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.

Understanding Mental Health: Key Effects on Well-being

Young girl sits under a tree in a wooded area thinking.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What is Mental Health and Wellness?

By definition, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community. It consists of emotional, psychological and social well-being. With that said, while the mental health professionals offer competing definitions as to what defines mental health, they are at best in agreement as to the effects of mental health and wellness. There are emotional, psychological, environment, and physical effects attached to mental health and wellness. There is a great need to create safe spaces for wellness, especially for our most vulnerable populations. How?

Emotional Effects

Emotions have to do with our temperament, mood, and personality (our feelings). Interchangeably, feelings often define one’s emotions as we function in everyday life. For example, anger, happy, sad, surprise, moody, etc. At any given moment, emotions (feelings) can change. We can be happy and feel well-adjusted in our surroundings. Within minutes, happiness can change to sadness.

Another key point is that emotions affect one’s creativity. Although it may be true that a person can function under daily stressors, it does not mean that a person is operating most productively. The creativity is not at its highest peak. Basically, the emotional effect is due to changes in our situations.

Psychological Effects

Psychological effects deals with the study of behaviors. As an academic discipline, professionals study conscious and unconscious behaviors of the living. That is, they study the illustrations and examples of what is seen or unseen in response to situations and those changes. The purpose is to arrive at reasonableness of responses. What will a reasonable person do based on specific circumstances? In comparison, what will an unreasonable person do in similar circumstances? As a result of these studies, psychological effects are meant to determine the causation of actions. Both the medical and psychology fields contribute to the scientific studies in this arena.

Social Well-being

Our social well-being is connected to environment. That environment consists of physical and social circumstances. For instance, where you live can influence your thoughts, behavior, and reactions. That is, not everyone feels the same level of safety in their communities. The root cause may stem from interactions with others or law enforcement or community biases.

Culture is also a part of social well-being. Culture is defined as the “way of life” of a particular group of people, including their values, beliefs, norms, and practices (Wikipedia). Many factors contribute to cultural differences, the way of life. Case and point, in some cultures, using the rod to discipline is acceptable. In another culture, using the rod, may seem barbaric. Moreover, the use of fear can be a deterrent that suffocates and stifle one’s well-being; yet it is an amplifier for controlling behaviors in society.

Results – Growing More Unhealthy

Recent data supports that, and I quote, “Women are much more likely than men to have experienced high psychological distress (48% vs. 32%), as are people in lower-income households (53%) when compared with those in middle-income (38%) or upper-income (30%) households.

In addition, roughly two-thirds (66%) of adults who have a disability or health condition that prevents them from participating fully in work, school, housework or other activities have experienced a high level of distress during the pandemic,” end quote. Consider that this survey was a snapshot in time as to psychological distress. Still, it speaks to the trauma that affects mental health under specific conditions.

Follow-up

The data supports mental health and trauma post-pandemic. It continues to affect people’s well-being in schools, work, home, and communities. It reveals the work that we need to do, i.e., a greater need for support systems. That is why we speak of it in this environment. We desire to support on a personal level to lift your spirit. For more information and short reads about mental health and wellness, since the global pandemic, read: Mental health and the pandemic: What U.S. surveys have found | Pew Research Center. Continue to read our blog posts for reaching out as a support to be well and resisting the crab mentality.

For additional and relevant surveys, you may like to read more articles by John Gramlich, an associate director at Pew Research Center. The suggested blog posts will lead to more nurturing of your soul:

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August 21, 2024

Servant Leader – What is the Reward?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Dear Servant Leader,

God’s message is clear. You are endowed by the Creator, Genesis 1:27. In light of this, what does that mean?

Endowment of a Servant Leader

An endowment is defined as an action bequeathed or given of an inheritance. This inheritance (Romans 8:17) is a rich one as none other. Yet, no one knows the gifts that are setup for you. What a storage of treasures! More than that, this endowment is only attainable at an appointed time. Until then, there is work that you must do. Therefore, for a servant’s reward, you must do a servant’s work.

