The Few - A Podcast for Faith Empowered Workplace Leaders

Send us a textLeadership Lessons from 1 Timothy - Episode 82 | Faith Empowered Workplace LeadersWelcome to episode 82 of the Faith Empowered Workplace Leaders podcast! Join Ed and Bill as they continue their series on leadership lessons from the book of First Timothy. This week, they delve into the principles outlined in chapter one, exploring the significance of leading with passion tempered by humility. Through their discussion, they offer insights from Kim Scott's 'Radical Candor' and the Old Testament book of Habakkuk, illustrating how effective leadership balances love, service, and the willingness to make tough decisions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow in your leadership journey, whether you're a pastor, a business leader, or anyone striving to lead with faith. Subscribe for more empowering content!00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:54 Front Porch Wisdom: Insights and Reflections08:22 Leadership Lessons from First Timothy11:33 Paul's Guidance to Timothy13:31 The Essence of Christian Leadership17:54 Servant Leadership and Humility21:35 Understanding Transformation in Christian Leadership22:27 The Role of Discipleship in Transformation24:07 Servant Leadership: Leading by Serving25:11 Balancing Love and Leadership26:25 The Pitfalls of Selfish Leadership29:30 Modeling Servant Leadership in the Church35:38 Leadership in Everyday Life36:33 Conclusion and Next StepsLearn more at renewts.com

Send us a textJoin hosts Bill and Ed in Episode 81 of The Few Podcast, aimed at faith-empowered workplace leaders. After a hiatus, they return with a new series based on insights from the book of 1 Timothy. This episode discusses the importance of leading from the heart, rooted in love, and how true leadership reflects Christian values both in corporate environments and in the church. They also share practical wisdom from authors like Patrick Lencioni and Joel Manby on demonstrating genuine care and maintaining passion in leadership roles. Tune in for valuable reflections and actionable steps to enhance your leadership journey.00:00 Welcome Back to The Few Podcast01:12 Exploring First Timothy: A Leadership Guide02:19 Front Porch Wisdom: Building for the Future04:58 Mentorship and Reciprocal Learning12:09 Leading from the Heart: Paul's Advice to Timothy25:19 The Result of Not Leading from the Heart26:27 Meaningless Debates and Division27:58 The Importance of Mission and Love30:10 Practical Ways to Show Love in Leadership32:25 Engaging and Caring for Your Team35:30 Transformational Leadership38:29 The Power of Genuine Engagement41:06 Inward Transformation and Passion41:29 Final Thoughts and EncouragementLearn more at renewts.com

Join Bill and I as we interview Dr. Adam Cheeseman, current superintendent of Doddridge County Schools.Learn more at renewts.com

Join Bill and I as we discuss how to move forward as an organization in a leadership transition. Whether you are in the process of succession planning or a church interim, this podcast is for you.Learn more at renewts.com

During this episode Ed and Bill discuss accountability, linking it to grace and restoration. They emphasize the importance of humility in leadership and cultivating a culture of peer-to-peer accountability. Through examples from scripture and personal experiences, the discussion highlights accountability's role in individual and team development.Learn more at renewts.com

Join Ed and Bill as they discuss James Clear's book Atomic Habits.  Ed and Bill discuss habits for Christian leaders and how the Bible addresses this topic. Learn more at renewts.com

Join Bill and Ed as they discuss Lencioni's 6 Types of Working Genius and how it applies to Christian leaders. Drawing parallels to spiritual gifts, Bill and Ed talk about how helpful understanding Lencioni's model can be to those who want their leadership at work and church to honor God. Learn more at renewts.com

Conflict is a normal part of any organizational life. According to authors Mike Bonem and James Furr in their book, "Leading Congregational Change", this conflict can be life threatening or life giving. The question is, what can we do as leaders to transform the conflict in our organization from life threatening to life giving? Join Ed and Bill as they discuss leading in a way that allows you to do just that. Most conflict can be addressed long before it occurs if we simply adapt our leadership styles. Join the conversation and become a better leader,Learn more at renewts.com

We all have our own leadership style. However, there are many people and situations that require us to adapt that style. Join Bill and Ed as they discuss their experience with situational leadership. They take a deep dive into situational leadership, specifically focusing on Ken Blanchard's SLII theory. Don't miss this episode.

