Leadershift: An internal Juxtaposition for Ecclesiastical Praxis

Here's a VERY stimulating note from one of own PALC pals... Steve Pichaske. It pertains to the book we've read, Leadershift, by Don Cousins. I thought Steve was absolutely brilliant in the way he juxtaposed chapter 6 with the case study in chapter 9. (Way to go Steve!)

Here are Steve's insights... but be sure to read all the way to the end... I would love for you to respond by leaving a comment.

Just a note from my Leadershift reading that I wanted to touch on and know that I'll forget about by the time we meet again in January...

(Keep in mind that I'm really enjoying the book and the wisdom Cousins has to offer)

In chapter 6, we're given a biblical model for church leadership that includes "staff led" as opposed to "staff run," with the congregation serving in key leadership roles. Did anyone else find it interesting that his "case study" in chapter 9, particularly with respect to the youth pastor (Doug), seemed to reinforce a "staff run" mentality? I realize that this was a different chapter, and Cousins was trying to succinctly convey a different point - that we need to humbly serve in our areas of greatest annointing.

Still, I was struck by the fact that there was nothing in chapter 9 (at least that I recall) that hinted at "training God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ could be built up." Could Doug have effectively served as this growing church's youth pastor by developing a cadre of fellow youth leaders, including some who whose gifts would have been perfectly suited to the role of planning big events. We've seen this situation play itself out far too often...church realizes it needs a youth minister who can lead a big youth group but sacrifices the development of a team that can both think big and minister small (or they bring in a "superstar" and burn him/her out in 18 months). Meanwhile, "Doug" is living out his calling in the secular world (which is great) but has been lost as a gifted, called vocational minister.

The danger comes, I think, when we hear of a great idea (i.e. training the saints)...but then forget about said great idea when our thoughts move on to the next great idea (i.e. reorganizing staff for greater effectiveness).
I'm probably being too harsh, but Cousins has me doing some mental wrestling...

Thanks again for a great day yesterday (for a couple of reasons, I did end up spending the night in Peoria).

In Christ,
Steve Pichaske
First UMC
Rushville, IL

You Be the Coach
I encourage you to read pages 138-141 starting with the subtitle: "Staff Led" on page 138. Then flip to page 204 and start reading under the subtitle, "Doug's Zone." Read until page 207.

Now, think about the following... and then hit the comment button and enrich our lives:
1. What insights do you have from this comparison?
2. Given what Cousins says in 138-141, what other approach might Doug have taken?
3. How would you have coached Doug?

3 Assignments for 1/27/09

PALC Warriors... (you masculine men you)

I was deeply blessed by your desire to be together yesterday... even though we were in the middle of a snow storm. I'm thinking of Paul walking through the freezing weather holding his car battery on his way to Farm and Fleet (a mile away—and remember... Paul has had heart surgery). I'm thinking of Steve saying, "I can spend the night in Peoria if the snow gets too bad." I'm thinking of Kyle saying, "Can we meet 30 minutes earlier?" I could go on, but won't. All this only confirms what I already knew... God got the right guys together for this journey. I was sharpened by each of you and your love for God, each other, and your insights from his Word. I will never see swords or lilies the same. Thank you.

Let the record show that for our next PACL on 1/27/09, the following two items were discussed and confirmed:
1. Cary will be brining the coffee and goodies.
2. We're all brown baggin' it for lunch... so bring your own.

Only THREE Assignments for 1/27/09...

1. Finish your DDP
We have five whole weeks before we meet on 1/27/09. Use this time to finish your DDP. Remember, for our purposes, you are writing this DDP for YOUR own kids! Of course, the process and final product of your DDP will be TOTALLY applicable to your ministry... but I think it will mean more if we take it out of the context of our ministries and think about what we hope our own kids will become. Your finished DDP will have the following:




* Intro
(you can steal and tweak my intro or write your own)

* 5-8 big picture descriptors—each with corresponding Scripture
(you should already have these)

* As in the example I handed out to you, under each of your major descriptors, you should have the following subpoints... something like this::
A. What ABILITIES the discipled person will posses
1. Ability to.... (Bible passage)
2. Ability to... (Bible passage)
3. Etc.
B. What ATTITUDES the discipled person will have
1. Specific attitude.... (Bible passage)
2. Specific attitude... (Bible passage)
3. Etc.
C. What RELATIONSHIPS the discipled person will build
1. Specific relationship.... (Bible passage)
2. Specific relationship... (Bible passage)
3. Etc.
(Note: You're not limited to three items under each A, B, and C... it's just an example I'm giving.)


