Tag: Effective Christian Leadership

True Christianity is faith in the works of Christ.  No other hope than Christ is the believer’s foundation. Through these blog posts, readers can become subscribers and tune in to insights.  Here, you can share what it means to walk toward Christlike in your faith. Effective Christian Leadership is a faith walk that serves first. Grow spiritual based on effective biblical leadership. The author shares posts related to faith and leadership with a global community. Subscribe and receive updates directly in your email. Share via Social Media platforms.

Faith and Fighting Through Life Challenges

Victory is Sweet

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Dear Servant Leader,

Broken pieces? You made it to shore! Because of your faith in God, you chose to stand and fight through the circumstances. Others saw it and were encouraged by your faith. Tears! Challenges! Yes! But you are here as a reflection of the milestones and victories.

When the Lord Chose You

The One who chose you is still greater than any challenge. His faithful love endures forever. For every mountain, He brought you over it. He brought you out of your “Egypt” with a strong and powerful arm. Continue to lean on that arm in days and weeks to come. God is not weak. You are a branch of His. Even if you weep, He wants to lead you beside the still waters. You will sign those songs of triumph. You will testify when the enemy came in like a flood, God raised up a standard against him. He chose you to do a great work through Him for His purpose – to bring others to believe in Truth.

Compassion

God has compassion for His servants – those who put their trust in Him will never be shamed. The One who created you, did a good thing. Why would He not rescue the ones He loves! God put purpose in you. Every ability you have is His. Each day, He gives you a compassionate gift of mercy. The same God who causes the birds to sing without your help, will cause you to leap with joy that this world does not give. He does this because of the faith you have in Him. His compassion is like no one else.

Endurance

Servant leader, your race is one of endurance. You go over hills; through valleys; and climb up for a better view. It is this journey of endurance that brings you a testimony of faith. Yours is to hear God say at the end of your journey, “You have been a good and faithful servant. Enter in for your greatest reward – eternal life. Along the way, it is your purpose to lead others to a place of hope in Him.

Remember, His faithful love endures forever. He loves you

I am a Servant of His

God did not give you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). That is why you, His servant, came through. What a testimony of power and love! You have a sound-mind. The Holy Spirit provides you with strength and discernment.

When Paul wrote 2 Timothy, he was in a jail cell. Yet, the jail cell did not spiritually confine him. The attributes that you have comes from the divine Father. His children have a bold Spirit. Yes, your testimony is, “I am a Servant of God, and my trust is in Him who cannot fail.”

Today, you will not be afraid to prophesy to your dry bones. “I declare that God will breathe life into “dead” situations for my growth in Him. He is the Lord of my life (Ezekiel 37:5-6).” He is the only true God and a safe space for you.

Blessings for healthy seasons of mind, body and spirit (1 Thess 5:23). You are well.

While we do not endorse others (disclaimer), we share other blogs of encouragement and wellness for the mind, heart and spirit. God uses His people’ abilities to support His kingdom.

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Crashing Out and Faith: Overcoming Adversity

Faith in Crisis

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Crashing, threatening and crushing waves – Are you crashing out in the midst of faith and resilience? The definition of “crashing out” first a became a part of the African American Vernacular English. Black Twitter (now X) is given credit for “crashing out” as a term going viral (2013). Even now, the GEN Z population continues to redefine its definition and associates the term with describing the usual reactions and behaviors of Hollywood stars. But emotional reactions, i.e., outbursts, are applicable to anyone. And if the outbursts, lashing out, and unsettling behaviors linger over a period, the term crashing out is also used. In terms of faith and resilience, what is the message in this post?

Therapeutic Process

Without hesitation, we stress in this blog that the principles of therapy are rooted from the Word of God. Whether the therapist identifies as a #Christian Therapist or not the teaching of the mind and behaviors from colleges and universities, are that of biblical principles. For example, research supports that the tools of prayer, meditation, reading the Word, and positive relationships, are great tools for healing. Afterall, who knows more about the mind, behaviors, and companions than the Creator.

The Weight is Overpowering

Biblically, you may hear “crashing out” defined as ” the weight of the world is on my shoulders.” It is estimated that there are over 8 billion people in this world (Worldometer). It is biblically factual that every person goes through struggles. For any imaginable or real situation, someone is going through suffering. However, this statement does not minimize your pain. On the contrary, it is to agree that your struggle is real. Divinely, therapy is the work you do for healing.

Self-Evaluation

Begin with self-evaluation. What are your true feelings? Abandonment? Senseless? Non-caring? Shame? Anger? Bewilderment? Loss? Or all of the above. Inhale and slowly breathe out. Inhale and slowly breathe out, again. First, recognize that you did not enter this world with the expectation of traumatizing pain. Second, as a baby, you were lucky enough to have a responsible caregiver who attended to your wants and needs. Even if this is not your case, as an adult, the weight and response is yours. Powerful, is your response. God’s way of healing translates into interdependence that forms true partnerships and resources to lift the weight in support of each other.

