S3.E5 - Race

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 3 Episode 5 - Race

Pastor Daniel talks with Pastor Rodney Wilkinson, Gospel Fellowship, Boynton Beach, FL about the topic of race in our culture today. Just as the Apostle Paul addressed current topics throughout his letters to the Corinthian and Galatian churches, pastors need to speak to their people about how the gospel relates to what is happening in our world now. This topic of race and racism has shown up everywhere in recent years. But scripture is clear—God loves all people. So why is racism prevalent? What is going on? “A simple definition for racism is when we treat people differently because of the way they look.” This is an honest discussion about what racism looks like in society and in our churches. Why is it important that we address it? What should be our motivation for having the core value of multi-ethnicity in our churches? Where do we see God address racism in scripture? A fresh perspective from the frontlines of ministry.

QUOTES:

“Paul is not just giving speeches that he wants people to hear. He is contextualizing the gospel to the current day.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“We want to be able to talk about what people are talking about and give it a framework for how you look at current-day issues through the lens of the gospel.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“We want to be multiethnic because heaven is going to be multiethnic. Jesus didn’t die for one race.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“We see racism showing up in the church as distrust between the races. The question on the table is ‘Do I trust my white brother like I do my African American brother, or vice versa?’ ” -Rodney Wilkinson

“The motivation for me is when I look at Christ’s death and how He tore down the dividing wall of hostility.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“In looking at how God has made us in His image and in His likeness, we all have inherent dignity. If you believe that, how can you insult someone based on how God made them?” -Rodney Wilkinson

3 MINUTE MESSAGE:

Revenge by Eric Souza | Proverbs 20:22

"Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you."

RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH: On Being A Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S3.E4 - Mental Health

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 3 Episode 4 - Mental Health

Pastor Daniel talks with Bryan Saylor, Young Adults Pastor at Calvary Chapel, Melbourne, FL and cohost of the podcast Thought Life with counselor Crystal Turman, about the subject of mental health. God has placed the highest priority on what we do with our mind. When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, He answered: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) What does it mean to be mentally healthy and how can we deal with the issues surrounding mental health? How have spiritual disciplines helped maintain good mental health? What about the stigma of mental health treatment? An open, honest and compassionate discussion about a timely subject.

QUOTES: “Mental health is understanding that we are body, soul and mind and trying to get all those things under the submission of Jesus Christ.” -Bryan Saylor

“Your beliefs affect your body.” - Daniel Williams

“We are wholistic beings and the things that we do actually have an effect on each other.” -Bryan Saylor

“We are literally addicted to our phones. That can be such a huge cause of anxiety and can lead to negative mental effects. Purposefully disconnect from that.” -Bryan Saylor

“Silence and solitude is forcing myself to get out of that rat race.” -Bryan Saylor

“People come to us for crisis management. I’m always trying to point them to Jesus.” - Daniel Williams

3 MINUTE MESSAGE:

Your Community by Casey Cleveland | Proverbs 13:20

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH:

On Being A Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe

LINKS:

Thought Life Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thought-life/id1458248051

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S3.E3 - Knowing Your Limits

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 3 Episode 3 - Knowing Your Limits

Pastor Wil Torres, Proclaim Church, Boynton Beach, FL talks about the importance of knowing your limits, based on Dr. Tommy Keidis’ work, “The Plimsoll Line” (leaderslifeandwork.com). This refers to the line that is painted around the hull of merchant ships, showing their load capacity limit. In the same way, leaders need to learn to recognize their own needs and limitations. What are you doing as a leader to recognize what your capacity is, to know what you need? We see this biblical principle in the life of Moses, when his father-in-law, Jethro, recognizes that Moses is exhausting himself trying to sit as judge over all the issues of the people. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. (Exodus 18:18) Jethro wisely counsels him to delegate the load. Four points to remember: 1)No leader can do it all; 2)Leaders have differing capacities; 3)Leaders must assess their capabilities; 4)Lead within your capacity. Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) If your burden is not restful, that is a sign that you are working beyond your limitations. “You have the agency and you have the capacity to make sure you are not allowing that to happen.”