Two important tips for developing your DDP:

* Go on a DDP date with your wife.
PEOPLE OWN WHAT THEY HELP CREATE! Your wife must own this as much as you do... therefore, SHE must be involved in creating your DDP. Take what your currently have (your 5-8 big picture descriptors of your DDP so far) and ask her to change it, improve it... edit it, removed something, add something. etc. And have a DISCUSSION (not an argument) over what she is thinking and why. I suggest a coffee date to do this... but go where you won't see people you know and you can take your time for an hour or two dialogue. Once you have arrived TOGETHER on the 5-8 big picture descriptors of what YOU BOTH will call a "fully devoted follower of Jesus," then you can either work together on developing the ABILITIES, ATTITUDES, and RELATIONSHIPS of your DDP... or you can split them up, work individually on some, and then come back together to discuss and tweak them.

* Use your devotional time to write your DDP:
Since developing your DDP is by necessity a Bible study, you and your wife each can your devotional time from now through 1/27/09 to write your DDP. It's just a thought.

2. Email from Hell audio/PDF CD:
Each of you left our December PALC with an Email from Hell CD. Please be sure to put the CD into a regular CD player and listen to the dramatic reading of the 15-20 minute lesson. Once YOU'VE heard it, then either use it with your family (junior high/high school), or use with the students in your youth ministry, or pass it on to a staff or volunteer who works with students and ask them to use it and report back to you. On 1/27/09, I will ask each of you what you did with this CD and ask for a report on how it went. I did not give this CD to you to sit on your shelves.

FYI... here's what is on the CD: This dramatic audio edition is designed for small group, whole group or personal use. This single episode CD pack includes an enhanced format audio CD that is designed to play in a regular CD player or in Mac/PC computers. The disc includes the master PDF file and license to enable you to print whatever number of companion audio scripts for read-along study with follow-through questions. The CD includes an audio introduction by series author, Bill Allison. Also the dramatized audio as read by John Mehalic for mentoring his young demons of destruction to put into play Satan's strategy. This episode makes for a great stand alone lesson for use between series or as an effective devotional tool for personal or small group use.

3. Memory verses
Leadership Community
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

The Power of a Personal Growth Plan
Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40

Pathway to Purity
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22

Train Others to Do the Ministry
Ephesians 4:11-12
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Ephesians 4:11-12

Jesus’ Strategy: Select, Train, Coach, and Mentor
Mark 3:14-15
He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
Mark 3:14-15

Deeper Relationships with the Right People
John 3:22
After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them...
John 3:22


Before I go, let me say one more thing. (Warning: Public shaming ahead.) What is it with YL and YFC? Dan and Cary seem think they don't need to memorize God's Word with the rest of us??? OK... they will each quote all of our verses one at a time at PALC on 1/27. And the rest of us will give them a rating between 1-10. The judges (the rest of us) can decide if we want them to do it over.

DDP Help

PALC People...

Attaching a sample of ONE of my big picture descriptors from my very own DDP... notice the descriptor and the Scripture.



For Tuesday, I want you to bring 5-7 big picture descriptors—each with corresponding Scriptures. Yes... I know this will stretch you and make you think hard... my point exactly. Generalities are the sign of a lazy mind. Specific is terrific. This exercise of choosing 5-7 big picture descriptors is like peeling the onion of discipleship... down to the very core of YOUR understanding of discipleship... and that's precisely where I want to go with you. (Think about the ramifications of NOT having a clear and biblical idea of what a REAL disciple is!)

