Eight major reasons why every Christian – especially leaders – should avoid infidelity.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

Wise leaders and pastors understand that lasting change requires individuals to change first before an organization will change. Your change won’t last or will disrupt your church unless those in your teams personally embrace the change first, at least at some level. So it behooves us to first understand why most people initially resist change.

Prov. 31:11 says, “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.”

It's true – "When one door closes another door opens." But as a backwards interpretation of the saying suggests, perhaps we should consider the things we need to set aside to create the space we need.

If you had to boil it down to two qualities that you really need in a pastor, what would they be? We all have personal preferences but here are two indispensable qualities that form the essence of a leader.

Over the past twenty years, I have studied, written, and taught about spiritual warfare. Based on that work, here are some warfare reminders for church leaders.

Speaking negatively about your wife to others shouts that you are a poor leader in your marriage. The Proverbs 31 Husband recognizes his wife’s accomplishments and broadcasts his admiration to the world. No one wonders what he thinks – he freely shares his opinion.

I admit it. I have a tendency to be a loner. I like my personal space and my private time. I recognize, though, that my tendencies aren’t always the best for a pastor. Here are my reflections on others like me.

Perhaps now – before more checklists clutter the counter and the year-end madness begins – would be a good time to do a little marital spring-cleaning. Because it is easy to forget if marriage is not on the checklist.

So now the big time basketball championship is history for another year and the man who is argued to be one of the greatest players of history was on the losing side. How well this illustrates the need to avoid the Superstar Leadership Strategy!

Marriage often changes the nature of relationships between friends. It is important for men to be proactive in making their marriage the top priority by respectfully scheduling time with their buddies that does not interfere with quality time with their spouses.

My prayers are usually quite self-centered. But one time, whilst assisting on an Organizational Development job, I believe God uniquely used my intercessory prayer to contribute to his redemptive work in the life of an organization.

Everyone gets down sometimes and feels like they aren’t valued and that they don’t matter. The thing is, you DO matter. You ARE valued. Very much so!

There are no straight lines when leading humans. Many times leaders find themselves having a hard time keeping others dedicated, driven and passionate in the process. What’s the best way to keep a team invested so we’re not left carrying the burden of all the work?

In some ways, dating has misled us men on this point. Courtship conversations were romantic, spontaneous, exciting, and everything you said was interesting to her. You just knew she was the right girl because she made you feel so “listened to.” Marriage inevitably changes the relationship dynamic, and it is wise to adapt to a different communication strategy based on listening.

Foreigners often have access to hearts that are afraid to open up to friends, family, and even church members. May God help us all to be “quick to hear” and “slow to speak,” (James 1:19), that we may better express the love of God, who invites us to “pour out [our] heart before Him” (Psalm 62:8).

To develop leaders, God uses circumstances, events, and other leaders in their lives. It's not just a matter of giving leaders the right input. Life-on-life experiences are as important as solid training material. Mentoring and coaching are as essential as great curriculum and excellent faculty.

It was a crucial moment when Jesus appointed the Twelve. He left no instructions in writing and when he ascended to heaven He put the mission He gave His life to initiate into their hands. They were to be the Church’s first leaders. Their selection was so important that Jesus spent the whole night in prayer before appointing them.

Just because someone has experience living cross culturally does not mean they understand the concepts of cultural intelligence and cross cultural values. More importantly, it doesn’t mean they can apply their understanding to coaching, and to coaching unfamiliar cultures!