QUOTES:

“A ship has its limits to the load that it can carry. So do leaders.” -Will Torres

“What systems do you have in place to guard against overloading yourself, stacking above and beyond your own limitations?” -Will Torres

“We have to understand who we are, and when we have that self-awareness, then we become better leaders because we see how we can work through people rather than ourselves only.” -Will Torres

“All leaders are equal before God. But God does not equally equip all leaders.” -Will Torres

“Develop the discipline, the determination, and the work ethic to carry these smaller loads, and then you’ll see that you have the capacity and your capacity will enlarge.” -Will Torres

“As a leader, you will always get what you create and what you allow.” - Henry Cloud

3 MINUTE MESSAGE:

The Lord Knows What's Right by Laura Williams | Proverbs 16:2; 25

"All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit; There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."

RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH:

On Being A Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe

LINKS:

Church Plant - Proclaim Church: https://www.proclaimfl.com

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S3.E2 - The Importance of Learning

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 3 Episode 2 - The Importance of Learning

Pastor Daniel talks with Kevin Day, Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel in Kent, WA about why the practice of learning is so important to your life and ministry. How do you impart wisdom to people? You always need to start with the word of God. What you share with others has to be based on truth. Be a good listener first. Then take time to think about what you hear, to process it. Ask questions. How do you learn from your mistakes, from failure? How does accountability help us to learn? How does it benefit you to pour into others? What happens when you disagree with what you hear? This is a great conversation about the practical aspects of learning yourself, learning from others and passing it on.

QUOTES:

“If there’s no changing, there’s not growth. And if there’s no growth, it’s a slow death.” -Kevin Day

“I want to draw out from you the things you have gone through.” Kevin Day

“Failure is a great teacher. If I can learn from your mistakes, that will actually benefit me.” - Daniel Williams

“The most difficult thing is to actually say, ‘That just didn’t work.’ It is a process of humbling myself with people and with the Lord.” -Kevin Day

“I am accountable to God first. Then there are people you trust that you can share with.” -Kevin Day

“It’s ok to have friends that disagree with you. It helps us to process what we think and why.” - Daniel Williams

“Unity is what we build diversity on, which brings maturity… Without unity, we can have diversity, but we can’t have maturity.” -Kevin Day

“It’s a lifelong journey where God is deepening our love for Him, our love for His Word, our love for His people. It doesn’t happen overnight…You’ve got to stay at it.” -Kevin Day

3 MINUTE MESSAGE:

Fatherly Counsel by Esteban Valenzuela | Proverbs 4:1-2

"Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching."

RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH:

On Being A Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S3.E1 - 5 Foundations for Shepherds

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 3 Episode 1 - 5 Foundations for Shepherds

Pastor Glenn Shaffer, Destiny Life Church, Claremore, OK shares from the Word of God and from his own personal ministry experience about Five Foundations for Shepherds. In Acts 20:28, the Apostle Paul says to the church leaders at Ephesus, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.” What does this actually mean? Pastor Glenn discusses five areas of focus for all leaders: 1)Growing in personal wholeness; 2)Maturing in your soul (the mind, will and emotions); 3)Healthy in your family and marriage; 4)Strong in doctrine; 5)Be deep in prayer. Listen as treasures of wisdom and knowledge are poured out from the heart of one shepherd to another.

QUOTES:

“Notice I said growing. Why? Because we never completely arrive. Paul talks about growing from glory to glory.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Hard is not bad, it’s just hard.” -Glenn Shaffer

“What are you walking through right now that would help the people?” -Glenn Shaffer

“You teach what you know, but you impart who you are. Transformation comes from impartation.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Allow the Holy Spirit to take the Word of God and renew your mind (think biblically), touch your wounds, and submit your will. This is a process.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Your emotional health is a key factor in working with people. Hurting people hurt people. Healed people help people.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Your wife and your children are your first church. It’s your first place to lay down your life.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Sound doctrine brings stability in your life.” -Glenn Shaffer “The Word is always relevant. Teach the Word.” -Glenn Shaffer

“Shepherds should pray for the people to be filled with the knowledge of His will." -Glenn Shaffer

3 MINUTE MESSAGE:

The Lord’s Purpose Prevails by Ron Jones | Proverbs 19:21

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH:

On Being A Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

Sabbath | Fighting the Battle

Season 3 of the Leadership Lessons Podcast is starting on March 9th with all new content.

