SERVING STRONG

Don't Stop Growing (Vol 17)

Well, it's time to scan the long list of blog posts in my Google Reader. I look for post titles that look like they have to do with BEING among the vast posts about DOING. Below are a few I think you need to read as you pursue God's call on your life as a Ministry Leader...

You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with  (from Todd Rhoades)

Who Are You When It Doesn’t Matter?  (from TheCreativePunk)

4 Marriage Tips I Picked up  (from JasonS)

A Week of Weary  (from Sandra Heska King)

The "Real" Me  (from N.A. Winter)

Helping Others Help You  (from Lindsay Nobles)

If you are new to "Don't Stop Growing" posts, let me explain. There is a ton of information on how to DO leadership. You can read about how to delegate, how to listen, how to strategize, how to plan, and on it goes. And it's tremendous information. But I am interested in the posts that talk about how to BE a ministry leader. Mainly because, if we are not healthy and strong as ministry leaders, it doesn't matter how good we are at technique. So, enjoy these excellent posts. And if I've missed any posts you think should be added, put the link in a comment. Stay strong!

 

Don't Stop Growing (Vol 16)

I dipped my head into the constant stream of blog posts in mt Google Reader. I was looking for posts having to do with how to BE a strong ministry leader. Here are 4 posts I found recently written...

Too Much Pizza  (by Michael D. Perkins)

Live Poor  (by Nate Elarton)

Do You Look At Life Through Negative Or Positive Eyes?  (by Kevin Martineau)

Do You Understand You?  (by Brad Lomenick)

How Am I Hearing From God?  (by Glynn Young)

Sensing God  (by Sandra Heska King)

 

If you are new to "Don't Stop Growing" posts, let me explain. There is a ton of information on how to DO leadership. You can read about how to delegate, how to listen, how to strategize, how to plan, and on it goes. And it's tremendous information. But I am interested in the posts that talk about how to BE a ministry leader. Mainly because, if we are not healthy and strong as ministry leaders, it doesn't matter how good we are at technique. So, enjoy these excellent posts. And if I've missed any posts you think should be added, put the link in a comment. Stay strong!

 

Don't Stop Growing (vol 15)

I found a treasure of great "How To Be" posts in my Google Reader this time. I want to share the links with you. If you are new to "Don't Stop Growing" posts, let me explain. There is a ton of information on how to DO leadership. You can read about how to delegate, how to listen, how to strategize, how to plan, and on it goes. And it's tremendous information. But I am interested in the posts that talk about how to BE a ministry leader. Mainly because, if we are not healthy and strong as ministry leaders, it doesn't matter how good we are at technique. So, enjoy these excellent posts. And if I've missed any posts you think should be added, put the link in a comment. Stay strong!

Healing Takes Time  (by Kevin Martineau)

I Am A Mess  (by Bill Grandi)

Your Ecosystem (by Seth Godin)

Quick, Hit The OFF Button  (by Artie Davis)

Hitting The Wall and Breaking Through It  (by Richard Dahlstrom)

Depression, Be On Guard  (by Brian Dodd)

Imago Dei  (by Jennifer Reynolds)

A God-Dependent Gospel  (by Jason Stasyszen)

Don't Stop Growing (vol 14)

 
I breezed through the many new blog posts in my Google Reader. I've found five posts I think are pretty cool as they address how to BE a ministry leader. The reason I aggregate these for you is because I firmly believe that the stronger we become as children of God, the stronger tool we are for His purposes. So, read up:

Was Jesus An Interrupter?   (by Kevin Martineau)

Sitting Sipping and Seeing   (by Sandra Heska King)

Poor Vision & Spiritual Dementia   (by Jason Stasyszen)

Lessons Learned from Downed Trees   (by Richard Dahlstrom)

The Company You Keep   (by Lindsay Nobles)

Did I miss any posts you think ought to be added? Put the URL in a comment below.

Stay strong!

Don't Stop Growing (vol 13)

I love pushing out great blog posts by some of my friends. I scan them to see who's righting about HOW TO BE the best ministry leader possible. Here's what I've found lately. Enjoy!

