D.J. Horton

Most Christian leaders don't set out to misuse the money and resources God has entrusted to them, yet we still find poor stewardship happening among phenomenal, godly people. What needs to change, and why does it matter? Join Dr. D.J. Horton and his church's Executive Pastor, Ken Fisher, for a conversation on becoming faithful stewards. They'll discuss two of the biggest enemies of being good stewards, as well as some of the most common mistakes even well-meaning leaders make when it comes to stewardship. Becoming people who honor the Lord with our financial decisions is a needed and attainable goal.

As leaders, we can fall into the trap of thinking we have to be the ones with all the ideas, but that's simply not true. Our teams need to know that not only is bringing fresh, innovative ideas welcomed, but it's also needed. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and guest Pastor Jason Williamson, founder of the Through Our Eyes Project, for a conversation on why we need the ideas of others and how we can create an atmosphere where people feel encouraged to think creatively. 

Nothing can create a toxic work or ministry environment quite like dishonesty and gossip. Ministry is already emotionally demanding enough. So, why would we want to waste emotional energy by fostering unhealthy relationships where everyone is venting and talking about one another instead of resolving issues with each other? Join Dr. D.J. Horton and Pastor Asheton Amerson for a conversation on demanding honesty from ourselves first and being a part of killing gossip. How seriously we wage war on gossip will directly impact how much unity we experience in the places where we lead.

No one would argue against the need for unity in our churches and organizations. But unity doesn't come easy. So, how do you even begin creating this cultural characteristic where you lead? Join Dr. D.J. Horton and his guest, Lawrence Kind, for a conversation where they define unity - because it's not uniformity or everyone always agrees - and discuss what it takes to be unified. 

Giving and receiving criticism can end up being difficult and emotionally charged situations. Both require us to check our ego at the door so that criticism can be given gently and accepted humbly. But how do we actually get to where we can offer it without being reactionary and receive it without being offended? Join Dr. D.J. Horton and his guest, Julie McNeely, the worship ministry director at the church he leads, for a conversation that will help you learn what it looks like to stay in step with the Holy Spirit when critiques are needed.

How often do you hear people laughing where you lead, and might that reveal about the culture there? Listen in as Dr. D.J. Horton and Dr. Josh Epton discuss why laughter needs to be common in your ministry, workplace, and home. This fifth characteristic might seem surprising, but it is vital for a healthy leadership culture. Not because the ultimate goal is laughter. The goal is joy, and the fruit of joy is laughter.

Exodus 32:7-35 Four responses to sin… 1. The Sovereign Response  v.7-10, 33-35 2. The Savior's Response  v 11-20, 28-32 3. The Sinful Response  v. 22-24 4. The Saving Response v. 25-27 Common cows worth killing: Infatuation with comfort/pleasure/experiences/ entertainment Consumed with goals/dreams/success/status Unhealthy dependence on human relationships Sexual sin (flirting/sexting/porn/fornication) Love of money/preoccupied with pursuit of possessions Kill the cows you… Love more than Him Trust more than Him Serve more than Him Fear more than Him

One of the greatest threats to growing businesses and ministries is when everyone simply looks out for themselves. Creating a kingdom-minded culture means the people on your team want to help each other win because there is a bigger picture at play. So, how do you guard against those you lead becoming so myopic that you end up with deeply fragmented teams? Join Dr. D.J Horton and Dr. Tripp Atkinson for a conversation on how to work together effectively in a world that often encourages us to live self-centeredly.

To worship an idol is to replace God with something or someone else What is an idol? Anything you love more than God Anything you fear more than God Anything you trust more than God Anything you serve more than God Idolatry is... 1. Distrust of God (v. 1) 2. Disobedience to God (v. 2-4a) 3. Distortion of God (v. 4b-6) - Do not believe you are immune from idols in your life. Run to Christ…and Christ alone.

When it comes to our churches, businesses, and ministries, we should certainly want to pursue excellence, but excellence can become our enemy when we forget that people matter most. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and Pastor Jarrett McNeely for a conversation surrounding how to love and shepherd the people you lead well - even when it's difficult - and how to avoid burnout. People truly do matter most because they matter most to Jesus.

Three Truths: 1. The Source of all Storms (v. 19-22) 2. The Source of our Sorrow (v. 23) 3. The Source of our Strength (v. 24-28) Three Sources of Strength: The Promise of God (v. 24) The Presence of God (v.25-27) The Purposes of God (v. 28) How does God use storms?  To display His great power and might To bring judgment To bring repentance and grow faith The world focuses on the size of the storm. We should focus on the size of the Savior.

