http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32736&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
A vision will have your primary call from Scripture, to hear and obey His Word!
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32735&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Leadership expectations of pastors and elders are often unrealistic and not centered on what leadership is really about. Too often people confuse a strong-willed personality as an effective leader, leadership is not being strong-willed, rather having a strong sense of purpose that is centered upon God.
The church of our Lord needs leaders, not petty instigators. There are too many churches that substitute a petty person for a godly person and see no distinction, because the people who put them in power do not know the difference.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=35969&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Are you willing to take an honest look at some of the reasons why people are not coming to your church?
1,103 churches surveyed and tracked for 12-plus years
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31704&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
To know the Word and to live by it, you will need to take daily time to read the Bible. To develop a habit of Bible reading, it is best to have a consistent time and place.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=76580&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
In the theme of 'taking up the cross', we see the call for radical discipleship, to fully engage and trust our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in all aspects of life and relationship, in all circumstances and endeavors. This involves and influences all that we are and all that we do. Thus, we must engage Christ as Lord without reservation or condition, further aligned by our gratitude...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32727&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Are you a good leader? Do you want to be?
We have to ask ourselves whether we are being an agent of change or being manipulative and controlling. We have to ask ourselves if we are empowering people or scheming to get them to do what we want. Are we leading from our authentic spiritual formation or from an idea of what we think we should be? Because, to be a leader for Christ, we must put off our own personal agendas and adopt His will and ways!
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32726&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
A Profile of Servant Leadership
We usually know what the world calls us to, but do you know what God calls you to? The Bible calls us to a higher level of excellence; one of vision, love, integrity, and functionality. That is what I call "Incarnational Leadership." It simply means that I will lead the way Christ led. I will not lead the way the world wants me to. Incarnational represents the view that we are to leave the ways of the world and its ways of leadership, and turn to the ways of Christ. As He was Incarnational, we can be too...
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=33033&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Are you Willing to Improve Your Preaching? What About Your Words?
When we preach, and whether we use a pulpit or not, we are the "vicars" of Christ on earth-His ambassadors and representatives. In addition, we have been given the stewardship of a special call to proclaim His precepts in truth. In so doing, we are to preach in His power, in clarity, and in genuineness with passion and conviction. And, to top it off, we need to make sure our words are edifying and never condescending or evil. Because, when we preach, we are leading others to Christ.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=79859&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Why we are called to be A Shepherd?
Do you know where you are going? Do you have not just the vision, but the true Truth of His call and Way? We have to know where the well is before leading others to it! Christ and His precepts are the well, and we follow the path by example, nurture and service with faith, fruit, character and maturity so others can partake of His wonders. We have to know, and to do this, we have to grow. If we are not growing in the faith, we are useless and unable to lead or equip others. We will lord over by pride, teach falsely or sloppily and lead others astray; we will dishonor our Lord.
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31695&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Remember we do not deserve His love and grace, yet it is given to us anyway.
Hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes cause some of the biggest problems in the Church, and spill over to others outside her walls whose concept of a Church is what they observe. These attitudes also cause severe danger to the growth and comfort of the Church. Comfort is in a place to call home, to feel safe, and be willing to be taught and led, and to serve. This is one of the main reasons, if not the main reason, that keeps people away! Effective spiritual growth, maturity, and outreach cannot happen when...