Preparing the Church for the Harvest

Get the Book: Empty Nest Awakening   Finding Purpose in the Empty Nest: Ruthie's journey began with the realization that her big family dreams were transitioning into an empty nest. This prompted her to rediscover her love for writing and mentoring young moms, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. A Shift to Profitable Ventures: Guided by her husband's advice, Ruthie recognized the importance of valuing her time. This led her to the world of Instagram marketing, where she not only managed accounts for others but eventually transitioned into coaching. Her authenticity and passion for helping others shine through in her work. The Empty Nest Awakening: Prompted by divine inspiration, she crowdsourced ideas from her followers as she dove into writing her book. The theme of authenticity in business shines bright as she recounts her journey. Though her book contains her own story it is also a guide for readers to reflect on their journey of empty-nesting, complete with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. Impactful Feedback: What surprised Ruthie the most was the positive feedback from readers, particularly their appreciation for the self-reflective questions. It reaffirmed the importance of authenticity in connecting with others. Encouragement for Empty-Nesters: Ruthie's advice for those navigating the empty nest phase is to return to their roots, rediscover passions, and embrace new learning experiences. It's a time for personal growth, exploration, and joy in the second half of life.  Contributing to Church Preparation: Empty-nesters, according to Ruthie, can play a vital role in preparing the church for the harvest. By sharing their stories and messages on social media and online platforms, they contribute to the broader narrative of faith and growth. We all have a story to tell and in today's world, we have ample opportunities to share it with others.  Connect with Ruthie:   Ruthie Gray's journey is an inspiring reminder that life's transitions can lead to new and fulfilling chapters. As she continues to empower others through her work, her story serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for those seeking authenticity and purpose in their own lives. Website: Authentic Online Marketing Instagram: Ruthie_Gray_Author Book: Empty Nest Awakening Podcast: Authentic Online Marketing Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call       This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode043

Free Download: Six First Steps for Launching a Podcast by Wren Robbins Jacklin interviews Wren Robbins, a podcast coach who helps Christian women business owners launch their podcasts with strategies for growth. Wren shared her journey from being a kindergarten teacher to a podcast coach, emphasizing the importance of her teaching background in breaking down complex concepts. Wren also mentioned her unique coaching approach, which involves caring for her clients and providing creative and easy-to-follow guidance.  Wren highlighted the benefits of starting a podcast, particularly for those in ministry or business. She emphasized the reach a podcast could provide, citing statistics and personal success stories of individuals in the ministry who had started podcasts.  Wren explained the concept of Parkinson's law and its relevance to time management, especially in the context of a podcast. She emphasized that, if one has a specific amount of time dedicated to a task, they can complete it within that timeframe. She then moved on to discuss the six initial steps for creating a podcast, which include: setting a goal, choosing a dynamic title, creating readable artwork, acquiring necessary equipment, securing a hosting site, and creating a trailer for the podcast. (Link to free download detailing these steps.) They both agreed that a podcast could help a church reach more people and establish a deeper connection with its members. Wren shared the example of a pastor and his wife who started a podcast, which provided additional teaching and helped build community.  Wren discussed her upcoming “Flight” Podcast Group Program, which is set to launch in the first week of March. The program, structured into weekly steps with homework, is designed to help participants launch their podcast within 10 weeks. Wren emphasized the benefits of the program, such as the supportive launch team and the ability to enjoy the holiday season without worrying about the podcast. They also mentioned a free discovery call to ensure potential participants fit the group well.    Connect with Wren: Wren Robbins is a Podcast Coach who helps Christian women business owners launch their podcasts with strategy for business growth. She is the creator of the Flight Podcast Group Program and will launch her 3rd Flight group and her monthly membership in January 2024. What sets Wren apart most is caring and praying for her clients, her creative and easy to follow coaching, and her confident encouragement. Website:   https://wrenrobbins.com For more info on her Flight podcast group program that is launching the first of January! http://www.wrenrobbins.com/bookacall Don't Wing it Podcast http://www.wrenrobbins.com/dontwingit Free Download: Six First Steps for Launching a Podcast   Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call   This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode042    

Jacklin reflected on the past year and shared her plans for the upcoming year, which include changes and potential for growth in her podcast, focusing on individual and group coaching for Christian business women and women in ministry. She also shared some personal insights and encouraged listeners to join her on this new journey. Jacklin shared her plans to shift focus toward individual and group coaching for Christian business women and women in ministry. Her passion is to help them navigate the complexities of managing a home, running a business, and focusing on spiritual growth.  Jacklin also shared some personal insights, including her 28-year marriage, her role as a mother and grandmother, her & her husband's love for classic cars, and how she focuses on a specific morning routine that includes journaling. She concluded by inviting listeners to join her on this new journey in 2024. Jacklin expressed her excitement for the future and the potential for growth and discovery. She highlighted the importance of connecting with more like-minded individuals, particularly Christian coaches, and shared her joy in meeting new people. Jacklin also promoted her coaching services, upcoming day-retreat, and social media platforms. She concluded with a prayer for listeners, wishing them a prosperous and hopeful 2024.   Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call  

Learn the art of asking the right questions to identify your community's needs and foster meaningful partnerships.   Welcome to another episode of "Preparing the Church for the Harvest," where we equip ministry leaders with insights and strategies to impact their communities.  Jump Start Guide to Vision Planning Ministry Planning Workshop   Questions to ask when planning a community outreach ministry: What is your goal in reaching out to the community? What needs does the community have? Who do we need to talk to? Is anyone providing for these needs?  Is there another organization we need to partner with? How will you measure success?   Vision Planning Workshop To help you apply these principles in your ministry, we invite you to our upcoming Vision Planning Workshop. This workshop will provide you with practical tools and guidance to assess your community's needs, develop a vision, and create an effective ministry plan. Join us in our mission to make a positive difference in your community. Jump Start Guide to Vision Planning Ministry Planning Workshop   Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call     This episode was originally published on https://www.effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode040  

Full Circle Ministry Planning Workshop: Full Circle Ministry Planning   Getting to Know Kendra: Kendra shares her background, having been raised in the Midwest, moving to Colorado after college, meeting her husband, and eventually settling in Angleton, Texas. Her career as a graphic designer has seamlessly merged with her passion for ministry through Scripture Flips. Kendra emphasizes the importance of daily time in the Word as a Christian leader, highlighting its role in keeping her spiritually healthy. Origins of Scripture Flips: The journey begins with a phone call from a desperate friend, sparking Kendra's determination to create a tangible tool for women facing challenging seasons. Kendra describes the inception of Scripture Flips as a divine calling, guided by her graphic design skills and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6, serves as a foundational element in her life and the business. Challenges and Joys: Kendra reflects on the joys of receiving testimonies from women who have been touched and helped by Scripture Flips. The creative process of developing new collections is a fulfilling aspect of her work. Challenges include the logistical aspects of running a product business, managing inventory, and the time-consuming nature of marketing. Kendra shares a significant struggle during her first trade show, where she was sick for two and a half months but learned to trust and lay her concerns before the Lord. Behind the Scenes: Kendra details the production process, from initially doing everything herself to now having a team of women assisting in the assembly. The product creation takes place through contract work, allowing team members to work from their homes. Expanding Reach: Scripture Flips started as a direct-to-consumer business and later expanded to the wholesale market, reaching over 200 shops in the U.S. Kendra expresses her support for local retailers, listing them on her website's "Shop Local" tab to foster collaboration rather than competition. Innovations in Scripture Flips: Kendra introduces a new aspect of Scripture Flips – an AudioFlip that allows users to listen to Scriptures along with background music, enhancing the overall experience. The AudioFlip aims to minister differently to individuals, offering comfort and strength through the spoken word. Preparing the Church for the Harvest: Kendra sees Scripture Flips as a tool to help individuals focus on the Lord during challenging seasons, building their faith and equipping them to minister to others. The product serves as a ministry tool, enabling believers to share their faith and experiences effectively, especially in workplaces or personal circles. Kendra emphasizes the potential impact of Scripture Flips in preparing the church for the harvest, planting seeds of truth, and providing a tangible reminder of God's Word in times of need.   Kendra Conkle, the woman behind this amazing brand, is a graphic designer who lives in Angleton, Texas. Combining her mad design skills and her heart to encourage women, the Flip was launched in 2016. Scripture Flips was born from Kendra's idea to create a product that focuses on one topic in scripture, at a time. These small, high-quality books make a big impact and are loved by people of all ages. It's no wonder her customers agree that they make amazing gifts. Giving someone a tool to help them grow spiritually IS pretty awesome! Currently, there are 13 Flip topics available, but Kendra has several more in the works. She has also expanded her product offering to include matching Journals, Jotters, Bundles, Coffee Mugs, and Tumblers. Something else you may want to know is that a portion of all sales is given back to a ministry called Refuge for Women. This organization helps women who have escaped from sex trafficking to build a new life with Christ at the center. Through this opportunity, you are helping to share the Gospel with these survivors.  Connect with Kendra:  Website: Scripture Flips Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/scriptureflips Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scriptureflips   Connect with Jacklin:   Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call   Full Circle Ministry Planning Workshop: Full Circle Ministry Planning   This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode039  

Get the Vision Planning Guide for Ministries Full Circle Ministry Planning Workshop: Full Circle Ministry Planning   Embark on a new ministry journey: Pray for guidance, craft a strategic plan, identify needs, assemble a dedicated team, recruit volunteers, embrace change, and replace the old.   Start with Prayer We want to always begin our journey with prayer. Seek divine guidance and wisdom as you lead your ministry through the discernment process and through the changes. Prayer provides strength and inspiration, helping you to navigate this new era of ministry. Making a Plan The importance of having a clear plan cannot be overstated. Your plan should encompass your ministry's vision, mission, and specific objectives. Consider strategies for adapting to the shifting landscape, whether it's reimagining community outreach or implementing innovative approaches. Identifying Needs Let's identify what your ministry needs to thrive in this ever-evolving environment. It could be technology, additional staff training, or financial resources to invest in new initiatives. Knowing your needs will help ensure your plan is both realistic and attainable. Involving the Right People You can't do this alone. Gather a team of dedicated individuals who share your vision and bring a range of skills to the table. Your team might include staff members, volunteers, or experts in areas like technology, marketing, or event planning. Volunteer Recruitment Volunteers are the lifeblood of any ministry. Determine how many volunteers you'll need to support your initiatives. Consider their skillsets, availability, and how they can contribute to your ministry's growth. Provide training and clear roles and responsibilities for your volunteers. Embracing Change and Replacing the Old Reflect on the necessity of change. Are you implementing new practices because old ones no longer serve your ministry effectively in this evolving landscape? Be open to replacing outdated processes or traditions that no longer align with your goals or your community's needs. Recruit volunteers from any ministry you are considering retiring. Get them involved and on board with the new vision.    To assist you on this journey, we're excited to offer our "Vision Planning Guide for Ministries." This comprehensive resource provides a step-by-step approach to developing a strategic vision for your ministry, setting clear objectives, and effectively implementing your plan. Don't miss this opportunity to lead your ministry to new heights in this evolving world. Embrace change, lead with purpose, and watch your ministry flourish. Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call   Full Circle Ministry Planning Workshop: Full Circle Ministry Planning This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode038  

Download the Evaluating Ministries Worksheets Sign up for the Ministry Planning Workshop   Welcome to episode 37. Today, we'll dive deep into the crucial process of evaluating your current ministry programs. We'll explore what's working, what's not, and why it's essential to ensure your congregation is well-nourished before extending your reach. What Is Working? We start by identifying the areas where your ministry is thriving. These are the spaces where you're witnessing positive results, community engagement, and the fulfillment of your mission. Make a list of the programs that are truly bearing fruit and contributing to spiritual growth and community well-being. Where Are You Seeing Fruit? Pay close attention to the areas where you're seeing tangible results, whether that's transformed lives, increased attendance, or deeper community bonds. These fruitful ministries are a testament to the alignment of your efforts with your mission and vision. Are You Feeding Your People? One of the most critical questions to ask is whether your current programs are effectively nourishing your congregation. Are they providing the support, guidance, and spiritual nourishment needed for growth? A ministry should be a source of sustenance for your people, both spiritually and emotionally. Are You Trying to Reach People You Don't Have? While expanding your reach is admirable, it's vital to ensure your existing congregation is well-cared for. Trying to reach new people while neglecting your current members is like feeding the neighbors' kids while your own children go hungry. How to Evaluate Your Ministries: Here's a practical guide to evaluating your ministries: Make a List: Create a comprehensive list of your current programs outside of regular services. Evaluate how long each program has been in operation and whether it's still relevant and effective. Assess the spiritual impact and growth potential of each ministry. Where are you seeing fruit? Examine whether these ministries are growing in numbers and/or spiritual depth. Determine if your current programs require more resources than they're worth. Next Steps: If your evaluation reveals that some of your programs are not effectively nurturing your congregation or that they require more resources than they bring in, it may be time to consider making changes. In our next episode, we'll discuss strategies for starting new ministries that align with your mission and vision, ensuring you can effectively reach both your existing members and those you aspire to welcome. As a ministry leader, it's essential to regularly assess your programs to ensure they align with your mission and vision, bear fruit, and effectively nurture your congregation spiritually. Take the time to make a list, evaluate each program, and consider whether changes are needed. The health of your congregation and the impact of your ministry depend on it.   Thank you for joining us on "Preparing the Church for the Harvest." If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow ministry leaders. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore starting new ministries to enhance your outreach while ensuring your congregation is well-fed.   Download the Evaluating Ministries Worksheets Sign up for the Ministry Planning Workshop   Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call       This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode037

