From sharefaith.com

5 Ways Church Leaders Can Improve Communication

The church relies on strong leadership. In fact, you might be surprised at how much the Bible has to say about the topic. At its heart, leadership is about influence. And for the church leader, the goal is to get people excited and invested in the church’s vision. 

It’s almost impossible for leaders to flourish if they struggle in the communication department. But because they’re so busy, communication is one of those soft skills that many leaders don’t invest enough time into in order to improve. 

Here are five tips for leveling up your communication game.  

1. Maintain a consistent attitude

A leader doesn’t have to be perfect, just dependable. Predictability builds trust and helps model what you want to see from others. Even keeled, consistent leaders create space for two-way communication to thrive. 

Moodiness and inconsistent behavior are like throwing a wet towel on communication. If people become nervous about what might set the leader off or result in a lecture, they’ll start second-guessing what ideas are safe to suggest or consider. 

2. Work on your emotional intelligence

There are a lot of leadership skills to focus on, but few pack the wallop of learning to manage your emotions and understand the emotions of others. It helps you in several ways: 

-You develop the ability to control and redirect negative emotions.

-You can put yourself in other people’s shoes and empathize with them. 

-You learn to manage working relationships effectively.

Emotional intelligence feeds into so many significant areas. It helps you improve your team’s communication, it creates a healthy culture, and it enables you to become someone others trust. It also directly ties into point #1: emotional intelligence helps you maintain a consistent attitude. 

3. Talk less

One temptation leaders face is over-communication. In an attempt to be understood, they can bury others in an avalanche of verbiage. By becoming better listeners, leaders can improve communication a hundredfold. 

This includes:

-Actively listening to ensure that you understand the other person’s words and intent

-Being able to repeat what you heard the other person say 

-Clarifying places where parties are misunderstanding one another 

-Listening to understand, not to respond

-Fighting the urge to interrupt in order to hammer home your own point

-Wise leaders know that the less you talk, the more weight your words carry.  

4. Ask the right questions

Good communication involves drawing the best out of people and engaging in ways that ensure you understand someone’s ideas and can weigh various options. But asking questions is about more than getting to the information you didn’t know. It’s also a tool for bringing someone around to your way of thinking. 

Through questions, leaders can filter out all the noise and get to the heart of the issue: “How does this affect us?” They can help people focus on the positive instead of the negative: “But what are the opportunities here?” 

Before you tell someone what to think, consider ways that a question might help someone see an issue from another vantage point.  

5. Be fully engaged and present

There are a lot of things that threaten to keep leaders from being present when engaged with their team:

Stress

Distractions

Information overload

Interruptions

Worry

Hunger

Etc. 

Unfortunately, engagement is a muscle that a leader needs to use, or else they lose it. If they allow themselves to get distracted and preoccupied, it becomes

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

This week's show, we briefly covered this article:
https://www.sharefaith.com/blog/2021/03/church-zoom-fatigue-what-it-is-and-how-to-manage-it/

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

5 Important Keys for Fathers on Father’s Day

Scripture: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” ~ Ephesians 6:4

1.    Be a Role Model - inside the house and the community

Demonstrate to your children how a husband loves his wife

a. It provides security. Hidden message is, if dad loves mom he must’ve me too.

b. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Ephesians 5:25

2.    Spend quality and quantity of time with your children.

a. Dad‘s get into your children’s world

b. Focus on the Family states that the average family spends 49 hours per week with the TV on vs. 39 minutes in meaningful conversation

3. Earn their Respect

Respect is earned, not demanded. I grew up with, ”Do as I say, not as I do!”

4. Be a Servant Leader

John 13:4-5 “Jesus got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

Help around the house. Sport Center can be taped.

Your children’s needs are very important. They feel loved and important when Dad does things to help them

5. Be Their Number One Cheerleader

Remember 8 top emotional needs are met when we celebrate a person.

It’s the celebration of success that motivates a person and takes them to the next level

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

Here's the link to our notes from this week's show on Twisted Thinking!  It's amazing, but we got through all 10 in one show!  Next week, we dig into the ways to combat and untwisted our twisted thinking!

https://arfamiliesfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cognitive-Distortions.pdf

Find out more about Tom & Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries at https://www.heritagechristiancounselingministries.com
In Mansfield:  419-526-5523
In Ashland:  419-496-0007
In Shelby:  567-844-0036
Remote sessions are also available.

