Search Results

Pastors and ministry leaders are some of the busiest people on the planet. I know because I am one. We have a lot of responsibility, wear many hats, and have very little free time. Yet, time is one of the most precious commodities a pastor or ministry leader has. So, it's essential to be purposeful with how you spend your time each day if you want to be productive in ministry. HERE ARE 7 TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY: 1. Prayerfully plan your day the night before. At the end of each day, write out all the things you need to do the following day to achieve your ministry goals. Pull all the information you'll need, phone numbers, and relevant paperwork. 2. Prioritize your list. Number each item according to your priorities. Unfortunately, many start by doing complex jobs first. And they are not necessarily the highest priorities. Sunday is always coming, and some things on the list could be done after your sermon or weekend ministry prep. It's essential to avoid the temptation of just doing the easy jobs first. Prioritize for the sake of God's mission for you and your ministry and the people you are leading. It will help with motivation. 3. Stick to your list. Take time to check off each item as you go and avoid distractions. You don't have to respond to every email or text. Set up a schedule for checking your emails and notifications once every hour, once a day, or once a week, depending on your needs. Of course, there's always the potential for more serious matters that you can't anticipate. For example, someone in your church or ministry has lost a loved one or is at rope's end and requires prayer. The list goes out the window, at the very least, for the time they need. As a pastor or ministry leader, always pad the calendar a little. We will never accomplish as much in a day as we may believe we can because that is what we do. 4. Remember the Three "D's." Do it, Delegate it, or Dump it. As ministry leaders, we are so blessed to lead God's people. More than likely, there is someone in your congregation who would love to do the things you don't like doing or are not good at doing! God made us the Body of Christ, after all. So often, we pastors and ministry leaders are stealing the ministry of our congregation by doing too many things ourselves. Look at your list each night and apply the 3 "D's." 5. Don't procrastinate. Procrastination is the "Thief of Time." It's often an excuse that we humans use to make ourselves feel good about disobeying God in doing what He calls us to do. It's so easy to put things off till another time or until "I've had time to think about it." DO IT NOW! If you feel your list is too long and overwhelmed, go back to step 1. You may be doing many things that are not priorities for you and your ministry 6. Plan your leisure time. Make plans to relax, exercise, go shopping, or do whatever you like. For me, it's painting. It's been my passion all my life. It allows me to refresh and pray while also allowing me to complete something. Ministry is never-ending, so I prefer having something I can stand back, admire, and claim that I finished. And most likely, you are teaching your people the Biblical principle of rest, so lead the way! If you're not careful, your work can easily consume you. 7. Keep asking yourself the same question: "Is what I'm doing now bringing us closer to where God wants us to be?" If you get a "no," change your approach. The Church should be leading the charge in innovation for the Kingdom of God to grow. We are doing the work of His Kingdom, and He wants it to spread to every individual. Don't be scared to embrace progress. We all know that the most deadly words of any ministry are "we've never done it like this before." What if we began prayerfully inviting God, "How would You have us do ministry in a way that we've never done it before to reach people and disciple them?" That's what inspired me to think about One Voice. I was fed up with seeing the next generation abandon their faith as followers of Jesus. During a moment of prayerful honesty, I noticed that how we presently operated wasn't getting us where God wanted us to go. (For more on One Voice, a radical new model for doing Church, click here.) Just as a CEO, president, or business owner plans their day for maximum productivity, so should we, as pastors or ministry leaders. Above all else, make sure that you spend time with Jesus every day and grow in your faith with God. We cannot lead people where we are not going ourselves. God did not call you to ministry to burnout or not have time to be in close fellowship with Him. I love the quote from Martin Luther: "I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." That will help you maximize your ministry productivity above all things!

Dear Tom: My ex-husband verbally abuses my kids and me, and it is causing us terrible heartache. I’ve had Christians tell me that I must forgive him even though he keeps doing it and won’t stop. It’s been going on for years, and I don’t know what to do. Do I have to forgive him even though he won’t stop? Sherrie Sherrie: Thank you for writing to me. I’m so sorry about the difficulties you and your kids have been going through. Abuse is a terrible thing, no matter what form it takes. My father was sometimes verbally abusive, so I know a little of what your kids are going through. Your question about forgiving your ex-husband is a difficult one. As Christians, we always want to be on the side of forgiving the guilty and extending a hand of mercy and compassion. But, to be honest, some people, like your ex-husband, make it hard. Abuse is a horrible cycle to get out of, and it often requires a dramatic event in people’s lives to get out from under it. But we should always try to retain hope that God sees our difficulties and knows what we are going through. So, let me address your question with a direct answer, then I will explain it to you. First, you do not always have to forgive your ex for his abuse. The article I wrote on feeling forgiveness from the heart assumes that the other person has repented and wants to be forgiven. There are times in the scripture when forgiveness is not attained because the offending party did not repent of their sins. Now, this doesn’t mean that we can go around treating that person shamefully or return the abuse. It simply means that we must act wisely in relation to that person, always being ready to forgive when real repentance comes, but sometimes withholding it until that repentance comes. Especially when the abuse and manipulation continue. Let me throw out a few things from scripture for you to consider. Not everyone will be forgiven for their sin. This is apparent when we consider that those who do not repent of their sin and come to faith in Christ will suffer an eternity in hell. Jesus said that those who speak against the Holy Spirit never have forgiveness. Denying the truth of Christ is the same as calling the Spirit a liar when he is convicting us of who Jesus is. Dying in that condition is final, and for such a person, there is no hope. Remember the rich young ruler who came to Jesus. He wanted forgiveness, but wasn’t willing to follow Jesus’ instructions for his life. The scripture says Jesus loved him, but because he didn’t follow Jesus’ instruction, he went away unforgiven. In the book of John, Jesus told the Pharisees, “You will die in your sin.” He said that because they opposed him and didn’t believe in him. Clearly, they were not forgiven. In I Corinthians 5, Paul talks about the man who was committing adultery with his step-mother. The man was unrepentant, so Paul said he was turning the man over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh so that his spirit would be saved later. Doesn’t that seem harsh? Yet, Paul saw the evil for what it was. Then man would not have experienced forgiveness from Paul or the church had he not repented (in II Corinthians it is implied that he later repented). Lastly, at his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples, if you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you withhold forgiveness, then it is withheld. Forgiveness is not something that we give away willy-nilly. We are not required to forgive if there is no repentance and the other person continues in abuse and manipulation. Now, if you choose to forgive anyway, I believe God will honor your heart of obedience. But that doesn’t mean the situation will change or go away. Sometimes we forgive in advance, hoping that our forgiveness will draw that person to Christ and repentance. Sometimes that happens, sometimes it doesn’t. Just know this: you are not absolutely required to forgive where there is no repentance. But if you do forgive, God will honor your heart in this. I pray that your situation will change and that you will experience the freedom from this that you desire. Please continue in patience, humility, and love as much as you can. Protect your children. Guard your heart. God be with you in this difficult time. Tom Terry