Our goal is to empower you to be more effective in your administrative tasks, so you can focus on the most important work of kingdom building. Let's explore the essential tools that will make your ministry more efficient and impactful. Quick Links: Ministry Management Binder Schedule a Call Episode 035  1: Website A well-designed website can serve as a hub for your community, providing information, resources, and engagement opportunities. In today's society nearly every new visitor will research your church online before ever setting foot inside the door. Therefore your address, service times, and phone numbers should be clear. Images of services, classes, and events are very helpful.  2: Digital Calendars Managing your ministry's events and appointments can be a complex task. Digital calendars can be a LIFESAVER. It can help you streamline every department's schedule while giving the freedom to staff and leaders to update events and add important information. I mentioned in the last episode that Google Calendar is my personal favorite.  3. Online File Storage and Sharing Centralized document management is a game-changer for ministries. It is convenient, efficient, and organized. Say goodbye to scattered documents and having to dig through file cabinets! There are many systems to choose from but if you are already using Gmail or Google Calendar then you also have access to Google Drive.  4: Virtual Meetings In 2020, everyone got a crash course in conducting and attending virtual meetings. Zoom quickly became a household function. During this time, ministries realized what an asset this piece of technology is. Especially for ministries that extend beyond one community. It is a great way to have face-to-face meetings without leaving the comfort of your home or office.  5. Social Media This one might be a bit controversial still, however, social media is a powerful tool for ministry outreach. This is much information out there on how to manage social media. You can learn strategies for engaging and growing your ministry's online presence, complete with examples, sample templates, and tips for reaching the demographics in your area. There are even “social media managers” who you can hire to help with this. If your church does not have some type of social media presence, you are missing out on the best free advertisement and marketing strategy.  6. Digital Newsletters and Email Marketing Email marketing remains a key channel for engaging your congregation and supporters. This is a great way to communicate upcoming events, share words of testimony, and encourage the flock. There are several email platforms available and this is something else that a church management software might provide. Two common stand-alone email platforms are MailChimp and Constant Contact. This is a great way to generate a digital newsletter. This is another way to engage with your congregation and help them feel connected.  7: Project Management Software Project and team management are crucial for efficient ministry operation. My favorite tool for this is Trello. I talked about how I personally use Trello in the last episode if you want to jump back and listen to it. Ministries can use this to track visitor follow-up, enlist and train volunteers, and plan the upcoming staff party or Christmas Play. You can share your “Trello Boards” with others on your team so that you can collaborate together. You can assign tasks to people on your team and check off when things get done on the list. You can also assign due dates and set reminders. I have used this method for planning several conferences and women's retreats. There, of course, are a plethora of other systems available that you can check out. Keeping projects and teams on track is a challenging task and I am all for finding ways to do that more efficiently. In fact, several years ago, I created the “Ministry Management Binder”. I have a physical printable version that can be put in a binder and I have a digital version on a Trello Board. Or you can get both at a discounted price. 8: Online Giving It is a fact that churches that had an online giving option during the Covid pandemic saw less of a decline in finances than those who did not. Online giving has become more and more accepted as most of the younger generation pays their bills online and doesn't carry cash or checks. There are many options for receiving offerings online and I am not going to recommend one over another. Choose a platform that is easy to use for individuals and for the church. If it integrates with your accounting software that is a huge plus. This may require a little research to pick the one that fits best. I would start by asking what others in your community and organization have had success with. There is also a feature called text-to-give. You can do a quick search to find out more about that as well.  9: Accounting Software Effective financial management is a cornerstone of ministry success. Using an accounting software can make life so much better. When I first started out as a church secretary (more years ago than I care to admit) it was all on paper! I transitioned to an Excel spreadsheet and eventually switched to QuickBooks. Now there are systems created just for churches and ministries. Let me just say that when I started out, it took me DAYS to tally up all the end-of-year contribution statements. Now they can be printed off in minutes! Having an efficient system will allow you so much more time to do more productive work. Now, I mentioned QuickBooks but there are several systems available that you can choose from.  10: All-In-One Solution with Church Management Software Last but definitely not least is an all-in-one Church Management Software. These systems provide a comprehensive solution for ministry administration. Combining several of the aforementioned tools can streamline administrative tasks and enhance member engagement. These can offer a combination of calendars, file storage, email marketing, accounting software, online giving, and project management. Each system is different and usually based on the needs and size of the ministry. Here is a list of the 10 Best Church Management Systems for Small Churches published by theleadpastor.com.   We have explored 10 tools that can supercharge your ministry and its effectiveness. Leveraging these tools will enable you to streamline your administrative tasks, leaving you with more time to focus on the most critical aspect of ministry—kingdom building. In such uncertain times, it is imperative that we stay on task and be about the Father's business. Administrative tasks may seem unimportant to many, however, it is like a well-oiled machine. When things don't run smoothly, systems begin to break down. So if you are in an administrative position, I want you to remember that this IS a calling. Not everyone can do what you are doing. It IS important. You ARE needed. If you can get organized and create systems you are helping to keep things running smoothly.      You can probably tell that I am very passionate about helping those in administrative positions. If you are stuck, need help, or want to brainstorm some ideas, reach out to me and let's chat! Schedule a Zoom call to chat!     Ministry Management Binder Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call       This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode036

Discover my top 10 organizational tools for a more efficient and balanced life, plus I am sharing some links and freebies! Quick Links: Start Your Day Right Journal Paper Planner Rocketbook and Pens Morning Baskets - Small or Large Google Workspace - (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive) Trello TidyCal Cleaning Schedule I'm thrilled to have you with me today because we're diving into something I'm super passionate about – organization! You know me, I'm all about helping you grow individually and in your ministries. Today, I'm spilling the beans on my top 10 organizational tools that have been game-changers for me, and I can't wait to share them with you. So, let's jump right in!" 1. Google Calendar: A Digital Lifesaver Google Calendar is a digital calendar tool that syncs across all your devices, ensuring you never miss an appointment or deadline. You can set reminders, color-code events, and even share calendars with colleagues or family members. Its seamless integration with Gmail and other Google apps makes it a powerhouse for staying organized. 2. Paper Planner: Balancing Digital and Analog There's something uniquely satisfying about physically writing down your tasks and goals. A paper planner allows you to create a tangible connection with your plans. Use it to jot down daily to-do lists, set monthly goals, and track your progress. It's the perfect complement to digital tools for a well-rounded organizational approach. 3. Trello: Your Virtual Taskmaster Trello is a versatile project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organize tasks and collaborate with others. Whether you're managing a personal project or coordinating with a team, Trello's drag-and-drop interface and customizable features make it an indispensable tool for boosting productivity. 4. Rocketbook: Sustainability Meets Note-Taking Rocketbook is a reusable notebook that combines the tactile pleasure of handwriting with digital convenience. Write notes, scan them with your smartphone, and wipe the pages clean for reuse. It's an eco-friendly solution that ensures you never run out of pages and can access your notes from anywhere. 5. Morning Basket: Kickstart Your Day Right The Morning Basket is a physical or digital container where you gather materials for your morning routine. It helps you start your day with intention by including items like a journal, gratitude list, devotionals, or affirmations. Creating a Morning Basket ritual sets a positive tone for the day ahead. 6. Journal: Reflection and Growth Journaling is a powerful practice for self-reflection, personal growth, and staying organized. Whether you're journaling about your day, setting goals, or expressing your thoughts and emotions, a journal is a safe space to capture your journey and maintain clarity in your life. 7. Google Drive: Cloud-Based Organization Google Drive is a cloud storage and file-sharing platform. It allows you to store documents, photos, and files securely in the cloud, ensuring you can access them from any device with an internet connection. Collaborate with others in real-time and organize your digital life effortlessly. 8. Gmail - Schedule Emails: Stay Ahead in Communication Gmail's email scheduling feature is a hidden gem. You can compose an email and schedule it to be sent at a later date and time. This is incredibly useful for managing communication across different time zones or ensuring your messages reach recipients at the most opportune moment. 9. Tidycal: Meeting Coordination Made Easy Tidycal simplifies the process of scheduling meetings and events. It eliminates the back-and-forth of finding a suitable time by providing an intuitive interface where participants can select their preferred time slots. It's a time-saving tool that streamlines coordination efforts. 10. Cleaning Schedule: Keeping Order in Life A cleaning schedule might not sound glamorous, but it's a fundamental tool for maintaining order in your home or workspace. By setting a routine for cleaning tasks, you ensure that nothing gets overlooked, and your environment remains organized and inviting. These top 10 organizational tools cater to various aspects of your life, from time management and project coordination to personal growth and maintaining a clean living space. Incorporate these tools into your daily routine, and you'll find yourself more organized, efficient, and ready to tackle your goals.   Connect with Jacklin:    Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call   http://effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode035

Discover the impact of morning routines and the 'Start Your Day Right' Challenge for a transformative start to your day.   Today I want to introduce you to 3 ladies: Sally, Gabby, and Nancy.    Sleepy Sally Sally's alarm is going off again and she's already hit the snooze twice. She has to get up and get ready for work. Sally slept through her morning alone time again. She wants to start her day with the Lord but now she's gonna have to pray on the way to work and maybe read a few scriptures in her Bible app as she waits in the drive-thru to get coffee. Sally tells herself - It's not ideal but it's better than nothing right? Maybe next Monday she'll try getting up earlier to actually sit down and have her coffee with Jesus time.    Good Intentions Gabby Gabby only hit the snooze once this morning then jumped up to get ready. She starts the coffee brewing and then gets ready for her day. Dressed. Makeup done. Hair fixed. Okay, Gabby grabs her coffee, Bible, and notebook and sits down to have her alone time with the Lord. She's been trying really hard to make this happen and here she is. Gabby sits down at the table, opens up her Bible to a random page and begins to read. Then she decides she better set an alarm for when she needs to leave because she might get so immersed she loses track of time. Then she checks the notifications on her phone and sees 15 new emails, someone tagged her in something on FB, and her favorite tik-tocker just posted a new video. Nope. Nope. Not doing it. She sets her phone down and turns back to the scripture. Where was I? Gabby rereads the verse she just read and moves on to the next one. Her mind begins to wander and now is thinking about what to cook for dinner. She realizes she needs to pick up some groceries today and begins to make a list on her phone. Next thing she knows her alarm is going off…it's time to leave and Gabby realizes she went from her grocery list to Facebook and lost track of time as she caught up on what everyone else was doing. She feels awful that she got distracted and lost track of time but she has to head off to work.    Noble Nancy Nancy sets her alarm so that she wakes up an hour before everyone else. She gets up with the first alarm, quietly brushes her teeth then heads to the kitchen. She set the timer on the coffee pot the night before so it is brewed and ready to be poured into her favorite mug. Nancy settles in at the kitchen table in front of the window where she can hear the birds chirping. She has her morning basket that contains everything she needs. Her Bible, journal, devotional book, and planner.  She sets her phone to do not disturb so she is not distracted by notifications of incoming emails or social media posts. Nancy spends about 5 minutes enjoying her coffee, listening to the birds, and allowing herself time to be fully awake. She remembers her friend's husband is having some tests run today and she jots his name down in her journal so she remembers to pray over him. She is also very aware of how grateful she is that she has overcome sickness in her own life. She writes a quick note in her journal as she thanks the Lord for touching her life and healing her body. Nancy opens up her Bible to Jeremiah which is where she has been reading this week. She comes to verse 29:11. God has a plan for her life. She takes a minute to write that verse in her journal and asks the Lord to show her His plan for her life. It's been a bit of a mess lately and she could sure use some direction. She remembers the book idea she had before she got sick. Maybe it's time to start writing again. She makes a note in her journal to schedule some writing time. She draws her attention back to the next scripture and reads for a while more, pondering on the words as she reads them and making notes of words that stand out to her. Nancy's alarm beeps softly to remind her she has 15 minutes left. She pulls out her calendar, schedules some writing time for that week, and sets a reminder on her phone to check on her friend that afternoon. Nancy spends the remainder of her time in prayer and continues to stay in an attitude of prayer and thanksgiving as she begins to get ready for her day.  Introducing the "Start Your Day Right" Challenge "As we've explored the morning routines of Sally, Gabby, and Nancy, it's clear that how we begin our day shapes our mindset, focus, and spiritual connection.  If you've found yourself relating to any of these scenarios, I have an exciting opportunity for you. I'd like to introduce you to the 'Start Your Day Right' Challenge—a transformative journey designed to elevate your mornings and deepen your connection on your spiritual journey.  This challenge offers a structured approach to cultivating a mindful morning routine, aligning with your spiritual goals, and creating space for a positive atmosphere. It's an invitation to embark on a journey of positive transformation alongside a community of like-minded individuals. So, are you ready to take the first step toward a more intentional and purposeful morning routine? Let's dive into what the 'Start Your Day Right' Challenge has to offer and how it can make a significant difference in your daily life." Go to EffectiveMinistrySolutions.com/Start    Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call  

Pastor Kenny Springer: Grace, Growth & Calling - A journey from corporate success to pastoral leadership, emphasizing God's grace, spiritual maturity, and navigating church expansion. Join the Start Your Day Right Free Challenge   Introduction:  In a recent interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with Pastor Kenny Springer,, the lead pastor of New Beginnings Church in McAlester, Oklahoma. With over 25 years of ministry experience, Pastor Springer shared insights into his journey, the growth and challenges his church is currently experiencing, and his perspective on embracing change and cultivating spiritual maturity within the church community. A Radical Transformation:  Pastor Springer's journey into ministry began with a radical transformation. He shared how he had initially pursued a successful secular career, attaining a high-ranking position in the corporate world. However, he felt a longing for something more, that led him to cry out to God in desperation. In a remarkable turn of events, his prayer was answered almost immediately, with his career trajectory shifting drastically. This transformative experience marked the beginning of his dedicated path to serving God. Discovering God's Grace:  The conversation delved into the concept of God's grace and its pivotal role in fulfilling one's calling. Pastor Springer emphasized that each individual is uniquely gifted and called by God for specific purposes. He recounted how he had struggled to reconcile seemingly disparate passions and desires in his own life, such as a desire to serve in the military and a calling to work with underprivileged and disabled children. Through seeking God and understanding his grace, Pastor Springer realized that these desires were interconnected, both reflecting a calling to serve as a compassionate warrior for Christ. He encouraged listeners to similarly explore their passions and align them with God's purposes, emphasizing the role of spiritual maturity in recognizing and fulfilling one's calling. Cultivating Spiritual Maturity:  Pastor Springer emphasized the vital role of spiritual maturity in preparing the Church for the harvest. He drew parallels between physical and spiritual maturity, explaining how the growth and development of believers are essential for reaping a bountiful harvest of souls. He shared that the Church must prioritize equipping and empowering individuals to manage their spiritual lives effectively, just as they would manage their responsibilities in the secular world. Pastor Springer emphasized that a mature believer is better equipped to engage with the world, effectively spread the message of Christ, and contribute to the growth of the Church. Navigating Growing Pains:  New Beginnings Church is currently experiencing rapid growth, with new families joining the congregation regularly. Pastor Springer shared the growing pains that come with such expansion, highlighting challenges related to staffing, time management, and facility limitations. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every individual feels welcomed, loved, and noticed within the church community. Additionally, logistical challenges such as parking and seating capacity have become areas of focus as the church navigates its continued growth. A Message to the Young Generation:  Addressing the younger generation, Pastor Springer conveyed a message of hope, purpose, and divine calling. He urged young individuals to recognize their unique value in God's eyes and encouraged them to seek God's guidance in discovering their passions and purposes. He emphasized that they are the strength and leadership that the world and the Church need, urging them to embrace their calling and make a lasting impact. Conclusion:  Pastor Kenny Springer's insights shed light on the transformative power of God's grace, the significance of spiritual maturity, and the challenges and blessings of leading a growing church community. His journey serves as an inspiration for believers to seek God's calling, embrace change, and pursue spiritual growth as they navigate their own paths in faith.   Connect with Kenny Springer at New Beginnings Church New Beginnings Website Instagram  Facebook Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call Join the Start Your Day Right Free Challenge   This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode033

