Charisma Leader | Serving and empowering church leaders

Presence of God
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence (amazon.com)

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first of a five-part series "Why Leaders Should Practice the Presence of God." Each part of the series will focus on a quote from the Brother Lawrence classic, The Practice of the Presence of God.

It's difficult to argue, though some will, that a leader does not need the presence of the Holy Spirit to effectively lead a team.

Joy Strang gave me a copy of the 17th-century book written by Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God. I've had the book for less than a year and have read it and referenced it, at least every week. I believe the book is timeless because of our deep desire to experience God's presence in our everyday life.

Just last week, it resonated with me as a book that should be required reading for every leader and student of leadership. Consider this powerful thought presented by Brother Lawrence:

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

"Let us think often that our only business in this life is to please God. Perhaps all besides it is but folly and vanity."

As a leader, I suppose I've had my share of follies and vain moments. I quickly conclude that I need more of God's presence in my leadership and decision making.

The problem for many leaders is that we don't pause to think this thought, "What would God have me do in this situation?"

We may gather research, seek counsel and consider the end we have in mind, but perhaps we miss the key ingredient of seeking God's presence as a tipping point.

Decision making is a constant activity of leadership. Hour by hour and day by day, leaders make touches on the direction of an organization.

Dominoes are released to press other dominoes into action. Our decisions have outcomes, intended or otherwise.

When we seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, we submit to God's plan for the future. The presence of God is not just a holy voice to be considered. It's to be leaned in to. His presence creates outcomes for the good of the kingdom.

Effective leaders seek His presence in all their ways.

"Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone."

 

P.S. Do you subscribe to Ministry Today? Will you please consider doing it? 

With the link below you will receive my special publisher's offer. Our baseline subscription is $24.97. My offer to you is a one-year subscription (6 issues) for $10.00.

I'd like to know what you think of Ministry Today and would love to hear from you.

Please click here today for the Dr. Greene special.

 


 

Today's Scripture

"You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Ps. 16:11).

 


 

Platform Tip No. 105

We just completed our second seminar about platform development for ministries. Our next event is at the end of July. I hope you can come.

The event left me drained without an ounce of energy remaining in the reserve tank.

Isn't that the purpose of any platform? 

Give it all—really all—to every platform tool. Pour into your platform quality content and energy needed to deliver excellence.

Helping people is hard work. Talking about helping people is easy.

After you deliver YOUR message on any platform, I hope you feel as if you couldn't possibly say another word.

Then show up tomorrow.

 


 

Do you want to learn more about developing your personal platform?

For my free eBook 7 Reasons Your Organization Suffers from Marketing Malpractice, plus 3 Things to do NOW to Prevent Further Damage, click here.

 


Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.

Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.



Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.

Charisma Leader — Serving and empowering church leaders