We all face obstacles in life, whether it is a personal challenge or an issue within our communities. Yet, as Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that Paul tells us in Romans 8:37 that "overwhelming victory is ours through Christ." This means that no matter what challenges arise, we have the power to overcome them with His help and guidance. As spiritual leaders, we must lead by example when living as an overcomer. We must learn how to set attainable goals so that we can make progress toward overcoming any obstacle in our path. By breaking down larger tasks into bite-sized pieces and taking action one step at a time, we can begin making headway on any goal or mission before us. Additionally, allowing God's Word to transform our mindsets will help us stay focused on achieving victory despite whatever difficulties may come up along the way. Leaping Past Your Obstacles to Achieve Success Everyone would be living in a different place of success in ministry if it weren't for those brick walls that spring up unexpectedly and discourage us. Still, real success stories start with problems, failures, or obstacles. We see that in the lives of those who have gone before us. We teach about them from scripture week after week. The truth is things will always stand in our way. We have an enemy who is trying to stop us. That's precisely why we all have a choice to live in faith: we can choose to believe God is with us, and we can and should live as overcomers of any obstacles the enemy puts in our way, or we can choose to give up. It always starts with a faith choice. Setting Attainable Goals to Overcome Obstacles You need to be able to set God-given, attainable, realistic goals so you can leap over the obstacles that are in your way on the path to living as the leader He has called you to be. Setting goals is a great way to move past obstacles because it gives you a timeline to help you get things done regardless of the barriers. Once you have prayerfully set attainable goals to overcome obstacles, it provides your prayer life and your team's prayer life focus. This will also help you make constant progress through prioritization and organization. God is not a God of chaos or confusion. He works through systems and organization. Prayerfully setting goals is important to overcoming obstacles because it allows you to envision your future and create something concrete to work toward. This will empower you to speak and cast your vision. Many people become apprehensive when they only see barriers and roadblocks standing in their way. These people see the obstacles but don't see the goal at the end of their journey. Sadly, they give up before they get started. But this doesn't have to be you! As a leader, it is our job to help others see past the obstacles to the result and vision. Creating Bite-Sized Goals God-given goals can help you see that some things that seem hard may not be as complicated as you thought. So don't make a big problem out of a small one! If what stops you from reaching your goal is extensive and complex, try breaking them down into smaller, bite-sized goals. This way, you will help make them achievable and realistic for your team, church, and yourself. That way, everyone can easily see and do each one and live out God's vision for you. For example, if you need to build a building for your church, consider getting the plan and the blueprints as your first mini-goal and move forward from there, one step at a time. Once the blueprints are done - celebrate - you have accomplished the first goal of achieving a God-sized vision! Continually allow God to transform your mind and thinking. Continually allowing God to transform our minds and thinking is essential to overcome obstacles. In Romans 12:2, Paul reminds us that this transformation can only come from the Holy Spirit: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." We cannot overcome obstacles if we conform to this world's standards. The only way we can become overcomers is through spiritual transformation - a process that requires us to open our hearts and minds to the possibilities God presents for us. The transformation that comes from allowing God to renew our minds helps us overcome obstacles by changing how we think and approach difficult situations. We learn to trust the Lord and know He will provide solutions when we encounter brick walls or detours. We also become more willing to take risks, as God's wisdom teaches us the importance of faith-based action. As spiritual leaders, we are responsible for leading the way in living life as an overcomer. We must take steps to move forward and continually seek God's guidance in how we should proceed. When we stay focused on His Word and on what He has promised us, we become better equipped to face each obstacle that comes our way. We learn to accept the challenge and use it as an opportunity for growth, trusting in God's plan. Final Thoughts Overcoming obstacles requires faith-based action and a willingness to move forward with God's guidance. As spiritual leaders, we are responsible for leading the way in life as an overcomer by setting attainable goals and creating bite-sized tasks that empower us to speak and cast our vision. We must continually allow God to transform our minds so we can trust in His plan for us despite any barriers or roadblocks standing in our way. With Him leading the way, we do not doubt we will successfully achieve every goal He has set out before us!

After considering all God has done for us, surrendering ourselves completely to Him is the only logical thing to do. THE ONLY LOGICAL THING TO DO Romans 12:1-2 S-1714 As we study the Bible we see three interlocking elements of truth. Beliefs: Romans 1-11 Behaviors: Romans 12-13: Relationships: Romans 14-16 Beliefs + Behaviors = Great relationships If beliefs and behaviors do not lead to deeper relationships, some thing is wrong with our beliefs or behaviors. We have finished the doctrinal section: the explanation of the gospel we believe. How we translate Beliefs into proper behaviors and relationships hinges around Romans 12:1-2. SLIDE: Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. SLIDE: After Considering All Of God’s Mercies To Us, Offering Up Our Bodies As Living Sacrifices Is The Only Logical Thing To Do. Your spiritual act of worship: Explain logikos laetros Λογικη The only logical thing to do. Λατρεια Technical term for offering sacrifices—also means action, duty Illustrate this on a little more familiar terms: Dr. Ewy and I have been friends for 25 years. He is my heart doctor. Used to try to hook up one of his sons with one of my daughters. Recently, I had helped out one of his sons in the context of a pastoral setting and he sent me a rather large check to show his gratitude. I opened the envelope and out of the thank you note fell this check. I said to Julie, “Look at this!” Julie said: “You’re not going to keep it are you?” I looked at the check: Learned that it is good to give; wouldn’t want to take the blessing of giving away from Dr. Ewy. Held it in my hand—thought for a long moment—finally said to Julie: “Why, of course not.” I have had heart problem since I was a child: Arrythmias, etc. He has always cared for me. Old site, arrhythmia problem after third service, one more to go. About to faint. Stairs, got to my office and called Dr. Ewy at home: “Wait there, I will be right there. Drove me to the hospital. Two years ago: arrhythmias; working on treatment: Atrial flutter, not doing well. Pick up dog poop and can’t lift it over top of can. Sunday morning: shaving, hit the floor, Let’s go the hospital. “Ambulance?” “No, just get me to Gordon.” Called Gordon: I will meet you at emergency entrance: Emergency room: ventricles run-away-pace: “Shock him.” “No we have time. Put him to sleep. Paddle on back. Next thing I knew, I was awake. “Did it work?” First time!” Next day: “Did I jump three inches off the table like they do on tv?” “No…out cold…sat straight up in bed, grabbed your chest and yelled, “OWW,” and passed back out.” Ride the lightning. So, I am holding the check….. “No, of course I am not going to keep it. How could I take anything from the man who saved my life?” SLIDE: Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is the only logical response to the man who saved your life. SLIDE: Doing What Jesus Did Is The Only Reasonable Thing To Do. What did Jesus do? He sacrificed His life for others. GALATIANS 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. SLIDE: Set up Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe: children’s allegories of the Christian life. Peter, Susan, Edward and Lucy go through the wardrobe into the land of Narnia. Ice Queen Witch reigns: Cold and dark with sin. The Sons and daughters of Adam will break the curse. Aslan, the Lion is Christ: Edward betrays Aslan to the Witch. According to the curse, the son of Adam must die on the stone table: Aslan makes a deal to die in Edward’s place. Watch Christ die. VIDEO: Aslan’s Death ROMANS 6:1-3: What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? SLIDE: Offering Our Bodies To Christ Is The Most Strategic Thing We Christians Can Do. Lord, surely you don’t want my body! Look at your body. How many of you look at your body and really like what you see? Has old nature, source of temptation, weak and wobbly, has B.O. I have trouble with my body – Don’t you want my soul, my spirit – I worship you great in my spirit.” No, God wants our body. God needs bodies through which He expresses Himself – Christ came to Earth, “A body thou hast prepared for me.” He lives in bodies, not in sanctuaries. “A Living Sacrifice”. BLACKBOARD: We believers can live on of three different levels: The sensual (soma) simply means that we are ruled by the senses. 