Next Speaking Engagement

This Sunday, I'll be representing the Springfield Pregnancy Care Center at the Victory Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri. We will also have a display with plenty of information about the PCC.

Great Leaders Think Through Challenges

I'll be honest with you about something. I'm pretty good under last minute pressure. If something happens at that last minute, I have proven to be good at making pressure decisions. But, I wouldn't recommend it.

Sure, there are situations that arise where you cannot control the circumstances. You can only control your response. And, when they come fast and furious, you have to be able to make decisions without all the information you normally would.

But, a great leader doesn't often find themselves in such a position. They will typically take the time to think through their decisions. They will consult with others in their company or organization. They will gather all the information they possibly can before pulling the trigger. They are patient.

Product Review: Kindle Fire

Rating: 9 out of 10

A month ago, I went out an bought the Kindle Fire. I had been debating between the older, e-ink Kindle or saving up for a tablet computer, such as the iPad. I wanted something I could easily read books on, which favors the Kindle, but also wanted something versatile enough to run some of the apps I really like, which favors the iPad.

Then, Amazon announced the Kindle Fire, which retails for $199. This intrigued me, as it apparently did many other people who couldn't afford the $500-$800 price tag for a true tablet computer. After much consideration, and just enough Christmas gift money to cover the cost, I jumped for the Fire.

Is Online Church Really Church

As technology continued to make great strides over the past decade, it was only inevitable that churches would move some of their resources to the Internet.

The Internet provides relatively low overhead and can provide access to information on a worldwide basis. It makes sense that churches would start to put their church services online for the world to see. It's a great medium to spread the word.

Over the past couple of years, a new development has popped up involving the church and the Internet. It's online church. Lifechurch.tv is probably the best example of online church done the right way. They have scheduled times during the week that they repeat the weekend services. Those services are complete with worship music and the message.

Building a Great Customer Experience

Have you ever gone to a restaurant and experienced bad customer service? I would dare say that most of us have.

At one time, I lived in a town that had a reputation for poor customer service. There is a fast-food restaurant near where I live today that is notorious for messing up your order.

Poor customer service is likely the top reason customers either stop frequenting a business. Consistently bad service will eventually develop into a word-of-mouth reputation, leading potential business to never enter the doors. And, businesses with a reputation for bad service will soon be shuttering their doors.

Can You Praise Too Much? - Blog Redirect

Dr. Kevin Leman has a great post on the consequences of praising our children (and people) for everything. He says that today's mentality where everyone gets a trophy has created a "society where kids view reward as their right."

But, we still need to encourage our kids and those around us. Check out Dr. Leman's full comments here.

Early Review: New Look Poet Voices

The Poet Voices, dominant on the southern gospel scene in the '90s and much of the last decade before disbanding, are back. Group founder, Phil Cross, has brought back his trio with a couple of fresh faces. Take a look at their new take on the old PV song "Grace and Glory."



The Future of Church Planting

Until the past decade, the only way to expand the ministry of a church was either 1) the pastor would speak live at each campus, staggering the days and times to make it happen, or 2) the church would commission new pastors to go out an plant new churches with their on separate identities.

Today, those are still viable and useful options. However, a new trend may eventually put those techniques of church planting to rest. Video campuses have started to spring up across the country as a way for a church to expand it's arm of influence from one central location to many regional outlets.

From a businessman or consumer's perspective, it's the equivalent of a successful restaurant adding several locations in your metro area. The result is that you can find a location relatively close to where you live and work.

Becoming Reliable

Being undependable is equal to being untrustworthy. I think we can all agree that neither is a good thing.

When a person, especially a leader, can no longer be relied on for important tasks within his or her organization, a breeding ground for frustration, dissension and chaos is created. No one wants to reach a point in their leadership where their followers (be it volunteers, employees, etc.) become disgruntled because of the leader's lack of follow-through.

If you find yourself to be a leader lacking in dependability, here are three suggestions to get you on track.

Music Review: Dixie Melody Boys - The Call Is Still the Same

Rating: 8 out of 10

I'll admit that when I first heard that the Dixie Melody Boys were producing a 50th anniversary project, I wasn't overly excited. Over the past few years, DMB has gone rather cheap on their recordings, and it really showed.

But, for the 2011 release "The Call is Still the Same," Ed O'Neal has hit a home run. To commemorate the 50th year for The Dixie Melody Boys, O'Neal called in some favors from past group members, Ernie Haase, Devin McGlammery, Allen O'Neal, Harold Reid, McCray Dove, Kent Humphrey and Rodney Griffin. He even managed a duet with Ben Speer, and brought in Jason Crabb.

DMB has been a launching pad to many of southern gospel's great singers and musicians. The fact that this album goes down memory lane with a few of them makes it even sweeter.

Vocally, this album quite good, except maybe the last track where both Ed and Ben Speer team up on "I've Got Family There." But, those aged vocals can be forgiven in exchange for that friendly duo's combo effort.

The guest vocals added to the album are a smash hit, and very well produced. And, on the six tunes performed by the existing quartet, you get to hear this group at its best, and reminescent of their glory days.

Musically, Ed definately went all out. Production and music is great throughout the album.

All of this helped to make this album an easy selection for last year's album of the year at KWFC.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sanctity of Human Life: Pregnancy Care Center

You may not realize it, but January is Sanctity of Human Life month. Spurred by the U.S. Supreme Court's January 22, 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, pro-lifers in America sought out a way to bring attention to their cause.

