Sometimes we prepare the message that we like, that we know, and that we would like to hear, never considering who is going to be sitting right in front of us.

Jeff talks about how to consider those to whom you are speaking. They are the receivers and beneficiaries of your message. Consider them deeply as you prepare your sermon.

Enjoy this episode!

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There are a few things that are important to keep in mind - as you prepare an effective, helpful, and encouraging message for you people.

What Jeff talks about today is ONE of them. He'll share three more throughout the rest of this week.

He says... "Enjoy!" :-)

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For more great content and conversations for pastors, check out the over 400 episodes of the 200churches Podcast!

Hey Pastor, after missing a Sunday at my church, I feel a little out of sorts - a little off balance for the week ahead because I did not connect with my church family on Sunday.

And, while reading 1 Samuel 12 I was challenge on the issue of preaching, and the kind of messages we share with our people - so here are some thoughts on that, along with a challenge for you...

Enjoy!

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John Finkelde talks about his own transition from founding pastor in his church, and he talks about raising up leaders, and transitioning volunteer leaders on and off teams.

Jonny Craig talks with John Finkelde and pulls some  serious truth out of him! You can find John at GrowAHealthyChurch.com!

Enjoy!

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For more great content and conversations for pastors, check out the over 400 episodes of the 200churches Podcast!

Today I encourage you to start a practice that will benefit you for the rest of your life. I'm still dipping into this project for encouraging feedback every couple months...

Enjoy!

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What if you modeled your feedback after the "one another" commands in the New Testament? So often people don't want to hear or receive feedback, but if we love them in the process, they can and will welcome it.

Marcus Buckingham shared some alternate turns of phrase we can use when sharing feedback with others - so that they are honored, affirmed, and still challenged.

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Let's be honest, I don't like feedback, and neither do you! We don't. We would love for everyone to just say that we did such a great job there is no possible room for improvement - and that would be a big, fat, juicy LIE!

So today I share with you four questions to ask and answer to get the best feedback possible. Feedback is both a necessary evil, AND, the breakfast of champions!

Enjoy!

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For more great content and conversations for pastors, check out the over 400 episodes of the 200churches Podcast!

People don't like to tell their superiors bad news. Most followers don't want to be the bearer of bad news to their leaders. Heck, they didn't even tell the emperor that he had no clothes on!

As a pastor/leader, you need to hear the truth, and it could be hard for you to get it. So you have to have people in your life who will review your junk, and tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Jeff saw the missed belt loop and wondered why the candidate's campaign manager fell down on the job...

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How often do you find yourself or others saying, "That's weird!"?

Do we react to weird, or do we respond with, "Tell me more!"?

This is a tiny piece of self-awareness that can really help us. Enjoy!

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For more great content and conversations for pastors, check out the over 400 episodes of the 200churches Podcast!

Walter Brueggemann is the premier Old Testament scholar of the last 50 years in the United States. If you haven't heard of him, use Google, then YouTube... and eventually come back here to listen to the conversation my associate pastor, Jonny Craig, and I had with him a mere five years ago.

His words are prescient and more applicable today than they were then! This will be the only time I've ever shared this conversation since we first released it in 2017.

Are you ready to be challenged, and maybe even get mad? Are you ready to listen to what Brueggemann terms "the call of the pastor", and "our job"? This is a really, really helpful conversation.

The book he references is the one he had just finished, Money and Possessions in the Bible.

Enjoy!

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For more great content and conversations for pastors, check out the over 400 episodes of the 200churches Podcast!