Today's episode focuses on one of the fundamental aspects of church readiness – creating a welcoming environment for new families. Picture this: three new families walk into your church simultaneously. Are you prepared to welcome them with open arms? Let's dive in! A few weeks ago, as I sat across from a future podcast guest, I was reminded of the very reason I started this journey in the first place. They asked me, "What is your goal with having a podcast?" It took me back to the beginning, before the beginning, when I envisioned helping churches get ready, be prepared, and expect revival. I've encountered countless churches that struggled to handle an influx of new families. Today, we'll explore how to make our churches more inviting and ready to embrace new members. We will discuss key elements to make your church more inviting to newcomers. From the moment they step through the doors, we want them to feel valued and at home.  Picture this scenario: three new families walk into your church simultaneously. Are you ready for them? Let's consider a few key aspects that can make all the difference in welcoming new faces into your church.  Nursery and Childcare: Having a clean and inviting nursery can ease the worries of parents with young children. If you already have a nursery, ensure it's well-maintained and stocked with sanitized toys. If not, consider creating a portable nursery kit with toys and a rocking chair, and place it in a designated area. Don't forget to have volunteers ready to assist in the nursery when needed. Hospitality: Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere starts with friendly faces at the entrance. Designate volunteers to greet newcomers and make them feel at home. Episode 19 with Wanda Littrell offers great tips on hospitality that can help enhance your welcoming efforts. Clean and Accessible Facilities: Having clean and easily accessible restrooms is crucial. Ensure they are clearly marked or have greeters inform visitors about their location. First impressions matter, and clean facilities convey a sense of care and respect for visitors. Connecting with Newcomers: Not all new families will be alike, so it's important to cater to various demographics. For instance, if you have retired couples visiting, provide them with information about ways to connect and get involved. Consider creating postcards with details about Bible study groups, men or women's events, and other fellowship opportunities. Worship Experience: Creating a vibrant and engaging worship experience can leave a lasting impression on newcomers. Ensure your worship team is well-prepared, the songs are meaningful, and the atmosphere is conducive to worship. Invite new families to participate and encourage them to feel comfortable expressing their faith. Follow-Up and Connection: Following up with new families after their visit is crucial for building lasting connections. Assign volunteers to reach out to them, thank them for coming, and provide any additional information they may need. Consider sending a welcome package or a personalized email to express your gratitude and make them feel valued. Clear Communication: Communication is key in any community, and your church is no exception. Ensure that your church's events, schedules, and important information are clearly communicated through multiple channels, such as bulletins, website, social media, and announcements during services. Diversity in Community: Embrace diversity your church community. Make sure your church is welcoming to people of different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for everyone to share their perspectives and experiences. Empowerment and Involvement: Encourage new families to get involved and contribute their unique gifts and talents to the church. Provide opportunities for them to volunteer and join different ministries. When people feel empowered and connected, they are more likely to invest in the church community. Continuous Improvement: Revival is not a one-time event; it's a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Seek feedback from new and long-standing members alike to identify areas for growth and improvement. Emphasize the importance of continuous improvement in creating a welcoming and prepared environment. Conclusion: Creating a welcoming and prepared environment in your church involves various aspects that go beyond the physical space. From the worship experience to following up with newcomers, every step matters in fostering a sense of belonging and community. Remember, revival is not a one-time event; it's a journey of continuous growth and transformation. Let's pray, believe, expect, and prepare for God's great work in our churches.  Creating a welcoming church environment sets the foundation for growth and revival. By taking action and making our churches places where new families feel embraced, valued, and empowered, we can set the stage for a powerful revival in our communities.  YOUR church can become a beacon of hope for new families seeking a spiritual home. Thank you for joining us on this journey of preparation and expectation! Remember, together, we can make our churches revival ready! God bless you all. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will be discussing the Grace God gives you in Your Calling.    Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 19: Tips of Creating an Effective Hospitality Team in the Church Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call   Subscribe to the show and if you enjoyed this episode consider leaving us a rating or review wherever you are listening. This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode032  

In this interview, Kristen Humiston shares her journey from trauma to healing and discusses the importance of creating safe spaces in the church to support and minister to those who have experienced pain. #TraumaHealing #SafeSpacesInChurch   Introduction:  In a world filled with pain and trauma, finding healing and restoration is crucial for individuals and faith communities. Kristen Humiston, a trauma-informed coach, consultant, and speaker, has dedicated her work to helping Christian women, ministry wives, and church leaders navigate the path from being wounded to living in hope, healing, and joy. In this interview, we delve into Kristen's inspiring story and explore the valuable insights she shares on finding healing and supporting others in their journey. Finding Rest and Abiding in Christ:  One of the key habits that Kristen emphasizes for staying healthy as a Christian leader is the practice of rest. Recognizing the importance of rejuvenation, she encourages taking short breaks between meetings, stepping outside for fresh air, and incorporating periods of rest throughout the day. Kristen also highlights the app called "Pray As You Go," which offers guided devotionals and serves as a source of daily rest and spiritual nourishment. By abiding in Christ and prioritizing rest, she believes leaders can fuel themselves from a place of deep connection with God. Kristen's Personal Journey:  Kristen's passion for serving leaders and her journey toward becoming a trauma-informed coach and consultant emerged from personal experiences of trauma and adversity. Growing up as a pastor's child, she always felt drawn to ministry and working with leaders. However, her life took an unexpected turn when her husband experienced a forced termination from their ministry position. This event shattered their lives, leaving them without a home, income, or community. Kristen shares the challenges they faced during this dark season, including feelings of depression and even thoughts of suicide. However, during this time of immense pain, Kristen began to sense God's calling on her life. Reflecting on various instances from her past, she realized a recurring thread of walking alongside the hurting. Step by step, she embraced coach training and pursued a master's degree in social work, ultimately answering God's call to support others who have experienced trauma. Kristen's own healing journey continues, and she now works with ministry-impacted women, offering compassion, support, and guidance as they navigate their own stories of pain and restoration. Supporting the Hurting Within the Church:  Recognizing the prevalence of trauma and woundedness within the church, Kristen shares valuable insights on how to identify and support those who are hurting. She explains that trauma can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, chronic health issues, withdrawal, characteristically fast speech, memory problems, or even excessive spiritualizing. By being attentive and aware of these signs, church members can extend a compassionate ear and create a safe space for individuals to share their stories. Kristen encourages church members to adopt a posture of openness and willingness to hear the hard words without defensiveness. She emphasizes the need for churches to become safe places where individuals can bring their pain, experiences, and struggles without fear of judgment or shame. By becoming compassionate witnesses and holding space for others, the church can play a vital role in the healing process, allowing individuals to find solace, restoration, and a renewed connection with God. Preparing the Church for the Harvest:  Kristen believes that preparing the church for the harvest, for a great revival, begins with acknowledging the need for change. Churches must be willing to examine their own shortcomings, become honest about their struggles, and create an environment where individuals can be vulnerable and authentic. By prioritizing truth and compassion over perfection and performance, the church can become a safe haven for those seeking healing and restoration. Furthermore, Kristen emphasizes the importance of learning about the impact of trauma on the body and its connection to spirituality. She recommends resources such as "Anatomy of the Soul" by Curt Thompson, "Trauma in the Pews" by Dr. Janyne McConnaughey, and "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, which delve into the intersection of trauma and faith. Equipping church leaders with this knowledge allows for a more trauma-informed approach to ministry and enables them to better understand and support individuals on their healing journeys. Conclusion:  Kristen Humiston's inspiring journey from trauma to healing serves as a beacon of hope for individuals and faith communities. By sharing her own experiences and offering practical guidance, Kristen empowers Christian leaders to become compassionate witnesses and provides the necessary tools for supporting those who have experienced trauma. Through her work, she envisions a church that embraces honesty, empathy, and vulnerability, becoming a transformative force that guides individuals from being walking wounded to living in hope, healing, and joy.   Connect with Kristen: Website: Home | The Ministry Wife Coach Instagram: The Ministry Wife Coach IG   Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call     Other Episodes Mentioned: Grief Ministry: Interview with Julie Lynn Ashley This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode031  

  Click here to enter the Book Bundle Giveaway. Use the code word JULY.   Today we are going to delve into some habits and routines that can help Christian leaders thrive in their roles. We will explore seven essential habits shared by experienced Christian leaders. By incorporating these practices into your own life, you can cultivate greater health, clarity, and growth on your leadership journey. If you have listened to the podcast for any length of time and caught one of the guest episodes you have heard me ask this question, “What is a habit or routine that keeps you healthy as a Christian Leader?” Today I am going to share seven of those responses with you.   1. Having a Plan: The Foundation for Productivity and Balance Christa Hutchins, a seasoned Christian leader, emphasized the importance of having a plan. Without a clear roadmap, we may find ourselves overworking or underworking. To avoid this, dedicate a weekly planning time to prioritize tasks and responsibilities. By having a well-structured plan, you can strike a balance between productivity and personal well-being. 2. Mental Health: Aligning Thoughts with God's Truth Alesa Miller highlighted the significance of mental health for Christian leaders. She stresses the importance of aligning our thoughts with what God says about us and our daily walk with Him. By making healthy choices in our diet, we can nurture a healthy gut, leading to a clear mind. When we harmonize the spiritual and practical aspects of our lives, we enhance our mental and physical well-being. 3. Memorizing Verses: A Transformative Practice Incorporating scripture into our daily lives is not limited to children, as Lisa Miller shared. She encourages us to select a verse each week, write it down, and keep it visible as a constant reminder. Speaking and praying these verses daily engrains God's truth within us, empowering us to encourage and uplift ourselves and others. Additionally, being part of a prayer group and having mentors fosters spiritual growth and support. 4. Starting the Day with God: Seeking His Presence Naomi Fata emphasized the habit of beginning each day early to spend time with the Lord. This practice involves being aware of our internal state and seeking constant communication with our Heavenly Father. By taking our thoughts captive and speaking His living Word over them, we can cultivate a deep sense of connection and alignment with God's will. 5. Engaging in Bible Study: Adding Depth and Understanding Julie Lynn Ashley recommended starting the day with a cup of coffee and the Bible. Using study tools such as different translations and commentary can enrich our study of God's Word. Exploring the original language adds depth and brings the scriptures to life in new and meaningful ways. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we gain insights that shape and guide our leadership journey. 6. Being Still: Finding Peace in God's Presence Joanna French reminded us of the importance of stillness in the midst of a busy life. Taking at least 10 minutes each day to be still, cease striving, and recognize God's sovereignty can bring profound peace and clarity. Letting go of our need for control and embracing God's plan allows Him to work through us, both as leaders and as individuals. 7. Devotional Time and Community: Nourishing the Soul Wanda Littrell emphasized the significance of daily devotional time and prayer. By setting aside moments for quiet reflection, we set a positive tone for the rest of our day. This time allows us to intercede for others and seek God's guidance in our leadership endeavors. Additionally, being part of a supportive community provides a safe space for sharing, prayer, accountability, and mutual love. Together, we can grow in our faith and support one another on the journey.   Conclusion: Incorporating any of these seven habits into your life as a Christian leader can transform your journey.  Having a plan  Aligning your thoughts with God's truth Memorizing verses Seeking God's presence Engaging in deeper Bible Study Being still and finding peace in God's presence Having a devotional time Finding a community  All of these habits can help you grow in your walk with the Lord.  I encourage you to pick one of these this week that you can begin to implement in your life. You will begin to grow that habit or routine in your life that will make a difference for years to come.    Newsletter Sign up here for the Newsletter here for encouragement and ministry tips:    Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call       Enter to win the Book Bundle Giveaway:  Click here and enter the code word: JULY This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode030  

Discover the power of the Go-Getter Jesus Girl. Dive into her book, embrace faith, and unleash your potential. Get motivated and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination.   From Project Management to Empowering Christian Communicators In this insightful interview, we have the pleasure of chatting with Christa Hutchins, a project manager in the engineering and construction industry who is also passionate about helping Christian communicators, speakers, writers, and podcasters bring their big ideas to life. Christa shares her journey, the importance of having a plan, and the inspiration behind her book, "Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl." Join us as we delve into Christa's story and discover practical strategies for success.   Finding Purpose in a New Season As Christa faced the transition into her empty nest years, she sought to discover her new purpose. Despite her background in a male-dominated field, she felt led to volunteer as a small group leader for Proverbs 31 Ministries' online Bible studies. This unexpected opportunity introduced her to authors, writers, and dreamers who struggled with implementing their ideas effectively. Recognizing the value of her project management skills, Christa realized she could help these individuals find clarity and take actionable steps toward their goals.   The Power of Isaiah 43:19:  Embracing her newfound calling, Christa founded "Do a New Thing" based on Isaiah 43:19, which says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" This verse resonated with her personal and professional journey. As she encountered a career wasteland and toxic work environment, Christa found solace in the promise that God was doing something new. With her business, she now helps other women navigate their own wildernesses of confusion, doubt, and imposter syndrome.   The Importance of Having a Plan Christa emphasizes the significance of having a plan in order to maintain balance and productivity. Without a plan, she noticed a tendency to either overwork or underwork. Through weekly planning sessions, she ensures she knows what needs to be done and can work efficiently without feeling overwhelmed. This habit provides structure, motivation, and the ability to take deliberate steps toward fulfilling her goals.   Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl Christa's desire to bridge the gap between scripture and practical application led her to write her book, "Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl." Drawing from her workshops and group teachings, the book offers 28 short, inspirational chapters categorized into four sections: dream a dream, find your people, make a plan, and do the thing. By exploring familiar stories and figures from the Bible, Christa encourages readers to uncover strategic lessons and apply them to their daily lives, businesses, and ministries.   Empowerment and Inspiration for Christian Communicators Christa Hutchins exemplifies the power of embracing new seasons and using one's skills to serve others. She empowers Christian communicators to transform their big ideas into successful ministries and businesses through her project management expertise and passion for the Bible. By sharing her story and writing her book, Christa inspires readers to find practical applications of scripture in their personal, professional, and ministry lives. Her dedication to making a difference is a shining example for all aspiring leaders to follow.     Connect with Christa Hutchins Purchase the book: Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl  Website: doanewthing.com Facebook: Do A New Thing Instagram: Do A New Thing Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call   Enter to win the Book Bundle Giveaway:  Click here and enter the code word NEW THING   This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode029  

