Lead2Serve

Season 5 of Lead2Serve launches right now. In the season 5 kickoff, Pastors Ed Taylor and Bob Claycamp explore the concept of servant leadership within the church. They emphasize the necessity of spiritual self-care for those in ministry, warning against the dangers of spiritual exhaustion. The discussion underscores the importance of daily practices such as Bible reading and prayer to maintain your spiritual health and to effectively serve others. Pastor Bob shares personal experiences, stressing the need for balance between serving and replenishing one's spiritual energy. The episode concludes with a reminder of the honor of serving others and an encouragement for listeners to engage with the podcast's community. Key Thoughts: Being filled with the Holy Spirit. Daily Bible reading and prayer. Poured Out. Heart Talks with God. edtaylor.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2serve/message

Pastor Avant Ramsey (1953-2023) was a special gift and blessing to our church. He is already GREATLY missed! Back in 2020, I sat down with Avant to discuss the racial tensions, which at the time were increasing, but for our brother Avant was something he lived with his entire life. Listen in and allow our brother to encourage you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2serve/message

Quitting. It's a popular choice when things are challenging, complicated, and hard. The choice to stop is always before the Servant Leader. How do you know when it's time to move on? When do you agree that one season is over and another is beginning? These questions and more will be addressed on today's episode of the Lead2Serve podcast. Be sure to subscribe and share this podcast. It helps a lot. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2serve/message

Closed doors can be painful and challenging. Sometimes they will move a person into deep discouragement or even depression. On today's episode of Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed Taylor and Pastor Bob Claycamp remind us of the importance of knowing that both closed doors and open doors for ministry and life come from God. God uses closed doors (a NO) as much as He uses open doors (a YES) in our lives. You'll hear of a couple of examples in their lives to see God moves us where He wants us. Be sure to subscribe and share this episode. It helps a lot. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2serve/message

Do you know where you belong in the Body of Christ? We often use the phrase "the calling of God" to describe God's will for our lives. What is it? How do I learn what it is for my life? How do I live out the call of God? On today's episode of Lead2serve, Pastors Ed & Bob talk about this and other subjects to help narrow down the focus of your life. Be sure to subscribe and share this episode. It helps a lot. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2serve/message

Let's admit it, submission is a tough subject. It goes against our own selfish ambitions and can be made even more difficult when abuse has been involved or when you are serving alongside bad leaders. Even though there are challenges, we need to learn to be submissive to God while choosing to be submissive to the leadership God has placed in our lives. Without submission, chaos, confusion, and disorder abound. In this episode Pastor Ed and Pastor Bob talk about the importance of submission. Where there is godly leadership that is to be matched with godly submission. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2serve/message

In today's episode, Pastor Ed Taylor and Pastor Bob Claycamp discuss the ongoing challenge of serving well while hurting. Serving can be one of the most painful things a person chooses to do, but will that hurt stop you? It's essential to learn to endure hardships like slander, gossip, betrayal, dishonesty, and a whole host of other challenging scenarios you will encounter. God will give you the strength to limp along while still serving well. The limp is not a good reason to stop serving. Listen in and share. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2serve/message

Building on the theme of challenges leaders are facing in the post-pandemic landscape, today's episode tackles the topic of pain and doubting. Pastor Ed and Pastor Bob talk about the reality of the pain associated with serving God's people. On top of the pain, there is the constant onslaught of doubts that flood the leaders mind. There is hope. Listen in. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lead2serve/message

