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Category: Leadership (Page 1 of 18)

Jesus Should Not Be First

January 13, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Jesus does not want to be first in your life. That might sound shocking, but it’s the truth. Jesus doesn’t ask for first place—He demands the only place. Why? Because He’s not interested in being a slice of your life’s pie chart. He’s not satisfied with being another line item on your endless to-do list. He’s not here to share space with your career, hobbies, relationships, or even your family.

The first commandment makes it painfully clear:
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

The Hebrew here is intense. “Before me” literally means “in My face.” God’s saying, “Don’t you dare put anything in My face that tries to compete with Me.” He’s not interested in your priorities; He’s claiming everything.

Here’s the harsh reality: we’ve turned our lives into idol factories. We’re constantly elevating good things—family, work, fitness, finances—into god things. And we love to rank them:

  1. God
  2. Family
  3. Career
  4. Hobbies

That’s a nice, neat little list isn’t it? It feels spiritual. It feels balanced. But it’s a lie. If Jesus is just a “first among equals,” you’ve completely missed the point. He’s not “first.” He’s everything.

Let me say it another way: If Jesus isn’t your everything, He’s nothing. He doesn’t share the throne. He’s not a consultant for your life plan. He’s the King who demands full allegiance.

The Danger of “First”

When we say Jesus is “first,” what we really mean is, “I’ll give Him a little time, energy, and attention, but I’ve got other stuff to do.” We check the box by going to church, reading a quick devotional, or tossing a few bucks into the offering plate. Then we get back to building our own kingdoms.

But Jesus doesn’t want a piece of your life—He wants the whole thing. That’s why He said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Deny yourself. Not rearrange your priorities. Not carve out a little Jesus time. Not give Him first dibs. Deny yourself. That means your dreams, your goals, your plans, and yes, even your family, take a back seat to Him.

“No Other Gods” Means NO Other Gods

If we’re being honest, we all have gods in our lives. Some are obvious, like money, success, or relationships. Others are sneakier, like control, comfort, or even religion and tradition. And every single one of them is a direct violation of this first commandment. God doesn’t want your idols managed—He wants them destroyed.

Jesus says it this way. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24)

There’s no middle ground. You can’t serve Jesus and your career. You can’t serve Jesus and your ego. You can’t serve Jesus and your comfort. You can’t serve Jesus and your tradition. It’s Him or nothing.

So what does it look like to live with Jesus as the only? It’s simple, but it’s not easy:

  • Surrender daily. Start each day by laying your plans, desires, and ambitions at His feet. One way to do this is through prayer. Just start your day with Lord today I need… Then fill in the blank and let God take it from there. Only caveat is that blank has to be something you cannot touch, so no Porsche or Lambo friends!
  • Hold everything loosely. Your family, career, possessions, and even traditions are gifts from God, not gods themselves. Treat them accordingly. When these things help you serve God, they are good things. When they distract you from God, they are god things.
  • Obey without excuses. Stop bargaining with Jesus. When He calls, answer. When He commands, act. No more excuses. It’s time for full on devotion.

Living this way will wreck your life—in the best way possible. It will strip away the false gods you’ve been clinging to and replace them with the only One worth worshiping.

Ok, so here’s the bottom line. Jesus doesn’t want to be first in your life. He wants to be the only. The first commandment isn’t a suggestion; it’s a declaration of war! War against every competing affection in your heart.

So stop ranking Him. Stop fitting Him into your schedule. Stop treating Him like a task to check off. Tear down the idols, clear the stage, and let Him reign as the one true King.

Because if Jesus isn’t the only, He isn’t anything.

Stop Non-Viting and Start Inviting

January 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The need for evangelism in churches has never been greater. People are desperate for hope, searching for meaning, and drowning in the chaos of life. The church has the answer: Jesus. Yet, too often, we fumble the ball when it comes to the most crucial part—inviting people into the life-changing power of the Gospel.