Discover the realities of parsonage life and the challenges faced by pastors and their families. Find faith, encouragement, and hope in their inspiring journey. Introduction: A Life Behind the Parsonage Walls Alesa Lewis Miller has lived behind the parsonage walls for over 50 yrs. Being raised in a minister's home and then marrying a minister and now a missionaries wife Alesa has experienced the joys and disappointments that can only be seen from behind the parsonage walls. With this book, she hopes to allow others to see the realism and normality in which every pastor's family lives while encouraging you to stand strong in your faith no matter what comes your way. Alesa homeschooled all 3 of her children and is crazy in love with Jeffrey Miller, who after 30 yrs of pastoring became a US missionary with Church Mobilization in the Assemblies of God, who covers some 600 churches in Kansas and Oklahoma. Her greatest blessings are her 3 children, their Spouses, future Spouse, and 3 precious little ones that call her Mimi.   The Importance of Mental Health for Christian Leaders When asked about a habit or routine that keeps her healthy as a Christian Leader, Alesa shares how she focuses on mental health. Everything she does from keeping her thoughts in line with God's Word, having daily time with the Lord, making healthy choices in what she eats, and keeping her gut healthy so she can think with a clear mind. That combination of the spiritual and the practical keeps her healthy mentally and physically.    Encouragement and Support for Pastors and Pastor's Wives Alesa loves encouraging people and her passion for this grew when she and her husband began planting a church many years ago. Nothing happened like it was supposed to and they ended up feeling isolated and alone. She determined then that if she ever got back into ministry, she would make sure that every pastor and pastor's wife that she met knew they were special. That they were valued and important.  Through reading her book she wants people to know, no matter what they are going through, God is working all things together for His good. Alesa loves telling about her experiences and what they have been through in this life.    Finding Strength in Key Scriptures: Philippians as a Source of Inspiration When asked what key scripture she has held onto, Alesa shared that Philippians is her favorite book in the Bible with many verses holding special meaning to her.  Starting with Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and then backing up to verse 12 to truly understand the meaning of that verse “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Jeff and Alesa have truly lived this verse in their lives.  Alesa then shared the secret to being content is Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  ‭‭When we put those things into practice and have our minds in line with what God's Word says we are, we can keep going. If we allow ourselves to believe we are anything besides what He says we are our lives are likely to spiral out of control. Which is exactly where satan wants us to be. If he can keep us discouraged and in fear he has us right where he wants us. It is very important to recognize when those negative thoughts come in and take them captive. Do not focus on the lies of the enemy then direct your thoughts to what you know is pleasing and admirable to the Lord.    Leaving a Legacy: Sharing Personal Stories for Encouragement Alesa started writing her book in an effort to leave a legacy to her children and grandchildren. For them to see what she and her husband have been through and to encourage them as they serve in future ministry whether in the pew or behind the pulpit. She published it on Amazon, shared it with some friends, and did some simple marketing. Since then, several people have purchased the book and shared how much it has meant. Recently, a ministry network inquired about purchasing copies for an upcoming pastor-wife's retreat. Alesa is humbled when she hears from readers that it touched their lives enough that they have passed it on to a friend. She is so thankful to know that what they went through is helping someone else.      The Spring of 2023: Mission Work, Weddings, and God's Faithfulness The Spring of 2023 has Alesa's life full as she takes opportunities to share about her book, while helping her husband with mission work, all amidst planning two weddings. Jeff and Alesa's ministry continues to expand in the mission area. They are connecting churches that have needs with people who can meet those needs through “Church Mobilization”. They are seeing some amazing ways of God's faithfulness.    Preparing the Church for the Harvest: Finding Hope in Life's Challenges Alesa relates her story with “Preparing the Church for the Harvest” in that she prays it gives people HOPE. No matter what is happening in their life, she encourages all not to give up. If we fully rely in and trust on God in all things, we will reap a harvest if we don't give up. “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” ~‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬ If you don't know what to do next, do the last thing God told you to do. Keep on keeping on and God will see you through.    Unforeseen Blessings: Trusting God's Plan in the Midst of Uncertainty When Jeff & Alesa planted a church back in 2000 nothing went the way it was supposed to go. They had a next-door neighbor whose 3 yr old little girl would play with their son. They introduced this family to Christ and they became members of their new church. About a year later they moved back home to Alaska. The families kept in contact during holidays and such until July 2022 when that daughter, came back into their life after her mother had suddenly passed away. For the last 20 years, the Millers wondered why they planted that church and it did not go the way it was supposed to. After all this time, that little girl will join their family as she marries their son this fall. This proves that you never know what God is up to, even when things aren't going right. Keep your eyes on Jesus and fully trust Him that ALL things are working together for His good.    Connect with Alesa Lewis Miller: Purchase the book: Behind the Parsonage Walls Facebook: Alesa Lewis Miller Website: https://behindtheparsonagewalls.com Email: behindtheparsonagewalls@gmail.com Jeff & Alesa's ministry: https://millersforusmissions.com Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call   Enter to win the Book Bundle Giveaway:  Click here and enter the code word PARSONAGE   Other Episodes Mentioned: Episode 017 with Jeff & Alesa Miller - Church Mobilization This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode028.  

Lisa Leigh Miller's powerful journey from abandonment to redemption showcases the healing grace of God, offering hope and freedom for all. Lisa Leigh Miller Lisa Leigh Miller is a wife, mother, pastor, Christian speaker, author, musician, and vocalist. She was sold on the black market in Mexico City at the age of two and eventually rescued by her family with the help of the U.S. Embassy.  With no mother and a father who was a career criminal, she faced many challenges, including a childhood riddled with abuse and the loss of her four-year-old daughter.  Lisa's story testifies to the powerful healing grace of God.  He miraculously delivered her and brought her to the other side of tremendous heartache and loneliness.  Her ministry is dedicated to sharing her personal testimony telling others what God has done for her He desires to do for them.   Finding Strength in Scripture Memory Verses aren't just for kids. Putting key verses on index cards and placing them on a vanity mirror, in your car, or on your computer where you can see them daily helps to remember the Word of God. Finding scriptures that are relevant to issues you are facing can help bring strength and peace into your day.    From Abandonment to Redemption Lisa's mother committed suicide when she was only two years old. After her father hitchhiked with her from Chicago to Mexico City he was arrested. Lisa was left abandoned and homeless as a toddler on the streets of Mexico.  After a long process, her grandparents in the States were able to rescue her with the help of the US Embassy. However. This began a new season of molestation and abuse by several family members, each unknown to the other.   As you can imagine, this took a toll on Lisa's self-esteem and mental health. She carried guilt and was in emotional bondage. With a background in theater, she hid her secrets from family and friends for years.     Discovering Healing and Grace Lisa's true story of her life, Sold to the Highest Bidder: A Father's relentless love, was published in 2021.   She creatively expressed the hard facts in a way that those who have experienced similar issues can relate and those who have never had a personal experience of abuse can have a better understanding of the repercussions and why people may behave the way they do.  You may have never experienced any of Lisa's hardships, but my guess is, you know someone who has. Consider purchasing a copy to gift them as a reminder that there is Hope and Freedom in Jesus.  Women and men alike are reading this powerful book and using it as a tool to share hope with others who feel stuck and hopeless because of past struggles.    Spreading Hope and Healing Publishing this book has opened up many opportunities for Lisa. She has been invited to speak at multiple churches and events to share her story. Bible Study groups are studying the book together. Many are sharing their copy and purchasing more for friends and family members.  Lisa feels this book was in preparation for the assignment the Lord has given her for the year    Trading Ashes for Beauty: The Trading Floor Events During the Trading Floor Events, there is a time of praise & worship, a full message, and special ministry time where each woman will have the chance to walk across “the trading floor”. There is nothing special about this wood-looking mat but what is special is the transformation that women find as they step forward in faith, lay down their burdens, and receive the beautiful truth that the Lord has for them.  Women are trading ashes for beauty, grief for peace, sickness for health, sorrow for joy, resentment for forgiveness, darkness for light, and thoughts of death for eternal life. Those that have been stuck in complacency are being set on fire! Every lie of the enemy is being traded for God's truth. The answer to every question and struggle is always Jesus.  The shackles are falling off and women are experiencing a Freedom that they never thought was possible!   Sold To The Highest Bidder available in English and Spanish Trading Floor Events July 22, 2023 - Winder, GA August 19, 2023 - Sulphur OK September 23, 2023 - New Braunfels, Texas Book Lisa for an Event Sign up for Newsletter   Connect with Lisa Miller Website: https://lisamillerministries.com Email: lisa@lisamillerministries.com Purchase the book: Sold To The Highest Bidder Facebook Page: The Trading Floor Prayer Group Facebook page: Lisa Miller Ministries Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call     Enter to win the Book Bundle Giveaway:  Click here and enter the codeword FREEDOM This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode027.  

Naomi Fata Naomi is a sewing entrepreneur offering the local community bridal alterations and custom slipcovers while teaching sewing as a life skill in the online space. In addition to sewing, Naomi writes “God's Corner” for her local newspaper. She is passionate about inspiring others to find ways to use their God-given gifts in their circle of influence. She is the author of “Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts” and is the creator of two sewing-themed journals. Naomi and her husband reside in upstate New York and homeschool their three children.   A Long Season As a young lady, Naomi was in a long season of doing due diligence. She was faithful in doing her devotions each morning, however, it was more about practicing religion than developing a relationship.  There came a time when she took Jeremiah 29:13 very seriously. “If you seek me, you will find me with all your heart.” She wondered what it meant to “find God” This curiosity, lead her down a long journey of learning about the battlefield in the mind and how toxic thinking can affect you. What did it mean to bring every thought into the obedience of Christ?    Serving in Sewing  Growing up Naomi's desire was to be a missionary. She never dreamed she would lose her dad at an early age and struggle to find a job that would help support her family. Sewing was the one skill Naomi had that she felt she could do to make a profit while staying home with her children.  The whole sewing thing wasn't my plan. God showed me this is the one thing you can do if you want to stray home with your kids.  Naomi bases her sewing business on Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”  A few years ago, Naomi took her talents into the online space where she began teaching sewing as a life skill. You can find courses and several sewing tutorials on her website.    Beginning to Write One day as Naomi was sewing, she was reflecting on the work God had done in her life. He transformed her from religion into a relationship. It wasn't long and she felt God calling her to write a book.  Naomi published her book, “Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts” in 2014. You can read more on her website or purchase on Amazon.   Naomi also writes articles for “God's Corner”. A column in her local newspaper and she has created some sewing-themed journals which are greatly appreciated by her sewing community.    Owning your own Business “Owning your own business is such an opportunity to be used by God because we don't live by the constraints of a boss or time schedule. No one is looking over your shoulder and our time is always our own.  If you feel like God is telling you to slow down, take more time with a client, or pick up the phone and pray with a friend, you are available to do so.  Having your own business also provides an opportunity to minister to your customers or clients.    Enter to win the Book Bundle Giveaway:  Click here and enter the codeword BEYOND   Resources: Sign up to receive the Christian Resource Ministry Newsletter. Get the biweekly Sewing Circle enewsletter at NaomiFata.net  Get a free sample of the 90-day sewing themed prayer journal  Podcast interview: What God Did in a Convience Store   Connect with Naomi Fata Website Naomi Fata's Instagram Purchase the book: Beyond Head Knowledge Purchase Sewing Prayer Journal Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call     This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode026.  

In honor of celebrating the One Year Anniversary, we are highlighting the top 5 episodes of Season 1 and I will be giving you a rundown of what is coming up in Season 2!   Top 5 Episodes of Season 1 5th place - Episode #5 - Are You Serving In the Right Place? 4th place - Episode #4 - What Would Jesus Do Today? 3rd place - Episode #3 - What We as Individuals can do to Prepare for Revival 2nd place - Episode #6 - The Price of Revival is Surrender with Matt Judkins 1st place - Episode #7 - Individual Revival Brings Corporate Revival with Joe Woody Johnson   What's Next for Season 2 I am excited to be doing the first series on the show. We will have 4 authors joining us in June.  June 7, 2023 - Naomi Fata - author of "Beyond Head Knowledge".  June 14, 2023 - Lisa Leigh Miller - author of "SOLD to the Highest Bidder: A Father's Relentless Love".  June 21, 2023 - Alesa Lewis Miller - author of "Behind the Parsonage Walls".  June 28, 2023 - Christa Hutchins - author of "Moving Forward: Inspiration for the Go-Getter Jesus Girl".    Book Bundle Giveaway! The four author guests have partnered with me to do a Book Bundle Giveaway. This bundle will include a book from each author guest, my devotion, and the Start Your Day Right Journal. The winner will be announced on July 14th, notified via email, and announced in the Ministry Solutions Newsletter. (Don't miss the announcement - make sure you are on the newsletter list!) How to enter the giveaway: Share the episode on Facebook and/or Instagram and tag me in the post Listen to the full episode each week and follow the instructions at the end Watch Facebook & Instagram for unique posts to share for extra entries   Thank You I want to give a sincere Thank You to all of the listeners out there that have supported me over the last year. It has been so encouraging to hear and read the feedback from you all.  And on that note, if you have not left a rating or review would you please consider doing that?  It helps others see the podcast and know that it is worth listening to. Just go to the show, where you listen to podcasts, and leave a 5-star rating and a quick 1-2 sentence review.   Thanks for joining me at Preparing The Church for the Harvest! I'll see you next time!   Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode025.  

Coaching can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Today we are going to talk about what coaching is, the benefits of coaching, what my coaching looks like, and how to choose and work with a coach.  What is Coaching? First of all, coaching is not therapy and it is not counseling. Coaching is a process of working with a trained professional, who helps individuals or groups clarify their goals, develop actionable plans, and take steps toward achieving their desired outcomes. The coach works with the client to identify their strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth and provides support, guidance, and accountability throughout the coaching process. Some coaching is focused on specific areas, such as career development, leadership, or personal growth, while other coaching may address multiple areas of the client's life. Coaching can be done in person, or virtually,  and can vary in length and frequency depending on the client's needs and goals. Overall, coaching is a collaborative process that empowers individuals to achieve their full potential, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change in their lives.   Benefits of Coaching: Gain clarity: Coaching can help you clarify your goals and priorities, and create a roadmap for achieving them. This can be especially helpful if you're feeling stuck or unsure of what steps to take next. Accountability is a key component of coaching and can be done through a  variety of methods. I like to set clear measurable goals with my clients so we both know exactly what needs to happen before we meet next. We write these down and then I follow up however the client needs. Some of my clients are great about writing down EVERYTHING, while for others I send a follow-up email or even a text listing all the actions they have committed to. Then the next time we meet we go over each commitment and how much progress they have made.    Goal Achievement - Through support, guidance, and accountability, clients are more likely to set achievable goals, identify obstacles, create an action plan, and ultimately reach those goals. This process builds confidence and creates positive changes in their lives. I love celebrating those wins with my clients! How is my Coaching different? I offer faith-based coaching that incorporates prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Including prayer and scripture as part of my coaching process helps clients connect and deepen their faith as well as align their actions with their values.  Seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance often leads to the discernment of the needs and priorities of each client and allows me to tailor my approach accordingly.  I enjoy offering individualized support to each client, which includes praying for them, checking in through text messages, and providing ongoing encouragement.  This creates a sense of trust and collaboration as we work together to achieve their goals. This level of personalized support can help clients feel seen, heard, and valued throughout the coaching process.   Choosing a coach and how to work with them: Obviously, I am not the only faith-based coach out there. You can do a search and find a plethora of coaches that specialize in a variety of areas.  Do your research and find one that aligns with your values and beliefs.  Many coaches do a free discovery call for this purpose. Usually, a 15-20 minute session via Zoom.  If you are interested in doing a discovery call with me to see if we would be a good fit, you can schedule a call HERE.   If you are interested in connecting reach out to me at ministrysolutions4u@gmail.com    Thank you so much for listening to the podcast today. Please consider leaving a rating on review, It would help me out a lot! Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode024.  

