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EPISODE NOTES
What does it truly mean to grow as a leader? In a powerful message, Pastor Derwin draws from his unique experience as a former NFL player to deliver a compelling truth: leadership growth is not optional—it’s a divine calling. He challenges us with the stark reality that, like his former defensive coordinator taught him, “You’re either getting better or getting worse; there’s no staying the same.”
Through vivid analogies, from golf swings to weight training, Pastor Derwin illustrates how true leadership development demands both smart work and hard work, all fueled by God’s grace. He emphasizes that leadership isn’t merely about influence, but about “being and doing what you want others to be and do.”
At the heart of his message lies three crucial questions every leader must confront:
- Do you really want to grow?
- Are you willing to work smart and hard?
- Will you boldly apply what you’re learning?
The urgency is clear—the world needs leaders who reflect Christ’s beauty and glory, and transformation begins with the courage to answer these questions honestly and take action today.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
- Why leadership growth is a calling, not an option, for every follower of Jesus
- The difference between working hard and working smart—and why both matter
- How to identify and overcome the areas where you’re stuck as a leader
- Why growth requires discomfort, sacrifice, and intentional action
- The ACTION acronym for catalytic leadership (Active, Catalytic, Trustworthy, Invest, Organize,
Now) - How to move from consuming leadership content to actually applying it
- Why grace, not striving, is the fuel for sustainable leadership growth
QUOTES
- “You’re either getting better, or you’re getting worse. There’s no staying the same.”
- “Growing as a leader is not optional. It’s your calling.”
- “You can work hard doing the wrong things. We don’t want to work hard doing the wrong thing. We want to work hard in God’s grace on the things that he’s called us to do the right way at the right time.”
- “Growth doesn’t happen through information. Growth happens through transformation. And transformation happens only when you take action.”
- “Leader, you are appointed, and you are anointed. The Holy Spirit is in you. You’ve been
called. You’ve been positioned. God has entrusted people and influence to you. And the question is, will you do it?”
PODCAST RESOURCES
• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
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• The Transforming the Church Podcast is part of the ChurchLeaders Podcast Network.
CONNECT WITH DERWIN
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray
• Instagram: @derwinlgray
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