Most Christians will say that there is power in prayer. They'll even say they want to pray about everything. Sadly, though, there is often a disconnect between what we say about prayer and what we do in prayer. We run the risk of operating our churches, businesses, ministries, and lives at a high level, yet without the power, presence, and movement of God. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and guest Pastor Adam Siskey for a discussion on the importance of allowing prayer to trump our well-laid plans. 

Join Dr. D.J. Horton and special guest Kevin Drake, the Executive Director of Upward Sports, as they discuss the first of ten leadership characteristics: The Lord is honored. Culture is going to happen in your organization, whether it's a business or a church, whether you want it to or not. You will have a culture. Learn more in this episode about how to create an intentional culture that honors the Lord over having an accidental one that may not. 

God designed us physically and spiritually to work and rest. 2 Final Instructions: 1. Work for His Glory (v.1-11) 2. Rest for His Glory (v.12-18) When we look at the Sabbath: We Look Up We Look In We Look Back We Look Forward We Look Out!  

Exodus 30 Moses is given four finishing touches: 1. The Incense of Intercession          (v.1-10, 34-38)       - Prayer was the primary purpose of the altar       - We need a high priest who prays for us 2. The Payment of Provision (v.11-16) 3. The Continuation of Cleansing (v.17-21) 4. The Aroma of Anointing (v. 22-33) Does your life have the the aroma of Christ?

Exodus 29 When God calls someone to Himself... 1. Their Soul must be Cleansed (v.1-4) 2. Their Self must be Clothed (v.5-9) 3. Sin must be Covered (v.10-18) 4. Their Service must be Consecrated (v. 19-34) Application of an Ordination: 1. Is your soul clean? 2. Is your self clothed? 3. Is your sin covered? 4. Is your service consecrated?

Exodus 28  1. Clothed For His Glory - The office of the High Priest  - The outfit of the High Priest  Verses to note: v.2-3-Requirement of God v.12-Remembrance before God v.29-Representation before God v.30-Request before God v.38-Redemption before God v.40-Reverence before God 2. Clothed In His Glory The outfit of The Great High Priest  3. Clothed By His Glory 4. Clothed For His Glory - Spiritual Clothing for Character - Spiritual Clothing for Conflict He was clothed in glory to remove your filthy rags. He died for you naked. You will not serve him that way. 

Exodus 27 Notice... I. The Lessons from the Altar. v.1-8 The altar is physical reminder of… The Fear of God The Forgiveness of God II. The Lessons from the Courtyard.     v.9-19 III. The Lessons from the Lamp and Oil v.20-21 Is there room in the spaces of your life for …the fear of God? …the forgiveness of God? …the favor of God? …the fellowship of God? …the faithfulness of God? …faithfulness to God?  

Plans Matter A great question to ask: What does this teach us about God? We learn: 1. The Demand and Desire for the Tabernacle Display the Faithfulness of God 2. The Design and Detail of the Tabernacle Display the Glory of God 3. The Distance and Division of the Tabernacle Display the Holiness of God Drawing Near Holding Tighter Helping One Another  

Exodus 25 Do you thirst for the presence of God? We see... 1. The Focus of Preparing for His Presence (v.8) 2. The Funding of Preparing for His Presence (v.1-9) 3. The Furnishings of Preparing for His Presence (v.10-40)  -The Ark -The Table -The Lampstand  

Exodus 20:17-21 Wisdom about your wants 1. The Distinctiveness of Coveting    Coveting is Covert.    Coveting is Comprehensive. 2. The Deception of Coveting      Deception related to your neighbor      Deception related to your God      Deception related to yourself 3. The Danger of Coveting 4. The Defeat of Coveting  Conquering Coveting: Call it and confess it Count your blessings Contemplate the Cross and Communion with Christ Celebrate the blessings of others Chase people

As human beings, it is tempting to try to find our joy in temporary experiences and worldly things more than we find our joy and pleasure in Christ, and this is certainly not a battle that leaders are immune to. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and Dr. Albert Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, for a conversation on dealing with the sin of seeking superficial pleasures or possessions over being fulfilled and satisfied in the Savior.

Exodus 20:16 God wants His people to… 1. Speak the Truth 2. Know the Truth 3. Love the Truth Everyone is seeking truth…but truth has become very rare. To Know The Truth... 1. God is Truth 2. Jesus is Truth 3. The Holy Spirit is Truth 4. The Word is Truth Are you living in truth?

As pastors, it is possible to work really hard at doing church really well, yet become increasingly indifferent to the reality that the lost around us face an eternity without Christ in hell. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and guest Dr. Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, for a conversation on how to avoid the sin of being satisfied in ministry without seeing people saved.   

