Enduring Churches Podcast with Alan and Trent

Episode 168: The Servant Leadership Soapbox

Episode 168: he Servant Leadership Soapbox   The frustration is that leadership has been confused with seeking power and servanthood has been associated with nobility power is the most intoxicating force in the world. and when it gets associated with money or sex, its even more powerful dares to bring down everyone around it.   We need leaders who have the heart of servants. John Maxwell suggested leadership is influence...most definitions I see use a word like influence or motivation. Leadership is powerful, but it is not power People in ministries are to be influencers. Leadership occurs naturally, you cannot hide influence. It's opposite is follower; the fair critique is that many leaders have forgotten they too are followers   We need servants who have a true piety a servant performs duties on behalf of another servanthood is only as strong as the reason behind the service. wicked servant in some of Jesus' parables. Not all servants are noble, just like not all leaders are power hungry. do we serve wanting others to see us or do we serve because  it's the right thing to do. Its opposite is master, seeking to have others serve us. Master is the condition of people who have no desire to serve, only want to be served.   We should all strive to be good servants. We should develop our leadership to enhance our influence.

Episode 167: One Year In

Episode 167: One Year In

 

Today, Trent and Alan talk about reflections to make one year into a new ministry.

 

 

 

Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com

Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com

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Episode 166: Do You Procrastinate

Episode 166: Do You Procrastinate

 

Why do we procrastinate? Worry - If you're like me I overthink things and I worry about reactions of others.   We think too much - Things can become huge in my mind - but they really are very small   The 5 rule - If it won't matter in 5 years then don't spend 5 minutes worrying about it   Lots of Distractions It’s not easy to keep focused in a world full of distractions.   Some things we just don't like to do - or we are not good at them What things do you put off because you don't enjoy them? Make a list and do them First and Fast   personality type       But there are 3 steps you can take to end procrastination:   1. Forgive yourself.  - you're normal   Please realize we don’t procrastinate because we’re lazy. The solution is not ‘time management’ or psyching ourselves up.   We procrastinate because our self-worth is hurt in some way. We doubt our capacities or haven’t learned yet to manage our emotions.    That’s why we need to re-shape our belief in ourselves, and that starts by forgiving ourselves!     2. Set up a realistic goal.   The next step is to set up an inspiring but achievable goal.   Why do we set such far away goals like becoming billionaires or changing the world? Many times it’s because we know they can’t be achieved in the short term, so we protect ourselves from ‘failing’ on them.   Do this instead: challenge yourself to very, very small things. Depending on your level of procrastination it can be things like finishing this email, getting up from bed, or sending one report.     The most difficult part is always to start, so make it easy and start small.   3. Accomplish it step by step.   Break your big goals into small, little chunks.   Celebrate accomplishment Every time that you accomplish something, celebrate! Overcoming procrastination is about building your self-esteem way more than forcing yourself to work.   God has created you to do good works and He has prepared them in advance!   Gather a team The things you hate to do are the same things that God has created someone else with the skills and desire to do well.   So ask for help!!!!!

Episode 165: How To Recapture Lost Vision

Episode 165: How To Recapture Lost Vision

 

Signs of lost vision:

• declining church
• lack of joy
• strife
• nothing that rallies the congregation

Why do we lose vision?

• tired - stopped seeking God
• frustrated - we stop learning

How do we recapture vision

• Go back to basics: start with the Gospel
• Get involved with a visionary 
• Find encouragers
• Change your outlook: be positive and set an optimistic tone
• In some cases, ask if it's time to move on.

Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website

Episode 164: Does the Size of a Church Matter?

Episode 164: Does the Size of a Church Matter?   If size is used as a sole determinant of God's favor, then absolutely not.   However understanding your churches size is important? Size can be a useful indicator Size can identify certain challenges under 50 - "family church mentality" hard for new people to have a voice under 125 - "shepherding challenge" one staff person can only do so much under 500 - "structuring continued success" organizational issues and small groups Larger churches - "Personality Driven or Jesus Driven" a unique challenge Size is fluid for most churches, however some churches practice intentional sizing   Discipleship and leadership development are critical at any size, but it looks different   The smaller the size, the quicker change can take place, but often the consequences of those changes is quite high.   Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website

Episode 163: Connecting and Preaching

your experience The ultimate Question? Is God pleased? my preparation? my heart? my attitude   Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website

 

Episode 162: Trust: The Currency of Change

Episode 162: Trust: The Currency of Change

Church revitalization is about leading change, and to lead change within the church, there must be trust.   A pastor cannot force a church or people to trust, instead, the pastor must build trust by demonstrating trustworthiness.   Building trust in your church will allow you to instigate change   Here are the statements from the PRA that are used to assess character that builds trust. 1. The pastor is viewed as a person others can trust. 2. The pastor has a confident certainty in words they speak. 3. The pastor can own up to personal struggles and failures and quickly asks for forgiveness from others. 4. The pastor reflects Christ-likeness in words and deeds. 5. The pastor demonstrates the character traits expected in others.   6. The pastor is looked to as a model for good attitude and right behavior. 7. The pastor is able to keep confidences and does not exaggerate. 8. The pastor is a trusted counselor for many people. 9. The pastor is competent with all the necessary skills of a pastor. 10. The pastor knows how to build consensus and does it regularly.   trust is built based upon two components: character and competence. Each of these is further broken down into two additional categories:   intent and integrity. Intent, or the heart of character, is further broken down into three elements: caring, humility and openness.   Integrity is broken down into three elements as well: honesty, fairness and authenticity.   Competence is broken down into capability and results.   Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enduringchurches Website: https://enduringchurches.com

Episode 161:Old Made New

Episode 160:Old Made New

 

 

Old things new # 1 simple programs for simple discipleship example: Bible Drill   # 2 smaller auditoriums; bigger fellowship areas   #3 Circuit Riding Preachers   # 4 The importance of the neighborhood   # 5. Renewed interest in prayer gatherings

 

What did we miss?

alan@dtabtogether.com

office@gvbamo.com

 

Episode 160: Undigested Thinking

Episode 160: Undigested Thinking

 

Carey Nieuwhof's blog

Carey Nieuwhof addressed 4 types of thinking that will sabotage you. One of those, undigested thinking" got us to thinking about some experiences we have observed.

 

Trent's Thoughts I have a ton of notes and notebooks from conferences.   I pile them in the book shelf I Forget the great lesson I don't make any plans   Find one idea or lesson and calendar an action immediately Brainstorm and write notes of how to implement that one idea How do you make it work for you in your setting? Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enduringchurches Website: https://enduringchurches.com

 

 

Epsiode159: Are You Coaching?

Epsiode159: Are You Coaching?

Are you intentionally coaching Someone in your church? Another pastor?   Scripture gives us examples and  a plan. Abraham and Isaac Isaac and Jacob Elijah and Elisha David and Solomon Jesus and Peter Jesus and Judas Barnabas and Paul Paul and John Mark Paul and Timothy   CORPUS   Contacts: Alan: Alan@dtbatogether.com Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com www.enduringchurches.com