? Read more about When was the last time your team did some brainstorming?[…]

How good a leader do you think you are?

Posted on by stephe

I recently read an interesting article by Bill Adams, co-founder and CEO of leadership development company Leadership Circle. I have adapted his description of five beliefs which will turn you into a leader that no one wants to work for. I think I have made all these mistakes at one time or another – let’s see how you do! 1. You’re the only one who can really do it right: Have you grown in your Read more about How good a leader do you think you are?[…]

What’s so special about pioneering?

Posted on by stephe

Last week my wife and I were guests of a new pioneering team in Victoria, Canada, where we have been privileged to enjoy some team building together. We are reminded of the joy we’ve have had over the last 40+ years when we experienced many adventures in starting new ministries, establishing churches and developing dozens of teams and bases. So, to watch this small team of five staff plant a YWAM presence in Victoria fills Read more about What’s so special about pioneering?[…]

Are you ready for the ruthless elimination of hurry?

Posted on by stephe

I’d thought that the pandemic had taught me how to slow down. Yet the days were still busy with online courses, mentoring, communication, not to mention the whole leaving and transition process of moving to another continent. It’s amazing that even if you don’t have too much to do, it’s still not difficult to get caught up with a ‘hurry’ attitude. It makes you drive faster even though you have plenty of time, eat quicker Read more about Are you ready for the ruthless elimination of hurry?[…]

What’s the underlying message of advent & easter?

Posted on by stephe

We’ve recently been celebrating the wonder of the birth of Jesus and I hope that you did have a good Christmas. We have had our fill of carols being played non-stop, delicious food to feast on, the giving and receiving of presents and connection with family and/or friends. In another three months we will be commemorating Easter with the horrific crucifixion but the joy of resurrection. Philippians 2:7-8 sums up the significance of these celebrations: Read more about What’s the underlying message of advent & easter?[…]

Margins: Are yours sufficient?

Posted on by stephe

To enable everyone to stay safe during the past twenty months, we’ve become familiar with social distancing and keeping the right margin between each other. (Although these guys aren’t wearing their masks!). I want to think about the word ‘margin’ in a different way though. For this couple to sit talking on these benches, there had to be a decision to take some time out, to head to the park and sit down. We will Read more about Margins: Are yours sufficient?[…]

Have you experienced life changing sacred moments?

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In September we moved to Canada after living and ministering in Europe for over forty years. The transition was the result of what I would call a sacred moment of asking Jesus about our future. My wife and I both had the same sense of a move to Canada that up until that time had not been on our horizon.  At that point our transition began. There followed a year of processing the move, filling Read more about Have you experienced life changing sacred moments?[…]

Are you on track?

Posted on by stephe

We have just been through a soul-searching time during covid. Many have had extended times of thinking, reflecting, wondering about life and the world and how they interact together. Even if you have been busy throughout the COVID season, with all that has been happening you can’t help questioning and pondering the state of the world and our role in it. After a time like this, it’s an ideal moment to ask, who am I? Read more about Are you on track?[…]

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