The Wait Was Worth It: Lessons on Patience and Preparation

The Wait Was Worth It: Lessons on Patience and Preparation

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Goals, Leadership

By the next decade, the most successful companies will not be the most agile but rather those that adopt a strategic waiting game.

Netflix exemplifies this strategy, having waited nine years before launching its streaming service. Founded in 1997, Netflix introduced streaming in January 2007. During this period of anticipation, the company did not remain idle. Instead, it diligently built a thriving DVD-by-mail business, achieving milestones such as reaching 1 million subscribers by 2003 and delivering its billionth DVD by 2007.

Waiting can feel like a punishment in today’s fast-paced, results-driven world. Deadlines loom, competitors move ahead, and opportunities slip by while we’re neutral. But what if the waiting isn’t wasted time? What if it’s the most valuable season for growth and preparation?

Everyone, at some point, faces seasons where progress feels stalled.

Whether you’re a leader navigating a career plateau or someone waiting for a personal breakthrough, these moments are rarely as idle as they appear. Waiting can be the most valuable time to recalibrate, build resilience, and prepare for future opportunities. Here’s how anyone—leaders and individuals alike—can embrace these seasons and discover that the wait is worth it.

Understanding this can help frame waiting as an asset rather than a hindrance.

The Struggle: Waiting in a Results-Driven World

At a time in my career, everything felt like it was on hold. I worked hard, strategized, and executed plans precisely, but nothing seemed to move forward. Watching peers step into opportunities while I remained limbo left me questioning my direction and progress. If you’ve ever felt stuck, you know the frustration of asking, “Why isn’t anything happening?”

Many equate constant activity with success. Yet, the most impactful growth usually comes during moments of pause—when we take time to reflect, reassess, and realign.

This transition from frustration to clarity starts with a shift in mindset.

The most impactful growth usually comes during moments of pause—when we take time to reflect, reassess, and realign.

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The Breakthrough: Recognizing the Purpose in the Pause

The key to overcoming the frustration of waiting is shifting your perspective. Instead of viewing delays as setbacks, see them as preparation. Waiting isn’t about inactivity; it’s about alignment. Behind the scenes, resources are positioned, relationships are cultivated, and you are refined for what’s next.

Take a moment to reflect:

What if your current waiting season is part of a more significant strategy? What if the delay is setting you up for a more substantial win?

Such moments offer a rare chance to gain perspective, revealing the opportunities hidden within the pause.

Waiting isn’t about inactivity; it’s about alignment.

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Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is nothing at all.

For high achievers, doing nothing feels counterproductive. 

But waiting is not passive; it’s about active trust. It’s believing that progress is being made even when it’s not immediately visible.

High performers often see "doing nothing" as a waste of time, but reframing it as "strategic patience" changes the perspective. This time is ripe for inner work, such as strengthening mental agility, honing decision-making skills, and exploring creative solutions for future challenges.

  • The Growth Mindset: Use this time to develop patience and resilience. Waiting can feel like wasted time, but it’s often where the most significant internal growth happens.

  • Leverage the Pause: Consider this an opportunity to evaluate long-term goals and assess the alignment of your actions with your vision. Is the path you’re on the right one?

  • Reflection: Consider how previous waiting seasons led to better outcomes than if you had rushed.

  • Action Step: Reflect on this question: What is this season of waiting teaching me? Journal your thoughts, identify skills you can improve, or discuss them with a mentor.

Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

Progress is often invisible before it becomes evident.

Consider a seed buried in the ground—though unseen, it’s growing roots, preparing to break through the surface.

Trust that unseen work is happening. Remember that preparation takes time, whether you’re waiting on a promotion, a personal breakthrough, or clarity for your next steps.

Patience during these times often translates into deeper readiness and stronger outcomes.

  • Practical Perspective: Consider industries where long-term preparation is key—like product development or market expansion—and apply that mindset to your growth.

  • Action Step: Write down an area in your life or work where you feel delayed. Then, list potential ways this season might prepare you for a breakthrough.

Progress is often invisible before it becomes evident.