5 senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, hearing “I’d like to go on a lightning trip to help build that orphanage in Mexico next weekend, but it is so hot.” “I see that homeless person in the grocery store. She obviously has some money to spend, it looks like she needs some help. I really want to help, but she looks so dirty. That kind of freaks me out.” Soulish (psyche) dominated by intellect, will and emotions Mind: Intellect: A person may give himself over to the intellectual pursuits of Christianity. Studies his Bible, becomes a walking encyclopedia. People admire and respect his grasp of truth—but it is all intellectual. It is not spiritual. Emotions: Weeps at Lord’s Supper as thinks Calvary. Gets all excited in worship and shouts his hallelujahs! So deeply moved at the thought of orphans in Korea that he will empty his billfold into the offering plate when the appeal is made. He is not necessarily spiritual. Any nonXn can do that. Will: Prays for God to help him overcome smoking. He immediately throws his cigarettes into the fire and never smokes again. This may not be a spiritual victory, it may simply be the manifestation of an iron will. It is possible to appear to be spiritual when in fact all of our behaviors are directly empowered by our mind, will and/or emotions. This is a very subtle trap. SLIDE: The spiritual life means that God the essence of the body is offered to Christ as a sacrifice. When the Holy Spirit has complete control over the body—the 5 senses and the intellect, will and emotions—then we are able to fully express the beauties of the Lord Jesus in every way. Where do I get the power to do this? SLIDE: Bodies Presented In Sacrifice To Jesus Will Be Living, Holy And Acceptable. The OT sacrifices were dead. We are living sacrifices. The life comes from our resurrection with Christ. ROMANS 6:3-4: Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. SLIDE: Set up Aslan’s resurrection and the breaking of the stone table. VIDEO: ASLAN’S RESURRECTION. This is the picture symbol of Baptism. BLACKBOARD: Explain the death, burial and resurrection picture of Baptism as it relates to our new life. Because of the resurrected power of Christ, we have the power to fulfill verse 2. SLIDE: Romans 12:2: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. SLIDE: Transformation occurs by refusing to be conformed and by constantly renewing the human mind. Transformed is μεταμορφοομαι– changed into a new creature. This term occurs only three other places in the Bible. It is used to describe the transfiguration of Christ (Mark 17:2 and Mark 9:2). It is used to describe the glorious change in the face of a believer when he or she gazes steadfastly into the face of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Holy Spirit wants to etch the likeness of the Lord Jesus into our characters so that it might be reflected to some degree into our faces. SLIDE: Transformation occurs by refusing to be conformed to a society that does not know Christ. The world is society with God left out. The world has its fads and fashions and dress and diets are not the issue. The issue is the far more serious areas of life like morals, standards, ethics and religious beliefs. Marriage values in our society: No commitment. Marriage has a low value in our culture. Divorce rate highest in world. One man and one woman for one lifetime. Lost foundation of family. Insecurity for children. If we are not careful we can begin to conform to the world’s morals and values. Conformed is putting on a costume that is not who we really are within. Wilbur the Wildcat is a wildcat but he isn’t a wildcat. He is a student dressed up like a wildcat. He had this funny thing on his face and that nose that stuck out, a long tail. He was dancing all around the field. He was being conformed to the image of a wildcat. He wasn’t a wildcat. When we wrap around ourselves the things that characterize the world system, we’re conforming. Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold. SLIDE: Transformed by constantly renewing your mind. Renew your mind so that you see life the way God sees it. This is a continuing choice. Some people I know are so better off financially than I am. House, Car, Clothes, pool; This is just not fair. I will renew my mind and choose to let go of my jealousy. When somebody hurts or betrays me, I cut off the relationship or scheme until I find just the right setting to get even. How can I live like this anymore? I will forgive them and pray for them. No longer will I repay evil for evil. Mostly I just trade out. When people do nice things for me, I do nice things for them. Maybe it is time that I did some things for people who could never ever repay me in any possible way. Before I was a Christian, life was all about me. I was the most important person I knew. I will renew my mind by rethinking that. God is first, others are second, I am third. I do not know how God wants to use me in His Body. It really doesn’t matter much anyway. I am rethinking my role as a Christian. I intend to discover my spiritual gift and use it. People think I love them. But I only use them for what I can get out of them. Oh, God, please forgive me. I am so angry with God. My life has not turned out the way I wanted—marriage is sour, children in pain, job is a dead-end street—health problems so unfair. God has a plan for my life. He wants to partner with me—and pick up the pieces and start over. SLIDE: “In Simple Terms How Can I Let This Happen In My Life?” Practice! Practice! Practice! Obey the command: offer your bodies as living sacrifices. Captain was sharing that one of the biggest problems in training United States soldiers was to get them conditioned well enough so that they would shoot an enemy without thinking about it. “I’ve seen more than one American soldier killed in the field because when he met the enemy he had to decide all over again whether or not to shoot while the enemy soldier had already made that decision long ago. While the American was deciding, he was shot.” You know why so many of us keep falling into sin – because every time we face a temptation we have to decide all over again whether or not to do it. We ought to say once and for all, “I decide that my body belongs to the Lord and it will glorify God.” Some folks have to decide all over again every Saturday night whether or not they are going to church. If one of your children comes to you and says, “Dad, are we going to church?” Then you’ve failed somewhere. That is a decision that ought to be made once and for all. “Every Sunday for the rest of our lives, we’re going to be in church.” What temptations do you face? Have you made a once for all decision that they no longer are a part of your life? Or, are you still trying to decide? Selfishness, Jealousy, Lust, pornography, bitterness, materialism, laziness, greed, anger, abusive speech, physical or sexual abuse, foul mouth, smoking, drug abuse? Offer it once and for all to Jesus, never to be taken back, signing the death certificate to the Lord Jesus Christ. “Lord Jesus, my body is yours. I give it to you once and for all – even the right to take it back.” I have decided that it is not usually that easy. Paul knew that. That is why these two commands are in present tense – Keep on doing them daily. Keep on stop being conformed. Keep on being transformed by renewing your mind. Complications: best doctors are those who have performed the operation the most. Spiritual journey pacing SLIDE: Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. God’s will is good. God’s will is pleasing. God’s will is perfect (Teleios). Do what we were created to do. SLIDE: Lion, Witch and Wardrobe ends with a coronation: biblically based, those who move on to glorification—overcomers—will receive a new name: sit on the throne. VIDEO: ASLAN’S THRONE So, I am holding the check….. “No, of course I am not going to keep it. How could I take anything from the man who saved my life?” SLIDE: In light of His mercy, how could I not offer my body as a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ.

