Intentional Leadership » Podcast Feed

Warning: this thought contains numerous analogies.  

Last time here on Intentional Leadership, we discussed how worry can rob you of every leadership skill you have ever developed.  We explored that planning is a powerful tool which empowers you to overcome worry and continue to make successful progress. Today we are considering a second option to negate worry: delegation.  It is proven […]

Here is one thing I know about being a leader.   Worry will never empower you.  Worry can rob you of every leadership skill you have ever developed. Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m so thankful that I worried over that”?  Even the mention of that statement seems absurd.  So, why does worry become such […]

As a leader, you need to have an understanding and overall view of every aspect of your group.  Yes, there are times, situations and circumstances that challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and possibly work outside of your given talents.  But, those times should usually be the exceptions not the norm. Do […]

Let’s explore the difference between ‘Inability’ and ‘In Ability.’  Before we do, let me remind you that, as a Christian leader, you “are the temple of the living God,” “greater is He who lives in you,” “for there is a greater power with you,” and you “can do all things through Christ who gives you […]

This is a special edition for Intentional Leadership’s podcast which features a sermon by Pastor Gary focusing upon God’s direction for handling undesirable circumstances.  “Under No Circumstances” uses Joshua 10 as an example of dealing with the pressures of mounting circumstances.

Goals and vision are powerful motivator for every leader.  There is great satisfaction in reaching goals and seeing vision fulfilled.  Have you ever considered that God wants to do more than help you reach your goals?  God wants to “SUPER-SIZE” your goals and vision He has entrusted into your care. The insights in this 30 […]

As a leader, have you ever wondered why those whom you are leading are not developing the characteristics which you desire?  Sometimes a long look in a mirror can help.  Pastor Gary R. Linn shares a powerful insight into how the Law of Prescriptive Usage impacts leaders and their teams. This 22 minute insight also […]

God has an “infinite understanding” of your situation and “exceedingly abundant power” to give to you a marvelous resolution! Increase your faith in the power of your “LIMITLESS” God through these 7 reasons why there are NO LIMITS to what God can do in and through your life and ministry!  Enjoy this special edition for Intentional […]

Most agree that a good leader is one who keeps his or her group moving forward in growth, progress, and vision. The demands of growth, progress and vision often place the leader out in front of the group where he or she forges the path. At times, this appears to be a difficult task that […]

Each of us has a list of resources with which we rely upon to accomplish the tasks in our vocation or position of leadership. Though our lists may vary in specifics, some of the most common components are finances, staff, and time. Still, why is it that we can look at some companies or organizations […]

In order to more fully understand today’s topic, let us first define what is meant by the phrase “Life-Changing Leadership.” A leader who diligently interacts with those around him has the potential of forever impacting their lives. The resulting change can be toward the negative or the positive. So, let’s consider what characteristic is at […]

Picture this scenario. You text a team member, saying that you just sent them an email to let them know that you will be calling later to set up a time with them to get together to plan a meeting to discuss when the two of you can sit down and develop a strategy of […]

Most of us have heard the expression, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” It is a catchy cliché that hints to the thought to never give up. If we were talking about being persistent and never giving up, then I agree with the statement. However, there are those who use it […]

In today’s Leadership Insight, let’s begin with a story from the 2009 Michigan International Speedway. Three contenders Mark Martin, Jimmy Johnson, and Greg Biffle had raced nearly 400 miles with merely 50 laps remaining. All three drivers had driven hard to maintain the top three positions in the race. Johnson and Biffle fought over the […]

Have you ever heard the expression, “Be yourself because everyone else is taken?” It is a truism that you simply cannot overlook as a leader. One of the greatest strengths to the teams I have built over the years is helping each team member focus upon who they are and what talents they have to […]

From one leader to another, I ask you to honestly, and objectively contemplate today’s Intentional Leadership topic. Grasping and implementing this focus will dramatically increase your effectiveness. Ask yourself if either of the following scenarios are common to your leadership style. First, with your numerous responsibilities, you may often find yourself making decisions for your […]

The topic of investing is one that pervades many conversations. You may recall conversing with others about how to invest your finances. Or, you may have recently taught your church on the importance of investing into the lives of children. All of us invest ourselves into one thing or another. In the next few moments, […]

Let’s do a short exercise together. When I say a word, you say aloud the name of the person who comes to mind. Are you ready? Let’s begin. Honest, Liar, Trustworthy, Deceiver, Confidant, Manipulator, Wise, Straightforward Those words were a mixture of positive and negative traits or behaviors. Some words may have instantly brought a […]

Recently a friend shared with me a book by John Maxwell in which I discovered a wonderful acrostic for the word PURPOSE. P= Pray U= Unite R= Risk P= Plan O= Observe S= Sacrifice E= Expect Let’s use these seven keywords to lead us in discovering how we can embody leadership for our team and […]

This past week I was listening to a teaching by Chip Ingram. In passing, Chip referenced a scripture from 2 Samuel. The verse is found in both 2 Samuel 11:1 and 1 Chronicles 20:1. “And it came to pass, …at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab.” This verse immediately […]

