The Craig T. Owens Audio Blog

The entire Maximize team loves our veterans! Those that volunteer to serve and protect our nation deserve our utmost respect, and we honor their sacrifice. In today's episode Greg and I discuss the leadership lessons we have learned from veterans—some directly and others by simply observing the way our nation's protectors conduct themselves. Join us as we salute the contributions of veterans! Check out the video version of this episode.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Christians must not get sidetracked or distracted, we must not contend in a contentious way, but we must remain united with Jesus and united with fellow saints as we seek to expand the Kingdom of God. Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out the Scriptures used in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49518860  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Before a leader can cast a compelling vision for an organization, he or she has to be living a compelling personal vision. Greg and I explain why this is an indispensable first step. Check out the video version of this episode.  This clip is from an episode of The Craig and Greg Show where we are discussing the first book in our new series of books called Business by the Book. The first book is What the Bible says about a CEO's vision-casting. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

On this episode of The Podcast, let's talk about seeing something brighter in the darkest of times.  Check out the video version of this episode.  My newest book is a book of prayers for pastors called "Amen Indeed." Get more details at http://craigtowens.com. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Christians must contend for the faith without contention or compromise, and especially without getting pulled into foolish controversies. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other messages in our series called Earnestly Contending, you can find them all here. Check out the Scriptures used in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49515575 Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

We can all agree that disagreeable people are some of the hardest to work with, constantly shooting down ideas without providing anything constructive in return. These types of people can quickly put a strain on any organization if left unchecked. However, we need to be careful not to lump disagreement into the category of disagreeable. In this episode Greg and I discuss why people in disagreement are actually the exact opposite of disagreeable, and are a valuable asset to your organization. Watch the video version of this conversation.  My book When Sheep Bite is a great resource for dealing with people who are disagreeing to the point of becoming disagreeable. Check it out! Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

If you go to the doctor because you sense that something is wrong, you want your doctor to tell you the truth. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The chief weapon for the saints of God who contend for the faith is the Word of God. But before we use it to contend, we have to first allow God to apply it to our personal life.  Watch the full sermon video here.  If you've missed any of the other messages in this series from the Book of Jude, you can find them all here.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Leaders have an important balancing act to perform every day: remaining in control of their organization without becoming a controlling leader. Over-controlling leaders who micromanage end up stifling creativity that could be unleashed in their teammates. Check out the video version of this clip.  Check out the full conversation on The Craig and Greg Show episode The Balance of Control.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Even Jeremiah—one of the mightiest prophets in biblical history—struggled with self-doubt when facing the difficulties of ministry. Let's learn the same lesson about God's faithfulness that Jeremiah learned.  Check out Shepherd Leadership and When Sheep Bite. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

I would like to tell you about my newest book which I didn't really write. On this episode of The Podcast, I'll tell you all about Amen Indeed. Watch the video version of this episode.  You can see the clip from the Ailbe Podcast where the idea for Amen Indeed was first sparked by clicking here. If you are a pastor—or if you want to give your pastor a special gift—please check out Amen Indeed. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

As saints entrusted with the faith, we have to learn to contend for this faith without becoming contentious and without compromising the truth. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other messages in this series Earnestly Contend, you can find them all here.  Check out the Scriptures used in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49508871 Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

One of the amazing things about the Bible is that it has practical application for every aspect of our lives—including the business world! Today Greg and I are excited to announce that for the first time in our long friendship we are writing collaborators on a new series of books entitled Business By The Book. In today's episode we preview the first book in this series about a CEO's vision. Check out the video version of this episode.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

In the first ten verses of Ephesians 2 Paul talks about the amazing transformation from who we were before we met Jesus to who we are now with Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jude doesn't pull his punches when he tells us how strenuous the spiritual battle is in which Christians have to contend. Check out the training that is required for this battle. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other messages in our series Earnestly Contend, you can find them all here.  Check out the Scriptures used in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49505675  My newest book Amen Indeed is a book of prayers for pastors to pray for themselves. Please pick up a copy for your pastor today. 