Oh yeah... how goes that study of Song of Solomon?

I'm quite fond of you all...

BA

Prepared or panicked?

Looking forward to time with you on Tuesday, 12/16... for PALC 2.0.

One question: Are you prepared for 12/16... or panicked?

No pressure at all. Just six other guys who want to learn to love God, their wives, etc. counting on YOU to enrich their lives in a Proverbs 27:17 way.

Great news... you have a full week before we meet. Lean into it...

This message brought to you by your Proverbs 27:17 pal, BA

DDP Discussion

I've been struggling to get my mind around writing a DDP. Anyone else?

Here are a few starters that I know I want to include ideas from...

Luke 2:52- And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
(In this verse I'm seeing a focus on a child's intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social growth)

Quote from James Dobson (on pg 54 of Bringing up Boys)- "If I may be permitted to offer what will sounds like a hyperbole, I believe the future of Western civilization depends on how we handle this present crisis. Why? Because we as parents are raising the next generation of men who will either lead with honor and integrity or abandon every good thing they have inherited. They are bridges to the future. Nations that are populated largely by immature, immoral, weak-willed, cowardly, and self indulgent men cannot and will not endure. These types of men include those who sire and abandon their children; who cheat on their wives, who lie, steal, and covet; who hate their countrymen; and who serve no god but money. That is the direction culture is taking today's boys. We must make the necessary investment to counter these influences and to build within our boys lasting qualities of 1) character, 2) self-discipline, 3) respect for authority, 4) commitment to the truth, 5) a belief in the work ethic, and 6) an unshakable love for Jesus Christ. The pursuit of those objectives led me to undertake the writing of this book."
(italics & numbers mine)

5 Smooth Stones for Parenting from Chip Ingram:
1) Teach them to Suffer well (Genesis 37-50, I Peter 2:21-23)
2) Teach them to Work for the Lord (Genesis 2:15, Colossians 3:23)
3) Teach them to Mange their lives wisely (Genesis 1:26-28, Matthew 25:14-30)
4) Teach them to Discern good from evil (Exodus 3:5-6, I Peter 1:15-16)
5) Teach them to live Grace-Filled lives (Genesis 3:21, Ephesians 2:8-10, I Peter 1:13)

I'd love to hear any of your initial thoughts... or sound off on these!

PALC Assignments 12/16/08

PALC Gents...

Thanks for the sharpening yesterday. You will never know what a breath of fresh air you are to me! OK... that was a spiritual/emotional metaphor... because you were anything but fresh air to me yesterday... and I think you know what I' talking about.

For our next PALC on 12/16/08, be sure to be ready for the following:

1. Song of Solomon: Please read the eight chapters of SOS one more time before we meet... ideally... with your wife... and bring your study guide with your thoughts and insights written in it. Remember, we're going to study Song of Solomon because of Proverbs 5:15-20. So write your thoughts in those study guides and bring them with you ready to go.

2. Be ready to discuss the book, Leadershift, chapters 3, 6, 9 and 10.

3. Download, print out, read, and mark up chapter one of THE FORGOTTEN WAYS

4. Bring a list of 5-8 BIG ideas for your DDP (description of a discipled person). When your children leave your house, how will you know if they are fully devoted followers of Jesus? What EXACTLY do you mean when you say, "This child has been fully discipled." Try to include a passage of Scripture for each of your 5-8 descriptors of a discipled person.

5. We'll do memory verses front and center next time... so be ready... you have been warned. Let me stick my neck out and say that I will quote Psalm 112 in its entirety next time... anyone want to join me for part or all of Psalms 112? Also we will all do the following:

Leadership Community
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

The Power of a Personal Growth Plan
Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40

Pathway to Purity
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22

Train Others to Do the Ministry
Ephesians 4:11-12
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Ephesians 4:11-12

Jesus’ Strategy: Train, Coach, and Mentor
Mark 3:14-15
He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
Mark 3:14-15

6. Finally, at our next PALC time together, I would love to hear any reports on how things went with your wife as you read Song of Solomon together, or feedback from when you trained anyone with Dialogue #1 Training Makes All the Difference, or PGP stuff, or The Challenge of Finishing Well booklet.

