Author Archives: Scott Shaum

How Personal Risk Deeply Reflects God’s Nature

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Scott Shaum

 ©Scott E. Shaum April 2015 Was it worth it? In 2005 I had been in remote Cambodia providing some much needed pastoral care and counsel to a multi-national church planting team. The small city where they were working clung to the … Continue reading →

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Ways to Wield Influence without Positional Authority

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Scott Shaum

Authority has gotten a bad rap for many decades now. One reason is that those in places of authority have abused that stewardship. Thus trust is pretty low amongst society regarding people in positions of authority.  But authority is not … Continue reading →

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Having Influence without Positional Authority

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Scott Shaum

One of the challenges in the act of providing shepherd care is influencing change without wielding great or any organizational, positional line-authority. Many times I am in a situation where there are clearly systemic or personnel dynamics at play that … Continue reading →

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Who is Your Flock?

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Scott Shaum

Shepherding is core to member care. One of the better metaphors I have heard of late is that of the “member care tree”. This tree has shepherding as its roots, the main trunk is “member care” with the main branches … Continue reading →

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Why Sabbath is to be Taken Seriously for Vocational Holiness

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Scott Shaum

Sabbath, like our entire walk with God, is an act of faith. By faith, we cease and desist from work for one day. The word shabbat does not mean rest, it means cease. And sabbath is absolutely essential for vocational holiness. This … Continue reading →

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Cultivating Faith, Diminishing Fear

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Scott Shaum

There is much in this world that can arouse fear: political crisis, health concerns, relational conflict, financial stressors, on and on. Yes, there is much in this world that would engender fear in us. Fear is a normal response to … Continue reading →

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What is the Primary Aim of Spiritual Formation?

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Scott Shaum

Spiritual formation is the buzzword these days. And I am all for it. Yet, when I speak with others I hear all sorts of descriptors of what formation is to be about. Let’s ponder this for a moment. In short, spiritual … Continue reading →

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Five Themes Facilitating Ill Health and Ineffectiveness Amongst Global Workers: Theme #5 Lack of Permission for Self-Development and Self-care

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Scott Shaum

I am writing from GMCN in Antalya, Turkey. I would be most encouraged if you find any of this helpful to pass it along to colleagues. Equally, I’d love feedback, whether a differing viewpoint or another thought or idea that … Continue reading →

Posted in Resources, Spiritual Vitality, Thinking Well | 2 Comments