Category Archives: Leadership
Tortorella/Laviolette: Lessons in Great Coaching
Because I am in the process of moving, I have been in a motel this past week. Last night while channel surfing I came across the HBO special “Rangers and Flyers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic,” a documentary which … Continue reading
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People Are Just That… People.
I am home sick today and thought I would take some time to reflect on the past couple of weeks and months. While 2011 has been a great year in some aspects, there have also been some great learning lessons … Continue reading
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The Secrets of Jesus
Today, I read a chapter from Max Lucado’s book Cast of Characters entitled “The Sparkle From Eternity.” This writing by Max Lucado spoke to me. I came away with a sense of wonder in the very idea that Jesus was … Continue reading
Filed under Faith, JP's Thoughts, Leadership
Lessons from Chef Gordon Ramsay
After watching a marathon of “Kitchen Nightmares” with some great friends tonight, I want to state that in my personal opinion, Gordon Ramsay is a leadership rock star. While I do not personally condone his approaches to everything (as if … Continue reading
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Parker J. Palmer: 4 Great Questions for Teachers/Leaders
Because of my ADD tendencies, I read about 3 to 4 books at the same time. Right now, one of the books I am reading is Courage To Teach by Parker J. Palmer, noted author, activist and an educator for more … Continue reading
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Evaluating a Week of Great Lessons In Ministry
What. A. Week. Have you ever had a week where you barely reach Saturday alive? Possibly, you barely reach Friday alive! A week where you feel like a battered car that reaches the gas station just as it getting ready … Continue reading
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Bill Gaither: A Lesson In Achieving Greatness Through Investing In Others
It has only been in recent years that my love for a greater variety of music has come through. For most of my growing up years I listened to the sounds of Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patty, Steve Green, Russ Taff, … Continue reading
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Wynton Marsalis: Superstar, Teamplayer
I just watched an incredible 60 Minutes segment on the music of jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. While his talent speaks for itself – winner of 9 Grammy Awards (being the only artist ever to win five years consecutively AND the … Continue reading
Filed under JP's Thoughts, Leadership, Simply Jason
Contribution Over Achievement
I love reading the writings of Jim Collins. Jim Collins is a former Stanford University professor who has evolved into an author, business consultant and one of the most insightful leadership gurus of our time. In addition, Jim Collins gives … Continue reading
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Our Motivation For Ministry
I am finally getting it… I cannot believe I am finally getting it. After spending nearly my entire life growing up in the church, several years “leading worship” in the churches and three years in vocational ministry, I am finally … Continue reading
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The Cart Before the Horse
“Slow down, son. Don’t put your cart before the horse.” If I had a nickel for every time I was told this, I would literally be a millionaire today. I remember my Dad reminding me that everywhere we went, even … Continue reading
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Lesson of Pride and the Church
My ambitions have failed me yet again… These past few weeks I have fallen into the trap of seeing the Church as a way to “push my own agenda” or “further my career.” At times I find myself getting impatient … Continue reading
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John Piper: The Beauty of Transparency
I am ashamed that I have failed to blog for twenty days or so, especially when there is so much I have to write about. However, there is no time like the present and no better subject to write about… … Continue reading
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Bloom Where You Are Planted, Part II: The Blessing May Be Yours
Last night during the worship team rehearsal for the Hispanic Ministry at Shadow Mountain Community Church, I came away feeling incredibly blessed. We had a great turnout and I am beginning to see the growth spiritually, musically and numerically. Even … Continue reading
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Must A Pastor Only Have A Biblical Worldview?
Well to simply answer the question up front: Yes. I know this is the standard and expected answer, but it is not an answer I have come to easily. In my education at UCLA, I am gaining a very broad … Continue reading
Filed under Faith, JP's Thoughts, Leadership, Seminary
The Importance of Understanding Our Limitations
As I am growing in my appreciation for blogging, I am trying to expand my reach into “blog world” by exploring other blogs out in cyberspace; especially the more successful and recognized blogs. In my search today, I came across … Continue reading
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Leadership According to Rustow
One of the great things about attending UCLA is learning to appreciate “being” versus “doing.” By this I mean, there is a greater emphasis placed on understanding the “why’s” and not the “how’s.” In my study of history, our professors … Continue reading
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A Life and Ministry of No Regrets…
This past week was winter quarter finals week at UCLA. I love this week on campus because there is a different “vibe” from other times in the quarter where life is simply “business as usual.” While students are typically more … Continue reading
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Bloom Where You’re Planted
I’ve had an incredible life. I always tell people if I had to die today, while it would not be my first choice, I would be able to go with a smile on my face. I have literally “done it all.” … Continue reading
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Phil Cooke and 10 Great Commandments
I love reading Phil Cooke’s blog. Phile Cooke – for those who may not know – is a Christian media guru who has a great website that deals directly with Christian media. However, Phil not only has a great website … Continue reading
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Chuck Swindoll: The Necessity of Obscurity
When one is ambitious, it is not easy being the “low man on the totem pole.” When a person is excited about the call God has placed on their life, it is hard to sit still and remain quiet. When … Continue reading
Filed under Leadership, Seminary
Pastors, Be Bold! Confront Courageously!
The other day I had lunch with my good friend Pastor Ben Harris, the Men’s Pastor at the church where I serve. As great friends we always enjoy getting together and sharing what God is doing in our lives and … Continue reading
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Undercover Boss: Cheesy Show, Great Hook
Did you see the episode of “Undercover Boss” this past Sunday night after the Super Bowl? All I can say is “Wow! What a great show!” Sure it was a little cheesy at times and sure not much is really … Continue reading
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Warren Bennis’s Four Ingredients In The Recipe of TRUST
A couple of weeks ago I blogged about my reading of Warren Bennis’s classic book “On Becoming A Leader.” The thesis of the post was the importance of “being” before “leading.” A person must know who they are fully before they … Continue reading
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For Heaven’s Sake Church, Be Original!!
I read a comment on a blog today where a person described a church he had just visited as being a “typical” church – same goofy music, same cheesy people, same “inspiring” message. I became a little passionate on reading … Continue reading
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Jason C. Prater
