Hope in the Midst of Infertility

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December 3, 2017

Remember when you dreamed of what your life might be like at a certain age? Then once you reach that age, you are surprised by how different things turned out? I’m sure anyone over the age of five has experienced this on some level. I know I certainly had different expectations on where I might today—just months away from turning 30.

This month marks two years of my husband’s and my journey with infertility. It also marks five years of unsuccessfully pursuing adoption. This may not be where I expected to be, but maybe I should have.

At least one in six couples will experience some form of infertility. (1) Of those cases, one third of infertility will be attributed to the female, one third will be attributed to the male, and one third will be attributed to both or will be unexplained. Regardless of who or what the cause of infertility is attributed to, it invariably impacts both.

When we realized that having kids wasn’t going to come easy for us, we wanted to be open with others about our experience. I find great comfort knowing that people are praying with us and support us in our journey. As I’ve shared about our experience, I am incredibly humbled when others are willing to trust us with their own stories. That is what motivates me to share with you. Some of the most powerful words I’ve found are “Me, too.”

No two people will wrestle through infertility in the same way. Though everyone’s experience is different, there are some things that I’ve found in common with my experience and infertility, and that of others I’ve talked to. Here are the two common threads I’ve seen.

1. Shame
Historically, shame has been associated with guilt, and while it often can include guilt, the shame I’m speaking of is not so much the feeling/knowledge we experience when we have done something wrong and our conscience is confirming that, but more that sense of shame that comes from feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment.
Shame, in that sense, can cause a person to feel that you are somehow wrong or defective, even in instances when a person hasn’t done anything to necessitate that feeling.
This kind of shame is a lie that can keep us from being vulnerable. Yet vulnerability opens the door for healing.
To move beyond shame, I have to believe something truer. The thing is, the Bible teaches me that my value is not in my ability to have children. My value is unchanging, regardless of my earthly accomplishments or lack thereof. God loves me completely and unconditionally. Believing that truth helps me to move past feelings of shame and into vulnerable transparency that invites my community to walk alongside me and strengthen me in the difficult days.

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What Kind of Worship Leader Is Jesus?

By

Worship Cohort

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December 3, 2017

When it comes to Jesus and worship, have you ever thought of Jesus as a worship leader?

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” –John 1:14

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” –Hebrews 4:15

On the night before Thanksgiving, not far from where I live, a group of local high-schoolers suffered a fatal car accident. Four young lives were taken, leaving our community in the throes of grief during the holiday.

On the following Sunday, many people who were deeply affected by the tragedy gathered to worship with their local churches across our city, reminding me that, during the holidays, there is profound hurt among our congregations. There are people in your church whose hearts are broken and burdened by this ruinous, sin-sick world.

And so this Advent season, more than ever, we need worship leaders who, like Jesus, compassionately enter into the lives of others to minister truth, grace and healing through the Gospel.

Jesus and Worship

After all, at the heart of Advent is the Good News that the immortal Son of God has appeared in the flesh, entering into the context of our suffering and misery in order to save us and bring us into the joy of his unshakable Kingdom (Heb. 12:28). This is why the apostle Paul said that, as the God-Man, Jesus is the only Mediator between a holy God and sinful humanity (1 Tim. 2:5).

As such, he is our High Priest who sympathizes with every hurt and temptation we face as he invites us to draw near the gracious throne in time of need (Heb. 4:15-16). Through him we are assured that God is intimately present in our moments of greatest weakness to point us toward his promises in the Gospel. In other words, Jesus is our Incarnational Worship Leader.

Whose Burden Are You Bearing?

If Christ’s Incarnation is real to us, we will realize that a worship leader’s function in a local congregation isn’t primarily carried out on stage. We aren’t relieved of leading others in worship when we’re not behind a microphone. Rather, we must know how to lead them in everyday life. How unfortunate it is when worship leaders are more known for our performance on stage than our willingness to listen and pastorally respond to the needs of our congregations.

Instead, we must labor to know the hopes, dreams, struggles and hurts of the people we lead so we can effectively minister to them. We must know how best to speak the Gospel into the complexity of their lives. In other words, we, like Jesus, must be profoundly “incarnational.” So, in light of this, please permit me to ask, whose burden are you bearing? With whom are you walking? For whom are you praying? Who are you encouraging?

This Christmas, your congregation needs more than a song leader on stage; they need to see the glory of the incarnate Jesus through your leadership. Therefore, let us develop deep, Gospel-formed relationships with our congregations, so we can be a compassionate source of encouragement for them. We must enter into their lives and apply the hope of Advent in order to magnify God’s love toward them in Christ. And only our great High Priest can show us how. He never thinks it is impolite to stare, so look impulsively to him (Heb. 12:2). After all, there is no better way to lead worship than to be led and loved by him, our Incarnate Worship Leader.

This article about Jesus and worship originally appeared here.

An Innovative Approach to Community Outreach Meeting Practical Needs

By

Beth Colletti

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December 3, 2017

Welcome to another edition of the unSeminary podcast. I’m here today with Bryce Baldwin of Rome Alliance Church of Rome, N.Y.

Rome Alliance was founded in 1915. Today you’ll find a mix of people there from birth to age 93. Bryce grew up in this church, later returning to lead it. Rome Alliance is about impacting your whole life with the gospel in relevant ways, not just your Sunday mornings.

Today Bryce is here with us to chat about how to make an impact in your community by meeting practical needs. Rome Alliance Church has started something really innovative among churches: community job fairs.

• What does your community need? When we talk about outreach, think of what your community needs and how you can offer help in that area. One of the basic rhythms in someone’s life is that they look for work. The Lord kept bringing the idea of a job fair to Bryce’s mind and so he figured out how the church could host one. Their first job fair was held in April 2015. He began simply by inviting people in his church who were employers or owned their own businesses to get involved. From there he went out in the community to talk to other businesses. Rome Alliance’s goal is to provide a platform in which they can reach out to and walk beside people as they look for work.

• Place points of contact throughout the event. At each of the job fairs they host, the church makes sure to have people at every possible point of contact—from the parking lot, to the welcome and registration table, to the application tables. Blanketing the fairs with church volunteers allows the visitors to make connections with the church. People often visit the church because they’ve heard about it from friends who have visited the job fair or are familiar with the regular job fairs in the community. Serving consistently in this way has built a good rapport with the city of Rome and the people there. As Bryce notes, it all goes back to one relationship, one person at a time. In addition, churches are constantly looking for ways to invite their people to serve, and a job fair connecting to the community offers a whole new area of volunteer opportunities.