Today we are going to talk about Jethro. In case you don't know, Jethro is the father-in-law of Moses and if you don't have a Jethro in your life you need to get one. Not a father-in-law but the kind of huy Jethro was… listen in to find out why.   Moses and the Backstory You can find the whole story in Exodus 18 but I am going to give you a little back story and the summarized version.  In Exodus chapter 17 we can read about: Moses quarreling with the people because they were complaining there was no water to drink. The people were thirsty, and they were grumbling. Why did you bring us out of Egypt just to die of thirst?  Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” God tells him to take his staff and some of the elders and go strike a rock and water will come out of it.  So they get their water and they are content again - for the time being.  Then they go into battle with the Amalekites. And as long as Moses held up his hands the Israelites were winning but when he would lower his hands, the Amalekites would take control. Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses and held his arms up until the Amalekite army was overtaken.  Back In chapter 4 before Moses returns to Egypt, he sends his wife, Zipporah, and two sons away. They went to Zipporah's father's house and lived with him while all of the action was happening with Pharoah.   Exodus 18 Now we get to chapter 18 – Jethro, who is Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses. Jethro sends word that he is coming to visit, and he is bringing his wife and sons along with him.  So, Moses goes out to meet Jethro, bows down, and kisses him.  Then they spend time catching up. Moses tells Jethro about everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel's sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the Lord had saved them.  Exodus 18:9-12: "Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. He said, “Praise be to the Lord, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly.” Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God. " So, they catch up on all that has happened. They share the Lord's goodness and faithfulness, honor God through sacrifice, and then they have a dinner party.    Jethro goes to work with Moses Exodus 18:13-18: 'The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God's will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and instructions.” Moses' father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone." Jethro comes to Moses' workplace, observes him in action, and says you are going to burn yourself out if you keep doing what you are doing. Then he proceeds to give him some good, fatherly advice.  Exodus 18:19-23: "Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”  Jethro tells Moses to select capable men. They need to be teachable; they need to be able to follow instructions, and they need to be living a godly life. Men who are trustworthy (CHOOSING LEADERS IN THE CHURCH) Let these men decide the simple cases. They will help carry the load. If there is a more difficult case, let them bring those cases to you to decide.  Then Jethro tells Moses, “If you do this and (if God is in it) you will see good results. You will be able to stand the strain AND the people will go home satisfied.    What if Jethro hadn't come… So, let's imagine for a minute if Jethro had not made his visit to Moses. What would have happened?  Moses probably would have continued doing what he was doing. He would have gotten tired of carrying the burden He would have gotten frustrated with the people's complaining The people would have gotten frustrated with him They were ready to stone him when they did not have water. A full-on riot could have broken out.  What did Jethro Provide: A safe place for Moses to talk – a listening ear A companion who celebrated God's goodness with him He honored Moses' work and affirmed him An objective view Recognition of a problem A possible strategy of how to make things better Specific actions of how to move forward The idea of connecting others to help in his current role Space to do it on his own. (Jethro did not hover over and make sure he kept up with the plan) A continued relationship Jethro was a “life coach” in his day and age. If you have been through any coaching, you can probably see the correlation. If you have not – maybe it is worth giving an example.   Do you have a Jethro? Do you have a Jethro that can be a safe place for you to just share all the things? Do you have a non-judgmental listening ear that can give you an objective view? Do you have someone who can help you find the main struggles and then come up with a plan and a strategy to move forward? Do you have a person that can connect you with the tools, resources, and people that will help you get to that place in your vision? Is that person going to walk alongside you, from a distance, letting you do your thing, but being there to hold you accountable and celebrate your successes and encourage you through the tough times?  You may have this kind of person in your life and ministry, and I pray that you do.   I Can Be Your Jethro! The vision God has given me is to be this type of person for those who do not. To be a Jethro to the Moses'. A companion to the individual struggling to make progress in their life. To the one who is stuck and just not sure what to do next. A companion to the ministry that is out in the wilderness trying to do their absolute best to help the people… and hopefully keep the people from stoning them to death while trying to figure out how to keep going in the midst of the challenging times.   Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”   “If you have a plan without a vision, you are just doing busy work.  If you have a vision without a plan, you just have a fantasy.”  ~Joseph Lalonde said:   God gave me the vision to connect, support, encourage, and energize individuals and ministries. I want to help those who are struggling in this area. If this resonates with you check out my Vision Planning Guide. It is a free download to help you get started. And if you need a one-on-one coach to walk with you send me an email and let's chat. Vision Planning Guide As we conclude, I want to give you a free resource to help you in this process. The Vision Planning Guide is 5 steps to help[ you reach your destination. It is a simple worksheet that will take you through each step: Envision, Engage, Equip, Energize & Evaluate.  Click here to get your guide.   Thank you so much for listening to the podcast today! Connect with Jacklin:   Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode023.

Julie Lynn Ashley is a grief coach with a passion for helping people who have experienced loss. Her ministry provides one-on-one support to those struggling with grief, offering a safe, open space for discussion and processing. She believes that grieving people need someone to sit with them through the process and stay attuned to important dates, and she encourages local churches to provide support by keeping funeral programs and following up on those dates. With a biblical foundation and a master's degree in thanatology, Julie Lynn is well-equipped to help those in need. Grief Ministry When Julie Lynn and her husband moved to Texas several years ago she was looking to get to know people and connect in the community. The wife of a couple they knew suggested she volunteer with a local hospice group. Though she had never done that type of work, she was willing to give it a chance. Almost immediately Julie Lynn was drawn to the bereavement side of the program. She realized she had a  God-given passion for people who had experienced this loss and were left with this giant hole in their life.  At a GriefShare meeting one evening, she felt this new calling in her life. She shares; “I was watching one of the videos, and the room was dark, and it kind of washed over me from head to toe, God saying, Julie Lynn, this is Act 2. This is what I want you to do with the rest of your life”.  At that moment she had no idea how things would play out and that she would get her Master's Degree of Science in Thanatology (death, grief, and bereavement). The local Hospice Chaplain provided resources and God provided mightily as she attended grad school. After receiving her degree she went to work in the Hospice industry, specifically on the bereavement side, doing brief follow-up calls with families. Then she transitioned into her ministry, where she is working one-on-one with people. She can go deeper with each individual than she was able to in the Hospice industry while she was following up with hundreds of families.    Biblical Foundation There are two key scriptures that Julie Lynn references in her ministry. The first one is Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. This is a verse that Julie Lynn clung to as she traveled the mysterious journey to where she is now. It is also a verse she shares with clients that she works with. It shows that God has something for them in the middle of the pain that they're going through.  The second scripture is in Isaiah 61:1, “...the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted…”   What Grieving People Need 1. Someone to sit with them through the grieving process One thing that grieving people need is someone willing to sit in the dissonance with them. Grief is not something that will ever be fixed on this side of heaven. That chair will always be empty at Thanksgiving dinner. It's not going to be fixed. God only made one of the person that they lost. So grieving people are looking for someone to sit with them, and not try to rush them through the grieving process. 2. Someone to stay attuned to those very specific, important dates. It is good to keep the program from the funeral or the obituary. It gives several very important dates. This one document will give you the death date, the birth date, and if married the anniversary date. Sometimes a grieving person's own extended family doesn't connect the need with those specific dates. So people, being tuned to those dates for a grieving person is extremely powerful, as they're walking through these days, adjusting to life on earth without their loved one.   How the Local Church can Help: 1. Keep the funeral program and assign someone to follow up on those important dates.  This could be done by the pastor, staff, or small group that the person was involved with. Ways to follow up could be a text, a card, or a phone call. For those who are close, maybe even a visit. Some churches keep an Excel spreadsheet of these dates and share them each month with the appropriate people.  2. Consider having a Blue Christmas Service Several churches across the United States do this. There are some websites out there that can give you some good ideas on how to form a Blue Christmas service. It can be very powerful in the life of a grieving person around the holidays, to have their church acknowledge their loss. 3. Download this resource sheet  Julie Lynn has compiled a list of organizations that support grief in other ways. From infant to adult loss and groups that support teenagers as well as parents, there are many associations out there you can get involved with. Download this list and keep it in your “resource toolbox”    Are you being called to grief ministry? If you have been touched by this article and want to get more involved, consider volunteering at a local hospice organization. There are a lot of different ways to get involved. You don't have to begin by working directly with patients. There may be administrative tasks that you can help with or ask about other ways to get involved.  Another idea would be to check out other support systems in your community. There are organizations such as GriefShare and Compassionate Friends that churches can be a part of. There are several groups listed on the resource sheet. You can check out their websites to see if there are organized programs in your area or if you would like to start something.     Resources: Grief Support Resource List: Grief Support Resource List — Julie Lynn Ashley   Connect with Julie Lynn Ashley Email: ajulielynn@gmail.com Website: Julie Lynn Ashley Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call     VISION PLANNING GUIDE  Are you wondering what's next for you? Do you need someone to walk with you on your journey?  Whether you have experienced a loss or you are just in a new season of life. I have a Vision Planning Guide that could help you. These simple worksheets will take you through a 5-step process to help you determine and reach your destination.  Download Here This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode022.  

A great example of wisdom, vision, and planning is Nehemiah. Today we are going to learn how we can use Nehemiah's plans and strategies in our own ministries.   A great example of wisdom, vision, and planning is Nehemiah. Today we are going to learn how we can use Nehemiah's plans and strategies in our own ministries.   Nehemiah Nehemiah was an upstanding fellow in his day and served as cupbearer to the king. That means that the king trusted Nehemiah with his life! The job of the cup bearer was to pour and serve the drinks to the king. This was to make sure no one was trying to poison and kill the king. So the king saw Nehemiah many times throughout the day  and was part of the king's inner circle. One day, Nehemiah comes in and he is obviously sad. The word tells us the King had never seen him sad before so he asked what was wrong.  Nehemiah was afraid because it was not customary to have these casual conversations with the King but he boldly tells him that he is saddened because he has learned that his land is in ruins. The wall around his homeland had been destroyed. The walls were broken down and the gates had been destroyed by fire.  Because Nehemiah had favor from the Lord, the king granted him his requests. He also sent a calvary with Nehemiah.  Nehemiah goes into the land, he takes a few others with him, and they proceed to inspect the wall and the gates. They went at night and he didn't tell the Jews anything about his plans just yet. It was after he assessed the damage and knew what needed to be done that he approached the others.  In chapter Nehemiah 2:17-18 Nehemian tells us, “Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.” Once he had others on board with his vision Nehemiah was able to assign people to specific tasks. There were about 10 gates around the city. There was a group  at each gate that would first rebuild the gate then work on that section of the wall.  Chapter 3 tells in detail who worked on each section and what they completed.  It was a detailed plan and everyone knew what the end goal was. Now we know that the king asked how long Nehemiah would be gone and I didn't find where he answered the king but we do know that the wall was completed in 52 days.  One commentary I read said the wall was 1.7 miles long, had 10 gates and 8 towers.  Was it easy for Nehemiah and his crew? It was hard work. It consumed their days. They faced opposition.  Sanballat didn't like what was happening and he and his people plotted to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble. When Nehemiah heard of this ploy he shifted his strategy. The end result was still the same but he had to accommodate for this interruption to the plans. From that point on half of the men did the work, while the other half stood guard with spears and shields. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other. They were dedicated to the mission. In Nehemiah 4:23 it says “Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off their clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.”  That means they did not take a bath or let their guard down in any way until the mission was accomplished. And when Sanballat tried to call a meeting with Nehemiah he didn't let that distract him. He was focused on completing the task at hand.  When they completed the wall in record time, their enemies realized they had been defeated because the work of the wall had been completed with the help of their God.      Nehemiah's Process Let's take a minute and look at Nehemiah's process: He realized a part of the temple was broken and he was compelled to do something about it. He prayed and fasted before petitioning the king (4 months) He asked the King for Permission to return to Jerusalem. Conversation with leaders. Got letters from the king that ensured his safety on the trip and provided timber for his work Obtained first hand info about the condition of the wall. Analyzed the situation He motivated the Jews to start rebuilding Divided the workload He shifted his strategy when needed The wall was successfully rebuilt in only 52 days. It might have been possible for him to finish his assignment without a specific plan but it definitely would have taken longer. His clear roadmap helped him reach his destination in record time.    Imagine with me… I want you to imagine your ministry. Go ahead and close your eyes for a minute. When you think about your ministry what do you see? You may see a building, a room, specific people, or a particular type of people, or you may see something else. Get that picture in your mind and just acknowledge what it is you see. Nod your head if you have a picture. Is it the church as a whole? Is it a particular area like Women's Ministry, Men's Ministry, Children's Ministry, a Bible Study Group, an outreach program, or something different.  Now I want you to think, “Are there any walls broken?” “Are there places that are not fulfilling the purpose?” “Is there anything that needs to be fixed?” Now I want you to imagine what that ministry could look like by the end of the year. If you had all the resources you needed, all the support to help you, and the Lord was blessing your efforts what could it look like?  Now how are you going to get there?   Can you come up with a strategic plan that will lead you to that destination? Are you compelled to go on a new journey? Can you be committed to see it through? Strategy for Your Ministry We are going to go through 7 steps that Nehemiah took and think about these in relation to the ministry we were just thinking of or life situations. Our first step is to realize where we or our ministries are weak. Be honest about what is working and what is not working. Are there things we are doing that aren't producing fruit but we keep doing it because that is what we have always done?  Nehemiah had to first be aware there was a problem before he could fix it. Prayer and fasting. When we get to this place of envisioning the future we must go to the Lord and seek His will (in life and ministry). What is His plan for us, the people around us, our jobs or careers, the church, and the community? When we are following Holy Spirit's prompting we will have favor in the steps forward.   Nehemiah prayed for 4 months before he ever shared his heart with the king.  Have a conversation with those in authority if relevant. Could be a pastor, leader, our boss, co-workers, or our spouse and family.It is important to have the support of the leadership above you. Not only is it biblical but it is also wise. They have been placed in a position of authority and may have resources or ways to help that you don't even know about.  The king had the ability to provide protection, resources, and additional workers to get the job completed. Those pieces were critical in Nehemiah getting started and in completing the task. Analyze the details of the situation. This could be a time of research or even a time of observation in how things are going. Thinking about what has or hasn't worked. What is the struggle?. Where are the weaknesses? Nehemiah took a few others with him and they surveyed the damage of the wall. They covered the whole area so they knew exactly what the status was and what was needed for repair. Recruit helpers and motivate them. Once you know what needs to be done, it is wise to get others on board with your vision. If you can get at least one other person to catch the vision you will have a higher rate of success. (We learned that at the beginning) If it is a personal/life vision, is there anyone that can walk this road with you? Who will motivate you or keep you going? When Nehemian approached the jews about the work that needed to be done, we did not hear any resistance, complaining or debate on how things would get done. We hear them immediately say, “Let us start rebuilding”. It seems they were ALL IN and ready to work. Divide the workload - Don't try to do it on your own or all at once. There may be things that you need to do and maybe even oversee but allow others to do what they can. Everyone of us has a purpose. We all have specific gifts, talents, and strengths that can be used in ministry. From praying, to making phone calls, to teaching, to doing repairs. I believe the Lord will provide for every need when He leads you into a new venture and that includes the monetary resources as well. In life and our own plans, we can't do it all at once. We will get overwhelmed and give up. It is important to break up our goals into achievable tasks - bite-size pieces.  Nehemiah gave very specific tasks to each group that helped on the wall. Each group was responsible for their section and could keep their focus on the task. If we can do that within the church we will see much progress! Shift the strategy as needed - Sometimes things come up that you don't expect and you may have to adjust. Don't take your eyes off of the end goal but do what is needed to accommodate the interruptions.  The enemy may come in and try to distract and get you off task. He may try to cause division, stress, or offense. Recognize it as what it is, begin to pray sincerely, and discern if something needs to shift in order to stay on course.  Nehemiah was wise in how he divided the responsibilities and had half of the men stand guard while the other half did the work. If we ask for wisdom the Lord will grant our request.   Challenge The Lord has given us a clear roadmap that we can use in ministry and in our lives. He will give us wisdom and he will give us the provision we need to fulfill his plan. I challenge you to use this as a foundation as you look at the year ahead and evaluate what the future ministry will look like.  Vision Planning Guide As we conclude, I want to give you a free resource to help you in this process. The Vision Planning Guide is 5 steps to help[ you reach your destination. It is a simple worksheet that will take you through each step: Envision, Engage, Equip, Energize & Evaluate.  Click here to get your guide. Thank you so much for listening to the podcast today. Let's get ready so you and your church are Prepared for the Harvest! Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode021.  