Sabbath | Preparing For A Party

Season 3 of the Leadership Lessons Podcast is starting on March 9th with all new content.

Sabbath | A Restful Rule

Season 3 of the Leadership Lessons Podcast is starting on March 9th with all new content.

S2.E24 - Prayer & Ministry

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 2 Episode 24 - Prayer and Ministry

Pastor Daniel talks with his dad, Joe Williams, pastor of Calvary Chapel, Tacoma, Washington, about prayer and the ministry. Pastor Joe shares his story of how God called him into the ministry, encouraging us that “God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). How has prayer affected and changed him throughout his 37 years as a pastor? This is one man’s journey of prayer and faith throughout his ministry, one step at time, one miracle at a time. “We’ve seen the faithfulness of God.”

QUOTES: 

“Be flexible, be open. God knows what He is doing.” -Joe Williams

“Your faith grows as you see God move.” -Joe Williams

“Just because God is silent does not mean He is not working. God works everything out in His own time.” -Joe Williams

“You get experience by doing it. You have to move forward if you’re going to see God move.” -Joe Williams

“You never really need faith when thing are going right. You need faith when things are going wrong.” -Joe Williams

“Be faithful where God has put you and you will see the hand of the Lord.” -Joe Williams

“Ministry is not easy. Ministry is work. You have to be a prayer warrior.” -Joe Williams

One Piece of Advice | Don’t Leave Your Family Behind

Rodney Wilkinson, Gospel Fellowship Church in Boynton Beach, FL, shares his one piece of advice: Don’t leave your family behind. From his own experience growing up the son of a preacher where the family was not a priority, Rodney knows this well. Make your family a priority. Remember that Jesus is the Shepherd of the church

“Create balance in your schedule. If you’re overworking, here’s what you’re probably not trusting, that Jesus is the Shepherd of the church anyway. He’s the one that does the work.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“Don’t honor people at the church and come home and dishonor your family. Take care of the home and let ministry flood out of your house.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“Take care of your home. Love your spouse. Do whatever it takes.” -Rodney Wilkinson

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S2.E23 - Dealing With Anxiety

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 2 Episode 23 - Dealing with Anxiety

Pastor Daniel talks with fellow church planter,Will Torres, Proclaim Church, Boynton Beach, FL about dealing with anxiety. Pastor Will shares his personal journey with anxiety and panic attacks and what that like as a Christian. “It took more faith for me to trust that God was going, through His common grace, lead me to the right doctor to help me.” This is a deeply personal story about an important subject that is often overlooked in ministry. Will’s wife, Kristan Torres, is a licensed Christian counselor at Hope Christian Counseling in Boca Raton, FL. www.hccounseling.com. Redemption Church Delray Beach has partnered with both Will & Kristan Torres to host events that deal with Anxiety and Depression. Check them out in the links section below. 

QUOTES:

“Sometimes we have anxiety and stress that are actually good for us because they bring us to God. But there is a physical side to anxiety and stress that involves mental health.” - Daniel Williams

“I would encourage you to find a good Christian counselor to help you deal with these deep-seated anxieties.” - Will Torres

“Often times ministers are afraid to talk about this. They are afraid of how people will perceive them. The reality is, this has opened up a door of ministry for me. Now people come to me with these issues and I’m able to talk from experience how God saw me through. He used doctors.”