• Look for ways to branch out. As the job fairs have grown, they branched into Rome Alliance starting a separate 501c3 as a non-religious organization, called Rome Community Job Fairs. This change of structure allows for different opportunities for grants and sponsorships. It also created a new staff position and Rome Alliance hired a member of the church to handle the administrative aspects of the job fairs. This staff person can then meet with local businesses for coffee and talk with them about the job fair while also sharing the gospel with them. One of the goals of the city of Rome is to have new businesses come in, and the church has now become a part of that, creating a business focused on helping others.

• Create opportunities to get the word out. To make your job fair a success, you need to get the word out. This can be done by word of mouth or flyers, as well as using social media or Facebook ads. Facebook ads have been great in helping Rome Alliance get the job fairs in front of more people in their city. And as Bryce notes, you don’t have to spend a lot on this. Rome Alliance spends about $20-$30. Highlight some immediate incentives in the ad, such as come get an interview or some swag. You want more people to share it, so you need something to catch their attention. And more people will see your ads and posts through shares because it influences Facebook’s algorithm. Target a very small area focusing on your local community.

You can learn more about Rome Alliance Church at www.romealliancechurch.org, and their job fairs at www.romejobfairs.org

This article originally appeared here.

5 Things the New iPhone X Can Teach You About Leadership (Whatever You Lead)

By

Carey Nieuwhof

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December 3, 2017

So, yes. I’m that tech geek who, like many of you, gets excited every time he gets a new device.

My latest piece of digital happiness was the new iPhone X (256 GB, Space Grey and pronounced “ten” by the way. I thought it was pronounced X at first too).

Technology can teach you something. But how tech companies handle themselves during a launch can teach us all something about leadership too, whether you love tech or not.

Here are five things the new iPhone X can teach you about leadership, wherever you lead and whatever you lead.

1. You Don’t Have to Be First

It’s easy to think that first to market wins every time.

It doesn’t.

Sure, Android users had a field day mocking the iPhone X as a ‘new’ phone that introduced features Android phones had years earlier, like facial recognition, no home button and more.

And yet, as some reviewers have pointed out, Apple’s features have turned out to be in many respects superior to earlier Android attempts. (Apparently, Samsung’s facial recognition can be hacked by using a photo.)

Other manufacturers are reportedly now trying to catch up to the far more secure Face ID system Apple introduced with the X.

I’m amazed that the Facel ID feature on my iPhone X works in almost complete darkness, at various angles, with or without my glasses on. Apparently, you can even grow a beard and it would still recognize you as you because it uses 30,000 IR sensors to detect you. A little creepy, but it works. And soon, everyone will have them, so there’s that too.

Being first doesn’t give you nearly the advantage that being good does.

Years ago Apple was mocked when it introduced the iPad because so many others had tried to launch tablets and failed. But launching a good product that actually worked changed the game, not just for Apple, but for every tablet maker. They went from being fringe products to still shipping 32 million units globally this year.

Whatever idea you’re working on, don’t worry about being first nearly as much as you worry about being good.

You may not be the first to do a sermon series, the first to launch a podcast, the first to change your social media strategy, the first to introduce new guest services idea.

Just be good. Good has a way of finding its way through the pack.

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The Gift of Sleep

By

Dr. Josh Buice

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December 1, 2017

Are you aware that sleeping is one of the main ways that we rest in God?

Certainly kings understand what it means to bear the responsibility of leadership over a nation, over armies, and to consistently be aware of head hunters. That’s why Psalm 127 is unique since it was written by Solomon—both the son of a king and one who succeeded his father David to the throne. What we find in this short psalm is a reminder that we are to work hard for the glory of God and sleep well.

How many people do you know who can’t sleep because they are so worried about their work? Often such people pride themselves in burning the candle at both ends. In our culture of greed, it’s an honorable character trait to work endless hours, go to bed late and rise up early to continue the labor. The world cheers on that type of unending rat race of selfish ambition.

Rest in God

Solomon understood what it was like to go to bed at night with a nation depending upon him. He understood what it was like to rise up early with people looking to him for firm and consistent leadership. Yet, Solomon in a great stroke of wisdom, pens the following words:

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep (Pslam 127:2).

Solomon was looked to as an earthly sovereign, but as a child of God he understood that God was the Sovereign King who rules and reigns over the entire world. R.C. Sproul has rightly stated, “If there is one single molecule in this universe running around loose, totally free of God’s sovereignty, then we have no guarantee that a single promise of God will ever be fulfilled.” Nothing moves or exists without the sovereign decree of God. All things are under the rule of God including, heaven, earth, clouds, rain, snow, ice, bees, bears, locusts, lions and thrones. God literally holds our next breath in His hands.

If you know anything about American cities, the city of New York is nicknamed “the city that never sleeps.” The city is always full of lights and cars and people. It’s common to see people always moving about—going to work, carrying out their labor and trying to move up the corporate ladder all hours of the day and night. Often, Christians fall into the trap of eating the bread of anxious toil like the rest of our culture. Charles Spurgeon explains, “Through faith the Lord makes his chosen ones to rest in him in happy freedom from care…those whom the Lord loves are delivered from the fret and fume of life.” [1]

The Baptist catechism asks a very important question. It asks, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is provided, “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” When we rise up early and prepare for work and then go out and perform our labor for the glory of God, we should return home tired and sleep well at night. However, when our labor is carried out with selfish ambition we will continue to work and seldom slow down to sleep and rest in God—who never sleeps.

If we learn to work hard for an honest day’s wage—we can rest in God who always provides for His people (Matt. 6:33). If a person labors for selfish purposes, it naturally produces anxiety and inner turmoil to be successful. The next time you are tempted to think you are responsible to keep the whole world moving forward—remember your body will eventually tell you that you need sleep. It’s a simple reminder that you aren’t God. It’s also a blessing to rest and have assurance that God is never sleeping, He is always alert, and God is able to honor the labor that is carried out for His glory. Each day we should work hard, come home tired and sleep well.

Charles Spurgeon, Psalms, Crossway Classic Commentaries, ed. J. I. PACKER, “Introduction,” (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1993), 273.

This article about the need to rest in God originally appeared here.