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Timing isn’t about speed; it’s about alignment.

Have you ever felt rushed to meet a deadline only to realize it wasn’t as urgent as it seemed?

Often, our perception of time is misaligned with what’s truly needed. Great leaders know that opportunities taken too soon can overwhelm them, while those embraced at the right time align perfectly with growth and capacity.

For leaders, this means letting go of the urge to force progress and focusing on readiness and strategic alignment.

  • Key Insight: Timing isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about creating long-term value.
  • Action Step: Determine how your circumstances might position you for future success.

What you do while you wait determines what you see when it’s over.

Waiting isn’t about sitting still; it’s about preparation. Use this time to:

  1. Trust the Process: Believe that waiting is part of the journey. Trust builds resilience and reduces unnecessary stress. Use this time to reflect on past successes that emerged after waiting and how they prepared you for greater challenges.
  2. Sharpen Your Skills: Develop new competencies that position you for future opportunities. Whether it’s learning a new technology, refining your communication abilities, or mastering leadership techniques, this is your chance to upskill and add value to your personal and professional toolkit.
  3. Strengthen Relationships: Invest in your network—mentors, peers, and team members—to build a support system that enhances your effectiveness. Use this season to foster stronger connections through meaningful conversations, collaboration, and mentorship.
  4. Expand Your Vision: Take this time to explore new perspectives or industries that might complement your existing goals. Expanding your understanding can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
  • Action Step: Choose one area to focus on during your waiting season, whether it’s personal growth, skill development, strengthening your team, or broadening your horizons. Outline specific actions and track your progress regularly to stay motivated.

Why Waiting is Strategic

The marketplace values speed, but strategic leaders understand the power of timing. Waiting can offer opportunities to strengthen your position, refine your vision, and make choices that yield long-term rewards. Here’s why waiting can be a competitive advantage:

  • Better Decisions: Rushed decisions often lead to costly mistakes. Waiting allows for thoughtful consideration, thorough analysis, and input from trusted advisors, resulting in more effective outcomes.
  • Enhanced Strategic Planning: Use waiting periods to revisit your goals and recalibrate your strategies. This intentional pause can reveal gaps or opportunities you might have missed in a rush.
  • Increased Readiness: When the opportunity comes, you’ll be fully prepared to seize it. Preparation during waiting ensures that you enter each new phase with confidence and competence.
  • Long-Term Impact: Immediate results are fleeting; well-timed actions create lasting change and sustainability. Leaders who understand this shift from speed to strategy ultimately build stronger foundations for success.
  • Strengthened Relationships: Waiting provides the time to nurture key professional relationships and build trust within your network, which can become invaluable assets when opportunities arise.

Strategic leaders understand the power of timing—well-timed actions create lasting change.

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Closing Thoughts: The Wait Was Worth It

When the opportunity comes to fruition, you’ll realize that the waiting wasn’t wasted—it was necessary. Your waiting season wasn’t about stalling; it was about preparation. Those who embrace waiting as part of their journey find that the most significant wins come not from rushing but from readiness.

As marketplace leaders, remember this: Timing isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about creating impact. Trust the process, embrace the waiting, and prepare for the moment when the right time comes.

Ultimately, waiting becomes not a barrier but a bridge to sustained success and meaningful impact.

This week, take intentional steps to shift your perspective on waiting. Reflect on the areas where you’re being prepared and commit to making the most of this season. In the end, you’ll look back and say the wait was worth it.

Ultimately, waiting becomes not a barrier but a bridge to sustained success and meaningful impact.

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When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

When You Feel Like Throwing in the Towel

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Accountability, Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Excellence, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Spiritual Growth

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)

Introduction: The Weight of Life’s Struggles

We’ve all been there—that moment where life has piled more on you than you can carry. It feels like you’re being crushed under the weight of responsibilities, heartache, and uncertainty.

This is the breaking point—when you’re emotionally and physically drained, barely holding on, and wondering why God would allow things to get this hard.

Maybe you’re at that breaking point right now. You’ve put on a brave face for others, but behind closed doors, you’re overwhelmed.