It's Not About You  (by Brad Lomenick)

Four Traits Every Leader Must Have  (by Brad Lomenick)

While My Laptop Was Closed  (by Brandon A. Cox)

Water Jug  (by Michael D. Perkins)

Stand in God's Strength, Not Your Own  (by Michael Harrison)

What Will They Say When You Are Dead?  (by Michael Hyatt)

Got a HOW TO BE post you'd like to add? Put it in a comment.

Don't Stop Growing (vol 12)

Check out these posts from my friends. They have to do with BEING a ministry leader.

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The Type of Leader That Turns God's Head  (by Brian Dodd)

I have been privileged to have dealt with literally hundreds of leaders in my lifetime.  Based upon those experiences, I think I have found a common link that causes God to stop and look at these loyal leaders...

When Was The Last Time You Admitted You Were Wrong  (Perry Noble, via Todd Rhoades)

I've been in the church world nearly all my life, and I have to say that I've seen many pastors that fall into this trap.  For some reason, they just can't admit...

Morrie On Family  (J A Cook)

Family…the single most important element of society and, yet, the most forgotten and taken for granted. Have we ever stopped to wonder why we spend 40+ hours working on...

Self-Delusion and Self-Loathing  (Seth Godin)

Self-delusion is lying to yourself about how good you are. You might think you're a world class designer or actor or chef or administrator or problem solver, but you might be merely...

No. 1 Must Watch Body Part  (Artie Davis - check the whole series)

This is the most prized possession you have. Your heart is the “Grand Central Station” of all else. Everything feeds through and is guided by your heart. So be careful with it. That’s why the wisest man that ever lived said…

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Did I miss any posts?

Add any posts you think would help ministry leaders BE better people.

Don't Stop Growing (vol 11)

There are posts all over the internet on how to DO ministry. From time to time I drag my net through my Google Reader and see what's been written about how to BE in ministry. Here are 5 posts I pulled out of the net:

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If Your Marriage Is failing... by Brian Dodd

"I recently had an enlightening conversation on what you actually base a marriage on. Here is what I told the person you do NOT base a marriage on:..."

Your Smile Didn't Matter by Seth Godin

"If you worked on the line, we cared about your productivity, not your smile or approach to the work. You could walk in downcast, walk out defeated and get a raise if your productivity was good..."

My Wife and My iPhone by Brad Huebert

"I’d just plopped my rump down on our sagging couch in the basement and fired up our PS3 for another rousing round of pointless fun when my own message got thrown in my face..."

What Really Matters by JA Cook

"Cats in the cradle..."

Stop Trying To Be Better by Scott Smith

"Think back to a top-of-the-line computer in 1982.  The envy of businessmen and nerds alike.  The best that was available.  But did it really do much?  Not really.  Some of us still have that computer kicking around in storage somewhere..."

Did I miss any posts?

Add any posts you think would help ministry leaders BE better people.

Don't Stop Growing (vol 10)

The Google Reader grabbed some posts from the last day or so on HOW TO BE as a ministry leader. Read them at your leisure. Remember, your DO is only as strong as your BE

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Traffic Jams Suck! by JA Cook

"... traffic jams. They are so against my fast-paced personality. When I get in the car…I have a specific destination in mind. I know how long it should take to get to that destination. The last thing I want to do ..."

7 Ways I Protect My Family Life In Ministry by Ron Edmondson

"...If a pastor is not careful, the weight of everyone else’s problems will take precedence over the issues and concerns of his immediate family. I see it frequently among pastors ..."

Little Timmy Tweets A Lot by Chad Missildine

"...Little Timmy Tweets a lot, tweet, tweet, tweet; Tweeting in the shower and tweeting in his sleep; Tweeting cause his broccoli is green, green green; Tweeting when a song makes him sing sing sing..."

She's Still Your Bride by Herb Halstead

"...Most fascinating to me was that after over 30 years of marriage, he still called his spouse, “my bride.” He would get giggles from the girls and hoots-and-hollers from the boys as he proclaimed, “We’re still on our honeymoon,” with a sly grin..."

Check Your Attitude by Michael Harrison

"...What is going on around us is often what's going on OR HAS GONE ON inside of us.  Get honest about that.  Think through where you are and where you want to be...."

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Did I Miss Any posts?

