Perhaps the best way to make your “Yes” mean “Yes” is to say “No.”  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

If you’re going through a dark time in your life right now, I’ve got a word of encouragement from you. Well, actually three words of encouragement! Check out the video version of this episode of The Podcast. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

In the middle of the horrific treatment that Jesus endured during His Passion, I found one of the silliest statements I have ever read in the Bible! But it’s a silliness that could easily apply to you and me still today.  You may also be interested in these related blog posts: The silence and the words of Jesus during this sham trial—Eloquent Silence and Respectful Boldness Some more thoughts about God’s rules versus man’s traditions—What Are Rules For? and Use The Right Term Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

There are some know-it-alls who want to tell pastoral leaders how they should have done things differently. Much like the “armchair quarterbacks” that seem to know all the right calls a team should make, even though they have virtually no experience. Check out the video version of this conversation.  Please check out both When Sheep Bite and Shepherd Leadership. And get in touch with me if you would like someone to talk to. You can check out the full conversation I had with John Opalewski and Jim Wiegand on their Leading From Alignment podcast here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

An important principle in biblical interpretation is learning the context of a statement. From Moses to Jesus, what is the context of the phrase, “An eye for an eye”?  Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the other topics we have covered in our “Is that in the Bible?” series.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jesus talked a lot, but He never had to apologize. Is it possible for this to be said of us too?  Check out my video called Time To Check The Mirror where I talk about so-called Freudian slips, and my blog post A Leader’s Sincere Apology. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

In today’s episode we’re going to—IMPATIENCE! Yes, we’re talking about impatience. As a leader it can be hard to resist the temptation of impatience, but Greg and I believe that developing patience is a vital skill for leaders. In this episode we’ll explore some of the pitfalls of impatience, and share strategies for you to develop into a more thoughtful and patient leader. Check out the video version of this conversation.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens 

I would like to give Christians an apologetic about Christian apologetics. Check out the video version of this episode of The Podcast. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Invaluable lessons from two lifelong friends on how to honor both those close to us and those who seem to be enemies. ou may also be interested in a related blog post: How to pray when you’ve been stabbed in the back.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Is the Serenity Prayer in the Bible? If it’s not, is it acceptable for Christians to pray man-made prayers?   This is the next installment in our series “Is That in the Bible?” Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out some of the other topics we have covered in this Is That in the Bible? series here.   Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens 

Whenever you walk through a dark time, you too might be tempted to say, “God, this isn’t fair!”  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

All leaders—but especially pastoral leaders—need to work on a better response when we are bitten by a sheep in our pasture.  Get a copy of my book “When Sheep Bite” and check out other resources I have available at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens

Unity is not conformity nor is it mimicry. The Holy Spirit unites Christians in their message of hope to the world, but He does this by empowering each of our unique testimonies to our culture. This is a message I shared with the congregation at Country Chapel during their week-long revival meetings. Check out the video of this sermon.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

You don’t have to try to make a name for yourself—let God do that for you! Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

God-fearing servants follow the example of Jesus and use their leadership position to bless and serve as many people as they can. In blessing others, we are blessing the God who has already blessed us and who longs to bless us for all of eternity! Watch the video of this sermon here.  If you’ve missed any of the messages looking at the fifteen Songs of Ascent, you can find them all here.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Loyal friends give their friends the gift of life.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

God wants us to progress to the next level in our Christian walk, but we need to know what we’re ready for that. Just as a teacher in school prepares us for a test, administers the test, and then gives us the result of the test in order to promote us to the next level, so does our loving Heavenly Father.  Check out the video version of this clip.  And if you would like to watch the full sermon from which this clip came, it is here.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Like it or not, your example as a leader is making an impact on all the people around you—including the next generation of leaders who will take their positions after you have passed away. This is part 78 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

God is looking for one righteous man or woman who will hold to His righteous standard, and who will stand in the gap to intercede for rebellious, hellbent people.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

A Christian’s joyful and selfless interaction with other saints brings a strength and unity to the Church. This choir of joyful saints is a compelling testimony that draws others to Jesus!  Check out the video of this sermon.  If you’ve missed our look at any of the other Songs of Ascent, you can find them all listed here. Check out my blog, my podcasts, my books, and more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎  

Religious leaders (who should know God’s Word the best) are usually the ones who persecute those who truly live out God’s Word.  Check out my blog posts, leadership podcast, books, and more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