Too many believers think they’re doing evangelism when they say, “You should come sometime.” That’s not evangelism. That’s not even inviting. It’s non-viting.

Non-Vitation: The Lazy Evangelism Killer

Non-vitation is the ultimate cop-out. It sounds good in the moment, but it’s vague, noncommittal, and accomplishes nothing. You know the line, maybe you’ve even used it:

  • “You should come to my church sometime.”
  • “We’ve got great messages; you’d like them.”
  • “Yeah, my church is doing some cool stuff. You should check it out.”

The problem? There’s no invitation! No date, no time, no event, no urgency. You might as well be inviting them to the grand opening of a coffee shop that doesn’t exist.

Non-vitation is why people nod politely and then never show up. It’s why churches see empty pews and declining attendance. It’s why the Gospel is sitting on the sidelines while the world spirals out of control.

Invitation: The Evangelism Game-Changer

It’s time to ditch non-vitation and embrace invitation. Invitation is specific, personal, and compelling. It’s not “you should come sometime.” It’s “Hey, I’d love for you to join me this Sunday at 10:30. We’re talking about hope in hard times, and I think it could really encourage you.”

But invitation doesn’t stop there. It’s not just about getting them in the door. It’s about being there for them when they show up and investing in the relationship. If you invite someone to church, make sure you’re available to meet them at the entrance. Sit with them. Explain what’s happening in the service. And when it’s over, join them for lunch. That’s how relationships are built. That’s how the Gospel becomes real to someone.

I mean look – Jesus didn’t say, “Hey, you should come check out the kingdom of God sometime.” He said, “Come, follow me.” His invitations were personal and direct. They required a response. And guess what? People followed.

Why Evangelism Matters Now More Than Ever

The need for evangelism in churches has never been more urgent. Our world is fractured. Families are struggling. Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness are at an all-time high. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Evangelism isn’t just a “nice idea” or a box to check on your Christian to-do list. It’s the heartbeat of the church. Without it, we’re just a holy huddle, a club for the already-convinced.

People need Jesus, and they need you to invite them to meet Him. That’s not someone else’s job. It’s yours. If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it.

Three Steps to Stop Non-Viting and Start Inviting

  1. Be Specific:
    Stop being vague. Name a date, a time, and a place. “Come to Easter service at 9 AM,” or “Join me for our family movie night this Friday.” Make it easy for people to say yes.
  2. Be Personal:
    People don’t just want generic flyers or mass emails. They want you. A personal invitation from someone they know and trust is 10 times more powerful than any social media post or billboard.
  3. Be Relational:
    Don’t stop at the invite. Free up your schedule to be there when they arrive. Sit with them. Answer their questions. Take them to lunch afterward and build the relationship. Evangelism isn’t just about attendance; it’s about connection.

Every non-vitation is a missed opportunity. Every vague, half-hearted “you should come sometime” leaves someone stuck in their pain and searching for answers. That’s the cost of non-vitation.

But the reward of invitation? Lives changed. Hearts healed. Families restored. That’s what happens when you step up and say, “Come and see.”

Let’s Get Serious

Friends, we can’t afford to sit back and hope people wander in. We can’t rely on programs, social media ads, or the “cool factor” to do the work for us. Evangelism is our job. Discipleship isn’t discipleship without inviting others into the journey.

So stop non-viting. Start inviting. Be specific. Be personal. Be relational. The world is waiting, and Jesus is ready to change lives.

What are you waiting for? Make the invitation today.

You Attract Who You Are, Not Who You Want to Be

January 6, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The life you’re living, the relationships you’re building, and the people you’re surrounded by are not random. They’re a mirror. Not of who you wish you were, but of who you actually are.

Some of us need to read that again. Here’s another way to say it.

You don’t attract the people or circumstances you dream about; you attract the ones that resonate with the person you’ve become. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s also the wake-up call most of us need.