“If pastors, people in ministry, could talk about this without a stigma attached to it, this would save lives.” - Will Torres

“When someone is going through anxiety or depression, it is important that you have people to go through it with you.” - Will Torres

“Christians have anxiety. Non-christians have anxiety. It is important to be able to help one another, Sometimes we just have to walk with people and be sensitive to the Spirit.” - Daniel Williams

“Create the space for people to talk about it. Practice empathy, The reality is, Jesus walked with His disciples.” - Will Torres

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

God & Anxiety: https://redemptiondb.com/blog-archive/god-amp-anxiety-event

God & Depression: https://redemptiondb.com/blog-archive/god-amp-depression-event

S2.E22 - Pastoral Depression

Leadership Lesson Podcast Season 2 Episode 22 - Pastoral Depression

Ben Courson, founder of Hope Generation, talks about pastoral depression and how we deal with it in leadership positions. Ben speaks from his own experience as someone who suffered for a decade with chronic depression. In the Bible we see that Job, Elijah, Jonah, and David all suffered from depression. It is not uncommon. And it is not a sign of weakness. With compassion and wisdom, Ben explains how depression can be viewed biblically and what good can come from it. It’s a message of—what else?—hope.

“The greatest Bible characters were often depressed.” -Ben Courson

“Depression is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes it is a sign of strength.” -Ben Courson

“The One who invented the phrase broken heart knows how to heal your broken heart.” -Ben Courson

“What the enemy intends for evil, God intends for good. He can take your greatest disadvantages and turn them into advantages.” -Ben Courson

“Give everything but up.” -Ben Courson

One Piece of Advice | Slow Down

Pastor Dave Simiele, Campus Pastor at Christ Fellowship Church in West Palm Beach, FL, shares his advice to stop and take time to focus on spending time alone with Jesus. Slow down. Go to a deserted place to pray, as Jesus did in Mark 1:35. “It’s not about what I’m doing; it’s about who I’m becoming.”

“The Son of God had to stop and get away and be with His Father.” -Dave Simiele

“If we don’t pause in our life and commune with God and stop, then we are not going to hear the direction that He has for us.” Dave Simiele

“You can’t live a hurried life without warping your soul.” -Lance Witt

‘Reject the lies about production and producing and that busyness equals effectiveness because we know that is not true.” -Dave Simiele

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

Recommended Book of the Month: Replenish by Lance Witt

S2.E21 - Serving God While Struggling

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 2 Episode 21 -How to Serve When You’re Struggling

Pastor John Panico, Delray Beach, FL, talks about how to serve when you’re struggling. Struggles come in every area of life—financial, physical, emotional, relational, work—you name it. There is nothing in life you can expect to be completely exempt from struggle. But God has promised to  carry us through these times of difficulty. Pastor John gives five key points to help you persevere in trials. You will be encouraged. Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

QUOTES:

“Remember your relationship with the person of God. We have to stay at His feet.” -John Panico

“Respond to the struggle with the promises of God.” -John Panico

“The enemy never attacks you generally; he always attacks you specifically.” -John Panico

“Rely on the power of God.” -John Panico

‘So many things we start in the Spirit, but we try to finish in the flesh.” -John Panico

“Rely on the people of God. You are not the lone ranger.” -John Panico

“Remember to rest in the presence of God.” -John Panico

One Piece of Advice | Enjoy Jesus

Pastor Josiah Graves, The Exchange Church in Deerfield Beach, FL shares his one piece of advice to enjoy Jesus. What gets in the way of our pursuing this? It’s the enemy of comparison, fed by today’s social media. This is a great reminder of the one thing that is essential—knowing Jesus.

