Sometimes Having a Smaller Group is Better
I hope this resource article below will be an encouragement to those of us who lead smaller groups of students or adults. Sometimes having a smaller group enables deeper relationship building and growth in ways that a larger group would never be able to offer. Ultimately I think this resource helps us do what 1 Corinthians 7:17 says from the The Message “Don’t go wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live, Obey, Love and Believe right there!”
http://www.tansquaredyouthministry.com/2016/07/rockin-youth-group-ten-or-less-students/
Encouraging Your Team (Worship, Youth, Elders, Leadership, Ushers, etc.)
Everyone appreciates a little attention and care. Here's a great list of ways to encourage your volunteers whether you're in children's, youth, adult, worship, or sports ministry. How do you invest in your team of volunteers?
http://thechurchcollective.com/tutorial/worship-team-building-ten-ways-to-encourage-your-team
A Quick Update from Marcos and Katherine
I wanted to share just a quick audio clip from Marcos and Katherine in Italy today. I'm hoping this will become a regular way to stay connected and up to date in the weeks and months to come.
Let's pray for Marcos and Katherine this week!
The Isolation Trap
Many of the church leaders I've met find themselves so focused on the needs of others that they neglect to build a healthy community of friends around themselves. If we want to have longevity in ministry and lead in a way that is whole and healthy, it's important that we intentionally bring people around us that will build us up. The resource article below is a reminder of what kind of friends we should intentionally pull around us.
http://www.outreachmagazine.com/features/23010-pastor-isolation.html
A Habit of Fasting?
Do you have a habit of prayer and fasting? How often? How long? Why? When?
Hopefully this article will encourage you to be intentional with fasting and other spiritual formation practices as you lead those in you communities. Share in the comments what habits you've found particularly helpful.