If you have a favorite post you've read about how to BE, share it in a comment...

Don't Stop Growing (vol 9)

Here's what my Google Reader collected over the past several days on HOW TO BE as a ministry leader. Read then at your leisure. Remember, your DO is only as strong as your BE is

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I'd Rather Beby Lindsey Nobles

"As we get older it is tempting to abandon the qualities that make us endearing, approachable, raw, even human. We want to seem mature. We want to seem wise. But unfortunately most days..."

Going Through The Motions... What Drives You? by Matthew Snider

"Sitting there in traffic in downtown Baltimore, I asked myself, do I go through the motions? The kids, the job, the wife, the marriage, church on Sundays, the pool on Saturdays. What drives me? Am I “working” for the weekend? Do I see God everyday..."

In Defense Of Self-Help Books by Michael Hyatt

"I once heard a person say in a disdainful tone, “I don’t read ‘self-help’ books.” With this seemingly innocuous verdict, he slammed the door on a multitude of voices eager to push him to God’s best for his life. He severely limited his exposure to wise counselors..."

zzzz-Deficiency by Zinaida ("Zee")

"I am tired and my thoughts are like birds of the field who fly in different directions once someone steps closer. Because of that, my fingers are not in the mood to write either, therefore I am just going to relax in knowing that..."

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Did I miss any posts on HOW TO BE? If so, share them in a comment.... and Don't Stop Growing!

Don't Stop Growing (vol 8)

Well, the ol' Google Reader collected a few more posts on HOW TO BE as a ministry leader. Here they are. Read then at your leisure. Remember, your DO is only as strong as your BE is.

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The Only Person You Need To Impress Is God by Krissy Buck

"...while I was very upset with this woman and I wanted to prove myself to her, I had to stop myself and remember that God knows I love my kids.  He hears the constant nagging to treat people the way they would like to be treated..."

Did You Say Wait? by Bill Grandi

"...goes without saying that sometimes it seems God doesn’t show up when we want Him to.  But maybe He was there all the time but just deferred doing anything at that moment. Let me reword that: not “maybe” but “was” there..."

Wait by Greg Smith

"In this story, I am also reminded of farming (not that I have a lot of first-hand experience). I do know that it  begins with a lot of work preparing the soil, then planting the crops, then…Waiting..."

The Best Advice I Ever Heard by JA Cook

"Believe in yourself - See yourself as God sees you – a beloved work of art with great purpose. Dream - Allow God to pour vision into our lives…look past what is to what could be. Try -Never give up or let failure..."

Man, I've Got Stuff by Michael D. Perkins

"...I don't want it anymore. I'm tired of my stuff bogging me down. I want better stuff..."

Where The Phone Won't Work by Carlos Whittaker

"...all families exist when they are together… We try to live while we are together… This weekend… Get out from in front of the tv, get to where your cell phone won't work, and watch your kids live in a dream world..."

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Did I miss any posts on HOW TO BE? If so, share them in a comment.... and Don't Stop Growing!

Don't Stop Growing (Vol 7)

Well, the ol' Google Reader collected a few more posts on HOW TO BE as a ministry leader. Here they are. God bless you as you pursue God's call on your life!

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Time Out by N.A. Winter

"The challenge for the Christian, however, is to recognize that this busyness does not excuse us from our commitment to reflect Christ. I’ve found myself neglecting to chat with someone because I’m so concerned with..."

A Letter From My Trash Can by Michael Perkins

"Hi, I’m Eric The Trashcan.  You know, I’m the white, 3 ft tall thing that sits in your kitchen.  I’m the thing that your put paper in.  I’m the thing that clip your finger nails into..."

Is The Journey More Important Than The Destination? by Kevin Martineau

"Seeking the destination has: Cost me joy, Robbed me of memories, Caused me stress, Made me ungrateful, Left me discontent...What I have discovered is that God’s presence..."

Kill The Spider by Carlos Whittaker

"I suffer with anxiety. Like right now for instance. My heart is beating really fast and I’m dizzy. My hands are a bit numb and so is my face. I fear that I will lose control..."

Does Fear Keep You Awake At Night? by Michael Harrison

"Often what keeps people from helping and serving is fear of what will happen or fear that they don't have enough.  In the past few months, I have been in many conversations that have..."