Servant Leader’s Work

A servant’s work differs from others. First, it is to bring honor to God. It is for His glory not yours. The work brings light to dark places because of His glory. Others may even wonder, “How is that this could be?” Second, the means do not justify the end. The means matter in that God chooses the path that a servant must take. A servant leader cannot do it just any way you choose. In doing so, the work is not done with malice; it will not shame God. Third, a servant’s work is in the plan of God. Consequently, God does not give all the parts of the plan and process at once. The work will build the servant’s faith in God.

A Guarantee for a Servant Leader

There is a guarantee that you will receive a just reward. The scriptures speak much about sowing and reaping from the harvest and seeds that we sow as a just reward. For example, if you sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6). Then, there is the parable of the workers in the vineyard who received a just reward, (Matthew 20). The true servant works are because of the intrinsic values that net extrinsic rewards for others. In Galatians 6:8-10, the scripture reminds us that there the true servant is open to the opportunity to do good. For the scripture notes,

“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

No Tipping

Today, there is much noise about receiving “tips” for one’s service. Research support that people, in general, wish to receive tips for good service, especially those who understand what tips means to workers. One of the reasons, I enjoy shopping at a particular grocery store is there is a signature post that reads, “No Tipping Allowed.” The idea behind this business concept is a promise to pay a more than decent wage to employees. In addition, the chain expresses that it is part of saying “Thank you for shopping with us.” For those two reasons, I am a returning customer.

As servants of God, we can place a “No Tipping Allowed” sign. God is a promise keeper. He is faithful with his concept of receiving a just reward. Your inheritance is backed by Him!

Let’s read more about rewards for servant leaders. Additional links are for your mindset, enjoy:

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August 16, 2024

Rewards of Servant Leadership NOW

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

First, there is a reward system for servant leadership that precludes the hope of eternality. It is operating in the season of NOW. The biblical story of “The Good Samaritan” is a great example of operating in the season of NOW. It clarifies this servant leader characteristics operating outwardly. Contrary to some belief systems, which is the view of self-preservation at the expense of others, this is not the teaching of leaders as servants. The teaching principles of Jesus define servant leadership characteristics and the rewards of it.

How Can the Reward System of “Now” Bring Blessings to a Servant Leader

Second, it can start with understanding who is your neighbor. Understanding the reward system of God is to connect and understand a place of compassion. Servant Leaders operate in compassionate leadership. Compassionate leadership is intentional, directed, purposeful, loving, kind and operates through faith in God. How does this happen?

Who is Your Neighbor? In the book of Luke, chapter 10, verses 30-37, (Luke 10:29-37,) a parable unfolds. Jesus gives an example. He illustrates how the actions of a priest; a Temple assistant and a passerby define “Who is Your Neighbor?

The Story Unfolds

Jesus said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to the city of Jericho. Robbers came out after him. They took his clothes off and beat him. Then they went away, leaving him almost dead. A religious leader was walking down that road and saw the man. But he went by on the other side. In the same way, a man from the family group of Levi was walking down that road. When he saw the man who was hurt, he came near but kept on going on the other side of the road. Then a man from the country of Samaria came by.  He went up to the man. As he saw him, he had loving pity on him. He got down and put oil and wine on the places where he was hurt and put cloth around them. Then the man from Samaria put this man on his own donkey. He took him to a place where people stay for the night and cared for him. The next day the man from Samaria was ready to leave. He gave the owner of that place two pieces of money to care for him. He said to him, ‘Take care of this man. If you use more than this, I will give it to you when I come again.“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who was beaten by the robbers?” The man who knew the Law said, “The one who showed loving-pity on him.”  Then Jesus said, "Go and do the same.

Who is the Real Neighbor?

Above all, who is the real neighbor? The one who shows mercy. Similarly, that is the one who will receive an award for the action of mercy. Such is the behavior that defines servant leadership characteristics.

Mercy

Yes, a servant leader is a good neighbor. The one who shows mercy will receive mercy. Matthew 5 : 7(NLV), ” Those who show loving-kindness are happy, because they will have loving-kindness shown to them.” Yet, how does one acquire mercy? Mercy is an intrinsic trait that comes from the action of love.

