Posts by Bold Leading
From Vision to Velocity: How to Turn Strategy into Action
Turning your Ministry Playbook into measurable goals that build momentum. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”— James 1:22 “A clear playbook without follow-through is just a binder full of good intentions.” Many ministries stop at vision, but lasting impact comes when we turn clarity into consistent action—one…
Read MoreFilters of Faith: How to Make Hard Decisions Without Losing Your Mission
A “Ministry Playbook” gives you clarity. ”Filters of Faith” protects it. Here’s how one outreach ministry found peace and focus when urgency threatened to pull them off course. “Whoever believes will not be in haste.”— Isaiah 28:16 (ESV) A nonprofit organization was offered a building and one week to decide if they wanted it. The opportunity…
Read MoreThe Ministry Playbook: Why Every Executive Director Needs One
Clarity in ministry creates space for prayer, consistency, healthy rhythms, and trust. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”— 1 Corinthians 14:33 When I got my twentieth email from a well-meaning stakeholder telling me what to do and how to get it done, I realized something had to change. Everyone had an opinion—board…
Read MoreWhy Consistent Fundraising Training Builds Stronger Teams (and Better Results)
When your team learns together, fundraising becomes less stressful, more joyful, and far more effective. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace”— 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV) In community work, heart comes first—but consistency keeps the mission strong. Many organizations have staff and volunteers with deep compassion and diverse skills, yet they…
Read MoreFundraising Isn’t Begging. It’s Belonging.
Extend the invitation with joy! “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.”— Ephesians 1:13 (NIV) Fundraising isn’t begging. It’s inviting. When we invite people to give, we’re not…
Read MoreUnlocking God-Sized Dreams: Our Blended Approach to Leadership
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) When I first became an executive director, I knew two things for sure: I loved the people we served, and I was in way…
Read MoreDon’t Miss the End-of-the-Year Appeal
Giving always blesses the giver—but at the end of the year, that blessing is often compounded. “…The Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” — Acts 20:35 (NIV) Don’t Miss the End-of-Year Appeal Executive Directors, let me encourage you—don’t miss your end-of-year appeal. Every ministry leader knows the calendar…
Read MoreBranding as Ministry: Why Your Message Shapes Discipleship
Branding isn’t about logos or slogans—it’s about the consistent story your ministry tells. “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” — Colossians 1:8 (ASV) When I was in my thirties, serving as CEO at…
Read MoreIs Getting Better Fool’s Gold?
How do you define “better” as a leader, when better is the continual battle cry? “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6 For three decades, I’ve been chasing one word: Better. Better results. Better work habits. Better organizations. Better teams. But here’s the truth—it often feels like fool’s gold. One year…
Read MoreWhen Enough Feels Like Enough: A Word for the Worn-Out Leader
A personal letter to executive directors, ministry leaders, and nonprofit founders who are tired, discouraged, and wondering if it’s time to walk away. In 1997, I moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota—just after the waters of the city’s historical Red River flood had receded. What stuck with me wasn’t merely the devastation from waters that…
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