Archive for the 'Encouragement' CategoryPage 2 of 5

Reasons you might want to say no!

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on May 8, 2008
in Encouragement, Leadership and Random
. 1 Comment

Here are 6 questions to ask before saying no for no sake.
1. Am I already working on several important assignments that leave me no time for this one?
If so maybe no is the right answer.
2. Can I delegate some of my other work to make room for this assignment?
If no maybe no is the right answer.
3. Can I put some of my other assignments on the back burner while I work on this one?
If not maybe no is the right answer.
4. Will taking on this assignment cause harm to my other work?
If so maybe no is the right answer.
5. Do I absolutely lack the skills necessary to complete this assignment?
If yes maybe no is the right answer.
6. Am I the only person who can successfully complete this assignment?
If no maybe no is the right answer.

more to come…

Jesus said no…

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on May 4, 2008
in Encouragement, Leadership and Random
. 2 Comments

Let’s look at our example (JESUS) Here are eight times Jesus said no..
1. He said no to the devil (Luke 4)
2. He said no to religious people and their doctrines & traditions (Luke 5 & 6)
3. He said no to family (Luke 8:19-21)
4. He said no to a man who wanted Jesus to act as a judge between an inheritance dispute
with his brother (Luke 12:14)
5. He said no to miracles because of the lack of faith of people in their hometown (Mark 6:5)
6. He said no to his disciples when they asked him to send the people away so they could buy
themselves food. He said no, you give them something to eat (Mark 6:36 & 37)
7. Said no to the Syrian Phoenician woman because she didn’t have a covenant (Mark 7:26)
8. He said no to ministry (Matt. 8:18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.)
Notice he didn’t say no to all these situations all the time but what these verse give me is permission to say no to even good things as well as bad things. It also let’s me know that sometimes no is the best answer.

The Best Part of Orange

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on May 2, 2008
in Encouragement
. 1 Comment

Have you ever wondered, “Am I really making a difference in the lives of kids?” “Are they really getting what I’m teaching?” The answer is yes. The cool thing about the Orange Conference for me was that I ran into at least one child or leader from all of the 4 churches I’ve worked at in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the 00’s and yes they got it. They are now all grown up, not only loving Jesus but they all also ministering to children themselves. They know this children’s ministry stuff works, it worked on them. Don’t ever forget this… YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN THAT WILL IMPACT GENERATIONS TO COME!

The Art of Saying No

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on May 1, 2008
in Encouragement, Leadership and Random
. 1 Comment

Most people work on their strengths and ignore their weaknesses. I believe it’s good to know your strengths and develop them to their fullest. I get a lot done, I do, time management fascinates me.
I have a true confession: “My greatest strength also covers up my biggest weakness!” I’ve always been a sucker for “it can’t be done.” I’ve also had a hard time passing up the challenge, “no one can do this.” I don’t think I’m a workaholic. Sure I enjoy what I do. My wife says I have the gift to turn hobbies into work. Over the past year I have learned to separate my self-worth from my performance. I have been called driven and maybe I am. I sometimes have unrealistic expectations for myself and others. I have been known to enjoy the high of success although the pressure can be too much some time. The truth is I have a hard time saying no! Okay I said it!

I struggle with when. I struggle with how. I struggle with why. I’m having to work on walking out the fact of “just because I am asked to do something that it doesn’t mean it’s God’s will for my life!”
more to come…

Ministryholism

Published
by
Evan Doyle
on April 19, 2008
in Encouragement and Leadership
. 3 Comments

Our senior pastor has been leading youth group for the past several weeks with a series on the book of Daniel.  Last week we were covering the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  If you forget the story, go read Daniel 3.  For a quick summary, the story was: king set up idol, everyone but three worshipped it, three get thrown into furnace, saved from burning by God, king is amazed.  I just condensed an entire chapter of the Bible into 22 words.  Wow.

In talking about idols, our senior pastor made this remark:
“Anything that comes between you and Christ is excess.  An idol.”

He went on to talk about how anything can become an idol: family, friends, socializing, even ministry. Continue reading ‘Ministryholism’

Full Time Leader Part Time Pay-Part 7

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on April 14, 2008
in Encouragement and Leadership
. 0 Comments

In summary, remember these seven points:

1. Full-time doesn’t always give you more time than what you have now .

2. You’re not the first to be in this situation.

3. Your gift will make room for you.

4. Keep your priorities in the proper order.

5 Time management is a must.

6. Learn to be a good communicator.

7. Learn to be content where you are.

As you walk out these steps, you will be more effective as you serve your Lord full-time on part-time or less pay.

Full Time Leader On Part Time Pay-Part 6

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on April 13, 2008
in Blog Updates, Encouragement and Leadership
. 1 Comment

7. Learn to be content where you are.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:12 that there is a secret to being content. He tells us that he knew what it was like to have plenty and he knew what it was like to be in need. The secret to being content in any situation is to know that God is your strength.