Resilience

Troubles exist in this space if time that we term “Life.” In the study of psychology, resilience is the capacity to make or adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, or high levels of stress. It is to allow a person to recover from personal setbacks and emerge as a stronger individual. Being able to implement coping systems and strategies is the means to building resilience (American Psychological Association). Another tool that builds our response to situations i.e., grief, sorrows, depression, violence, etc. is faith.

Faith

Fundamentally, we can assert that crushing waves not only happen in oceans, but it also happens to individuals. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith and it is a requirement to please God (Hebrew 11:6). Faith is God’s gift to the believer. Jesus said that the smallest amount of your faith in God can move mountains (Luke 17:6). When the mountain does not move as people desire, in so many situations, God gets the blame. Why did God allow this, people question or Why did God do this? The truth is evil is the root of darkness. Human failures happen because we have imperfections. Even if humans do not lay the blame where it belongs, our God is faithful. God can handle blame for human tragedies and suffering, which are wrongly placed. He is God and has 20//20 vision. We do not.

Still, it is in times of crashing out, that God’s love, compassion and faithfulness is still available. For the believer of mustard seed faith, God is still working in your favor. Moreover, it is the promise of God that He will never leave nor forsake you, even if you feel abandoned. The Holy Spirit who lives within the believer will do the work. Contrary to your thoughts, for believers, suffering works out for our good. Faithfulness is the character of God. God has an arsenal, a host at His command, that works on the behalf of His imperfect children. #believe #faith #servantLeader

If I Sit Here

The story of four lepers living in the land of Israel comes to my mind. In that day, no person of a contagious skin disease (leprous) could mingle and live among others. Though labeled as unclean, not only is there physical pain, but the isolation of the disease was mentally traumatizing.

During a time of war between the Arameans and Israel, these four leprous men sitting at the entrance of the city’s gates, began a serious conversation about their situation. If they went into the city of Israel, they would die because the people had the right to stone them to death. If they continue to stay in the same position, sitting at the city gates, for sure, they will eventually die from hunger. The choice to them became clearer. Perhaps in surrendering to the Arameans, they might live. Even if the Arameans choose to kill them, the other possibilities meant death for certain (2 Kings 7:3-10). What of an example in movement of mustard faith. The Lord turned a situation around for their good and others.

We invite you to share our posts for encouragement:

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    For more about crashing out as a term going viral, click this link.

    Leaders Must Avoid Dangerous Reefs in Business

    Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

    Reef of Beauty

    Leaders must avoid the dangerous reefs. This is to be aware of dangerous reefs because they can shipwreck you! Jude only wrote one chapter scripture, but the lessons in his text are powerful. Let us begin with understanding a little about his analogy of leaders and dangerous physical reefs. Where are your reefs?

    Table of contents In This Blog

    Marine Life and Reefs

    First, we draw your attention to the physical meaning of reefs. Marine shipwrecks, created by humans, become artificial reefs. The ideal is to allow shipwrecks or wreckage to lie undisturbed on the ocean floor. Of course, this impacts marine life. There are similarities and differences in marine life between shipwrecks, which serve as artificial reefs, and natural reef habitats. Both artificial and natural spaces provide a home for fish, algae, and other living organisms. However, researchers found a difference in the organisms that gather around a shipwreck compared to those in natural spaces. For instance, the production of fish varieties increases around artificial reefs in comparison to natural habitats.

    Although the intentional submersion of large objects in oceans has long been a practice of humans, this activity alters the ecosystem of marine life. The result is also a change in ocean composition. For example, chemical changes occur in the ocean’s water. As a result, these submersions alter the natural habitat, even at a distance from the shipwreck.

    Exposure to Environmental Risks

    Another consideration regarding reefs is the impact on air quality from shipwrecks used as artificial reefs. Even though researchers find some ecological benefits to artificial reefs, there are environmental risks that must not be ignored. In fact, our human lives depend on good air quality. Marine life is important to the air we breathe because oceans release oxygen. Ships consist of materials such as wood and metal. They decompose. Sinking ships can damage the natural habitats of our beautiful system of coral reefs (Shipwrecks As Artificial Reefs) and carry oil pollutants, bacteria, and other contaminants into the water supply. This process thereby influences the breakdown of photosynthesis and air quality.

    Dangerous Human Reefs

    Spiritually, Jude compares this phenomenon to ministry leadership. He uses this as an analogy to warn church leaders about the impact of human reefs. He warns the leaders about fellowship with humans who are like dangerous reefs (Jude 1:12). In his words, they care only for themselves. As trees in autumn, they do not bear fruit because they do not plant in soil that produces strong roots (Jude 1:13). In fact, these people are grumblers and complainers, and they operate as flatterers to get what they want (verse 16). Moreover, dangerous human reefs divide people. They carry pollutants and contaminate. Therefore, as a leader, the question becomes, “How should a leader respond to dangerous human reefs among you?”

    Dealing with Human Reefs

    Jude, as a leader, deals with this from a spiritual yet intelligent response. Further in the text, he offers these suggestions for caring for the people that they lead. Leaders:

    • build each other up
    • pray in the power of the Holy Spirit
    • remain faithful
    • show mercy to those who faith is wavering
    • rescue others by snatching them from such flames of judgment

    Yet, leaders ask, “What does this leadership look like in your natural world?” Successful companies in the business world recognize the value of good leadership traits. Although the terminology differs, the concept is the same for the servant leader. The mindset is scripturally grounded.

    In the article “To Be a Leader, Model These 9 Traits” by Forbes Magazine, the view of a servant leader emphasizes spiritual connections. For instance, these leaders are self-aware, accountable, ask powerful questions, generous, and are change agents. Their focus is to serve others. Discern. Check your mindset to ensure that you recognize dangerous human reefs and act within the boundaries of wisdom.

    For more like this blog post, we suggest:

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    The Servant Leadership NOW Group

    Servant leadership now

    Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

    Who is The Servant Leadership NOW Group? The Servant Leadership NOW Group is a private Facebook group.  It is a collective support system for growth. The Servant Leadership NOW Group consists of believers in Christ Jesus.  The people are from different places of worship geographically.  Additionally, it serves as a support system that fosters mutual accountability and respect – a safe space.  Why? Simply, we all face trials and tribulations in this world. One of the reasons for our existence is to consistently pray for one another through small prayer groups. Second, whether we are in the United States or across borders, our shared mission is to bring others to Christ. How is this done?

    Group Administrator

    The group administrator monitors the posts. It is essential to protect and consider the content. Messages are meant to encourage and not lose sight of purpose. Within the group, there is a belief that we can be more productive at times as a small group. The smaller groups provide safe spaces for members to share as a central ministry unit. For example, prayer circles are personal yet pray for the corporate body of Christ. Members who are not a part of a daily prayer group can view other members’ prayer sessions through Facebook. The Group Administrator can share these times with members.

    Makeup of the Team

    Another important factor is that, with the exception of a few, each member of this group is personally known by the group administrator. All members have the expressed means to share with others outside of the group. They also have the means to request that others join based on the group’s focus and accountability. However, a person who makes such a request must personally know the individual. Know your circle of friends!

    Quality Over Quantity

    In this season, there is a lot of talk about statistics.  However, it is the mission of The Servant Leadership NOW Group to not neglect that the focus is ministry. Ministry is to serve others.  Everything must be done to serve others. Content is through the Scriptures to move others to mature and grow in Christ.  It pleases the Lord when one comes to Him. Therefore, a lost sheep, when he is found, means more. Truly, it is easy to lose sight of the desire to increase stats. But God favors “Quality over Quantity.”

    Finally, the ministry of working together is meant to fulfill and mature in kingdom work.

    We invite you also to listen to this Playlist of Songs on our YouTube Channel for encouragement. For more blogs like this, we also suggest:

    #servantleader #servantleadership #TheServantLeadershipNOWGroup #playlists #leadership

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    Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

    It is time for dinner! Learning how to create safe spaces in your environment can begin at the dinner table. With the decline of everyday family mealtime, it has to be an intentional setting to bring people together. Are you willing to create a safe space for family or friends? Is it time to recreate a safe space at a dinner table?

    For a few minutes, let us revisit a previous blog conversation about safe spaces (July 17, 2021; My Own Safe Space – For Real). Since that time, I have evolved in my thinking. I find that there is a connection to safe spaces and journaling. First, embrace the ideal of journaling as part of one’s wellness/mental health program. In the beginning, the purpose of my journaling was to share thoughts with my grandsons. It was a safe space to share with them. As life brings changes, so does the purpose for journaling. Journaling can be a useful tool for distressing and reflecting because it is intentional writing.

    What is the Connection between Journaling and Safe Spaces?

    Research shows that journaling clearly increases goal achievement, improves mental health, enhances creativity, and encourages greater self-awareness. So, let’s talk at the dinner table with those same initiatives in mind. Gather your group and “Set the Dinner-Table.” Your family or friends deserve that quiet time for a safe space of sharing.  

    Let’s start with examples of open-ended questions (who, what, where, when, why, and how).