“I want to get back to the place where I can just enjoy Jesus. There’s always going to be a task list, there’s always going to be things to do.” -Josiah Graves

“Find your vision in Jesus. Find your contentment in Jesus.” -Josiah Graves

“Comparison steals joy. Turn off your phone. Stop looking at others and what they’re doing.” -Josiah Graves

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S2.E20 - Working Hard

Leadership Lesson Podcast Season 2 Episode 20 - Working Hard

Pastor Daniel talks about the importance of hard work in the ministry, sharing what the word of God has to say about this vital subject. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10) God wants us to be doing the good work He has prepared for us. Work is a response to God’s grace. What should be our attitude toward work? Is it a curse? How does the gospel redeem our work? This is a message of hope as we reset our perspective on the nature and purpose of work. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

QUOTES: 

“Work is a big deal. It’s a big deal to God.” -Daniel Williams

“Being a church leader is incredible, but it is also hard work.” -Daniel Williams

“We aren’t saved by works, but we are saved to work.” -Daniel Williams

“Man is made in the image of God and made to work, made to create.” -Daniel Williams

“God can use the gift of work to bring value to our lives, to bring Him glory, to be a witness to this world in how we work, as unto the Lord.” -Daniel Williams

One Piece of Advice | Working Hard for the Lord

Pastor Cameron Barber, Calvary South Sound, Lakewood, Washington, shares his advice from Proverbs 6:6-8—Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. These are a particular type of ants. When it is time to work, they work—and when it’s time to rest, they rest. That is a lesson we need to learn. 

“We make idols out of work.” -Cameron Barber

“God blesses in times of work and times of rest.” -Cameron Barber

“God is in control and we’re not.” -Cameron Barber

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S2.E19 - Studying The Bible

Leadership Lesson Podcast Season 2 Episode 19 - Studying The Bible

Pastor Daniel talks about the importance of studying God’s word, following the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:1, who…received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. The practice of studying God’s word is essential in growing as a disciple of Jesus. Daniel shares a Bible study tool from Greg Laurie’s book, Start to Follow. It is the 3 Rs: Read: What does God’s word say?; Reflect: What does this teach me about God?;  Respond: What will I do with what I just learned? Teaching people to read the Bible is no small matter in a culture where the vast majority of people do not read a book after finishing high school or college. It needs to be taken seriously. If you don’t like to read, ask God to change your heart. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Psalm 119:18. A practical message and a great encouragement!

QUOTES

“We are to be in God’s word, under God’s authority, men and women of the word.” -Daniel Williams

“People who want to know God need to learn how to study the Bible, to build their faith.” -Daniel Williams

‘We can go to God’s word and know who He is, and know God’s heart.” -Daniel Williams

“The discipline of reading has been lost, but it’s important for us as Christians to know that it’s part of our faith. It’s part of our education to learn what God has said.” -Daniel Williams

“The Bible is a supernatural book.” -Daniel Williams

“God’s word is the final authority.” -Daniel Williams

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

How To Read The Bible Series: 

Can we trust the Bible? Is it full of errors? Is the scripture we read today the same as what was written thousands of years ago?

—

This video is Part 2 of 3 of a video series on How To Read The Bible. This was part of a talk that Bryan & Katie Saylor shared at The Harbor, the young adult ministry of Calvary Chapel Melbourne. In this video, they share 3 reasons that the Bible is trustworthy. Reason #1 - External Evidence, Reason #2 - Internal Evidence, and Reason #3 - Fulfilled Prophecy.

LINKS:

How To Read The Bible Series with Bryan & Katie Saylor:

Part 1 - 3 Reasons Why People Don't Read Their Bible: https://youtu.be/7_JbvSPjEU4

Part 2 - Is The Bible Trustworthy?: https://youtu.be/jYQZs5rNc9A

Part 3 - 5 Steps Toward Bible Reading: https://youtu.be/Rl4lUEahnsY

Evidence For The Bible by Charlie Campbell:

https://www.alwaysbeready.com/bible-evidence

CanWe Trust The bible by Charlie Campbell: 

https://www.alwaysbeready.com/can-we-trust-the-bible

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S2.E18 - Sermon Preparation

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 2 Episode 18 - Sermon Preparation

Pastor Daniel talks with Jim Gallegher, pastor at Calvary Chapel, Vero Beach, FL, about the impact of studying and teaching scripture, both on himself and those who are receiving the message. Pastor Jim discusses the supernatural power of the word of God for salvation and also the transformation of individual lives. How has studying the Bible and teaching through it for many years benefited him personally? “Our own relationship with the Lord is what we want to focus on predominately. What we do for the Lord is secondary.” In preparing for a sermon, Pastor Jim explains three main objectives for sermon prep: 1)Accurately communicate what’s in the text; 2)Persuade people; 3)Develop biblically literate listeners. A great lesson from a great teacher of the Word. 