Join Bill and Ed as they conclude their discussion of leadership from the Book of Acts. In this episode, they continue bringing together Thom Rainer's Acts6/7 leadership, Collins' Levels of Leadership, and the Book of Acts. Listen as they investigate the highest levels of leadership. A key component of this level of leadership is leaving a legacy. If you are a leader in the workplace or church you don't want to miss the wisdom found in the book of Acts. 

Join Bill and Ed as they continue their discussion of leadership from the Book of Acts. In this episode, they continue bringing together Thom Rainer's Acts6/7 leadership, Collins' Levels of Leadership, and the Book of Acts. Listen as they investigate the fourth level of leadership. A key component of level four leadership is passion. If you are a leader in the workplace or church you don't want to miss the wisdom found in the book of Acts. Are you a passionate leader?

Join Bill and Ed as they continue their discussion of leadership from the Book of Acts. In this episode they continue bringing together Thom Rainer's Acts6/7 leadership, Collins' Levels of Leadership and the Book of Acts. Listen as they investigate the third level of leadership. A key component of level three leadership is managing well with an outward focus.  If you are a leader in the workplace or church you don't want to miss the wisdom that is found in the book of Acts. Are you a "outwardly focused" as a leader?

Join Bill and Ed as they continue their discussion of leadership from the Book of Acts. In this episode they continue bringing together Thom Rainer's Acts6/7 leadership, Collins' Levels of Leadership and the Book of Acts. Listen as they investigate the second level of leadership. A key component of level two leadership is contributing around the common table.  If you are a leader in the workplace or church you don't want to miss the wisdom that is found in the book of Acts. Are you a "contributing leader", or simply filling a seat around the table? 

The book of Acts holds tremendous wisdom for leaders of faith. Whether you are in the workplace or church, you will benefit from this conversation. Bill and Ed discuss what we learn about leadership from Acts Chapter 1, in this first of several episodes diving into scripture for help with our daily role as leaders. Utilizing leadership models from Jim Collin's Good to Great and Thom Rainer's Breakout churches, Bill and Ed unpack the different levels of leadership defined in scripture. 

In this episode Bill and Ed are privileged to interview Judge Drew Crislip. Drew has served in many different roles as a legal professional  in addition to a lifetime of volunteer Christian service with youth. He shares keen insights into how to lead from your faith based core values in the legal world. You don't want to miss this episode. 

Dog-Tired; Worn Out; Exhausted; Weary; Burdened; Stressed; Burnt Out? How many times have you heard colleagues utter these words? How many times have one or all of these terms described your current emotional condition? As leaders we are often confronted with the need to lead teams who are experiencing the same level of weariness that we are. This can be a very difficult task. As Faith Empowered Leaders, we have some answers for how to lead well in spite of the heaviness of the load we and our team are carrying.  Join Ed and Bill as they look to scripture for how we can have hope in the midst of being tired. 

Mindfulness and mindful leadership is a hot topic in the leadership world today.  What about the Christian and mindfulness? Should Christian leaders adopt buy into the idea of mindfulness? Join Bill and Ed for a discussion on this topic and discover how mindfulness just may be a very biblical way of leading.

How do others see you as a leader? Do they see you as more of a "little engine that thought he could", or an "Eyore." Eyore, that pessimistic donkey in the Winnie the Pooh cartoons once said, "thanks, but I'd rather stay an Eyore." In this week's podcast Bill and Ed discuss the concept of being a possibilist leader.  Author Rob Hoskins uses this term to define leaders that have several different characteristics in common.  Hoskins says, "This type of individual holds loosely the reality that both bad and better exist. It takes this kind of balanced leader – someone who recognizes both the good and the bad – to move a community forward and bring sustainable change to their world."In this episode Bill and Ed discuss how we as faith empowered workplace leaders should adopt a possibilist attitude concerning leadership.

Are you by nature a curious person? Or do you make quick judgements without asking a lot of questions. On this week's podcast Bill and Ed discuss the essential ingredient of curiosity for leaders in the church and workplace. Curiosity leads to discovery and is fundamental to healthy relationships. However, it can be negative if our beginning point has no presuppositions. You know you're curious! Join the conversation today. 

Don't miss this episode! Bill and Ed interview faith empowered workplace leader Duane Huck. Listen to Duane describe his faith based leadership journey as a Plant Manager, Pastor, Maxwell Certified Leader and Small Business Owner. Duane shares his thought on key aspects of leadership needed in the world today. He describes how his faith in Christ intersects with his everyday leadership. 

