Category: Leadership and Training Workshops

Jesus is our model of leadership. The obedience to follow God was his agenda. God is truth, light, and love. Who would not want to follow the all-powerful and all-knowing leader as God? Yet, God’s enemy trolls the earth to lead people in wrong directions. Teaching the body of Christ about the accountability and responsibility that servants of God has been entrusted to us. Jesus is the master teacher, and he has given authority to God’s heirs and joint heirs.

Effective Christian Leadership and Settlements

Effective Christian Leadership

The truth is, there are not enough workshops about “Effective Christian Leadership” or Compromising in Leadership” when you are in the decision-making process about a settlement or compromise that goes against your personal principles. The workplace can be a toxic environment for people, especially if one feels that personal success means compromising one’s principles. This article highlights some of the effects of effective Christian leadership and settlements. Settlements in leadership may be viewed as compromises.

Settlements

What are the reasons for settling or compromising? What are the social or personal choices attached to the settlement? Do any of these choices cause emotional stress? How effective will you be after making your decision? These are a few examples of questions one might consider regarding settlements and Christian principles.

Finding an effective Christian Leadership workshop that will give you all of the answers is very unlikely. Moreover, you are not likely to know all the immediate rewards or long-time effects of your decision. The point is – settlements cost! It will cost somebody, somewhere. What should one to do when Chrisitan principles conflict with job performance and one’s livelihood?

Process

First, admit there is a price to pay for decision-making. Operating with Christian leadership values is often a complex and conflicting issue, especially when one’s livelihood is at stake. The conflict exists because it is an internal fight. The external battle is fought inwardly for a resolution.

Whose Team

Second, consider whose team do you wish to be a part of? There are a number of Biblical servant leaders who experienced these types of fights, i.e., David, Elijah and Paul. You are not alone.

Beyond Monetary

Settling can be more than a money value. Ask, “What is the settlement that will bring everlasting relief?” Man’s settlement differs from God’s settlement. A man’s settlement has limitations. Why? He is a limited human being. God, on the other hand, owns all and knows all. He is above all. God’s settlement is non-negotiable. That is the type of settlement that you and I should want. God’s settlement provides a secured bond.

Strategize

A winning strategy! Do not go into battle with a defeated attitude. Another name for emotional intelligence is spiritual warfare! Your mindset is crucial to the strategy for winning the war. The Biblical characters mentioned above changed the way they fought by changing their mental attitude. David encouraged himself; Elijah came out of the cave; Paul never forgot that when he wanted to do good, evil was present. He switched to a winning side.

Put on the right amour for the task at hand. Believe what is settled on earth is settled in heaven. That means Satan has no authority over the lives of God’s people. Do not allow Satan’s thoughts to become your thoughts.

Take every concern and consideration to God. Listen attentively for the answers. Remember who knows the plans for you.

Patience is key to the strategy. Feast on the Word for nourishment; this is the emotional and spiritual intellect for being effective.

The Master is in charge of my overcast skies and stormy waves. All will cease at His command. For more forecasting we suggest:

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February 20, 2024

Virtual Training for Servant Leaders

2023 and Beyond – Introduction and Purpose

Welcome to Virtual Servant Leaders Training 2023 and beyond! The excitement comes from providing training in a safe space. Beyond 2023, it is an opportunity for training, learning and sharing with your ministry teams. This training’s focus is meant to embrace change and empower you through the maze of life. Moreover, we make this learning experience available because of valuable input. We aim to support with a personal touch in this season. Thus, it is still a reminder that you are not alone in going through the maze of life. Together, we can reach out and close the gap across cultures as servants of God.

Initially, this virtual training was given October 21, 2023, from 11:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m. With virtual tools, we are able to go beyond the time restraints. In this packet, we make the materials accessible. We believe it will still be a rich and meaningful learning experience. Through virtual tools i.e., YouTube, Zoom, WordPress and social media platforms, we share learning and experiences. Our goal is a God-focus for bringing and encouraging souls for the kingdom. We welcome your feedback, stories, and comments for learning.

So, grab your favorite tools; bring your team to the table, and begin the experience of virtual learning with us.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Agenda Proposed

Scripture Reading: Psalm 91 – Audio version – Click to hear the scripture.

Prayer for Wisdom and Understanding – Heavenly Father, thank you for the person(s) who come to enjoy Your teaching. We pray that the Holy Spirit with teach and guide our thoughts and mind. You, Heavenly Father, are able to speak to all of us as an audience of one and speak to each of us as individuals. Speak, Oh, Lord according to Your tender mercies. We desire learning that comes from You for Kingdom growth. Fill us with Your love, wisdom and understanding of this knowledge so that we draw for the Kingdom and please You. In the name Jesus Christ, we humbly ask. Amen.

About the Videos and Handouts

Getting Started with the Videos and Handouts – There are three videos for this training session. Each video focuses on change; how it is personal and impactful in daily lives of ordinary people. Each video comes with a handout in support of change and its impact.