Toxic Stuff by Chad Missildine

"Today I was super thirsty, so I wandered sleepily into the kitchen and grabbed the first cup I saw, a nice tall Dickey’s BBQ cup. I filled it with cold water and tipped the thing up to my parched mouth. As the water poured down my dry throat, I opened my eyes to see this…"

Be The Salt by Duane Scott

"As I thumbed to the scriptures he was reading, I couldn’t help but feel like it was completely pointless trying to be a light to the world when the world was so full of darkness. I located the verse, but for some reason I don’t understand..."

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Did I miss any posts on HOW TO BE? If so, share them in a comment.

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Raked the "HOW TO BE" -comb through my Google Reader. Here's what I found. Enjoy!

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How To Make Your Reading Time Count by James Emory White (pastors.com)

"...reading can play an important part of getting out of the funk. Knowing pastors have busy schedules with limited time to devote to reading, White offers some quick tips..."

Where Does Our Help Come From? by Kevin Martineau

"I know that God can and will use this tragedy for His glory even though that is difficult to understand completely right now. In the meantime..."

Pastor, Don't Forget Your Soul by Brandon A. Cox

"I went through a period quite a few years ago in which all I was reading were books on growth, health, techniques, trends, etc. What I wasn’t doing, and need to be, was soaking in the classics, devotional reading, and deepening my theology. So Pastor, here are three things ..."

Getting Through Pain by Michael Harrison

"Life has it's pain.  We have all been through times.  This past Sunday I shared a message with our church family about how we look at the trouble that comes our way..."

Roots of Healthy Confidence by Dan Rockwell

"Healthy confidence is a result of alignment with organizational values, mission, and vision. When your attitudes embrace organizational values, when your decisions ..."

Three Questions To Write A Personal Development Plan by Ron Edmondson

"Take a break from your daily routine, grab a cup of coffee, a pen and some paper, and ask yourself three questions as a guideline to if you want to improve personally..."

 

Did I miss any HOW TO BE blog posts? If so, put the web address to them in a comment below.

Don't Stop Growing 073010

Dragged the net through my Google Reader and here's what I found on HOW TO BE a ministry leader. Be blessed as you read through them. Share the post with a friend or colleague if they need to read anything here:

Shut Up and Listen by Brad Lomenick

"...especially our early 30’s, we start to think we’ve grown up and got it all together, and that now we think instead of seeking wisdom and counsel, we should be giving it..."

Ratty Undershirts by Michael D Perkins

"I loved that shirt, but I didn’t realize how stupid it looked.  I should have let it go a long..."

10 Problems with Doing the Best You Know How by Ron Edmondson

"The times you are being stretched beyond what you know how to do may prove to be the best times of your personal development..."

Unpredictable by Bill Grandi (CycleGuy)

"I would just hate to serve a predictable God who had no imagination.  How boring..."

Your Six Year Old Will Not Remember Your Problems by Carlos Whittaker

"When you work for yourself, are behind on the mortgage, have sickness in the family, have a client waiting for something, are a lonely stay at home mom, or any other “grown up” problems, remember…"

DID I MISS any blog posts on HOW TO BE? If so, Include a link in a comment below.

Don't Stop Growing 072810

Dragged the net through my Google Reader and here's what I found on HOW TO BE a ministry leader. Be blessed as you read through them. Share the post with a friend or colleague if they need to read anything here:

Put the Oxygen Mask On You First by Dan Rockwell

"Leaders unintentionally choke off their own oxygen by engaging in counterproductive activities that magnify rather than minimize stress..."

You Might Have TDB (Too Busy Disorder) by Brandon A Cox

"The videos are hilarious… but sadly have a familiar feeling sometimes…"

Slow Me Down, Lord by Duane Scott

"It wasn’t until 10 AM this morning that I realized I had been running ever since my eyes had opened abruptly to my alarm ringing..."

The Most Important Part of Your Story by Michael Hyatt

"But, inevitably, you come to the middle of the story. Suddenly, things get difficult..."

10 Reasons Why Perry Noble Believes Leaders Flame Outby Nate Elarton

"Feel like rest is sin...Do not trust the leaders around them, thus feel like they need to do it all...Unwillingness to ask for help..."