Most people think that to be a good leader; you have to be authoritarian and demanding. But there is another way to lead, and it’s called the servant leadership approach. With this style of leadership, the focus is on working with others as a team to achieve common goals. This type of leadership requires trust, communication, and collaboration. And it can be very effective in building relationships and motivating people to do their best work, especially in ministry. Your chosen style could increase your chances of success. Research shows that servant leadership is usually more productive than authoritative models. More important, Jesus points us in this direction: “The greatest among you must be a servant.” Matthew 23:11 What is servant leadership exactly? It’s a form of governance that shares power and encourages input. Management studies show that it can enhance outcomes and increase job satisfaction and morale. It’s the difference between giving orders and building consensus. For example, consider two different approaches to an office move. First, a more autocratic leader might pick the new location and give employees a list of tasks to complete. On the other hand, a servant leader would form a team to review possible sites and allow employees to discuss the final candidates and coordinate logistics. A servant leader is more collaborative. Being a more collaborative leader can help your relationships and work environment. Try out these suggestions to see results in your business or ministry. Maximizing the Advantages of Servant Leadership: 1. Earn trust. For a servant leadership workplace to flourish, colleagues must trust their leader and each other. That requires confidence in each other’s character and abilities. In addition, sincerity and transparency are essential. It means that you can’t just have 90% of the conversation, talk about the last 10%, which is usually the hard stuff. 2. Pull together. Close communication draws a team together. Employees and volunteers are more likely to develop strong and healthy professional relationships and maybe even socialize more outside of work through sincere fellowship. 3. Increase engagement. Recent Gallup polls show employee engagement is the lowest in 20 years. Fifty-four percent of employees say they are psychologically unattached to their work and do the minimum in the world of ministry; that’s a big problem. Our teams can only thrive when they are engaged as a part of the family of God. Giving employees and volunteers, a greater voice can increase their commitment. 4. Celebrate diversity. One of the greatest strengths of participative leadership is welcoming contributions from team members with various talents and backgrounds. Approaching challenges from many different perspectives usually create more effective solutions. And it gives a more unified ministry approach that is multi-generational. 5. Reward innovation. The free flow of ideas is another benefit. When you create a safe environment for discussion, employees and volunteers are more likely to propose ideas to help your ministry. Overcoming Obstacles to Servant Leadership: 1. Clarify your vision. Motivating and inspiring your team becomes even more important when you expect them to make more significant contributions. You need a clear mission that God is leading you in and a vision that aligns with the core values of your ministry. Scheduling regular one-on-one time and providing adequate resources also helps to clarify the vision in the hearts and minds of your team. 2. Teach communication skills. With so much focus on discussion, employees may need to work on their communication skills, including active listening and sharing constructive feedback. Offer training sessions and post helpful reminders around the office. Use games and exercises to make learning fun and memorable. Jesus is the most excellent communicator of all time, an area in which we, as ministry leaders, should continue to grow until we see Him face to face. 3. Plan for delays. Another common drawback is the way group decisions usually take longer. You may need an alternative process when you’re dealing with time-sensitive matters. But, again, having a good decision-making policy will prevent this from becoming a problem. 4. Provide structure. Planning ahead can also speed up discussions. Circulate an agenda before meetings, and allow others to give feedback on the schedule before the meetings. This allows everyone to come prepared and stick to the subject and make progress. If your meetings are unproductive, you may want to get a facilitator or use a staff member. As a church, you probably have people who make a living doing this. Let them use their gifts and talents to help you and your team get better at providing structure. 5. Set boundaries. The servant leadership model works best with issues where your staff has at least a minimum level of expertise. You may have to limit input on some matters to those who meet specific qualifications. If you have built in your culture the idea that everyone on the team always has a seat at the table regardless of the topic, this will take some time and intentional training to change your culture. 6. Deal with dissent. After your team gives input, what do you say to the team members whose content or ideas were not used? Or perhaps those who were in the minority in their thinking? It’s essential to make it clear that each employee or volunteer needs to be fully committed to backing the final decision. There is never a scenario where you should lead and move forward with only 100% agreement or nothing. To do so means that the one “no” person among your team leads the church. 7. Be decisive. Even in the most democratic workplace, there will be stalemates or decisions that are ill-suited to group deliberations. You’ll still need to take responsibility for resolving sensitive issues affecting your organization’s future. Being a servant leader does not mean surrendering your authority or making decisions based on the majority rule. This goes back to the 1st and most crucial part of “Overcoming Obstacles to Servant Leadership”: “Clarify Your Vision.” As a leader, that is your primary job. You can not delegate this responsibility, and you cannot have a clear vision through consensus. After all, our mission has already been set clearly by Jesus. And our vision is led by The Holy Spirit to live it out. We must continue to be decisive based on Biblical authority. You can develop your servant leadership skills with practice. Most importantly, with God's power and wisdom. Use them to build your team and ministry while making your work as a leader more meaningful. Shop memberships Shop products

When most of us hear the word leadership, we usually think of political officials, CEOs, military commanders, or even athletes. While it's true that you need good leadership skills to excel at these occupations, leadership is a valuable skill that everyone from any vocation or background can use for their benefit and the benefit of others. As pastors, youth pastors, children's pastors, and church leaders of any kind, we are no exception. Unfortunately, one of the downsides of many church pastors and leaders is that we depend on the gift that God gives us. We should be! What I mean is we rely on it without taking the responsibility to develop the gift He has given. God's part is to gift the gift. Our part is to develop how we live and use the gift. While God gives us leadership as a gift, effectively living in leadership doesn't come naturally for most of us. Like any spiritual gifts and talents, we need to grow in understanding and development. You can use several methods to build and refine your leadership skills. (While I don't list it, it should go without saying that as pastors, we should be praying about it daily.) Discover and develop the leadership gift God has placed in you! Try these techniques to boost your leadership skills: 1. Strive for excellence. Part of being a successful leader is your ability to set the bar for others. You can be a good role model by constantly seeking ways to improve yourself and aspire to excellence. This is not only true of our spiritual growth as Pastors and Church leaders but in other areas of our lives. After all, to indeed be a follower of Jesus is to live as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:2) A hallmark of leadership is excellence. Work on honing your existing skills and developing new ones. Our God is a God of excellence, and he deserves our best. One key element in this is not to compare. Looking at a church that is ten times your size and thinking that that is what excellence looks like will be discouraging. Look within your context and your call. How can you make your leadership a hallmark of excellence by honing your existing skills and developing new ones? How can you be the best you can be right where you are now? 2. Focus on your vision and set goals. Consider what you want to accomplish in different areas of your life. Set goals that will help you to achieve your vision. I love to talk with other Pastors about vision. Clear vision is so vital for our congregations as we lead them. Vison shows them where we are leading them. One of the questions I hear most from Pastors is, "how often should I speak on vision?" My answer is always, "if you spoke last weekend and did not speak on the vision, you are not speaking on it enough!" Are you saying we should speak on vision every week? I'm telling you that you should talk about your vision every time you speak. Be it in a sermon, a board or Elders meeting, a small group, or any gathering. Leadership is nothing more and nothing less than taking people on the journey of vision. When God has given you a clear vision, don't lose focus. Don't let your people lose focus. Set goals where you are able to periodically measure your performance and progress. Break up larger goals into smaller ones to celebrate your successes and maintain motivation. Learn to identify and use all of your resources. In the pursuit of your goals, always identify and use all of your resources. When making plans to reach your goal, always work with the resources you have in your current circumstances, rather than developing plans based on resources and circumstances that you wish were available. Smaller more attainable goals will help you stay on course with your vision. However, when discussing or working toward those goals, remember to always tie them to the vision and where you are headed. Be willing to refine your plans and ultimate goals based on your progress and dreams. 