Tag Archives: growing out

How to Lead Without Being the Boss

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We know a gifted leader when we see one. We recognize that God has given that person certain abilities or character traits that make him or her the obvious (or at least easiest) choice to lead others. What we may … Continue reading →

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Locating the Body

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Carl Simmons

One tricky thing about leadership is… well, somebody has to be the leader. At the same time, you’re still a member of the team you’re leading. You don’t get to completely separate the two. And it can be difficult to … Continue reading →

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How Has God Gifted You, and for What?

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Carl Simmons

When you hear the phrase “spiritual gifts,” what comes to mind? Why that reaction? No matter what your reaction: When we each use the gifts God’s given us, together, He’s able to create something unique that can bring joy to … Continue reading →

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Learning to Value Leadership

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Carl Simmons

What makes someone a spiritual leader? Who have you seen demonstrate that kind of leadership? How so? We’re entering a new Monday series today, focused on spiritual leadership*. The fact is, you’re all leaders, whether you have a spiritual gift … Continue reading →

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Loving and Growing Your Children

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We’re continuing our Wednesday explorations of  bringing Jesus further into our deepest relationships, and this week we focus on our relationships with our children. For some of us, these might be the deepest relationships we have. But unlike our relationships … Continue reading →

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The Neverending Story

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Carl Simmons

What’s your favorite story, and how does it end? (Here’s mine –> . For the record, I didn’t know the ending when I started reading it, let alone that I would find myself in the same place as Raskolnikov only … Continue reading →

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Who’s the most important person in your life?

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Who’d you come up with? And don’t spiritualize/cop out on this question and say “Jeee-sus.” I’m talking about the most important person on this earth to you. Now, why is he or she the most important person to you? And … Continue reading →

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Pay It Forward: discipleship version

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Carl Simmons

If you’ve never seen the movie Pay It Forward, you’ve probably at least heard the concept, although you may or may not have been given the full picture. Usually it’s portrayed as: One person does a good, unselfish deed for … Continue reading →

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Following Jesus Where You Already Are

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Find yourself a  “Help Wanted” section in your newspaper (or if you like, visit an online job site). Take a minute to to look through the listings. What are some of the more interesting jobs advertised? Which ones do you … Continue reading →

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Remaining As You Go

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about the last time you went crazy with an ice-cream sundae—or pizza, or for you more diet-conscious types let’s make it a salad. Why did you pick the toppings you did? How would other toppings have affected it differently? … Continue reading →

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