Charlemagne (747-814) united the majority of Western and Central Europe during the Middle Ages. People call him the “Father of Europe,” and the Pope made him the first Holy Roman Emperor.
When a C-suite staff member moves on or retires, it takes an average of four months, and can cost thousands of dollars, to find a replacement. Yet, 50-70% of all executive searches fail. They end with the new hire being unsuccessful and leaving the position.
Salvation through Christ is a gift of grace. Christ Himself is described as “full of grace” (John 1:14). A common definition of grace as used throughout the Bible is undeserved favor.
Anxiety most often grows from lack of knowledge and/or control. It’s easy to be afraid of that which we don’t understand, or can’t foresee. The Bible addresses anxiety directly. We find at least three spiritual resources we can use to overcome anxiety in life and work.
For clarity, consider each message in light of the question, “Is what I am about to say of benefit to the listener?” Even difficult statements are beneficial if they truly help the receiver, and are delivered with proper tone and context.
We must measure to lead. Self-examination is integral to leadership. A leader who is not looking inward to see progress and pitfalls will not grow outwardly in decisions, relationships and vision.
In today’s culture, we bicker, feud and fight with other Christ-followers. Arguments among God’s people are commonplace. But we can never argue anyone into an understanding of God. At best, this is a spiritual tangent.
Some leaders see themselves as a steward of their position. Others want to claim a top position in business. Still others want to accomplish something specific. None of these purposes, however, outlast the leader himself.
In leadership we might go out on a limb, try something new, give an idea a season. But when the result isn’t what we wanted or hoped for, our minds turn to the idea that we “need to get back”. Back the basics. Back to reality. Back to normal.
We complain constantly, at home and at work. This spills over in our culture, which is consumed by victimhood. In social media, the news media, education, government and business, we are on the lookout for every tiny hint of present and historical unfairness.
As in many facets of a man’s character, the instruction on trust with respect to biblical leadership is very different. Proverbs 3:5 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827) was a German composer and pianist. He is among the most admired classical composers in history, and the melodies of his great symphonies and sonatas are recognized around the world.
What is really expected of someone in terms of worth ethic? The Bible speaks of our work from the Old to the New Testament. Proverbs 14:23 says, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
Is there a summary for us of the Christian faith? Is there a simple statement that a leader can read that brings all of what we believe as Christ-followers into focus? Jesus Himself summarized the teachings of God in a few words.
For a leader, deliverables can make or break overall performance. To confirm your role as a leader in your organization, on a regular basis you will have to bring deliverables on time, on budget, and of high quality, to meet the demands of clients and executives.
In life and work, leaders can often chase after ideas that have no truth in reality. Out of a desire to find a shortcut, or achieve a personal or professional goal, we can latch on to one or more lies of corporate culture.
Howard D. Schultz is an American businessman and author. He served as Chairman and CEO of Starbucks from 1986 to 2000, and again from 2008 to 2017, and in 2022-2023. He was named one of the World’s Richest People by Forbes with a net worth in 2020 of $4.3 billion.
Faith-centered leaders are challenged in our culture to live by their beliefs. They are called on to accept the ideologies of others that are diametrically opposed to what the Bible teaches. Jesus Himself spoke of this difficulty.
A leader’s character sets the tone for the organization. Generous leaders in these areas create a culture that is outwardly focused. Generosity can be a core principle of a business culture.
Fulfillment is the happiness or satisfaction that comes from developing one’s own abilities or character. A leader who knows his talents and skills are being put to good use and that he is growing personally and professionally has the mindset that he is stewarding his life well.
What will you do when opportunity knocks? Occasionally the unexpected comes along, something that might take us to a whole new level, or set an entirely different course for our career or family. Will you know what to do when a door opens?
Godly leadership is sorely needed in our current culture. Godly leaders aren’t those who are arrogant and desire to exercise power. Rather they possess sober judgment and a measure of faith.
This year Zoom will host 3.3 trillion meeting minutes. Zoom welcomes 300 million meeting participants each day. Even if you are back in the office full-time, you’ll likely engage online in a meeting with others on a regular basis.
People in general and leaders in particular are proficient in making choices. Our culture is organized around constant choice-making. Choices are literally everywhere, all the time.
An alarming trend is younger workers checking out. Whether from burnout, mental health issues, boredom or self-isolation, more and more workers and leaders and disengaging. What does the Bible say about it?
A leader must accept some level of risk if he is to lead. To innovate, to explore new ideas, to find success along unexpected paths involves risk. Risking is a skill that can be learned and developed.
We are all born evil. We have what the Bible calls a “sin nature”—a predisposition to disobey God that has been passed down to every person starting with Adam and Eve. Their sin in the Garden of Eden separated them from a perfect relationship with God.
If you can inspire those around you, then you may be a highly effective leader. Inspirational skills can help you overcome challenges, encourage creativity, cope with stress and connect others with their strengths.
What does it take to be a good manager? While leadership is most often associated with guidance or direction, management is identified as the process of dealing with things or people. Management is the day to day, where the rubber meets the road.
FRIDAY MORNINGS
Friday Morning Men’s Fellowship is where men gather to grow in their leadership capacity.
STEP IT UP
Leadership Ministries offers Radical Mentoring that will help you make the most of life's opportunities.
From Mark Maynard, President: Our rapidly changing world is filled with uncertainty and instability. We need not look far to recognize that one of the greatest issues of our day is the lack of courageous Biblical leadership. Our mission, at Leadership Ministries, for almost 40 years, has been to address the strategic need in our culture to develop male leadership. Each week hundreds of men gather to be encouraged and equipped to lead in the primary institutions of society – marriage, family and business. I invite you to strengthen your leadership skills by joining us at a location near you.
WEEKLY MEN’S FELLOWSHIPS
Groups meet weekly on various days in the mornings! Join us at a location near you…
Athens (Fridays) • Full Cup Financial, 297 Prince Ave, Ste 15, 30601, John Keeble, (706-395-0757)
Lenox Park (Fridays) • 1277 Lenox Park Boulevard, 30319, Todd Harlow (404-966-7340)
Grant Park (Tuesdays) • Howdy ATL Biscuit Cafe, 753 Cherokee Ave, 30315, Robert Scott (770-401-5909)
Gwinnett (Fridays) • 107 Technology Pkwy, 30092, Dave McMullen (404-255-2613)
Tucker (Fridays) • 2367 Main Street, 30319, Tyler Refling (678-457-9882)
West End (Fridays) • 1300 Joseph E Boone Blvd NW, 30314, Ben Davis (770-653-0048)
Brentwood, TN (Fridays) • Chesapeake Business Center, 1616 Westgate Cir, 37027, Tom Eberle, (615-419-5114)
Arusha, Tanzania (Fridays) • Emmanuel Lazier
Taveta, Kenya (Fridays) • Reuben ole Tiges
Let’s face it, we all want to quit sometimes. In the midst of misery, despair, depression, failure, pain, surprise, problems, emergencies—we are all tempted to throw in the towel.