The Craig T. Owens Audio Blog

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. ◀︎◀︎

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. ◀︎◀︎