Over the past couple of decades, another movement has arisen. Crisis Pregnancy Centers and Pregnancy Care Centers have sprung up to combat the abortion mills that have been established across the nation.

In the Ozarks, the Springfield Pregnancy Care Center was born in 2000. Since that time, the PCC has grown from a small store front into a three story medical office. Services have gone from basic pregnancy care to full medical care and counselling for expectant moms and dads.

In more recent years, the PCC has grown their outreach to include abstinence education in area schools, parenting and relationship mentoring, and most recently, an international outreach to China.

This month, I encourage you to get involved with your local or regional pregnancy care center. Volunteer and give for the cause of life.

Check out the Springfield PCC for more information.

Being Dependable

Have you ever ran into a situation where you had to depend on someone to get a job done, but they let you down? I'd venture to say the answer is a resounding "yes."

Truth be told, we've all been let down. In fact, there have been times where we have been THE let down. Dependability is very important, especially when your job affects those who rely on you to complete it properly and on time.

A few lapses in dependability can be forgiven here and there. However, the consistently un-dependable person only tightens the noose around their pink slip. This becomes more evident and problematic the higher you are on the corporate food chain.

From a leadership perspective, one of the most important things you can do is to realize that those under your leadership are dependent upon you. They cannot fully complete their job if you are not reliable to do yours.

Whether its scheduling meetings, completing your part of a project, holding to goals and time frames, the failure to remain dependable will cost you in the end. When the people who follow you lose faith in your ability to be dependable, they will begin to bypass you when they can. And, when they cannot get around you, they will become increasingly frustrated with you and your leadership.

Eventually, you will lose your leadership influence with them, as well as their trust.

What are some ways you can easily improve your dependability? Next week, I will share a couple of thoughts. In the meantime, I'd love to hear what you think.

What is a Media Thursday

On Tuesday, I briefly touched on what will be happening with this blog in the future. Each day, Tuesday through Thursday, will have it's own theme based off of the experience I have to share.

Thursdays are dedicated to media issues. This will be my 18th year in radio broadcasting and my 7th as a Program Director. My background includes southern gospel and country music. I also spent nine years as an award winning news reporter, three of those as a News Director.

I mention my background to show that I will be touching on a rather wide range of topics in the media world. Many times, I will use this space for a review of different media, be it music, media devices, media applications, etc.

On that note, I would be happy to review any type of media. If you would like something to be reviewed, leave a comment and I will get in touch with you. I will give it an honest, critical review on this site. Please note that an honest, critical review can sometimes be brutal (see Simon Cowell). It will include the good, the bad and things that need to be improved.

In the coming weeks, I will review the 50th Anniversary album from the Dixie Melody Boys, Amazon's Kindle Fire, and a concert with the group Downhere.

Again, if you have media that you would like reviewed, leave a comment to this post, and I'll make contact with you.

Political Season Reminders

Last night, Mitt Romney barely survived Rick Santorum in the Iowa caucuses. For the rest of the week, supporters of the other GOP candidates will be biting their nails while awaiting word on whether the man or woman they support will stay in the race or drop out.

So much hope wrapped up in individuals who ultimately will fail. The eventual winner will be looked to for the salvation of the country.

Why so much hope placed in people who will at some point disappoint?

One of the things the political season reminds us is that, as a nation, we have stopped relying on God to meet our needs. We now trust in a candidate or a congress or even a bureaucracy of red tape.
We pray that our government support check arrives rather than that God will provide.
We have made idols out of candidates (most of whom will lose), and a governmental system that has a track record filled with failure.

During this year's political season, let us not look to the things that will disappoint and fade away. Nations will fall away, even the United States.

In the end, only two things will remain: Jesus and His church. Look to these for hope and change.
Start today by reading your Bible to discover the plan God has for you. You can get a free Bible for your mobile device or browse their website at youversion.com.

What are you putting your hope in this year?

Changing Focus

In an effort to bring back active blogging to this site, I am changing my focus a little bit.

Instead of writing in the series style, I am moving to a format that I have seen other bloggers employ. Certain days of the week will carry a different theme.

This change should allow for better organization of the blog, and better focus. Plus, if I have a lot to say about a particular subject, I can stretched the series out over a few weeks instead of packing it all into one week.

Yes, this means waiting longer to get my full perspective, but it also means I don't go to the writing well too many times, effective drying up the available topics.

By taking this new approach, I give structure to the blogging. In the past, I might go several weeks focused on one area, and not give other interests the spotlight.

So, here's the new plan. My experiences, career and interests will guide content. That content will focus on leadership, ministry and media.

Leadership
I have been a student of leadership for nearly two decades. I have enjoyed learning how to lead, and implementing what I have learned.

I love to lead people. I love teaching young leaders. And, I hope to share some insights each Tuesday.

Ministry
For a believer in Jesus Christ, nothing is more important than loving God and loving each other. Serving Christ means that we do our part to increase His kingdom.

On Wednesday, I will explore different thoughts about ministry, biblical truth and application.

Media
My day job is as program director of KWFC radio in Springfield, Missouri. My experience will provide a unique insight for artists, listeners and broadcasting folks.

Each Thursday, look for posts on anything from reviews to music production to general media issues.

Other
That, of course, leaves the other four days to address random topics. Don't expect regular posts on these days. I do have to live a life.

But, I do need a place to share about my family and odds & ends.