The Exclusivity of Christianity

By

Dr. Josh Buice

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December 1, 2017

How do you answer questions pertaining to the exclusivity of Christianity? What happens to a person who dies without hearing the gospel? Do they go to Heaven? Do they go to Hell? That question is being discussed in our Sunday School classes, pulpits and in the local coffee shop more often than we may realize. Does the Bible teach the exclusivity of Christianity? Is Jesus the only way to be reconciled to God?

The Exclusivity of Christianity?

The troubling reality is evident by the wide variety of answers that are given to these questions. With an often watered down gospel message preached on the television and radio, coupled with a soft message of God’s judgment, the result is staggering and may be the cause for so much controversy over this old debate. In order to fully address this question, it is important that we examine several key issues surrounding this question.

The Exclusivity of Christianity: What Does the Bible Teach About Sin?

The Bible is clear about sin. Everyone on planet earth (past, present, and future) has sinned against God (Romans 3:23). However, many church-going evangelicals understand that man deserves the wrath of God, but they fail to understand that God is required to judge all sinners who have sinned against Him.

The Exclusivity of Christianity: What Does the Bible Teach About Salvation?

The Bible teaches us about the love of God (John 3:16). Much like the subject of sin, many good church going evangelicals believe in the love of God, also stated as the “good news” of the gospel. However, many of those same people overlook the clear doctrine of the exclusivity of Christ. In fact, that doctrine, although clearly taught in the Bible, is one of the most divisive doctrines in our present day. Ronald Nash notes, evangelical objections to the exclusivity of the gospel often serve as a “romantic” comfort for those who “could sleep better if there were less urgency or no urgency in getting the gospel to the unevangelized.”¹

The exclusivity of Christ is taught in Acts 4:12).

The Exclusivity of Christianity: What Does the Bible Teach About Man?

While the Bible teaches that all people have sinned, it goes beyond that to teach that all of mankind is without excuse. In Romans 1, Paul points out that all people have witnessed God in His marvelous creation and that all of mankind is without excuse. Not only is man a sinner who deserves the wrath of God, but he is also unable to deny that God exists. The creation of God declares that there is a God and that He is eternal. Only the fool tries to deny that (Psalm 14:1).

The Exclusivity of Christianity: What Does the Bible Teach About Missions?

The heart of the church is missions. Any church that refuses to engage in missions is hardly a New Testament church by any biblical definition. Christians are missional people by God’s design. After being saved by Grace, it is the plan of God to send His people out into the world as witnesses for His name’s sake. The people of God have been called by God (Romans 8:28-30). It’s God’s plan to send us out on a saving mission to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

If the man on the island who has never heard the gospel recognizes the general revelation of God in creation and throws himself down under the mercy of God and calls out for salvation, will he be saved? A better question may be, “Does this ever occur or has this ever occurred?” The fact is, that is a hypothetical situation that does not exist.² The individual who never hears the gospel will never desire to repent because it is through the special revelation of God’s Word that mankind is given the revelation of God in Jesus Christ and comes to the realization of his own sinfulness. In other words, what Paul asked to his readers remains true today—“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher” (Romans 10:14)? Certainly Jim Elliot understood this truth as he devoted his life to reach the unreached Auca Indians in the South American jungle. We can likewise be certain that Lottie Moon understood the urgency of this truth as she gave her life reaching the people of China with the gospel. If ignorance leads to Heaven, why would people be called to such great sacrifices?

Those who are emotionally driven to a conclusion of Grace without Christ in this debate should reconsider based on the Word of God. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that Sodom and Gomorrah likely never heard the gospel, and they all perished under the judgment of God and remain in Hell today. Is that fair? On another note, Nineveh should have received the same judgment, but under the rich mercy of God, they received a warning from a disobedient prophet named Jonah and they repented. Rather than perishing under the judgment of God, they received mercy and forgiveness. Is that fair? Jonah certainly didn’t think so. At the end of this debate is the stark reality of our own salvation. We were saved by the rich mercy of our great God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-20). That simply isn’t fair. That’s amazing Grace—how sweet the sound.

Download this article in .pdf format:

Is Ignorance a Doorway to Heaven?

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What Are Some Popular Opinions on This Subject:

1. If people who never hear the gospel die and go to Hell, that is not fair and God would never do that to anyone.

7 Ways to Help Introverts Engage

By

Ron Edmondson

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November 30, 2017

I am asked frequently how to engage introverts on a team in meetings. I guess because I am an introvert, and have written extensively about the subject, people assume I know how. I try to remind them other people are different from me, even other introverts.

Although it is a common perception that all introverts are reserved, constantly quiet and unsocial, introverts are a diverse group, with varying degrees of introversion. For example, if you give me authority, I’ll lead the meeting. No problem. That would never be comfortable for some introverts.

So, my best advice for leaders about engaging people in meetings would not be to consider the introverts, but to consider everyone differently. When it comes to meeting dynamics, everyone has something to add and does so in their own way. It takes me time to understand the team. Part of my job, if I’m leading a meeting, is to analyze the people in the room, as much as I can, before the meeting begins. If it’s “your” team this is done over time—getting to know the team. If the meeting involves people you don’t know or know well, it’s more difficult, but good leaders learn to study people—things such as the way they respond before the meeting, when they are introducing themselves, or their posture during the meeting.

But, I do understand the introvert question. Many introverts don’t engage in meetings. They keep to themselves, especially in large group settings. They aren’t as easy to get to know. And, yes, I can even be that way, especially if I’m not in a leadership position where I have to force myself out of my introversion—or it’s a meeting full of extreme extroverts.

So, here’s my attempt to answer some of the questions about engaging introverts in meetings. Again, we aren’t all alike, even though we share the introvert characteristic, but try a few of these and see if they improve your meeting dynamics.

And, by the way, some of these can help extroverts make better in meeting decisions too.

Here are seven suggestions to help introverts engage more:

Give them time to respond.

This is huge. Introverts typically reflect inward, so they respond only after they have thought through their answer. This is a great characteristic if used well, because it usually means their answer has already been tested in their own mind. They are likely to share some of the most valid options on the table if you give the process time to work.

Ask specific questions—ahead of time.

Give them a problem and time to solve it and most introverts, if left alone, will enjoy the challenge. If you want them to brainstorm effectively, tell them exactly what you are going to brainstorm about prior to beginning.

Let them respond in writing.

When I know there are numerous introverts in a group, I will usually find a way to let them put something in writing. I have even allowed them to text or email me during the meeting. It’s amazing some of the suggestions I’ve received when an introvert doesn’t have to say it aloud.