3. Develop your people skills. Leaders are known for their ability to inspire others to work towards a shared vision and goals. To be successful at inspiring others to work with you, develop your people skills and emotional intelligence. Like all leadership skills, developing people skills is perpetual. If you think you have arrived with your people skills, you are probably further off the mark than you could imagine. Learn how to listen. Pastor and church leaders, we should be great at this. But we often get caught in the trap of telling rather than listening. Listening helps to establish a connection and build camaraderie and trust, so others are more likely to follow your lead and help you. Help others to be their best. Part of being a good leader is motivating others towards positive change. Seek input from others when discussing goals and plans to live out your vision. You cannot, and God did not intend for you to do this alone. That is the opposite of leadership. It's easy to tell when a Pastor or leader has done the work of goals and planning in their office by themselves. It's usually not good. (The same is true with sermon prep) Give others a stake in the results by seeking their opinion. They'll be more motivated to help you. 4. Be passionate and maintain a positive attitude. Most of us take cues from others in social situations. You are a leader, so you should be aware and conscious that others will often take their cues from you. As a leader, you can teach others to have a positive attitude and be passionate about their efforts by doing so yourself. Keep them focused on having the attitude of Jesus rather than having the perspective of culture and all of this earth's circumstances. Maintaining a Christlike attitude and giving your best effort will help energize the entire team so everyone can accomplish more, regardless of the circumstances. Let me end with this question: do you have leadership development on your schedule? I don't mean just the occasional leadership conference. I mean, is it a part of your weekly or daily schedule? Do you plan for it? If not, you should prioritize it by getting it on the calendar and letting nothing steal that time. As a Pastor or church leader, you may feel too busy to schedule a time to develop and grow in your leadership. However, if that is where you are in your thinking and scheduling, you probably need to set aside time to do so more than most. The more time you spend developing and growing as a leader, the more time you will have, and the vision of your ministry will move forward at a much greater pace. Taking the time to develop your leadership skills can radically increase the success you experience in all areas of your life. God has done His part by giving you the gift of leadership. Now let's do your part and develop and hone your leadership skills to achieve the vision and goals God has given you and your ministry. You will enjoy being a ministry leader at a much higher leer and enjoy a more satisfying life. And the people you lead will do the same!

When most of us hear the word leadership, we usually think of political officials, CEOs, military commanders, or even athletes. While it's true that you need good leadership skills to excel at these occupations, leadership is a valuable skill that everyone from any vocation or background can use for their benefit and the benefit of others. As pastors, youth pastors, children's pastors, and church leaders of any kind, we are no exception. Unfortunately, one of the downsides of many church pastors and leaders is that we depend on the gift that God gives us. We should be! What I mean is we rely on it without taking the responsibility to develop the gift He has given. God's part is to gift the gift. Our part is to develop how we live and use the gift. While God gives us leadership as a gift, effectively living in leadership doesn't come naturally for most of us. Like any spiritual gifts and talents, we need to grow in understanding and development. You can use several methods to build and refine your leadership skills. (While I don't list it, it should go without saying that as pastors, we should be praying about it daily.) Discover and develop the leadership gift God has placed in you! Try these techniques to boost your leadership skills: 1. Strive for excellence. Part of being a successful leader is your ability to set the bar for others. You can be a good role model by constantly seeking ways to improve yourself and aspire to excellence. This is not only true of our spiritual growth as Pastors and Church leaders but in other areas of our lives. After all, to indeed be a follower of Jesus is to live as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:2) A hallmark of leadership is excellence. Work on honing your existing skills and developing new ones. Our God is a God of excellence, and he deserves our best. One key element in this is not to compare. Looking at a church that is ten times your size and thinking that that is what excellence looks like will be discouraging. Look within your context and your call. How can you make your leadership a hallmark of excellence by honing your existing skills and developing new ones? How can you be the best you can be right where you are now? 2. Focus on your vision and set goals. Consider what you want to accomplish in different areas of your life. Set goals that will help you to achieve your vision. I love to talk with other Pastors about vision. Clear vision is so vital for our congregations as we lead them. Vison shows them where we are leading them. One of the questions I hear most from Pastors is, "how often should I speak on vision?" My answer is always, "if you spoke last weekend and did not speak on the vision, you are not speaking on it enough!" Are you saying we should speak on vision every week? I'm telling you that you should talk about your vision every time you speak. Be it in a sermon, a board or Elders meeting, a small group, or any gathering. Leadership is nothing more and nothing less than taking people on the journey of vision. When God has given you a clear vision, don't lose focus. Don't let your people lose focus. Set goals where you are able to periodically measure your performance and progress. Break up larger goals into smaller ones to celebrate your successes and maintain motivation. Learn to identify and use all of your resources. In the pursuit of your goals, always identify and use all of your resources. When making plans to reach your goal, always work with the resources you have in your current circumstances, rather than developing plans based on resources and circumstances that you wish were available. Smaller more attainable goals will help you stay on course with your vision. However, when discussing or working toward those goals, remember to always tie them to the vision and where you are headed. Be willing to refine your plans and ultimate goals based on your progress and dreams. 3. Develop your people skills. Leaders are known for their ability to inspire others to work towards a shared vision and goals. To be successful at inspiring others to work with you, develop your people skills and emotional intelligence. Like all leadership skills, developing people skills is perpetual. If you think you have arrived with your people skills, you are probably further off the mark than you could imagine. Learn how to listen. Pastor and church leaders, we should be great at this. But we often get caught in the trap of telling rather than listening. Listening helps to establish a connection and build camaraderie and trust, so others are more likely to follow your lead and help you. Help others to be their best. Part of being a good leader is motivating others towards positive change. Seek input from others when discussing goals and plans to live out your vision. You cannot, and God did not intend for you to do this alone. That is the opposite of leadership. It's easy to tell when a Pastor or leader has done the work of goals and planning in their office by themselves. It's usually not good. (The same is true with sermon prep) Give others a stake in the results by seeking their opinion. They'll be more motivated to help you. 4. Be passionate and maintain a positive attitude. Most of us take cues from others in social situations. You are a leader, so you should be aware and conscious that others will often take their cues from you. As a leader, you can teach others to have a positive attitude and be passionate about their efforts by doing so yourself. Keep them focused on having the attitude of Jesus rather than having the perspective of culture and all of this earth's circumstances. Maintaining a Christlike attitude and giving your best effort will help energize the entire team so everyone can accomplish more, regardless of the circumstances. Let me end with this question: do you have leadership development on your schedule? I don't mean just the occasional leadership conference. I mean, is it a part of your weekly or daily schedule? Do you plan for it? If not, you should prioritize it by getting it on the calendar and letting nothing steal that time. As a Pastor or church leader, you may feel too busy to schedule a time to develop and grow in your leadership. However, if that is where you are in your thinking and scheduling, you probably need to set aside time to do so more than most. The more time you spend developing and growing as a leader, the more time you will have, and the vision of your ministry will move forward at a much greater pace. Taking the time to develop your leadership skills can radically increase the success you experience in all areas of your life. God has done His part by giving you the gift of leadership. Now let's do your part and develop and hone your leadership skills to achieve the vision and goals God has given you and your ministry. You will enjoy being a ministry leader at a much higher leer and enjoy a more satisfying life. And the people you lead will do the same!

