Picture a plant being transplanted into a garden. This soil has been tilled and softened, rocks removed. The plant is placed into the ground, its roots begin to reach deep into the earth, becoming strong and fruitful. The gardener has faith that this plant will grow and bear fruit. He expects that, periodically, the plant will still need to be checked for insects, diseases and be pruned. This plant has been “accepted”.

What does Jesus really look like? This question comes to me every year or two where I just have to re-evaluate all that is in my life so that I can let go of and shake off all that is not Him.

It always begins with, would I recognize Jesus if I saw Him in the flesh today? Does He look like a particular church, belief or faith? What would He be doing or saying?

Once again I have to go back to the scriptures only to get frustrated that my life as well as a lot of other Christian’s lives just don't look like Him in so many areas.

Learning to lean upon God and His understanding is critical in moving forward in our personal walk with the Lord. It is also critical to model this for those we lead. Whether we like to accept the fact or not, we are influencers. We either model the leaning stance, or we are modeling walking in our own strength.

Confrontation is a very effective, useful tool when used correctly. It can prevent heartache or shipwreck. It can bring balance and health. But it can also cause woundings and divisions that can take years to heal when done badly. My purpose in writing this article is to help us learn how and when to use confrontation as a leader. I know that confrontation does not come easy to most leaders….and indeed, it should not. This is not something that should be undertaken lightly but with much prayer and consideration.

Parents of babies and toddlers work very hard to protect them from either dangers of which they are unaware or things they are not mature enough to understand. Bumper pads in the crib to protect their little heads, safety latches on cabinets to keep them from getting into cleaning products. Little folks aren’t mature enough to use judgment about whether to drink them or clean with them.

Whether we are leading and influencing our family, our friends, our Bible Study, a small group or Church we inevitably discover that we are leading people. People, including ourselves, are susceptible to temptation and sinning. What can we do to help minimize their falling to temptation? What kind of atmosphere or culture can we help create that will encourage people to be honest in their areas of struggle when they do fall? To communicate their need for help before they complicate their lives with sin?

Are you ever at a loss for wedding gift ideas? The items listed below are typically given as wedding presents. However, they can also symbolize ongoing presents you can give your couples and “couples to be”. Never underestimate the power of your words. They can be life changing. Honor the covenant of marriage in your own heart and it will strengthen those that are around you. This is something each of us can do.

Joint Heath: Family First

As leaders it is important that we help our people know that family is important to God, and without healthy families we will have unhealthy churches.

Our Promise to Kids
1. You will not be baby-sat during our classes and services. You will receive ministry and Christian education.
2. You will not be treated as second class Christians.  You will be honored as the future of Christianity.
3. You will receive the best quality teaching, materials and materials available in our Sunday Schools and children’s church.
4. We will help to provide you with an experience with God through prayer and the anointing.

Leadership Class: Leading Others to Overcome Their Fears
 
There is such a joy that comes when we watch others grow in their potential.  In order for us to maximize others growth potential we need to believe for a culture that will cause others to feel free to make mistakes on the way to success.

Setting the Culture