On our episode today, we tackle the feelings of inadequacy that flood your mind when it comes to the heaviness of change and post-pandemic ministry. You might be feeling like, "man, I can't do this." One of the prevailing things of Barna's research in this post pandemic era in the church is that pastors Yes, but in particular, is people are quitting. They, they're just coming to the place where they are concluding "I can't do this". I can't do this. Maybe you feel inadequate to the challenge but there is encouragement awaiting you to steady on in the calling of God upon your life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Building on the topic of Embracing Change in episode 3, Pastor Ed Taylor and Pastor Bob Claycamp talk about the importance of clearly communicting through change. Since change is inevitable and it happens all the time, as leaders we must clearly communicate through the changes. So much chaos and uncertainty surrounds change and clear, concise, and focused communication helps maintain the unity and get the team to the desired goal. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Today on Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed talks with Pastor Bob Claycamp about the importance of embracing change, especially when it's not your idea. As a leader, in this post-pandemic season, we are living in a time of unprecedented changes. Globally, politically, spiritually. So much change. As a leader and pastor I like change. I don't like to remain stagnant. However, it's not easy. Join us in this discussion about embracing change. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Launching into Season 4 of the Lead2Serve podcast, Pastor Bob Claycamp joins Pastor Ed to talk about a lot of topics facing the post pandemic Church and leadership. Adversities abound and if we're not careful, it's easy to be buried under the weight of it all. But as you choose to carefully walk through the difficulties, you will see amazing new and fresh opportunities! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Season 3 of Lead2Serve followed along topics that are in Pastor Ed's latest book, "Sure and Steady, Learning and Growing in Pastoral Ministry". The book is a collaboration of years of ministry trial and error here at Calvary with wise input from the pastoral team. This final episode of Season 3 is on the topic of Inviting Yourself in to the Lives of others. Because there is "so much" ministry, often we will pull back and no longer seek to minister to people that are not actively coming to us. Some might call this lazy others may look at it as a response to being tired. Whatever the reason, it's important to return to stepping into others' lives all the time on purpose. Instead of waiting for a hospital visit request, ask the family if you can visit. Instead of waiting for a marital counseling call, ask the couple to meet and talk about their marriage. You get it. Join in and share! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode, Pastor Ed discusses the importance of being intentional in connecting with others. So many times ministry becomes reactive to all the crises and needs of others that we forget the joy of stepping into people's lives before the crisis. Jesus was the master at stepping into lives and serving people where they were, not waiting for something to happen. Stop waiting. Start stepping forward by faith. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

I recorded a special edition of the podcast today, a discussion I had live with our mission team on the border of Ukraine actively helping settle refugees. After they finished their dinner, and as they were heading for a night of much needed rest, Pastor Byron, his wife Emily, Pastor JJ, Randy (Elder), and Irina and Masha shared about what is happening from their perspective. We talked about the faith to go into a war zone, how God speaks, and confirms, how are they feeling, and with Irina and Masha, we heard their painful perspective of what it's like for them to lose everything and be separated from their families and homeland not knowing the future. It was an emotional call. Join in the conversation and pray. PLEASE! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

As a servant of the Lord, you are literally being invited into people's lives every single day. How you handle that invitation truly matters. People are NOT events or calendar appointments. They are the precious blood bought people created in the image of God! They deserve our best in ministering the gospel into their lives. There is more to follow up than returning a phone call or responding to an email. On today's episode we learn the principles of following up, following through, and following on! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

On today's episode the topic is wasting time. Time is valuable. Your time. Other's time. It's something that cannot be bought, reproduced, or regained so it's important we choose to use our time wisely and invest it in Kingdom values. I know most people conclude that they use their time wisely, but is it true? How you choose to use your spare time will either lead to great success or great failure for the Kingdom of God! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of maintaining the place of player coach when serving in ministry. Yes, it's a sports analogy that reminds of of the importance of both leading and submitting at the same time. A great picture of servant leadership is of a coach helping others fulfill their God-given calling while at the same time being a player fulfilling your own calling. They both are important. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Who likes feeling stuck? It seems like progress is the sign of success these days. Aways moving forward is desired. But have you considered that in that place of feeling stuck you are exactly where God wants you? Have you considered that maybe God has led you to place of being stuck so that you might stop, reassess, and cry out to Him? Have you thought out the close intimate times that are yours in time of great difficulty and hardship? On today's episode, Pastor Ed tackles the topic, once again, of 'feeling stuck'. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Somewhere along the way the false assertion that leaders are above and beyond and apart from those they serve became popular. Instead of servants, leaders became masters. Relationships are profoundly relational. Ministry is "people". We must serve among the flock and separate from them. Tune in and be encouraged to jump in with both feet relationally serving the men and women God has entrusted to your care. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Today on Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed and Pastor Bob discuss the importance of building trust among those you serve. It's important that confidentiality is maintained where necessary, so that trust is built and ministry flows. It's also important to remember that ministry is a 24/7 role, not a 9 to 5 role where you clock in and clock out. Ministry happens all the time and we must be ready to serve when the Lord needs us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

