If Someone Took a Class on You, What Would They Be Learning?

For my reading for my last seminar, I choose two of John Maxwell’s volumes on leadership that I had not read previously.  Through this reading, I learned some valuable lessons concerning leadership.  The first lesson was concerning influence.  In Developing the Leader Within You, Maxwell wrote, “Leadership is influence.  That’s it.  Nothing more, nothing less.” …

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Good Intentions Don’t Always Lead to Good Results

I once read a quote from John Hancock Field in a great point concerning accomplishments.  Field stated, “All worthwhile men have good thoughts, good ideas, and good intentions, but precious few of them ever translate those into action.” This thought truly resonated with my current work.  I feel as if our church has never had …

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The Necessity of Integrity

John Maxwell once wrote, “When I have integrity, my words and my deeds match up.” As a leader, it is possible to confuse influence with actual integrity.  Just because my reputation with people is positive does not mean that my character before a holy God naturally corresponds.  I desire that what those around me perceive …

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Disciplined Work Ethic

While I have been in school, I have been blessed to have some great professors pour into my life.  One such mentor was Dr. Chuck Lawless while I worked on my Master’s degree from Southern Seminary (he is my adviser now for the current degree).  In a course focusing on the logistics of ministry, Lawless …

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How to Avoid Ministerial Burnout

God has blessed me with many positive male ministerial mentors in my life.  Through their example, I have learned what it means to be a husband, father, and pastor.  With so many negative examples of ministers, certain men’s faithfulness to Jesus and to their family have kept me encouraged and hopeful.  From these men, I …

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Giant Slaying Leaders Develop Giant Slaying Followers

One leadership principle that impacted me in a pivotal way in college was a message that I heard from Dr. Frank Page.  Page spoke during a spiritual emphasis week at North Greenville University when I attended (the year was probably 2000 – I’m getting old).  During one of his messages, he spoke about a leadership principle from an …

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The Difference Between Organization and Discipline

A couple of years ago, I read a line in a book called Big Idea by Dave Ferguson.  In this book, he lays out how his staff handles a logistical nightmare in how they plan.  The way their church organizes around one thought and gets so much accomplished requires a ton of work.  When I …

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Jesus Leadership 401: Empathy

The final leadership principle modeled by Jesus was his empathy.  Since Jesus did not come to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45), Jesus had an uncanny knack of identifying with people and empathizing with them concerning their needs.  Jesus was able to ascertain current events and evaluate how to minister to people’s true spiritual …

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Jesus Leadership 301: Team-Building

After Jesus began his preaching ministry (Mark 1:15), one of the first tasks he engaged in was building a team of disciples (Mark 1:16-17).  Calvin Miller stated, “In order to build a true team spirit, you must delegate accountability and glory as well as responsibility.”  Jesus built a great team since he did all of …

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Jesus Leadership 202: Risk-Taking

Jesus was not afraid to attempt the supernatural.  Risk-taking was a common element of his ministry on earth.  While Jesus often received requests to flaunt his power, he only revealed his supernatural abilities if it accompanied a significant purpose.  God’s anointing on Jesus’ life reveals to leaders the need for a constant dependency upon God.  …

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