“Wanting” Isn’t Enough

We all have big dreams. Maybe you want to surround yourself with healthy, driven, God-centered people. Maybe you’re praying for a partner who’s spiritually mature, compassionate, and ambitious. But here’s the kicker: simply wanting those things isn’t enough.

Imagine you’re in a coffee shop, sitting across from the person you want to become. That person exudes kindness, confidence, and discipline. Now imagine that person looking at you. Do they see someone who’s walking in alignment with those qualities? Or do they see someone just wishing for them?

The truth is, the gap between who you are and who you want to be isn’t closed by hope—it’s closed by transformation. It takes work and self discipline.

The Hard Truth About Self-Awareness

If you’re frustrated by your current circle or circumstances, it’s time to look in the mirror. Are you stuck in toxic relationships? Do you feel like you’re surrounded by people who don’t share your values or energy? That’s not always just about them. It’s often about you. Trust me I’ve preached this message to myself before typing it so it’s not intended to be condemning rather eye opening.

Proverbs 27:19 puts it plainly: “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Your life is a direct reflection of what’s in your heart—your fears, your habits, your priorities. If you’re not seeing what you want in the people around you, it’s often a neon sign pointing back to areas in your own life that need some attention.

It’s not about judgment; it’s about alignment.

The brutal reality is that people don’t flock to what you say you want to be—they’re drawn to who you are. If you’re complaining that you’re stuck in shallow friendships, ask yourself if you’ve been a deep friend to someone else. If you’re complaining about a lack of spiritual depth in your life, how consistent have you been in your own time with God?

You attract the energy you emit. That’s not some fluffy, self-help nonsense. It’s biblical. Galatians 6:7 reminds us: “A man reaps what he sows.” If you want to be surrounded by people who inspire you, you have to sow seeds of inspiration in your own life, and in the lives of others.

Want to attract people who prioritize growth? Then you better be actively growing. Want relationships centered on grace and love? Then start showing grace and love, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

It’s About Alignment

When you begin to live in alignment with your values and your faith, something incredible happens: you stop chasing the wrong things. You no longer feel the need to “force” connections or relationships because the right ones naturally flow into your life.

Think about Jesus. He didn’t chase people down, begging them to follow Him. His life, His character, and His mission attracted people who were hungry for truth, healing, and purpose. The Pharisees, on the other hand, couldn’t handle Him because their hearts weren’t aligned with His.

Who you are attracts or repels people in the same way.

Five Tips To Live In Alignment

So, how do you attract better? How do you align with the person you want to be?

  1. Audit Your Habits: What you consistently do shapes who you are. Are your daily habits leading you closer to the life and relationships you want, or are they dragging you further away?
  2. Evaluate Your Inner Circle: Your closest relationships influence your mindset and behaviors more than you realize. If your circle isn’t challenging you to grow, it’s time to level up.
  3. Do the Hard Work: Growth isn’t always glamorous. It’s waking up early to pray, apologizing when you mess up, and choosing discipline over comfort. It’s forgiving the person who hurt you and choosing joy when life feels heavy.
  4. Anchor Yourself in God’s Word: You can’t transform without God. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” If you want to attract God-honoring people and opportunities, you need to walk the path He’s lighting for you.
  5. Be Patient: Change takes time. You won’t attract a whole new circle overnight, but little by little, as you grow, your environment will shift.

You don’t attract what you want; you attract who you are. So if you’re tired of the same old patterns and relationships, stop looking outward and start looking inward.

Be the person you’d want to meet. Live the life you’d want to join. And most importantly, align yourself with the One who transforms hearts and renews minds. When you do, you won’t have to chase what you desire—it will find you.

The question isn’t, “Who do I want to attract?” The question is, “Who am I becoming?”

3 Ways to End the Year with Grace

December 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

As the year winds down, it’s natural to reflect on the 12 months that are now in the rearview mirror. For some of us, it feels like we just blinked and suddenly December is over! For others, this year might have felt like climbing a steep hill—slow and challenging. Wherever you land on that spectrum, the way we end one year and begin another matters more than we might realize. It sets the tone for our lives, families, and our faith journeys.

