DruGroup

DruGroup by David Drury covers personal reflections, church leadership, social justice, personal growth, faith, and relationships. It emphasizes community, mission work, and effective governance, while addressing issues like failure, pastoral behavior, and organizational health.

Personal Growth Church Leadership Social Justice Faith and Missionary Work Relationships Organizational Management

The hottest Substack posts of DruGroup

And their main takeaways

The Essential Intangibles

139 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24

Being a skilled leader isn't enough; you also need certain qualities called intangibles. These qualities may not be easy to measure, but they are essential for effective leadership.
Leadership intangibles include selflessness, risk-taking, and transparency. Focusing on these traits can help leaders build better relationships with their teams.
You can learn and improve these intangibles through your everyday experiences, rather than needing special training. Recognizing and addressing your blind spots can make a big difference.

What Are My Favorite Max Lucado Books? (I've worked with him for 18 years)

119 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Books Christianity Authors Religious Studies Inspirational

Max Lucado excels at story-telling, especially when he focuses on individual Bible characters. His books can help readers connect deeply with their lives and experiences.
One of his standout books is about Joseph, showing how he faced many hardships but kept going. It teaches valuable lessons about resilience and faith.
Max emphasizes grace and courage, particularly in his books about characters like Esther and Jacob. These stories highlight that everyone has flaws, yet they can still find hope and strength.

The West Requires Post-Christian Missional Thinking

139 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Mission Theology Culture

The Western church needs to adopt a missionary mindset because society has become more secular. This means thinking seriously about how to share faith in a changing culture.
Returning missionaries, like Lesslie Newbigin, pointed out that the church in the West isn't fully embracing its mission. They saw a need for more active and confident evangelism.
It's important to equip church members with tools to engage their communities. If everything is considered mission work, it can lose its meaning, so we need to be clear about what mission really is.

So, Who is a Missionary Anyway?

99 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Global Issues Cultural perspectives Community Engagement

Missionaries have a specific role that involves moving to different cultures. They are not just people living out their faith locally; they make significant sacrifices to spread the Gospel in areas that lack it.
Calling everyone a missionary might make the term lose its meaning. If everyone is labeled as a missionary, it may reduce the motivation to support those who are dedicated to full-time missionary work.
Proper missionary work focuses on reaching unreached people groups. This involves intentional efforts to spread the Gospel to those who have never heard it, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural missions.

The Chuck-It List

179 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24

🎭️ Culture Aging Personal Growth Life Reflection Humor Lifestyle

Instead of a bucket list, consider creating a 'Chuck-It List' to identify things you no longer want to do. This helps you focus on what really matters as you get older.
Aging brings a realization that some dreams may not come true, but that's okay. It's normal to let go of things that no longer fit your life or interests.
It's important to prioritize your time and energy wisely. Don’t waste them on activities or responsibilities that don't bring you joy or fulfillment.

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On the Restoration of Ministers

199 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality

Church leaders need to set up safe and effective ways for people to report inappropriate behavior by ministers. If victims don’t feel safe to speak out, problems will continue.
When a minister is accused, there should be a thorough and fair investigation. Both the accused and the accuser deserve respect and care during this process.
Restoration isn't just about the minister; it should also include support for victims and families. Everyone involved needs help and healing after a situation like this.

From Great to Good: When Keith Drury Felt Like a Failure

339 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Life lessons Personal Growth Family Dynamics Leadership Legacy

It's okay to feel like a failure sometimes. We all go through tough times and self-doubt, but those moments can lead us to important changes.
Choosing to focus on being a good person rather than seeking greatness can lead to a more fulfilling life. It's about the impact we have on others, not just our achievements.
Life is not just about being famous or successful. What really matters is being faithful and good in our actions and relationships.