Do you have awesome goals? Do you make great plans? What happens next? Do your goals and plans remain good goals and plans or do you execute them well? Join Ed and Bill as they share from their experience 5 barriers to execution. Maybe you can identify with these barriers....Daily DistractionsFearUnder Utilization of Your TeamLack of Self AwarenessOver ComplicationLack of Beginning WellIf you are a follower of Christ and have the privilege of leading in your business, non-profit organization of church, you don't want to miss this very practical episode. 

Join Bill and Ed on this special episode as they welcome J.D. Reed, Global Consultant for Latin America and the Caribbean with American Baptist Church's International Ministry.  Leadership must adapt as we work cross-culturally. However, there are many similarities in leadership that complement the differences. You will be blessed and learn about working with others whether you are a pastor or workplace leader. 

Is competition always bad? Is collaboration always good? Should the two be viewed differently in the church than they are in the workplace? As faith empowered leaders these are questions we face every day. Whether you are a leader in the church, workplace, or both you won't want to miss this discussion. Bill and Ed look at both the positive and negative of competing and working together in the organizations we serve.

Join Bill and Ed as they discuss several key lessons from 2020. Listen as they mix personal confession with organizational wisdom to make a list of items we can take into the future as faith empowered workplace leaders. 

Are you happy at work? Whether you spend your time in the church, the non-profit or the marketplace, statistics say that most of your folks aren't happy. As Faith Empowered Workplace Leaders we should be setting an example of the joy filled life. Ed and Bill tackle how we can do this in today's episode. 

Are you stressed out? Does your life as a leader seem way more complex than it should be? Listen as Ed and Bill discuss the spiritual discipline of simplicity. Looking to scripture as their guide they share practical insights on how to simplify your life as a leader. Resources: Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline

Join Bill and Ed as they talk about the necessity of allowing team members to suffer. Are you a rescuer? Do you always step in and make sure that your team members don't suffer? You may be robbing them of some of the greatest gifts that God has for them. Pain and suffering, while not good, can be used by God for good. As leaders, we need to suffer with our team, search for the way God is working when we suffer, and sometimes allow others to suffer as well. Join this very serious conversation and engage us the conversation in The Few facebook group. 

In today's episode, Tammy Jordan shares her story as a Faith Empowered Workplace Leader. Tammy, owner and founder of Fruits of Labor, a Nationally Certified Culinary Arts & Agricultural Educational Training Center for youth/young adults as an addiction prevention program and adults in recovery from addiction.  Fruits of labor is a culinary and agricultural training social enterprise. Tammy shares wisdom from her experience on how to manage through a crisis and allow the mission to be the filter through which all decisions are made in a business that seeks to honor God. You will be blessed by her story!Check out Fruits of Labor at https://fruitsoflaborinc.com/index.html

We are super excited about this episode. After an introduction from John Pierson, a local faith empowered business owner, Ed and Bill discuss Bolsinger's book and its appropriateness for leaders in the church and workplace. Based on the idea of Adaptive Leadership, Bolsinger's book is timely for those leading in the unchartered territory of today. Bill and Ed apply the concepts from the book to both the church and the workplace. If you are a Christian and find yourself in a position of leadership in the church or workplace, you don't want to miss this episode.

Join Bill and Ed as they discuss a very sensitive subject for Faith Empowered Workplace Leaders. If you have ever had to deal with an employee or church member who is always in the center of conflict, this episode is for you! Bill and Ed talk about the need to make sure we as leaders aren't the real antagonists and then how to deal with others who are. Looking once again at Paul's mentoring advice to Timothy, you will discover how to deal with these energy-draining individuals in a way that honors God and builds your leadership credibility. 

Join Bill and Ed as they explore the book for First Timothy for Paul's advice on how to lead. In this episode, Ed and Bill will discuss how to lead with love as the goal. Whether you are a leader in the church or workplace, this discussion can equip you with the tools to lead in a way that is not only effective but can literally change lives and your organization. 