Church leaders are some of the busiest people on the planet. They often wear many hats and have a lot of responsibilities. At One Voice Ministries, we want to help church leaders serve their congregations better. We are making some changes to our website that will make it easier for church leaders to find what they need quickly and easily. Here are five of the new features we have added: Updated User Experience One Voice has revamped its user experience to make it smoother and easier to navigate. The new design is more streamlined and modern, making it easier to find what you need quickly and easily. The new user experience is also more mobile-friendly, allowing you to access it from anywhere. The updated user experience is designed to make your life as a church leader easier. With One Voice Ministries, you can spend less time navigating the website and more time focusing on your ministry. Life Transformation Bible Readings One of the new features we have added is the Life Transformation Bible readings for your church. This Bible reading is available in a course for adults, youth, and kids and in Spanish. The Life Transformation Bible reading is a great way to help church members grow in their faith. It covers a different topic daily, providing church members with healthy daily readings, Bible verses to read, and a memory verse to accompany sermons. Masterclasses Church leaders are constantly looking for ways to improve their leadership skills. At One Voice Ministries, we want to help church leaders grow in their faith and become more effective leaders. That is why on our new website, we offer masterclasses on leadership. Our masterclasses on leadership will cover a variety of topics, including: Developing a vision for your ministry Leading change in your church Managing conflict in your church Preaching with power and clarity Building community in your church These masterclasses are designed to help church leaders grow in their faith and become more effective leaders. We simply want to encourage and prop you up as you lead your church in a way that glorifies God. One of the goals of our masterclasses on leadership is to help church leaders recruit and retain volunteers. A Full Teaching Library Church leaders can now find an entire library of sermons series, youth curriculum, and kids curriculum on our new website. This library includes sermons series for all ages, covering various topics. As members, Church leaders can access this library anytime, anywhere. The library is available online and is mobile-friendly, making it easy to access from any device. Church leaders can now find an entire library of sermons series, youth curriculum, and kids curriculum on our new website. This library includes sermons series for all ages, covering various topics. This library makes it easy for church leaders to find the materials they need to teach their congregations. Your volunteers will thank you for giving them this resource to guide and empower them. Church leaders can focus on people and ministry with our entire teaching library. They no longer need to spend time searching for the right sermon series or curriculum. Even More Resources We are constantly adding new resources to our website in order to serve you better. With our new website, we are excited to announce that we are adding original kids' worship music, events for outreach, parent resources, and small group resources. These resources are being added regularly. Our hope and prayer is that as we partner together, these resources will help you in your ministry and outreach efforts. We look forward to serving with you and your team in the coming days. And we are honored to serve you and your team in your ministries - thank you for your faithfulness in advancing God's kingdom on the frontlines! In Christ, Pastor Jeff

The Yuletide season offers a unique opportunity for churches to unite as a multigenerational congregation, celebrating the joyous occasion and transcending age barriers. As church leaders, we must intentionally seize this moment to bridge the generational gap. Proverbs 20:29 from the New Living Translation beautifully encapsulates this ethos, "The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old." It reminds us that every age group has unique strengths and wisdom, and combining these strengths within the church can lead to a substantial spiritual impact. Being a multigenerational church brings immense value. Building mutual respect. A multigenerational church fosters mutual respect and understanding between different age groups, offering a rich, diverse perspective on faith as followers of Jesus and other aspects of life. It helps the younger generation learn from the wisdom and experience of the older and for the older generation to be rejuvenated by the energy and fresh perspective of the younger. This profoundly benefits the older population, especially those transitioning from their productive years. As they step back from vocational responsibilities, they might sometimes struggle to perceive their value in a rapidly changing world. However, their role in a multigenerational church gives them an essential purpose. They serve as treasured mentors and spiritual guides with their life experiences and wisdom. They, too, can continue to grow, learning from the younger generations' perspectives and vitality. This reciprocal process enriches the church community, nurturing a sense of belonging, appreciation, and mutual respect. It also ensures that the church remains relevant and vital, preserving the timeless wisdom of the past while embracing the energy of the future. Benefits for the young. The younger generation also substantially benefits from being part of a multigenerational congregation. The elders' wisdom, biblical knowledge, and experience provide a robust moral compass and guidance for the young in navigating their faith journey and life challenges. This intergenerational interaction cultivates a deeper understanding and appreciation for the church's heritage, traditions, and values. It instills a sense of continuity, which is comforting and essential in a constantly changing world. Moreover, a multigenerational church setting fosters a nurturing, familial environment where the younger generation can form deep and meaningful relationships with their elders. This significantly aids their social and spiritual development. The younger individuals also have the opportunity to offer their unique skills, such as technological prowess or modern perspectives, considerably contributing to the growth and relevance of the church in today's society while also standing firm on a Biblical foundation. This mutual giving and receiving enriches the church community, making it a more harmonious, and vibrant place of worship. A multigenerational church ensures smoother succession. Younger leaders are naturally groomed for leadership roles when different generations work together. They learn firsthand from current leaders, allowing them to carry forward the church's vision and mission seamlessly. This succession process promotes stability and longevity in the church, ensuring its continued growth and impact for future generations. Notably, the responsibility of succession in the church largely rests on the shoulders of the older generation. Their role as guides, mentors, and leaders is instrumental in shaping the church's future leaders. Through their intentional mentorship, they tee up the younger generation, preparing them for leadership challenges. They equip them with essential skills, knowledge, and wisdom while nurturing their spiritual growth and faith. The beauty of this process lies in the transfer of leadership and the potential for the younger generation to take the baton and run even further. They can build on the foundations laid down by their predecessors, taking the church's ministry to new horizons. The vision is to continue the legacy and enhance and expand it, reaching more hearts and lives in the process. It's a powerful testament to the scripture in Psalms 145:4, "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." Thus, being a multigenerational church isn't merely a concept—it's a commitment to continue the great work of God's Kingdom through mutual support, guidance, and shared vision. Take advantage of the Christmas season At Christmas, bridging the generational gap is more attainable than at other times. This season's universal joy and unity can be leveraged to foster intergenerational connections. One practical way to do this is through our Merry Mania event. (It's a play on words; we are taking the Mania out of Christmas by looking at the truth of Christmas.) This all-church, multigenerational gathering is a fun-filled event where everyone can participate and enjoy. It's a chance for the entire congregation, from the youngest child to the oldest adult, to interact, play games, and build relationships, as we celebrate the birth of Christ together. You can download Merry Mania for free! This resource includes everything you need to host a successful Merry Mania event, including game instructions, decoration ideas, and a suggested schedule. Let's lead the way. Leaders, I urge you to lead the way in making your church multigenerational. It won't happen by accident. It takes intentionality. It takes a willingness to step outside of what's comfortable and to embrace change. It takes the wisdom to know that while we all might worship a little differently, we all worship the same Savior and Lord. Challenges may be along the way, but the rewards are worth it. By bridging the generational gap in our churches, we build a more substantial church community and a more robust representation of the Kingdom of God. So this holiday season, let's come together, young and old. Let's embrace the glory of youth and the splendor of the old. Let's become a church where every generation is valued, heard, and allowed to lead. Merry Christmas and God bless you all.