Here are three simple ways to finish this year well and start the new one on the right foot (or the left one if you’d prefer):

1. Reflect and Celebrate God’s Faithfulness

Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” (ESV) Reflection is a spiritual discipline that allows us to pause and recognize God’s faithfulness in our lives. Even in the hardest seasons, there are moments of grace worth celebrating.

Take some time this week to write down your “God Moments” from the year. Maybe it was an answered prayer, a new relationship, or even finding peace in a difficult situation. Share these moments with your family or friends. Celebrate them! I’ve heard it said that we replicate what we celebrate.

Ending the year in gratitude prepares our hearts to embrace the new year with hope and trust in God’s continued faithfulness. Gratitude isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a transformative practice that reshapes how we see the world and God’s work in it.

2. Clear the Clutter

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.” (ESV) That’s not just a verse for Lent; it’s an invitation for daily living. As you prepare to step into the new year, consider what might be cluttering your life—both spiritually and physically.

Spiritually, is there unforgiveness you need to let go of? Habits that pull you away from God? Relationships that need mending? Take time to pray and release those burdens to God.

Physically, go through that closet, garage, or junk drawer you’ve been avoiding. It’s amazing how decluttering our spaces can create mental clarity and a sense of renewal. Plus, donating items you no longer need blesses others and reflects Christ’s generosity.

Starting the year with a clean heart and clean spaces makes room for God to do new and exciting things in your life.

3. Set Intentional Goals with God in the Center

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (ESV) Goals are great, but goals without God’s guidance often leave us feeling frustrated or aimless. As you look ahead, take some time to pray over your plans for the new year.

What areas of your life need more of God’s presence? Maybe you want to deepen your prayer life, read through the Bible, or serve in a new ministry at church. Write down your goals and ask God to lead you in them. Don’t forget to include your family in this process. Talk about what goals you can pursue together, like family devotions or serving your neighborhood. Then share them with someone who can hold you accountable. A goal worth making is a goal worth accomplishing!

And remember: grace over perfection. The goal isn’t to have it all figured out by January 1st or December 31st for that matter. It’s to walk faithfully with Jesus one step at a time.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare to welcome a new year, let’s do so with hearts full of gratitude, lives freed from clutter, and goals anchored in God’s plans. No matter what this past year has held, God has been with us every step of the way, and His promises remain sure as we step into the future.

May this be the year where we grow deeper in our faith, love our neighbors more intentionally, and see God work in ways we couldn’t even imagine. Let’s finish strong and step boldly into what God has for us next.

Happy New Year, friends! Let’s make it one that honors Him in every way.

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I find myself overflowing with gratitude for each of you. This past year, we’ve seen God’s hand moving powerfully in and through our church family. Together, we’ve lived out our mission to help busy families experience the grace of Jesus, and we’ve done so in ways that truly embody the joy and hope of this Christmas season.

This year has been one of growth and transformation. Our worship services continue to bring strangers into our community, and we’ve watched them become family. Our KidConnect Worship and Littles Connect Sunday school have taken on a new face, introducing more young hearts to Jesus’ love. We’ve supported parents with new ministries, and Delco Youth is reaching more young people than ever, helping them find meaning and hope in Christ. These aren’t just ministries—they’re evidence of God at work.

We’ve also laid some strong foundations for the future. With three full-time and one part-time staff members, our team is more equipped than ever to meet the needs of our growing church family. We’ve also been actively preparing for some significant ministry enhancements, which will serve both our members and our wider community. Our focus on families reflects a heart for bringing people closer to Jesus.

As we look forward, I’m excited about the blessings God has in store for us at Living Word Galena. Our vision to become a community focused church is coming to life. I see it in every smile, every hug, every handshake, and every story of transformation shared within these walls. The new year holds so much potential—not just in numbers, but in lives changed by the grace of Jesus.