Join the conversation today as Bill and Ed talk about feeling inadequate as a leader. Whether you are a leader of faith in the church or workplace, you have probably experienced this feeling. Bill and Ed talk about what causes feelings of inadequacy as well as how to struggle with and overcome them.Resources discussed:5 Encouragements for Pastors Who Feel Inadequate by Brandon Hilgemann - Outreachmagazine.com.Do the best leaders feel inadequate? AIM Education and TrainingOvercoming Feelings of Inadequacy by Mike Kaeding - Linkedin.com5 Dangerous (And Faulty) Reasons That You're Beginning To Feel Inadequate, Even Though You Aren't by Carey Nieuwhof

Join the conversation! Bill and Ed discuss the reasons why they produce The Few as they celebrate episode 50. Join the discussion as they get vulnerable about the blessings and challenges of podcasting and building the Few community. 

Join the discussion today as Ed and Bill talk about several tools they use to aid in effectiveness and efficiency. 

Are you frustrated with the polarization of tribes within our culture, communities and organizations? Join Ed and Bill as they look at what the book of Jonah has to say about dealing with our disagreements. Bill and Ed take a look at how we may be able to set an example as Faith Empowered Leaders on how to solve problems and confront issues we face today. 

Many of us have struggled with being called to the next chapter in our journey of faith. Some of us are in that place right now trying to discern whether we should vacate a position or stay where we are. Join Ed and Bill as they share about the struggle of discerning if it's time to go or time to stay. Resources used:"7 Signs It's Time to Leave" by Carey NieuwhofThe Mitford Series by Jan KaronThe 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Join Bill and Ed as they discuss several phrases that leaders should never say. Bill and Ed get personal with things that leaders say that are irksome. While many of these phrases have a corresponding positive correlation, leaders should think about what they are communicating with the words they choose. May you have heard some of these:"It is what it is""It's just business""It's not my fault""If it ain't broke, don't fix it"Maybe you can add to the conversation.

Have you experienced loneliness as a leader? Join Ed and Bill as they discuss their own journeys of dealing with the loneliness that often accompanies leadership. They unpack several resources and share ideas on how to overcome one of the biggest challenges facing leaders today. Resources discussed in this episode:Leadership is Lonely (And it Should Be) by Lori Ferguson Wilbert in The Gospel CoalitionLeadership Pain by Samuel ChandHow to Handle Loneliness for Leaders from Coaching for Leaders

You don't want to miss this episode. Listen to Bill and Ed interview Alvin Phillips. Alvin, a faith empowered workplace leader discusses his approach to leadership as an Executive with Habitat for Humanity. Join the conversation and listen to Alvin share wisdom concerning personal development as a leader. You will also be blessed as you learn more about the work of Habitat for Humanity. 

You've heard it and you've read it. "Networking is essential for you as a pastor or a business leader." But maybe, you are the person who feels bad when you network. Something just doesn't seem right when you leverage relationships for your own benefit. Or maybe, networking just comes naturally to you. Join Bill and Ed as they discuss this powerful tool in building your business and fulfilling your calling as a faith empowered workplace leader. They discuss the importance of having the correct motive for networking and the incredible benefit it can be to leaders. Everyone in your network offers you the potential of serving and learning. Resources:"Learning from Paul to Leverage Networking for Mission" by John Lee in Christianity Today"10 Reasons Why Networking is Essential for Your Career" by Bianca Miller Cole in Forbeswomen"5 Ways Christian Marketing Must Be Different" by Stephen KrygerJoin the conversation today and share with others you think may benefit!

In this episode, Bill and Ed conclude their discussion on the 23rd Psalm. Have you ever experienced a sense of restlessness and anxiety? Do you long for peace and contentment in your life? Leadership brings with it a heavy load that often results in a lack of peace and security. As Faith Empowered Leaders we are called to experience a different kind of life. In the 23rd Psalm, we find wisdom for our journey as we realize that Christian leaders are first and foremost followers of the Great Shepherd. Because of this, we can walk "through the valley of the shadow of death" and "fear no evil." This picture of contentment alongside the image later in the Psalm of sitting down to a banquet with a gracious host calls us to live in faith. We can count on God to provide, protect, guide, and deliver us. Join the conversation. 

Have you ever experienced the serenity of a still, calm body of water? Wouldn't it be great to experience that kind of peace on a regular basis as a leader? In the 23rd Psalm David instructs us that God "leads us beside the still waters." Join Bill and Ed as they continue the discussion on wisdom for leaders from this well-known scripture. During this episode, you will discover ways to experience peace and contentment regardless of the chaotic and uncontrollable circumstances that surround you. God reveals to us in His word that there is an amazing peace that comes with the promise of His presence!