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

Here's the link to our notes from this week's show on Twisted Thinking!  It's amazing, but we got through all 10 in one show!  Next week, we dig into the ways to combat and untwisted our twisted thinking!

https://arfamiliesfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cognitive-Distortions.pdf

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

Session Stress/Worry

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Worry is to think about problems or fears: to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen.  Worry feeds stress

Why do people get stressed ?

• work, finance, health, relationships, poor nutrition, and media overload. Even considering work stress alone, half a dozen variables factor in, including salary, workload,
• considering work stress alone, half a dozen variables factor in, including salary, workload, growth opportunities, conflicting demands, lack of support, and control. With constant demands on our time, energy, and emotions, it feels impossible to turn “off.” Instantly accessible at any moment, we’re always on-call and in-demand. No wonder we’re stressed out.
• What are the primary sources of my stress?
• How often do I pray about the factors in my life causing me stress?
• Do I trust God with my work, finances, health, relationships, and future?
• What effects does my stress have on my loved ones?

7 Ways Christians Should Deal With Stress and Anxiety By Aaron Loy (Relevant Magazine)

1. Admit There is a Problem

*Awareness and Ownership

2. Stop Self Medicating In Unhealthy Ways

*Examples include excessive snacking, drinking and camping out in front of the poo TV.

*These unhealthy habits only cause a cycle of stress an self-medication.

3. Take care of yourself Physically

*We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  It’s also important that we exercise.

4. Be Intentional About What Goes into Your Mind

Philippians 4:8 says this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Paul is pointing to the fact that what we fill our minds with has a profound effect on us.

5. Don’t Neglect the Spiritual.

*The enemy will whisper in your ear lies about your identity, your self-worth, your status before God, your past, your future, your hope. It is important that you recognize these for what they are.

6. Consider Seeing a Doctor

*Medicine is not a rejection of God’s power, but rather a provision of his grace. Sometimes it’s exactly what we need.

7. Embrace the Blessing of Brokenness

*If you are walking through the valley of anxiety right now, there is a way out, and I pray you find it. But in the meantime, don’t miss what God may have for you right where you are.

*Psalm 23

Exercise for Stress and Anxiety

The physical benefits of exercise — improving physical condition and fighting disease — have long been established, and physicians always encourage staying physically active.

Exercise is also considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and it can reduce stress. Studies show that it is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate.

When stress affects the brain, with its many nerve connections, the rest of the body feels the impact as well. Or, if your body feels better, so does your mind. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins — chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers — and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.

Scientists ha

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

Session Stress/Worry

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Worry is to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen.  Worry feeds stress.  Stress is the body's reaction to what the mind is thinking.

Why do people get stressed ?

• work, finance, health, relationships, poor nutrition, and media overload. Even considering work stress alone, half a dozen variables factor in, including salary, workload,

• considering work stress alone, half a dozen variables factor in, including salary, workload, growth opportunities, conflicting demands, lack of support, and control. With constant demands on our time, energy, and emotions, it feels impossible to turn “off.” Instantly accessible at any moment, we’re always on-call and in-demand. No wonder we’re stressed out.
• What are the primary sources of my stress?
• How often do I pray about the factors in my life causing me stress?
• Do I trust God with my work, finances, health, relationships, and future?
• What effects does my stress have on my loved ones?

7 Ways Christians Should Deal With Stress and Anxiety By Aaron Loy from Relevant Magazine

1. Admit There is a Problem.  It creates awareness.  It helps you take ownership of the problem

2. Stop Self Medicating In Unhealthy Ways

• Examples include excessive snacking, drinking and camping out in front of the poo TV.
• These unhealthy habits only cause a cycle of stress an self-medication.

3. Take care of yourself Physically.  Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  It's important that we exercise.

4. Be Intentional About What Goes into Your Mind.  

Philippians 4:8 says this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Paul is pointing to the fact that what we fill our minds with has a profound effect on us.

5. Don’t Neglect the Spiritual.   The enemy will whisper in your ear lies about your identity, your self-worth, your status before God, your past, your future, your hope. It is important that you recognize these for what they are.

6. Consider Seeing a Doctor.  Medicine is not a rejection of God’s power, but rather a provision of his grace. Sometimes it’s exactly what we need.

7. Embrace the Blessing of Brokenness.  If you are walking through the valley of anxiety right now, there is a way out, and I pray you find it. But in the meantime, don’t miss what God may have for you right where you are.  Remember Psalm 23.

Exercise for Stress and Anxiety

The physical benefits of exercise — improving physical condition and fighting disease — have long been established, and physicians always encourage staying physically active.