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2,350 Bible Verses on Money

By

Brandon Park

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November 30, 2017

I just finished reading a book filled with Bible verses on money titled God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School by Gregory Baumer and John Cortines. It’s a great read full of Scriptural truth.

One of the things that stood out to me about this book was the work of Howard Dayton. In 1973, Howard, a successful businessman, began doing a study on the Bible and categorized all of the Scriptures that talk about money and possessions into a single topical index. The result is a culmination of 2,350 Scriptures that talk about money and our use of it.

Howard Dayton said, “That study radically and permanently changed me from worshipping money to serving Christ.” Since then, Howard has helped reach over 50 million people with the biblical truth of how we manage God’s resources.

Think about it this way: There are 500 Bible verses pertaining to the topics of faith and prayer and yet 2,350 Bible verses on money. Why is that? Because God knows that our attitude toward money is an indication of where our heart is with God. We will either follow after gold or God and we cannot serve two masters. We will either turn to our wallet or our worship when we look to the source of our security. But we have to remember: Money is to be a resource, but it is not to be My Source.

For a list of Howard Dayton’s Scripture index on the subject of money, click here.

This article originally appeared here.

Influencing Culture, Even When You’re Not in Charge

By

David Santistevan

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November 30, 2017

How fun is it to work on a staff? To be mentored, to have fun, to be a part of a dynamic culture. To dream, to accomplish, to laugh, to cry, to have your best friends there to hold up your arms. Isn’t it the greatest?

It truly is. Until, of course, it isn’t. At all.

We all have our horror stories of being on a church staff. Sometimes it’s the greatest place in the world and sometimes you’d rather just stay in bed. Forever.

As I visit churches all across America, I encounter some staff members who love their work (and who they work with) and others who just want to get out.

Where are you? Do you love what you do? Do you love who you get to work with?

It’s true. You might be in a less-than-stellar environment. And you have a choice to either leave or to make it better. Because here’s the deal: You don’t have an option to hang on, gossip, check-out, disagree, not speak up and coast through your job. That kind of life isn’t good for you, your team or the people you lead.

Either LOVE your work or find something else to do.

Think about it. The grass is always greener somewhere else, but what if you approached where you were with total focus and “all in” attention? What would change?

I’ve had the privilege of being part of an incredible team. But I’ve had my fair share of temptation to just coast and show up for the job, not investing my best self.

That might be where you are right now. You might be looking for a new role. You might be praying for a change.

What to Do Before You Leave

If you find yourself in a difficult situation, try this before You leave:

1. Speak Up – When you’re in meetings, stop just being a fly on the wall and disagreeing when you leave. Speak up. Contribute. Come prepared. Take notes. Be all in. It doesn’t mean you need to agree on everything. Matter of fact, if you don’t, say so. Better to have public disagreement than private.

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The Demise of U2 and the Lesson for Senior Pastors

By

Brian Jones

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November 30, 2017

U2 just released the lead single off their upcoming album Songs of Experience (due December 1, 2017), and if the album is anything like the single, it’s going to be simply terrible.

Just as bad as the album before it, Songs of Innocence, released in 2014.

And just as bad as the album before that one, No Line on the Horizon, released in 2009.

Not since 2004, when the album released How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, 13 long years prior, has the band produced anything that reaches out and grabs you by the throat.

Don’t believe me? Name one song they’ve released in the last decade that you know by heart? That appeared as a track in a movie? That gained critical acclaim? That shaped the next 10 years of a genre?

Zip. Nada.

I think I know why.

The Demise of U2

Soon after songs like “Vertigo” forced their way into iPods and car stereos everywhere in 2004, Bono became one of the most famous people on the planet.

And one of the most ridiculed.

He began walking out of the halls of Congress and into the punch lines of late night comedians.

You tell me that didn’t affect him?

He’s human. Of course, it affected him.

Five years later they released No Line on the Horizon—their most sleep-inducing album to date.

Why did that happen? How did one of the greatest rock bands of all time produce a complete flop?

I believe it’s the same reason senior pastors stop being effective. U2 began asking the single most damning question any leader can ask, “Will people like this?”

In 2004, they released songs that grabbed you by the shoulders and demanded that you wake up and pay attention.

In 2009, they released songs that made people yawn.

“The best art divides the audience,” said the legendary record producer Rick Rubin.

Having shepherded such diverse, genre-defining artists as Jay-Z with his “99 Problems” to Adele’s 21, he understands what drives great music.

As Rubin stated in Ryan Holiday’s Perennial Seller,

“People want things that are really passionate. Often the best version is not for everybody. The best art divides the audience. If you put out a record and half the people who hear it absolutely love it and half the people who hear it absolutely hate it you’ve done well. Because it is pushing the boundary.”

Why Attending Church Services Needs to Be a Priority

By

Greg Baird

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November 30, 2017

“Did you attend church services this week?”

Most Children’s Ministry Leaders would answer “No” to this question.

“I had teachers not show up so I had to fill in.”
“There’s just too much to do on Sunday mornings for me to get to church regularly.”
“I think it’s more important for me to be in the kids’ area than to be in services.”
“I teach the kids every week, so I can’t make it in to church.”
“It’s OK because I listen to the service online on Sunday afternoons.”

These and other responses are what I hear often as I teach at conferences or coach young Children’s Ministry Leaders.

Are they acceptable excuses? Is it OK for the Children’s Ministry Leader to NOT be in church services more than they ARE in church services?

I would say no, it’s not OK to not attend services on a regular basis. Here’s why:

1. You need to participate in corporate worship with other members of the body.

I know, the service is not the only place to worship. But it’s typically the only place the entire body comes together to worship. I believe there is something special about this, a form of worship which one can only experience collectively. Perhaps that is why, in Hebrews 10:25, we are instructed to “not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

2. Being in church exposes you to the vision, mission and values put forth by church leadership in a manner you can’t hear it anywhere else.

Yes, you are part of the leadership of the church. But you are also part of the body of Christ (first and foremost). You need to hear your pastor sharing the vision. You need to participate in the mission of the church as part of the body at large. You need to be reminded and continually embrace the values of the church.

You really can’t do that if you are not hearing them regularly in the context of the church body.

“The difference between listening to a radio sermon [or CD…or online] and going to church is almost like the difference between calling your girl on the phone and spending an evening with her.” D.L. Moody

3. You need to be an example to your family.

I understand this doesn’t apply to every Children’s Ministry Leader, but it applies to most. We need to be in church with our family. Our kids need to see us worship and/or to know that worshiping with the body of Christ is important. Our spouse needs to know that it’s important, and that it’s important for us to be there with them.