Church Revitalization Models

79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Community Engagement

Church revitalization is about helping struggling congregations become healthier and more impactful. Many revitalizing churches are older and smaller, worried about closing down if things don't change.
There are different models for revitalizing churches, like the Restart Model, where a church undergoes major changes to become like a new congregation, or the Chapel Model, where churches focus more on sustaining their current ministry without big shifts.
Successful revitalized churches often share qualities like strong leadership, a clear mission, and a welcoming environment for newcomers. Small churches can sometimes adapt more quickly to changes than larger ones.

Church and Mission: A Chicken and Egg Question

59 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology

The church exists to support God's mission. Instead of the church having its own mission, it is part of God's larger purpose.
All Christians are seen as part of God's mission, whether they realize it or not. This means that every believer has a role in spreading the faith.
Thinking of the church as the egg (the result) rather than the chicken (the source) helps clarify its purpose. The church is there to help fulfill the mission rather than create it.

What are the greatest injustices in the world?

179 implied HN points • 28 May 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice Global Issues Human Rights

Many people face serious injustices like hunger, lack of clean water, and poor internet access. These issues affect millions and even billions of people around the world.
One of the biggest injustices is that 4 in 10 people do not have access to the gospel. This means many people may never hear about Jesus and His message.
We can help fight these injustices by praying, supporting Christians working in other countries, or even becoming missionaries ourselves to share the gospel and provide support.

My Daughter Got Married

179 implied HN points • 21 May 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Marriage Spiritual growth Christianity Family Ceremony

Marriage requires growth and effort from both partners. It's important to continually work on being better together and as individuals.
Love isn't just about feeling good; it's also about the qualities we develop over time. Patience, kindness, and self-control come from a deeper connection, not just from being in love.
The support of a higher power, or spiritual guidance, can help nurture these qualities in a relationship. It's about allowing that influence to grow and guide you.

What Healthy Boards Look Like

159 implied HN points • 07 May 24

💼 Business Governance Management Strategy Decision-making Policy

Healthy boards focus on governance, avoiding micromanagement. They concentrate on big-picture decisions rather than getting caught up in daily operations.
Good boards prioritize setting strategic direction over just directing actions. They work on long-term goals instead of getting bogged down in immediate tasks.
Instead of panicking during crises, successful boards take time to think things through. They focus on understanding the situation for lasting solutions rather than quick fixes.

Lessons from Keith Drury's Cadre

79 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Leadership Mentorship Community Spiritual growth Learning

It's important to choose a special group of leaders to invest in. When you invite them to be part of a select group, it makes them feel valued and noticed.
Regular communication with your selected group helps them feel included and keeps them engaged. Sharing valuable insights can strengthen your connection with them.
Connecting your leaders with each other can create new opportunities. They can work together and support each other in ways they might not have expected.

2024 NBA Finals Leadership Lessons

79 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24

🎾 Sports Leadership Teamwork Motivation Strategy Performance

Success can lead to complacency. When teams or leaders get too comfortable after success, they often fail later on. It’s important to stay humble and keep pushing forward.
Failure can be a stepping stone to success. Just because something didn't work out before doesn't mean it can't succeed later. Learning and adapting can turn past failures into future wins.
Having great team players is key to winning. In basketball, no one can do it alone. It's important to recognize and appreciate the role of all team members in achieving success.

The Most Important Meeting of Your Year

79 implied HN points • 14 May 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Diversity Meetings Organizational Culture

The nominating committee is super important because it decides who will lead in the future. The people you choose will shape the agenda and priorities for your group.
Having a diverse group of nominees is crucial. It helps ensure that the leadership reflects different backgrounds and perspectives, making the organization stronger.
Leading a nominating committee well can make a big impact. If you prepare properly and focus on the right issues, you'll set your organization up for success for a long time.

But Wait, There's More 🛫

179 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Cultural Exchange Personal journey Community Engagement

The author is moving to Istanbul for a year to focus more on global connections in Christianity. They believe it's important to engage with people who are living their faith in different cultural contexts.
They plan to work with Global Marketplace Multipliers, helping others live intentionally in their faith and careers, even from abroad. The move allows them to be more involved in a significant global city.
The family will join the author for part of the time, and they are excited about the changes ahead while maintaining some work commitments online. They aim to model a lifestyle that balances faith and work internationally.