Do you know someone who has a disability? Through researching for this episode I learned some staggering statistics. 1 in 4 adults are affected by a disability. 1 in 5 children have learning or attention issues. That means the chances that you have or will have someone walk into your church with a disability is very very likely. Jesus DID not say “Let the little children come to me, except those that are crippled” He welcomed all into his arms. Are we as a church providing space for those with special needs?  In today's conversation with Joanna French we learn some practical ways we can embrace our disabled friends in ministry. There is something we can all do regardless of our church size.    Joanna French Pastor Joanna French is the Special Needs Pastor at Flint Hills Church in Junction City, Ks. Seven years ago she founded their special needs ministry, Embrace. Since then Joanna has spoken nationally on the subject of Disability Ministry nationally, written two books, and shares her wisdom for the national ministry Key Ministry. Joanna seeks to help other churches make the gospel accessible to everyone.   Statistics 1 in 4 adults have some type of disability. (61 Million People with Disabilities in the United States (abilitymagazine.com) 1 in 5 children have learning and attention issues. (The State of Learning Disabilities Today – Learning Disabilities Association of America (ldaamerica.org) This means if you are not directly affected, most likely you know someone who is. Do you have any of these people attending your church? How are you accommodating them? Can we do better?   Can you imagine being told you are welcome to come back to church but please find a sitter for your kids next time?    What can the Average Church Do to Embrace those with disabilities and mental illness? Don't despise small beginnings. Talk openly and positively about mental illness Be aware of disabilities and mental illness Support Autism Awareness Day Promote Down Syndrome Day Make Buddy Bags. What to include: use a cheap backpack  Noise canceling headphones Fidgets Communication cards Visual schedule   Create a Sensory Safe Room (could use a closet) What to include: Bean bag chair Noise canceling headphones Pillows Puzzles Fidgets   Advanced Steps: Provide sensory safe space when offering community events Host Respite Nights Host Siblings Day (event for siblings of disabled)   How can Implementing this Type of Ministry help Prepare us for Revival? Revival requires empathy.  In the recent move, “Jesus Revolution”, we see that revival started by meeting people right where they were at, without judging them for their actions. They simply offered them the love of Jesus. Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens Iron, and one man sharpens another..” These special friends will sharpen us as we get to know each other. They will change us. They will make us more compassionate, more accepting, and more thankful. They will teach us to worship uninhibited. They show us what true worship looks like. It helps us love people in a revolutionary way and that is key in preparing for revival.   How to start an “Embrace Ministry”? Talk to the disabled and their family members - they will have necessary input for you to create a good disability ministry. Ask their opinions and what they need.  Do the three things listed above and don't despise small beginnings. Even if it is for one person or one child.  Offer support for anyone. You may have people who are not “diagnosed” with a disability but need additional support. Have the buddy bags and alternate spaces available to anyone.   Prayer: Make sure you listen till the end for Joanna's beautiful prayer at the end of our time together.    Scripture References: “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬   FREE BOOK: To be entered to win a free copy of Joanna's Book, Becoming Enabled, email her at embraceministriesfhc@gmail.com and let Joanna know you listened to this episode with Jacklin Drake. She will notify the winner via email and I will post on our social media pages as well.   Resources: Keyministry.org promotes meaningful connection between churches and families of kids with disabilities for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Assembly of God - Kansas Beyond Suffering Bible by Joni and Friends     Connect with Joanna: Website: https://www.enabledgospel.org/bio Becoming Enabled Book: https://amzn.to/3RPEo9i Email: embraceministriesfhc@gmail.com Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode020.  

Join us today as guest, Wanda Littrell, shares the steps to create an Effective Hospitality Team. Wanda describes herself as a wife, mother, Mimi, pastor, and lover of God. She is passionate for the Church, and contends in prayer for the next Mighty Move of God, and for the World to be saved. She has a bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and Ethics from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She has written several Bible studies and she and her husband, Steve, write devotional books for their congregation. They pastor a church together in Madill, OK, where they live with their little dog, Gracie.   Why is a Hospitality Team Important? The hospitality team starts at the front door and many times will be a deciding factor if a first time guest will be a returning visitor. It is important to greet everyone in love and connect with them in the first few minutes. Some research shows the decision to come back is made in the first 10 minutes. Most of the time that is before the music ever starts. We need to be intentional in our efforts from the moment they drive into the parking lot.    What does a good Hospitality Team look like? From the moment a visitor or long time member steps into the doors they should be met by a greeter who is loving and excited to see them. It is great to have a long time member of the community who would recognize newcomers. It is also beneficial to have a husband and wife team which helps improve connections. A key element is having a way to get contact info from visitors and having a system in place to follow up with them. Another important piece is to have a gift or at least a brochure or handout that gives the service times and program information.    Steps of creating a Hospitality Team Prayer Invite everyone to a training day Offer a sign-up sheet for designated areas (greeters, ushers, coffee/snacks, welcome gifts) Create a connect card to get contact info for visitors Have a handout to share programs and service times Create a System to follow up with visitors and those who haven't been in awhile. *It is a great idea to preach a sermon series on loving one another before the training day.   How can implementing Hospitality help us prepare for Revival? It increases expectations - The first Sunday after training the people in hospitality the Lord brought 5 new visitors. The people were so excited and they were ready.  It prepares us to welcome EVERYONE as if welcoming Christ.  It creates a heart change when you become a welcoming congregation. Makes it easier to go out into the world (beyond the church walls) to share the love of God.   What can we do as individuals if there is no team? Everyone can be intentional about greeting newcomers and making everyone feel welcome. Spend at least 3 minutes visiting with someone you don't know well. Notice the 10' diameter around you and connect with those in your circle. Notice when someone is absent from that circle and reach out to let them know they were missed.  Welcoming is the Job of Everyone Look around.  Smile.  Shake a Hand. Invite Someone to Church. Invite Someone to Sunday School. Invite Someone to a program or small group. Make a CONNECTION, and then CONNECT Others.   GUEST CONNECTIONS CARD 10-FOOT RULE: Take responsibility to welcome those within 10 Feet of you, especially those who may be alone. 3-Minute Rule: Spend at least 3 minutes before and after worship talking to someone you don't know very well, whether they are new to the congregation, or a long-timer. Notice Everyone Introduce yourself, learn each person's name Introduce guests to others Offer a warm and sincere goodbye Invite people to come again Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace. Colossians 4:5-6A   Resources:  Welcoming Questionnaire Guest Connections Card (2 sided printable) Includes 10 ft rule and 3 minute rule: Connect Cards   Connect with Jacklin:   Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode019.  

  You have probably heard about the Asbury Revival that has broken out in Wilmore KY but do you know how that relates to your church? Today I am going to share a personal revival experience.   Asbury Revival 2023 It is all over social media, it has many talking, and lots traveling to see for themselves. It is the Asbury Revival of 2023. It started on Wednesday, Feb 8th and as of the date of this recording is still going strong. You can google Asbury Revival 2023 to see many accounts of people who have witnessed the experience for themselves.  This isn't the first time Revival has sparked at Asbury College. They have actually had many experiences over the last 100 plus years. I listened to a very interesting account of these instances this morning which you can find here.    My Personal Experience  About 13 or 14 years ago the church I was attending had a scheduled Revival. I believe it was scheduled for 3 or 4 days. I can't remember everything but what I do remember was that people didn't want to leave the building. There wasn't a dismissing prayer at the end of service. People lingered. They prayed and they worshiped. When the praise team got tired, other music was put on, and people kept praying. Revival continued for several more days than scheduled. There were reports of people getting healed, others were seeing visions. There were amazing testimonies and many received blessings of provision during those days.    Your Church can Experience it too! ‭‭“‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'” Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Spiritual Gifts - 1 Corinthians 12   This whole podcast was birthed with the idea that another Great Awakening would happen. The fields are ripe for the harvest! And we are Preparing the Church for that Harvest!    How can you as an individual prepare for Revival?  PRAY  PRAISE PAUSE    How can Your Church Prepare for Revival? EXPECT  EQUIP  ENGAGE  ENERGIZE   What do you NEED to DO to be READY?  Thinking about these preparations, what do you or your church need to do to be ready?  Do you know where to start?  Is there something I can help you with? Special Offer In honor of all that is taking place I am going to offer some “Special Rate” Coaching Days each month for the next couple of months.  Right now my plan is to have 2 days a month reserved for Special Rate days.  You will get a 45 minute session for $20. Slots will be limited and based on first come first served.   I am not sure how long I will do this so if you are interested let me know ASAP so I can get you on the list.  My goal is for these sessions to be geared toward helping you or your church “get ready”.   If you're not sure if this would be a good fit for you, send me an email and let's chat about it.    Let's get ready so you and your church are Prepared for the Harvest!   Other Episodes Mentioned:   Our goal is that every episode relates to personal or corporate revival in one way or another. If you missed these previous episodes I encourage you to go back and take a listen. Ep. 003 - What We Can do as Individuals to Prepare for Revival Ep. 006 - The Price of Revival is Surrender with Matt Judkins Ep. 007 - Individual Revival brings Corporate Revival with Joewoody Johnson     Connect with Jacklin:   Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call SIGN UP for the Newsletter This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode018.  

Today we visit with Jeff & Alesa Miller, US MIssionaries with the Assemblies of God. They work in the mission of Church Mobilization connecting churches in need with those who can meet those needs.   Jeff & Alesa Miller Jeff & Alesa have known each other for 43 years and will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in June 2023. They pastored for over 30 years before going into their current ministry. The couple have planted churches and served in all sizes of ministries, from tiny churches to mega churches.    Church Mobilization Jeff & Alesa serve as US Missionaries with the Assemblies of God in the Church Mobilization Department. They work with both the Kansas & Oklahoma Assemblies of God Districts to assist them with projects that the churches/ministries in those districts might have. ​They travel, meeting with Pastors, Churches and District Leaders sharing the mission of Church Mobilization.  Church Mobilization covers three aspects: RV volunteers, Church Teams, and Church Development. We simply connect ministries with needs with people that can meet those needs from clerical to construction, While working on projects ourselves as well.     Passion Through the program Jeff and Alesa are passionate about helping local churches be as strong as they can be. They strive to make connections, from Clerical to Construction, and focus on mobilizing the church for ministry.  Some of the connections they have made include: mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, beauticians, dentists, creative designers, website developers, worship leaders, piano players, tech teams, and much more.  They believe in taking the hand of someone a little ahead in your journey and someone a little farther behind you and marching together. This is an example of mentoring at its finest. Every need that a church as we believe is already inside the church walls, it just may be the church down the street or across the state. - Alesa Miller   Rise up Soldiers! Churches are better together. It is time to rise up and be a team of soldiers.  When we think of the harvest, we think, “We've gotta have workers”. Harvest time is when we have to work the hardest. Farmers work the hardest when it is time to harvest the crop. They have a limited time to bring in the harvest and in farming communities you can see neighbors and communities working together to aid in the harvest.  We can learn a lot from this example. It is time to set aside our differences and come together for the good of the Kingdom! How can you step up to use your giftings in a way to help build the Kingdom? In episode 003, I talk about how churches in surrounding communities worked together in unity.We are all striving to reach the same destination. We can all benefit from a little help along the journey! If we are going to see the harvest, we have to have a place to plant the harvest first with fertile soil. We need volunteers to help aid churches in being the best they can be in their neighborhood. If they need a bathroom remodeled, others can step up to help in the construction, painting, and cleaning. While this is happening there may be other members helping with office work or even outreach or children's ministry. Are you willing to pay the price to see one person get to know Jesus?   Is God Calling You? Is God nudging you to step out and do something today? Don't wait for a net to catch you. Trust that God will open the doors that you need Him to.  What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do? He is asking you” Do you trust me?” Reach out to Jeff & Alesa Miller to find out how you can connect and get involved in the ministry of Mobilizing Churches for Ministry.     Connect with Jeff & Alesa Miller: Website: www.Millers4usmissions.com  Email: millers4usmissions@gmail.com Book: “Behind the Parsonage Walls” by Alesa Miller  Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode017.

Today we are talking about Why you need a vision. I'm going to give you 9 signs you need a vision and 9 benefits of having a plan.    Why your Ministry needs a Vision If you have a plan without a vision, you are just doing busy work. If you have a vision without a plan, you just have a fantasy. ~Joseph Lalonde   "Failing to plan is planning to fail". While this isn't the case for every ministry, it does happen more often than we would like to admit.   Signs you Need a Vision Nobody can state the vision of the ministry Leadership tends to be reactive instead of proactive Leaders are not in one accord The ministry is disorganized The ministry is on autopilot, just going through the motions Members are not active in the ministry.  Leaders don't stay long Attendance is dwindling  No visitors are walking through the doors   Benefits of Creating a Vision Plan Vision brings Clarity  Vision creates Unity  Vision boosts Productivity Vision brings Order to the ministry Vision is Contagious  Vision boosts Spiritual Growth and Physical Growth  Creating a plan will give you the exact steps for the vision to become a reality You will be more confident knowing you are creating a plan that is motivated by the Lord.  Your excitement, energy, and joy will be renewed and inspired by the Lord.    Creating Your own Vision Plan If the signs you need a vision resonated with you or the benefits listed sound like something you need at all go check out this workshop.  Join the Workshop The Full Circle Ministry Planning Workshop This is a four-week virtual workshop - Jan 30 through Feb 24, 2023 You will immediately receive the Jump Start Guide to Vision Planning. As soon as you sign up, I will begin praying for you and your ministry. We will have a live Zoom call each week to go over the steps. You will have strategic tasks to complete each week  You will have access to the Facebook group to communicate and ask questions. I will be sending out emails throughout the 4 weeks and you can Reply to emails (if you wish) for brainstorming with me You will get a 1:1 coaching session with me to gain traction in any area you are stuck. Sign up HERE   Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Work with me This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode016.

In today's episode, we talk about preparing for the new year and how I shifted from a Planning process to a Visioning Process.    It's a New Year! Every ministry, business, and individual are probably thinking about their vision during this time of year. If you are listening in real time it is the beginning of 2023.  Some of you may have already sketched out your plans for the new year but my guess is many of you wait until after the holidays to begin this process.    When I was leading our women's ministry I would always take some time between Christmas and New Years to pray and plan for the coming year. I had a worksheet that I used that was broken up into 12 sections, one for each month. We had some recurring events that were a tradition that I would fill in first, such as Mothers Day event and our Annual Christmas party. Then I would pray, research, and plan other events throughout the year.    Disclaimer “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” ~‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Sometimes we make all these plans with all the details figured out, then the Lord changes our course. And that is OK because the Lord's plan is always better than our plan.  I used to feel like I failed or didn't do something right when things didn't stick to the plan. I would look back at my worksheet and feel awful because I didn't accomplish everything that I had ideas for. I didn't follow through on a social gathering idea or I let things get in the way of that fun thing we were going to do. I finally realized my plans and God's plans didn't look the same. Oh sure, He let me make all these plans, I think, because it kept me motivated and excited about doing Ministry. And I enjoy the planning process! But the interruptions in my plans - well I'm confident most of the time it was Him saying, “it's not time for this yet” or “I have something more important for you this month” or “I'm shifting your focus and that's not important anymore “.  It took me a long time to start visioning instead of planning. Now my process looks different.    My Vision Process I start by asking the Lord what His plans are.  What does He want Me to be in the new year?  Is there something within myself I need to work on?   Then I think about my whole life, not just my Ministry life.  Are there relationships I need to tend to?  Are there people or things that need more attention than I've been giving them? (Some examples of this might be visiting family, budgeting finances, meal planning, decluttering or organizing.)  I write down the things that come to mind. I try not to overthink it but just write it down and give myself permission to come back and process it later.    After doing this exercise then I shift to ministry. This could be the same day or you may want to allow some time to process your thoughts before this step. How does the Lord want to use me in ministry?  Sometimes we know the answer to this and sometimes it's worth thinking through. There may be something new the Lord is stirring inside of you.  Then, how does this fit into your current role?  Does it line up or do you need to pray into it more? Once you get past this step you can begin visioning for your ministry.    Visioning for Ministry What is the mission?  How can you reach that mission?  Think about the goal or end result then think about what needs to happen to reach that goal.   For example, if your mission is to feed 500 hungry families you would need to find families that are hungry, determine how you are going to provide the food, and enlist some helpers to prepare and serve the meals. That's the big picture. Then you work on the smaller details.  If your mission is to be a more welcoming church, you might need to preach a sermon series on the subject, develop a hospitality team, recruit and train members for the team, develop a way to track visitors, and create a process to follow up.  Look at the big picture first then determine what tasks need to be done.    Shifting This is definitely a shift in the planning process. Instead of planning out your calendar, envision your mission. Then plan out your mission. Let the Lord lead in your scheduling!  Now I can look back and see how an idea I had didn't happen because it didn't fit with the vision.  But I can also see how what we did do fulfilled the mission and how it moved us forward in ministry. Having a mission and a vision can also help as ideas come up. You can ask yourself, does this fit the mission? How will it help fulfill the vision?    Vision is important. Proverbs 29:18 says: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” A vision can help a ministry move forward. It can inspire and motivate those involved. It can help accomplish the Lord's will for your ministry.    Free Resource If you are interested I have a free resource: The Jump Start Guide to Vision Planning.      Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode015.

