Greg Stories
A collection of Greg's written stories and teachings
for learning, leadership, and personal growth.
How Do We Handle Relationship Crises?
These moments of relationship upheaval are when the church family's role becomes more crucial than ever. But how do we navigate this delicate terrain as a church? How do we avoid overwhelming people with our assistance? How do we reach out without them feeling like we are intruding in their business? How can we offer just the right amount of care and support without causing them to withdraw from the church community during their time of need?
So, how do we create a safety net that supports without smothering? Let me share what I've developed over my 25 years of pastoral ministry and the culture of care we aim to continue propagating at Newstart.
Rings of Decision-Making
Common frustrations voiced within hierarchical church structures include feeling out of the loop, undervalued, and craving a more participative approach. Discover how embracing a fractal structure can transform your church into a more agile, inclusive, and effective body of Christ.
I Cannot Believe He Bit Me!
It was as if a bolt of lightning had hit my right hand; sharp pain shot through my nerves to the tips of my toes and the crown of my head simultaneously. I felt the intense intrusion of his canine teeth puncturing through my palm and thumb, plunging through like nails into softwood. Through the pain, I mustered the focus to utter a single command, "Hagler, Aut." The obedient soul he was, he let go instantaneously.
Building Mental Fortitude by Overcoming Small Fears for Fun
This was only one of four spots in the six-hour climb where I had to battle back fear to make the next move. It began with having to down-climb 4 feet to the traverse route. Down-climbing is the most difficult for me because I can't see footholds, and moving my body weight down the rock face makes it harder to stop my body's momentum.
Known Leadership Lessons Mountaineering
The mountains are a powerful reminder of our insignificance in the face of nature. We leaders can learn from this humbling experience by recognizing our stumbles and allowing humility and self-awareness to drive us toward authenticity and growth.