Introduction from Facilitator

Narrator-Facilitator – The narrator/facilitator of this virtual training is Rev. Dr. Gardenia T. Bulluck. The facilitator shares change from a personal perspective of ministry, family and caregiver.

Wellness – 3 John 1:2: “Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.”

Get the juices flowing through stretching the mind, body, and soul. Take note that the first five minutes of Video 1 is to apply stretching for building up the mind, body and spirit! Be sure to use those first five minutes for music. Include a stretching activity at the very start of Lesson 1.

Empowering Leaders and Change – Lesson 1

Video 1 – Empowering Leaders and Change – Lesson 1 -This is the first of three videos of Virtual Training 2023 for Servant Leaders. In this video, there are four thoughts. (1) servant leadership should lead beyond self; (2) individuals can meaningfully change and empower larger communities (i.e., hard of hearing and deaf communities); (3) individuals have the power to reduce stress and empower ministry and faith leaders locally and globally; (4) individuals can engage and create across cultures for realistic change by removing barriers for people.

Video 1 – Empowering Leaders and Change – Lesson 1

Handout 1 – How Clergy and Congregations can Prevent Burnout for a Healthy Life

Take-aways – (1) Evaluate a change(s) that occurred in your life. What tools did you use to grow creatively? (2) What changes can you think of will result in better health? Do you have the will power to make those change(s)? What resources do you need to employ to move you forward for that change(s)? (3) After three months, how will you evaluate the change(s)?

Embracing Change as New Cheese

Video 2 – This is the second of three videos of the Virtual Training 2023 for Servant Leaders. In this video, Embracing Change as New Cheese – Lesson 2, I employ you to think about change as a natural part of your maze (your world). I share my short story, as a caregiver, in A Caregiver’s Story handout, to highlight how moving my “cheese” caused me to re-evaluate how I was to function in ministry while prioritizing family. You are also asked a series of questions for reflecting upon change, including “activity vs productivity” as it relates to the process of change.

Video 2 – Embracing Change for New Cheese – Lesson 2

Handout 2 – A Caregiver’s Story

Take-aways – (1) How has ministry impacted you? (2) What would be a reason(s) for you to minister to others? (3) How do you view fellowship?

Love, Faith and Prayer

Video 3 – This is the third and final video for Virtual Training 2023 for Servant Leaders. In this video, the primary focus is centered around three important factors pertaining to levels of movement in relation to change: love, faith and prayer. I share my short story, ‘Shut in but not Shut Out’ as a witness to the impact of virtual ministry during a season of shut in.

There is much controversy about online ministry. As far as I can recall, it has always been problematic to some and a preaching message for and against. In the context of ministry and evangelism, I have encountered people who became congregants of local ministries because of televised ministries who employed them to seek fellowship with a local church. Wherever we are placed to serve, we must do so with the love and compassion of God. We must pray and be led by the Holy Spirit for ministering and walking as servants of His. It is God’s faithfulness that gives us hope.

Video 3 – Embracing Change for Levels of Movement – Lesson 3

Handout 3 – Shut In But Not Shut Out

Take-aways – We welcome your feedback. Sharing is caring. If led by the Holy Spirit, invite others to this training.

End Your Workshop with Prayer and Thanksgiving

Again, special recognition to Servant Leaders who are in the trenches and daily serve for the Kingdom. For more about upcoming sessions or you wish to implement a virtual or person training, subscribe directly from our Homepage. Continue the experience in our E-Cafe which provides personal support on your schedule.

Thank you from our Team

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July 22, 2023

Ministry Leaders Must Revamp

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Ministry Leaders must revamp for understanding those that they lead! This is not that you leave Godly principles of Truth. However, there must be an assessment and a reflection of leadership in a particular season. This is an ongoing strategy. So, take out a plan and actively engage with the written vision. Ministry in this task is an intentional strategy. Update! Refresh the eyes! Allow God to give you what you need in this season.

Ministry leaders, where are you in your spiritual, emotional, and wellness plans? Be honest with yourself. First, your plans will reflect eternity. Therefore, the mindset looks toward hope. Second, do not allow emotional intelligence to establish the goals! Emotional intelligence can impede spiritual work.) Third, it is ok to restore, regenerate, re-energize.

Ministry Leaders Re-assess for Restoration

Now, ministry leadership assessments provide opportunities to reflect and grow. No matter what is going on, evaluation is a building block for growth and meeting goals; assessments are necessary before restoration. For example, every day God gives us new mercy in His assessment. Therefore, aim to see the goodness of the Lord because He has already provided grace.

The Ministry Leadership of Hosea

It is true that ministry leadership assessments can be a difficult thing for people. Not always do we want to follow what the Spirit says. Admittedly, too often we seek validation from others before moving on the Word of God. However, consider a person like Hosea (Hosea 1: 1-3). Even in a difficult situation, Hosea obeyed God.