When we blow off church services, we are giving them permission to blow off services.

4. Not attending services gives our volunteers permission to not attend services.

In the same vein as #2, when we don’t go to church, we give our volunteers (and staff, if you have them) permission not to go to church. Is that really the example you want to set for them? Do you really believe that none of you going to church is going to enhance what you do in Children’s Ministry?

When we blow off church but expect our volunteers to still maintain its importance, we really are just reinforcing the mentality that church staff are special. That being the head of the department sets you apart and, somehow, you are less vulnerable spiritually than they are.

That’s a dangerous mentality to embrace and, frankly, most likely just the opposite is true—you are as much or more of a target of the enemy as your team. Be careful.

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7 Signs It’s Not Really a Team

By

Ron Edmondson

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November 30, 2017

In my world the word team is used almost on a daily basis. Most of us want to be in a team environment. However, in my experience working with churches—and it was true when I was in business also—more people claim to have it than actually do.

I still see more control than empowerment. I see more internal silos than I see true cooperation. I see rules and policies being used to restrict actions—or so-called “protect” the organization—than I see freedom to explore as individuals within the healthy structure of a defined team objective.

I’ve learned to look for a few signs when someone tells me they have a team environment.

Here are seven signs it’s really not a team:

One person makes all the decisions. Most who think they have a true team culture will skip this one, because many times they don’t even see it happening. But if everyone has to wait for the team “leader” to make a decision—or if things continually stall because one person hasn’t yet voiced their opinion—it’s probably less of a team than proposed. On a team, at some point, everyone sits in a seat of authority. There is a mutual trust and empowerment of others.

Everyone doesn’t have a key role. On a real team—all players are needed. They may not all play the same amount of time and they fill different positions, because everyone is valued.

There are multiple agendas. One thing that makes it a team is everyone is playing for the same objective. Without this there is more competition than there is cooperation.

Communication is controlled. Teams share information. They continually update one another on what they are individually contributing to the team and weigh in on decisions. Team dynamics are damaged when only a few people know everything or when the most important conversations are held—or decisions are made for the team—outside the team.

Conflict is seen as a threat. Healthy teams work through conflict and remain cooperative and supportive of one another. Everyone is allowed to challenge ideas and offer opposition, but in a way which can make the team stronger and learn how to work better together.

Every person is for themselves. The greatest value of a team is in the collective wisdom and shared workload. Healthy teams cross-train so they can pick up slack for others when needed. When teams function more as individuals than as a team, members can become overwhelmed, frustrated and eventually burn out.

Celebration is received individually, not collectively. There will always be moments where one member is getting more recognition than another. But on healthy teams, wins are celebrated together. No one claims personal credit for the victories.

Those are a few clues that tell me it’s really not a team. There are certainly others. (Be a part of my team and add your own in the comments.)

You can call it what you want—could be a group, or an association, or even an organization.

But it’s not a team.

And, I’d probably call it a crowd.

One way to process this post is to discuss it with your “team.” Perhaps even let them respond to it anonymously.

It should be noted: There are times when we don’t need a team. We need a leader who will stand even if alone and lead people to places they can’t yet see but where they need to go. I have found those times to be rare when I have a healthy team. This post addresses teams—and we need them more often.

The Facebook Syndrome: Alive and Well in Our Churches

By

Joe McKeever

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November 30, 2017

“Encourage one another and build each other up” (I Thessalonians 5:11).

Bertha was in her mid-40s. She and husband, Gary, had gone to pastor in central Florida, and the women of their neighborhood had given a welcoming tea for her at a local upscale restaurant. There were perhaps 20 or 30 in attendance. It was an impressive event.

Throughout the afternoon, an elderly lady across the table kept staring at Bertha. Finally, in her quavering voice, the woman said, “My dear. You are soooo lovely!”

Bertha smiled and thanked her.

A short time afterward, Bertha was walking home from the tea with one of the women who was a neighbor. The woman said, “Oh, by the way, the older woman who told you you’re so lovely, she is actually almost blind. I thought you would want to know.”

Bertha has no memory of how she responded to that. My own opinion is there is no answer to it. It’s a show-stopper.

Why, we wonder, did the neighbor feel it important to shoot down the older lady’s compliment? What kind of mentality prompts one to do such a thing? Why couldn’t she be content with the pastor’s wife receiving a compliment? (And a fitting compliment at that. Bertha is my bride now of nearly 11 months, and people still remark on her loveliness.)

Facebook users see it all the time.

Someone will post a statement on their FB page and within minutes a “friend” will oppose it. Or point out the downside of it. Or question it. Say how that doesn’t tell the whole story. Or deny it outright and wonder how anyone could be so crass as to believe that.

Someone will praise their team for winning last night’s game. Immediately a FB “friend” will comment that your team did not win so much as the other team lost it by their ineptitude. Or they will blame the loss on poor coaching. The referees. Lack of fan support.

And you must not dare try to say something sane and reasonable about a controversial issue. You may as well draw a target upon your back. Do it and get ready to take the slings and arrows.

What I’m calling “the Facebook Syndrome” is the tendency of people to criticize a positive statement, to find fault with one’s presentation, to never allow someone to feel good about the job they just did.

That is the very thing that keeps a lot of good-thinking people away from social media. It attracts the mentally ill, the eccentrics, the devil’s advocates, the naysayers. They’re never content to let a compliment go unchallenged, a fact go unexamined, a joy go uncriticized.

It does get wearisome. As one who does a great deal of stuff on Facebook, some of it cutting edge and controversial on purpose, I see this all the time. My friends tease that I’m a pot-stirrer, always trying to rock the boat. Far from it, in fact. I grieve at the arguing back and forth that quickly erupts when all I’ve tried to do is say something clear and helpful.

Why do people do this? They’re all over social media.

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they’re the same people who do this at church. They cannot leave well enough alone, dare not leave a positive blessing to stand on its own, and will not let anyone receive an unadulterated (i.e., pure, not watered down) compliment. They have to tell you “the other side,” the facts of life, how things are in the real world.

It gets wearisome. Ask any minister.

“I love my pastor’s preaching.” Oh really? Well, you’re the first I’ve heard say that!

“I love my pastor’s preaching.” I’m glad you do. No one in my family does.

“I love my pastor’s preaching.” Ha. Do you remember that sermon on tithing he preached last month? My husband still hasn’t forgiven him for that!

