Eric Friesen church, leadership

A New Beginning

What do you envision for your life a year from now? Not always the easiest question to tackle, but it forces us to look up from the daily grind, and put our eyes to the horizon. I started 2022 with an ending. I have submitted my resignation to the church I have been working with … Continue reading A New Beginning

Eric Friesen church, leadership, mbti, productivity

How can I help?

That's a loaded question! This week I am all about promoting my services, especially to churches and denominations. That does not mean I do not still offer things like coaching to you good folks...I do! These are things you might find on my services page or have heard about by popular demand. So, here is … Continue reading How can I help?

Eric Friesen church, Community, Mental Health

Broken pots holding light

This past week was a tough one. With the discovery of the bodies of the children in an unmarked mass grave at a former residential school in Kamloops, to the Muslim family targeted by a driver in London, Ontario, we have felt a lot of pain in Canada. And there are plenty of stories in … Continue reading Broken pots holding light

Eric Friesen church, Community, leadership, mbti

New contract and knowing how long to stay

Well folks, I just signed a contract extension with the church I had been leading through transition. I wasn't planning on it at the beginning, but I think God had a different plan. It is not forever, as it is an interim role, but it we both felt we needed it. I get to continue … Continue reading New contract and knowing how long to stay

Eric Friesen church, Community, culture

Should we open the doors?

Just so you know, I am not a health expert, and I can't give you an official recommendation on what you choose to do during a pandemic. But, I will offer an opinion or two... Everyone wants things to go back to normal. Even if normal was broken. But we all tend to get nostalgic … Continue reading Should we open the doors?

Eric Friesen church, Community, Faith, leadership

Leadership on Maundy Thursday

So what image do you consider on Maundy Thursday? There are many different practices and household connections made on the day before Good Friday, and each person reflects in their own way as they enter the Easter weekend. Traditionally this is the time where we reflect on Christ displaying His love for His people as … Continue reading Leadership on Maundy Thursday

Eric Friesen church, Community, Faith, life

Faith in Isolation

"That's what you do in a herd." That, of course, is the famous line from Diego the sabre-toothed tiger in the classic movie Ice Age. Diego, after travelling with Manny the mammoth and Sid the sloth throughout the story, becomes protective of his former prey. He becomes part of their herd and risks his life … Continue reading Faith in Isolation

Eric Friesen church, leadership, life

Did you have an Epiphany?

Not everyone does. Figuratively and realistically. Epiphany is the 12th day of Christmas, you know like the song, and it is traditionally when we celebrate the wise men going to the see the baby Jesus. They were referred to as the 'magi'; priestly, noble, and scholars. They go on a trip based on ancient texts … Continue reading Did you have an Epiphany?

Eric Friesen church, Faith, leadership

Celebrating a Human Saviour

Christmas is the time to meet Jesus in the flesh. Meeting your heroes, seeing them 'in the flesh' means more than finding a picture online. They become real -- good or bad. Being in the flesh comes to mean we are real and human. It is hard to imagine anyone in the room without their … Continue reading Celebrating a Human Saviour

Eric Friesen church, communication, leadership

Assessments are a good thing!

I had a great time walking the Westwood group through their ministry assessment! I am blessed to be part of your growth as a group. Here are some thoughts on the assessment process I provided to the group at the end. I believe they are relevant to anyone in an assessment situation, but especially within … Continue reading Assessments are a good thing!

Eric Friesen church, communication, Community, Mental Health

Humble Communication

"Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy" I used to absolutely hate singing this song in church. It still makes me cringe. But for some reason I've been humming it a lot this Advent season. The song is based on a comparison Jesus makes between the postures of 2 people while praying. "Thanks for not making … Continue reading Humble Communication

Eric Friesen church, communication, leadership

Thanks for communicating!

Thanks to Church of The Way for letting me be part of your desire to communicate! November has definitely been a month of communication! Last week I had the opportunity to share some tools, engage in some helpful exercises, and discuss action steps going forward. It was great to have a variety of generations share … Continue reading Thanks for communicating!