I want you to pinpoint at least one task you had to accomplish that was frustrating or difficult for you to undertake. Most leaders I have counseled quickly discover that the areas which are most frustrating for them or discouraging to them are areas that fall into one of the two following scenarios.

Father God has made a covenant with YOU! His holy word guarantees that EVERY PROMISE is already answered "YES" for you because you are in Christ. Then why do we often feel boxed in or captive? Why are we not experiencing the freedom we have been promised? Let this powerful illustration encourage you to open God's promises!

All of us enjoy receiving a gift or even a word of appreciation. Christmas is a remarkable time that opens opportunities for us to give back to those who have given of themselves and their talents to keep ministry moving forward. Even a small gesture of appreciation from you as a leader will have an enormous impact during this season. Use this time to show your appreciation for the person and not just what they do.

This Intentional Leadership focus emanates from several ministry leaders and pastors seeking input of how to handle certain challenges they are facing as they lead their congregations. “What is the difference between flexibility and double-mindedness?”

The roles and tasks leaders fill often times lead them along paths seldom traveled by others. It can almost seem ironic that someone who leads 10’s, 100’s, or even 1000’s of people could struggle with feeling alone. How can you make a difference in this “all too common” scenario in your life and the lives of other leaders?

As leaders we often find ourselves intently looking for an answer from God to a specific question or need we have or one for someone under our leadership. So what do you do when you feel like you are not getting an answer? There are many variables to answering that question, but scripture teaches us...

Prominent characteristics of good leadership include such things as honesty, integrity, initiative, vision, and positive attitude. Though traits such as these are influential in assisting you as a leader, I want to bring your attention toward one all-encompassing attribute that leverages all of these.

As a leader, you must be committed and disciplined to a process that leads you toward the goals set in your life and ministry. Even if you do not consider yourself a leader, as a believer, you are. All believers are leaders, whether by office, calling or lifestyle. It is every believer’s commission to lead others into a growing relationship with Christ.

Let us take an objective look at our personal level of spiritual maturity and growth by answering a few indicative questions.

As a leader, your thoughts are vitally important. A good leader will focus his/her thoughts. God, Himself, addresses this important issue in scripture to help direct us toward what will be beneficial for both our lives and the lives of those to whom we minister.

Here is your ultimate call from God’s heart. He is calling you to be closer to Him than ever before. He already knows the pathway before you. He knows what is about to take place in your life and ministry. He wants to prepare and equip you for every moment. He has given you a singular tool for you to use. That tool is the gift of prayer.