You’ve prayed, you’ve waited, and yet, the breakthrough still feels out of reach. Like Paul, you’ve reached a point where you wonder, “Can I even survive this?”

But the breaking point, as hard as it is, isn’t the end. It’s actually a crucial moment where transformation begins. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul openly admits he thought he wouldn’t make it.

Yet, in his suffering, he found something more powerful than his own strength—he found the power of relying on God.

Your Breaking Point is God’s Opportunity

When we reach the end of ourselves, that’s often when we begin to see God work in a new way. Paul said,

 We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God.

When you’re at your breaking point, it’s God’s opportunity to show His strength through your weakness.

For many of us, letting go and trusting God can feel like the hardest step. We’re so used to controlling things—managing our careers, families, finances, and problems. But God never intended for us to carry these burdens alone.

Consider the story of Job. In Job 1, Job was described as a man of integrity, devoted to God, and blessed with abundance. Yet, in an instant, his life was shattered—he lost his wealth, his children, and his health.

Despite his suffering, Job chose to trust God. He fell to the ground in worship and said,

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Like Job, our breaking points are not the end of the story; they are turning points where God can step in and carry the weight we were never meant to bear.

We often wonder why God lets us reach these moments of complete exhaustion. Sometimes it’s the only way we’ll stop relying on ourselves and truly depend on Him. It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.

It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.

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Pressure Produces Power

We’ve all heard the saying,

God won’t give you more than you can handle.

But if you look at Paul’s words, you’ll notice something important: sometimes God will allow more than you can handle—on your own. The crushing weight Paul describes in 2 Corinthians wasn’t meant to destroy him but to draw him into deeper reliance on God.

This pressure wasn’t a punishment; it was a process.

The idea of pressure producing power can be seen in the natural world. Consider how diamonds are formed—under immense heat and pressure.

Without the crushing weight, a diamond would never become the precious stone that it is. Similarly, in the spiritual life, God uses the pressure we’re under to refine and strengthen us.

Job’s story exemplifies this process. In the face of overwhelming loss, Job didn’t give in to despair or curse God as Satan predicted . Instead, he held onto his faith, and through that suffering, God revealed a greater purpose.

Later, in Job 42, we see that God not only restores Job but gives him twice as much as he had before . The intense pressure Job faced produced deeper faith, humility, and eventually, a blessing far greater than anything he could have imagined.

When we face these crushing moments, we can either resist and become hardened, or we can surrender to God and let Him transform us. The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.

The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.

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God’s Resurrection Power in Your Situation

One of the most powerful revelations Paul shares is that he learned to rely not just on God, but on “God who raises the dead.” This is a game-changer.

The God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your situation right now. No matter how hopeless things seem, God specializes in bringing dead things back to life.

When Jesus hung on the cross, His disciples were devastated. To them, it looked like the end.

Yet, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that nothing is impossible with God. This same resurrection power is available in your life.

That dream you think is dead, that relationship that seems beyond repair, that situation you’ve given up on—God can breathe life into it again.

Job’s story reminds us that God is a God of restoration.

After losing everything, Job was not only restored but blessed beyond what he had before. His family, wealth, and health were renewed.

What seemed like a hopeless situation became the canvas for God’s greatest work in Job’s life.

Similarly, your breaking point is not the end. It’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life. Even when you can’t see a way forward, God is already working behind the scenes.

Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life.

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Conclusion: Hold On and Trust in God’s Plan

At the breaking point, it’s easy to feel like giving up.

But the stories of Paul and Job teach us that these moments of overwhelming pressure are where God’s power is revealed most clearly.

Both men faced unimaginable suffering, but both also discovered that God’s plan is far greater than the pain they endured.

In your own life, you may not understand why you’re going through what you are. But know this: God is not finished with you yet.

He is able to restore what has been lost, to bring life where there was death, and to turn your breaking point into a breakthrough.

So, hold on. Don’t throw in the towel.

The God who raised Jesus from the dead, and who restored Job’s life, is the same God who is with you in your suffering. Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of something new and powerful. Trust Him—He’s got you.

