Tripp Atkinson

Pastor, Speaker, Consultant

Tripp Atkinson

The Trademark of Following Jesus

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Nike, Volkswagen, Under Armor, & Apple all have something in common.  They all have a trademark that has become an unmistakable identifier of their products.   Companies spend a ton of money developing their branding which include these logos / trademarks that mark their product.  For example, there is no mistaking a Nike shoe, because of the swoosh logo that has become synonymous with their name.

In the same way, Jesus talked about an undeniable evidence or mark that we are followers of Him.  That trademark or stamp that identifies us as His followers is how we love.

 

John 13:35 – “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

 

We have talked a lot about what love is and what love does.  But how do we know if we are getting it right when it comes to the way we love?

What is the standard by which we measure love?

Many times people measure love by the wrong standards…

So many things in our culture equate love with an emotion.  (Songs, videos, advertisements all reinforce this idea).  But the idea that love is simply a feeling is not based on truth.  While emotions can certainly be a real part of love, love is not about feelings.  Having “warm fuzzies” does not mean we are loving well.

Love also cannot be reduced to what we say.  There are plenty of people who say “I love you” out of the wrong motives.

I have a goal of my children hearing me say “I LOVE YOU” multiple times a day. But if I only said I love you, and never gave any other evidence of that, what would they believe?

What is the best test of my love?  The best test of my love is what I DO.

Certainly people do things out of the wrong motives, but motives become clear through what I do and how I do it.   I firmly believe that you can do without loving, but you can’t love without doing.

You can do without loving, but you can’t love without doing.

I want my kids to know I love them by not just what I say, but by what I do.  I want this idea to be so engrained in my daughter that she won’t dare believe a guy that says “I love you” if their actions are not loving and biblical.

Throughout Scripture we see that love is tied to action.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave…”  (John 3:16)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8)

God proved his love by action, and His followers were told to do the same.  Jesus told his disciples,

“If you love me, obey my commandments.” –  (John 14:15)

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter (who had denied him three times) and he asked Peter three times if Peter loved him.  After an emphatic “You know I love you” from Peter, Jesus said,

“Then feed my sheep.”  (John 21:17)

It is abundantly clear that love is tied to action.

1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

How can you SHOW your love to others today?  Start with those closest to you…your family.  Make it a goal today to let each person in your household know that you love them by what you say AND in an active and tangible way.  What can you DO for each person that is an undeniable mark of your love….. that leaves no doubt about the truth of your love!

Today, Let your words and deeds of love be an undeniable Trademark that you a follower of Jesus Christ!

 

*For ideas of how to serve in ways that are unique to you, check out this article.

*For a podcast of this post, click here. 

Move On… (Getting past the WHO's & WHAT's that rob you of God's best)

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*The following is an outline from a message to High School students on HOW and WHEN to move on from those things that keep us from God’s best for our lives.

Summary:  If you want God’s best for your life, you’ve got to move on from the things that rob you from experiencing it.  Sometimes you need to move on from a WHO, other times it’s a WHAT.

 

Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Sometimes you need to move on from a WHO
– Relationship
– Friendship
– Someone who hurt you

Sometime you need to move on from a WHAT
– Past
– Guilt / Shame
– Pain
– Lies
– Abuse

 

Here are some keys to knowing WHEN to move on:

 

1)  Step back and look at the big picture.

  •  Evaluate where you want to go
  • Is your current situation, life choices, relationships pointing your life in that direction?
  • What people or things are holding you back?

 

2) Make decisions based on truth, not feeling.

  • Feelings change, truth does not.
“Don’t sacrifice your future on the altar of monetary feelings.”
  •  Seek wisdom from someone who loves you & wants the best for you.

Proverbs 27:6 – Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

  • Meditate on truth.  “The truth will set you free.”

 

3)  Clarify the WHY.

  • The WHY is bigger than the WHO or the WHAT

 

4) Commit to action.

  • Make sure that the plan is:
    – Specific
    – Accountable

 

HOW to move on…

 

  1. Receive God’s forgiveness, then give it  (to yourself & others)

– Receive it.

1 John 1:9 – But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Ephesians 3:17-19 – Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Psalm 103:11-12 – For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

– Give it.

