The Craig T. Owens Audio Blog

I would like to ask you a simple question: What are you reading? You may have heard the phrase, “Leaders are readers.” Is that true? Is that the best use of your time? If this phrase is true, how do we know what to read? Check out the video version of this episode.  Here are some related blog posts I would suggest you peruse: My favorite Book Leaders are readers Read more, read better The post from Scott Hubbard that I mentioned is called “What Should I Read Next?” If you are a pastor or ministry leader, I would humbly suggest that my books might be a good addition to your reading list: Shepherd Leadership: The Metrics That Really Matter When Sheep Bite: Help For Shepherd Leaders Who May Have Felt The Painful Bites ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

What did David know in part and Jesus know fully that we can all know today? These Scriptures will give us the key to hold on tightly to God's promises in the darkest places.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you have missed any of the messages in this series on the Royal Psalms, 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. ◀︎◀︎

As in everything He did, Jesus was masterful even at conveying truth in bite-sized statements.  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. ◀︎◀︎

Misunderstandings happen all the time. Leaders can help their teammates navigate these verbal landmines—and avoid a lot of trouble—by asking the clarifying questions that will bring the whole team together.  Check out the video version of this clip. Or check out the full converation from The Craig and Greg Show.  We would love to serve as your leadership coach, so get in touch with us. My book Shepherd Leadership also has some biblical principles that leaders can immediately apply to their organizations.  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 a really, really dark time, there was a light that shined out brightly. This light continued to make me smile for years to come and I think it will help you as well. Enjoy this excerpt from my book When Sheep Bite.  If you are a church leader, please pick up a copy of When Sheep Bite to help you on your healing journey. And if I can be of assistance to you, please get in touch with 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. ◀︎◀︎

Ungodly leaders can get so intoxicated by their positional power that they cause those around them to suffer the drunken consequences as well.  This is part 86 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. ◀︎◀︎

When we get shoved around, we want to make things “right.” But to do that means taking matters into our own hands. Instead, as this royal psalm tells us, the King of kings takes care of those who are shoved around.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other messages in our series looking at the royal psalms, you can catch up by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The higher the stakes, the stronger your teammates' opinions on how the organization should move forward. Leaders who take the time to walk their teams through this process will develop a stronger, more unified team. Check out this clip from The Craig and Greg Show. Check out the video version of this clip.  Check out the full conversation on The Craig and Greg Show in our episode Unity Not Conformity. Find out more about how Greg and I can coach you to leadership excellence. And get more information on my leadership-development books here: Shepherd Leadership: The Metrics That Really Matter When Sheep Bite ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

People won't care to listen to my counsel or correction until they know how much I truly care for them.  Please pick up a copy of When Sheep Bite to learn more biblical strategies for handling biting sheep and for healing from biting sheep. If I can be of help to you, please get in touch with 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. ◀︎◀︎

If Jesus needed to be empowered by the Holy Spirit in order to do His Father's business, how much more do we need this anointing today? Check out the video version of today's podcast.  You can check out the full sermon from which I took this clip: The Father's Business. 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 face of an unwarranted attack, Paul and Barnabas did the opposite of what their natural instincts would have told them to do. Here is a valuable resources for pastors. I believe When Sheep Bite can be a huge assistance to you as well. Please pick up a copy and reach out to me if I can be of assistance to you. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

This is a great story that reminds us: Don't miss God's everyday divine moments!  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. ◀︎◀︎

Imagine your organization as a cruise ship you're the captain of. It is your responsibility to man the helm, keeping the vessel away from danger and navigating to the correct destination. Along the way you decide that the guests' towels need to be folded a particular way, so you step away from your post for hours to meticulously fold them to your exact specifications. You do a great job but in your absence the ship is listless, veering off course into dangerous waters. Of course it's very likely you won't find yourself in this exact situation, but the same logic can be applied to our terrestrial pursuits as well. In today's episode, Greg and I discuss why it's important for leaders to remain in control, but also vital that we don't become controlling. 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. ◀︎◀︎

We live in a celebrity-obsessed culture. Sadly, this unbiblical pursuit has infected our churches too. Let's talk about this on this episode of The Podcast.  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 only one metric of success we should ever give weight to. Anything else will keep us perpetually going from thrilled to disappointed. If this topic intrigues you, please consider checking out 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. ◀︎◀︎