What seems like a hopeless situation becomes the canvas for God’s greatest work in your life.

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Next Steps

  • If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to check out the full sermon here.
  • Join us for Church Online on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM, where we’ll dive deeper into this topic.
  • And don’t miss our next in-person service on November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM—we’d love to see you there! 

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Stepping into the Unknown: How Waiting Can Lead to Life’s Greatest Adventures

Stepping into the Unknown: How Waiting Can Lead to Life’s Greatest Adventures

by | Dec 27, 2023 | Communication, Decisions, Empowerment, Goals, Leadership

In Atlanta, in the present day, Marcus and Tanya, a professional couple, found themselves at a crossroads. They had to decide whether to leave their stable jobs and pursue a venture they were genuinely passionate about. At this moment, they experienced a mixture of uncertainty and excitement for the possibilities ahead.

They spent long nights discussing, planning, and sometimes doubting. This period of contemplation was their stable in Bethlehem, a seemingly ordinary moment that held the promise of a transformative future.

As they decided to leap, they embraced the unknown with faith and hope that this was the path meant for them.

From Marcus and Tanya’s journey, we learn that, much like Mary and Joseph, our most significant leaps forward often come after periods of quiet reflection and anticipation.

Their leap into the unknown is a testament to the most profound changes in our lives, often beginning with a pause, a moment of quiet determination before the promise of a new and transformative path unfolds.

Waiting with Active Anticipation

Have you ever found yourself in a period of waiting? I know I have. It’s a time of uncertainty and anticipation for something significant to happen. And let me tell you, it can be quite a challenging season filled with doubts and questions. But what if I told you that waiting is not a passive state but an active opportunity for preparation and expectation? Let me share the powerful insights I recently gained from my sermon on this topic.

The Pause Before the Promise

During my sermon last Sunday, I discussed the significance of pausing before making a promise. I drew connections between the Bible's stories of Marcus and Tanya and Mary and Joseph.

Like the latter couple, Mary and Joseph experienced moments of doubt and uncertainty but also found solace in periods of quiet reflection and anticipation. This led me to the realization that significant breakthroughs frequently occur after moments of silence and contemplation.

So, what does that mean for us?

The waiting period should not be seen as a delay but as a time of preparation. During these moments of silence, we can find strength for the next step. Just like the grandmother I mentioned in my message who could smell the rain before it arrived (anticipation), the promises of God may not always appear or feel obvious, but they will be fulfilled in due time. We need to hold onto that hope and trust in God’s timing.

Significant breakthroughs frequently occur after moments of silence and contemplation.

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The Breakdown Before the Breakthrough

Another important lesson from the sermon is that before experiencing a breakthrough, there is often a breakdown.

I highlighted the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, where they encountered numerous challenges and setbacks. It would have been easy for them to give up or take matters into their own hands, but they persevered through the breakdown.

I can relate to this on a personal level. In my own life, I have encountered insurmountable breakdowns and difficulties. These moments led to frustration, doubt, and sometimes even anger towards God.

Before experiencing a breakthrough, there is often a breakdown.

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However, I encourage everyone to shift their perspective and see these breakdowns as opportunities for growth. Through the process of being broken down, our faith is refined, and we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own.

When brought to a place of brokenness, we can genuinely appreciate the breakthrough that comes from God’s hands. In times of struggle, we develop a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness and learn to praise Him in all circumstances. It’s a humbling but necessary journey.

When brought to a place of brokenness, we can genuinely appreciate the breakthrough that comes from God’s hands.

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God’s Perfect Timing

Reflecting on last Sunday’s message, I am reminded that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels painfully slow.

There was a 400-year period of silence between the last book of the Old Testament and the birth of Jesus. People may have given up hope during that time, but God was working behind the scenes, preparing for the perfect moment to send His Son into the world.

Reflecting on my life, I realize how often I desire immediate results and become impatient when my prayers seem unanswered. However, I must trust the clockmaker, who sits above time and sees the bigger picture. God knows the perfect timing for each of His promises in my life. It’s a reminder to surrender control and have faith in His plans.