As humans, we long for a hero that will save the day and fulfill our expectations. One Song of Ascent tells us to “remember David” and his longings for great things, but that same song also tells us that David needed a Hero to save the day. Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the other Songs of Ascent by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Drifting can happen so slowly that we may not realize what’s happening until it’s too late.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

It may sound counterintuitive at first, but a little bit of stress is actually a good thing for you physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s also a good thing for leaders who want to grow thriving organizations. Check out the video version of the short clip I’ve shared today.  Here is the video link to the full Craig and Greg Show conversation about stress and leadership.  For more thoughts about healthy stress, to order a copy of my new book When Sheep Bite, or to learn other ways I can help you, please go to http://linktr.ee/craigtowens

Sadly, many mature Christians allow their years of experience to create an unhealthy pride in their hearts. King David shows us that the closer we get to the end of the journey, the more childlike we should become.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you’ve missed any of the other messages on the Songs of Ascent, you can find them all here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Church leaders frequently have to deal with Mr. Anonymous. What is the best way to handle his criticism?  I discuss the bites of critics and criticism in my book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

When people attack their leader—or when sheep bite—it hurts! Our best first response is to acknowledge the pain, but the next step takes more effort. Check out this conversation I had with Greg Heeres.  Check out the video version of this conversation.  If you would like to watch the full episode of our leadership podcast, you can find that here. I am getting ready to facilitate a cohort for pastors who have gone through painful sheep bites—or perhaps they are feeling them right now! If you are a pastor, or if you know of a pastor who has been bitten, please check out this cohort here. And if you would like to pick up a copy of When Sheep Bite for yourself, you can get that here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

I want to give you a leadership practice that is going to set you apart from the crowd. It’s all about leveraging an amazing feature God has designed in our brain. Check out the video version of this episode of The Podcast. The blog post I referenced in this episode is If only I would have thought that through.... I also talked about the power of our reticular activating system (RAS) to improve our attitude in the post and video Gratitude is a shield. On our leadership podcast called The Craig and Greg Show, Greg and I discussed the added benefit of remembering and using details about people’s lives in our episode Be a noticer. Keep up with everything else I have going on, including my newest book and the cohort I am facilitating by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Anti-anxiety medications are prescribed at a higher rate than any other medication. As a nation, we have become—literally—a nervous wreck! You may also want to check out: My blog post The Carbon Monoxide of Anxiety A series of sermons called X-ing Out Anxiety ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

A psalmist says that God sows light like seed in our hearts. What are we to do with these precious seeds? Get more information on my new book When Sheep Bite.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

We all face storms in life. My friend Tom Kaastra gives us a 5-step plan to rise above those storms.  Check out my new book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Have you ever been obediently sailing along smoothly, and then  a storm threatens to swamp you? You may also like to check out: Where’s God? part 1 Where’s God? part 2 ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Stress might have six letters, but it seems like some leaders have a knee-jerk reaction to treat it like a four-letter word. While it might be nice to fantasize about an stress-free life, this is both entirely unrealistic and detrimental to your leadership. The truth is, a mild amount of stress can be helpful to you personally, as well as your organization as a whole. Join us as Greg and I unpack why you should embrace a bit of stress in your life. Check out the video version of this episode of our leadership podcast.  If you’d like help getting better in this or any other area of leadership, Maximize would love to help you! Head over to https://maximizeleadership.com and fill out the form at the bottom of the coaching page for more information on how a leadership coach can explode your growth.

Shepherd leaders need to be in the pastures where God has placed them, faithfully caring for the sheep under their care, and individualizing that care for each and every sheep. Check out the video of my conversation with Karl Vaters.  You can check out more clips from this Church Lobby interview here. Check out my book Shepherd Leadership for yourself or for a pastor that you love. And also check out my latest book When Sheep Bite, which I think of as the prequel to Shepherd Leadership. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎  

Pastors can wrestle with questions about why God called them to their ministry. It is important to remember the honor that it is to serve in this role. Check out my book Shepherd Leadership. And also check out my newest book When Sheep Bite.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jesus was continually and intimately aware of His Father’s plan and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to help Him live out His Father’s mission. We can live like this too!  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jim Wiegand shares three important questions to help us clarify the “sweet spot” that God has uniquely created for each and every person. Here are a few quotes from Jim’s book “Recruiting to Releasing.” Watch the video of my interview with Jim Wiegand.  If you would like to join my Patreon supporters for just $5 per month, you will have access to all of the exclusivie resources I share with them.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