On today's episode, we have part 1 of a conversation Pastor Ed shared with Pastor Bob Claycamp on the topic of serving well and loving the people you serve. Pastor Bob has 40+ years of pastoral experience as well as a missionary heart. He is a part of the pastoral team here at Calvary as well as Poimen Ministries. We hope you're encouraged by the next 2 episodes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

It's cliche for sure, but teamwork is essential in moving forward in ministry. In today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of loyalty, submission, godly and loving leadership, and teamwork. When everyone does their part, the team moves forward and the Kingdom advances. When there is disloyalty and division, the enemy wins and we remain discouraged and stuck. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Lead2Serve is on holiday break. New episodes post Monday, January 10, 2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In our episode today Pastor Ed reminds us of the vital importance of guarding your heart! That's the key. Protect it. Feed it spiritually. Serve wholeheartedly from a heart that is clean and clear before the Lord. In all things the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart! Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Its easy to think that now you are a leader in your local church, you are there more for others than for yourself. In today's episode, Pastor Ed reminds us that we are in our local church not to exercise our spiritual gifts primarily, but to grow in grace extensively. Even though you now have a role, a desire to serve, and many things to do, you cannot in anyway neglect your own spiritual growth within the local church you're a part of right now. Tune in and let's grow in Jesus together! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Today Pastor Ed reminds us that there is a cost to ministry, serving others. Ministry requires time, a lot of it. But never does God ever ask you to sacrifice your family on the altar of ministry. Luke 14:28 (NKJV) “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—” As we singularly seek Jesus, abiding in His love, He will lead us, guide us, and help us to grow in serving Him well. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Many times when there are challenges in our ministry and service and leadership, we run to a friend, or to a book, or to some program to help us improve. But have you considered your prayer life and lack of prayer? Because we are serving Jesus His way, for His will, in His power, it's important our prayer lives are vibrant and growing. Today on Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed addresses the problem of prayerlessness. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

On today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of your personal life and the constant need to reassess and reevaluate where you are and make the needed adjustments going forward. Most neglect the inward woman, the inward man, and ultimately pay a high price for not going deeper in their personal relationship with Jesus. Join Ed on the discussion. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

The Lead2Serve podcast is back with a brand new season of fresh content from Pastor Ed, from Calvary Church in Aurora Colorado. In today's episode we will learn what season 3 will look like, as Pastor Ed introduces a brand new leadership development resource, the book "Sure and Steady". He'll also talk about how to respond and what to do when you feel overwhelmed. Be blessed as you grow in grace with us. Be sure to leave a positive review and share this podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In this special edition of the Lead2Serve podcast, Cassandra Austin interviews Pastor Ed about his newest book, God's Help for the Troubled Heart. Cassandra is Pastor Ed's assistant and was an integral part of getting this book completed and published. They talk about pain, problems, and the faithfulness of God in bringing healing and comfort. You can get your copy of the book at calvaryco.store or wherever you purchase your books. All net proceeds through our bookstore go directly to our missionaries. So encouraging! Tune in and share. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In this final episode of 2020, Pastor Ed talks briefly about his new book just published entitled, "God's Help For the Troubled Heart". In it he seeks to encourage and strengthen the reader going through any trial or tribulation. Born out of deep grief, and written through God's comfort, this book is a must for anyone struggling with pain, trials, big or small. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In this special edition of Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed talks about the biblical expectations of spiritual leaders during this prolonged crisis. On the foundation of a recent staff discipleship day here at Calvary, Pastor Ed takes us through Numbers 13 and 2 Timothy 4, reminding us of the key role God has given to spiritual leaders in times of great crisis. You're leading, either for the Lord or away from Him, but you're leading. It's important that we carefully follow the Lord during times of crisis. If the leaders get distracted, the people get destroyed! Listen in and share --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Miles McPherson of The Rock Church, San Diego, California. Pastor Miles, a former San Diego Charger, founded the Rock Church in 2000 with over 20,000 people calling it their spiritual home today. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Pastor Miles has written a book, "The Third Option" which is a MUST for any of us wanting to make a difference for Jesus in a culture focused on division! Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