7. Personal growth plan check up.

Pheaney's PGP

I'm following Dan L's example and giving you an updated version of my PGP.

You can track it here.

My accountability partner and I are using Google Docs to keep a list of questions going... as well as our PGPs. It has been an awesome way to review material when we don't have a chance to sit down together!

Response to Kyle: Thoughts on Changing an Organization!

Why Organizational Change Fails
"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things." —Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Preaching change is much different than practicing it. Change is tiring and toilsome work, requiring persistence and resourcefulness. Unfortunately, many leaders fall short in their efforts to enact change. The following list compiles what leadership development expert Mark Sanborn identifies as the most common reasons why organizational change fails. Use it to analyze and/or prevent mistakes in your future attempts at change.

1. Misstarts.
A misstart occurs when change is ill-advised, hastily implemented, or attempted without sufficient commitment. Misstarts are jarring and demoralizing to an organization, and they destroy a leader's credibility.

2. Making change an option.
When leadership commits to change, it must be made clear that change is not an option. Regrettably, the message of change is often weak and watered down. Whenever people have the option to avoid change, they will.

3. A focus only on process.
Leaders can become enmeshed in managing the process of change to the point where they don't measure tangible outcomes. Activity becomes more important than results.

4. A focus only on results.
Unhealthy results-focus stems from a belief that the end justifies any means. Organizations tend to fail miserably in this regard; they downplay or ignore the human pain of change. Insensitivity to people's feelings not only prevents change, but also destroys morale and loyalty in the process.

5. Not involving those expected to implement the change.
Top-down mandates for change arouse a great deal of resentment. To smoothen the arrival of change, employees need to be involved in two ways. First, solicit their input and suggestions when planning the change. Second, involve them in determining the means of change. Leadership needs to communicate, "Here's what must happen. How do you think it can best be done?"

6. Delegation of change to "outsiders".
Change is an inside job. Although outside consultants may provide valuable ideas and input, people inside the organization must accept responsibility for leading change.

7. No change in reward system.
If you continue rewarding employees for what they've always done, you'll never move past the usual results. Adjust rewards, recognition, and compensation to reflect the desired change.

8. Leadership doesn't walk the talk.
Attempts at change are sabotaged whenever leaders neglect to demonstrate the same commitment they expect from others. Leadership must take the first steps.

9. Wrong size.
In this instance, change is either too massive to be achievable or too small to be significant. A change program should be neither too easy nor too impossible.

10. No follow-through.
The best planning is worthless if not implemented, monitored, and measured. Responsibility for executing change must be clearly defined so that follow-through is timely and thorough. Remember, what is measured is what gets done!

Adapted from Mark Sanborn, Why Organizational Change Fails, Leadership Wired, Issue 1, 9/08

Ephesians 4:11-12 Training

Today I did the first part of the Training Dialogue with our Church's Ministry Community ( our non-paid staff). We had some great dialogue around the scripture, why church's and leaders don't talk about training, and where we are in regards to it. It went really great......until the end. A few of the leaders pushed back. Why do we have all these assignments? I've try'd to train and no body show'd up. We don't have time to train our volunteers. Why don't we do ministry community the way that it was.

Why they do have the right to voice there opions. It was sad. They did some of the things that they just talked about other leaders doing. I was really frustrated. Yet at the same time really encouraged. I saw other leaders really connecting with the dialogue. I will continue to do what is on my heart and what I'm passionate for. I did listen to what they had to say. I understand some of their concerns. Yet at the same time realized how hard it is to create a training mentality with in a church that doesn't already have one.

Looking forward to meeting with you guys in 10 days.

Kyle

"If you hold a leadership position but are not equipping the saints for the work of service, then you are not a leader. You may hold the position; you may have the title; you may be called a leader; but you're not a leader as the Bible defines it, because leadership means equipping."
—from the book, Experiencing Leadershift by Don Cousins



For more info, see Mark 3:13-19, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:11-12, and 2 Timothy 2:2 for starters.