Colossians 3:13 – Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Unforgiveness doesn’t punish the other person, it punishes you.

A Few Words About Sexual Abuse

  • God understands your pain & cares
  • It is in no way your fault.
  • You are not alone.
  • Help is available.
  • There is hope & healing is possible

 

2)   Look forward, not back.

– The past is over.

Philippians 3:13-14 – …I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

If you run towards all God has for you, you distance yourself from your past.

1 Corinthians 9:26 – “So I run with purpose in every step.”

– Don’t limit the power of God.

Ephesians 3:20 – Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

 

3)  Treasure God’s grace; don’t cheapen it.

Romans 3:8 – And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.

 

4) Live in truth.

– Don’t hide.  (Your sin or from people)

John 3:21 –  But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.

– Immerse yourself in God’s truth

2 John 7-11 – I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist.  Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward.  Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.  If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement.  Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work.

You can’t control the things that hurt you, but you can replace them with truth.

2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

 

5) Celebrate freedom / healing!

Psalm 32:1-2 – Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!  Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

 

Notice the key through it all…

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  – Hebrews 12:1-2

 

Takeaway (The 140)…

 

140:   Don’t let anything rob you of God’s best for your life.  The WHY is greater than the WHOs & WHATs that would keep you from it!
#questionit

 

TAKE IT HOME:
  • What people or things tend to rob students of God’s best for their lives?
  • How do you know when to move on from someone or something?
  • As you move on, what does it mean to live in truth?
  • What steps do you need to take today to move towards God’s best for you?

 

*For more resources and encouragement, click here.

Parenting in the Water (5 truths to loving our kids well.)

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Before my children were good swimmers, I remember the days of taking them to the pool and them spending more time standing on the side of the pool nervously looking at the deep water, than they would actually spend in the water.  As much as people would try to coerce them to jump the water, it just wasn’t happening.  Teaching my kids to be the great swimmers they are today was a long and expensive process.  One particular day in this process opened my eyes to some valuable parenting truths that I wish I got right more of the time.

One day I was lounging on the pool deck as my little girl was on the side of the pool refusing the pleas of many others to jump.  But everything changed when daddy got in the pool.  I jumped in the deep end, looked her in the eyes, stretched out my arms and asked her to jump to me.  As she saw my eyes locked on her, my arms reaching out to her, hearing me asking her to trust me, she uncrossed her arms… reached them out… and jumped.  What happened after that was a wonderful reminder to me about my unique position as a parent.  It also serves as a reminder of how I can love my kids well everyday.

It reminds me that, as a parent, I have to get in the water.  

I can’t attempt to outsource my unique role as a parent.  Sure, it’s ok to have coaches, Pastors, teachers, etc. to be a part of the team, but as soon as I allow any of them to replace my voice and my presence in my child’s life…I lose.  And most of all, my child loses.  Yes, it’s easier (much easier) to parent from the pool deck, but there is absolutely no one or nothing that can take my place in the water with my children. 

My presence with my children is where it all begins.  (And one thing I’ve discovered, it’s not all about quantity of time as much as it is QUALITY of time with them.)  It’s about when I’m present, being PRESENT.  It’s about those moments when I lock my eyes on them and let them know they have me and all of me.  How do I love my kids well?

1)  I love my kids well by being present.  (Being “in the water.”)
2)  I love my kids well by developing trust. 

This is done through consistency, honesty, & authenticity.  My daughter knew I was not going to drop her because of the consistency with which I caught her jumping off of the bed and the couch.  She also knew that I was not going to lie to her.  Courtney and I made the decision when our kids were born that we would never lie to them.  Now this has led to some interesting conversations.  Sometimes we just have to say, “We are not going to answer that question right now.”  But we want them to know that they can trust the words of their parents. If they can’t trust my words, they can’t trust me.  

I’ve learned that if I’m committed to such honesty, I have to be committed to authenticity.  Some of the best parenting moments I’ve ever had were in times of asking my kids for their forgiveness.  When they heard their dad say, “I’m sorry I reacted that way.”  Or “Your mom deserved better from me in that moment.”  Authenticity and honesty paves the way for trust and communicates love in a deep, deep sense.

3) I love my kids well by allowing struggle. 