Christmas reminds us that God stepped into our world to bring hope, peace, love, and joy. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s also celebrate the ways we’ve seen His light shine through our church family this year. Thank you for being part of this mission, for your prayers, your service, and your love for one another.

May this Christmas season be filled with His presence and the new year overflow with His blessings.

Pastor Derrick

Margin Matters

December 11, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Are you tired? Overwhelmed? Running on fumes? Let me be brutally honest with you—it’s probably your own fault. We (and yes I place myself in this category as well) tend to cram our lives full of stuff—appointments, errands, commitments, notifications, endless scrolling—and then wonder why we feel suffocated. The truth is, you’ve built a life with no breathing room. No margin.

And without margin, you’re not living—you’re surviving, barely.

Margin isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the white space on the page, the pause in the music, the Sabbath in your week. Without it, everything blends into a chaotic blur, and you miss the moments that actually matter.

The Myth of More

We live in a culture that idolizes more. More productivity. More activities for the kids. More money. More accomplishments. But more isn’t making us happier—it’s making us miserable.

Here’s the kicker: the significant things in life—real relationships, awe-inspiring moments, hearing God’s still, small voice—rarely happen when you’re running at 110%. They happen in the margins.

Think about it:

  • That deep conversation with your son? It didn’t happen during soccer practice, piano lessons, and PTA meetings. It happened on the quiet drive home.
  • The time you truly connected with your spouse? It wasn’t during a whirlwind of errands. It was in the stillness of an unhurried evening.
  • That moment when God spoke to your heart? You weren’t rushing to the next thing. You were still, quiet, and listening.

When your life is too full, you bulldoze right over these sacred moments. You’re too busy with the minutia—emails, to-do lists, keeping up appearances—to notice the magnificent.

Let’s be honest for a second: most people don’t leave margin because it feels uncomfortable. We wear busyness like a badge of honor. If your calendar isn’t full, you feel unimportant. Lazy. Maybe even worthless.

But let me tell you something hard: filling your life with stuff is a lousy substitute for meaning.

Jesus didn’t run around like a headless chicken. He walked. He took time to pray. He noticed the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. His ministry was profound not because He was busy, but because He was present.

Five Simple Ways To Create Margin

  1. Say “No” and Mean It
    Stop being a people pleaser. Every “yes” to something unimportant is a “no” to what truly matters. Your time is precious—guard it like it’s your life (because it is).
  2. Ditch the Unnecessary
    Do you really need to binge another Netflix series? Spend hours scrolling Instagram? Join every committee at church? No. Free up that space for something meaningful.
  3. Schedule the Sacred
    Block off time for rest, relationships, and reflection. If it’s not on your calendar, it won’t happen. Treat this time as non-negotiable.
  4. Embrace Silence
    Turn off the noise. Put down your phone. Be still. You’ll be shocked at how much clarity comes when you stop trying to fill every moment.
  5. Rediscover Wonder
    Take a walk. Watch the sunset. Listen to your kid’s laughter. These things aren’t just filler—they’re the point.

God designed us to need margin. That’s why He gave us the Sabbath—not to burden us, but to free us. When you leave space in your life, you’re making room for God to move.

Psalm 46:10 doesn’t say, “Work harder and know that I am God.” It says, “Be still and know that I am God.” You can’t be still if you’re sprinting from one thing to the next.

A No So Simple Challenge

This week, I dare you—no, I double dare you—to cut something out of your calendar. Say no to one thing. Block off time to rest. Let go of your obsession with doing it all.

And in that space, watch what happens. You’ll start to breathe again. You’ll start to notice things. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll start to come alive again.

Margin isn’t optional. It’s where life happens. Don’t miss it.