God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels painfully slow.

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Wait Actively, Not Passively

I have concluded that waiting is not a passive state. We are called to engage actively in our waiting period. Instead of complaining or becoming bitter, we should use this time to prepare ourselves and expect what God will do.

I took this message to heart. While waiting, I have committed to sharpening my skills, deepening my faith, fortifying my spirit, and praying new prayers. Waiting has become an opportunity for personal growth and development. Rather than being idle, I actively engage and prepare myself for the breakthrough that is coming.

I recognize that patience isn’t just about waiting; it’s also about maintaining the right attitude. Complaining and becoming bitter will not bring about the desired outcome. Instead, I strive to maintain a positive mindset and trust that God’s plans are excellent and perfect.

We are called to engage actively in our waiting period. Instead of complaining or becoming bitter, we should use this time to prepare ourselves and expect what God will do.

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Conclusion

As I navigate through seasons of waiting, I am learning to embrace the pause before the promise. I am reminded that breakdowns are a natural part of the journey toward breakthroughs, and they serve to deepen my faith and reliance on God. Moreover, I hold onto the truth that God’s timing is perfect, and my waiting is not in vain.

Waiting with active anticipation means persevering, maintaining the right attitude, and trusting God’s faithfulness. It is an opportunity for personal growth, deepening faith, and preparation for the blessings yet to come. So, let us embrace the waiting periods in our lives and actively engage in the process, knowing that God is faithful and His promises will surely come to pass.

If you want to watch “The Pause Before The Promise” in its entirety, you can watch it here.

3 Types of Friends You Will Have as a Leader

3 Types of Friends You Will Have as a Leader

by | Dec 7, 2021 | Empowerment, Encouragement, Leadership, Relationships

3 Types of Friends You Will Have as a Leader

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3 Types of Friends You’ll Have as a Leader

“How do I know who is a friend and who isn’t?” asks the leader. It’s like Charlie Brown trying to find out if Lucy will hold the football for him again. Sometimes you’re sure that person is your best friend, but then they go and do something that makes you question their loyalty. Whatever the case may be, every leader has three types of friends: Positional Friends, Transactional friends, and Real Friends.

Positional Friends

Most leaders’ friends are positional because it’s easy to be friends with people in high positions. The leader doesn’t have to do anything except hold a position of authority for people to want to be around them. Additionally, when positional friends surround the leader, they can quickly get information and access things they need.

Most leaders’ friends are positional. This means that they are friends because of their position or social status. For example, if I’m the President of the United States, then the Prime Minister of Canada might want to be my friend because I have power and can make decisions that affect him.

Additionally, people want to be close to the leader to increase their position. They might like to be considered for a promotion or have more power. They might wish the leader to pull strings and increase their access or ability to move forward somehow.

More often than not, these people are trying to get close to you for their gain. They might be looking for some form of recognition, reward, or promotion. Or they might be looking for something else altogether. There’s no guarantee whether they will be there when you need them the most, and it’s good practice to know where your true friends lie. When you’re a leader, positional friends are the ones you’ll find yourself surrounded with most often.

While it might be comfortable and convenient to have positional friends, it’s important to remember that these people aren’t always there for you. They are only looking out for themselves and their interests. In addition to having positional friends, a significant number of leaders’ friends is transactional.

Transactional Friends

The second group of people who want to be close to you is transactional. These people will give friendship in exchange for something that increases their status, like increased power or access. They’re your biggest fans and say nice things about you in public and to others when they’re not around.

Transactional friends usually want to get close to the leader in exchange for something that benefits them. Maybe they want access to power or resources that they wouldn’t typically have.

They want to be seen as close to the leader and might even try to get pictures or post about how great it is to be friends with you on social media. But, when the transaction is over, and they don’t need anything from you anymore, they’ll move on. They won’t be there for you when the chips are down.

Furthermore, these are the people that only know you when you’re in a position of power, and they’re looking for their success. They might want to be in your inner circle because it increases their status, but if you get fired or demoted, they’ll move on to someone else who’s close to the top.

