Leadership Lessons Podcast

In this bonus episode from Season 4, Pastor Daniel continues his conversation with his father, Pastor Joe Williams, about Nehemiah Chapter 8 and 9 and the revival that results from Ezra reading the word of God to the people. Pastor Joe talks about his own salvation in the revival that took place in America in the late 1960s and 1970s—the Jesus Movement that began in Southern California. From Chapter 9 we hear about the attributes of God and the biggest step of faith Pastor Joe ever took.

In this bonus episode from Season 4, Pastor Daniel talks with his father, Pastor Joe Williams, about the different roles of Ezra and Nehemiah in the work of God. Both of these men are called as instruments to deliver God’s message to the people. Pastor Joe shares how he prepares to teach. And be sure to listen for Pastor Daniel’s special announcement at the end.

In this bonus episode from Season 4, Pastor Daniel talks with his father, Pastor Joe Williams about continuing the work of the ministry. Pastor Joe has pastored Calvary Chapel Tacoma in Washington state for 40 years. He shares what God has taught him about endurance, teamwork, building each other up and the value of encouragement.

In this final episode from Season 4, Nehemiah 6:15-16, Pastor Daniel observes Nehemiah as he finishes the task God has given him—the wall is completed in a miraculous 52 days. It was a time to celebrate God’s goodness. No matter what season of life you are in, God will be faithful to help you accomplish what He has given you to do.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his thoughts about finishing well and how God works miracles through the faithfulness of preaching His Word.

“Faithfulness to God is our first obligation in all that we are called to do in the service of the gospel.” - Laine H. Murray

“Spiritual advancement is measured by faithful obedience.” - Watchman Nee

“Reverent fear of God is the key to faithfulness in any situation.“ - Alan Redpath

“The beautiful thing about this adventure called faith is that we can count on Him never to lead us astray.” - Chuck Swindoll

“Faithfulness is our business; fruitfulness is an issue that we must be content to leave with God.” - J.I. Packer

In this week’s episode from Nehemiah 6:10-14, Pastor Daniel talks about the high calling of living a holy life—to resist sin—and why it is critical to effective leadership. Nehemiah’s example shows us the way.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his own experience with the importance as well as the struggle to live a holy life. You’ll be encouraged.

“One of the dangers of living in a constant state of distraction is that we never go to the bottom of our pain, our sadness, our emptiness, which means we never find that rock-bottom place of the peace that passes understanding and rest ourselves there.” - Ruth Haley Barton

“The most dangerous distractions are the ones you love, but that don’t love you back.” - Warren Buffet

“A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hands of God. I am persuaded that I shall obtain the highest amount of present happiness, I shall do most for God's glory and the good of man, and I shall have the fullest reward in eternity, by maintaining a conscience always washed in Christ's blood, by being filled with the Holy Spirit at all times, and by attaining the most entire likeness to Christ in mind, will, and heart, that it is possible for a redeemed sinner to attain to in this world.” - Robert Murray McCheyne

“The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people.” - A. W. Tozer

“When we pray for the Spirit's help...we will simply fall down at the Lord's feet in our weakness. There we will find the victory and power that comes from His love.” - Andrew Murray

“I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.” - Charles Spurgeon

In this week’s episode from Nehemiah 6, Pastor Daniel talks about how the enemy uses distractions to keep us from accomplishing the work God has called us to do. First, a definition: Distraction—a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. In today’s world of nonstop distractions, this is a lesson we all need to learn.

Pastor Joe Williams is back with Pastor’s Perspective on the discipline it takes to be focused and effective in leadership. How do we combat distractions? Know your calling, learn how to delegate and the power of saying no.

“As leaders, we can often be distracted by what looks like an “opportunity.” - Craig Groeschel

“Having a biblically-based purpose is like holding a magnet. It motivates, directs, and pulls you around detours and through distractions…I should be concerned with being productive, not simply busy!” - David Kraft, Leaders Who Last

“People without clear vision are easily distracted, have a tendency to drift from one idea to another and often make foolish decisions that rob them of their dreams.” - Andy Stanley

“What gets scheduled gets done.” - Michael Hyatt, Leadership Coach

“We don’t drift into good directions. We discipline and prioritize ourselves there.” - Andy Stanley

“It takes a huge commitment to stay focused these days. There are so many moving parts that need our attention and an ever-changing landscape that must be navigated. I’ve never had to work harder to keep the main thing the main thing. We need the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit.”  - Christine Caine

“The different between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.” - Warren Buffett

“Successful people do consistently what normal people occasionally”  - Craig Groeschel

In this week’s episode from Nehemiah 5:14-19, Pastor Daniel answers the question: What does it look like to be a generous leader? Nehemiah sets the example here by being generous with his finances, his time and his words. Listen for practical ways to be generous in leadership.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams talks about how important it is to fear God over man and to please Him in our leadership. You have to answer to God. Trying to please man is a snare. How do we avoid abusing our authority? Some straight talk from Pastor Joe.