Faithful Christian leaders realize that good leadership requires that the leader is first a good follower. In today's episode Bill and Ed talk about what it means to follow Christ on this journey of life. Drawing from the wisdom of the 23rd Psalm they focus on the necessity of "lying down in the green pastures." Life is a journey. A Christian leader needs to realize that they are called to walk this journey with Jesus, our loving Shepherd. What does this mean for our everyday leadership? In summary, as faith empowered leaders we need Jesus for nourishment, guidance, restoration, and protection. Join the conversation and learn what it means to walk along with the Shepherd. 

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Mike Sisson, the Executive Minister of the WV Baptist Convention. Mike discusses his unique journey of faith empowered leadership through his twenty-some years as a business owner and his last fifteen years in pastoral leadership. You will be blessed from his story and his wisdom for everyday leadership as a follower of Christ in the church and workplace. 

Is there a difference between management and leadership and if so, what is that difference? In today's episode, Bill and Ed discuss their understanding that management and leadership are different. While one is just as important as the other, understanding the difference can equip you to be more productive as a faith empowered leader. "Leadership is concerned with moving people according to a purpose and vision, while management is about developing and working the processes and systems that are required for this movement to happen." In today's episode, Bill and Ed discuss several resources:"Leadership vs. Management, What's the Difference" by Matt Gavin on Harvard Business Review Online.The Checklist Manifesto by Atul GawandeThe Simple Church by Thom RainerLess is More Leadership by Dale BurkeGood to Great by Jim Collins

Bill and Ed continue the discussion from last week on leading on the back end of a crisis. Today they look at several questions that every leader should ask on a regular basis. These questions are centered around the leadership principles of MOVE, (Me - Healthy Self, Others - Healthy Relationships, Vision - Healthy Foresight and Execution - Healthy Work. The specific questions they walk through are:Me - What has God revealed to me about myself through this period?Others - What relationships have impacted me the most through this period?Vision - How has God changed your dreams for the future for this period?Execution - What has been the biggest accomplishment God has worked through you through this period?

As leaders, we have faced the disruption and challenges that have accompanied the worldwide epidemic of COVID-19. While this time has presented enormous challenges, it's certainly not the first or the last crisis we will be called as leaders to face. In today's episode, Bill and Ed discuss leading out of and after a crisis or wilderness experience. While many desire to return to normalcy, Ed and Bill make the point that God wants us to move ahead. As leaders, we need to consider the lessons learned in the crisis and move into a better reality as faith empowered leaders. 

Do you struggle with saying no? Are you stressed out and frustrated because you aren't able to concentrate on those important things that you feel God has called you to do? Don't miss the episode of  The Few. Bill and Ed discuss the importance of creating boundaries and the barriers that often keep us from doing so.Resources used:Boundaries by Henry Cloud"Four Obstacles Pastors Face in Setting Boundaries" by Charles Stone"How to Create Healthy Boundaries", Adapted by the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center from PositivelyPositive.com, outofthefog.net and Boundaries: Where You End and I Begin by Anne Katherine

During any time of crisis, Faith Empowered Leaders have a choice? They can either choose to spread hope or fear within their organization. Bill and Ed discuss how the Bible teaches that the source of hope is Jesus Christ and as his called people we should be "overflowing" with hope. During this episode, you will discover some practical ways of assimilating hope into your congregation or employees, especially during a time of crisis. Backed by a discussion on what the Bible says about hope, you will learn about the things you can do as a leader to make sure the hope you are sharing is real and authentic. This is a must-listen for leaders who want to inspire their people during times of anxiety and stress.

Bill and Ed continue their three-part series dealing with fear in the workplace and church. Today's focus is on developing a culture that minimizes fear for the people you lead. During this time of crisis, many people are afraid. There are things you as a leader can do to help alleviate or at least deal with those fears in a positive way. Fear in the workplace/church is also an issue during normal times. Bill and Ed will discuss ways you as a leader can help create an environment based on faith rather than fear.

A personal note: Bill and I recorded this podcast before the COVID-19 crisis hit us in the United States. Obviously God knew what each of us as faith empowered leaders in the workplace and church would be facing. While we don't reference the current crisis, this episode is very applicable to all who are attempting to lead from a position of faith rather than fear. You are all in our prayers.Resources for this episode:Risk is Right by John Piper5 Fears You'll Need to Overcome to be a Great Leader by Anna Johansson, Entreprenership.com