As a leader, it’s essential to be aware of these people and what they’re looking for. In addition to positional and transactional friends, few leaders have relational friends.

Real Friends

The final group of a leader’s friends is relational. These friends will be there for you even if your leadership role ends. They’re mature enough to understand that leadership doesn’t end with one person; it’s part of a more extensive process, and they’ll stick around to see what happens next. These friends are relational, meaning they care about the leader for who they are, not just for the position they hold.

It might be hard to differentiate between your transactional and real friends. They both say nice things, they’re both there for you in some ways, and they might even do similar things.

But real friends will be by your side no matter the outcome on the job or a project. If it succeeds, they’ll celebrate with you. If it fails, they’ll be the ones to help you pick yourself up and dust yourself off. They’re the ones who are there for the long haul. A leader’s true friends are those who are there for them no matter what the outcome is.

It can be challenging to tell the difference between transactional and real friends, but there are some key distinctions. Transactional friends will be there for you as long as you’re able to give them something in return. They might celebrate your successes, but they’ll also be there to pick you up when you fail. On the other hand real friends, will be there for you no matter what the outcome is. They’re not looking for anything in return; they want to be friends.

Discern Who Truly Cares About You

Knowing who truly cares about your success is an integral part of being a leader. Don’t be afraid to cut off the transactional and positional friends in your life – it’s not worth it to have them around if they’re not going to be there for you when you need them the most. And, remember, just because someone is a relational friend doesn’t mean that they’re perfect. There will be times when they say the wrong things or make decisions that don’t align with your goals.

But, in the end, relational friends are worth their weight in gold. Loyalty is hard to find these days and an invaluable trait for anyone who wants to succeed. So, choose your friends wisely and stay loyal to them through thick and thin.

As a leader, it is hard to know your true friends. Most leaders’ friends are positional or transactional because they want something in return for being there for you when you need them the most. Your relational friend will be loyal no matter the outcome on the job or project and won’t leave just because of one failure.

It’s difficult to tell whether someone is more transaction-oriented than relationship-oriented. Choose wisely when choosing friends and stay loyal through thick and thin!

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Why It’s Frustrating Leading Today’s Church and What to Do About It

Why It’s Frustrating Leading Today’s Church and What to Do About It

by | Nov 30, 2021 | Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Leadership, Motivation

Church leaders, are you sensing something but can't quite put your finger on it? Perhaps you're feeling it's becoming harder to lead. I want to talk about how we can change a culture. To do this, we need to understand it first.

We sometimes believe we have a problem when we don't. We have a word for that, and it's called being misdiagnosed, and it's something we must avoid in our efforts to reach people. To reach the post-Covid and post-Christian West, we must first understand it thoroughly.

As you know, the world is shifting at a rapid pace. In this post, I'd like to focus on cultural changes taking place right under our noses. In other words, let me explain the mindset of the people who attend our churches and why it's difficult leading them.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

The People We Lead Prefer Individual Freedom and Happiness.

Lately, people are splitting into groups aligned with their self-interests. People are more interested in themselves and what they think of themselves. They don't care about what other people think of them anymore. These days, it's all about us.

People are more interested in themselves and what they think of themselves. They don't care about what other people think of them anymore. These days, it's all about us.



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The Bible established the standard for ethics, what people thought, how they behaved, and what they valued in the past. Experiences, wants, preferences, and emotions have taken their place.

For example, married people might say, "I feel like something has changed." And they might think that means they should get divorced. But sometimes, couples can work it out because their feelings change back again. That's why the divorce rate is five times what it was 50 years ago.

Furthermore, people will say, "I believe in God," but they won't attend church because it is old-fashioned and too traditional. Why? Because self has been elevated above God.

I have a friend who fights for Black Lives Matter. She's also sexually liberated and doesn't believe in God. She is like, "I am not going to listen to what you want me to do with my body, but I will tell you what you can do regarding Black Lives Matter.

The contradiction is confusing. Some people do not want to be judged on what they do. But on social media, everyone seems to judge other people. They're wannabe moralists.