I know this sounds weird, but it’s so true.  It’s pretty obvious in the pool that struggle is a part of learning to swim.  Sometimes we forget this out of the pool though.  Of course, we want to protect our kids, because we love them.  But I love my children enough to want them to learn to swim so they don’t drown in the deep waters of life.  

We have to remember the goal of parenting is not to simply protect our kids.  Our job is to prepare them to responsibly and ably live God’s best for their lives as adults.  And this preparation involves struggle, discipline, and sometimes even pain.  The older my children get, the more I have to be willing to wisely allow them to experience the discomforts of growth.

4)  I love my kids well by investing the right things in them. 

By giving them what they need, not simply what they want.  As my daughter learned how to swim, I constantly reminded her WHY it was important to me that she could swim.  I reminded her how precious she was to me and that I would do whatever it took for her to properly handle the dangers of being in & around water.  Of course she didn’t always want to go to swim practice, but it was something she needed.  Having our kids learn to be great swimmers was so important to us, that Courtney & I made it priority…with our time, finances, & presence.

How much more important is it that we make the spiritual growth and development of our children a priority…with our time, finances & presence.  

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 talks about the spiritual investment of parents in their children,

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine… Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.”   

What is the result of such an investment??  I think Jeremiah 17:7-8 gives a pretty good picture,

“…blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.  Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

This begins by a right understanding of what my kids need, and a commitment to give them that at all costs.  

The last thing I learned in the pool that day it that,

5)  I love my kids well when we have fun! 

What made jumping in the pool that day so special for my daughter was not the swim lesson.  It certainly wasn’t the struggle. It was the moments between lessons where she laughed, splashed, and was thrown high in the air by her daddy.  She couldn’t fully grasp her need to be a proficient swimmer or the significance of the lessons I was trying to teach.  But she did know that she was loved by her daddy that day…and that was fun!

Trust me, I feel like I get parenting wrong a lot more than I get it right.  But that one day at the pool serves as a reminder that God has equipped me (just like he has equipped you) to love our kids well.

How can we be better equipped to love our kids well?  Easy answer…by investing in our own spiritual growth.  As we grow closer to God, we better demonstrate his love.  2 Timothy 3:17 reminds us of the benefits of being in God’s Word,

“…God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

And I don’t know of a better work than daily modeling for our kids the love of an ever-present, trustworthy, loving God who wants the very best for his children.  Be encouraged today, and go show your kids this kind of love!

From the Sugar Hill Church Weekday Podcast:  Click HERE to check out podcast.

5 Interview Questions Every Candidate Should Ask

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A church recently asked me what questions their search committee should be prepared to answer when interviewing a candidate. Below are the top five questions I think every interviewer should be prepared to answer and every candidate should ask. (Also included are 50 more questions that will lead to needed discussion in an interview process.) While this was written in a ministry context, it likely applies to any job interview.

 

Don’t forget that an interview process is a two-way street. In the nervousness of making a good impression and thinking through answers to a million hypothetical questions, it is easy for a candidate to leave an interview having learned very little about the potential employer.

Go into an interview prepared to learn all you can about the history, identity, vision, and operational organization of a potential employer. Don’t shy away from asking tough questions and try to get as much as you can in writing.

While you will need to ask hundreds of questions in an interview process, if you forget every other question, these five will help you gain valuable insight into who they are and what they value:

1) What does success in this position look like?

How a search committee answers this question will give you valuable insight into who they are and what they really value. Each Pastor and each leadership team has their own ideas about what success looks like in ministry. This question not only ensures the search committee has come to a consensus on what success looks like, but also informs you of the clearly defined goal of the position.

2) How will my performance be measured?

This question cuts to not only organizational values, but also operational dynamics. Once you have an idea of what success looks like for your position, it’s important that you determine how your success will be measured. While ministry success cannot be fully measured with numbers and spreadsheets, you must know what defined metrics will be used to measure performance and success. You must also understand the process for measuring success, which superior and/or committee will be evaluating your success, and what opportunities will be presented for performance review/feedback along the way.

3) What (or who) will be the biggest roadblocks to my success in this position?