“God made all of His creation to give. He made the sun, the moon, the stars, the clouds, the earth, the plants to give. He also designed His supreme creation, man, to give. But fallen man is the most reluctant giver in all of God's creation.” - John MacArthur

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” - Corrie Ten Boom

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure & trouble with it. - Proverbs 15:16

“A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God’s.” - Tim Keller

“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” - C.S. Lewis

“[God] wants you to have something far better than riches and gold, and that is helpless dependence upon Him.“ - Hudson Taylor (Missionary)

“For it is in giving that we receive.”  - St. Francis of Assisi

“In all of my years of service to my Lord, I have discovered a truth that has never failed and has never been compromised. That truth is that it is beyond the realm of possibilities that one has the ability to out-give God. Even if I give the whole of my worth to Him, He will find a way to give back to me much more than I gave.” - Charles Spurgeon

In this week’s episode from Nehemiah 5, Pastor Daniel talks about the do’s and don’ts of rebuking people as a leader. Nehemiah does it the right way. The wrong approach to this biblical practice can lead to disaster. You don’t’ want to miss this essential lesson.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams talks about his own experience with lovingly rebuking people. It is not easy, but if you try and avoid it, it only makes matters worse.

“Little boldness is needed to assail the opinions and practices of notoriously wicked men; but to rebuke great and good men for their conduct, and to impeach their discernment, is the highest effort of moral courage.” - William Lloyd Garrison

“If it is hard to accept a rebuke, even a private one, it is harder still to administer one in loving humility.” - D. A. Carson

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.- Proverbs 27:5-6

Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.- Proverbs 28:23

“The fear of the Lord means to seek to glorify God in everything you do.”  - Warren Wiersbe

“The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.” – John Stott

In this week’s episode from Nehemiah 5, Pastor Daniel talks about how Nehemiah responded when the people’s behavior toward each other became sinful. He rebuked them and corrected their behavior. Every leader needs a trustworthy mentor or friend in the faith who can speak the truth to them boldly. Do you have people in your life who can rebuke you? This episode will tell you why it is truly important.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams talks about how great leaders must learn to submit to authority. “Before you can be a good leader, you’ve got to be a good follower.” Submitting to authority keeps us accountable and humble. Pastor Joe shares his own experience with a great mentor in the faith.

“Spoon feeding, in the long run, teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.” - E.M. Forster

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. - Proverbs 27:6

“Mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like. It’s the only way we grow.”  – George Lucas

“When the enemy fails in his attacks from the outside, he then begins to attack from within; and one of his favorite weapons is selfishness.” -Warren Wiersbe

C.S Lewis once said, “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.”

“When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said ‘Repent,’ he intended that the entire life of believers should be repentance.” - Martin Luther, First Thesis

Open rebuke is better than secret love. - Proverbs 27:5

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. - Proverbs 18:1

In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 4, Pastor Daniel talks about how Nehemiah and the people faced discouragement while they were building the wall. God has called us to work hard and it is hard work! Everyone faces opposition in fulfilling their ministry. Where do we find the strength to overcome it? Pastor Daniel will tell us in this episode.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams talks about his own battles with discouragement through the years and how he has learned. Discouragement is not unique to leadership, and we can help others as they face their own struggles in this life. God is an overcomer!

“Before any great achievement, some measure of depression is very usual.” - Charles Spurgeon

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“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.’“ -Billy Graham

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I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. - Psalm 6:6

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“The Christian's chief occupational hazards are depression and discouragement.” - John Stott

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 "Every person who has grown to any degree of usefulness, every person who has grown to distinction, almost without exception has been a person who has risen by overcoming obstacles, by removing difficulties, by resolving that when he met discouragement he would not give up.” - Booker T. Washington

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Cast your burden on the LORD, and he shall sustain you. - Psalm 55:22

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 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. - Psalm 77:11

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My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. - James 5:19-20

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Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10