Leaders Multiply

October 29, 2024 / / 0 Comments

If you’re not mentoring others, you’re missing the point of leadership. The best leaders aren’t the ones who do everything themselves—they’re the ones who build up others to lead effectively and carry the mission forward. And if you’re not willing to do that, you’re not a leader—you’re a bottleneck.

This isn’t an issue in the world; it’s an issue in the church too. The church doesn’t need a single superstar. We need a team of leaders empowered to make disciples, serve passionately, and spread the Gospel. Jesus didn’t come to make an all-star solo career. He came to multiply. He poured into His disciples, investing deeply, and sent them out with authority to do even greater things. That’s real leadership. If He could trust people to continue His mission, we have no excuse not to do the same.

Mentorship Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential

Too many pastors and ministry leaders are burning out because they refuse to share the load. They micromanage, hold onto tasks with a white-knuckle grip, and avoid handing over real authority. This isn’t servant leadership; it’s ego, pure and simple. Here’s the hard truth: if you’re not mentoring, you’re not multiplying. And if you’re not multiplying, you’re failing in your role as a leader.

You’re not called to carry the whole load by yourself. You’re called to build others up. And let’s be honest—if your ministry collapses the moment you step back, you didn’t build a ministry. You built a one-man show. The church deserves better than that, and so does the Kingdom.

Mentorship means giving up some control, and for some of us, that’s terrifying. We’re afraid someone else won’t do it “our way.” Spoiler alert: they probably won’t, and that’s okay! The goal is to equip others to lead in their own unique ways, with their own God-given gifts. God doesn’t call clones; He calls disciples, each with a different role and each with a unique approach.

Mentoring means letting people lead, even if they might stumble. Growth often comes through failure, and it’s better for future leaders to make small mistakes now, with guidance, than to have the entire weight of leadership fall on them unprepared.

Real Leaders Make Room for Others

Some leaders seem terrified that empowering others will make them “replaceable.” Well, here’s a wake-up call: you should be replaceable! The church isn’t built on any single person’s charisma or skillset. It’s built on Jesus, and He made room for others, showing that real leadership is about serving others and preparing them to serve, not building up our own reputations.

Jesus invested in 3 of His disciples. Then mentored the 12. But eventually he sent out the 72 and even more as we look through the book of Acts. He didn’t keep the role of leading the church through the New Testament to Himself, so why are we? Why are we making it so hard for people to use their gifts for God’s glory? Why are we clinging to our traditions and our way of doing things, when it’s obviously not reaching the people in our own backyards let alone in our modern Samaria and end of the earth scenarios!

Mentorship allows you to multiply your impact, making your ministry stronger, more resilient, and able to reach far beyond what you could ever do alone. The legacy of a true leader isn’t found in what they achieved on their own; it’s in the lives they impacted and the leaders they raised up.

Building up others takes time, energy, and intentionality. It’s about conversations, encouragement, correction, and shared experiences. And here’s the kicker: if you’re too busy to mentor, then you’re doing ministry wrong. Jesus made time for His disciples. He taught them, walked with them, and sent them out to lead. We need to do the same.

Don’t be a leader who hoards influence. Be a leader who multiplies. Start mentoring others, not because it’s nice to do but because it’s essential for the growth of God’s Kingdom. A ministry that invests in people instead of projects? That’s a ministry that will stand the test of time.

Passing the Baton

October 28, 2024 / / 0 Comments

One of the most critical responsibilities of a leader is preparing for the day when he or she is no longer in charge. But all too often in the church world we avoid this like the plague. Maybe it’s pride? Maybe it’s fear of being replaced, or perhaps it’s a lack of trust in others. Whatever the reason, leaders who don’t plan for succession set their ministry up for failure.

It’s really no secret, no one stays in leadership forever. Whether it’s due to retirement, illness, burnout, or simply moving on, a leadership transition is inevitable. Yet, too many leaders behave as if they’ll be in the driver’s seat forever. This mentality is not only unwise, it’s selfish. Refusing to prepare for the next leader is a surefire way to see the ministry crumble when you’re no longer around.