 

DID I MISS any blog posts on HOW TO BE? If so, Include a link in a comment below.

 

Don't Stop Growing 071610

Well, I dragged the net through my Google Reader and here's what I found on HOW TO BE a ministry leader. Be blessed as you read through them. Share the post with a friend or colleague if they need to read anything here.

7 Reactions to Fatigue (What Happens When I'm Tired)by Ron Edmondson

The Path of Greatest Resistanceby Jason Stasyszen

Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent by Michael Hyatt

Time To Make Some Changes by David Branker

Strength by Christopher Scott

Get to Work! by Scott Smith

The World's Deadliest 4-Letter Word by Ja Cook

Working At The Margins by Glynn Young

DID I MISS A "HOW TO BE" POST?

Have you written or seen a post on HOW TO BE a ministry leader? Not listed above? Then by all means, add it to the list! Use the Simply Linked widget below (comment on how it's helped you, if you like):

Don't Stop Growing 071410

Well, I've sifted through my Google Reader and the net collected 10 posts that address more of the HOW TO BE a ministry leader, so it's time to share. Here they are, in random order:

The Problem with Pastor As A Rock Star by Ed Stetzer via Tim Challies

Rewire Your Brain for Change by Dr. Keith E. Webb

Anticipating.His.Presence by Herb Halstead

Why Do You Seek the Holy Grail? by Matthew Snider

Pray and Word: Encouragement During Difficult Days of Ministry by Ron Edmondson

Who Are Your "Trusted Advisors"? by Michael Hyatt

A Goose and God by Michael Perkins

Avoiding Burnout by Scott Smith (The SarcasticXtian)

Hey Pastor, Don't Be A Statistic by Brandon A. Cox

The P Word for Leaders - Priorities by Dan Rockwell

My prayer is that one or more of these posts will help you serve strong in ministry leadership. If you know someone who needs to read one of the posts, share it. Together, we are more than our individual parts. After all, we are the body of Christ!

DID I MISS A "HOW TO BE" POST?

Have you written or seen a post on HOW TO BE a ministry leader? Not listed above? Then by all means, add it to the list! Use the Simply Linked widget below (comment on how it's helped you, if you like):

Don't Stop Growing 070910

In my Google Reader, I have a selection of some great bloggers I've come to know through Twitter. Many blog posts are tremendous resources on how to DO the work of ministry leadership. And I applaud them for it.

For my newly-created "Don't Stop Growing" posts, I comb through all the posts and look specifically for ones that have more to do with how to BE a ministry leader. The following are some of those posts:

Missing Out On The Now (Michael D. Perkins)

"N" Is For Negativity (Dan Rockwell)

Worry Is Not Your Friend(Kevin Martineau)

God Walks In Dark Places (Duane Scott)

10 Random Lessons for Pastors (Artie Davis)

Self-Talk (Josh Whitehead)

Lament? What? (Glynn Young)

Leaning Upon Your Beloved (Lynn Mosher)

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Have you written a post on how to BE a ministry leader? Have you read such a post lately? If you want to add it to the list, use the Simply Linked widget below (comment on how it's helped you, if you like):

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I've started using Google Reader. Recently, I have gotten to know some creative people who are bloggers. I am starting to put them in Google Reader to aggregate their posts. I just took a swipe through the 50 new posts and the following stood out to me as they relate to serving without burnout (serving strong) in ministry. I trust they are a blessing to you as you read them:

What's The Point? (Seth Godin)

Leadership and Forgiveness Part 1 (Andy Andrews via Michael Hyatt)

Leadership and Forgiveness Part 2 (Andy Andrews via Michael Hyatt)

The Sand is Hot, People! (Dusty Rayburn)

All Things... For Christ (Brandon A. Cox)

Taking the Whole Kit and Kaboodle (Dan Rockwell)

What Brings Your Soul Satisfaction? (Kevin Martineau)

From time to time I will be sending out some of the posts I come across that will help us all to stay strong. God bless you and your ministry as you continue to learn and grow. Don't stop learning and growing!!

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Feel free to share a comment if any of these posts have helped you in any way.