Exodus 20:15 We expect the world to steal.  But what happens when God's people commit theft? When God's people commit theft, it is… 1. A Case of Stolen Integrity 2. A Case of Stolen Theology       -When we steal, we… We disregard or are dissatisfied with God's provisions in our life. We destroy God's providence in our neighbor's life. 3. A Case of Stolen Industry 4. A Case of Stolen Generosity How's your integrity? Theology? Industry? Generosity?  

We were never meant to lead our ministries with stale prayers and spiritless priorities. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and guest Dr. James Merritt, the Senior Pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, Georgia, for a conversation on how to guard against doing God's work with human effort that is not empowered by desperate prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 20:14 5 Truths for 5 Words... 1. The Heart of the Command against Adultery 2. The Hope of the Command against Adultery 3. The Harm of Committing Adultery 4. The Help for Countering Adultery Chase: Chase Christ, Chase your spouse, Chase your kids, Chase the church, Chase the lost  Flee: Flee all immorality, Flee all hints, Flee all opportunities  5. The Healing in Christ from Adultery  

Compromising God's standard for holiness in the areas of sex, sexual desire, and sexual purity is a difficult sin to attack because of the personal and private nature of most sexual sin. This is why leaders must intensify their diligence and transparency. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and guest Dr. Daniel Akin, president of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, for a candid conversation about proactively battling this deadly sin.

Exodus 20:12 “The law put Jesus on the cross.   The law brings sinners to the cross.  The law keeps Christians near the cross.” -Mike Mazzalongo  It matters what we understand… 1. The Order of the 5th Commandment -The relationship of children to their parents is first, forever, and foundational. 2. The Obedience to the 5th Commandment - Honor matters.  Honor in Hebrew literally means “heavy” or “weighty.” Honor is really for all of us. Honor:  Children – Obedience.  Adults – Respect/Care. 3. The Obstacle to the 5th Commandment When this world's relationships are broken, you are not alone. 4. The Outcome of the 5th Commandment Honoring you as a mother with truth... Your worth is in Him Your calling is high Your enemy is a liar Your hope is the gospel When you honor The Lord, you honor your parents and you  parent honorably.

Finding our motivation for ministry in the pursuit and praise of human recognition is an easy snare to fall into as a leader. Join me and special guest Pastor Fred Luter, Jr., the first African American President of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Senior Pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a conversation on how to fight the temptation to become infatuated with platform, prestige, and popularity.

Exodus 20:8-10 5 Truths to Make Sense of the Sabbath 1. The Prerequisite of The Sabbath in Creation   2. The Purpose of The Sabbath in the Covenant   3. The Person of The Sabbath on Calvary 4. The Principle of The Sabbath in Christianity 5. The Pattern of The Sabbath in a Christian A Redemptive Rhythm of... -A day of rest away from work with a focus on family and godly pleasure. -A prioritized time of in person gathering with our church family to worship, hear preaching, fellowship, give, pray, and minister. Have you found you rest in Him? Does the rhythm of your week show it?  

Being wise and strategic are needed skills for pastors and leaders, but manipulating people as a means to an end has no place in ministry. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board, for a conversation on recognizing and battling the sin of struggling for power.

Whether you are a leader in your church, in your workplace, or in your home, you don't want to miss these episodes that will help you address some of the most common sins that can end up derailing individual lives, families, relationships, and entire ministries

Exodus 20:4-6 The first commandment is about WHO we worship. The second commandment is about HOW we worship. The Second Commandment 1. The Rule is Rooted in Us v.4 2. The Reason is Rooted in Him v.5 3. The Results are Reaped by Our Children v.6 It is a dangerous thing to make an idol.  It is even deadlier to make an idol and claim it is an act of worship to the One true living God. Consider Him. Consider His Spirit's Presence. Consider His Word as it is Preached. Consider the Image of God you are bearing.  

Exodus 20:1-3 The First Commandment is about… 1. His Preeminence over their Lives 2. His Pursuit of their Lives 3. His Performance in their Lives 4. His Priority for their Lives Our idols do not need to be forged from earrings to constitute a spiritual danger to us. They appear whenever we exchange “the glory of the immortal God” for anything in the created order. Who/what do you love most? Who/what do you trust most? Who/what do you serve most?

Exodus 19 The people of God should be different. The people of God are marked by… 1. Covenant v.1-8        A.Two parts to the Covenant: You will have a special relationship WITH me. You will have a special responsibility FOR me. 2. Consecration v.9-15 3. Communion v.16-25 How is your end of the covenant? Your consecration? Your communion?  