Many times we look at circumstances and situations. If everything is smooth, then everything must be okay. But we cannot look at situations or people for encouragement. Our strength comes from the Lord. It’s by His might that you will overcome. It’s in Him that you are victorious. It is Jesus’ strength that will empower you to do all that you have to do with such a small amount of time.

If you cannot find contentment doing what you are now doing with part-time or less pay, you would not be content even as a full-time staff member. Contentment is a way of life. It’s a desire and attitude of heart that says, “No matter what, God is the source of my strength. I will stand upon His Word. I will trust and abide by His Word because His Word brings power and victory.”

It’s not the title that you have that makes you a minister. It’s not the fact that you draw a salary from a church or have an office that makes you effective and obedient to the call on your lives. It’s whether or not you get the job done that really counts. First Peter 5:23 tells you to be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers— not because you must—but because you are willing as God wants you to be. Not greedy for money, but eager to serve. Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

You see titles are easy to get. Many people call themselves a youth or children’s pastor. It’s not the title that makes you a pastor. It’s not where you get your income or paycheck that makes you a pastor. The only thing that can make you a true pastor is when you obey these verses. When you feed and care for the sheep entrusted to you willingly, eager to serve, quick to love, quick to forgive, and are a true example, it is only then that you can be considered a pastor to them. It doesn’t matter whether you are full-time, part-time, or one-quarter time, What matters is that you are being obedient to the call and will of God in your life.

Full-Time On Part-Time Pay-5

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on April 6, 2008
in Blog Updates, Encouragement and Leadership
. 0 Comments

6. Be A Better communicator

Because you may not be able to communicate with your pastor or other staff members when you need to, learn to communicate by writing notes, emails or memos. Put up mail boxes or files for your key leaders and coordinators, have a worker website or use an email blast program. You’ll find that many things you usually have to have meetings about can be handled by putting the info in writing. Also whenever you do have a discussion in the hallway or in passing, followed it up with a memo or email. You’ll also find that written communications reduce the chances of things being forgotten or left undone.

Another tip is not to always approach your pastor with problems and questions, but rather share with him possible solutions and answers to the challenges you’re facing. Turn in a progress report to your pastor even if he doesn’t ask for one. Let him know your attendance, growth, number of salvations, and other things relating to your ministry. It’s always a smart thing to keep your leaders in the know!

Full Time Leader on Part Time Pay- Part 4

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on April 5, 2008
in Blog Updates, Encouragement and Leadership
. 0 Comments

5. Time management is a must

Because your time is shared between many different areas and because you want to maintain your priorities in the right order, time management is essential if you are going to see maximum results from the time you have to give. There are three basic steps to effective time management:

Make a list of things to do.

Be sure and put them in order beginning with the most important or critical to the least important.

Mark off the things you’re accomplished..

Then all the things that you did not get around to doing will be the first things on your list for tomorrow. This leads to the final step.

Keep accurate records of how you spent your days.

When I started writing down how long it took me to get a task done, I saw what I was going to have to delegate. I also started to see if I spent the time that I had wisely. By reviewing how you spend your day, you can see what adjustments you have to make to get the job done.

I’m in the habit of reviewing my day and making a list of what I need to accomplish tomorrow before I go to bed. This helps me sleep better because I know what I need to get done when I face the new day. It’s easier for me to rest, knowing l’ve got a plan for accomplishing what’s required of me.

Being A Full-Time Leader on Part Time or No Pay-3

Published
by
Jim Wideman
on April 4, 2008
in Blog Updates, Encouragement and Leadership
. 0 Comments

The next priority is your family

If you reach every child or young person in your city and your own children’s needs are being overlooked, you’re a phony and a hypocrite. We must do all we can to make sure our family comes before our ministry. When you’re at your busiest is when you probably need to get away for a day or so.

Have a date with your spouse and do something with just you and your children. Your children have to share you with the entire church, but they won’t mind it as much if you make special times to be with them, even if it’s just a special lunch or dinner.

Don’t ever forget that Father God established the home as the first institution—even before the church. Part of this priority is providing for your family. Two things all families have to do are eat and pay bills. If you have to work outside the church to do this, then you are not doing something bad. Your ministry comes after you have worked to provide for your family.

You may ask, “But how can ministry advance if it’s third?” Remember, it’s not your ministry, it’s the Lord’s ministry. He is also the one who causes it to advance.

You also have to face the fact that you just can’t do everything. If you are not on full-time staff, you must learn to delegate. The more people you get to help you carry a heavy object, the easier it is for each person. As the ministry grows and calls for a bigger demand on your time, you must learn to recruit and delegate.

Moses found himself in the same dilemma. In Exodus 18:17-26, we are told of the godly counsel that Jethro gave his son-ill-law Moses. Jethro advised Moses to appoint trustworthy, godly men over the people. He also told Moses to recognize their abilities. Some could handle 10, some 50, and some many more. But he instructed him to spread out the load and not to try to carry it all himself. You must also learn to delegate and find help so that you can keep your priorities in the right order.