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Summer calls

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While it is easy and common to think of summer as time off it can be dangerous. We all need down time, a break and time to re-charge. But we need to be careful to not miss opportunities. Summer can be a great time for reflection and refocusing. Summer can be a great time for new starts and directional shifts. Let’s connect and explore the possibility of this summer is as a time of opportunity. Currently I am scheduling June and July meetings (primarily in the Seattle /Bellingham area of anywhere via phone/skype).

 

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Next stop: New Beginnings

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May 18-22 I’ll be at New Beginnings training https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/theology-formation-and-evangelism/vital-congregations/church-transformation/) in Indianapolis. No organization looks forward to tough times or institutional crises but it is great to know there is help when the unwanted happens. After the training I hope to be better able to help congregations in times of significant need.

rules about rules

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from a recent report I prepped for a client:

  • Ensure that all systems (policies, practices, structures, rules, traditions and habits) exist to serve people, as opposed to people serving systems. All systems should flow from and compliment the organizational purpose, mission, visions, values and goals. All systems need to be proactive, purposeful, nimble and easy to understand and apply. Avoid reactive systems that exist to correct a single situation, respond to a difficult person or are no longer organizationally relevant. 

Time for change

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Spring is a great time for new starts. Many wait for this season as a time of change and opportunity. It may be the perfectopportunity to make personal changes. As a life coach I an help you with life clarification, goal setting and transitions. Don’t get stuck thinking about change, get busy making things happen. And, I’d like to help. Let’s connect and take those first steps soon. https://jimschmotzer.com/services/life-coaching

Another great Jubileee in Pittsburgh

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I am at Seatac waiting for the shuttle to Bellingham after a few great days in Pittsburgh. I was at the annual Jubilee Conference http://www.jubileeconference.com/ for college students sponsored by the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). I was there supporting the staff of Experience Mission (EM) http://experiencemission.org/ in building ministry networks and relationships. It was great to reconnect with people who I met during the years I was in campus ministry. A highlight was time with Scott Erickson  http://scottericksonart.com/, a former INN student and intern. Connections, conversations, snow and some fun with friends old and new…a great weekend.

Another great week in Knoxville

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I’m in Seattle almost home after another great week in Knoxville with Crossings http://crossings.forgeknoxville.com/. It is an honor to work with the staff and leadership team. It is also plus to spend time with Crossings Senior Pastor and my great friend Mark Nelson and his family.

Here are Mark’s words related to working with me:

I have been in professional ministry for over 25 years in various forms (youth ministry, campus ministry, church planting). In all that time I have never had anyone ever come close to the influence and impact Jim has had on me both professionally and personally in the 14 plus years since I met him. His knowledge and understanding of leadership development, of culture (both the faith culture and secular culture), churches and para-church organizations and the mentoring and coaching he has provided to me in those areas has proved to be invaluable.

I have been in professional ministry for over 25 years in various forms (youth ministry, campus ministry, church planting). In all that time I have never had anyone ever come close to the influence and impact Jim has had on me both professionally and personally in the 12 plus years since I met him. His knowledge and understanding of leadership development, of culture (both the faith culture and secular culture), churches and para-church organizations and the mentoring and coaching he has provided to me in those areas has proved to be invaluable.

     Mark Nelson, Senior Pastor, Crossings Church, Knoxville TN

– See more at: https://jimschmotzer.com/testimonials#sthash.KPwtfQzQ.dpuf

I have been in professional ministry for over 25 years in various forms (youth ministry, campus ministry, church planting). In all that time I have never had anyone ever come close to the influence and impact Jim has had on me both professionally and personally in the 12 plus years since I met him. His knowledge and understanding of leadership development, of culture (both the faith culture and secular culture), churches and para-church organizations and the mentoring and coaching he has provided to me in those areas has proved to be invaluable.

     Mark Nelson, Senior Pastor, Crossings Church, Knoxville TN

– See more at: https://jimschmotzer.com/testimonials#sthash.KPwtfQzQ.dpuf

Clearing finished…

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Another Clearing (staff retreat) with the Crossings team in the books. Always a great time with great people. We have developed a relationship that is unique, more than professional, more than friends, tough to frame it in words. We become all the best of family, team and community in sharing our lives together for the benefit of us all. It is a gift to have this be a part of my work better yet a part of my life.

the Clearing at the Clearing with Crossings

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Let’s see if I can clarify all of that.

Sunday through Tuesday I’ll be with the staff of Crossings Knoxville  http://crossings.forgeknoxville.com/ for their annual January retreat, called the Clearing, at the Clearing http://www.clearingonthelake.com/, a beautiful retreat setting on Norris Lake, Maynardville, Tennessee. This will be my third annual opportunity to join the team in a time of reflection, team building and looking ahead.  As staff teams are strengthened entire organizations benefit.

Here are comments from Kim Day related to a past Clearing: So grateful to have had Jim on our staff retreat this week. Jim helped us through a lot of big decisions that without his outside set of eyes, would have been much more difficult. Jim shared lots of good laughs and stories with us, while challenging us to really evaluate everything we do. I can’t wait to have Jim back with us again!

Please contact me to explore staff retreat opportunities for your team.