Exercise is also considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and it can reduce stress. Studies show that it is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate.

When stress affects the brain, with its many nerve connections, the rest of the body feels the impact as well. Or, if your body feels better, so does your mind. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphin

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

Session Stress/Worry

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Worry is to think about problems or fears: to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen.  Worry feeds stress

Why do people get stressed ?

• work, finance, health, relationships, poor nutrition, and media overload. Even considering work stress alone, half a dozen variables factor in, including salary, workload,
• considering work stress alone, half a dozen variables factor in, including salary, workload, growth opportunities, conflicting demands, lack of support, and control. With constant demands on our time, energy, and emotions, it feels impossible to turn “off.” Instantly accessible at any moment, we’re always on-call and in-demand. No wonder we’re stressed out.
• What are the primary sources of my stress?
• How often do I pray about the factors in my life causing me stress?
• Do I trust God with my work, finances, health, relationships, and future?
• What effects does my stress have on my loved ones?

7 Ways Christians Should Deal With Stress and Anxiety By Aaron Loy (Relevant Magazine)

1. Admit There is a Problem

*Awareness and Ownership

2. Stop Self Medicating In Unhealthy Ways

*Examples include excessive snacking, drinking and camping out in front of the poo TV.

*These unhealthy habits only cause a cycle of stress an self-medication.

3. Take care of yourself Physically

*We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  It’s also important that we exercise.

4. Be Intentional About What Goes into Your Mind

Philippians 4:8 says this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Paul is pointing to the fact that what we fill our minds with has a profound effect on us.

5. Don’t Neglect the Spiritual.

*The enemy will whisper in your ear lies about your identity, your self-worth, your status before God, your past, your future, your hope. It is important that you recognize these for what they are.

6. Consider Seeing a Doctor

*Medicine is not a rejection of God’s power, but rather a provision of his grace. Sometimes it’s exactly what we need.

7. Embrace the Blessing of Brokenness

*If you are walking through the valley of anxiety right now, there is a way out, and I pray you find it. But in the meantime, don’t miss what God may have for you right where you are.

*Psalm 23

Exercise for Stress and Anxiety

The physical benefits of exercise — improving physical condition and fighting disease — have long been established, and physicians always encourage staying physically active.

Exercise is also considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and it can reduce stress. Studies show that it is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate.

When stress affects the brain, with its many nerve connections, the rest of the body feels the impact as well. Or, if your body feels better, so does your mind. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins — chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers — and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.

Scientists ha

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

Three biblical truths for single mothers by Timberley from Living our Priorities

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.”

~ James 1:5 (AMPC)

God’s Wisdom

·  A message to the single mother.

God has so much love, and compassion for you; that through Jesus Christ, He has given you

everything you need to raise your family with nothing missing and nothing lacking!

Ask God for guidance; whether or not to take a promotion at work, whether or not to date.

Bring your fear to Him

A Balanced Schedule

·  Quality time over a quantity of time

·  Be creative if money is an issue

·  Your first ministry begins at home, and when we live a balanced life, God will see to it that we have everything we need.

God’s Provision

·  If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10 (NLT)

·  Being a single mom motivates prayer for God’s provision. Wanting His wisdom, directs us to the right information or resources that would help us manage what we have.

·  Focusing on the positive, what we do have, is very important in being a role model to your children. Relying on Philippians 4:13 will be very valuable to them.

·  First time moms

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made great in weakness.  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that His power might rest in me. II. Cor. 12:9

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

To Single Moms On Mother’s Day (From Crosswalk.com)

Psalm: 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 

1.    Worship First-Start your day with worship.  Open up your heart to God’s work in you as a mother

2. Reach Out-Plan an outing with other single mothers to encourage one another as you travel the single parent journey

3. Take Time For Yourself-Prioritize yourself in your scheduling-take time to find an inexpensive

baby sitting swap.  Find a teenager that is trusted to come over when you are home to play with your children so you have time to yourself.  Journal how your children have blessed you

4. Plan Regular Fun Days-no chores projects

From Arise Ministries Blessings for single moms

·  YOU are the greatest because you set the course of their path. By the age of three, 85% of a child’s brain is wired. Mom, you are the real “brain developer.”  

·  YOU are the greatest because you understand that the profession of motherhood is about intentional influence. You’re the one who seeks healing from your own past hurts. You’re the one who intentionally models well by exhibiting a positive presence in the home.

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.