When we look at the leadership model Jesus demonstrated, we can see He intentionally formed a team - the twelve disciples - each with unique experiences, perspectives, and skills. Jesus didn't try to do it alone; He built a diverse team and invested in their growth and development. He didn't keep all the power to Himself but shared it with His disciples, giving them the authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15). Jesus always believed in empowering and delegating, which multiplied His leadership through His disciples. By involving His disciples in His work, Jesus ensured that His ministry wasn't limited to His personal reach. He wanted His teachings and miracles to be spread far and wide through a network of people. This way, His message could reach more people and have a more significant impact. It was an intelligent strategy that ensured the continuity of His mission even after He ascended. It just goes to show the incredible power of teamwork in ministry. The model set by Jesus reminds us that leadership is not meant to be a solitary task but rather a shared journey. When leaders in ministry form and collaborate with a team, they can multiply their reach, impact, and legacy, just as Jesus did with His disciples. The Selection and Diversity of Jesus's Team Jesus didn't just randomly pick his disciples; it was a thoughtful decision made through prayer and discernment (Luke 6:12-13). This group comprised people from all walks of life - fishermen, tax collectors, and even a zealot. The diversity in their backgrounds, personalities, and skills was intentional, mirroring the community they were meant to serve. While it could be challenging at times, this diversity proved to be a strength as each disciple brought unique insights and abilities to the ministry. Just like a body with different parts performing various tasks, the disciples' team had unique roles in the collective mission (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). When Jesus chose His disciples, He showed us the value of having a diverse team. This means that when we build our ministry teams, we should aim for a wide range of skills, strengths, and experiences. It's not about finding people who think exactly like us but about bringing together individuals who can complement and enrich the collective work of the ministry. Jesus's team selection strategy reminds us of the importance of having a team that is not just made up of people who are similar to us. This way, we can enhance the effectiveness and reach of our ministries today. Teamwork in a ministry setting is essential, like how Jesus and his disciples worked together. As we navigate the complexities of modern ministry, we can't stress enough the value of unity, mutual support, and shared purpose. Working as a team not only lightens the load of individual responsibility but also brings in various thoughts and perspectives, making ministry more effective and far-reaching. With the right team, leaders can make a more significant impact, creating a ripple effect beyond their congregation. Benefits of Team-Based Leadership in Ministry In contrast to going it alone, a team-based approach benefits leaders and the overall ministry. First off, it helps prevent burnout. The workload gets spread out by sharing responsibilities, so leaders can keep their spiritual fire burning. Secondly, it sparks creativity and innovation. When a team comes together, you get a mix of ideas and perspectives that bring fresh possibilities for ministry outreach. Thirdly, team-based leadership boosts accountability. With more people involved in decision-making, there are more checks and balances, which leads to a more ethical and responsible ministry. And last but not least, team leadership reflects the model Jesus set with his disciples, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Through this collective effort, a ministry can truly thrive and make a difference, shining as a beacon of hope and faith in the community. Practical Steps to Implement Teamwork in Ministry To build a strong team, leaders need to recognize and leverage each member's unique skills, just like how Jesus valued the individual strengths of His disciples. Using different strengths-based assessments, you can gain insights into the diverse skills within your team and find the best ways to utilize them. Let's foster open communication; it's essential for team cohesion. Encourage team members to freely share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns, and make sure we value and respect everyone's voice. To build a culture of mutual respect and trust, it's important to remember that trust and respect are the foundation of any successful team. As a leader, lead by example and show these values in your interactions with your team members. Create an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and appreciated. To get the best out of your team, having a shared vision is important. The team functions at its best when everyone is working towards a clear goal. As a leader, it's your responsibility to communicate this vision clearly and inspire your team members to contribute towards making it a reality. Make sure to encourage continuous learning and development for your team. Invest in their growth by providing opportunities like workshops, conferences, or mentorship programs. It's all about supporting their journey of learning and development! Let's promote teamwork by assigning tasks that require collaboration and interdependence among team members. This way, we can foster a sense of camaraderie and encourage everyone to value each other's contributions. Let's celebrate our achievements as a team! Recognize and cheer for our team's successes. It's not just about boosting morale but also reinforcing the importance of teamwork. By following these steps, we can build an effective and productive team that embodies the values of unity, respect, and shared purpose. The role of teamwork in ministry. Teamwork plays a crucial role in today's church, no doubt about it. As we continue to rebuild and grow post-pandemic, coming together and working as one becomes even more critical. When we approach ministry with a team-based mindset, we can better meet the diverse needs of our community. It allows us to offer engaging environments and ministries by combining various skills and strengths. And let's not forget the power of teamwork when it comes to tackling challenges and navigating change. We can find creative solutions and make well-informed decisions when we join forces. It's like the saying goes, "Two heads are better than one." Together, we are more potent and more effective. In this season of new beginnings, let's remember that the church is a community, and communities thrive when we support and rely on each other to grow, serve, and fulfill our mission. Example of a Successful Team-Based Initiative within the Church One great example of a team-based approach can be seen in the story of One Voice at our church in Tucson, AZ. We faced a challenge: many kids growing up in the American church were walking away from their faith. So, our church leadership decided to adopt a team-based approach. We wanted everyone on campus each weekend to learn the same Biblical teaching in age-appropriate environments. To make this transition, we started with a series of meetings where we clearly articulated the vision for a more collaborative and team-oriented ministry. We realized that we needed to create sermons and curricula for youth and kids well in advance, which meant expanding our team for sermon preparation. As leaders, we emphasized the importance of shared responsibility, taking inspiration from Jesus and his twelve disciples. We redefined roles not around individuals but around skills, giftings, and teams. Moreover, investing in team building and development was a big part of this transition. We made sure to have regular training sessions to equip our team members with the necessary skills and build a sense of camaraderie. We encouraged everyone to identify their strengths and find ways to use them to support our goals in the One Voice ministry. Our team meetings became more than just planning and coordination; they became a platform for open communication, where we freely shared ideas, concerns, and experiences. This shift to a team-based approach has revitalized our ministry at Alive Church as we continue the One Voice curricula. Our teams are more efficient and unified because we distribute tasks based on each person's strengths, and our members feel more valued and connected to a larger purpose. We have seen a surge in our outreach efforts, with more comprehensive and engaging programs catering to our community's wider demographic. And as parents, they truly feel like we are partnering with them by providing the necessary tools to disciple their kids. Teamwork is a must. Let me tell you, teamwork is a must in ministry; it's not just a nice-to-have; it's an absolute must-have. You see when we work together as a team, we can tap into the diverse skills and talents of our members. This leads to open communication, mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision. And you know what? We never stop learning! But you know what else? Teamwork is beneficial not only for the ministry but also for us as leaders. When we share responsibilities, we reduce the risk of burnout. And let me tell you, that's a game-changer! Plus, being part of a supportive team means we can learn from each other, face challenges together, and celebrate our wins. So, as we come together again and embrace new beginnings, let's take a leaf from Jesus's playbook and build our teams. Remember, the church is like a body with many parts. Only when we work together in unity can we truly embody the spirit of the Church. Let's harness the power of teamwork to grow our ministries and make a difference in the world. Trust me; it's worth it!