This question not only provides valuable insight for the candidate, but also helps the search committee keep unrealistic expectations in check. Chances are a search committee knows exactly what challenges and obstacles lie ahead for a candidate, even if they have not openly discussed them. Often times, in an effort to present the church in the best possible light to the candidate, these challenges are not openly discussed until after a hire is made. Many a Pastor has been caught off guard by significant challenges their first week on the job. As much as both the candidate and search committee want to make a good impression, information and transparency are critical in every step of the interview process. (You both will find out the truth about each other eventually.)

4) How will the church (leadership, etc) support me in overcoming these challenges / obstacles?

This question not only informs the candidate of what support they can expect, but also reminds the search committee that one person cannot solve all of the church’s problems. Discussing this question sets the tone for a team approach to ministry. A wise search committee will not see this question as a lack of confidence in a candidate’s ability to lead and solve problems, but a maturity in perspective on growing a healthy ministry. (Candidates: If a search committee does not know how to answer this question, offer to revisit the question at a later meeting. There is always a chance that if they had a good answer, the position you are discussing would not be vacant.)

5) What are the church’s expectations of my spouse?

If you are married, this could be the most important question you ask. How a committee answers this question gives insight into how the church views the position and how they view the family of the one in that position. If a committee has never answered this question, they may not even realize the expectations the church has been placing on ministers’ spouses. It is so important to define expectations and boundaries up front and ask the committee how those defined expectations will be communicated to the church at large. It is difficult enough for a minister to be faced with unrealistic expectations of a church. This is debilitating for a spouse faced with them. Clear and thorough communication on this issue could save you a lot of heartache in the future, both at church and home.

 

Note: Spend as much time preparing to ask questions as you do to answer them. Remember that you are interviewing them as they interview you. The more thorough the communication is during the interview phase, the more insight you will both have into each other and the less likely issues will arise from miscommunication weeks and months into the job. Below are about 50 other questions that will lead to needed discussion in the areas of identity, history, organization, and compensation…

For questions or prayer, hit me up.  https://trippatkinson.com/#contact

 

Interview Questions Every Candidate Should Ask

Identity / Vision (Who are you?)
  • How would you describe your identity as a church?
  • What do you as a church most value?
  • Find out all you can about the church’s beliefs:
    – Denominational affiliation
    – Doctrinal Statement
  • Do you have a target audience / demographic you are trying to reach?
  • *What does success in this position look like?
History (Where have you been?)
  • Make sure you understand the history of the church, especially the past 10-15 years. Particularly:
    – Changes in leadership.
    – Challenges or obstacles the church has overcome
    – Recurring points of division or contention
  • Make sure you understand in detail, the history of your predecessor.
    – Why is he (or she) no longer in the position?
    – What were his biggest accomplishments / failures?
  • What is the current perception of this area of ministry in the church?
Organization (How do you operate?)
  • *How will my performance (success) be measured?
  • *What (or who) will be the biggest roadblocks to my success in this position?
  • *How will the church (leadership, etc) support me in overcoming these roadblocks?
  • Make sure you clearly understand the organizational (personnel) chart.
    – To whom am I accountable and how does that work?
    – Who, if anyone, is accountable to me and how does that work?
  • Is there a written job description for this position that details responsibilities and expectations?
  • Is there a committee that I report to? If so, what is their role and responsibilities?
  • What are the expectations of office hours? Please explain.
  • Make sure you have a clear understanding of:
    – Staffing in your ministry area
    – Church Budget & Ministry Budget
    – Facilities
    – Current policies, etc.
    – Bylaws or governing documents.
Additional Important Questions:
  • *What are the expectations of my spouse?
  • How does the church handle staff development? (conferences, coaching, etc)
  • If hired, what do I need to do in my first 30 days?
  • What relational bridges need to be mended?
Compensation (How do you care for the staff?)

Don’t be afraid to talk business (salary package) fairly early in the process. I have seen churches and candidates spend a significant amount of time getting to know each other only to find they had radically different compensation expectations. Be thorough in your questioning of business details. And please, please get everything in writing so everyone is on the same page (literally).