National sin is always the culmination of unrepented individual sins. So in order for us to see a national revival, it will take the culmination of individual Christians repenting of their sins. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you’ve missed any of the Songs of Ascent we’ve looked at, you can find them all here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

How do you know if something is lavishly beautiful or a totally inappropriate wastefulness? Let’s talk about how people worship God on this episode of The Podcast. Check out the video version of this episode.  The blog post and video I mention in this episode is Awesome God, Awesome Praise.  Keep up with everything else I have going on—including my newest book and the cohort I am facilitating— by clicking here.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Sometimes people mistakenly think that their Christianity matures to a point where they no long have to face difficulties. In actuality, the difficulties are bringing a greater maturity and fruitfulness in that Christian’s life that could be realized in no other way. Check out the video of this sermon.  If you’ve missed any of the other messages in our series looking at these songs of ascent, you can check them all out here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎  

Pride deceives. Pride perverts. Pride corrupts. Pride brings God’s punishment. And persistent pride brings utter destruction. Check out my book Shepherd Leadership here.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Empathy is an essential trait for leaders, but it’s not innate in any of us. As I joked, “behind ‘mama’ and ‘dada,’ the first word most babies learn is ‘mine.’” The skill of empathy is like a muscle, the more we practice, the stronger it gets. In this episode, Greg and I discuss why empathy is so important for leaders, and give helpful advice on how to remain proficient in your use of empathy. Check out the video version of this episode of The Craig and Greg Show.  If you’d like help getting better in this or any other area of leadership, Maximize would love to help you! Head over to https://maximizeleadership.com and fill out the form at the bottom of the coaching page for more information on how a leadership coach can explode your growth. Keep up with all of the content I am producing for you every day—including where you can order my new book “When Sheep Bite”—at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens 

Fight-or-flight may be a natural response for shepherd leaders who are being bitten by sheep, but it’s not the response that glorifies God, strengthens our leadership, and heals the flock.  You can watch the video of my training with that group of pastors.  I would like to invite you to join a cohort of pastors that will be dealing with the same painful sheep bites you have experienced. We’ll meet together online every other week for 10 sessions to discuss the biblical principles that will help us all respond in the supernatural ways that strengthen our leadership, heal our flocks, and bring glory to the Chief Shepherd. This cohort is limited to just 10 pastors so that we can develop some solid friendships that will last well beyond the cohort, so please sign up today. Check out more information on my book When Sheep Bite here. 

Before you recruit someone to fill that next opening in your organization, I’ve got a resource that you should definitely check out. The resource I am referring to comes from the book Recruiting to Releasing by Jim Wiegand. I had a chance to sit down with Jim to talk about this eye-opening book.  Watch the video version of this episode of The Podcast. Purchase your copy of Recruiting to Releasing on Amazon here, or on Apple Books here.  If you would like to check out when Jim interviewed me about my book When Sheep Bite, check out that video here. Here are a bunch of ways to get in touch with me and follow along with other projects on which I am involved. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Climbing is hard work, especially when we’ve been climbing for years and years. The enemy would love to convince us that there is an “easy out” along the journey, but God promises us His immeasurable blessings if we will continue to climb up into Him! Check out the video of today’s sermon.  If you would like to check out the other songs of ascent that we’ve already studied, please click here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

My logic always has a dark edge that I cannot see past. But the logic of God has no dark places because He can see from beginning to end perfectly. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The word sounds as painful physically as it is emotionally. I am talking about the word “fester.” Check out the video version of this episode of The Podcast. I truly believe that When Sheep Bite will be a healing resource for shepherd leaders who are still feeling the pain of their latest sheep bite. Please pick up a copy today! Register for my upcoming cohort here. Space is limited to 10 cohorts, so register soon.  If you would like to check out the full conversation Greg and I had on our leadership podcast called The Craig and Greg Show, you can find that episode here.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Godly women can use their God-given superpower to unlock the potential of the men in their lives. Then it’s up to godly men to use their God-given superpower to steward this unlocked potential. It’s God’s delight when men and women do this! Watch the video of this sermon here.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