“I love my pastor’s preaching.” Great. Why don’t you write him a note and say so. He sure gets a lot of the negative remarks. And better yet, tell everyone you know!

John Bisagno pastored the great First Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, for many years and was mightily used of God there. In fact, Brother John was one of the first megachurch pastors who really took our denomination—if not Christendom—by storm. For a number of years, he was baptizing a thousand people a year. A spell-binding preacher, he was on the program of denominational conventions and meetings of all types, easily the most popular and most beloved of his generation. But while preaching in our church in the late 1980s, he told me something that I found amazing.

“I have a deacon who has opposed every thing we have done in our church. Every single thing.”

Imagine that.

Continue

Tim Hawkins Shares His Favorite—and Most Hilarious—Christmas Memories

By

Brian Orme

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November 30, 2017

Tim Hawkins shares some of his favorite Christmas memories in a way only he can.

There’s the time as a child that he got the words to “Do You Hear What I Hear?” mixed up during the Christmas pageant and ended up singing about baby Jesus’s tail. Then there’s the time he splurged to give his daughter a new iPod, only to find out it was the wrong one. Finally, there’s the Christmas puppy that every child wants and every parent tries to talk them out of.

If you haven’t laughed enough this Christmas season, you’re in luck. Hawkins is here to share the best and most humorous parts of Christmas.

Are You Faithful With Little? 2017 Tithe Report

By

Bob Ditmer

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November 30, 2017

Giving to Christian ministries in the United States continues to hold steady, but a tithe report suggests churches are receiving a smaller portion.

The 2017 State of Giving report from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (EFCA) shows annual cash giving to ECFA-accredited organizations increased 2.2 percent between 2015 and 2016.

CHURCHES GETTING LESS OF THE PIE

ECFA members represent a wide variety of charitable religious endeavors. One category is local churches. According to the report, giving to that subset grew by 2.5 percent, down from a 3.1 percent increase the previous year.

By contrast, giving to ministries involved in literature publishing/distribution, adoption and camps/conferences grew considerably more: 13.2 percent, 11.4 percent and 10.1 percent respectively.

The downward spiral in donations to religious institutions may be leveling off after 30 years of decline. In 1987, churches received 53 percent of all charitable donations. In 2016, houses of worship received only 32 percent of all charitable giving according to Giving USA. The good news is that figure hasn’t changed for several years.

NONES AND MILLENNIALS

Reasons for the decline vary. One possibility is the shrinking number of Americans who identify with a particular religious group. According to the Pew Religious Landscape Study, nearly 23 percent of Americans selected the category “none” when asked about their religious affiliation. That’s a 16 percent increase in a decade.

Another theory is that millennials aren’t giving as much as previous generations. Sam Rainer, President of Rainer Research, says that’s because millennials are poorer than their parents. He partly blames college tuition costs that have tripled since 1980.

But ECFA’s own research shows 92 percent of millennials gave to their church in the past few years and are as likely to give if motivated.

Image: ECFA “Which of these is most important to you in a ministry?”

IT’S THE ECONOMY, STILL

The economy may still be having an impact. A Lifeway Research Study showed that over half of Protestant pastors said their church offerings were still negatively impacted by the Great Recession. A church member who was out of work for an extended period of time may be reticent to resume giving out of fear he or she could be unemployed again.

Declining frequency of church attendance is also blamed. Church Growth expert Thom Rainer noted on his blog that the number one reason for decline in church attendance is members attending less frequently. He wrote, “This trend also affects offerings since some members only give when they are in worship services.”

There appears to be a declining interest in tithing. A recent Evangelical Leaders Survey found 76 percent of evangelical leaders said it was acceptable to give part of the tithe to ministries outside of the local church.

Responding to the findings, Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), said, “Giving to the local church is important. For most, it’s priority. At the same time, many evangelical leaders do not believe there’s a biblical requirement to give exactly 10 percent to the local church. Giving generously out of what God has done for us is the main message.”

A TIME FOR FAITH

If the ECFA report was represented as a dashboard, there would be a few yellow caution lights on the display. George Mueller was an evangelist and Director of the Ashley Down Orphanage in Bristol, England, in the mid 1800s. Although constantly short of money to fund his ministry, he managed to care for more than 10,000 orphans during his lifetime. He pointed out, “If this work is the work of God, then He is surely able and willing to provide for it.”

While changes in culture and behaviors present financial challenges, Mueller reminds church leaders that He will meet their financial needs as they are faithful in ministry.

Clay Scroggins: How to Be a Great Leader When You Are Not in Charge

By

Jason Daye

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November 30, 2017

Clay Scroggins is the lead pastor of North Point Community Church, providing visionary and directional leadership for all of the local church staff and congregation. Clay works for Andy Stanley and understands firsthand how to manage the tension of leading when you’re not in charge. Clay holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech as well as a master’s degree and a doctorate with an emphasis in Online Church from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Key Questions:

Tell us about your journey to becoming lead pastor at North Point Community Church.

We all answer to someone, how should that affect the practicality of our ministry?

Why is identity the key to leading the way God wants?

How do we understand our core identity without getting caught up in what other people say about us?

How can a staff pastor facilitate those in charge seeing his or her vision?

[SUBSCRIBE] For more ChurchLeaders podcasts click here!

Key Quotes:

“The principles of leadership work if you have authority or if you don’t. If you don’t have authority, all you have is to use influence.”

“The best leaders lead with influence even when they have authority.”

“I thought the more authority I got, the easier my job would be. It’s not true. It was very discouraging.”

“If I don’t have a core identity that is deeply rooted in who God says that I am, I’m going to wake up every day discouraged and feeling like a failure and feeling like this is too hard because leading change is very difficult.”

“Leadership is not a list of do’s and don’t’s, ultimately it’s all about the leader, it’s all about who you are.”

“Core to being a leader is believing that I have a father in heaven who believes that when I walk in the room it gets better.”

“You need an odd dynamic between this insatiable desire for growth and change and progress and then this steady patient content faithfulness in the role you’re in.”

“Emotional poise is an attribute of great leaders, especially when you don’t have authority.”

“We learn so much through bad leaders because we learn what we should not do.”

Mentioned in the Show:

The Defiant Ones – HBO

How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge

Clay.scroggins@northpoint.org.

Clayscroggins.com

The Discipleship Advantage

By

Greg Stier

-

November 29, 2017

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7

OK, this may sound like heresy, but it’s not. We have an advantage that Jesus did not have when it comes to discipleship. And that advantage is “the Helper” (AKA “The Holy Spirit“).

While Jesus himself was indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1).

But, once the disciples received the Holy Spirit, it’s a totally different story. Now they were the ones boldly risking everything for the fame and Name of Christ! They didn’t disown Christ, they boldly preached his message without fear of the consequences. Acts 4:13 puts it this way, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

The difference between the “old” failing, flailing and fleeing disciples and the new unflinching, unrelenting and unstoppable disciples was the Holy Spirit living in them and through them! That’s why Jesus told his disciples “it is to your advantage that I go away” because it was only then that Jesus would send them the Holy Spirit!

So here is the advantage that we have that Jesus did not…the teenagers we are discipling have the Holy Spirit! According to Ephesians 1:13, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit….”

As soon as your teenagers believed they received the Holy Spirit. He is in them to teach them (John 14:26) and conform them to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18.)

The Holy Spirit can take your teenagers further and farther than even Jesus could because the Holy Spirit is working from the inside out!

There is a meterological phenomenon called “Rapid Intensification.” It happens when the conditions are just right and a tropical storm churning over the ocean turns into a massive Category 5 hurricane in a matter of hours.

The Holy Spirit can be the “rapid intensification event” that accelerates the discipleship process in the hearts of our teenagers. He is brewing like an unstoppable storm of transformation in their souls, ready to change them massively, rapidly and permanently!

Yes we need to invest in them! Yes we need to follow the way of Jesus when it comes to disicpling! Yes we need a process to do this effectively (we highly recommend 4 Chair Discipling as a great tool for this process!).

But don’t think that the disicpleship process has to take decades or even years to capture multiplication momentum. The Holy Spirit can accelerate the process further and faster than we ever imainged…just like he did with the early disciples after Jesus left the scene.

This is the advantage we have over Jesus in the disicpling process. Let’s help our teenagers unleash the Holy Spirit’s power through their lives so we can help them grow deep in the faith and go wide with the Gospel!

Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s transformational power available to us and our teenagers! He is our advantage!

This article originally appeared here.

How to Squeeze the Most Out of Your KidMin Budget

By

Dwayne Riner

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November 29, 2017

Growing up in the South we had a saying about working with a tight budget. It’s called “trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip.” That pretty much sums up what many of us are doing in our children’s ministries. We try to squeeze every last dime to make the most out of what we have, because no matter what size ministry you have, every children’s pastor wants the best for his or her kids.

In my first ministry experience I was given a grand total of $300…for the year. That was all I had to make it from January to December. That felt like squeezing blood out of a turnip, but in the end our ministry grew and kids’ lives changed. We were challenged by our budget, but we weren’t limited by it. What does that mean? No matter your budget size there are things you can’t do. That’s OK. Find what you can do and do it.

Here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of your budget:

Tip #1: Receive freely. This simply means don’t be afraid to look to other churches or organizations for help. Is a church in your denomination or community remodeling? Take some of those decor items off of their hands. A local store is going out of business. Take advantage by buying their display cases for cents on the dollar. Stock up on costumes after Halloween. You’d be surprised how many churches have a closet full of puppets they aren’t planning to use and would love to give you.

Tip #2: Give freely. It’s a spiritual principle. In Matthew 10:8 (NIrV) Jesus said, “You have received freely, so give freely.” When we give we open the door to blessing. The problem is that when you have very little in the budget you sometimes fear letting go of anything. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by what you don’t have, take inventory of what you do have. What are you not using that another church or ministry could benefit from? Give it away. It’s a step of faith, but one I believe God rewards.

Tip #3: Look for low cost curriculum options. When I started out with limited budgets I had to look for alternative curriculum options. Twenty years ago, though, there weren’t many free or low cost options. That’s why I turned to writing my own lessons. Today, there are tons of options for your ministry at all price points. Take advantage of those options. Wait for great sales and buy up or even borrow curriculum sets from another church (always check your end user licenses before doing this). You can also download free curriculum or utilize many of the free sample series offered. We began Equip KidMin to help churches by providing high impact curriculum at a low price. (Click here to purchase one of our series and download a free two week series)

Tip #4: Keep a well organized resource room. We’re blessed to have a great resource room where we collect and keep our costumes, props and supplies. The more you save, the less you’ll have to buy later. Recently, we had a special Rodeo Sunday in our children’s ministry (rodeos are big in Texas). We had give-aways for our elementary and preschool kids, but not nursery. At the last minute, we rummaged through the resource room and found enough bandanas to give one to all the babies and toddlers. Be sure to inventory and label your supplies or you’ll wind up buying multiples of things you already have…a budget killer.

Tip #5: Consider having families or church members tbecome sponsors or conduct a campaign to purchase items that go above your budget restraints. Want to buy a special puppet? Have families adopt a puppet. Want to get a new video camera? Make it a special giving project for your church. The key is to set the vision for the giving. You won’t get people excited to buy Goldfish crackers for your nursery. Use your budget for that. However, you can get people excited about giving to something that will help you reach lost kids in your community. People want to give to something larger than themselves.

Tip #6: Evaluate everything. Some ministries or activities are budget vampires and will suck everything they can get. If that ministry or activity isn’t accomplishing your mission or vision, it needs to go. Just because you’ve always done it doesn’t mean you should keep doing it. I once had a Wednesday night class that sucked away hundreds of dollars for things like badges and workbooks. It was a good class but didn’t really fit with where I felt the children’s ministry should go. The class was a vampire to time, resources and volunteers. What did I do? Kept it. Why? I was afraid to stop doing what we’d always done. Was that a mistake? Absolutely! There are and can never be sacred cows in our church. Kill them. Enjoy the steak and move on to what God is calling you to do.

Tip #7: Keep track of your spending. Most of us are in churches that employ either a full-time or part-time bookkeeper. Their job is to keep track of all of the church’s spending. However, I like to know my spending before the receipt even reaches the bookkeeper’s desk. Using a simple spreadsheet is a great way to track your yearly, monthly and event budgets. It also helps you avoid awkward conversations with your Senior Pastor.

Tip #8: Use offerings to supplement the budget. Some churches allow the children’s ministry to keep the offerings from their classrooms and use it to help with budgetary items. If yours doesn’t currently do this, then ask if it’s possible. You might just find the few extra dollars for that curriculum you want.

