The Craig T. Owens Audio Blog

It appears there are too many CEO-like metrics being used to gauge the success of a church. There is a better way.  You can check out the rest of T.M.'s thoughts here.  Learn more and pick up a copy of my book for yourself. I would also encourage you to check out this list of blog posts and video clips where I discuss in more depth the right and wrong metrics for our churches and para-church ministries. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Believe it or not, an article about A.I. bots got me thinking about temptation.   Check out the video version of this episode of The Podcast.  Here are some other blog posts you could read to go deeper on this area: Victory! Never Invulnerable The Pittsburg Steelers, The Devil & Me   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. ◀︎◀︎

It's great hearing the Holy Spirit's Voice, but He also empowers us to know the Mind of God. The examples throughout the Bible should encourage us to seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the messages in this series, you can check them all out here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

I think we rush too quickly through our celebrations. It seems that at each milestone, we pause only briefly to move on toward the next milestone. But if we don't celebrate well, we are actually setting ourselves up for a disappointing future.  I was honored to be invited to offer the commencement address for some amazing students graduating from the Parent Teacher Co-op program. Check out the video version of this commencement address. My Patreon supporters had early, exclusive access to this video.  You may also be interested in a couple of related blog posts and videos: Forgetfulness can be fatal Grateful remembering fortifies us against temptation 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 would the words of John the Baptist sound coming out of the mouth of today's ultra-popular preachers and evangelists?  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 Christians are doing good in the world, why do non-Christians fear them and quite frequently lash out in anger at them? A well-known story in the Bible gives us some perspective for 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. ◀︎◀︎

The Holy Spirit wants to be in constant communication with us—directing our actions and words at each step of our day. But in order to be tuned in to His voice, we have to be willing to obey whatever He tells us.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the messages in our series leading up to Pentecost Sunday 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. ◀︎◀︎

Have you ever had someone tell you, “Fake it until you make it”? Not only is this not in the Bible, medical science says it's not good for you either.  I talk a lot about dealing with our strong, negative emotions in my book 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. ◀︎◀︎

Leaders need to pay very careful attention not to disregard the signals others are sending them. Watch this video clip.  Check out the full conversation Greg and I had about blind spots. 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 tend to look at the external signs of “success” and conclude God is blessing that bigness. But God is looking for faithfulness more than He is bigness. 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. ◀︎◀︎

God calls His leaders to know His ways, to walk in integrity in that way, and then to call others to walk in that way too.  This is part 84 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series 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. ◀︎◀︎

Leaders have to be very careful of the trap of measuring the growth of their teammates by the wrong metrics. The things that matter most are often the things that are the most difficult to measure, but leaders must find a way. Check out the video version of The Craig and Greg Show clips in this episode.  Check out the full conversation we had on this topic on this episode of The Craig and Greg Show.  Find out more about 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. ◀︎◀︎

Aimee Semple McPherson noted, “The Holy Spirit...puts a real ‘stand up for Jesus spirit' within you.” Check out how the Bible tells us the Holy Spirit does this. 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. ◀︎◀︎

Here in West Michigan, the city of Holland has a yearly festival that has just begun called Tulip Time where attendees will see millions of the most beautiful flowers growing everywhere. It is a stunning display, but perhaps even more impressive is the hard work and care that goes into the cultivation of these flowers. In today's episode, Greg and I want to encourage you to bring the mindset of a gardener to your leadership. With hard work, patience, and just the right amount of careful pruning, your team will grow from small seeds in the ground to a dazzling beauty that rivals any horticultural display. 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. ◀︎◀︎

Leaders not only go first, they stand courageous and unmoving to help their people see God's path and step into His blessings. 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 one wants to over-stay their welcome, but it seems that frequently pastors are a little too quick to want to move on to a different pasture. Check out my thoughts about this which I shared on the Leading From Alignment podcast. Check out the video version of this conversation.  The New Testament stories I reference are found in Acts 8:4-8, 26-40; 16:6-10. I blogged about both of these experience in more depth: Philip's story in Don't Try To Grow Your Ministry Paul's story in Interrupted But Not Discouraged If you are in a difficult place in your leadership assignment, I encourage you to check out When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