That's what I'm thinking.

What do you think?

Party with the PALC

Click image to enlarge picture.What was your favorite part of the PALC party?

PALC Thanks, 11/18/08 Assignments, and Certification Opportunities

PALC Gents,

Wow... yesterday was intense and sharpening! This may sound weird... but I left spent, satisfied, and energized. Our heart interaction and honest conversation about our purity journeys deeply encourage and sharpened me. Thanks for leaning into that time together with all your heart. And, on the hand/ministry skill front, I totally loved our interaction over Dialogue #1 Training Makes All the Difference—Developing a Ministry Team 101.... and look forward to continuing that training next time.... a mere three weeks from now... when we meet next... November 18th!

And did I mention that the coffee from The Coffee Hound and the baked goodies ROCKED? Thanks Kyle!

Now that was a day well invested... and this leadership community is becoming what I've prayed and hoped it would become! A big fat way to go to God and you. I loved all of yesterday, but if I had to pick one part of yesterday as a favorite, it would have to be when we came back after that great Mexican lunch... and stood around in the kitchen (I was drinking coffee again)... and we all shared our experiences in training the Personal Growth Plan training lab with others. I LOVED hearing how you each multiplied that training in your own unique way... in your own unique ministry situations... with the common goal of helping the people in your sphere of influence be more intentional about loving God with all of their lives! MADE MY WEEK!

From my heart to yours... THANK YOU.

For PALC on 11/18/08
Since we only have three weeks before our next PALC... I want keep the assignments lighter... but extremely focused:

1. Our next HEART time together will focus on making our marriages ROCK. (Think here of the proactive part of purity.) Accordingly, here's what you need to do:
* Download and print a copy of the Song of Solomon Study guide—GO HERE.
* Read through Song of Solomon twice BEFORE we meet (see if you're wife will read though it with you on one of those times) and record your insights in the Song of Solomon study guide.

2. Read Leadershift chapters 3 and 6. Reflect and write in the book. We'll discuss these.

3. For those of you who are able to start using the Dialogue #1: Training Makes All the Difference training before we meet next, we'll give you an opportunity to report back on how the training went for you. For those of us who won't be able to use this training in the next three weeks, you'll have until December 16th to use the training in some fashion (even a simple one on one with a key person in your ministry).

4. Please come ready to quote the following from memory:

Leadership Community
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

The Power of a Personal Growth Plan
Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40

Pathway to Purity
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22

Train Others to Do the Ministry
Ephesians 4:11-12
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Ephesians 4:11-12

You may want to start writing these on 3 X 5 cards and cary them with you so you can work on them at any time over the next three weeks. Better yet, get someone... or a small group of people (your family counts) to memorize them with you!


More Trainer Certification Opportunities for the Daring
I want to let you know that you have two opportunities to become a trainer for the following Cadre training workshops:

1. Saturday, January 24, 2009, Ministry Is Relationships, FBC, Macomb, IL.

2. Saturday, February 7, 2009, Evangelism Is Relationship, FBC, Pekin, IL

Please RSVP with me IF you want to be a trainer for either of these... starting by taking it back to your own ministry!

Your PALC Pal...

BA

Pheaney's Great Quote from the Last PALC

"As a leader and manager you have two options:
#1) Invest minimal time in goal-setting, live with fuzzy targets and use your superior motivational skills to pump up the sagging morale of your team. You'll actually save time this way because you'll never have to waste time celebrating success.
#2) Invest time with your team in goal-setting. You've learned that every day invested up front on clear targets will eliminate days of expensive wrong turns, one-way streets and blind alleys - so your team is focused on clear goals that align with the mission. Your monthly celebrations and your spontaneous affirmation moments keep your team's spirit high."
—John Pearson, Master the Management Buckets: 20 Critical Competencies for leading your business or nonprofit

PGP teaching

Taught PGP twice this weekend. Did a simplified version with no Keynote for my youth leaders. Went great. I think they were really challenged. Then after church did one for what we call Ministry Community (church leaders), used my awesome mac (had to get a trial version of the new keynote, mines too old to run it, it said). Went great. They interacted, didn't really talk much about the videos, let them speak for themselves, water cup thing went great. I've got some more to do on it to improve but all in all I was happy with the time. Now it's up to them to follow through.