Even so, not all people in leadership positions have this intrinsic trait. Furthermore, this lack of mercy costs organizations, businesses, and ministries. It costs in valuable resources. That is why some Fortune 500 companies are exploring the teaching of servant leadership as a way of revamping their leadership programs. For example, how often do leaders miss the opportunity to show kindness. How often do leaders who strive to consume more power demonstrate less mercy or kindness as they climb the leadership ladder. As in this parable, how often do leaders seek to justify actions of injustice to qualify for positions of authority?

Compassion

Compassion is empathy. While the two leaders (priest and Temple assistant) may have felt empathy for the wounded man, they did have mercy on him. On the other hand, The Good Samaritan’s compassion moved to a level of mercy. Which do you think the wounded man wanted? Compassion or a level of mercy that saved his life. Mercy was a higher degree of this person’s compassion.

Scripturally

Ironically, the questioning of Jesus by religious leader(s) who knew the law, only highlights how leaders desire self-fulfillment. The knowledge of the law did not excuse his or any other leader’s actions. Rather, the failure to apply it equally and fairly was a failure of their leadership. The law says to love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, mercy that is given and based solely on those we love and those we choose to show compassion to, is not the measurement of Jesus. His reward system is based on an intrinsic gratification that pleases not self but pleases God. Finally, leaders who are servants of God walk in a reward system that allows not only a blessing for eternality but also in the season of NOW. For great is the everlasting reward. We suggest other blogs about mercy from our website and related book materials on #servant leadership. For more engagement, browse through:

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August 8, 2024

Effectiveness of Your Leadership – Not Ordinary

Effectiveness of Your Leadership

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The lake view in my backyard is a reminder. It shows that nothing is ordinary when it comes to God. He is effective and he wants that from you and me. How do you become effective in leading while following?

First, today is not ordinary because you are not ordinary. Neither is your leadership. Nowhere in this world is another like you. Your assignment is manageable. You started your day with Him first in the quietness of the morning. So, your tasks will be achievable because of your uniqueness. How can this be when it seems that tasks are overwhelming? This is because servant leaders are wired to learn how to manage tasks. The empowerment for success is a personal choice and commitment. Effectiveness of leadership begins with the mindset.

Your mindset will make the difference in your assignment. A mindset of a servant leader is about emotional intelligence. Support is a factor of decisions. Somewhere in this world, there are millions who do not have the freedom to act upon their “free will.” You, however, have in this moment to act in your ‘free will” to do what is right and just. You understand that your trust must be in God’s faithfulness and not your own.

Your Percepts of Leading

Second, your desire to complete your tasks is honorable. God favored you. By His mercy, you will operate in your gifts. Your inward drive will elevate others so that they will accomplish their tasks. It is not the large tasks that will be the most appreciative. Rather, it is the smallest tasks that complete the assignment.

Third, the provision is made. A day that is planned before your were born. God planned an extraordinary future for you. This day is just part of that future. Every day, ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. So will you. Even in the curves, crooks, and waves, He is always there to light your pathway.

Finally, God gives empowerment that will NOT overwhelm. His Spirit wants to guide. Let him help you create and do good. You will not be led to exhaustion when you allow Him to lead. The refreshing that God gives is a fragrance. The thoughts of how to accomplish the tasks will bring soundness. You overcome the barriers that in the past, defeated you.

The Designing Leader

Now, put out your sign! There is a designing leader at work. ‘The Designer’ who knows His work of art. The one who leads you, knows every pitfall, challenge and reward coming your way. You are empowered to do good for His good. His purpose is in you, and He is not an ordinary leader.

Today is not ordinary – why should it be?

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

For other leadership and wellness blog posts, we recommend:

If you have an interest in more about moral and ethical behaviors in leadership, we also suggest the research article, A Moral Cleaning Process : How and When Does Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior Increase Prohibitive and Promotive Voice

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March 7, 2024

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

For related blogs of encouragement, we suggest:

July 22, 2023