When it comes to a leader’s vision actually being fulfilled, the words “Preparation” and “Implementation” are very important words. Apostle Paul wrote, “When a man goes to war, he must count the cost”. Counting the cost is part of the preparation stage.

Leaders are prone to be able to hear more clearly what God wants for others much easier than for themselves. In the spirit of this interesting reality, obedience is often delayed as leaders vacillate between the many options that can present themselves. However, delayed obedience is disobedience.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the Lord, his strong admonition was to do one very important thing as it relates to ministry and leadership development: “…remember to stir up the gift of God that is in you by the laying on my hands”.   Obviously, Paul was interested in seeing Timothy become the great leader he was destined to be. I think, like natural father-figures, mentors (and fathers in the faith) have a general understanding of the potential and destiny contained wit...

According to the Prophet Isaiah, every leader is in one of two places: either your river is turning into a desert, or your desert in turning into a river. These days, it seems there is a tremendous amount of stress and pressure on ministers every where we go. Of course, a portion of this reality is a sign that we are near the end of the age.

Recently, one of the most prolific prophetic voices went home to be with His Savior. Of course, I’m referring to David Wilkerson. When this happens, each generation will experience a transition of leadership: we’ll call it “The Changing of the Guard”.

From Romans 8:31 (American Standard Version), the Apostle Paul prefaced one of the most quoted scriptures in today’s Church with the question “What then shall we say to these things?” The popular scripture I’m referring to is “If God is for us, then who can be against us?” The first question (What then shall we say to these things) can be linked to several issues Paul raised in the previous verses. Issues like: the Holy Spirit helping our infirmities and His activity, which includes interceding ...

There’s nothing that breaks a leader’s focus quicker than believing there are options involved. Obviously, Jesus’ ministry did not function this way. The Greek language uses very strong language when communicating His words.

Of the many promises made to us in God’s Word, few are more exhilarating than the title of this week’s blog taken from John 14:19: “Because I live, you shall live also!” Jesus spoke this well before His death upon Calvary’s cross. It was a timeless prophetic word heralded to His disciples and to the billions who have found hope in these eternal words since that day. The word “shall” is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as “obligated, compelled and determined”.

At times, ministry can be compared to carrying jello in a spoon (you should try this to understand the purpose for this comment), but, in spite of this, our challenge is to maintain the element of faith in the things God has spoken to us. One of the reasons why Lynda and I believe in long-term ministry relationships is the satisfaction of watching come to pass the prophetic words God has spoken through us. Of course, we often feel like we missed it but God uses time to take each of us through th...

There is much available these days regarding the prophetic ministry. Libraries are lined with great books giving nearly every possible explanation on the use of Spiritual Gifts, especially prophecy, for Apostle Paul told us “to covet earnestly the best gift” that people might be edified, exhorted and comforted. I have often wondered what name should be attached to other kinds of words (from flesh and the devil) people consistently struggle with.

I heard the Lord clearly speak this morning the following sentence that will set the tone for our fifth and final segment in this leadership series. He said, “Expansion in ministry comes is ways that is often overlooked.” We will return one last time to II Corinthians 10:   12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we wil...

When attending most church growth or pastors' conferences, much time is spent asking, "How big is your church?" We've already covered the Apostle Paul's charge to the Church at Corinth to be cautious about comparing. Paul continues this similar line of thought in II Corinthians 10: 13 & 14, saying,   12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselv...

What Causes Expansion in Ministry Part 3   The irony of ministry is found within the title of the current leadership series: “What Causes Expansion in Ministry”. As John the Baptist declared it, we are called “to decrease, and He (Christ and His kingdom) must increase”. Do you see the irony of being called to bring increase to Christ’s kingdom, yet we must personally decrease?

Last week we addressed the need for corporate FAITH, not just the faith of the leadership of the Church. Apostle Paul raised other ingredients that bring expansion to ministry, and among them is the element of NOT COMPARING or NOT MEASURING ourselves among ourselves, as Paul put it. To refresh your memory of II Corinthians 10, I’ve reposted the passage:   12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by...

Our personal libraries are filled with church-growth books, yet many of us here in the Western Church struggle with empty pews and chairs in our worship centers. What’s the secret? Some would answer with the following: charisma in a leader, networking with other churches and ministries to gain resources, knowing the needs and connecting with your community, more prayer meetings, etc.

Most often, we think of the story of the Woman at the Well in the context of salvation. Of course, that is a great application of the story and its message. However, another thought is to consider the application of this well being a continual source of nourishment…not just a onetime event.

By now all of us have just about reached full stride into the New Year. Prepare your heart to receive the New Things the Lord will be downloading to you for this New Year. “Behold, I do a new thing…” are the words of Isaiah.

As we entered the New Year, I heard a single word the Lord gave me a few years ago. The word was “Recalibration”. Instantly, I contacted a friend who is a manager of a Starbucks Coffee store and asked his take on the word.

The title of this week’s leadership blog came as prophetic word to me about two weeks ago. The Lord said, “Two thousand eleven (2011) will be the year of the Body of Christ to re-discover its destiny in God”. Praise the Lord, Saints of God!

You and I have the same amount of “Time”, and what we do with it will determine how “productive” we are and how “frustrated” we become. I know exactly how it feels for several people to pull on you or even place demands on your time when it feels like you have none to spare. Have you ever felt this way!

Unless you've been living in a hole in the ground for a while, you are fully aware of the many challenges of balancing between work and family time. As you might already expect, that, for those of us in the ministry, the challenge multiplies. Obviously, it is necessary to set boundaries and realistic expectations.

There are many things one could choose to place ones focus upon that would adequately describe the ministry of Jesus while He walked the earth, and, of course, each of these focuses would prove to be justly defended for its need to be near the top of the list. However, there is one thing Jesus desired to do everywhere He went that truly explains His focus: He recognized the many opportunities that were waiting for Him. One focus for today’s Church is Signs, Wonders, Miracles, & Mighty Deeds....

I am happy-sad. Let me explain. This example of an oxymoron best describes how I feel at this moment after completing our second Eagles’ Gathering in 2010. Never heard of it? The Eagles’ Gathering is a twice-a-year leadership summit (May and September). Even in its infancy, this gathering has quickly become a place for peer-level ministries to properly relate without threat of religious comparisons (other than God’s Word) and find inspiration for their personal and ministry visions...

With all of the current explanations offered on the subject of Prophecy and the End-times, it is important for every leader to understand the underlining purpose for it. The Apostle Paul was truly focused upon strengthening the Church with every move he made. Every epistle or letter was an attempt to lead the Church toward the heart of God and relate to the world around them at the same time. Still today, this is one of the true purposes of leadership...

A successful leader will experience a series of necessary changes throughout life. These changes will resemble the stages though which of butterfly will go; scientists called this a “metamorphosis”. This process of change reveals inner, hidden beauty of the butterfly (leader). But, sometimes, a current stage may reveal anything but beauty. Don’t sweat about it! Keep your eyes on your destiny...