As church leaders, we need to be able to push against this trend and make a difference.

Anything or Anyone That Restrict Freedom, Happiness, And Self-Expression Are Cancelled.

In the west, many people don't think religion is important. They believe that they can make their own religion. This may be because they don't like the way authority structures work. People want to do what they want to do and not follow anyone else, so many churches are having a hard time in today's world. That mindset doesn't adhere to the fact that Jesus is Lord.

When we say, "Jesus is Lord," it's about how we listen and obey what Jesus tells us. We know what we believe, but we must also follow his instructions. 

Moreover, Christianity is not about winning. It is about obeying. We preach that you can be a winner in Christianity, but the truth is that it's about following something that goes beyond you. This can make your self-fulfillment challenging.

We preach that you can be a winner in Christianity, but the truth is that it's about following something that goes beyond you. 



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What's Next?

Expand your thinking beyond the church and your building. Think Mission.

The church is not meant to be a sanctuary, but rather it's called the mission field. The goal should shift from building our faith within bricks and mortar walls; instead, let us strive for more than believing in something without seeing its results on earth--we need active participation that impacts lives around us!

The church is not meant to be a sanctuary, but rather it's called the mission field. 



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If you are a church leader or pastor, this post should explain why leading in today's climate can be challenging. The people we lead prefer individual freedom and happiness instead of being told what they should do by an authority figure. This means that many churches are having trouble attracting members who want the gospel message of Jesus as Lord but not as Savior with all its restrictions on their behavior.

So, in short, people today don't want to be restricted by authority structures - including the church. They want to do what they want to do and not follow anyone else. 

However, this doesn't mean that we should give up. We need to preach that Jesus is Lord and that our Faith is not about winning in life but following Him. We also need to be obedient to Him and not just do what we want. This will be a challenge in today's society, but it's one that we need to overcome.

5 Words of Advice for Young Pastors

5 Words of Advice for Young Pastors

by | Oct 4, 2021 | Empowerment, Encouragement, Leadership

As I've watched the world change over the last few decades, one thing has remained constant: my love for investing in young, teachable pastors.

I think it's one of the best ways to encourage future leaders and provide them with great opportunities to grow their skillset. If you're reading this, I know some of the following apply to you. You are passionate about Jesus and his Church.

You love people sincerely and want to pour into them (and let them pour into you). The pastorate is your call. You are experiencing the ups and downs of ministry life, including some who've invested in you (that you sincerely appreciate) and maybe others that aren't so great.

One constant in ministry life is change. Each week I get to do things I've never done before. When you are a young pastor, the chances are good that you will face times where you feel ill-equipped and overwhelmed.

Now that I have more than twenty years of pastoring, I'm eager to share what I'm learning to help younger pastors. One question I'm generically asked often: What advice would you give to young pastors just starting in ministry? Here are five words of advice for young pastors:

Prioritize Your Relationship With The Lord. Keep Him First

If God has allowed you to be a pastor—it's probably because He wants to use you to impact other people for His kingdom. And one of the best ways for Him to do that is through your relationship with Him.

So make sure you are growing in your faith. You are never too young to walk with God or learn more about Him.

Sometimes we can get distracted and forget about our relationship with the Lord and how He is working in our lives and ministry. His will for our ministry is deeper than we can comprehend, but we must keep Him centered in all that we do.

It may not always be easy to stay focused, but it's worth it! Ask God to help you prioritize your relationship with Him and not let other things take the place of this essential bond.

There are many ways to put God first in your life, but I want to offer a few specific suggestions. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a breath and ask yourself what is essential at this moment.

When I feel overwhelmed, it sometimes helps me to pray, meditate, or read Scripture. Treating other people with kindness and respect is also a way to put God first.

You can do this by being honest without hurting people's feelings, being polite when possible, and not gossiping or judging people behind their backs.

Sometimes we can get distracted and forget about our relationship with the Lord and how He is working in our lives and ministry.