KO

Purity Lesson

Just wanted to post the link to my message from this last sunday. It's called Twisted: It's only physical (aka, Bill's purity talk that God gave him shortened and spoken by Kyle) I got really good feed back. I would love some from you guys too.

KO

PGP

I'm teaching the PGP 2 times this weekend. First to my Ministry Leaders for the Youth, and for our church leadership after church. I ran through the slides and my notes. I'm think I've forgotten how to set up the clips, and some of the slides. I feel like we just blow through the information in a hurry to get out of there last time. Or I just took bad notes. Does anyone else feel that way. Maybe I'm just a perfectionist and want it done the right way. Or the way that it was taught. It's in God's hands. I guess that's the way we become better trainers. Of course I've got a student man camp this weekend too, so lot's of stress.

KO

PGP Results

I shared the PGP lab this Sunday (Oct 5) with a small group my wife and I just started. It went really well. Up until the point where we broke off and shared our spiritual health 'number'... I was feeling pretty shaky. My presentation seemed a little stiff, there wasn't a lot of interaction.

But it was awesome to get people interacting with each other and God! Some great moments and I'm excited where it goes from here.

How did everyone else's trainings go?

Purity

I'm giving the message this sunday at Heartland. It's the sex talk. Using lots of the material that God gave us through Bill. I hope it doesn't sound like I took him word for word. But as a prepared these things kept coming up in my mind. I believe God gave them to me for this message. We'll see how it goes. I'll post a link for you to listen to later.

KO

I did....no...God did it!

After last weeks challenging conversations I felt lead to get more focused with my accountability partner. Really felt like we were just talking, not challenging each other. This week I met with him, during the whole time I felt like satin was trying to keep me from sharing with him. In the end with God's strength I overcame. He was totally open. I gave him a list of questions, told him about my PGP, and he wanted to know more about how I did it. Praise God.

Kyle

Accountawhatability

Ran across some great questions for when you/we meet with those men who speak truth into our lives. I cut and pasted from the web site and am bringing it to you. So here's a question, do these work, should there be more or should there be less?

_Have you been consistently pursuing the Lord through scripture reading and prayer?

Above anything else, I want to make sure that my friends are faithfully pursuing the Lord. If there is a deficiency in reading scripture and prayer, there will be a deficiency in their relationship with the Lord.

_Have you diligently pursued your wife/husband this week?

This questions applies to married folks only. Our relationship with our spouse is our second most important relationship after the Lord. If I’m not diligently investing in my relationship with my wife, there’s a problem.

_Have you seen any persistent patterns of sin in your life recently?

Sin usually isn’t an isolated event. The same sin usually occurs multiple times in different contexts. It’s crucial that we help each other identify patterns of sin.

_Last week you confessed struggling with [insert sin]. Have you taken steps to fight it this week?

It’s not enough to just confess sin. We want to help each other actively fight against the sin that we confess.

_When you gave into [insert sin], what were you believing about God in that moment? What were you believing about yourself?

Sin is the result of believing lies about God and about ourselves. We sin in worry because we believe that God isn’t taking care of us. We sin in lust because we believe that it will satisfy us more than God. We sin in anger because we feel that our “rights” have been violated. Sin is the result of believing lies.

_What is the truth that you need to believe in this situation?

We fight against the lies of sin by believing scriptural truth. We must help each other see how scripture applies to every area of our lives.

_When you had the conflict with [insert person], what were you craving at that moment?

Scripture tells that conflict is the result of cravings. James 4:1-2 says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” Cravings underlie conflict.

KO

PALC 2

This is the official blog of the Peoria Area Leadership Community 2.0 (a.k.a. Bill's Boys). Join us on the journey of doing life together. As we seek to change our lives (heart) and our world (hands).

KO