    The Magic of Open-Ended Questions

    Visualize your setting. Each place setting is tailored to your guests. Draw their attention to a crafted journal. Toast them with questions that draw attention to positive or negative events; help each person to understand root causes of hidden trauma or challenges; encourage; build trust among this group; provide a safe space for listening and sincere care. Celebrate your progress.

    Here is a guide for each type of question:

    • Elicit insight into relationship(s) (The Who)
    • Lead/identify facts (The What)
    • Enable discussion about the place/environment (The Where)
    • Bring about the timing of a problem, including what happened, immediately before and after it (The When)
    • Identify reasons/causes (The Why)
    • Enable a person to talk about feelings and/or processes (The How)

    The Journal for the Next Table Setting

    Give your group a strategy for the next dinner: Here is the journal item that Melissa’s set for our family session.

    REAL – Our Strategy (given from Melissa)

    R – You are relevant;  I promise to show up and be present for your growth and greatness.

    E – Empathy; I will make every effort to show empathy to help you through your situation.

    A – Apologize; I apologize for making you feel unsafe that you could not come to me.

    L – Listening; I promise to practice active listening to learn; I want you to be heard.

    Do not quit before truly starting.

    For more blogs like this one, we suggest our posts:

    To learn more about the power of journaling, you might find articles that you like from Journaling Insights. This website details the benefits of journaling supported by research.

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    The Road Not Taken

    The Road Not Taken

    Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

    One of my favorite poems is still “The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.” As a fourth-grade student, we had to analyze this poem. Even today, I enjoy the choices and opportunities that this poem gives the spirit. Perhaps, you will share it with a younger person for inspiration, too.

    We make choices every day. Our choices affect not only ourselves but others. In the poem, “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost expresses human emotions and the dilemma of this character.

    Your Road of Choice

    As travelers in this journey of life, we face choices and dilemmas. Besides, they are part of our personal circumstances and experiences. My experiences may differ from yours; however, in choosing between two or more pathways, the paths we choose will affect others. Hopefully, we will choose pathways that improve our circumstances as a society and individuals. While we know that not all will do so, we must consider our choices as did Robert Frost’s character.

    At first glance, in this poem, we may view the traveler’s choice as independent. A closer look of his thoughts reflects that his dilemma is based on his knowledge and experiences about pathways – choices in life. Read it for yourself.

    The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

    Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
    And sorry I could not travel both
    And be one traveler, long I stood
    And looked down one as far as I could
    To where it bent in the undergrowth;
    Then took the other, as just as fair,
    And having perhaps the better claim,
    Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
    Though as for that the passing there
    Had worn them really about the same,
    And both that morning equally lay
    In leaves no step had trodden black.
    Oh, I kept the first for another day!
    Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
    I doubted if I should ever come back.
    I shall be telling this with a sigh
    Somewhere ages and ages hence:
    Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
    I took the one less traveled by,
    And that has made all the difference.

    My Take-Away

    What do you believe made the difference? Why? Consequently, this character’s choice is a path that looks greener and less traveled. It is unclear as to why he chose that path, but he did. Perhaps he wanted to be different and follow the minority. Perhaps, he thought, the other pathway, because it looks more traveled and worn, would deprive him. Whatever the reason, he examines a present circumstance and moves forward into his future. In the end, based on his experiences and knowledge of pathways, he said that the paths lay equally before him.

    Why an equal path? It is one or another. He weighed in, knowing that decisions have consequences.

    He understood that rebounding from a wrong decision may cost him more than he wish. After weighing his choices, he made a decision – he took the one less traveled and said it has made all the difference. Based on his current circumstances, experiences, and knowledge at hand, for that moment in time, no movement, he knew, would not yield him opportunities.

    The Mindset – a Leap of Faith

    Sometimes, we need help in processing. From reliable resources, we can endure and embark upon the best decisions. We can even learn from the worst decisions. At any rate, the choice of not choosing may be ours to make. To choose faith over fear, what a choice! The character’s mindset to move forward into his future to, whatever lies ahead. Some would say that he took a walk, a leap of faith.

    Anxiety in Decision-making

    Leaning on the right resources and others can help in making a choice. Do not discount the anxiety. Decision-making and a certain amount of stress are expected; yet we are not to be anxious. How can that be? We find a safe space to deal with our anxious moments. For me, the 23rd Psalm is a source that I reflect upon often. Each of us must find refuge in decision-making. Eliminate fear in decision-making. When the level of anxiety impairs you, seek help (example of a post defining panic attack- Change Therapy called Panic Attack – Change Therapy.

    Helpful Resources

    For more support to others, we suggest that your read Safe Spaces: Creating Environment for Youth and always Encourage Yourself.

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