Ephesians 4

A Tribute to Frank

2023-10-21T19:52:45-05:00November 9th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Early in my ministry, I sat next to Frank at a generosity event. We were asked to pretend that we had just been given $100,000, and to make a list of charities and the amounts we would support.  After looking at my list, Frank noted, “Rick, you didn’t list the ministry you lead.” Frank continued, “Could it be that you ...

Called to Work

2023-07-28T12:10:09-05:00August 17th, 2023|Tags: , , |

A study reported in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion found four important ways in which those interviewed feel “called to work:”  As an opportunity to use gifts and opportunities provided by God;  As a chance to share or model one’s faith;  Through producing goods or services that benefit society, and  As a means to a higher calling ...

Shepherding Wild Horses

2023-07-10T09:28:11-05:00July 31st, 2023|Tags: , , |

My friend, Kent Humphries, who is now with the Lord, wrote a book called Shepherding Horses. Kent wrote this book for pastors to help them equip their highly driven entrepreneurs and business leaders, who are more like wild horses than sheep.  These kinds of leaders may be much harder to manage. But when equipped properly for ministering to others, their ...

Anger and Family Business

2023-05-08T14:04:28-05:00May 30th, 2023|Tags: , , |

A CEO I worked for early in my career became furious with one of his family members. Rather than working through the anger, this CEO fired his relative without processing the ramifications.   He may have had good reason for his anger, but his approach had a lasting impact on his family. Their family was splintered and estranged for many years.  ...

A Poor Start

2023-04-30T10:04:22-05:00May 18th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Many years ago, I served on a board that welcomed Carl to his first meeting as a new board member. Rob, an existing board member, started joking and jabbing some sharp comments at Carl, even though they had never met before.  Although that was not uncommon for Rob, his banter was rarely that harsh. The meeting ended with awkward feelings ...

Becoming an Unconventional LEADER: Part III

2023-03-25T13:36:51-05:00April 25th, 2023|Tags: , , |

In the workplace, conflict is inevitable. I’ve worked in places where leaders raged at others to handle conflict, while others became passive aggressive, never really sharing their feelings truthfully.   But I’ve also experienced leaders who have handled conflict well. It usually begins with their mindset and humble heart.   These talented leaders begin with the desire to value, appreciate, and respect ...

The Isaiah Jarvis Impact

2023-03-13T22:15:59-05:00September 6th, 2022|Tags: , , |

Sean Kouplen owns multiple businesses, including a $1 billion bank. He also coaches the top little league team in Oklahoma.   Before they went into the regional Little League playoffs, Sean encouraged his team, to love others and be kind to the other teams.  Sean’s player, Isaiah Jarvis, shocked the world when after being hit in the head with a ...

Five Steps to Fruitful Networking: Part V

2022-04-04T15:14:48-05:00April 29th, 2022|Tags: , , |

In this series, we’re talking about five steps to fruitful networking. The final step is Meeting the Needs of Others.  As you meet with people, recognize that everyone has needs. This requires seeking to understand your new friends and then, listening carefully for their biggest concerns.   My bride, Kathy, can quickly uncover a new friend’s deepest wound or recent concern. ...

Distance Creates Distrust

2022-04-01T22:27:57-05:00April 8th, 2022|Tags: , , |

Speaker and author, Nicole Unice, shared with our Des Moines audience recently an incredible insight for those immersed in a workplace conflict. Nicole informed us that distance creates distrust.   I don’t know about you, but when I’m having a conflict with someone that I’m struggling to resolve, I tend to avoid them for a while. If I must work with ...

A Catalyst

2022-02-19T12:03:46-06:00November 22nd, 2021|Tags: , , |

Although Brian has run his business for decades, he recently felt God leading him to research water wells. His research uncovered that water wells in poor villages can have an amazing impact on entire communities. Through his business, Brian began a marketing program which has raised enough money to build multiple water wells in third world countries. Brian shared with ...

Title

Go to Top