In this end of year BONUS episode, I share how I spend time reflecting on the Holidays and reviewing the year and then shift into planning the new year and a behind the scenes look at creating my personal vision board. Christmas Review For the last few years I have spent some time after Christmas reviewing how things went. I make notes about what brought me joy, what others enjoyed, and overall what went well. I also note what didn't go so well or what we should do differently next year. I even record what food I made and what was liked best. This year the Lemon Lush cake was a hit but the peanut butter cake mix cookies - not so much! This may be a little over the top but I also save my gift list and any ideas I had but didn;t purchase. This gives me a headstart on my shopping for next year. Then I put these notes in a place where I will remember to look at them around October of next year so when I start planning for the Holidays it will refresh my memory. I used to put it in my paper planner but now I keep it digitally with just a note in my planner and a reminder in my calendar. Reviewing the Year It's also a great idea to do this for your year. I enjoy looking back through my calendar and photos to remember all the things that happened throughout the year. It's a jog down memory lane that can get emotional. It prompts me to be thankful for all the Lord has brought us through and the many blessings He has given us. Looking Ahead Then I think about the new year and think about places I want to go and people I want to see. Y'all know by now - I like to plan! But I've learned to plan in pencil and be flexible to what the Lord has in store. Instead of calendaring specific events, like date night the first Friday of the month, lunch with a friend every Tuesday, I think differently. More like date night at least once a month, lunch with a friend twice a month, family gathering every quarter. This way gives me more margin or space. I don't have to be so specific. It allows room for important things that come up and keeps me from feeling guilty if something doesn;t work out. I think about self-care, relationship goals, career/business plans, and ministry vision. Then at the beginning of each month I can schedule the date night, lunches, and visits on my calendar around whatever else has made it onto my schedule. Vision Board After I go through this process I like to create a Vision Board as a physical reminder of what I feel is mine and the Lord's vision for the year. Then place it where I will see it each day. In the past it has been the screensaver on my computer. This year I'm framing it and putting it on the wall. Now, you can do this with a posterboard and cut out pictures from magazines or even print specific pictures if you like or you can do what I do and create a digital board. I have created a digital version the last two years and I just love it. I use canva.com which is an online program. It's kind of like digital scrapbooking. They have a free plan and you can find templates to help you get started or you can create from scratch. Here is my “behind the scenes” footage of me creating my Vision Board in real time. It's a raw, unedited video so no judging! YouTube: How to create a digital vision board Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode014.

Special guest, Laura Howe, joins us on episode #13 to discuss the need for Creating a Culture of Care in the Local Church, the core components of Care Ministry and ways we can implement these systems in our church.  I challenge you to listen through to hear some simple suggestions you can implement in your church this Sunday to not only connect with visitors but to let your “regulars” know how much you care about them.    . Topics we cover: Why is Care Ministry Important Ways to implement care in the local church Creating systems and training people The 3 core components of a Care Ministry How implementing can impact the health of your church How having a Care Ministry can Prepare us for Revival   Laura also shares habits that keep her healthy as a Christian Leader (One may surprise you!) and what she has learned that leaders are hungry for.    {Key quotes from the episode} “Transition from building programs of care to building a culture of care” - Laura Howe “You can transform a community when you care” - Laura Howe “Care doesn't equal Casseroles!” - Laura Howe   Connect with Laura Howe: Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter YouTube Website Check out Laura's episode, “12 Ways to Offer Care Without a Care Ministry”.     Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode013.

Today I am going to share 5 practical steps that you can implement to help you get your day started right Last week we talked about: Why Your morning Routine Matters and how to start your day off right! If you missed it, go back and listen to Episode #11. 5 strategies to implement into your morning to help Start Your Day Right.  Download the printable here. To start your day right you need to: Designate a Space Clear your mind Read the word Prayer time Goals/ tasks for the day    {Scripture References} “The word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 To find out WHY your morning routine matters listen to Episode #11 - 6 Reasons Why Your Morning Routine Matters.    Join the Start Your Day Right Challenge today!   Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call   Email me at ministrysolutions4u@gmail.com with questions.    Thank you! Subscribe to the show and if you enjoyed this episode consider leaving us a rating or review wherever you are listening. This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode012.

In episode #11 we are going to talk about Why Your morning Routine Matters and how to start your day off right! Having a morning routine to Start Your Day Off Right can affect your whole life. Six reasons why your morning routine matters: It sets the tone for your day It focuses you on what matters most It grows your relationship with the Lord It gives you space to think It increase your productivity It reduces your stress With all these benefits - why WOULDN'T you want to have a morning routine?? Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 22:37 “Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Join the Start Your Day Right Challenge today! Email me at ministrysolutions4u@gmail.com with questions. Thank you for listening! Subscribe to the show and if you enjoyed this episode consider leaving us a rating or review wherever you are listening. Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode011.

In episode #10 I am talking about two things - Sharing your testimony and putting on the Armor of God. I also share my own personal struggle with letting my guard down.    Here I am to tell you about my most recent struggle with depression.  Now, before I get started I will say this has not been my only struggle with depression and definitely not the worst one.   “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God's Joy” by Mandisa.  "Overcomer" by Mandisa   Revelation 12:11  NKJV - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony  Passion Translation - They conquered him completely through the blood of the Lamb and the powerful word of his testimony.    I wonder how many of you are dealing with similar circumstances today.  Do you feel like you're driving in a rut that you just can't get out of?  Did you let your guard down at some point and the enemy came in and started lying to you?  Did you forget to dress yourself in the Armor of God today?   If this is you… I want to share a prayer with you based on the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:11-18. Armor of God Prayer - Download to your phone or print it!   Thank you! Subscribe to the show and if you enjoyed this episode consider leaving us a rating or review wherever you are listening. Connect with Me: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode010.  

In episode #9 We are talking about different types of prayer groups, why they are important, and how to start your own.   I am excited to share a special story with you about my own prayer group but first let's talk about different types of prayer group connections:   We are going to discuss three types of connections::  Prayer Partners Prayer Circles Prayer Groups Prayer partners would be 2 people who share their needs with each other and pray in agreement for those needs. They may or may not meet on a regular basis but would call or text to stay in contact.   Prayer Circles would be 3-5 people who meet regularly to pray together. This would be like an inner circle of friends who know or get to know each other well. In addition to meeting, they pray for each other on a regular basis and may have a text group to regularly communicate.   Prayer Groups could be any number of people who meet together on a regular basis. Their time together would be more structured and could include a devotion in addition to prayer time. Needs would be shared and the group could pray over individuals as needed. This type of group could be a ministry of a church or could be led by an individual in a home setting.  If you are feeling led to start a prayer group of any sort, I encourage you to just get started!  Matthew 18:19-20: “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”   If you have been pondering starting any type of prayer connection and you are listening to this show, I think that is a good indication you are on the right track!    If you are wanting to start a group I encourage you to get one or two others on board with your vision. As you move forward you will need to make some decisions.  Where to meet? How often? What time? How long will it last? What will your structure be?    I have put together a simple checklist and a guide to help you get started. This is a free resource to you and will immediately be sent to your email.    Email me: If you would like to book a strategy call to talk through this process email me at ministrysolutions4u@gmail.com or book a call HERE.   Thank you! Subscribe to the show and if you enjoyed this episode consider leaving us a rating or review wherever you are listening. Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode009.  

In episode #8 We are talking about how you can be a worker in the field for the Kingdom Harvest. From sowing to reaping…there is something for each of us to do! Today I want to take a few minutes to review some highlights and then I have a question for you.    Our last few episodes have been focused on revival. We have reviewed ways we as individuals can prepare for revival. We have heard that the price of revival is surrender. We learned that individual revival brings corporate revival. We have also discussed healthy habits of Christian leaders, How to go deeper in our faith, how the Holy Spirit enters our life and begins to fill us, And we've heard some awesome stories of where God is at work and even a testimony of healing. If you missed any of those episodes you might want to go back and take a listen. If we truly want to see souls coming to the kingdom and lives transformed we need to be willing to sow into the field. What that looks like may be different for each of us. It may be mentoring someone, or leading a discipleship group or Bible study, helping with children's ministry, or picking up children or adults and taking them to church. Every one of us is gifted and talented and each of us has a purpose in this life to help build the kingdom of God. Matthew 9:38 - "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." I challenge you to pray about how you can be a coworker in the harvest field. What is it that God is asking you to do? Are you ready to go all-in with what Jesus has for you? If you feel like you cup is empty and you need a refilling grab the “Fill My Cup, Lord” pdf for some great tips:    {Email me} Did you make a commitment while listening to this show?  Send me an email to let me know and I will add you to my prayer list! {Other episodes mentioned} 006- The Price of Revival is Surrender with Matt Judkins 007 - Individual Revival brings Corporate Revival with Joewoody Johnson 003 - What we can do as Individuals to prepare for revival (Start Your Day Right)   {Connect} Subscribe to the show and if you enjoyed this episode consider leaving us a rating or review wherever you are listening. Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode008.  

Special guest, Joewoody Johnson, joins us in episode #7 to discuss the core of Individual Revival and Corporate Revival;. He shares a 100 year prophet and his upcoming speaking event.    {Main Talking Points} 3:43 Habits of a healthy Christian Leader 8:00 What does “Preparing the Church for the Harvest” mean to you 10:25 What can the Church do to be ready for Revival 14:15 How can individuals help usher in revival 16:00 How faith builds 18:00 Seeking a deeper relationship with Holy Spirit 19.45 Where is revival happening right now 22:00 Healing of little girl's foot 25:35 Praying for revival in America 27:15 Prophecy of next Great Awakening   {Key quotes from the episode} “I don't often spend more than half an hour in prayer at one time, but I never go more than half an hour without praying.” - Smith Wigglesworth. “I believe we are at the fringes of revival” - Joewoody Johnson “Obedience brings individual revival and individual revival brings corporate revival.” - Joewoody Johnson “Just like the seed of an apple is in the core, the seed of the church is in the core group of people.” - Joewoody Johnson “Acknowledging that Holy Spirit is real will bring the experience.” - Jacklin Drake Pictures of little girl's foot healed REVIVAL: "This is That Conference" - at Victory Worship Center - 302 W Main, Keota, Oklahoma Bryan Cutshall shares prophecy   {Connect} Connect with Joewoody: Joewoody's Facebook: JoeWoody Johnson  Bryan Cutshall shares prophecy Revival:This is That Conference, Keota, OK  at Victory Worship Center - 302 west main , Keota, OK, United States, Oklahoma Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call Thank you so much for listening to the Preparing the Church for the Harvest podcast.  I invite you to subscribe to get notice of new episodes.  You can also go to effectiveministrysolutions.com to subscribe to our newsletter and get encouragement and tips on how you can BE PREPARED FOR THE HARVEST.   This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode007.  

In this episode we dive deep into the subject of Revival. We touch on some healthy habits of a Christian leader, practical steps to prepare for revival, the season the church is in today and Matt gives a great illustration of what it means to be filled and surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Today, we have special guest, Matt Judkins, with us on the show. Matt is the pastor at McAlester First United Methodist Church in McAlester, OK. Main   Talking Points: 1:30 Matt's call to ministry 4:30 Jesus is not a once-and-done relationship 5:55 Habits that keep you healthy as a healthy Christian Leader 10:05 What “Preparing the Church for the Harvest” means to Matt 12:25 How can we be prepared for the Great Harvest of souls 15:50 Practical steps to show expectancy 16:30 Revival begins with repentant people 17:45 Have tools prepared to disciple 20:00 The precondition for revival is an apathetic and fallen church 20:20 You can be a Christian and not be revived 22:00 The Price of Revival is Surrender 23:50 What it means to be filled and surrendered to the Holy Spirit 28:50 The season the church is in today has clarified what really matters   Quotes from Matt Judkins: "Going all-in with Jesus is not a one-time event. He continues to ask will you follow me here?" "A consistent devotional life forms pathways, through which the Lord can communicate to you." "Day of Rest = You have no burden of productivity for that day." "We should anticipate the Great Harvest of Souls" "Revival begins with repentant individuals" "Are you afraid of going all-in with Christ because you're afraid of what He will ask you to do?" "The price of revival is surrender." "The real thing in Christianity is always partnered with the power of God and the power of Holy Spirit." "Just give the Lord a chance and open yourself up to him." "The Lord is more willing to move than we are willing to ask Him to move." "It's time to quit playing games and seek the real thing."   Connect with Matt Twitter: https://twitter.com/matt_judkins “More of God” Newsletter: https://mattjudkins.substack.com/   It was an honor to have Matt Judkins as our first guest on the podcast. Below are suggested books on revival from Matt. You can also download a complete list of suggested resources HERE. Revival Rising: Preparing for the Next Great Wave of Awakening by Mark Nysewander God's Generals Series by Roberts Liardon   Subscribe to the show and if you enjoyed this episode consider leaving us a rating or review wherever you are listening.   Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage   This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode006.

If you are a leader in ministry, you are probably serving in multiple capacities and wearing different hats. But does each hat fit you?  Today, we are going to be talking about if you are serving in the right position and how to find the place that fits your gifts and talents best. One of the best ways to discern your gifts is to complete an assessment or gift inventory. I recommend this one at churchgrowth.org. There are many times we take on a role that doesn't fit our gifts, talents, or personality. If you're like me, I have struggled to say no when asked to help in an area of need. Even though I knew it wasn't something I was called to do I would say yes and help anyway. Anybody else guilty of this?    Join me as we  dive deeper into:  How to step OUT of the WRONG position How to step UP to SERVE Evaluating YOUR gifts and where you FIT There was a time in my life that I didn't know if I was where I was supposed to be. I ended up doing a study called Discovering God's Unique Purpose for You: A 31-Day Experiment. My sole purpose was to discern if I was to continue where I was or if the Lord had something different for me. By the end of that study, I had my answer. The Lord used the pages of that book, along with confirmation of my husband to lead me in the right direction.  If you are in a situation and would like some coaching to help you through this process, I offer one-on-one coaching. You can schedule a free discovery call here: Schedule a Call   Connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode005.