Jesus even modeled succession. He spent years pouring into His disciples, teaching them, empowering them, and preparing them to carry on the mission once He was gone. He didn’t just hope they would figure it out on their own. He invested in them so the ministry could thrive. He gave them authority and then released them to lead.

The harsh truth: If you’re not preparing your successor, you’re building your ministry on your own ego, not the Gospel. And that’s a recipe for disaster.

Succession Is About the Future, Not Your Legacy

Many leaders get so caught up in their own legacy that they forget leadership isn’t about them—it’s about the mission. If your leadership crumbles the moment you’re gone, you weren’t building His Kingdom. You were building a monument to yourself. Succession is about ensuring the ministry continues to grow and thrive long after you’re no longer in the picture.

The church’s mission doesn’t end when you do. It’s much bigger than any one person, and we should be leading in a way that reflects that truth.

Succession planning isn’t just about finding the next person to fill your seat. It’s about building up leaders who can take the ministry further than you ever could. Your job as a leader is to invest in people, not just in programs or systems. When you pour into others, you’re ensuring the next generation of leaders is stronger and more prepared than you were.

This requires intentionality. It means mentoring younger leaders, giving them real responsibility, and letting them make mistakes. Too often, leaders hesitate to share authority because they’re afraid the next generation will mess things up or won’t do it the way we prefer it to be done. Newsflash: they will do it differently and they will mess things up. And that’s okay. Growth happens through failure. Your job is to guide them through it, not protect them from it.

Many leaders wait until they’re burned out or ready to retire before thinking about succession. By then, it’s too late to effectively pass the baton. A sudden leadership vacuum can lead to disarray, division, and even collapse.

Start early. Start now. Begin investing in future leaders long before you’re ready to leave. Succession planning should be part of your ongoing leadership strategy, not an afterthought.

In the end, leadership is about stewardship. You’re holding a position temporarily. Your job is to steward it well and then pass it on to someone else who can run with it. If you’re not preparing for that, you’re missing the mark. Let go of your pride, and start raising up the next generation of leaders today.

The Overflow Life

October 15, 2024 / / 0 Comments

When you look around, what do you see? A world that’s empty and bleak? Or a world bursting with possibility? I’m reminded of this question every spring when I plant my garden. A couple envelops of seeds sure don’t look like much. But in a few months those seeds become full grown plants that produce far more fruit and vegetables than I could imagine.

In the Genesis account, God didn’t just create for the sake of filling empty space. He made a world designed to be overflowing with life. Creation itself is a testimony to the abundance mindset that God has built into the very fabric of existence.

Every created thing has within it the power to bring forth something new. Fruit contains seeds, allowing them to reproduce and grow more fruit. Animals and humans, have the ability to reproduce and fill the earth. God didn’t design creation to be a one-and-done deal. He built it with the potential for multiplication, for abundance, for more. He planted a cycle of increase right into nature itself.

But here’s the secret we seem to have forgotten: this abundance mindset wasn’t just for creation—it’s meant for us too. Yet, many of us live with a scarcity mindset. We focus on what we lack instead of what we have. We look at the challenges, the struggles, and the limitations, and we convince ourselves that there just isn’t enough. Not enough time, not enough resources, not enough opportunities, not enough love, not enough grace. But when did God ever say there wouldn’t be enough?

Creation isn’t the only thing He filled with potential. He also filled you with potential. You have been made in His image, crafted by the Creator who designed this entire system of overflow. But so many times, we find ourselves operating out of fear, out of worry, out of this scarcity mindset that tells us we’ll never have enough. And it’s killing us.

The Bible is filled with reminders of God’s abundance. Look at how Jesus fed thousands with just a five loaves and two fish, and he even had leftovers. He turned water into wine, and I don’t mean a cup of it but gallons upon gallons! And when He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” He wasn’t talking about a mediocre, halfway kind of life. He was talking about an abundance of love, grace, and purpose.