God places fellow saints in our lives to make our journey more enjoyable and to help keep us from wandering off God's path. Here are four ways Christians can help each other through good grief. Watch the video version of this sermon.  This is the final message in our series Grief Into Joy. If you missed any of the messages, you can check them all out by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jesus says that nothing else on your To-Do list is more important than this.  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 an organization is going to grow in a healthy way, leaders must learn how to correctly address wrong attitudes and behaviors. They do this best when they use confrontation only as a means to restoration.  Check out the video version of this podcast.  You can watch or listen to the full conversation Greg and I had on this topic on this episode of The Craig and Greg Show. You may also be interested in a couple of previous posts I have shared: The Goals of Confrontation Is Confrontation a Dirty Word? And to really go deep on this topic, please check out my book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Just like farmers know the proper season to plant, to weed, to harvest, and to rest, the devil knows the best season and strategy to attack us. We need to remain ready because we are never invulnerable.  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. ◀︎◀︎

Sir Isaac Newton may have said for every action there was an equal and opposite reaction, but that's not true for God-fearing leaders. Check out the video version of this episode of The 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. ◀︎◀︎

God is trying to speak to us in our grief. Sometimes the grief we experience is God-sent as He lovingly prompts us to move off the path that is leading us away from Him. Watch the video version of this sermon.  You can check out all of the other messages in this series by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

This is an audio portion of a video teaching I recently shared with my Patreon supporters.  My supporters received the full teaching video and audio, along with some supporting resources.  Would you consider supporting this teaching ministry for just $5 per month? My supporters get exclusive content that no one else receives, as well as early access to content that will eventually be shared publicly.

In our last episode, Greg and I discussed how vital it is to focus on your own internal development. If you've been doing that, chances are you have identified a few blind spots in yourself. While it might feel more comfortable to simply hide these away and hope nobody notices, we would like to encourage you to be vulnerable: Drag your blind spots into the light, address them, and watch how your leadership improves as a result. Watch the video version of this leadership 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. ◀︎◀︎

One of the reasons that the consistent message of the Scripture is repeated again and again and again is so that everyone will have a chance to hear it and believe it.  Check out the book reviews I've shared on these study Bibles: Halley's Study Bible Quest Study Bible Life in the Spirit Study Bible Archeological Study Bible Thompson-Chain Reference Bible ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

While we follow God, He will never forsake us. When we don't follow God, He still never forsakes us. But what do we do with the fear of being left behind?  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 best testimony of a risen Savior is a life freed from the gripping grief that used to plague their life before they became a Christian. Check out the video version of this sermon.  Please check out the other messages in this series called Grief Into Joy by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

A gruesome aticle in the Archeological Study Bible details the horrors of crucifixion. As you remember what Jesus did for you on the Cross atop of Golgotha, may you be overwhelmed by the love which held Him fast to such a horrific instrument of death. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Quite a few psalms in the Bible are prayers against our attackers. Is that an acceptable prayer for us to still pray today? Watch the video version of this podcast.  You can read more about this kind of praying in my posts: Still Maturing, Trespassers, and When You're Unfairly Attacked. The full sermon about dealing with slanderers is here, and you can also go much deeper with this subject in my book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

If you're a leader, I have a very interesting challenge for you. I would like to challenge you to let other people eat the first pancakes. Check out the video version of this episode of The Podcast.  If you would like to hone your leadership to be more Christ-like, check out my book Shepherd Leadership and When Sheep Bite. This is part 83 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Esther was unsure if Xerxes would extend favor to her, but God is already extending His favor to you even before you approach Him. He wants to turn your grief into joy. Check out the video version of this podcast.  The story of Esther and her adoptive father Mordecai is an amazing story of God's provision! Check out the full sermon from which I took this clip. I also shared a whole series of message on God's favor, which you can check out here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

When we have come to realize that our lives are being constricted by grief, there is only one place we can go. An honorable man in the Scriptures shows us what to do with that pain. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other messages in this series Grief Into Joy, 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. ◀︎◀︎

Watermelon is a great summer treat. However, sometimes a nice green exterior can hide rotten fruit on the inside. When this happens we don't say, “Well, at least the outside was nice,” but we throw the whole thing out! We can fall into a similar trap in our leadership, focusing on creating a great exterior while we let our vital interior development rot away. In this episode, Greg and I encourage you to focus first on your internal development, and through that your external image will improve as well. Check out the video version of this conversation.  Reach out to us at https://maximizeleadership.com if you're interested in personalized coaching. Get in touch with me, and check out my blog and my books at http://craigtowens.com.

