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?

Posted on by stephe

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?[…]

How is life emerging from the pandemic?

Posted on by stephe

I have just experienced my first flight in a year, travelling from Spain to the UK. Flying isn’t a simple or enjoyable endeavour anymore with PCR tests, locator forms, vaccine certificates plus all the risks of encountering someone positive through track and trace!  In the area of travel, I would love life to get back to normal again.  However, when it comes to other aspects of life, do we really want to return to normal, Read more about How is life emerging from the pandemic?[…]

Do you see yourself as a manager or leader?

Posted on by stephe

There have been multiple books and articles on the topic of management and leadership which especially deal with the difference between them.  It seems to me that people are desperate to be known as leaders rather than managers and I think this can be true in YWAM too.  I hardly even hear the word, ‘manager’ in our mission – perhaps it even has a negative connotation?  Do you know of a manager of a base Read more about Do you see yourself as a manager or leader?[…]

Am I fully surrendered?

Posted on by stephe

During the last few years, we’ve had the privilege of running many b2b (b the leader God wants you 2 b) courses for emerging leaders all over the world. During the first Monday morning worship time, we give the opportunity for individuals to take a small white flag symbolising self-surrender and place it before the Lord.  Philippians two tells us that Jesus left the glories of heaven, humbled himself to become a man and willingly Read more about Am I fully surrendered?[…]

How do we incorporate a developmental bias in our leadership?

Posted on by stephe

YWAM is a grassroots ministry where there are few formulas and no policy manuals. Everything is really based on understanding the values.  So, when you pioneer a new work, you can go and look at what others are doing, find out what they have learned then design a ministry based upon the good practices and policies that you hear about.  However, the general rule has been ‘pray, and do what the Lord tells you!’ A Read more about How do we incorporate a developmental bias in our leadership?[…]

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