Confessing I've Become a Cliché

159 implied HN points • 04 May 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Aging Pain management Life Changes

Mid-life crises can feel pretty cliché, like making random life changes or picking up new, quirky hobbies. It's common to feel like your life has become predictable or typical as you get older.
Health challenges can drastically change how we view life and our priorities. Going through pain can lead to a deeper appreciation for health and a renewed sense of purpose.
Finding your identity can be a journey, especially after facing tough times. It’s important to explore what drives you and what passions still resonate, even in the second half of life.

Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Next Pastor

119 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Diversity Community Engagement

Consider younger pastors who can bring fresh energy and ideas to the church. Don't assume age determines capability.
Don’t overlook women and people of color in your search. They can offer unique perspectives and leadership qualities.
Be open to pastors who might have unconventional backgrounds or ideas. They may bring innovative approaches that benefit the church.

The Crazy-Eyed Wild Ambitions Phase

119 implied HN points • 11 May 23

📚 Literature Fiction Writing Creative Process Personal Reflection

In a mid-life crisis, someone tried working on a doctorate but lost passion early on. This taught them it’s okay to explore interests, even if they don’t pursue them long-term.
They started writing a science-fiction novel and put a lot of effort into it, but eventually faced challenges and had to put the project on hold. It shows that creative endeavors can be complicated, and it’s normal to hit bumps along the way.
The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and doesn't always bring clear answers. It's important to embrace change and reflect on personal growth, especially during challenging life phases.

Why is it So Hard to Find a Pastor Today?

79 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Generational Trends Employment Trends

Many pastors are staying in their positions longer and not moving to lead roles like before. This change has made it harder to find new candidates for lead pastor jobs.
The smaller number of people in Generation X, who are often seen as prime candidates for lead pastor roles, makes it hard to find experienced candidates.
More pastors are choosing to focus on planting new churches or alternative ministry styles instead of traditional lead pastor roles. This shift means that those who might be great candidates are starting their own ministries rather than looking for existing lead positions.

The First Domino Principle

59 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23

🚌 Education Influence Writing Coaching Change

To influence others, you need to start by focusing on a specific group or person, rather than trying to reach everyone at once. It's like knocking over the first domino to set off a chain reaction.
Choosing a clear target audience helps you tailor your message and connect better. For example, if you write for someone relatable, like Truck-driver Rick, you'll capture the interest of others around him too.
Identifying your first domino can shift how you approach your work and communication. It makes it easier to make meaningful connections and adjustments in what you're doing.

New Wineskins for the American Church

59 implied HN points • 22 May 23

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Theology Spiritual growth

The American church is losing focus on what really matters. Instead of focusing on the core beliefs, too much energy is wasted on small, divisive issues.
There's a shift towards disciple-making in smaller, deeper ways. This approach values relationships and humility over size and loudness.
Identifying with Global Christianity offers hope. This strategy values quiet and humble influence rather than trying to control culture with big, loud efforts.

Stop Converting, Start Recruiting

99 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Church Theology Spirituality

Everyone who follows Jesus is part of a holy priesthood, not just some special group. This means all believers share the same role and responsibility.
Instead of just trying to convert people to attend church, we should be recruiting them to join a community of believers. It's about helping them understand their place in the spiritual family.
The church is not just an organization but the people and their relationship with Christ. If you are in Christ, you are part of the church, and you can't really separate them.

Decisions Before the Decision

79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22

💼 Business Leadership Decision-making Management Strategy Organizational Behavior

Before making a big decision, ask yourself five key questions: When do you need to decide, who should be involved, what are your options, where might your choices lead, and how will you respond to outcomes.
Getting the right people in the room can help improve decision-making. Their different perspectives can highlight mistakes and open up better choices.
Thinking through the potential results and responses to your decision can ensure you’re prepared for whatever happens next. It helps make the final choice clearer and gives you more confidence.