QUOTES:

“It comes down to the importance the scripture places on the Word of God to the conversion of the lost and the development of the believer.” -Jim Gallegher

“The more we can help people to understand God’s word, take away some of the fears that they have of it so that they’ll spend time in it of their own, the more they’re going to develop in their relationship with the Lord.” -Jim Gallegher

“God didn’t hire us, He adopted us. We’re a Christian before we’re a pastor.” -Jim Gallegher

“If we approach the scripture in an expository way…people are learning how to read their Bible.” -Jim Gallegher

“Be a student of scripture.” -Jim Gallegher

One Piece of Advice | Focus on Healthy Impact

Will Torres, Proclaim Church, Boynton Beach, FL shares his one piece of advice to focus on healthy impact rather than worldly success. Instead of measuring by worldly standards, such as numbers or social media stats, we should focus on changed lives. Changed lives change the world for God. That is healthy impact.

QUOTES: 

“We can get sidetracked by looking at outward measures…and we can lose sight of what is true success in ministry.” -Will Torres

“Paul’s example in 2 Timothy 2:2 is a 4-generation impact: …and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” -Will Torres

“If we can not lose sight of what healthy impact looks like in the church, then we can truly be successful, according to God’s measure and not the world’s measure.” -Will Torres

LINKS: 

Sermon Prep by Jim Gallegher: http://www.ccvb.net/sermonprep

Step By Step by Jim Gallegher: http://www.ccvb.net/teachings?sapurl=LytjY3ZiL2xiL2xpLytjZDAzNGIwP2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZQ==

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S2.E17 - Preaching In A Different Culture

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 2 Episode 17 - Preaching In A Different Culture

Pastor Daniel talks with Alex Fuentes, missionary and church planter in Colombia, South America. Pastor Alex talks about how God called him and his wife, Inez, to come alongside an existing ministry in Colombia and what is happening in their life now as they have moved to another—and very different—mountain community there. As they are going specifically to sow the gospel in this community, how important is it to understand the local culture? God used both his Colombian background and his wife’s Cuban heritage to prepare them for their current ministry. The process of becoming familiar with a people and their culture can be challenging, but it is all about investing time in getting to know people personally. Because they know these people and what the particular issues are for them, they can address those from the word of God. From there it becomes about discipleship, which is rooted in love.

QUOTES: 

“It doesn’t matter who we are or what our context is. Ultimately just understanding them helped me to be able to come alongside them and do life wherever it is that the Lord has us.” -Alex Fuentes

“I don’t need to know all, see all, or have all. I just need the Lord to show me where, how long, and who.” -Alex Fuentes

“God really does equip the called.” -Alex Fuentes

“Don’t get discouraged—just be faithful to continue to build that relationship.” -Alex Fuentes

One Piece of Advice - Expectations

Pastor Esteban Valenzuela, church planter in Madrid, Spain, shares his advice about expectations. We all have expectations in ministry, we have a picture of how God’s going to do things, how it’s going to go. Not all expectations are bad, but we need to prepare ourselves for the reality of unmet expectations. Don’t be surprised when things don’t turn out like you planned. “Allow God to work in His time. Have a confidence in your calling, that Jesus has called you, that He is going to do things that you cannot do.” In watching his own son plant seeds and patiently wait for them to grow, even when there was no visible evidence of it, Pastor Esteban was encouraged by God. “No matter what he saw, he was going to keep watering, and he expected fruit to come.” So hang in there. Opposition may come. The Lord allows difficult times to shape you and mold you for His kingdom. Because it’s all about Jesus. We bring our own expectations to the table, but it is God who chooses whether to remove them. He wants to glorify Himself in you and through you. That, you can expect. 

