Arts Blog : Thoughts, Life in Ministry

Checking In

Pam Howell — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:31:00 GMT

I'm still thinking about the message this weekend ... because I was producing the services this weekend I heard the message 3 times. The phrase I am still wrestling with is "Let's be real clear, we are doing this for Christ." I think...(read more)

Soil Testing

Pam Howell — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:39:00 GMT

I have a very limited background in agriculture. My grandfather had a glorious backyard garden but my contribution was primarily eating the fruits and vegetables. However, as I have grown older and attempted a garden myself I have learned the significance...(read more)

Get Ready

Pam Howell — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:26:00 GMT

There is a lot to get ready for the weekend's service - charts to write, rehearsals to lead, lights to aim ... it can be easy to pay attention to tasks; people will notice if the end product is incomplete or less then excellent. So, sometimes we compromise...(read more)

Our Work

Pam Howell — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:49:00 GMT

I've talked to a number of leaders this week. It's been a rough 7 days. It has been hard pulling services together. There have been difficult conversations. And some have had to lay off some gifted artists because of our current economic realities...(read more)

Time to Fight!

Tony Kim — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:05:00 GMT

Senior Creative Designer Paul Bennett of IDEO (innovative design studio) once said a great nugget of wisdom about creative leadership decision making: "Fight the battles BIG enough to matter; SMALL enough to win". This simple concept is a common...(read more)

Don't Be a Dummy...

Tony Kim — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:36:00 GMT

For over 15 years, the “For Dummies” book series has over 150 million books in print with over 1,400 titles. 1,400 titles! The success of these reference books is unparalleled and has one of the most recognizable brands out there. Why is that? Is it because...(read more)

Empty?

Pam Howell — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:18:00 GMT

Real training for service asks for a hard & often painful process of self-emptying. The main problem of service is to be the way without being ‘in the way.' And if there are tools, techniques & skills to be learned they are primarily to plow...(read more)