December 2011
23 posts
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Friday's Top 5: What You Should Never Hear From...
I have the privilege to serve with an incredible staff…a fired up group of people who love their church and have a “by any means necessary” mentality towards ministry.
However, in my ministry experience, both in the life of Mars Hill, working with other churches and conversations with many pastors and leaders I believe there are five phrases that we should NEVER hear from someone on staff.
#1...
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New Series for 2012: A Second Chance
Everybody makes mistakes. Yours can be a new beginning.
Sometimes your mistake in a relationship, with finances or work, is minor. Other times it can be life-changing. Either way, failure doesn’t have to be fatal. A Second Chance, shows you how God can transform your biggest mistake into a new beginning. What a way to begin 2012!
During this series I’ll share solid biblical insights,...
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Let It (Or Them) Go
As a pastor, my mission is to help people achieve positive change in behavior: for themselves, their family, and their teams. Research shows that successful people have a strong need for self-determination. Simply put, this means, “I am doing, what I am doing because I choose to, not “I am doing what I am doing because I have to.”
People who are doing what they choose to do are committed...
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How to Lead During Turbulent Times
Election season is in full effect. Candidates are competing to be the leader of the free world. However, the problems still remain. The stock market continues to remain volatile. I am not sure that this is so much a response to President-Elect Obama as it is a reflection of the fact that the economic environment is still enormously turbulent.
So is the glass half empty or half full? The...
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What Christmas Is Really About?
Monday’s post challenged readers to ponder, “When Was Jesus Born?” Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s posts explained why God chose Mary and Joseph as part of His divine plan.
Many responded how they enjoyed reading and learning the truth surrounding Jesus’ birth. Many agreed that it really doesn’t matter “WHEN” Jesus was born…we all agree that it’s important “THAT” He was born.
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Why God Chose Joseph?
Are you enjoying the journey as we investigate the circumstances surrounding Christmas? Personally, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our journey together. We already know God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He chose a teenage girl to give birth to our Savior - Jesus. Today, I invite you to look at Joseph, Mary’s husband. Like her, he was a part of God’s...
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Why God Chose Mary?
This week we’re investigating the truth regarding Christmas. While we navigate through massive malls, peruse exquisite boutiques, my goal is that the real meaning of Christmas IS NOT lost. Additionally, I want to show you how God uses EVERYDAY people to do amazing things. Scripture is replete with examples of these people.
Was God arbitrary when He chose Mary? The Bible...
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When Was Jesus Born?
The Christmas season is here and in full effect!
Although Christmas has been commercialized & secularized, many haven’t forgot that the reason for the season is Jesus Christ! Although we traditionally celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th, I can assure you it’s highly unlikely Christ was born on December 25th. Intrigued? Please hold your judgments and read on.
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Friday's Top 5: Success Tips
I am a voracious reader. In fact, I love to read and I never pass up an opportunity to visit bookstores. I will literally sit for hours, scan book & magazines, and fill my Moleskine notebook with pertinent information. This week I invite you to join me and take a peek in my notebook and see my thoughts.
As promised, every Friday I’ve decided to share my “Top 5.”...
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The Missing Link of Leadership
Ed Stetzer recently compiled a list of 48 questions to ask yourself for honing your personal accountability. Unfortunately, each year we hear of preachers, politicians, and athletes who compromise their integrity and make life-ruining mistakes. Sadly, many of those mistakes could have been avoided with the right accountability systems in place.
For all 48 questions, you will need to check...
“Real encouragement is reminding someone how far they’ve come not how far they...”
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A Leader's Ultimate Responsibility
I often hear pastors and church leaders say: “Leading a church would be great if it weren’t for church people.” That may or may not be true, but, there is no such thing as leadership void of people. The challenge most church leaders face is that we’re pulled in so many directions by so many people and since we’re human, we’re bound to disappoint someone.
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The Greatest Leadership Lie Ever Told
The iPhone 4S (my preferred device) and a host of other smartphones all promise to help us accomplish more. Unfortunately, we live in an age where we’re encouraged to purchase gadgets that allow us to do many things at the same time.
It’s called multitasking and, in my opinion, it’s overrated and may be the greatest leadership lie ever told! That’s right, I said it!
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The HIGHEST Cost of Leadership
Golf is an EXPENSIVE sport! Honestly, I’m not the greatest fan of golf. I only like a few aspects of the game and lugging a heavy bag of clubs around a lawn looking for a tiny ball and hole to put it in all day isn’t one of them. Honestly, the best parts of the game are driving the ball, putting and driving around in the golf cart.
All three of these skills can better be...
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Friday's Top 5: Handling Criticism
For better or worse, leaders put themselves out there, on display, for the entire world to see. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, business owner, entrepreneur, supervisor, or hold no titles, at some point in your professional career, you’re going to be criticized.
Recently, God’s overwhelming presence cut into my sermon time and I didn’t preach a full message. Boy, did the...
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How Jesus Builds A Team
A team is capable of accomplishing things that no individual, no matter how multi-talented, could do alone. To function well:
A team must be committed to a common vision and purpose, and it must be willing to work in unity for the improvement of the whole rather than the advancement of any one member.
Synergism can be defined as the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce an...
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It Doesn't Have to be Perfect...
Consider this statement:
It doesn’t have to be perfect for God to bless it.
As I read Scripture, I can’t find any instance where conditions were perfect before God blessed it. Abraham didn’t have all the answers when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac…he proceeded anyway. Moses had a speech problem and was insecure about his leadership abilities…he proceeded anyway....
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Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
The mark of a great leader is how many great people will join his or her team. King David’s team was comprised of “mighty men.” Because David attempted mighty things, only the mighty could keep up with him. Those who could not keep pace could not join the team.
Don Bennett was the first amputee to climb Mt. Rainier. His testimony is simple – if you try such a feat with only one leg, “you...
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What's Your Request...The Lines Are Now Open?
I grew up in an era when radio stations would open their request lines (usually late night) for listeners to call in and hear their favorite songs. Listeners would share what’s on their hearts or dedicate special songs to their loved ones. Lately I’ve noticed how many cable stations such as BET, MTV, & VH1 allow their viewers to do the same.
Well, since it works for radio and...
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A Year Older...A Year Wiser...
It’s been said “when a man enters his 40’s he carries with him the experiences from the past and the anticipations of tomorrow.” Thus, I decided to create an organic…ongoing list called “Now that I’m 45.
Now that I’m a year older & a year wiser:
God will remain the center of my existence. Without Him I’m nothing…All to Him I owe and all to...
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How Jesus & Paul Used Technology
Honestly, I do not understand why most pastors and church leaders do not leverage technology for the Glory of God. Pastors, church leaders, and faithful church attendees who see social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn as evil are missing a great opportunity to reach people far from God.
Are you sitting?
Here’s something that’ll blow your mind…
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