  • Be sure to get clarity on the following compensation items:
    – Base salary
    – Annuity
    – FICA
    – Insurance
    – Housing Allowance
  • Ask about these additional benefits:
    – Vacation Time
    – Phone / Car allowance
    – Health Club Benefits
    – Education Funding (If the church does not currently offer educational funding, ask if they would consider setting up a scholarship fund through which money could be given for educational expenses.)
  • If you have children, be sure to ask if they offer additional benefits for children:
    – Childcare (or reimbursement) for ministry-related events
    – Scholarships for church camps, trips, etc in which your children participate
  • How does the church handle time away for:
    – Speaking engagements?
    – Wedding Officiating? (this is a common thing for veteran youth ministers)
    – Personal Spiritual Retreat?
  • Should this position require relocation, what moving expenses would be allotted and how would that work?
  • Does the church offer staff bonuses? If so, is this a set bonus or is it based on a performance review? What would I need to do to ensure I receive the maximum bonus?

Note:  As you work through questions in an interview, make sure to note any follow up questions or points of clarity that may need to be revisited as discussions progress.  Remember, clear communication and understanding up front paves the path for effective ministry when you are hired.

What else would you add to this discussion starter list?  Hit me up…  https://trippatkinson.com/#contact

*For more resources and encouragement, click here.

 

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The Gift of YOU! (How to give something that no one else can…)

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Countless time and money is spent on searching for the most unique and special gifts to communicate value and love to others.  While physical gifts can be quite special and meaningful, don’t overlook the greatest gift you can share with someone.  The greatest gift you can give is actually the most valuable gift; in fact, it is priceless.

It’s THE GIFT OF YOU.

Take a few moments to consider the value of you and some things you can give that are truly unique.  What is it you can share with others that is unlike anyone else?

 

1) Your encouragement…

Your encouragement is something that no one else can give.  It is unique to you, and no one will be able to give it just like you.  When considering the encouragement you can offer others, keep these things in mind:

  – Everyone needs encouragement.

Everyone.  Some may need it more than others today, but everyone needs it.  Even people you think have a perfect life and have it all together, they need encouragement.  In fact, it could be that those whose lives you envy most may need the most encouragement.  It is often those without the obvious or public problems that receive the least encouragement.  Perhaps those around you with the most on the outside are hurting most on the inside.

– Saying something is always better than saying nothing.

Have you ever thought about encouraging someone and just didn’t know what to say…so you said nothing at all?  It is often said, “It’s the thought that counts.”  Well, that’s just not true.  Just thinking about encouraging someone is really no encouragement at all.  In fact, if you were to tell someone “I thought about encouraging you a while back, but didn’t” that probably communicates the opposite of your desired sentiment.  What you are really saying is “I thought that you may need encouraging, but I didn’t value you enough to do it.”  If you think about encouraging someone and don’t know what to say, just say something.

– Do it now!

If you think about it now, do it now!  If someone comes to your mind to encourage, there is most likely a reason for it and timing is everything.  As you see an obvious need or situation, now is the time to encourage.  If someone’s name “randomly” comes to mind to encourage, it could be that the Spirit of God is leading you in that moment to be a blessing to them.  Perhaps they are praying in that moment for encouragement from God and God has chosen you to be His voice to them.  If you think about it now, do it now…later will probably never come.

 

2)  Your time.

How do you spell “love?”  T.I.M.E.  Nothing communicates value more than giving your time to someone.  Your time is valuable… extremely valuable.  Your time on earth is finite and is a non-renewable resource.  Although you don’t know how much time you have, you know that time is running out every day.  While most people don’t live in the reality of this truth, most understand that when someone willingly gives you their time, it is a precious thing.  When considering how to communicate value by giving your time, consider the following:

– Pause to see needs.

Most of us would give our time to help loved ones in need if they were to ask.  But how much more precious is it when someone offers their time.  Sometimes we get too busy to see even obvious needs around us.  Pause a few minutes and look around.  Who around you is hurting?  What needs do you see?  Who around you could use help?  Take the time to identify needs and how YOU can meet those needs.  Maybe the need is simply someone to talk to.  Maybe it is help with a project.  Pray that God will help you see others’ needs and look around.  Walk slowly through the crowd and look beyond the obvious.  Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-40.  Pause to see needs.

–  Schedule it.