Most Interesting Machine

2 HN points • 11 Jun 24

🕹 Technology Gadgets Innovation Computers Communication Nostalgia

Using a portable email machine in the 90s was a unique experience. It allowed people to send and receive emails in a time when email wasn't very common yet.
The process involved dialing a pay phone and using a device to send emails, making it feel high-tech for its time. It was a fun and eye-catching gadget that amazed people around.
The email machine became outdated quickly with the rise of other technologies like BlackBerrys and smartphones. This shows how fast technology evolves and how we adapt to new tools.

Books Worth Mentioning

79 implied HN points • 03 Jan 22

📚 Literature Books Fiction Non-fiction Theology Leadership

Reading expands your knowledge and can take you to new places, even if you're not traveling.
A good book list can include gems from different categories like theology, fiction, leadership, and discipleship.
Books can have a big impact on your thoughts and beliefs, making it worthwhile to explore different authors and subjects.

What Jesus Left Behind

59 implied HN points • 26 May 22

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Theology Community Spirituality Authority

Jesus left behind a massive inheritance, not of money, but of authority to the church and its leaders. This means we have a big responsibility and power to guide our communities.
The church is meant to be a supportive community, not a strict hierarchy or a disconnected group. It's important to nurture relationships and work together to follow Jesus' teachings.
We should always be open to reforming and improving the church. Engaging different voices and perspectives helps us make better decisions and stay true to the mission of Jesus.

Why We Need MICRO

59 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Training Community

Using simple and clear language helps everyone understand conversations about faith, even if they're new to it. It’s important to make discussions about Jesus relatable and not overly complicated.
Talking about sharing faith can be tricky, so it's better to approach it without using the word 'evangelism.' This way, it feels less daunting and more natural for people.
Training shouldn't take too long or feel overwhelming. Short and focused sessions are better, helping people feel confident to start having conversations about Jesus without feeling lost.

Timeless Questions that Shape Your Life

59 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Life purpose Personal Growth Motivation Reflection Coaching

It's important to know what matters most in your life. Understanding your values helps align your decisions with who you are and who you want to be.
Knowing your big 'why' is crucial. Identifying your motivations can give your life meaning and purpose.
Building a good support team matters. The people around you can influence your life positively, so it's important to nurture those relationships.

A Fresh Start: When Stuff Happens

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual Practices Emotional Well-being Personal Growth Meditation

Life doesn't always go as planned and unexpected things can change our goals. It's important to recognize where we are now and figure out what we can do next.
Sometimes, our own shortcomings can stop us from reaching our new year goals. Acknowledging these challenges can help us regroup and try again.
Finding peace during tough times is possible by focusing on positive and uplifting thoughts. Simple practices like gratitude and meditation can help us find calm even in chaos.

The Raw Material of Dreams

39 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22

🎭️ Culture Dreams Goals Life lessons Personal Growth Adventure

Dreams can feel very far away and difficult to achieve, similar to wanting to be an astronaut. People often don’t realize how hard it really is to reach these big life goals.
Setting achievable goals can be more beneficial than focusing solely on dreams. Goals are concrete steps that can lead to progress in life.
Solving problems in daily life is just as important as having big dreams. By addressing smaller issues and challenges, you create a foundation that can make some dreams possible later on.

Lead Like Giannis

79 implied HN points • 27 Jul 21

🎾 Sports Athletes Leadership NBA Inspiration Culture

Giannis shows that hard work and determination can help overcome tough circumstances. He grew up poor but became a star by practicing really hard and making sacrifices.
Family is really important to Giannis. He took steps to ensure his family was taken care of and brought them to live with him in the U.S. after he became successful.
Giannis challenges the common trends in basketball by sticking with his team and focusing on teamwork. He doesn’t just chase money or fame, which makes him stand out.

