Reflection
Communications Coordinator
Cultivating Self-Control through Faith and ...
Cultivating Self-Control through Faith and Compassion
Reflection
Communications Coordinator
How do you define joy?
How do you define joy?
Reflection, Outreach Workers
Communications Coordinator
The Pilgrimage
The Pilgrimage
Reflection, Outreach Workers, Role Model Moms
Communications Coordinator
Outreach Worker Perspective
Outreach Worker Perspective
Reflection, Toronto City Mission
Communications Coordinator
Executive Director Message

leadership

The Pursuit 2016

Making great connections with fellow ministry leaders at The Pursuit 2016

Making great connections with fellow ministry leaders at The Pursuit 2016

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending The Pursuit 2016 conference in London, Ontario. The Pursuit is a gathering of ministry workers who are ready to challenge the boundaries of their leadership and vision

It was a wonderful time spent with many faithful ministry leaders. Although our ministries are diverse, we shared stories of the privilege and challenges of servant leadership.

Gifted speakers shared insights and inspirations including:

  • "The mission of a gospel ministry is not to feed people, but to bring them to Jesus who in turn will transform their lives" - Scott Rodin, The Steward's Journey
  • "The church needs to stop talking about love and start demonstrating it." – Greg Thompson, New City Common
  • "We must be led more by Jesus, lead more like Jesus, and lead more to Jesus." – Steve Brown, Arrow Leadership
  • "Serve and love others like Jesus did; just like God blessed us with His grace, we are called to share grace with others." - Anthony Bradley, King's College
  • "Unity is the key to health in the Body of Christ (and it takes persistence)" – Angie Draskovic, Yonge Street Mission
  • "A servant leader absorbs criticism and deflects praise." - Scott Rodin, The Steward's Journey

One theme shared by a number of speakers and discussed in breakout sessions was fear. Fear is one of the greatest barriers to affective leadership. Although it seems counter to the life of a faithful Believer, overcoming fear is an issue for many Christian leaders.

I include myself amongst those who wrestles with fear and, as I surrender it to God, I ask for your prayers.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5-6

Entrepreneurial Leader Organization (ELO) World Conference

A few weeks ago, I received an unexpected invitation to attend the Entrepreneurial Leader Organization (ELO) World Conference. ELO’s mandate is to equip, connect and celebrate Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders. I was blessed to have attended as one of Lorna Dueck’s guest, an ELO supporter and host of the conference’s Q&A period.

It was an engaging gathering of Christian entrepreneurs and leaders from around the world sharing their experiences of how God has called and equipped them. There were three overarching themes that I took away from the day:

1. Responding to God’s call

  • It may be unexpected. God’s way may not make sense in a worldly way.
  • It may be challenging. Not only for yourself, but those with whom you are in close relationship.

2. The absolute importance of Prayer

  • The impossible becomes possible. Prayer helps overcome the insurmountable adversities, adversaries, and the unknown.
  • Listening is a major part of prayer.

3. Stay humble and give God the glory

  • An entrepreneur might attribute success to their hard work; however, in God’s kingdom, all the glory is given to God.
  • You are part of God’s story; this is not your story.

As Executive Director of TCM, these three themes are a good reminder of what it means to be a servant leader in God’s kingdom. I am reminded that we are here to build the Kingdom, not our own empire. I look forward to continuing to connect and collaborate with local ministry leaders as we explore God’s will for TCM.  Please join me in prayer.