Intentionality is key when it comes to investing your time in others.  Life is so busy and if you wait on the perfect moment, it will never come.  If you want to give the gift of your time to someone, put it on the calendar.  If you are having a hard time figuring out who to invest your time in, schedule time to think and pray about it.  Scheduling makes giving your time to others and serving a priority.

– Involve others.

Sometimes your individual and sole attention is the most valuable thing you can give someone.  Often times, as you invest your time you can include others as you do.  Including others as you encourage or meet needs can be an encouragement to them as well.  By involving others in ministry and service you are not only meeting the need of one person, but also challenging another to make a difference.  By doing so, you have multiplied the gift of your time and been a blessing to more.

 

3)  Your faith.

Of course you can’t really give your faith to someone else; but you can share it.  At the core, everyone’s greatest needs are to be loved and to belong.  Both of these needs are ultimately and completely found in God, and with His people (the church).  There is no greater encouragement than to spiritually encourage someone.  There is no greater investment than helping someone discover and live God’s best for their lives.  As you consider how you can share your faith with others, think of the following:

– Recognize those hurting.

You probably know those around you who are hurting spiritually right now.  Have you considered that God brought you into their life so that you can be their spiritual encouragement?   Maybe you have never talked about spiritual things with them.  Perhaps the idea of that is a little awkward.  Consider what is at stake.  If you don’t love someone enough to talk to them about the most important thing in the world, what kind of friend are you?

– Tell your story.

You have a story and your story matters!  In fact, your story is part of the greatest story ever told!  Two of the most powerful and encouraging things you can share is how you came to know God (salvation testimony) and how God has worked in your life (growth story).  God can use both of these in a powerful way to encourage others and point them to how God can work in their lives.  Telling your story communicates to others that they are not alone.  Your story could be the most significant way to communicate the life-giving Good News of Jesus.  Tell it.

– Realize the power of Scripture.

Have you ever been at a loss for how to encourage someone spiritually?  Don’t forget about the power of Scripture.  Simply sharing a Bible verse with someone can be the most powerful encouragement you can give.  Sharing Scripture is sharing something that can speak to needs you may not even understand.  Don’t forget this truth of God’s Word, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12)

– Pray with someone.

When we pray for someone, we are lifting them before the One who knows their deepest needs and can best meet those needs.  But sometimes we can go an extra step with our prayers.  My mom reminds me of the power of not only praying  for someone, but praying with someone.  When we tell someone we are praying for them, that can be encouraging for sure.  But when we take the time right then to pray with them, that could be a moment they never forget.  That is also a great way for them to hear your faith as you lift them before God.

– Don’t underestimate what God can do through you.

Don’t forget that if God can do the impossible (and He can), then God can do the impossible IN you and God can do the impossible THROUGH you.  The most life-changing prayer you can pray today could be “God, what do you want me to do?”  Such a prayer can be life-changing for both you and those around you.  Would you be willing to be used by God today?  You do what you can do and allow God to do what only He can do in you and through you.

 

In a season of looking for the perfect gift to give others, don’t neglect the most valuable (actually invaluable) gift you can give…the gift of yourself.  Pray about how you can invest your unique encouragement, giftedness and time in others.  Ask God how you can best share your faith and enjoy giving to others what God has richly given to you!

Give well,

Tripp

A Leadership Checkup (A health evaluation of effective leaders)

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Regular checkups are a good idea.  Whether with your doctor, dentist, or mechanic, checkups ensure that the condition of something is made clear, and allows for even small changes that can greatly improve health and performance.  A periodic leadership “checkup” is a great idea for to ensure you are maximizing your influence and leading in a healthy way.  Effective leaders are healthy leaders.  How are you doing in these areas that are critical for leading well today?

In 2 Corinthians 5:11-20, the Apostle Paul discusses some important principles of meaningful and effective influence.

Effective Leaders:

 

1) …earn influence through character & consistency.

While many strive to lead from a place of position or title, the most effective influence is earned through character.  Certainly people regularly follow leaders they have to, but we should strive to be a leader others want to follow.  In a social media age, don’t fall into the trap of focusing on your reputation (what others think you are) over your character (who you really are).  A reputation fueled by character will never need to be filtered or touched up.

