Barnabas File

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14, NIV)   We often sing “Jesus loves me, this I know” and “Jesus loves the little children” to our grandchildren.  This is a rudimentary form of Christian nurture planting the core idea that a simple, childlike faith is basic to one’s spiritual formation.  Children are open, eager to learn, and hopefully raised in an environment of trust and love that encourages a healthy faith.  However, as a child grows, the challenge is to build upon that simple, childlike faith.   In our lives, we experience events, people, and circumstances that provide the incentive for growth in our faith.  Although we don’t always seize those opportunities, they are there, nonetheless.  We can only benefit from them if we not only experience them but see them through the eyes of a faith that seeks to grow. ...

Once an Eagle is a novel by Anton Myrer published in 1968 at the height of the Vietnam War. Myrer draws on this own experience as a Marine in the Pacific Theater in World War II, especially in describing combat with the Japanese. It is a popular volume among military leaders and is included on many reading lists for officers and non-commissioned officers in the United States Army as well as the Marine Corps   I find this endorsement fascinating since this lengthy volume (over 1200 pages in print form) comes across to me not so much as an account of dedicated military leadership but as a case against war.   The novel takes place between the 1910s and 1960s and covers many of the United States' military campaigns during that period including World Wars I and II as well as the initial involvement of the US military in Southeast Asia. The protagonist is Sam Damon, career Army officer, from his initial enlistment as a private to his rise to general officer rank. Damon is a ded...

Would you rather be called a manager or a leader?  I would much rather been seen as a leader, but most positions I have filled required management functions as well. At its best, leadership is about vision, inspiration, and change, focusing on why and where an organization should go.  On the other hand, management is about execution, systems, and stability, focusing on how to get there efficiently.  Both require communication, problem-solving, decision-making skills.   Leaders set the direction and motivate people, whereas managers implement the plans and maintain order.   You might look at it in this way: Leadership (Visionary & Strategic) Focus: Big picture, long-term vision, innovation, organizational culture, purpose. Role: Inspires and influences; develops people; champions change. Authority Source: Personal power, ability to motivate and build trust. Mindset: Future-oriented, "What if?".   Man...

In a beautiful and arresting poem, the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  (3:1, NIV) As we enter into a new year, we naturally reflect on the past, the present, and the future.  In this liminal time, we would do well to consider how we can most effectively use our time in the coming days.  Certainly, as the writer states, there is a time for everything but what is the right time?  We can’t do it all at once and, as good stewards of the time, talents, and skills with which God has blessed us, how do we use those resources effectively? In working with coaching clients, I often find myself engaging with them about the best use of their time.  They are usually gifted and motivated individuals who have much to offer, so there are many demands on their time and energy.  People seek them out to accept new responsibilities on a regular basis. How do they make good choice...

Most of us were introduced to Brian McLaren with his fiction trilogy that began with   A New Kind of Christian  that challenged us to a new vision for the Christian faith. His story of a pastor trying to find his way forward despite burnout and doubt struck a chord with many Christians.    Since then, he has become a prodigious writer with books on spirituality, theology, and social action.   McLaren’s latest offering is in the science fiction genre.   The Last Voyage is the first volume in a new trilogy that explores what it means to be human and what would we choose to bring with us or leave behind, if we were to start all over again.   Drawing on his considerable knowledge of theology, literature, philosophy, and natural science (he is talking turtles again), McLaren addresses the hopes, fears, and barriers of establishing a new human civilization on Mars.  His characters are complex, flawed, and emotional.  The conversation...

One of the biggest challenges of training coaches is helping them get over the idea that they are problem solvers.  Summit Coach Training participants usually come from the people development professions—clergy, counselors, consultants, not-for profit leaders.  The are used to people coming to them seeking answers.  These helpers usually feel compelled to give them answers!   The real goal of coaching is working a client to discover and use their skills and experience to solve their own challenges.  The key to good coaching is not the “what” of problem solving but the “who” of the client as problem solver.   Ultimately, coaching seeks to be a transformative process for the client emphasizing not “what” the client does but “who” the client is.  A good coach walks alongside the client as they discover new ways of thinking and engaging based on how they process and act.  A good coach does this in several ways.   Fir...

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. . . . For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2, 6, NIV)   Although the end of one year and the beginning of another may be as simple as turning a calendar page, the symbolic move from one calendar year to another has significant impact on all of us.  At this time of the year, we look back to evaluate where we have been, but we also look forward to where we are going.   Looking back   As we look back, we celebrate victories, give thanks for our blessings, and learn from our failures.  I am thankful for the wonderful times with family this year–shared experiences and just doing life together.  I am grateful for my faith community that provides times of fellowsh...