The Craig T. Owens Audio Blog

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. ◀︎◀︎

Just as the Israelites had no fear of enemies because David was on the throne, the people who reverence God have no fear of their enemies because the Most High God is on His throne.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you have missed any of the other royal psalms we have covered, you can find the full list by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The more you pour out into others, the more room there is for God to pour into 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. ◀︎◀︎

What does it mean when we really believe the words, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1)? Check out the video version of this episode.  You may also want to check out this related post—The Path Ahead Of 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 is the highest form or arrogance to think we can out-maneuver God's plan, or that we can even begin to know what's best for our lives. 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. ◀︎◀︎

Calvary Assembly of God joined with Hillcrest Community Church of God for a service to send a message. We want to show that the Body of Christ is more than just multiple buildings where people meet on Sundays.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  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. ◀︎◀︎

Serving is not something that comes naturally to most people, as typically we prefer to be served. Jesus flipped this attitude upside down.  Check out all of the other messages in our series Live Together 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. ◀︎◀︎

The multitude of books written about business and leadership is nearly incalculable. If you began reading now and did nothing else you could spend the rest of your life reading business books and still have many unread at the end of your life. Yet the wealth of knowledge contained within these books still pales in comparison to the insights provided to us by THE book—the Bible. In this episode Greg and I are happy to announce we are working on a new project called Business By The Book, which combines biblical insights with real-world applications. 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. ◀︎◀︎

I was absolutely fascinated by a Messianic Jew's insights on the Old Testament Tabernacle, and how every aspect of it pointed to Jesus the Messiah. Watch the video version of this episode.  All of the Scriptures I mention can be found 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 are ready to help heal what divides us, “High Road Leadership” by John Maxwell will become your go-to resource. 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 as royal weddings on earth captivate people who are watching the fairy tale-like wedding celebration, so will our devotion to the King intrigue and captivate a watching world. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you have missed any of the other messages in our series looking at the Royal Palms, 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. ◀︎◀︎

If our Heavenly Father runs to another's pain, what right do we have to ever run away from it? Check out all of the other messages in our series Live Together 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. ◀︎◀︎

We rob ourselves and diminish the other person with whom we're conversing if we aren't fully listening. Listen, listen, and (really!) listen some more before you share your opinion. Check out 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. ◀︎◀︎

These two qualities give a godly leader moral authority like nothing else can. It's authority that is felt as well as seen—it's the “It Factor” that marks the Holy Spirit's anointing on a leader.  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 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. ◀︎◀︎