Christians need to be known more for what is good than for what is bad. Jesus hasn't called us to point out what's bad, but to point out how good Jesus is. Check out the video version of this episode.  The parable that I reference in this video is found in Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. You can watch the full sermon from which this clip came by clicking here. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jude calls on saints to “contend for the faith.” To truly learn what this means, we need to consider the context of both the author and the audience of this powerful epistle.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  Follow along with all of the sermons in this series called Earnestly Contend.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

“Kids these days just don't understand!” That's probably a phrase you've heard more than a few times from members of generations your elder, and there is some truth to it! Each generation has very diverse experiences which make them unique from the groups before and after them. In today's episode, Greg and I want to encourage you to understand and embrace generational differences to make your team stronger. Check out the video version of this episode.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Looking at how such noteworthy people in the Bible viewed themselves, how could I ever claim a title any higher than servant?  I get much deeper into this topic of biblically-grounded leadership in my book Shepherd Leadership: The Metrics That Really Matter. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jesus calls us to be involved in our communities—in our personal mission field. In order to do this in a Christ-honoring way, we have to know what the Bible says about our interaction with others.   Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the Scriptures in this message → http://bible.com/events/49498639  If you've missed any of the previous messages in our series B.A.S.I.C. Christianity, you can find them all here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

One of the most important boundaries that shepherd leaders need to establish—especially when contending with biting sheep—is the protection of their family. Check out the video version of this clip.  You can watch the full episode in which Greg and I talk about some of the principles in When Sheep Bite by clicking here. Please pick up a copy of When Sheep Bite for yourself by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The approval of Jesus eternally outweighs the approval or even the persecution of men.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The first two brothers in biblical history teach us what it really means to be a “brother's keeper.” The New Testament builds on this to show us how saints are to step-in for each other.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other messages in this series, you can find them all here.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

In the wise words of John C. Maxwell, “He who thinketh he leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk.” As always Maxwell is right on the money. And the first step to getting others to follow you is trust. If you want to lead your team into uncharted territory they have to first trust that you're not going to lead them off a cliff! In today's episode Greg and I cover why trust is so vital and offer suggestions on how to build and maintain trust. Check out the video version of this conversation.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The deadliest enemy is not “out there” but “in here.” Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Why do Christians minister? The “why” is vital for us to get right.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Can we take just a couple of minutes to talk about fear on this episode of The Podcast? This isn't on the list of anyone's favorite topics, but it is something we all have to confront. Check out the video version of this episode.  I shared a whole series of messages called “Do Not Be Afraid” which you can check out here. Some other related posts are: Unlearning limiting fears Scarecrows in the melon patch Fear vs. hope Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

On the Church Lobby podcast, Karl Vaters asked me for the best piece of advice I have received as a pastor. Here's what a wise mentor told me that changed my leadership style.  Check out the video version of this conversation.  Leaders can individualize their care for those around them by slowing down. Here's another conversation I had with Karl on this topic. You may also be interested in my full interview on The Church Lobby podcast. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The apostle Paul makes it so clear that the Holy Spirit is a Person with Whom I should be in regular and intimate conversation by using five different word pictures for the Spirit-led life.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The pain you are experiencing from those who attacked you will negatively impact those around you unless you take time to recover.  You can check out the article I wrote for Influence magazine here, and then pick up a copy of When Sheep Bite to help your recovery time. Check out what the public ministry of Jesus teaches us about the healthy practice of sabbathing. I also recommend these related posts and videos about self-care: Playtime can be a leadership tool Leaders need to refresh The importance of margin ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

What a testimony it is to a watching world when the saints in the church love and serve each other. If you've missed the “B” or “A” in our series B.A.S.I.C. Christianity, you can check those out here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Everyone knows that we all make mistakes. Good leaders know more than this: They know that it is their responsibility to help those around them recover from those mistakes. Check out the video version of this clip.  You may also want to check out these videos: Learning from mistakes Mulligan! Embrace do-overs And these blog posts may be of interest too: Learning life's lessons Leaders lift up or push down Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

God may send you into a spiritual battle without a sword, but you must trust Him. He can deliver you far better than you can deliver yourself. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Did you know that's possible for your greatest strength could become your most limiting weakness? Let's learn how to spot and avoid this pitfall on this episode of The Podcast.  Check out the video version of this episode.  As leaders, we need to continually work on the “unconscious” areas of our lives. Here are some additional resources to help you. These blog posts: My blind spot How to be wholly healthy These videos: Natural strengths can become limiting weaknesses The Craig and Greg Show: Blind spots  These books: Shepherd Leadership When Sheep Bite ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

