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Stories of Impact

June 30, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

What a fantastic day it was for our 6th Gifted to Lead event held at Richmond Hill Christian Community Church.

We had over 425 women present for a day of inspiration, leadership development and networking.

The overwhelming response was that the women felt they were no longer alone on their leadership journey.

As usual, Nancy Beach was filled with wisdom, wit and tools on leadership development.

Her heart for women in leadership is evident to all. Everyone enjoyed her personal applications and the practical tools that she provided during the sessions. Thank you Nancy!

Here are a few testimonials from our guests:

  • This event was exceptional, from start to finish. The women of RHCC who served in various roles were friendly, helpful and gracious. They exemplified Christian excellence and integrity and love. I admire the way everything was organized and carried out.
  • Nancy gives a great perspective on a very large topic. It gave me some ‘to do’s’ for sure-especially determining where my ‘sweet spot’ is and how to best use my energy. Most importantly to love who God has made me and to use all He’s given me to serve Him!! What a blessing!!!!
  • This has allowed me to think differently in terms of what leadership means.
  • I was one of the younger members of the attendees, and I was very touched and empowered from the sessions (especially the last one). As a young leader, it really opened my eyes and helped me realize that we play an important role in the church – to help build a solid foundation in faith amongst the younger generations at our church. It would be great to target this conference to leaders in their 20s.

 

A big thank you goes out to the incredible volunteers Richmond Hill Christian Community Church.

They served the guests with excellence and hearts of humility. There was an overwhelming response of  “well done” felt by each guest. We felt special, loved and honored. THANK YOU!

 


Filed Under: Inspiration, Nancy Beach, Stories, Training, Women · Tagged With: , , , ,

A Message From the Creator for You

June 11, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

Gifted to Lead is well underway. As usual, all the women are greatly encouraged and inspired.
In one of the sessions Nancy shares a prayer that she also has in her book. It is something that God spoke to her when she was a young girl. and she also encourages you to read it to yourself and insert your name in place of hers and hear a message from the Creator, just for you.

Here it is:
Nancy Lee, (insert your name) God did not make a mistake when he made you. When the gifts were handed out in heaven, the angels didn’t say, “Woops! That’s a girl baby – we can’t give her the gift of leadership!” Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts just as he desired. Every gift you have, Nancy (insert your name) came from the hand of a loving Father who crafted you in your mother’s womb. He delights in who you are becoming. You are not an accident, or any less female just because you love to lead and are smart and full of dreams and goals. Those dreams come from your Creator, along with your instincts to lead and your passion to make a difference. There is nothing wrong with you.

Just because you don’t see women leading skillfully in your church does not mean that this is how God intends it to be. And be sure of this – you will be asked to answer one day for what you do with the gifts you are given, for how you steward your one and only life. You must not think you can get off easy by excusing yourself because you are female. You are gifted to lead.

So hang on girl, because you are on the brink of a great adventure, one you can’t possibly imagine right now. The path won’t be easy, and sometimes you will feel scared and lonely and wonder if it’s worth it. But God will never leave you alone – he has a plan to give you a future and a hope. So trust him, and never stop paying attention to the quiet voice he put inside you. And don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

 

Click here to download a copy of the Suggested Resources that Nancy  recommends for further study.

Thank you for joining us at Gifted to Lead in Richmond Hill, ON.

We value your feedback, and would appreciate your participation in a short, online survey.

Click here to begin the survey.

Please submit your feedback by Monday, June 27.

Many thanks from the team at The Leadership Centre Willow Creek Canada

Filed Under: Inspiration, Leadership, Nancy Beach, Women · Tagged With: , , , ,

Leadership Is Influence

May 30, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

Here’s a great post by Jeremie Kubicek that will get you thinking about your level of influence as a leader. Jeremie is President & CEO, GiANT Impact.

His post is called:

Having an Affect versus Making an Impact

As a leader you have the opportunity to influence the trajectory of those around you (family, work, community, etc.). You can influence them in two directions either positively or negatively.

Let’s first start by understanding two keys words:
1. Affect – to affect someone is to do something that changes the way they think, work or live.
2. Impact – to impact someone is to mark them or alter their trajectory because of something deeper.

For instance, we are affected by a thunderstorm due to electrical surges or temporary power outages. We are impacted forever if that thunderstorm produces a tornado that destroys homes or property.

Each of us affects others in our lives everyday. Some for the good and some for the bad.

But far fewer truly make an impact.

People who affect us are forgotten. People who impact us are memorable.

We can choose to:
• Positively affect those around us through random acts of kindness or
• Negatively affect those around us through annoying behavior.

Or we can…
• Positively impact others by going above and beyond what they expect or
• Negatively impact others by domineering behavior.

As leaders, let’s choose to not only make a positive affect but raise the game and invest in making a positive impact as well. Let’s be intentional and alter the trajectory of others in a positive way for their long term benefit.

To be memorable is a gift of a good legacy and it all starts with a choice… a conscious choice that each of us needs to make.

This is a great challenge from Jeremie. Our choices are extremely powerful and demand us being really conscious about them. As leaders, we want to be memorable. We want our influence to be memorable and one that will inspire others to also choose a life of impact.

