leadership

Hear God’s Calling

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.“ – Ephesians 4:1 Here’s what I encourage you to do today: I want to inspire you to make sure all of your thoughtfulness aligns with the calling God has given you and is tied to some kind of action. The scriptures teach us to be the kind of people who are doers of the word, rather than just hearers. When we hear what God has called us to do, we become adaptive, always setting out to do God’s work. I want you to ask yourself: Am I actually going out there and taking steps to do what God has called me to do? If you’re doing this, you’ll see that incrementally over time, you will have some wins and some failures, but mostly, you’re going to become a hugely

August 6, 2022 2 Comments

People Respond Well to Humility and Vulnerability

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ ” – James 4:6 Great leaders tend to be individuals who are strong and confident, yet vulnerable and humble as well. This is something I had to learn as a leader. When you’re insecure or green in this arena, it’s tempting to give off an aura of strength or overtly-strong confidence. But very often what you think is assurance and tenacity, is often interpreted as arrogance or creates a fearful environment. There’s a difference between the two. In general, if you come off as pompous and self-important, your actions will turn people off. People do not respond well to prideful, arrogant, self-glorifying, or controlling ways in which we try to hold onto things that we really shouldn’t. Leaders, whether they’re pastors of large churches, empty nesters, or founding CEOs,

June 21, 2022 No Comments

Three Keys to Becoming a Servant Leader

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5,6 As we wrap up our discussion about what it means to love our enemies and bring unity to our workplaces, I want to offer three practical tips that will help you to be a conduit of peace from the inside out. You see, becoming a servant leader is not a matter of trying harder, it’s a matter of the heart. The more you trust the Lord with your life and the more assuredly you believe that serving others is His best plan for you, the more naturally peace and goodness will flow from you. That said, here are a few things to remember: First of all, be patient. Intentionally practice patience and quit hurrying through your life. Instead

May 1, 2022 1 Comment

You are a Leader!

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7 Did you know that you are a leader? Regardless of whether or not leadership is implied in your title, if you are a Christian, you are called to lead. No matter where you are today and how insignificant you think your title is, because you are empowered by the Holy Spirit, you have influence! As we continue talking about our workplaces and how we handle professional relationships, my challenge to you is this: Don’t worry so much about the perfections or imperfections of your employer, but instead focus on transforming your organization’s culture one relationship at a time. Rather than trying to find a perfect boss or a workplace that’s known for being joyful and productive, work to cultivate the atmosphere you seek in

April 27, 2022 1 Comment

Don’t Live for the Recognition

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 Today, I want to share the kinship that comes with living for applause with you. Many of you who have been called to ministry and/or leadership are aware of the pressure that comes with power and position. It feels nice to be seen, and it’s simple to start validating and measuring your influence based on the reactions of those you serve. The issue is that by doing so, you relinquish your position of leadership and become a follower. You give others control and follow their lead when you try too hard to make them pleased. When I was 22 or 23 years old, a guy named Richard Watts, who was

January 27, 2022 No Comments

Walking in Truth’s Freedom

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17 Have you ever been caught in the act of telling a lie? I believe that most of us have been caught in the trap of dishonesty at some point in our lives, if not as adults, then certainly as children. Perhaps we lied about something minor (what has been dubbed “the little white lie”), or perhaps it was something more serious and had a bad influence on someone we care about. Whatever the case may be, I don’t believe there’s anything worse than being caught in the web of deception. I just heard a story about a social media video that went viral. On a plane, a 28-year-old man got into an argument with other passengers and the flight crew. He began boasting that he owned six residences, made

November 2, 2021 1 Comment

Honesty is Everything

“The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.” – Proverbs 10:32 Integrity is the most vital characteristic of a genuine leader. In fact, I don’t believe there is a trait more prized or cherished in today’s environment than being genuinely authentic. Being honest, both with ourselves and with others cultivate heart and mind serenity. Truthfulness is a long-term benefit that much overcomes the discomfort of having to speak truthfully in difficult or embarrassing situations. Have you ever worked for a boss who was not straightforward? I’m afraid I have, and it was one of the most stressful experiences of my life. Nobody wants to follow someone who is evasive and untrustworthy. When you’re not sure if the person who’s leading you is being honest about how you’re doing or where you’re headed, it might be frustrating. When you work

November 1, 2021 No Comments

Radical Respect

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10 Daryl Davis is a person I’d like to tell you about. Daryl endured many injustices as a child growing up in the south, including being the only black boy in a white Boy Scout troop and being thrown items (mainly horrible insults). Daryl went on to be a pianist and a member of a rhythm and blues band when he grew older. However, a friend asked him to fill in for him in his country band one day, so he went to a completely other location and sang a bunch of country tunes. After the show, a man came him and complemented him, saying he’d never seen a black man play like Jerry Lee Lewis. “Well, where do you think he learned to play?” Daryl joked back. Following that, the two began up a long

October 31, 2021 No Comments

Safe and Strong

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 It is our responsibility as leaders in whatever capacity to keep people safe while also assisting them in becoming stronger. This is particularly true when it comes to parenting and grandparenting. There is a built-in tension in today’s environment between protection and the suffering that leads to growth. It’s easy to keep our children from trying the things they need to in order to develop character strength in the name of protecting them. For example, perhaps your child wishes to participate in a sport or activity that involves some physical danger. As the person in charge of their physical safety as well as their general development, it’s critical that you assess the pros and cons

October 30, 2021 2 Comments

Inspiration or Manipulation

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 Simon Sinek’s description of leadership is one of my favorites. People can be influenced in two ways, according to him: manipulation and inspiration. Now, before you leap to a quick conclusion about which type is best, keep in mind that manipulation isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For example, if I pay someone $50 to mow my lawn, that is a sort of manipulation because I am paying them to do what I want. I’m not going to get a response by listing all the advantages of mowing lawns and making a YouTube video about it; I need a clear approach to accomplish it! Discipline can be viewed as a type of manipulative influence,

October 29, 2021 No Comments

Hear God’s Calling

People Respond Well to Humility and Vulnerability

Three Keys to Becoming a Servant Leader

You are a Leader!

Don’t Live for the Recognition

Walking in Truth’s Freedom

Honesty is Everything

Radical Respect

Inspiration or Manipulation

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