LINKS:

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S2.E16 - Preaching To Yourself

Leadership Lesson Podcast: Season 2 Episode 16 - Preaching to Yourself

Pastor Daniel talks with Ben Courson, founder of Hope Generation, about the value of preaching to yourself. David preached to himself in Psalm 42:11, Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Ben shares his own painful experience with hopelessness and how God brought Him through it and gave him a message of hope in Him. He gives seven keys to defeat depression, which he discusses in his new book, Optimisfits. It’s a message we all need to hear.

‘You can’t go through life without having problems. In the world you will have tribulation.” -Ben Courson

“Hope is the antidote to anxiety.” -Ben Courson

“Sometimes as leaders we are waiting for other people to encourage us when, really, we need to encourage ourselves.” -Ben Courson

“When God healed my heart, when God gave me hope, that became the one theme that would become my message.” -Ben Courson

One Piece of Advice | Always be Willing to Grow

Kelly Nothnagle, Associate Pastor at Calvary Chapel Boynton Campus, shares his one piece of advice: Always be willing to grow. The sabbath principle of rest and focusing on the Lord is a key to growth. Being open to and listening for God to speak to you and tell you what He has for you.

“I have found when we take that time and establish that rhythm just to slow down our mind and connect with the Lord, it’s amazing how big you can see God is.” -Kelly Nothnagle

“To think that He has called us and allowed us to be a part of His plan, it encourages me to want to experience all that God has for me.” -Kelly Nothnagle

“Live in that space where you are looking and you are excited for what God would have for you, and that you want to grow.” -Kelly Nothnagle

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

Ben Courson at Hope Generation: https://www.bencourson.com

S2.E15 - The Ways of The Cross

Leadership Lesson Season 2 Episode 15 - The Ways of the Cross

Pastor Daniel talks with Josiah Graves, Calvary Chapel, Deerfield Beach, FL about the ways of the cross and how that relates to ministry. How do we share the paradox of the cross, that it is good? And why is it important for us as leaders to continually be looking at the ways of God’s kingdom as we do ministry? Part of it is to make it a daily practice to preach the cross to each other, in the way we live our lives, in our conversations, in the things we do. It is not something we attain, but we are constantly aligning ourselves with God,  What are some practical ways you can do this in your daily life? What are the blessings of the ways of the cross? “When you understand the cross, that Jesus saved me, that I’m the chief among sinners, I’m that fool…it changes how we speak.”

QUOTES: 

“The ways of the cross, the ways of the kingdom, are a paradox. They are different from the ways our flesh would say to go.” - Daniel Williams

“A lot of our job is just trying to keep the cross at the center of everything we do, keep it the focus, the foundation, the goal—everything.” - Josiah Graves

“Our hearts are prone to move from the cross.” - Josiah Graves

“We want to do ministry flowing from the Spirit, and the Spirit bringing us to back Jesus.” - Josiah Graves

“It starts with us. We want to lead out of a place of brokenness and also of power. That goes back to the paradox of the cross.” - Josiah Graves

“Be Spirit-dependent, look to the Word, and let God give the increase.” - Josiah Graves

One Piece of Advice | Don’t Give Up

Cody King, pastor at Redemption Calvary outside Denver, Colorado, shares his advice from Galatians 6:9, And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not lose heart. The whole point behind this is just don’t give up. There are seasons of planting and seasons of harvest, and they are not the same season. Lifelong faithfulness is what it’s all about. It’s going to get hard. Trust Jesus and just don’t quit.

