Growing as an XP
Everyone that breathes should be continuing to learn and grow. Below are articles aimed to get you to thinking … and changing … and growing.
5 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way as an Executive Pastor
Stepping into, or leading through, the role of an Executive Pastor can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding positions in ministry leadership. If you're navigating this path, you’re likely familiar with the [...]
Three Items I Learned at the XP-Seminar that Worried Me
For the last few years, I have spoken at the XP-Seminar, except for the Snow-Covid Seminar a few years ago. The seminar is one of my few live speaking gigs every year. David and [...]
2 Temptations Church Leaders Face When Visiting Other Churches
Taking time to visit other churches in your area or across the country is a great way to grow in your leadership. I love seeing a church in action and I always come away [...]
Surprise Findings in the XP Survey
What We Expected & What We Found Let’s look at seven surprises that will give encouragement, challenge, and ideas to ponder as we move forward in this uncertain season. Jesus often used [...]
3 Ways Intentional Coaching Helps Executive Pastors
Like it or not, Executive Pastors are coaches. You can embrace your role as a coach and improve your effectiveness by coaching your team. I’ll admit it. The word coach used to make me [...]
Seven Common Pitfalls Every Pastor Should Avoid in a New Church Role
A quaint story circulated among Methodists describes a young pastor, fresh out of seminary, who had just begun his first pastorate. As he drove up to the small church, he noticed an old tree blocking [...]
Value of Courses
Monday, February 25, 2019 Hey Fletch … I am super excited to take your courses on XPastor! I am a worship pastor of 30 years who is looking to make a change in leadership. Is [...]
New XP and Coaching
Friday, February 22, 2019 Hey Fletch … I am a new executive pastor at our church and recently took over this position. I have been a youth and family pastor for many years. I [...]
Residency Program for XPs?
Friday, February 15, 2019 Hey Fletch … I read the Hey Fletch column of January 28 and was intrigued about the potential of a residency program. I’d love to be in one to learn how [...]
Is There Still Room for Me at the XP-Seminar?
Saturday, January 26, 2019 Hey Fletch … I have done an excellent job of procrastinating and haven’t enrolled in the XP-Seminar. Do you have room for one more? DRF—You are cutting it close, so very [...]
Networking with other XPs
Thursday, January 17, 2019 Hey Fletch … I’m feeling a little dry and out of contact with other XPs. What can you suggest to help me get connected with people leading churches of a [...]
Which of the 30 Workshops Is Best for Me?
Thursday, January 10, 2019 Hey Fletch … I see that you are having over 30 workshops at the XP-Seminar. I’m already enrolled and am excited to be back. Give me some insight on which ones [...]
Leading a Church Staff is Like Herding Cats
Thursday, December 20, 2018 Hey Fletch … I’m about to become the XP in our church. I’ve never had a church position before and several people tell me it is like herding cats. Really? DRF—Popular [...]
Start-up Manual for New XP?
Thursday, December 13, 2018 Hey Fletch … I was an XP over 20 years ago in a startup role when two churches merged. It has about 1,400 attenders. Since then I’ve been teaching in [...]
New XP in the First 100 Days
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Hey Fletch … I was recently promoted inside my church to the XP role. I'm looking for a recommendation for a book that deals with the transition to a new [...]
Learning Online To Be an XP
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Hey Fletch … I see your online courses have credit hours. Does this lead to some type of certification? Are there any discounts for bundling? Thanks for your assistance! DRF—XPastor’s online [...]
Networking with XPs
Friday, September 14, 2018 Hey Fletch … I’d like to learn more about the XP role and perhaps become an XP. You recommended getting into a network with XPs. Right now, I only know one [...]
Is There an XP Group in My Area?
Tuesday, August 21, 2018 Hey Fletch … I’ve just found your website and am very excited to dig in. One of the things I need to do is find other XP’s in my area to [...]
XP Certification
Friday, August 10, 2018 Hey Fletch … The banner image on the courses page suggests a certification. Is a certification available? DRF—Yes, the XPastor Online Courses are available to audit or for certification. Some people [...]
3 Kinds of XPs
Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Hey Fletch … I came across your pivotal article on the 3 Kinds of XPs. Thanks so much for making this available. DRF—It is always gratifying to hear from the XPastor [...]
Too Early to Enroll in the 2019 XP-Seminar?
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 Hey Fletch … I’m interested in attending the XP-Seminar in 2019. When will registration begin? DRF—We had plenty of emails in May and June about this. People were asking extra [...]
Can I Shadow a Leader for a Day?
Tuesday, July 3, 2018 Hey Fletch … I am relatively new as an XP. First, your website and the XP-Seminar have been tremendous resources. Second, I want to hang out with an XP in my [...]
Skills for an XP
Monday, June 25, 2018 Hey Fletch … Compared to five years ago, what skills, knowledge, leadership or sensitivity is needed to lead as XP in a growing evangelical church? DRF—I’ve mentioned before that recently Matt [...]
XP in Church of 300 Needs Coaching
Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Hey Fletch … I see on your site that you provide coaching. I am interested in the process and the price. I am currently in a split role of Children [...]