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This edition is sponsored by Gloo |
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The dramatic season of change I’m in right now takes me back to another such season. The move from undergrad to my first job was monumental. I was 23, leaving the collegiate wonderworld for an office, coat and tie, budgets, meetings, and deadlines. If that weren't enough, I began my matrimonial journey at the same time, all in a new city of strangers. |
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Just before taking that leap, I came across a book that continues to inform and inspire readers 36 years after its initial release, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It was a timely voice of experience I needed while trying to navigate the foreign territory my life had become. |
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After decades of research, Stephen Covey synthesized seven habits he had seen in countless contexts: 1. Be Proactive, 2. Begin with the End in Mind, 3. Put First Things First, 4. Think Win-Win, 5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, 6. Synergize, and 7. Sharpen the Saw. He didn’t claim that any of those principles originated with him. He simply pulled together what he understood to be natural laws of growth and change that had previously existed independently and put it into print. |
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I appreciate the wisdom and utility I’ve found putting those principles into practice. Perhaps you do as well. In ministry, I’ve enjoyed having a succinct list I can draw from in conversations which offers everyday language for biblical truths. |
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It’s the last one—Sharpen the Saw—that came to mind as I reflected on the work I do with CT Pastors. Ministry leaders are dedicated to cultivating widespread maturity in Christ and greater fruitfulness in the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to them by God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Our heart is to populate this platform with content that will expand and refine the thinking and engagement of those who are providing direction and encouragement to all facets of the Church. |
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One of the challenges we face is helping leaders engage with one another, especially those from differing evangelical tribes. The truth is, we grow most as we persistently sharpen the saw together as a community project. That may look like recovery, renewal, education, inspiration, or maybe just a little exploration. We have resources for each of those aims, and I hope you will dig into all that's here with at least one other leader. |
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Just last weekend I heard of a group of men who have been meeting regularly as a small group since 1978. That’s 48 years! I have a hunch those fellas are razor sharp after decades of showing up for the good of one another. They’ve probably used all manner of curriculum, but refinement has come only as they’ve brought their imperfect but earnest selves to the table, iron sharpening iron as Solomon testified (Proverbs 27:17). |
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May God use the friction of our friendships to bring about the beauty of his workmanship in our lives and the fulfillment of his redemptive purposes in the world. |
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Executive Director of CT Pastors |
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Our pastoral forefather, George Herbert, orients us to the music that stops the flow of discouragement.
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| Casey Dwyer |
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Knowing the ways God uses our preaching feeds our faith in the outcomes.
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| Matthew D. Love |
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How will congregations find places in dense, expensive urban areas?
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| Taylor Combs |
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The sanctuary quieted as it cleared. The worship team finished packing up and departed. Daniel’s thoughts faded, interrupted by the sound of Norma’s voice.
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| Erik Petrik |
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MENTAL HEALTH & THE CHURCH |
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We have a holy opportunity to return to our roots—a chance to recover the kind of care that once marked every aspect of the early church.
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| Carey Nieuwhof & James Sells |
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Spiritual leadership requires us to know the stories of our people.
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| Dan Allender |
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| paid content for compassion |
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She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."…
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PREACHING TODAY: Fresh sermon illustrations and updates on new sermons, preaching articles and much more! |
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