How to Get More Out of Your Parents

Most kids spend most of their time trying to squeeze as much out of their parents as possible. Especially teenagers. But did you know that God has a plan for them to get much, much more blessing from their parents than they ever imagined possible? It’s true!!

So if you have kids, share this blog post with them. Tell ’em – it’ll work every time!

Shining a Light on Child Sexual Abuse

Within hours of putting our Quick Poll in the field, the Federal Government announced a wide reaching independent Royal Commission into child sexual abuse in all institutions, not just the Catholic Church. So – what were our poll results? And what does the church’s response say about … the church?

How To Be a Hero

It’s not every day that you get to meet one of your heroes in life, but these last couple of days in Nairobi, I’ve been spending my time with one of the great heroes in my life. And the chances are very much that unless you’ve heard me mention his name, you won’t know him.

In fact to most people he’s a complete unknown. So spend a few minutes reading his story, because I believe that each one of us – unknowns though we may be – has the capacity to be … a hero!

Here’s My Crazy Ridiculous Dream – What’s Yours?

Have you ever had a crazy ridiculous dream? So way out? So weird? On the one hand in your heart of hearts you believe it’s from God. On the other, it’s so … out there … that you’re afraid to tell anyone, in case they think you’re smoking dope.

Well – here’s mine. I’d love to hear yours …

Rediscovering the Lost Art of Listening

Friends, Romans, countrymen … lend me your ears.

That was Mark Anthony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar – calling the people to listen to him after the assassination of big Juli.

Hmm. I wonder how he’d get on today. Because listening these days, is something of a lost art. We’re all so busy. There are so many voices shouting at us. So mostly, we just tune out.

And yet listening is at the very least, one half of the equation in engaging in genuine communication. So if no one’s listening, well …we have something of a problem. Do ya think?!

A Friend In Need is a Friend Indeed

Well, this blog post comes from the Christian Media Australia annual conference on the Gold Coast Queensland. It’s a time when many of those who serve the Lord in the media come together to learn, to “network” and to grow.

That’s great. But the thing that’s really struck me afresh this year, is that the greatest thing for me at these conferences is catching up with old friends. People I’ve worked with “in the trenches” over the years.

Doesn’t sound very “missional” does it? Until you realise that the Bible has a lot to say about … friends.

The Top 3 Reasons Why Brilliant Ideas Fail

Have you ever had a brilliant idea that just flopped? Oh good – it’s not just me then!
So … welcome to the club.

Okay – why do our “brilliant ideas” fail sometimes?

Well here are the top 3 reasons and what you can do about them …

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The Art of Influence – The Role of Trust

One of the rudest shocks I’ve ever experienced in my life is the transition from life in the military, back to “civvy street”. Things were pretty simply in the Army – everybody had a rank, you knew where you stood and that was it. By and large the system worked pretty well although it was a culture we took for granted.