In earning influence, consistency in character is key.  Anyone can fake integrity in the moment, but true character is obvious over time.  Consistency proves the authenticity of character.  NFL great JJ Watt said, “Success isn’t owned, it’s leased.  And rent is due everyday.”  Successful and effective influence is earned by consistent display of character that others would want to follow.

2 Corinthians 5:11-13, “Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.  Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.”

 

2)   …are motivated by a vision bigger than themselves.

Vision is vital to effective leadership.  In describing the indispensable value of vision for a leader, leadership expert John Maxwell says, “Vision leads the leader.”  Vision is what fuels the passion of a leader, and is the target to which one aims their life. Vision is what gets effective leaders out of bed without being told each day.  Helen Keller once said of vision, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

The most valuable thing you can give the world is yourself.  Make sure that the size of your vision is worthy of your unique and priceless life.  If you can’t articulate your vision and dream for your life, stop and consider what is worthy of giving your life for.

If you don’t have a vision, then you don’t have a target.  In order to BE IT, you have to first SEE IT!  If you can’t see where you are going, where are you leading others?

For the follower of Christ, your vision should reflect the eternal significance of mission and purpose that is in, through, and from Him.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15, “Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

 

3)  …see the big picture, & are not easily distracted.

Fueled by vision, effective leaders have the ability to see everything in light of the “big picture” and do not easily lose focus.  Great leaders are fun to watch.  How they act at an event usually mirrors how they live their lives.  Effective leaders typically walk into a room and look around.  They identify and meet needs.  They evaluate everything around them in light of purpose and vision.

“Big picture” leaders clearly identify who and what is best for the vision, and are good at eliminating distractions.  How are you at evaluating “dream makers” and “dream breakers” in your life?  Are you surrounding yourself with friends and mentors who know your vision and push you to achieve it?

Effective leaders are not easily distracted by pettiness and drama. They resist the temptation to become occupied with things that will lead to regret and they typically view time management as a matter of stewardship.

How does your calendar reflect the significance of your vision?

2 Corinthians 5:16-17, “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view.  At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

 

4)  …build bridges, not roadblocks.

Effective leaders solve problems.  They unite.  John Maxwell says, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”  Effective leaders establish genuine relational capital with others through authentic concern and service.  They see success as making others successful.  They seek the good in and for others.

“Bridges” are relational roadways that supersede those things in our culture that some allow, or even use, to divide. (race, religion, politics, etc)  In addition to building bridges, effective leaders also proactively work to eliminate relational “roadblocks.”

As a follower of Christ, you are called to build bridges that lead people to God.  Paul refers to this as the ministry (message, task) of reconciliation.  Wise leaders, motivated by this vision and understanding the big picture, will make choices in light of “bridge or roadblock” consequences with people.  For example, there are some issues that are just not worth discussing (arguing) openly on social media, for they tend to divide way more than unite.  You may have strong opinions, but in light of the big picture, it’s just not worth it. Likewise, there may be things you have the freedom to do, but it is just not wise in light of your vision.  Effective leaders use wise discernment in these areas.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19, “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.”

 

5)  …understand branding.  

Branding and marketing are a part of our everyday lives.  Although they don’t understand all the ins and outs of marketing, even my elementary school kids know well that brands carry reputations and clear messages that are associated with them.  While we understand the damage a bad review or flaw can cause a product, we don’t often understand what branding has to do with leadership.  Here is what many people miss:  YOU are a brand!  Everything you say and do sends a message about who you are and what you are about.  Every social media “like,” repost, and comment tells a story about your brand.  Countless students have been passed up for athletic or academic scholarships because of the way they have tarnished their brand via unwise choices.  Countless leaders have lost significance influence because of the way people see their brand.

For someone who is a follower of Jesus, brand awareness is of huge significance.
2 Corinthians 5:20 states, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’”  When we put the label “Jesus-follower” on our lives, we are representing the person and message of Jesus to the world.  Even more than that, we are speaking on behalf of God to this world as we build bridges for others to know him.

What do our lives say and show others about who Jesus really is?

2 Corinthians 5:20, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

 

These principles are significant for leading well in any area of your life.  These verses are a great reminder that that God wants to use your influence for eternal significance.  Honestly assess how well you are doing in each area, and make necessary changes where you can improve.  Your future self (and others) will thank you for the work you put into your leadership today!