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Prayer is The Foundation So Set It as a Priority

Prayer is the foundation, so set it as a priority in your schedule, or it will be pushed back/out. Prayer is not just about "talking to God" but much more. It is listening to what God has to say. 

When you spend time listening to what God has to say, you also listen for his voice in other places like Scripture, what other people are saying, where you live, work, etc. It's hard to catch God in a vacuum, so being aware of what God is doing around you will help your prayer life.

Prayer is the best thing you can do with your time. For Christians, prayer is talking to God, but it's so much more than that. Prayer is listening to what God has to say and recognizing his voice everywhere. When you spend time listening for him in places other than prayer, it's easier to know when he's talking to you."

Prayer is the foundation, so set it as a priority in your schedule, or it will be pushed back/out.



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Family is Your Top Priority. Ministry Comes Second. Failure in the Family Means Failure in Ministry

I am a pastor, and I understand the heavy responsibility of pastoral ministry. Still, I know that family and ministry go hand in hand. The family is the foundation of life and social connections.

When the family is working together, it provides stability for all members. The family also helps to set expectations for life and gives direction- both spiritually and practically. Failure in one area can lead to failure in another.

"Family is your top priority; ministry comes second." This statement needs to be lived out for it to be taken seriously by those who are still calling themselves pastors while their marriage crumbles or while they neglect their children because they're working more than they're home. Young pastors who are entering the workforce must get a firm grasp of this truth.

Family is your top priority. Ministry comes second. Failure in the family means failure in ministry.



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In Proverbs, we read, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). This verse teaches us that God wants to build His church through families- not just children, but families.

The home is the primary place where a child learns about God and their identity as an adopted son or daughter of God (John 1:12). These foundational truths are planted in the soil of our hearts through family relationships.

The home is the primary place where a child learns about God and their identity as an adopted son or daughter of God (John 1:12).



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Find Mentors and Encourage Them to Mentor You

Finding the right mentors is a crucial part of entering ministry. Mentors can help you learn what it takes to be in ministry, and they can teach you how to prioritize your time and give you advice on the best ways to approach people. A mentor can help you interpret your new culture and navigate complex issues.

Mentors can help you learn what it takes to be in ministry, and they can teach you how to prioritize your time and give you advice on the best ways to approach people.



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Your mentors should be trusted people who also see the vision God has for you in ministry. When interviewing a potential future mentor, choose someone who will stretch, encourage and inspire you to be your best self while loving on you through some hard conversations. You need to be open with them and know that they have your best interest at heart.

It's okay to have a mentor who has more experience than you; remember that God did not call them to be YOU. You are called uniquely by God, and the wisdom of other pastors will never compare to how he may guide you through his word. Find someone who will see your potential and come alongside you while encouraging you to pursue what God has called you to do.

When interviewing a potential future mentor, choose someone who will stretch, encourage and inspire you to be your best self while loving on you through some hard conversations.



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You Can't Do It By Yourself, Don't Be Afraid to Ask For Help

Someone once said, "if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go further, go with a team." Translation: Become a part of a tribe that will hold you accountable and encourages you to pursue what God has called you to do. Your well-being is never more important than the greater vision God has for your ministry.

It's great that you have a heart for ministry, but your priority should be yourself after God. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Being too tired to function correctly will lead to mistakes and causing more harm than good. If you don't prioritize your well-being, you won't last in ministry for very long.

Being too tired to function correctly will lead to mistakes and causing more harm than good. 



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You should always be learning and growing, but that can come at a cost if you don't manage your time wisely. Ask yourself the question, "What will I miss out on by saying yes?" It may have been good for others, but was it necessary or correct for you? Practice learning to say no. Don't let yourself fall into the trap of yes, just because you're too afraid to say no.

Your leadership will make or break the people you're leading. The more empowered and encouraged they feel by your leadership, the more likely they will stick around and grow with you toward a common goal.

Jesus said that "All of you should be of one mind; united in spirit with one purpose." Don't be afraid to surround yourself with people who see the vision God has for you and want to see you succeed as a leader.

Did you find today's post helpful? What additional advice would you give to young pastors?

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