We all have blind spots and weak areas. If we don't want these places to derail our Christian walk, we are going to need the accountability of other Christian saints.  Check out the video version of this sermon. If you would like to check out the other messages in our series B.A.S.I.C. Christianity, you can click here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

From the vast cosmos, to the sub-atomic level, and everything in between, God made it all perfectly—including the way He made you!  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

I am so excited to announce that my co-host Greg has written a new book called Sales Armageddon. As anyone in the profession knows, sales can be a battlefield. Through fables and insightful teaching Greg's book will equip you with new strategies you can implement right away to keep yourself and your team in the fight. Check out the video version of this episode.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

When you've been hurt, you probably want someone to tell you that it was all the other person's fault. That's what you may want, but a true friend will tell you what you need to hear.  Check out the video version of this clip.  Check out my book When Sheep Bite which is a helpful guide to dealing with the painful attacks from those under your care.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Your times of distress call the Comforter to your aid. From the comfort He provides you, three invaluable things will be revealed in your life. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The Bible makes it clear that Christians need to allow the Holy Spirit to help them develop a biblical worldview, or else we risk becoming bogged down in a fruitless and ineffectual life. Check out the video version of this sermon.  Follow along with all the other messages in our series on B.A.S.I.C. Christianity by clicking here.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Just one word crept into King Solomon's life that led to his collapse. We have to guard against this same word from creeping into our life today!  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

How do leaders make sure that obstacles to their personal or organizational growth don't become permanent? Check out the video version of this clip. This clip is from a lengthy conversation Greg and I had about leaders being like gardeners. You can check it out here. The main point is this: The seeds have what they need to grow, so the gardener-leaders simply has to remove the obstacles to growth. You may also want to check out a couple of related posts: Learning perseverance Toughen up, Buttercup Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Trying to please people is not serving people but serving my own ego. There is only one Voice that we want to hear saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

No earthly king can ever stand-in for the Eternal King so we have to be careful to not let ourselves get caught up in this temporary moment, but we must keep our eyes on the eternal. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other messages on these Royal Psalms, you can find them all here.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

If you lead anything, you are going to have to bring correction at some point. Samuel gives us 7 strategies to make correction effective.  P.S. You can also check out this post where the apostle Paul gives us another example of how to handle correction properly. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Throughout history, kings had their own “signature scent”—an incense that was exclusively theirs. This is true for King Jesus as well! Check out the video version of this clip.  You can check out the full sermon from which this clip came here. I've blogged previously about the powerful things the Bible says about this aroma from Jesus and the aroma from our lives too: Your incense Mmmm, you smell good Acceptable and pleasing Do you smell like Jesus? Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

How can we tell if God is trying to get our attention through the words of somebody else? Let's unpack that on this episode of The Podcast.  Check out the video version of this episode.  You may also want to check out my blog post and video The Value of Journaling where I talk about how I capture thoughts, prayers, conversations from others, Scripture verses and more when I'm facing a big decision. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Godly leaders should be secure enough to think of themselves as servants and stewards—nothing more, nothing less. Check out my book Shepherd Leadership.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Our unique abilities are God-given. When we see an opportunity to use those abilities, the resulting God-ability is a blessing to so many! This was a sermon I delivered as our church joined with Hillcrest Community Church for a combined service in the park. Check out the video version of this sermon.  You may also be interested in a related series of messages in my series Saints Together. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Have you made any mistakes lately? Let's talk about what we do next on this episode of The Podcast. Check out the video version of this episode.  The Scriptures I referenced in this video are Psalm 25:4, 8, 10; James 1:5; Jeremiah 33:3. I also referenced my blog posts Self-Talk During Fearful Times and Refined By Fire. My book When Sheep Bite is all about recovering after difficulties—whether they were created by your mistakes or someone else's mistakes.  Check out When Sheep Bite for yourself. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

This is a very challenging book, but I promise you that those who persevere through “God in the Dock” will be the better for it. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. Today, my Patreon friends have access to a whole bunch of quotes from this C.S. Lewis book. ◀︎◀︎