It's both not either, or

It’s Both

Nathan SmithChristian Maturity, Perspective

I often have the privilege of traveling to different places to serve and minister. Every environment is different, as are the people. One of the things I often consider while interacting with each different group of people was how easy it can be to settle into one way of thinking and completely dismiss a group of people in the ‘other camp’.  …

Leading Volunteers You To Be Misunderstood

To Lead Is To Be Misunderstood

Nathan SmithLeadership, Relationships

There are few things more frustrating and more challenging than being misunderstood. No matter how hard you work to communicate your intentions or explain your actions someone is going to misinterpret your motive and judge your decision. Though this is a universal truth, it is never more true than when you assume a leadership role. It could be as a …

confrontation

Careful, Courageous Confrontation

Nathan SmithLeadership, Life Skills, Relationships

‘Something has got to happen. I can’t keep doing this.’  Have you ever said this before?  We all have.  Whether it’s a conflict at work or a conversation that needs to be had with a relative, all of us have found ourselves at a point of decision.  Unfortunately, all too often that is where it ends.  We vent, share our …

drowning in our own judgment

Drowning In Our Own Judgment

Nathan SmithChristian Maturity, Life Skills

“She’s so full of herself.” “All they think about is money.” “He’s just saying sorry so he doesn’t look bad.”  For all the technological breakthroughs we’ve witnessed in the last 20 years, perhaps the thing the human race has advanced in the most is judgment!  With the rise in faceless communication, social media, and endless op-eds, people have become more …

questions

Why I Want More Doubting Thomases

Nathan SmithChristian Maturity, Perspective

The Apostle Thomas has been labeled for centuries as a ‘doubter’.  As a matter of fact, Thomas’s doubts have become so ubiquitous that even people who have no interest in the Bible or Christianity will use the phrase ‘doubting Thomas’ to label anyone who doesn’t believe in a certain cause or statement.  But why have people given Thomas such a …