Those who lived under a monarchy knew what it was to show reverence to their beloved king. Psalm 2 is a call for us to recover that lost culture of reverence for our King of kings.  This is the first message in our new summer series looking at the royal psalms scattered throughout the Psalter.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  Follow along with our look at all of the royal psalms by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Second Thessalonians is a short letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Thessalonica. It is a masterpiece on how to correctly correct fellow Christian brothers and sisters. You can download the PDF of this flow chart → Paul's correction of the Thessalonicans 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 people lash out at us—when they bite us—they could be giving us invaluable insight into what is truly in our heart. Before we respond too quickly, we need to take some time for introspection.  Check out this part of my conversation with John Opalewski and Jim Wiegand on the Leading From Alignment podcast. If you would like to watch this interview, please click here.  Please check out my book When Sheep Bite to both heal from past bites and prepare yourself for the bites which are inevitably coming in the future. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Godly leaders are always all-in for the people around them. This is part 85 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. ◀︎◀︎

In organizations I have had the privilege of leading, I have had to make numerous hiring, firing, and promotion decisions. As a Christian, I needed to go to the Scripture to help me make biblically-sound, God-honoring decisions. If you are a Christian leader thinking about hiring somebody in your organization, I've got some thoughts for you on this episode of The Podcast. Check out the video version of this episode.  I've shared a couple of other blog posts and videos about this idea of our ladder of success versus what the Bible calls success. You may want to check out: An unimpressive but praiseworthy resume Whose ladder? You can watch more videos based on Shepherd Leadership here. I would also encourage you to check out my new book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

In order to grow in any area of our lives—physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally—we have to go through a certain amount of pain. But the results make the pain worth it!  Check out all of the other messages in our series Live Together by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

On a recent episode of The Craig and Greg Show, Greg noted that my book When Sheep Bite isn't just for church leaders, but business leaders can benefit from reading this as well.  Check out the video version of this clip.  You can check out the full conversation Greg and I had on this episode of our leadership podcast. I recently shared a series of messages for all Christians about how to handle the painful bites that sometimes come from other Christians. The series was called When Sheep Bite Sheep. Please check out both of my books Shepherd Leadership and When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Far from damaging or ending a relationship, a rebuke delivered in love can strengthen, enhance, and honor a relationship for years to come. You may also be interested in— These blog posts: Painful Words and Good Grief From a Friend  This video: Speak the Truth in Love ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The Holy Spirit inspires, illuminates, and gives boldness like no one else ever could!  You may be interested in some additional posts and sermons where I discuss more about the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit empowers Christians— Confirmation of the baptism in the Holy Spirit Church on fire Unmistakable evidence The wonderful works of God You may also be interested in an extensive series of messages I have shared called We Are: Pentecostal. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jesus used more work examples to talk about the Kingdom of God than He did worship examples. He also said the Holy Spirit would teach us to work as Jesus did while we are on earth.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the messages in our We Are: Pentecostal 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. ◀︎◀︎

If you're leading a team, then Greg and I feel pretty confident in assuming that you've got them all working, thinking, and behaving exactly like you work, think, and behave, right? Of course not! The differences in personality and thought within your team are what makes it special. 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. ◀︎◀︎

What began as a resource to help me in my personal Bible study time is now being downloaded thousands and thousands of time each year. Check out the video version of this episode.  You can find all of the download information for this chart by clicking here. A few of my other popular downloads: Sinful nature vs. spiritual nature Persecution flowchart The goal of confrontation ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Both the eyewitness testimony and the embarrassing details in the Bible attest to its accuracy and historicity.  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 teaches us best when we are willing to learn from our painful mistakes. Our “misses” can become sanctified experiences.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other lessons in this series, 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. ◀︎◀︎

When Jabez and Joseph were successful on the job, everyone around them knew it was because they did things God's way.  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. ◀︎◀︎

Does it sound loving when the Bible says that God's hand was against His people to defeat them when they went out to battle? It's actually one of the most loving things God could do for them. Watch the video version of this clip.  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 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. ◀︎◀︎