Grief comes to all of us in our lives. God doesn't want to just rescue us from our grief, but He wants our lives to be a testimony of His rescuing power!  Check out the video version of this sermon.  Follow along with all of the messages in our series Grief Into Joy by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Why does the apostle Paul begin a lengthy series of commands for Christians with the words, “Love must be sincere”? 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. ◀︎◀︎

Do your gigantic problems feel like they are crushing you? Do they feel like they're undefeatable? That's because they are. You cannot defeat these giants on your own, but you will need another strategy. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The bite of slander is the bite that will have the strongest tendency to pull us toward the natural response, which means it will also require our greatest reliance on the Holy Spirit to respond supernaturally.  Check out the video version of this sermon. If you've missed any of the messages in this series, you can find them all here. And if you are a pastor, please check out my book When Sheep Bite, which will help you both respond to sheep bites and teach others how to respond as well. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Do you enjoy struggling? Odds are the answer to that is a resounding “No!” because struggling is difficult, uncomfortable, and frustrating. However, without struggle it is impossible for us to develop to our full potential in our personal and professional lives. In this episode Greg and I encourage you to embrace struggle, and allow your team to struggle as well so that you all can grow to your very best. Check out the video version of this conversation.  Check out my written blog, my books, and my other podcasts at http://craigtowens.com

Simply doing what God has gifted you to do with those whom He has placed in your life is both a blessing to your companions and is pleasing to your God. 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. ◀︎◀︎

Waiting for God to answer doesn't mean sitting still and doing nothing. Sometimes we have to work, and plan, and strategize while we are praying. Check out this example from Nehemiah.  Check out the video version of this 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. ◀︎◀︎

Gossip can be hard to detect because of the candy-coating of truth on the outside, but under the surface, gossip is a bitter destroyer of relationships! Let's learn how the Bible tells us to handle this particular bite.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other sheep bites we've talked about in this series, you can find them all by clicking here. And if you are a pastor, check out my book When Sheep Bite, where I address the bites of sheep from a leadership paradigm. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Have you ever been going through a storm in your life and wondered, “God, why are You allowing me to go through this?”  Check out the video version of this episode.  My book When Sheep Bite is available here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Five powerful rhetorical questions to reassure your anxious or doubtful heart. 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. ◀︎◀︎

There is a way that we naturally want to respond to our critics and their unkind criticism. But the Bible consistently calls us to follow a supernatural course, just as Jesus did.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you have missed any of the other messages in this series When Sheep Bite Sheep, you can find them all here. And if you're a pastor, be sure to check out my book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

When you say, “May God bless you” to someone, you are saying one of the most powerful, loving things that you could ever utter.  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 the expected target metrics of today's program are met, we expect significant workflow performance advancements from team lead positioned individuals. Does that seem a little complicated? Jargon in the workplace can very quickly cause significant problems, leading to confusion and disengagement in your team. The solution is simple—clear, concise communication. So let's try this again without the jargon: Greg and I hope that this episode inspires you to remove the jargon from your communication, and as a result you will see your leadership influence grows. 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. ◀︎◀︎

There is one word that people seem to speak that is blocking the blessings that God wants to send to them. 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. ◀︎◀︎

Part of the priestly blessing God gave to Moses included the instruction to “put My name upon the Israelites.” What does that mean for us today?  P.S. You may also be interested in another take on the priestly blessing in my post The Blessing.  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Flattery crosses a line from a genuine compliment to become a sneaky bite. Jesus showed us how to be on-guard against this bite and protect our hearts from its evil designs. Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out the other messages in this series called When Sheep Bite Sheep by clicking here. And if you are a pastor, check out my book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Three times the last book of the Bible records Jesus Himself saying, “I am coming soon!” As certainly as Jesus rose from the grave, He is returning soon. 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 should always be striving for a win-win in our relationships. If we try to “win” at the expense of other saints, we all end up losing. 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. ◀︎◀︎