I want to share with you today as a friend and a pastor. I pray for the Spirit of our Living God to minister this encouragement to you. You and I both know that each day holds its victories, celebrations, trials, tests, and even tribulations. At times, it seems like, day after day, certain difficulties […]

This past week, I was asked an intriguing question which in return I wish to ask you. What is the difference between unity and uniformity? More fully understanding the answer to this question can help you bring unity to those whom you are leading. Let’s first consider unity. We can define unity as being in […]

One of the earliest scripture verses I recall memorizing is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This particular scripture is a resounding call of encouragement to every believer who faces challenges and change. I want to ask you this question directly. “Can you really do all things?” Possibly a more appropriate […]

Today’s Podcast is a 21 minute sermon on “Being a Person of Value.”  All of us need to recognize our value and also what we value.  Moreover, we must help others to see their value to God.

One of the most powerful traits of a good leader is being able recognize where those whom you are leading fit into the purpose, vision, and structure of your group. One of the fastest ways to slow any organization is to have talents and abilities mismatched with job descriptions. For example, someone who is innovative […]

Most all of us have found ourselves in a situation where what we were communicating was being interpreted differently than what we intended it to be. Many times, a simple misunderstanding will begin a series of events that result in a less than desirable outcome. So, what can you do to reduce these types of […]

Whenever you hear someone say, “singing the same old song,” it is usually not in a good context. This short piece of prose implies that a person is following a pattern of unhealthy repetition. So, let me ask you “Are you singing the same old song?” Have you developed a pattern of repetition that is […]

Christian leaders often use the lifestyles and decisions of the Old Testament kings for examples in how to effectively lead. A brief perusal of the successful leaders from ancient Israel, Egypt, Babylon, etc…quickly brings to focus that each received wise insight from God and God-led people. Conversely, we discover that the unsuccessful leaders either did […]

Today’s Intentional Leadership challenge focuses on the second scenario from our last leadership challenge, “Minimizing Frustrations and Discouragements.” What do you do when you must work outside your God-given talents, abilities, and insights? As a leader, you will often find yourself faced with tasks that require skill sets other than those which are your strengths. […]

As we begin today’s leadership insight, take a moment and reflect upon this past month. I want you to pinpoint at least one task you had to accomplish that was frustrating or difficult for you to undertake. In addition to the difficulty, also look for some responsibility that you really did not wish to do. […]

This Intentional Leadership thought comes during the middle of what is considered the busiest holiday season of the year.  Most everyone I have spoken with or corresponded with over the past several weeks seems to wish something was a little different in their ministry or family circumstances this Christmas season.  Maybe you can identify with […]

Most of our Intentional Leadership insights focus us toward challenges in our growth, ways we can expand our vision, or encouragement to keep us moving in the right direction.  For today’s insight, let us take a moment to discover how our actions throughout the Christmas season help us have a stronger impact on the lives […]

This Intentional Leadership focus emanates from several ministry leaders and pastors seeking input of how to handle certain challenges they are facing as they lead their congregations. In the heart of a leader, there is a clear understanding of where God is directing and guiding. Throughout all of scripture we can plainly see that God […]

The roles and tasks leaders fill often times lead them along paths seldom traveled by others.  It can almost seem ironic that someone who leads 10’s, 100’s, or even 1000’s of people could struggle with feeling alone.  Professionals have full explanations and descriptions for this scenario and have, for the most part, decided that it […]

As leaders we often find ourselves intently looking for an answer from God to a specific question or need we have or one for someone under our leadership.  It is certain that much of our prayers should and do focus on worship and praise toward God.  But it is also true that many times our […]

Prominent characteristics of good leadership include such things as honesty, integrity, initiative, vision, and positive attitude. Though traits such as these are influential in assisting you as a leader, I want to bring your attention toward one all-encompassing attribute that leverages all of these. Think about the ability to communicate. Effective communication does not lie […]

Real leadership is directly related to growth and maturity. Therefore, spiritual leadership is directly related to spiritual growth and spiritual maturity. With spiritual growth and maturity being the foundation for spiritual leadership, it is necessary for us to define spiritual growth and maturity. What is spiritual growth and maturity? First, let’s consider three things that […]

As you consider the title of today’s challenge, “This Moment Is All You Have” you will most likely be responding in one of two ways. Many will almost immediately think something to the effect of “Well, that seems pessimistic.” Others will be challenged in a liberating sense and think, “Then I am going to make […]

You Are Vitally Important! Have you ever caught yourself comparing your talents, ideas, accomplishments, insights, etc… with those of someone else? The two most common thoughts usually present themselves as something similar to “I would do that this way.” or “I wish I were that creative.” Comparison can become a deceptive tool used to produce […]

A man meets three workers at a building site. He asks the first one: “What are you doing?” – “I’m laying bricks.” He asks the next one: “What are you doing?” – “I’m building a wall.” The man walks up to the third worker and asks him the same question. He looks up with a […]