We celebrate our risen King in a deeply divided world Two truths about every division we see: They involve real people They are all caused by sin Acts 10:28-43 Essentials of Easter's Invitation... 1. The List is Comprehensive v. 34-35 2. The Host is Commendable v. 36-39a 3. The Cost is Covered v. 39b-41 4. The Event is Coming v. 42-43a 5. The RSVP is Crucial v. 43b There are at least 5 people here today: The Devoted-Saved And Strong The Discouraged- Saved But Struggling The Distant- Saved But Sinful The Deceived- Supportive Not Surrendered The Doubtful-Skeptical, scared, or selfish His RSVP only has two options: Great are You Lord Or I'll face life and death on my own  

Acts 4:1-22 & 5:29-32 It's Important we understand... 1. The Case for Making His Name Known v. 1-10 Peter's Case... The power came in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth Whom you crucified God raised Jesus is the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22) 2. The Controversy of Making His Name Known? v. 11-12 3. The Courage for Making His Name Known? v. 13-22, 5:29-32 The command a true Christian cannot obey: Do not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. A Faithful Formula: An Empty Tomb + A Full Heart = A Willing Witness  

Two questions about His name: I. Why is there power in His name? v. 12-16 He lived His life as… 1. A Servant of God-Humility v.13 2. A Sinless Man-Humanity v.14a 3. The Source of Life-Deity v.15b 4. A Sacrifice and got it back-Victory v.15a,c II. What does faith in His name offer?      v. 17-26 In His name there is a promise to… 1. Remove sin permanently v.19b 2. Refresh followers spiritually v.20a 3. Restore creation totally v.20b-21 4. Reach people globally v.22-26 While salvation will not spread universally, it will spread globally! Let His Name Be Known      

Acts 2:24-40 Looking for God's Salvation... 1. David Saw Him Coming v. 24-31 2. The Disciples Saw Him Living v. 32 3. The Crowd Saw Him Working v. 33 4. Heaven Saw Returning and Reigning v. 34-36 “False repentance dreads the consequences of sin; true repentance dreads sin itself.” -Albert Barnes It is good to hear the gospel.  It is even better to respond!

Acts 2:14-24 Peter preached to... 1. Let The Presence of The Spirit Be Known v.16-20 2. Let The Promise of Salvation Be Known v.21 3. Let The Person of Salvation Be Known v.22-24 This Easter how will you let it be known?  

Exodus 17:8-18:27 “Even if you fight like Joshua, you will not win unless you pray like Moses.” You have at minimum three leadership assignments. Home – Church – World  5 Truth for Effective Kingdom Leadership 1. Leadership demands Limitation v.13-18 You can't do it all. 2. Limitation demands Delegation v.19-21a You shouldn't do it all. 3. Delegation demands Identification v.21b It matters who does it with you. 4. Identification demands Implementation    v.21c-25 Release them with a plan. 5. Implementation demands Participation  v.26-27 Lead and serve with them. Who are you leading? How are you leading?

Exodus 16 God doesn't test us because He wants to fail. It's just the opposite. Three Tests in their survival 1. He Tested Their Confidence 15:22-27 2. He Tested Their Obedience 16:1-30 3. They Tested His Patience 7:1-7 Take and trust God's tests.

Exodus 15 How do you praise Him? They praised Him for... 1. His Identity v.2-3, 11 2. His Activity v.4-10, 12-13 3. His Certainty v.14-18 When you see His Salvation, sense His strength, and stand on His promises… YOU SING ABOUT IT!

Exodus 14 This is a story about the glory of God! The Glory of God is seen in... 1. His Sovereignty  2. His Salvation  3. His Strength  See His Glory Show His Glory Give Him Glory

Exodus 13 God's Guidance for... 1. The Parenting of His People  God cares about our children's... 1. Consecration 2. Education 2. The Path of His People God guides through... 1. His Protection 2. Our Past 3. His Presence See His Grace in Guidance. Seek His Grace to be Guided. Share His Guidance in Grace.

Inclusion can be good …but so can exclusion. Exodus 12:43-51 Three Questions: Who? How? Why? WHO?: Who MUST v.47 Who CAN v.44, 48 Who CANNOT  - Not Race BUT Grace HOW?: It was to be eaten in community v.46a It was to be eaten in conformity v.46b Inside No flesh taken outside No bone broken WHY? v.50-51 His Table is invitation only. But the invitation list is for all who repent and believe.

Exodus 12:33-42 As the exodus begins we see... 1. The Culmination of God's Promise v.33-36 2. The Documentation of God's Promise  v.37-41 3. The Commemoration of God's Promise v.42 Our default is to dwell on what we “need” God to do in our lives. It is a good thing to reflect on all the promises He has kept.  

Colossians 1:20 We are reconciled... 1. Through Him 2. To Him 3. By Him

Colossians 1:18 When it comes to His church, remember... 1. His Position As head of the church, He offers... 1. Power 2. Protection 3. Providence 2. His Possession 3. His Preeminence