Although Hosea did not understand God’s plan, but it worked out. The blessings of obedience to God is greater than the challenges.

A Ministry Leader of Restoration

The story of Hosea and Gomer is one of restoration. It is a powerful example of how God’s plan, love and promises. All of these things came together in the most unexpected ways. God can revamp your situation and restore it to greatness, too He has the power to restore, even for those who are walking in darkness. Moreover, God is more than anyone or anything against you.

A Ministry Leader of Discipline

You may not have considered that revamping would mean discipline. God’s discipline is for our good. He chastens His people for His purpose. He loves us that much that He will not leave us in the dark. If you are smart, you will listen and obey. Re-learning the same lesson may be more painful. Disobedience will call for much more discipline and re-learning.

Fresh Start

More importantly, because God is all-knowing, He gave you a fresh start today. Each day, He gives new mercy. What a testament of love. Undeserving as we are, He gave a fresh start again today. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen”, (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). It you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me (verse 13).

Discovery of Unusual Things

In re-assessing your plans, you may uncover the unusual; the peculiar thing that will take you to the next level. The prophet, Hosea, learned the meaning of healing and spiritual restoration. He discovered more about the love of God as the-healer-in-chief and spiritual restoration for His people. Additionally, you will find that revamping and restoration not only lifted you up but also others. Leave room and appreciation for others to be restored. Grace received is to be given.

These are personal assessments that make stronger leaders.

For more insight, check out links below

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March 11, 2022

The Rewards of Servant Leadership NOW – A 2020 Impact

Servant - The Only Title That Will Matter

The Summit

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The servant is called to a summit, and the reward system is profitable. Although a difficult time, the call to the Servant Leadership NOW Summit of 2020 still has an impact. We did not know, at that time, that the COVID-19 pandemic was upon us and would have global impact even today. Yes, the whole world faces an invisible “enemy” that continues in the lives of many – U nited States COVID – Coronavirus Statistics – Worldometer (worldometers.info)

I still reflect upon discussions from the 2020 Servant Leadership NOW Summit. For in those sessions, we were formulating ideas about serving in the NOW. How does serving as a servant of God in the NOW prepare one for eternity? The sharing in those work sessions still has relevance and impact.

Before Eternity – There is NOW

Often times, when we speak of a reward system for Christians, we talk about it in terms of eternality – a hereafter as to our reward. However, there is a reward system for servants of God that precludes eternality. It is called NOW. Now, Jesus gives to us examples in the scripture. It is the “bee it” to help us in dealing with everyday situations in relation to each other, justice, and compassion. The season of NOW is always present in the moment.

Servants for a World Crisis

In a world crisis, there are opportunities to move in the areas of NOW. There are opportunities to support one another (as humans); be fair (justice); and show compassion. In spite of that, also in a world crisis, there exists opportunities for evil to take greater advantage of people. It is in these times that we hope the “better angels” win out. According to the model of Jesus, it can work in a world system when his servants show mercy to our neighbors.

In Luke 10:29-37, Jesus responded to the question, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus detailed the experience of a certain man who fell among thieves as the man traveled from Jerusalem to Jericho. The lot of this man could have been fatal had it not been for the kindness of a stranger. This story of The Good Samaritan is an example of compassion to a stranger. To expect God to bless you without you showing compassion toward strangers, is not God’s way. Compassion that is based on only who we love, who shows us kindness, is that the type of compassion that Jesus’s teaches in this parable. Rather, Jesus’ teaching of compassion is toward those who are in need of your service.

On the Jericho Road

It is also interesting how the religious leaders who were to show this injured stranger kindness passed him by on the Jericho Road. In fact, one of them decided to go around him and take a different path; but the Samaritan, who according to culture, was not to have anything to do this man, showed him compassion. At the end of the story, Jesus compels says, “Go, and do likewise.”

Are we so preoccupied on the Jericho Road that we cannot be a blessing when the opportunities arise? Are the cares of our lives so out of balance that we look over wounded, hurting, improvised people?

The scriptures remind us to pray that workers will come in the vineyard; pray for servants of God who want to make the right decisions on this road.

Reflectively

Throughout the Summit, there was a repetitive, unified voice that reminded us of the value of responsibility, accountability, and compassion. God’s reward system is daily. Daily, He feeds His servants. Being a responsible leader, showing accountability and leading with compassion is on who is worthy of His hire. To reward you openly is His pleasure. Being the Jericho Road allows you to do for others – for those who are even strangers. His way, not ours.

Finally, compassionate servant leaders are rewarded by:

(1) An intrinsic gratification that pleases God. (2) Trust in the Word. If you love others as yourself, you will eat of the good fruit that only God can give. (3) Grace. When you have mercy on others, God demonstrates undeserving favor toward you. You can reap rewards of Servant Leadership NOW! – a blessing from the reward system established by the Great and Good Shepherd on this Jericho Road. The net will be a greater reward system from Him.

Suggestive blogs posts for servant leadership:

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February 2, 2021