As Pastors and church leaders, it can be difficult to communicate to our people the difficult questions posed by natural disasters like those currently occurring in Maui. It is understandable that when we are confronted with tragedies, our first question is often, "Why would God allow this to happen?" Like you, I don't have all the answers, but in this week's blog, I want to offer some faith-based perspectives to help in communicating with our churches and prayerfully help our people process the events and how we can support those affected. The question of "why" is a natural response, a desire to understand the chaos and make sense of the senseless. And we often think that if we could comprehend a reason and purpose behind it, all the pain would somehow be easier to bear. However, this perspective, although common, does not truly aid us during times of crisis. For it is not in explanations that we find solace, but in strength, comfort, support, and the salvation our Savior offers. Even amid tragedies, our faith tells us that the primary concern of God is not to provide us with a rationale behind the tragedy but to encourage us to trust Him and live by faith. Through this lens, we must look at the disasters around us and our lives. Our ability to deal with crises is not rooted in understanding why these happen but rather in our willingness to trust God regardless of circumstances. We may still be left with questions and an aching heart, but we can take courage in the knowledge that God will never leave or forsake us. This does not mean the pain is any less real or the hurt is insignificant; however, it gives us hope to cling to when all else fails. Embrace Faith Even In Tragedy Experiencing tragedy can lead us on an unexpected journey of faith. This journey involves trust, surrender, and humility as we recognize that we cannot fully understand the complexities of life. Faith acts as a guiding light and anchor during difficult times. It does not ignore our pain but helps us accept it and grow closer to God. Faith is not about finding reasons for our suffering but seeking comfort, strength, and assurance from God. It encourages us to move beyond our doubts and fears and find peace in God's love and wisdom. Even in tragedy, we are never alone. God is there, shaping us into something new. Instead of questioning why we suffer, we should seek God's presence in our pain. Through this, we become vessels of love and grace and can support others through difficult times. Understanding faith in tragedy changes our perspective, shifting our focus from grief to God's goodness, doubts to His promises, and pain to His purpose for us. We often find ourselves trapped in the cycle of 'why,' seeking answers to appease the turmoil within us. Yet, this approach only distracts us from the healing process and may lead us into a more bottomless pit of despair. Rather than asking why, we should ask, 'How can I trust God in this situation?' or 'What can I learn from this experience?' By shifting our focus from understanding the reason behind tragedies to trusting God's sovereignty, we open ourselves to His healing and comforting presence. God's ways are indeed beyond our comprehension. As stated in Isaiah 55:8-9, "'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the LORD. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" This truth reminds us that God's perspective is infinitely greater than ours. His wisdom and understanding surpass our human capabilities, making it impossible for us to grasp the magnitude of His plans and purposes fully. Instead of attempting to rationalize the tragedies we have in this world, we should focus on trusting God's unfathomable wisdom. His ways are not always clear to us, especially during times of crisis, but we can be assured that His plans are driven by love and designed for the ultimate good. Again, this doesn't eliminate suffering but offers hope that transcends our understanding. Embracing the mystery of God's ways can lead to a deeper reliance on Him and a more profound experience of His peace and comfort. The Role of Trust in Tragedy Trust is a central pillar of faith, a stone that builds our relationship with God. Trusting God means believing in His reliability, truth, and ability, even when our circumstances are challenging and our path is unclear. It means accepting God's will, even if it's different from our desires or expectations. When we trust God, we acknowledge He knows what is best for us and surrender our need for control. Trusting God is not a passive acceptance of circumstances but a bold declaration of faith in His love and wisdom. Living by faith means letting our belief in God shape the way we make decisions and take action. Instead of relying solely on our understanding and desires, we seek God's guidance and trust Him to lead us. We choose to do things that align with our faith. We trust God with our needs, dreams, fears, and future. Living by faith doesn't mean we never doubt or struggle but trust God even during those challenges. It's a constant journey of growth, surrender, and transformation. Trusting God is such a powerful way to find resilience when facing tragedy. It helps us process our grief and move ahead with hope. During pain, knowing that God is right there with us, loving and providing for us, gives us the strength we need. We might not always understand why things happen, but what matters most is having God's presence by our side. God's Comfort and Strength God's comfort and strength are incredible, especially when life deals with tragedies. They're like a guiding light, leading us through the darkest nights and reminding us of His love. When something tragic happens, it's hard to see beyond the pain. But remember, God promised to be there for us, to bring comfort in our struggles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). His comfort isn't just a pat on the back or a sympathetic nod; it's a deep solace that helps us keep going when we feel like we can't. During all the chaos, God gives us strength. We can see His strength when we discover endurance we didn't even realize we had when we're going through tough times and feeling weak and tired. In those moments, we witness the fulfillment of His promise in Isaiah 40:29: "He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless." In tragedy, it's in our weakest moments God's strength shines the brightest. We can find the strength to keep going by holding onto His promises. His comfort helps us get through times of sorrow, and His power gives us what we need to face the challenges of a new day. God's comfort and strength don't magically make the tragedies disappear, but they do give the support we need to get through them. They remind us that we're not alone; our Savior walks with us every step of the way, even carrying us when we can't carry ourselves. God's comfort and strength aren't just abstract ideas but real experiences. They assure us of His love and presence. Even though we may not always understand why something has happened, we can trust that God is good and find comfort and strength in Him. Practical Ways to Help Those in Crisis It's not just about offering prayers and emotional support when tragedy strikes. We also need to take tangible actions to help ease the suffering of those affected. One of the most immediate ways to make a difference is by providing physical aid. This can be in food, clothing, shelter, or financial assistance. Donating to trustworthy relief organizations ensures that our resources reach those who most need them. One such group that I know and love is Convoy of Hope. They are an exemplary organization that reflects the heart of Jesus, bringing help and hope to those affected by tragedies. Founded in 1994, this faith-based, humanitarian-relief organization has worked tirelessly to feed the world through children's feeding initiatives, community outreach, and disaster response. Their mission is to bring help and hope to impoverished, hungry, and hurting people. Convoy of Hope has served millions throughout its journey, showing God's love in tangible ways to the needy and the distraught. They have been the hands and feet of Jesus to disaster-stricken regions, distributing food, water, and emergency supplies and conducting community events to help rebuild lives. In the face of the wildfires in Hawaii, as is the norm, they were one of the first organizations on the ground, providing immediate relief through the local church. Their teams work diligently to coordinate logistics, connecting with local churches to serve the victims effectively. Supporting Convoy of Hope is a practical way to extend our compassion and significantly impact the lives of those in the Maui crisis. By contributing to their mission, we join a convoy of love, service, and hope, bringing relief and transformation to the hurting of this tragedy. As we grapple with the harsh realities of the bad things that happen in this world, those going through them must know they are not alone. Amid the devastation, we can demonstrate God's love in practical ways; as we support and contribute, we partake in a journey of faith, trusting in God's goodness even in the face of adversity. We must remember that our faith is not about understanding every detail of the world's tragedies but about relying on God's comfort and strength. Even in the darkest times, God is working and calls us to join Him in that work. Let's answer that call with faith, trust, and action, knowing we serve a bigger God than any tragedy.