A Mindset Shift

Now, don’t get me wrong: abundance doesn’t mean we’re all going to be swimming in cash or never facing tough times. This isn’t some backhanded way of talking about some form of prosperity gospel. It means that we stop letting fear and lack of anything dictate our lives. We stop saying, “I can’t,” and start asking, “What has God called me to do?”

The Apostle Paul talks about being content whether in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:12-13). Contentment isn’t settling for less. It’s the confidence that whether you have little or much, God’s got you. And let’s face it—God’s version of “little” is often more than we think.

But the problem is, so many of us don’t realize what we’ve been given. We see our lives as empty baskets instead of containers brimming with seeds. But remember, seeds don’t just grow on their own; they need planting. They need water, sunlight, and care. It’s time to plant seeds of abundance in our lives, our churches, and our communities.

Abundance is a Lifestyle

When we start to live with an abundance mindset, we begin to see opportunities where others see obstacles. We start seeing potential where others see problems. We become people who give freely, who love deeply, and who live fully.

Our churches need this mindset too. Are we going to be a church that hoards what we have, fearing it will run out? Or are we going to believe in the overflow? We have to step out in faith, believing that the same God who created this world of abundance can provide what we need to grow, to reach, and to impact more lives.

An abundance mindset isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a choice. It’s a choice to believe that God has given you enough to be a blessing, to make a difference, and to step out boldly. It’s a choice to look at your life, your church, your community, and see not what is lacking, but what is possible.

So, how are you going to live? Are you going to be someone who sits back, afraid of running out? Or are you going to be someone who steps out, believing that the God who made fruit with seeds, animals with the ability to reproduce, and humans with the power to create has also given you everything you need to live abundantly?

Let’s stop thinking small. Let’s step into the overflow. Because when you live with an abundance mindset, you’re not just living for yourself. You’re becoming a part of God’s plan to keep creation multiplying, thriving, and changing the world.

One Of My Favorite Days

September 12, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Historically this was one of my favorite days. It was still a bit eerie but stands out as quite the amazing day nonetheless.

The skies were still empty. Life still was standing still for the most part.

Businesses were closed in some sectors of the country. Schools weren’t sure if they should open or close. Churches opened their doors wide up to welcome any and all who just needed some form of comfort and hope.

The dust was still covering most of Manhattan. The military mights from across the spectrum of our allied nations were jockeying for prime position to have the greatest impact of retaliation.

But more notable for me was the way we all bled the same color that day.

Today I hear a lot about blues and reds and even the blended purple of states across this nation. But that day our blood flowed the same. Our hearts beat as one.

It was cool to hear God Bless America playing in random places. People were flying the American Flag that had never flown one before. While I have no real stats on this, I’d imagine flag sales went through the roof as the entire nation became one mass of patriotism.

The day before we suffered a catastrophic blow but it wasn’t fatal. Sure thousands would lose their lives that day but the nation as a whole wasn’t crushed. We stumbled. We even fell on our face for a moment. But on 9.12 we could be seen in a kneeling posture regaining composure. We were gathering our whits and evaluating our surroundings.

Together we cared for loved ones. Together we looked out for neighbors. Together we stood to sing our national anthem. Together we paused when we saw a flag flying. Together we lifted the wounded and grieved with those who mourned.

We were stronger because we did it together.

It was truly one of my favorite days. I look around and long for that feeling again. I see how we handle election season and see how weak we’ve become. We’re not weak because we are a weak nation. We’re weak because we’re so divided. I think back to the great fall through the years of the pandemic. We suffered greatly because we didn’t do it together.

You’d think we’d learn, but I fear we’re too self absorbed to learn from one another. The best we can do is lay down our differences and put aside our agendas and focus on those around us.

It truly was one of my favorite days because we lived up to our name. Divided we will fall. But that day united we stood, stronger than ever.

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