A Book I’m Reading – Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership
This is a very transformative book — especially for those in that serve in the ministry. One of the lines that sticks out to me is this: “The best thing any of us have to bring to leadership is our own transforming self. Why? Because engaging deeply in the process of spiritual transformation and choosing to lead from that place gives us the opportunity to forge a powerful connection between our souls—that place at the center of our being where God’s spirit is at work, loving, transforming and guiding us—and our leadership.”
Have you read it? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
From Amazon:
“I’m tired of helping others enjoy God―I just want to enjoy God for myself.”
With this painful admission, Ruth Haley Barton invites us to an honest exploration of what happens when spiritual leaders lose track of their souls. Weaving together contemporary illustrations with penetrating insight from the life of Moses, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership explores topics such as
- responding to the dynamics of calling
- facing the loneliness of leadership
- leading from your authentic self
- cultivating spiritual community
- reenvisioning the promised land
- discerning God’s will together
Each chapter includes a spiritual practice to ensure your soul gets the nourishment it needs. Forging and maintaining a life-giving connection with God is the best choice you can make for yourself and for those you lead.
A Book I’m Going to Start Soon – How to Heal Our Racial Divide
This is a brand new book from Derwin Gray that comes with high praise. While there is plenty I don’t know about this topic, I do know the gospel is meant to bring healing. I look forward to digging in very soon.
From Amazon:
“I was moved by what I read. I saw things in Scripture I’d never seen before, I saw truths about God and humans and injustice and myself that were new to me, but radically important.” —Annie F. Downs, New York Times Bestselling Author of That Sounds Fun
Why must everything be so black and white? Like many of us, Derwin Gray is weary of the racial divide in our society. He longs to see hurts healed, wrongs corrected, and trust replace distrust.
The good news is that the Bible has a lot to say about how to heal our persistent racial divides. In this book, popular Bible teacher Derwin Gray walks us through Scripture, showing us the heart of God—how God from the beginning envisioned a reconciled multiethnic family in loving community, reflecting his beauty and healing presence in the world. This message is central to the gospel itself.
After reading this book, you won’t read the Bible the same way again—and you’ll want to walk through this eye-opening scriptural journey with your friends or small group.
As founding pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic church located in the Charlotte metro area, Derwin knows firsthand the hurdles and challenges to the reconciliation that Scripture commands. That is why he carefully outlines in this book how to establish color-blessed discipleship in your own church.
Together, we can become the change that God yearns to see in this world.
A Recent Service I’d Love for You to Watch – Good Friday at SHC 2022
Good Friday is one of my favorite services to be part of each year. It provides an intentional way for me to slow down and properly reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. This year, I had the privilege of teaching with my good friend Mau Menesses. We have heard some powerful feedback from those that attended. Our team did a great job of creating a unique experience throughout the teaching. I’d love for you to check it out.
A Quote from I’m Thinking About
A leader is a person who must take special responsibility for what’s going on inside him or her self, inside his or her consciousness, lest the act of leadership create more harm than good.” — Parker Palmer