Supreme Court Decision As you probably know, a couple of weeks ago there was a major decision by the supreme court in a very popular case. I am thoroughly shocked at the hatred expressed by people on both sides of the issue. Especially by men and women who express that they are faithful Christians. It's not so much their stance on the issue that is surprising but the way they have expressed hate to those with opposite opinions that is so very disappointing.  I want to remind you today that you do not have to agree with everyone else. It is also not your job to convince others to believe like you do. It is our responsibility to ask ourselves and the Lord. “What would Jesus do if He was in our shoes?” Flashback to the 90's A couple of weeks ago I saw some girls wearing WWJD bracelets. I hadn't seen one of those since they were popular when I was in high school. I'm telling my age here but if you were a part of FCA in the 90's you probably had at least one of these bracelets! It is crazy that they are making a comeback! (Listen till the end and I will tell you how you can get your very own.) What Would Jesus Do Today? As I was thinking about the issues in our world today, I remembered those bracelets and the slogan, “What would Jesus do?” I began to wonder what WOULD Jesus do if He was alive in our world today?  Here are some of the things I think Jesus would do: He would Help the POOR and the NEEDY and call on us to do the same. He would love ALL people  He would call us to love those that look different than us, who act differently than us, and those who believe differently than us. He would point us to scripture to help us in times of trouble or turmoil. He would remind us of the two most important commandments. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul and secondly Love your neighbor as yourself.”  He would teach us how to pray saying He would welcome the Children to come to him. Telling them stories and blessing them. He would welcome the sinner to eat dinner with him He would go out to the prostitute and speak truth to her He would ask us lots of questions probably beginning with oh, ye of little faith… Why do you not believe?  Have you forgotten what I have done for you?  Why have we forsaken the 10 commandments? He would speak to churches and possibly flip some tables. In chapters 2 and 3 of Revelations Jesus spoke to each of the seven churches telling them exactly how he felt about each one.  He would commission us to GO therefore into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  He would tell us Do Not Fear every day of the year He would assure us He would never leave us nor forsake us - regardless of the decisions or mistakes we make in life. He would tell us He is the ONLY way to Heaven, and He wants us to accept him and spend eternity with Him and the Father. Jesus may not be in body on this earth, but He is with us every second and He has sent His Holy Spirit to teach us, comfort us, and guide us. He has given us, as believers, the power and authority to do great works in His name.  Today as we reflect on What Jesus Would Do - It is important to remember we are to be the light in the world. Don't avoid or ignore those who are different from you but be a light to those people that the Lord sends across your path. You may very well be the only Bible they read or the only sermon they hear. Share the scriptures, pray the prayers, and above all Love with the love of Christ. It's not your job to condemn, judge them, or clean them up. Leave that work to our God who is very capable of making them a new creature in Christ.  “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 Friends, I believe we are seeing the beginning of a very ripe harvest. Lord, prepare us to be ready as you send a harvest for the Kingdom!   At the beginning I talked about the WWJD bracelets, and I want to give you your very own.  If you're enjoying the show, would you consider leaving a two-line review? Just a sentence or two to let others know it's worth listening to.  I don't get notified of reviews so if you can screenshot the review and email it to ministrysolutions4u@gmail.com with your mailing address. Put in the subject line BRACELET and I will get it in the mail to you. (While supplies last!) More ways to connect with Jacklin: Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Webpage This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode004.

In today's episode we are going to talk about Revival - what can we as individuals do to spark revival, how we can prepare for it, and how to identify when a true revival has broken out.  “Revivals begin with God's own people; the Holy Spirit touches their heart anew, and gives them new fervor and compassion, and zeal, new light and life, and when He has this come to you, He next goes forth to the valley of dry bones…Oh, what responsibility this lays on the Church of God! If you grieve Him away from yourselves, or hinder His visit, then the poor perishing world suffers sorely!”~Andrew Bonar  Wow…if we grieve Him away from ourselves or hinder His visit…. I don't know about you but I do NOT want to be found guilty of hindering the Lord's visit!  So what can each of us do to spark revival?  I had a pastor who used to say, “draw a circle on the ground with your foot. Then step inside the circle. Now pray that revival would start inside the circle.” Lord, let revival start in me.  That's the first and best thing we can do right there! Prayer is key to revival and something we can all do.  We need to be praying for revival and spiritual awakening to start in us and those around us.  We can begin by starting each day with the Lord. Before you go to work, or before you dive into your to-do list for the day, make God a priority by spending time with Him. Pray, read the Bible, start a gratitude journal. Let Him know you WANT His presence. If you're not sure where to start check out my journal “Start Your Day Right”. Visit this link for five easy steps to help you start your day right: Steps to Start Your Day - Shining With Sparkle * Purchase the Journal here: https://amzn.to/3HD6Ntw   “When Holy God draws near in true revival, people come under terrible conviction of sin. The outstanding feature of spiritual awakening has been profound consciousness of the Presence and holiness of God.” ~Henry Blackaby When we come under the conviction of sin it should lead to Repentance. 1 John 1:8-10 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” Romans 3:23 tells us ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  We all make mistakes…some small and some bigger. We need to make sure we don't have any unrepented sin hanging out there anywhere.  Isaiah 59:2 says “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” This tells me our sin could hinder His visit.  With revival comes work and that means we need workers. I challenge you to begin praying Matthew 9:38 - “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Lord raise up the workers needed to help bring souls into the Kingdom Harvest.  Pray for open doors - mission/outreach opportunities in your own community Mark 16:15 - “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Matthew 28:19-20 - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We are commissioned to GO outside the walls of the church building and bring the GOOD NEWS to all creation that means all our community.  Be praying for opportunities to be out in the community doing good, sharing the love of Jesus, and witnessing to the power of the living God. Pray for healings, deliverance, and freedom every chance you get. This may happen in the church but is also very likely to happen outside of normal church service times. Be prepared to pray In the supermarket, grocery store, post office or at community events. As you begin to push into this new season, opportunities WILL come up. We call these divine appointments. As the Lord begins to move through prayers of the people His power will be revealed. People's lives will be changed and THAT will draw in more people who will believe.  This will cause the gospel to spread like wildfire! Another key to revival is true Worship of the Father - sincere uninhibited worship.  3 Signs the Next Great Awakening has Begun (link to article below**)  Prayer is being prioritized. Believers are being mobilized. Unity is being maximized.  Unity is something we aren't seeing much of in our world right now. The enemy's goal is to kill, steal, and destroy. One of his tactics is division. But we can combat this through prayer and uniting with others.  In the early days the apostles shared everything they had.  Acts 4:32-33:”All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all. “ What if we came together with other ministries to do a united work for the Lord?  That doesn't mean we have to all agree on the same theology. We just need to agree we are all headed to the same destination. I had a doctor friend explain this very well one day. She said, “We are all going to the same destination. Our journey may look different and that's ok. Just like some drive Fords and others drive a Dodge or Chevy. Our vehicles might be different but as long as our destination is the same that's what matters.”  What if your church came together with other churches in your community and began praying together or holding events together? I just feel like that would make the Lord's heart smile!  Let's add that to our list of prayers this week. Lord, show us how we can maximize unity in our community. Link us together with other ministries and reveal ways we can work together to grow your Kingdom.  Thank you so much for listening to the Preparing the Church for the Harvest podcast.    I invite you to subscribe to get notice of new episodes.  You can also go to effectiveministrysolutions.com to subscribe to our newsletter and get encouragement and tips on how you can BE PREPARED FOR THE HARVEST. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @EffectiveMnistrySolutions This episode was first published at effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode3 *affiliate link **3 signs the next great awakening has begun | Voice (christianpost.com)  

Welcome to Episode #2 of Preparing the Church for the Harvest In today's episode we are going to talk more about what you can expect from this podcast,. what we believe, and give you a sneak peak into some of the upcoming episodes.  If you are enjoying this podcast don't forget to subscribe so you get a notice when future episodes are released.  Our theme is preparing for revival. Now what that looks like for each church or ministry may be very different. It could be one new family, an influx of new people, or a breakout of revival in your community.  Some of the topics I plan to cover are: how to be prepared for revival, spiritual gifts, hospitality, and administration. As I mentioned in the intro we believe Jesus is the Son of God, that He is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14: 6 says - “No one comes to the father except through him.” That makes Jesus the only way to heaven. We believe that the Holy Bible is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-17) The Bible is the holy Word of God and we should respect it, cherish it, study it, obey it, and fully trust it.  We recognize the trinity in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and believe in the Supernatural works of the Lord. We believe the Spiritual Gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are not only available for today but that they are becoming more prevalent in the lives of believers as they search for a deeper relationship with our Savior. These are the gifts of healings, miracles, faith, prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. We also believe there is coming a Great Revival. We are praying for revival and believe there is coming a Great Awakening which will bring an abundance of souls into the Kingdom of God. In the first few episodes we are going to be talking about revival, what that looks like, and how it can impact your church and community.  We will discuss some "good Problems" that come along with growth and how we can be prepared to handle issues as they arise.  I have some interviews planned with pastors and other leaders to help us see from different perspectives and to learn from each other.  I am excited to see how the Lord uses this podcast to help your ministry BE PREPARED FOR THE HARVEST.   Thank you so much for listening to the Preparing the Church for the Harvest podcast.  I invite you to subscribe to get notice of new episodes.  You can also go to effectiveministrysolutions.com to subscribe to our newsletter and get encouragement and tips on how you can BE PREPARED FOR THE HARVEST. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @EffectiveMnistrySolutions This episode was first published at effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode2

Hi Friends and Welcome to the Preparing the Church for the Harvest podcast. This is a show for ministry leaders who want to be prepared and ready for what the Lord is doing next in their ministry.  If you ever wonder how you can be more effective in your role of ministry or how your church can improve and be ready for the people the Lord is bringing your way. Or if you need a shift in your vision or want to engage and energize your leaders...this show is for you. We are all about Jesus and believe the Bible is the infallible word of God. We recognize the trinity in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and believe in the Supernatural work of the Lord. We are praying for revival and believe there is coming a Great Awakening which will bring an abundance of souls into the Kingdom of God. I'm your host, Jacklin Drake. I am a wife, mom, Gigi, speaker, author, business administrator for a non-profit ministry, and founder of Effective Ministry Solutions LLC where we strive to Equip, Engage, and Energize leaders in Ministry.  I am passionate about helping you strategically prepare for the work the Lord is leading you to do in your ministry.  I want you and your church TO BE PREPARED FOR THE HARVEST. Today, in episode #1 of Preparing the Church for the Harvest I want to share a little background of how this all got started and what to expect in the show.  I have a few prayer groups that I am involved in and in every one of them we pray for revival, for the lost to be saved, that the Lord would show us how to use ministry beyond the walls to reach out to them and bring them into the fold.  One day after one of these powerful prayer sessions it occured to me that churches might not be "ready" for a great harvest of souls. I visualized a flood of people coming into the church building and the leaders were frantic because they weren't prepared. I began thinking about what local churches might need to get prepared and how I could help them, whether it be one visitor or many new people. What potential issues would need to be addressed, how leaders could be trained and prepared, how growth would affect the administrative side.  It was actually several months later that I felt the Lord leading me to start a podcast. This is something I never saw myself doing. But all of a sudden I was feeling this unction to learn more about the process and behind the scenes pieces.  Fast forward a couple weeks... I was feeling more confident about this idea and was actively researching all the how-to's. I even purchased a course from Ester Littlefield on creating a Podcast in a Weekend. Then I began thinking about a name. I had several ideas from other courses and blogs I had done but was seriously asking God what He wanted me to call it. The same day I bought the course I went to another prayer meeting with two dear friends. During our prayer time one of these sweet ladies said, "Preparing for the Harvest" in her prayer. I began laughing out loud because there it was! That would be the name of my podcast. I even had that phrase written in my idea notebook about something totally different. Or at least I thought it was for something different. But right there and then the Lord not only confirmed that I was on the right track with starting a podcast but He gave me the name of it. After going thru Estehr's course I decided I should add Preparing the CHURCH for the Harvest to be clear that my audience was for ministries and not farmers!  A little more about me - I am a wife, a mom, and a Gigi. My husband, Rusty and I have been married for over 26 years. We have 3 grown daughters and one grandson who is almost three years old. We currently live in southeast Oklahoma. I enjoy spending time with family, creating craft projects, and a good cup of coffee while reading my Bible in the mornings.  I have been in leadership or administration of ministry for over 25 years serving in places of teaching, singing, women's ministry and multiple administrative positions. I have worked with pastors and leadership teams of many denominations and have a passion to help ministries be more effective in Kingdom work! My goal is to cover a wide variety of topics and themes on this podcast. From welcoming new visitors and following up with them, to keeping leadership engaged and energized. We will also cover the administrative side and tools and resources that can be helpful as you see church growth. We will have special guests speaking on revival, gifts of the Spirit, intercessory prayer, and creating a hospitality team. Plus much more as the Lord directs!  You will want to Subscribe to get notice of new episodes. You can also sign up for our newsletter at effectiveministrysolutions.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @EffectiveMnistrySolutions Thank you for listening to the Preparing the Church for the Harvest podcast.    This episode was first published at effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode1

Hi Friends and Welcome to the Preparing the Church for the Harvest podcast. This is a show for ministry leaders who want to be prepared and ready for what the Lord is doing next in their ministry.  If you ever wonder how you can be more effective in your role of ministry or how your church can improve and be ready for the people the Lord is bringing your way. Or if you need a shift in your vision or want to engage and energize your leaders… this show is for you. We are all about Jesus and believe the Bible is the infallible word of God. We recognize the trinity in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and believe in the Supernatural work of the Lord. We are praying for revival and believe there is coming a Great Awakening which will bring an abundance of souls into the Kingdom of God. I'm your host, Jacklin Drake. I am a wife, mom, Gigi, speaker, author, business administrator for a non-profit ministry, and founder of Effective Ministry Solutions LLC where we strive to Equip, Engage, and Energize leaders in Ministry.  I am passionate about helping YOU strategically prepare for the work the Lord is leading you to do in YOUR ministry.  I want you and your church TO BE PREPARED FOR THE HARVEST. I am so excited to share the topics we already have scheduled for you.  As we kick off I will share how the Lord lead me to start this podcast and the vision He has given me for it. We already have several guest interviews lined up to cover the topics of revival, discovering your spiritual gifts, intercessory prayer, hospitality, and ministry beyond the walls of the church. My goal is to cover a wide variety of topics, all of which will tie back into preparing the church.  Our goal is to officially launch on June 22, 2022. The plan is to release two new episodes each month…On the first and third Wednesdays. Make sure you subscribe to the show to get notifications of new episodes. I am confident that the Lord has a plan for your future, my future, and the future of this podcast. I also know that His plan is a much better one than I can even imagine so I pledge to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and cover the topics He puts in front of me, to the best of my ability.  I am delighted to go on this journey with you as we PRAY for REVIVAL and strive to BE PREPARED FOR THE HARVEST. I invite you to sign up for our newsletter at effectiveministrysolutions.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @EffectiveMinistrySolutions. Don't forget to Subscribe to get notice of new episodes.  Thank you so much for listening to PREPARING THE CHURCH FOR THE HARVEST podcast! This episode was first published at effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode1