Author: Jay Stearley
-
Ethos of Peak Ski Company
This month, Peak Ski Company CEO, Andy Wirth is speaking to my Strategic Management class at The University of Nevada. This video was among several resources for review in preparation. Not only is the quality amazing, the story inspiring, but also the concept of “grit” powerful in life and business. Grit…do you have it? Do…
-
10 Clear Signs You May Need To Hire A Consultant To Help Your Business
Oct 18, 2021, by Forbes YEC Finding, hiring, and compensating the right people is paramount and commonly a challenge. Hiring outside help is one solution. It is a solution I’ve utilized and provide today. 3.4M fewer U.S.A. citizens are working today compared to February of 2020. (U.S. Chamber, 8/22). This Forbes article reminds me of…
-
5 Entrepreneurial Mistakes to Avoid (Inc.)
Marcel Schwantes, Inc. Contributing Editor and Founder, Leadership from the Core, shares five mistakes entrepreneur’s can’t afford to make from Mari Tautimes book, #KeepGoing: From 15-Year-Old Mom to Successful CEO and Entrepreneur (article): Being an entrepreneur versus having the entrepreneurial spirit Wearing too many hats Complicating the business plan Hiring the wrong people Ineffective marketing…
-
Happy Smashiversary #5
It’s a beautiful thing to be alive…to enjoy a spouse, a child growing up, working with ministries all over the globe, powder skiing, and more! A tragic accident five years ago almost took all of this away. And it has taken this long to continue recovering and transforming. People still wonder and ask how this…
-
The Three Elements of Trust
Harvard Business Review Excerpt, February 5, 2019 As a leader, you want the people in your organization to trust you. And with good reason. In our coaching with leaders, we often see that trust is a leading indicator of whether others evaluate them positively or negatively. But how to create that trust, or perhaps more…
-
Chess and Success
April 1 leaders and professionals in Reno, NV gathered to share a meal and to positively impact the world. We know that as we improve, we positively boost our spheres of influence, which in turn boosts our world. We had a forum on two subjects: success and posture. We used this chess match as our…
-
Community Leader Forum April 1
What if business leaders gathered to discuss the pressing issues of today and to develop? Their lives would improve, their organizations would improve, and so would their communities. And so we gather in Reno, NV, April 1 at noon to do just this. Register to attend in-person HERE. Download the invite memo HERE.
-
Turbo-Charged Strength
“Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Mark 12:30 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 To believe is to be strong. To hope is to be strong. To walk with The only true God is to be strong. To not waiver is to be strong.…
-
Everybody Can Be Great
“Everybody can be great because everyone can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve…You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love,” Martin Luther King Jr. Dates in the life of MLK1929 Jan. 15: Michael…
-
Falling Up from Near Death
Four years and two days ago I almost died from being hit by a car. I fell hard, literally. Among some of my injuries were a traumatic brain injury along with PTSD. My team at Symmetry Financial Group is reading The Happiness Advantage by Achor. Principle #4 is Falling Up and it home as a…
-
Getting New Hires Off to a Great Start
Studies show that how you navigate this window of time will determine how quickly new staff members bring value to their new roles in the short term and add value to your team and organization in the long term.
-
Money Matters: Four Steps to Success
Money Matters is a resource for people who desire to havesuccess in their personal finances and to bring glory to God.God defines financial success as operating as a trustworthysteward who glorifies Him with all that is provided – time,talent, and treasure (Luke 16:10). The benefits of this successare riches, honor, and life on earth and…
-
Seeing Red: Financial Woes
Jesus displayed a righteous anger when he “cleaned house” in the temple of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:12-17). Unrighteous trade had permeated hearts and the space of worship, physically and the soul. What would He do today in our ministries, our dwelling places, and about our hearts? How are we and our neighbors responding to matters of…
-
It’s Time To Listen To
Hirsch and Catchim provide an insightful and challenging work in The Permanent Revolution. It explores the five-fold spiritual gifts given in The Bible, Ephesians 4. The authors communicate that the community of faith has commonly had a difficult time knowing how to respond, or what to do, with apostles-like and prophetic-like people. This is a…
-
Tending The Wildfire In Our Midst
A wildfire recently descended upon my city. High winds, dry desert-scape, and steep mountains made it highly unpredictable, quick-moving, and difficult to attend to. The aftermath are destroyed structures and a ravaged mountainside. Things here will never be exactly the same. The world today has many events like COVID-19 and racism that are acting like…
-
Waiting Is Not the Right Strategy
“Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation causes your worst fears to come true.” — Bodhi in Point Break, 1991. Just ask Blackberry, Kmart, or a church that closed its doors how “waiting” is going for them. Uncertainty and rapid culture change must stimulate our leadership towards robust planning, action, and flexibility. These must be driven by…
-
Three Generosity Culture Boosting Principles for Churches
Big Vision Builds Big Generosity Vision is all about God’s heart, purposes, and our unique involvement within. We must know what our churches are called too. And all of our leaders must know what, and how to share these things. Vision is contagious and energizing. Jay Stearley Intentional Discipleship Glorifies God Church leaders are responsible…
-
Tracking and Reading Sign Amidst C-19
COVID-19 has changed the landscape of life, organizations, and leadership. Some can only fight for their very existence (our hearts and prayers go out to you). Others are hunkered down trying to maintain. A third group is exploring and adapting to this new environment–they are tracking and reading sign. “The earth is a manuscript, being…
-
Rallying to Helping One Another in Spain
Inspiring. Motivating. Helpful. Excerpt from: Aljazeera News In the Chamberi district in Madrid, more than 70 people have joined the Red de Cuidados (Care Network). “It was initiated by some young people in the neighborhood,” says Domingo, who is in charge of coordinating the requests received over the phone. “But right now there is a…
-
10 Covid-19 Ministry Expressions
Ministries around the globe are instituting creative ways to thrive during this unprecedented time. Here are ten examples: Live-streaming daily devotionals and encouragement Continuing small groups gatherings using video meeting platforms Being coordinators of helping people in need Making digital giving easier and more prevalent Transferring energy into relationships versus production Developing and commissioning lay…
-
BLOOM Resources By No Less Than 10%
I’ll be releasing my newest book on March 15, 2020, Bloom: Growing Money, People, and Ministry. It will help ministries and non-profits to: Increase resources Connect people Build a plan Save time Unify leadership Bloom will be available first through Lulu.com, followed by Amazon.com. If you need help or simply wish to explore boosting your organization,…
-
What Leaders Value in a Team Today: 7 Survival Skills
Tony Wagner on Creating Innovators from Lee Carlton
-
4R’s to Corporate Worship
QUICK STUDY OVERVIEW Worship in the Old Testament Celebrate God “with us” and freedom (Exodus 3:12) Law, obedience, sacrificial atonement (Exodus 19:4-8; 20:24-26; Jer. 7:21; Job 1:20-21; Gen. 4:3, 46:1; Lev. 1:3-9) Theocentric, not anthropocentric Worship in the New Testament Christ is the final redeemer, covering, and renewer (Hebrews 7:27; 9:13-14) Spirit and truth (John…
-
King Jr. Day
A Salute to and Appreciation of a Great Man “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” “All labor that…
-
Live the Life You Dream About in 2020
Live Your Vision. Or not. People commonly ask me how I do what I do – work with many churches, pastor, participate in international ministry, write, adventure, spend time with family, and more. Being focussed on Christ, surrendered and available to Him and His Kingdom is first. Then disciplines come into play, like decreasing interruptions.…
-
Give Yourself a $3360 Raise this Year
15 ways to improve your financial position, make a difference on earth, and ways to reap the rewards. Food & Drink Purchase four less prepared coffees at a coffee shop = $10/mo. Eat at a restaurant four fewer times = $30/mo. Drink water instead of juice or soda five days a week = $10/mo. Eat…
-
Happy Smashiversary
“Happy Smashiversary,” my beautiful wife greeted me yesterday. It was a rough time being broken in almost every way not being able to carry my daughter up the stairs, nor to complete a full sentence (accident recount). It took six months to somewhat comprehend how messed up I was. Three years to-the-day later I celebrated…
-
The Paramount Callings
There are paramount callings and unique callings. Do you know what they are? Does your life reflect what matters most?
-
The Gratitude Marker
One of ten people returned to say thank you (Luke 17:11-19). Why would…or wouldn’t you? Here are slides from my sermon today at Outlook Christian Church.
-
Two Ideas to Help Your Meetings
Meetings are important. They are opportunities to boost success. Yet oftentimes they are dreaded and can feel like a waste of time. So make a change and make them count. Before sharing two ways to transform meetings, answer these questions about yours: What grade would you give your meetings and why? What is your team…
-
Succeed In Change
“This is ridiculous,” Mark exclaimed as he stormed away from his boss. “Things change around here all the time!” Sharla took note and knew Mark would not succeed unless she helped him. Even then, it would be up to Mark to change himself or not. Life is full of change. Work is full of change.…
-
Organizational DNA
You have a one-of-a-kind DNA. And so does the organization you work with. Do you know it? Embrace it? Leverage it? Keep it healthy? How about your team? (Discovery Worksheet).
-
Chemistry and Character Over Competency
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Slingshot Group (@slingshotgroup)
-
Sermon: The Best Calling Ever
// Recorded June 2, 2019 // Passage: Colossians 4:17-18 (ESV) “And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” What do you need to fulfill? What have you received? What will people remember about you? Are you a blessing or…
-
New Stats Beg New Approaches
Has God changed . . . His attributes, call, or the gospel? Never! Then why is the following happening in Protestant churches in the U.S. and what does it mean for us as pastors? (Source: LifeWay Research, April 2019.) 6 in 10 are plateaued or declining in attendance. Almost half (46 percent) say their giving decreased or stayed the same from…
-
Supervisor of Stoke
Meet Tyler . . . a.k.a. “Supervisor of Stoke!” Do you and your team make people feel important . . . even to the point of removing peoples’ skis for them?
-
Can You Solve This?
I can’t remember exactly when I first saw this, but I was in middle school. The puzzle stumped me for the longest time because I put invisible restraints on the solution; I was unable to “think outside the box.” Can you? Does your team?
-
Every Challenge Has Layers
My daughter’s birthday was on Saturday. Her mom made an incredible two-layer cake decorated with a wild animal scene – yummmm! Snow doesn’t taste nearly as good, especially this heap. Yet we can learn from both. Enjoy.
-
Stoke In Jackson Hole
Between the AC/DC and Beastie Boys thumping out of the speakers, and the “Don’t go!” echo from the tram’s crowd, Jackson Hole, WY has STOKE! That is, extraordinary contagious positive passion. And you!? How about your workplace!? How about the places you frequent!? Sure, there’s something about over 4K feet of elevation drop with cliff…
-
Facilitate Next Level Leader Reviews
Meetings can be arduous. And leader reviews can be vexatious. On the contrary, they can be something longed for and catalytic for obtaining next level success. Help people love their work Foster a contagious culture Obtain collective insights Expand reach Keep amazing people Harvard Business Review revealed this about why people remain at their jobs:…
-
Estée Lauder and Netflix Leadership
Each year the Harvard Business Review ranks the top 100 best -performing CEO’s in the world (Article). The rankings are calculated by combining a financial ranking of companies in the S&P 1200 (weighted at 80%) and two ESG (environmental, social and governance) rankings (weighted at 10% each). 20 of the CEOs lead companies based outside their…
-
Capitalize the Dips
My father-in-law was an avid OHV Jeep driver. The terrain he drove held steep climbs and declines, smooth forests and bumpy boulder fields. He constantly adjusted the machine to conquer obstacles. Similarly, we too need to make ongoing adjustments in our leadership. Plateaus and dips in performance are excellent signals of when to make tweaks and…
-
7 Powerful Life Questions for 2019
1. How will you live for what matters most? 2. How will you help people around you thrive? 3. What changes in your life do you need to make to flourish in heart, soul, mind, and strength? 4. Who do you need to ask for coaching/mentoring? 5. What three life goals you will attain or…
-
A Happy Holiday Season to All
Advent Credo It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss— This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life; It is not true that we must accept inhumanity…
-
I Almost Died Today
I still can’t fully explain nor remember what it’s like to be bundled 100 feet down a street – bizarre. I can recollect (and live) recovery – onerous. The event will always be a marker in my families life – one that is guiding and celebrated. Any day could be our last – make it count…
-
New U.S. Soccer Coach Talks Solidifying Culture
Newly appointed U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach, Gregg Berhalter, spoke about leading in a situation where he does not see his people (players) every day – like leading multi-site churches. And how important culture is. Here is how Gregg plans on doing it: Consistent messaging – “players need reinforcement on what we want to…
-
5 Musts Leading Into 2019
A new calendar year provides an opportunistic and important time to lead splendiferously. The following are three powerful questions to ask yourself, followed by five ways to lead well into 2019. What would make 2019 a successful year? How will 2019 results be different than years prior? What personal rhythms will help you be the…
-
7 Steps to Public Speaking
I had the opportunity to preach at Mountainside Community Church in Reno, NV this past Sunday. Preaching is the art of publicly communicating the heart and truth of God. Afterward, I was asked how I prepare. This is my process to prepare for a sermon, and can be adapted for any public speaking: Listening prayer:…
-
Maximize the Holidays
The holidays bring exceptional opportunity for churches and organizations. 29% more people attend church during the Christmas Season. (LifeWay Research and Covchurch, 2015) 34% of charitable giving is done during the last three months of the year. (Source: USA Today, 2014) Four out of 10 Americans (U.S.A) say that they would attend a church at…
-
Callings Personify Mission
It is rare that I speak with a leader who can clearly define the difference between vision and mission. It is rare that the same leader can then define where the uniqueness’ of their vision and mission are. This is a problem. Not knowing these will thwart success. How many times have you visited a…
-
Self-Awareness Can Help Leaders More Than an MBA Can
Earlier this year, the Harvard Business Review (HBR) published the article, “Self-Awareness Can Help Leaders More Than an MBA Can.” It features a short case story of an executive who turned a company around financially, yet morale waned significantly. He was “crushed.” “How could they (employees) say these things about me? Don’t they understand how far…
-
Millennials Rule
The workforce has changed. Millennials make up the largest group of workers ever in the United States (32% as of 2015; over 66 million). Millennials are people who were born between 1980 and 1995. They are also the second largest workforce to ever exist; second to Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964). Generation X…
-
Expert Design Tip
Dave Milam, Design Strategist, with Visioneering Studios shares design tips. (Recorded: 9/6/18 at Smart Money, Seattle, WA.)
-
3 From 3 XP’s
The following video was recorded at the Smart Money Workshop in Seattle, WA on September 6, 2018.
-
Show Me The Money!
Despite “Jerry” and “Rod’s” memorable scene in Jerry McGuire, there is more to compensation than cash. Before listing additional components of compensation, here are a few benefits of getting compensation correct: Attract next level people Retain people Create a more positive work environment Model gratefulness and generosity Some employers choose to not compensate people correctly.…
-
Don’t Do A Capital Campaign!
Whatever you do, don’t dive into a capital campaign! Begin with the wound, not a band-aid. (Ouch. It hurts when you rip one off, doesn’t it?) There is a better way . . . the way of the Master. Live it. Talk about it. Be it. The Gospel. Be a follower and leader who resembles…
-
Think Virtual to Personal
The days are over when a street sign with a balloon tied to it will attract people. Also are the days over when people first experience your organization in-person. Their first visit is most commonly virtual. Trends reveal that this will only continue to increase. Nearly nine-in-ten Americans today are online, up from about half…
-
Connecting People to Your Organization
People connect to organizations for many more reasons than simply a product and location. Granted, these are large factors, but not the end-all. It is therefore important to consider what else contributes to connecting people long-term, build a system to accomplish this, and take action. Systems are intentional pathways and processes for connecting people. Here are…
-
Burned Out? Running Hard?
Is your rest distractional and mind-numbing? Does your rest truly fill you up? Do you have rhythms of rest?
-
Talking About Money Is Not Rocket Science
My dad made a career of figuring out how to intercept and destroy ballistic nuclear missiles. Some of his stories and the math such a feat demands were and are far beyond my understanding. The great news is, talking about money is not rocket science. Money is taken in and money is given out. Even…
-
Creating a Culture of Generosity
“There is a difference between tithing and generosity.” “It feels good to just be loved-on sometimes (by the church).” How will you create a culture of generosity in your context?
-
Surrender In All Things
Be Ready. Keep the fight. Victory. Sermon excerpt from June 2018. Watch the full sermon at https://vimeo.com/273776551.
-
How to Avoid the Summer GIVING Slump
Three takeaways from MortarStone “Avoid #summergiving slump” webinar are: 1) build a summer communication plan that reaches people whether they attend or not 2) use analytics to pursue people 3) talk NOW about setting up recurring giving Most importantly, are you leading people? Are you setting the model and bar? Are you teaching them at…
-
A Worship Band for you This Summer!
My dear friends from Chile will be in North America this summer sharing incredible music, helping worship teams, and bringing hope! They do this in both English and Spanish! But don’t take my word for it, take Mac Powell’s of Third Day, who contributed to one of their songs! Do you have a date available…
-
Spend the Money
Is a $7 part ruining your ride!? 202,324 miles and this part gave-way in my Chevy 1500. It stopped my truck. What is stopping yours? And I mean much more than a truck. I mean life, family, marriage, health, impact. Spend money. What will it take? Progress equals investment. Seek counsel. Research. Make the move.…
-
4 Habits of People Who Are Always Learning New Skills [HBR]
![4 Habits of People Who Are Always Learning New Skills [HBR]](https://upwardsforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/screen-shot-2018-02-01-at-8-03-10-am.png?w=1024)
The Article from the Harvard Business Review, by Mike Kehoe (JANUARY 31, 2018), is quite insightful and worthy of consideration whether you are a boss, student, or employee. Move upwards. Move forward. [BEGIN ARTICLE] Working in online learning, I’ve found that every year around this time there’s a burst of sign-ups from workers seeking new skills. Perhaps…
-
What Is Your Motivation Wall?
Sometimes we all need a little extra motivation. Typically it’s about money – work harder, longer, and smarter. Or to stay alive – eat healthy, exercise, and take the minimal risk. “Most folks would benefit from these activities but post-TBI they are particularly vital because they engage functions and skills that have been injured,”…
-
Nothing But a Dirty Shovel
We all have gifts and talents. Some . . . even degrees, fame, and stature. They amount to nothing unless we take action and heed the inner-man. Unless favor shines our way. Unless we live in purity of love. All the still . . . how are you stewarding and leveraging yours? Are your feet…
-
Are You A Pilot Or Artist
Champion golfer and commentator, Nick Faldo, made an analogy during the 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open to golfers playing styles as being either pilots or artists. It was an interesting insight into not only golf but leadership and life as well. Pilots depend on numbers, rules, and gauges. Artists depend on feel, sight, and imagination. Staying with…
-
Lapsed Donors Are Talking To You
People that have stopped supporting your organization financially are sending you a message. The quicker you listen to the message the better off those people and your organization will be. Do you know who these people are? Do you have a way to understand what message they’re trying to tell you? Are you ok…
-
Part of Leadership is Following
I came across this practical video reading the blog of Ed Stetzer, researcher, speaker, and catalyst. I think the video get’s it right… part of leading is following well. I know I have some things to work on and reconsider in this regard: in the workplace, at home, with friends, lifestyle, culture, and society. What do…
-
Grit Is The New MBA
If you haven’t yet read the January edition of Fortune Magazine, I highly recommend it for employers and employees. The following are several highlights [Source: Ellen McGirt]: 1. Think of grit less as an antidote to a hard-knock life and more as an ongoing quest to master life complexity—an experience all of us share. When recognition of that complexity shapes hiring, it…
-
David Wise Road to Gold
David Wise is, and has been, the best halfpipe skier in the world . . . ever! A second gold medal at this year’s Olympics solidifies his legend. He is the Shaun White of halfpipe skiing, the Lindsay Vonn, the Bode Miller . . . you get the point. David’s second road to gold was anything but easy –…
-
One Wheel Is Not Enough
A half-screwed light bulb shines no light. A bolt with no nut holds nothing long. A bike locked by one wheel is not safe. This person’s (photo) joy was smashed despite that everything that was needed for another bike ride was present. Here are five essential steps to ensure joy. Take nothing for…
-
Leaning Into Others
Insights from a friend and Executive Pastor, John Klippenstein, at Sparks Christian Fellowship in NV.
-
Strategic Budgeting Matters
It is a common practice to treat finances only to survive. By survive, I mean to focus and address the short-term and urgent only. We often live or manage in this manner due to impulse, emotion, a lack of patience, and blind faith. the average household that’s carrying credit card debt has a balance of $15,654. 1 29%…
-
Raped and Locked-up
Nate lives in your city. His elbows are weeping puss from dragging himself around. His legs are crippled from abuse and neglect. His psyche is battered and confused. His body is weak from malnutrition. Nate has been raped repeatedly and has been locked up in a closet. This is where social services found him. He…
-
XGames+ Halfpipe Master Builder
Frank Wells, Owner Transition Consulting Inc. Part 2: How to Build the Perfect Halfpipe
-
Principle Over Production
The family will never come back to your church. It wasn’t that the coffee or child check-in was poor. It wasn’t because you took an offering or that you spoke clear gospel truth. It wasn’t because you did not have a hip reclaimed pallet wood wall in every room. It was because they were treated…
-
Motorcycle Crash Anniversary
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ~ Lao Tzu Exactly 365 days ago, to this very minute, I was hurling through the air and tumbling on pavement. I do not remember…
-
The Art of Continuous Improvement
Every person and organization I know have the drive to improve. That drive may be personal character or a bank balance. The pursuits and approaches are many. How do you continuously improve? I am always on the outlook for resources and thinking on the topic of continuous improvement. The word continuous is important because a day…
-
Just Say Yes to Help
Nancy Matossian, Slingshot Group Associate shares why saying “yes” is important.
-
Practico Mi Español & Body Language
Mi español es muy terrible. So terrible that I sometimes practice on my dog, Mango. Similar to people, she understands me very little. It’s my physical clues that help her at all, such as patting my leg for her to come. I am practicing Spanish to be able to communicate with others in this country (USA) and…
-
Women in Leadership
I asked these two great leaders about women in leadership and any challenges they’ve faced. Here are a few of their thoughts . . .
-
Touch the Clouds with Crazy Horse
They shot arrows together as young boys through rolling wagon wheels, then at grasshoppers as they lifted above the prairie grass. They grew together as men, warriors, and leaders. Touch the Clouds saved Crazy Horse’s life a time or two and was with his friend when he died. Who are you growing in skill with?…
-
#WorkJoy on the Tarmac
At Slingshot Group we care about joy at work and do all we can to help make it a reality. And we love hearing how others feel about it too!
-
“D” to Passion
How Getting a “D” Helped Me Pursue United Local Missions By Milan Homola, Executive Director & Co-Founder Compassion Connect I really enjoy the study of history. The root of that enjoyment can be traced back to a motivational moment. I was in 7th grade and I was getting a “D” in Mr. Dierson’s history class. Mr.…
-
Creative Organization Organized
How two teammates at Slingshot Group help keep a creative organization organized.
-
Buffet or Amuse-bouche Discipleship
By Jay Stearley Where I live (Reno-Lake Tahoe), buffets are very popular. They are perfect for tourists and locals alike, consuming whatever they desire. One even boasts of having eight live action stations, where you can order pho, charcuterie, or a salad just as you like, right before your eyes. Often times church discipleship strategies are…
-
A New Book for You and My Daughter
By Jay Stearley Becoming a father changes many things. And I wish to be a good one. Part of this means to pass down stories and the good news of Jesus to my daughter. I knew much of this would happen throughout life with her, but what if I die before she ages? Therefore, several…
-
The Great CO:mission
By Dennis McGuire Senior Pastor, Arcata First Baptist Church What is the Great CO-Mission? In simple terms, it is when the Christian and the Church co-partner with God to accomplish the mission of making disciples of all the nations. These nations are made up of various people groups that reflect the mosaic of God’s heart…
-
What Change Takes
By Jay Stearley Months before the Twin Towers fell on 9/9/11 in an act of hatred and evil, I stood on top of one of them. The view and experience were grand! Now new buildings and a memorial fill that landscape, yet lives are still gone and people hurt every day because of that horrific event.…
-
War and Peace
My wife Danielle and I have a rule about not talking about work in our bedroom. But she broke the rule the other night . . . and when I was just about asleep . . . not really, I was streaming the latest surf competition! “Jay,” she exclaimed. “‘Crucial conversations aren’t new! They’re right here in War…
-
CCPC Managment
By Jim Milstead Retired John Deere Executive and Humble Leader There are three things I try to do to help others move forward. My slant here will be more towards the development of people and that requires a fall back to my experience in the secular world. I found over time that there are these three…
-
Kaepernick, Mayweather, and McGregor
I sat heavy-hearted on a flight into Las Vegas, NV this morning. First, because my most treasured mountain range in the world is coming to life in the orange morning sun, and I am unable to climb them right now (my buddies exit the last N. leg of the SHR this week!). Second, because there…
-
Crazy Horse to Worm Succession
By Jay Stearley Most every organization will face the challenge of leadership succession at some point in its history. How succession is managed, and the people transitioning, will result in either disaster or success. And much is always at stake. Every situation and culture are unique, and there are multiple ways to go about succession.…
-
A Story of Vision, Heart, and Leadership
Church Raising Money To Build Playground, by Kolo8 News Now [ http://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Local-church-trying-to-raise-money-for-inner-city-playground-440627773.html ]
-
The Four C’s of Connection
The Four C’s of Connection in Church Planting and Every Collaborative Effort By Nathan “Chivo” Hawkins, Stadia West Regional Executive, @ChivoHawkins Collaboration is a buzz word. Cooperation is all the rage, especially among millennials, it can be fun, it is necessary to get certain things done, especially in the Church Planting world. Rarely is this exciting and…
-
Dominate the Day
I have not purchased an iPhone 7 but I do use Siri a tad. My 5s is still rocking. Anyhow, do you ever feel like this ad? 20+ appointments in a day, going here to there . . . and on and on? Four things mentors have shared with me along the way to help…
-
Wet Underwear and Leadership
They were saturated down to their underwear. The temperature was below freezing. It was midnight near 11,000 feet elevation on the upper headwall of Fitz Roy, and they were “venturing (up) into this waterfall,” said Tommy Caldwell. “The rope was frozen solid, all my cams (safety gear) wouldn’t work anymore (frozen by water), and I…
-
Introducing Upwards Forward
It was mid-December and the first sunny day in weeks. I had been excitedly waiting for a complimentary day to ride my motorcycle to work. The mountains glowed with fresh white snow. The streets were finally dry. The 16 degree Fahrenheit air felt invigorating as it moved past my body. It was absolutely beautiful! And…
-
The Ultimate Guide
Many people guide our lives. My parents showed me how to love. Teachers showed me how to think. Mentors showed me how to put it all together for life. People I have never known have taught me much as well. Take Sun Tzu for instance, the author of the 5th-century Chinese military treatise, The Art of War. …
-
Motorcycle Crash Survived
*&$^!)#_$*$#!*# is about what the crunch sounded like – terrifying! A 4-door sedan slammed into the back of my motorcycle on Dec. 19, 2016; I was doing about 20 mph, the Dodge, approx. 60 mph. My first thought was “Something’s not right!” (deep, eh!). Followed immediately by “Fall well – don’t fight it.” 70 plus feet…
-
Mystical Life
Google’s second listed definition of ‘mystical’ is “inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination.” It is a fitting entry definition to what it’s like living a Spirit-filled life with Jesus. He captivates your heart, reveal’s truth, and moves you in amazing ways. I came across this song this weekend as I wrote and prayed…
-
I Got Deet
For the past three year’s I have been chipping away at the Sierra High Route (SHR) with three of my friends. It is a 195-mile trek through the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range from Kings Canyon National Park to Yosemite National Park and north. 100 miles are off-trail, demanding route finding, boulder scrambles,…
-
Classroom to Worldrooms
Much is currently being written, discussed, and experienced as it relates to the speed of culture change. Along with many of these cultural changes, are changes in the way people interact, learn, and exist. I do not think that the traditional classroom alone will teach us how to be innovative, or even keep up, let…
-
Canoeing The Mountains
In May of 1804, Lewis and Clark set off on what would be an epic adventure for the ages. Their commission was to find a water route from the mighty Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean. Little did they know, they would have to ditch their boats, become mountain men, and learn to lead the party…
-
Growing Life On Purpose
I exited this small bamboo complex that was home to some 15 people. Beside me was Jimmy Seibert of Antioch Church who had just made friends with three teenagers and shared the good news of Jesus with them. I was holding his portion of chilipapas we had helped prepare a moment ago. “Where’s Chris! Where’s…
-
How Do You Play Yourself
Instruments make noise. Played well, they inspire. Played poorly, they can enervate. Two recent inspiring instrument performances were the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets at the NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship game this past Monday night, and “Alive” during Easter gatherings at Grace Church. Powerful! “Alive” proclaimed stirring truths for followers of Jesus such as: “In the midst…
-
My Rock and Roll Years
“Everything in the house is shaking!” my fiancé said. “Not sure it’s loud enough,” she said tongue-in-cheek. Our bass player had just bought a new Ampeg bass amp. And that five string bass guitar – sweet and deep. We were rehearsing for a line-up of shows including Brew Brothers in the El Dorado (Reno, NV).…
-
Celebrated Yet Neglected
The following comes from the Harvard Business Review blog titled, “Learning Is the Most Celebrated Neglected Activity in the Workplace.” “Take your job’s design. Does it leave space for you to process your experiences and draw a few conclusions or imagine alternatives? Do you have access to people who see the world from another perspective—or…
-
God’s Twitter Account
I love to read to the book of Proverbs in the Bible. It is like God’s Twitter feed on wisdom – 140 character or fewer verses of direct and powerful messages for everyday-living. Countless times this book has saved me in different situations and given peace to decisions. It is common practice for many to…
-
7 Observations About Change
I try to love change. Doing so opens the world to new experiences and opportunities. It is not always easy. And there is certainly a progression of emotions, thought and action one has to go through. The following is from an Active Network publication by Eric Soon titled “Return On Ministry”. I find these seven…
Upwards Forward 