“We tend to overestimate what we can do in the short-term and underestimate what we can do in the long-term.” -Cody King

“If you really want to see God use you in the ministry He’s called you to in the context He’s given you…then you need to think long-term, long view.” -Cody King

“There’s a real enemy who hates you. And he wants to get you to quit.” -Cody King

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S2.E14 - Telling Stories

Leadership Lessons Season 2 Episode 14 - Telling Stories

Pastor Rodney Wilkinson, Gospel Fellowship Church, Boynton Beach, FL talks about telling gospel stories. As Christians, we have the greatest story in human history, and we need to be able to tell it effectively. Stories have always been a vital part of life. Jesus was a master storyteller. He did this all day, every day. What does it take to tell a story? It takes courage. You have to be prepared and you have to be bold. It takes compassion. You have to care about the people you’re talking to. It takes connections. Your story has to make connections with real people in a real world. Jesus used stories to prepare people for the gospel. This is a great perspective of the how and the why of storytelling. And why we need to listen to the narrative of our culture in order to respond in thoughtful and effective ways. 

QUOTES: 

“God is constantly giving us opportunities to tell the gospel story.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“It takes courage to be able to tell what God has done in your life.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“I’m telling this story so I can see lives changed and impacted because of the gospel.” -Rodney Wilkinson

“We have to be able to share this gospel in a way that shows up, not as some antiquated story, but in real time, every day, right where our people are.” -Rodney Wilkinson

One Piece of Advice | Lead the Church Spiritually/Preach the Word Deeply

Ron Jones, Lead Pastor at Coastal Chapel in Lake Worth, FL, offers his one piece of advice: Lead the church spiritually and preach the Word deeply. With so many ways available through technology, it is easy to try and make your church grow through your own efforts. But Jesus has said, “I will build my church.” We’ve got to minister to the body of Christ. Feed the sheep. If we do that, the church will grow.  

QUOTES: 

“It’s so easy to strive as a pastor. It’s so easy to try and do things in our own strength.” -Ron Jones

“I can’t make the church grow. I was taking Jesus’ place in the church.” -Ron Jones

“The church is not an organization, but is a family. And Jesus is the one who grows His family.” -Ron Jones

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com

S2.E13 - Partnering with Other Churches

Leadership Lesson Season 2 Episode 13 - Partnering with Other Churches

Pastor Daniel talks about partnering with other churches and what that has looked like recently with Redemption Church, where he pastors in Delray Beach, Florida. With intention and purpose for advancing God’s kingdom, developing relationships among the community of churches where we serve has produced cooperation and fruitful ministry. This results in a greater impact than we could ever have alone. He shares six principles which will help you as reach out and partner with others.

QUOTES: 

“It’s going to take not just one church or ministry team, but a lot of teams and churches to reach our city.” -Daniel Williams

“We have this group text of about 8 to 10 pastors in our area…that text one another every Sunday morning and give encouraging words—I’m praying for you…Here’s a verse for today…Be encouraged—and it feels like we’re doing ministry together.” -Daniel Williams

“Have a posture of humility. It’s not about me. It’s about God and His kingdom. You may be established in your community, but you still have to have a humble spirit.” -Daniel Williams

“We have to make time to invest in relationships. This is not easy. It’s going to take some time and some scheduling.” -Daniel Williams

“As ministry leaders, we need to embrace wisdom through other people and make the time to learn. You can do this, because the benefits will be tremendous in your life as you build relationships.” -Daniel Williams

One Piece of Advice | Get a Team Around You

Peyton Jones, Oceanside, California, shares his advice to get a team around you, just as the Apostle Paul did with his team of Barnabas, Silas, Timothy and others as well. You can’t do it alone. If you’re married, your wife is your number one church planting and ministry partner, and you should honor her in that. Also build a team of Barnabases, people who are your equals. This is great advice on an important topic.

QUOTES: 

“Trying to do ministry on your own is not only unbiblical (Jesus only sent people out two by two), but also it’s just impossible.” -Peyton Jones

“Make sure you understand your wife is your first teammate.” -Peyton Jones

“Paul picked up mobile teams of people that he could train and leave with other churches.” -Peyton Jones

“Build a team of people that can challenge you back.” -Peyton Jones

LINKS: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Peyton Jones information: https://peytonjones.ninja

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com