Building a Lasting Organizational Influence (Feat. Wayne Schmidt)

79 implied HN points • 20 Jul 21

💼 Business Leadership Organizational Behavior Influence Strategy

Organizations can have a lasting impact if they're built and managed well. Unlike ideas or people, organizations are resilient and can grow even when individual members come and go.
Great leaders ensure continuity by preparing their organization for the future. This means recognizing and nurturing the leaders behind them and creating structures that last beyond their own involvement.
It's important for leaders to balance their presence and absence strategically. Sometimes being there gives support, but not showing up can allow others to take the lead, which benefits the organization.

A New Schedule for a New Year

59 implied HN points • 29 Dec 21

🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Exercise Mindfulness Spiritual growth Personal Development

New Year's resolutions are sometimes more effective when approached daily instead of yearly. Focusing on what we can do today might bring better results.
Creating an elaborate daily schedule can lead to neglecting important relationships and personal needs. It's crucial to find a balance between self-improvement and spending time with loved ones.
Skepticism about trendy diets and fitness fads can be healthy. Instead of following every trend, it's better to find what genuinely works for you and stick to it.

My Areas of Non-expertise: Down the Generalist Rabbit Hole

59 implied HN points • 16 Nov 21

🎭️ Culture Religion Philosophy Education Art Personal Growth

Being a generalist means you have a wide range of skills, but you might not be seen as an expert in one area. Sometimes, generalists are unfairly viewed as not capable of specializing.
It's helpful to recognize and embrace your unique experiences. Even if you feel scattered, your diverse background can provide valuable insights that others may appreciate.
Your personal field of expertise might not align with traditional views of specialization. It's okay to have a central area of knowledge while still pursuing many other interests.

Preparing for Senior Level Leadership

59 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21

💼 Business Leadership Management Career development Decision-making Time management

Senior leadership comes with a lot of pressure that can be hard to escape, so preparing to share some of that pressure can help ease the transition.
Making decisions as a senior leader is different because you need to own the choices you make, so it's good to practice making decisions at lower levels and learning from the outcomes.
Time management is crucial for senior leaders, so getting better at saying no and focusing on important tasks can help when you reach that level of leadership.

Baby Amnesia

59 implied HN points • 19 Oct 21

😂 Humor Parenting Childbirth Life lessons Human behavior Comedy

Baby amnesia is the idea that parents forget the hard parts of having a baby so they are willing to have more. This helps keep the human race growing.
Many women go through painful and physically tough experiences during pregnancy and childbirth, yet they often choose to have more children. This shows how powerful baby amnesia can be.
After giving birth, the feelings of joy and relief can make parents forget all the difficulties they just faced, highlighting the amazing but challenging journey of bringing new life into the world.

Learning from the Current Crisis

59 implied HN points • 28 Sep 21

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crisis Management Leadership Public Trust Misinformation Communication

Crises compound rather than just add up. When multiple crises happen at once, it’s much harder to cope than when dealing with them one by one.
Distrust in leaders spreads easily. When people start to distrust one authority figure, they often end up distrusting others too, which can damage organizations.
Misinformation is a constant challenge. Leaders need to communicate clearly and consistently to combat false information, despite some people believing the wrong things.

The Strong and Weak Leader

59 implied HN points • 21 Sep 21

📖 Philosophy Leadership Ethics Authority Vulnerability

Good leaders should balance strength and vulnerability. Being strong means having authority, and being weak means being open and honest with others.
Flourishing comes from having both authority and vulnerability in leadership. When leaders care for others, everyone benefits and grows together.
Each leadership style leads to different outcomes. Ignoring vulnerability can lead to exploitation, while being too vulnerable without authority can result in suffering.

Three Domains of Legacy, Part 1

59 implied HN points • 29 Jun 21

⛪ Faith & Spirituality Leadership Influence Mentorship Ideas Relationships Organizations

Leaders have influence through three main domains: ideas, people, and organizations. Understanding which domain you excel in can help you focus your efforts.
Each person affects the world in a blend of these domains. It's common for someone to be strong in one area and still have an impact in the others.
A leader's influence can be both intentional and unintentional. It's important to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings about the influence being exerted.