Tip #9: Look for free or low-cost software. You’d be amazed at the free software options available now. Can’t afford to buy Microsoft Word? Don’t bother. Use Google Docs instead. Many of the more expensive programs also offer discounts for nonprofits as well. When we purchased Adobe Multimedia Software in the past we used their nonprofit discount to save hundreds of dollars. There’s even free presentation software you can find with a simple Google search. Why pay full price when you can get it on a discount?

Tip #10: Pray. Yep, I saved the best and most effective budget tool for last. The single most valuable tool in your KidMin arsenal is prayer. George Mueller, a 19th-century minister, always found all he needed to minister. His source was not found in millionaires or large crowds. He simply trusted in God. One day he had no milk to serve the kids at the orphanage he ran. He didn’t panic. He didn’t question God’s calling. George Mueller simply had all of the kids sit down and he prayed for God’s provision. At that moment a milk cart broke right in front of the orphanage. The driver came inside and asked Mueller if he could use the milk since it would spoil before he could fix the cart. God provided. I believe that God will provide for you, too.

What do you want to do that you feel you can’t because of your budget? What can you do differently to make it happen?

This article originally appeared here.

4 Pivotal Questions Small Group Point People Should Ask

By

Tracey Ware

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November 29, 2017

I learned today that one of my son’s favorite actors, Christian Bale (aka Batman!), will play the lead role in an upcoming biopic based on the life of Dick Cheney. The film does not yet have a title or release date but I am very keen to see how Bale, who apparently is unrecognisable (as himself!), undertakes the role.

What has this to do with small groups you ask!

Well…I recently read a Dick Cheney quote: “In terms of asking questions, I plead guilty. I ask a h*%#l of a lot of questions. That’s my job.”

Mr. Cheney sees it as an important part of his job to ask questions. Likewise, asking questions is also an integral part of our role as small group point people. While there are any number of questions we could and should ask, for the sake of this article I would like to suggest four.

1. How will the small group ministry help fulfil my church’s mission?
Small group ministry is a vehicle through which your church can fulfil its overall vision and mission. Think about your church’s mission statement, I guarantee it says something about reaching out to others and building or growing disciples. It may have other impressive words and catch phrases but underneath will be these two directives.

Isn’t that what we want to do with small groups? Your small group ministry does not need another slogan or snazzy wording—what it needs is to plan and execute alignment with your church’s ‘big picture.’

Possible action step – Write down your church’s mission statement, put it somewhere you will see it constantly. Take time to brainstorm with your leaders how it is being fulfilled through small groups and any changes which might need to take place.

2. What is your ‘end in mind’?
What does it look like to you for small groups to be a success? A growing number of groups (yes), a growing number of leaders (yes). Small groups being seen as a core to your church’s culture (yes)…BUT is there more? YES.

Over the years I have come to realise that the most important end in mind is individual lives being transformed. Our small group ministry is successful when we see followers of Jesus being encouraged in their small group to take the ‘next step’ (different for each person) in their relationship with God.

Possible action step – Take a quiet moment to sit before God and ask Him what His ‘end in mind’ is for your small group ministry. Write down your thoughts, feelings and responses. At the right moment share them with your leadership team

Continue

When a Leader Has Doubts

By

Dan Reiland

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November 29, 2017

All leaders have doubts.

As Christian leaders, we want to have faith to move mountains, but sometimes our faith is too small. What makes that happen? Why can’t we believe big all the time?

Among the common reasons for doubt are things like:

You’ve prayed and didn’t get the answer you hoped for.
You worked hard, but the idea or program didn’t work.
People have let you down or hurt you.
A staff member turned on you.
You’ve never done a certain thing before.
You are trying to do too much alone.

Most of the time, however, doubt resides within a leader, not outside or connected to circumstances.

Doubts come in three primary categories:

(Isolating the category helps you conquer the specific doubt.)

1) Personal Doubts

You might question yourself. Perhaps you are unsure of yourself. You may tend to overthink some things, which burns even more energy. This can lead to wondering or even worrying about what people think of you as a person. Whether this begins or ends with insecurities, the result is the same.

Short term or occasional personal doubt is normal, but can’t be allowed to take root. Long-term personal doubt is unhealthy, and I strongly encourage you to talk about it with a trusted mentor or counselor.

2) Leadership Doubts

In short, you’re not sure what to do, so you second guess your leadership. All leaders experience this at times. For example, it might be that you are not entirely confident about a staff or financial decision you need to make, and the deadline is coming soon. This is a common experience.

When you experience this, you may wonder if you have the right stuff to pull it off. You do. The key here is to not keep it all inside yourself. Don’t try to do it all alone. Pride can take you out!

Take time to get wise counsel. That will help immensely. Then compare the thoughts of your counsel to your thoughts. You will either receive a confirmation which will boost your confidence, or you will learn. Either way, your experience is deepened, and you are a better leader.

3) Faith Doubts

I’ve never met a leader that didn’t wonder “Where is God in all this?” The doubt I’m referring to here is not about your salvation or God’s existence. It’s more about an occasional doubt of God’s immediate presence or trying to understand His will in a matter. This can leave you uncertain about your faith as a leader.

Let me share one of my favorite Spurgeon quotes that helps me when I experience a faith doubt.

“God is too good to be unkind. He is too wise to be confused. If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.” –C.H. Spurgeon

I may not always know or understand God’s plan, but I trust his heart—I trust his love for the church and me completely. I can rest in that truth, and trust Him until I gain clarity.

Jesus and Worship

Whose Burden Are You Bearing?

1. You Don’t Have to Be First

Rest in God

The Exclusivity of Christianity?

The Exclusivity of Christianity: What Does the Bible Teach About Sin?

The Exclusivity of Christianity: What Does the Bible Teach About Salvation?

The Exclusivity of Christianity: What Does the Bible Teach About Man?

The Exclusivity of Christianity: What Does the Bible Teach About Missions?

Conclusion:

What Are Some Popular Opinions on This Subject:

Here are seven suggestions to help introverts engage more:

What to Do Before You Leave

The Demise of U2

Here are seven signs it’s really not a team:

CHURCHES GETTING LESS OF THE PIE

NONES AND MILLENNIALS

IT’S THE ECONOMY, STILL

A TIME FOR FAITH

Key Questions:

Key Quotes:

Mentioned in the Show:

What do you want to do that you feel you can’t because of your budget? What can you do differently to make it happen?

Doubts come in three primary categories:

1) Personal Doubts

2) Leadership Doubts

3) Faith Doubts

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