On today's episode Pastor Ed asks and answers the question, "Is it time to return to worship services." There is a lot of fear, most of it very real, concerning the COVID-19 Corona Virus crisis. This fear is holding people back from being in worship services. How do we sort out when it's time to walk in faith and not fear, in wisdom and not our own understanding. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Avant Ramsey of Calvary Church in Aurora, Colorado. Pastor Avant and I have been friends and served together for over 15 years. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

As I anticipated coming together again as a church family in person after 3 months of quarantine, I really thought that most of my ministry would be to speak to how the COVID-19 crisis affected us, individually and culturally in many negative ways. I planned on getting our eyes firmly fixed and re-fixedated on Jesus. However within a few days, the horrific death of George Floyd sparked a cultural uprising. What started with somewhat peaceful protests, ended up with extremely sinful riots and seemingly everything in between. Racism is a sin. God led me to share these important truths with our Church family and now we share them with you. If racism is a sin, and it is, then the answer is the cross of Jesus Christ. Justice and mercy flow from the cross. The answer is the gospel in action through your life and mine. ed --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Al Pittman of Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Pastor Al and I have been friends for 20 years. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Tony Clark of Calvary Chapel Newport News, Virginia. Pastor Tony and I have been friends for many years. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Bill Buffington of Calvary Chapel Inglewood, in Inglewood California. Pastor Bill and I have been friends for 24+ years. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor John Moreland of Denver Christian Bible Church in Denver. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Leaders must first lead themselves. This is the important topic of today's podcast. Pastor Ed reminds the leader that in order to lead others, you must first learn and demonstrate you can lead yourself. Powerful insights. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Difficult times call for courage. But how do you lead with courage when fear and challenges surround you? In today’s edition of Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed talks about courage and the supernatural supply given to us by God when we need it! Courage is needed and courage is available to you in these difficult times. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Hard conversations are not popular. Some leaders choose to delay them, excuse them, and in some cases avoid them at all costs. Yet leadership involves hard conversations, a lot of them! Pastor Ed shares with us the necessity of these hard conversations and how to be more effective when you do. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Just because someone is doing it different doesn't mean they are wrong or bad. God loves diversity, uniqueness, and creativity! On this episode Pastor Ed encourages us to be careful of judging people unfairly just because they do things differently. Instead we should learn from them and champion their creativity! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Every year, Calvary Chapel Tucson puts on one of the best Bible conferences in the country. This year's theme was Vision Through the Life of Moses. Some of the premiere Bible teachers shared on various topics surrounding the life of Moses. In support of this week's podcast I wanted to share with you the study I shared at the conference. I pray it stirs love, unity, and commitment in your heart. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

The COVID-19 crisis has changed our lives in unprecedented ways. How do we lead? What should I say? How can I help my family, my team, my church through the difficulties? On today’s SPECIAL EPISODE of Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed helps us with practical and personal insights on how to lead effectively in the midst of an ever-changing crisis! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

The great enemy of the progress of the gospel is division. Vision takes a team and that team needs to be unified in what they have personally been called to do, then mutually summit to one another in a unified goal. In this episode, Pastor Ed talks about the need for unity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Small things. Insignificant. No Big Deal. This doesn't really matter. Maybe you've felt that way. You're frustrated because you think what you're doing doesn't matter. Today on Lead2Serve, Ed reminds us that great leadership comes from daily faithfulness in all things. That's the place of great significance! Join in on the conversation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

John 14:27 (NLT) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” The spread of the coronavirus has caused major disruptions, changes, and as one media outlet called it, “forced new realities”. It’s also stirred up new fears, anxieties, and even widespread panic. But one thing has not changed, the sovereignty of God. He is still on the throne. This is the time, this is the year, to arise as a Church scattered to help those in need. Today I sat in the GRACEfm Radio Network Studios with Pastor Eric Cartier, Sr. Pastor of Rocky Mountain Calvary in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We talked about the coronavirus, fear, anxiety, and the Church. It's our prayer you are strengthened, encouraged, and equipped to lead the people under your care with grace, love and wisdom. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

It's going to happen to every leader, hyper criticism and slander. It's not usual to have people talking about you rather than talking to you. When you're accused or lied about, is it ok to defend yourself? Should you? In today's episode Ed talks about the two popular camps when it comes to accusations, yes you should and no you shouldn't. He offers us a third alternative, it depends on the situation. Tune in! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message