What is one choice you can make today to positively increase your level of impact?

Filed Under: Leadership, Training, Women · Tagged With: , ,

Refuse To Be A Bottleneck

May 19, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

bottleneck

Today’s post is from Pastor Steven Furtick’s blog. He is a faculty member for  our Global Leadership Summit this September. Steven Furtick is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, named by Outreach magazine as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. This young leader is a history maker for sure. Be challenged and inspired by this post called:

Everyone Wins

What’s intuitive to those outside the church is often revolutionary to church leaders.

This is true when it comes to marketing. Franchise. Structure.
But it might be nowhere more true than when it comes to delegation.

Many pastors and ministry leaders have the propensity to believe they need to do everything themselves. They believe they can probably do a better job anyways, so why give it to someone else? The result is almost always the same: they’re taken out of their sweet spot and they wear themselves out.

But there’s another related effect that’s just as harmful that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. When leaders refuse to delegate, it not only wears them out, but all of the people following them as well. No one gets to be in their sweet spot. The leader becomes a bottleneck and it frustrates everyone.

I think that’s why Jethro told Moses in Exodus 18 to appoint judges to decide smaller civil cases that were being brought to Moses so he could focus on what he alone could do. It wasn’t just for Moses’ sake: “If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied” (18:23).

When leaders do what only they can do, everyone wins.
And when leaders let other people do what they have been called to do, everyone wins.

This isn’t a one-man show. Pastors and leaders were never designed by God to do all of the ministry for the people they lead. They exist to equip the people they lead with the power and resources to do their own ministry under a common vision.

That’s the true meaning of delegation. It isn’t just about getting someone to do a job you don’t want to do. Or that you don’t have time to do. It’s about empowering others to come alive in their gifting and calling so that the power of Jesus can flow through their life.

You’re freed up to do what you were made to do.
They’re allowed to do what they were created to do.

Refuse to be the limiter or the lid on the ministry that God can accomplish through the powerful people that He’s placed under you. Refuse to be a bottleneck.

Do what only you can do. Let others do what they’ve been called to do under you. And everyone will win.

 

Filed Under: Leadership, Women · Tagged With: , ,

A Testimonial

May 17, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

Here’s another great post by Linda Ozirney who attended  a Gifted to Lead Event in Calgary.

Often women feel that they need permission to use their leadership skills, gifts and abilities. “Gifted to Lead” conference with Nancy Beach offered that permission! Nancy clearly and biblically taught that women have received gifts and calling in leadership and we must respond obediently.

Her instruction will help us navigate the ‘sometimes bumpy’ journey in leadership. I found it helpful in understanding myself, and others. I have gained some insight into working with a mixed gender staff, in serving from my own ‘shape’ and in speaking from my authentic self.

Thank you for this beneficial and timely instruction!

Thank you for your testimony!  Linda is the Director of Baptist General Conference of Canada Women’s Ministries.

Women's Ministry Resource Team

 

BGC Canada’s Women’s Ministries is committed to training and encouraging women to minister effectively. With training they know that women can step confidently into positions of leadership and see fruitful ministry as a result. They offer seminars, leadership training, resources, consultations, encouragement for pastor’s wives, prayer ministries, and mission projects for the women in our churches.

 

 

Linda is also the Dean of the School of Women’s Ministries. The mission of the School of Women in Ministry is to train leaders to advance God’s kingdom through the church by motivating, equipping and activating women to minister effectively to women, the church and the world.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Stories, Women · Tagged With: , ,

The Forgotten Commandment

May 13, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

Summer will be here before we know it. It’s a time when many take some extra days to rest and relax. Rest is a non-negotiable for anyone, and most especially leaders. It’s a priority. Rest is so important that God decided to put it in His commandments.

The Forgotten CommandmentThe Message version of Exodus 20:11 says:

8-11 Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to God, your God. Don’t do any work—not you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maid, nor your animals, not even the foreign guest visiting in your town. For in six days God made Heaven, Earth, and sea, and everything in them; he rested on the seventh day. Therefore God blessed the Sabbath day; he set it apart as a holy day.

Leaders need to place a high value on “Sabbath rest”.  And yet, for many it is not a priority.   It’s difficult to say no to the demands of our roles and responsibilities, just to spend time to rest. Rest is not being selfish, it is self-care and it is a necessity to be a healthy leader. Making time for rest makes room for rejuvenation, inspiration and a good old-fashioned “battery recharge”.
The challenges and demands for leaders are even greater than ever before. This is all the more reason why we need to honor this forgotten commandment. It’s vital to longevity and strength as a leader.

 

What do you need to say “no” to in your weekly schedule in order to make room for rest?

What is you were to take a few days away with God as a retreat?

Do you trust Him enough to do so?

 



Filed Under: Inspiration, Leadership, Women · Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

When you don’t know the next step…

May 11, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

This post is from the Heart to Heart with Holley blog.

Holley is the cofounder of (in)courage,  and a writer for DaySpring.

You will want to check out the incourage site. It has fantastic blog posts by women all over North America.

Now, here’s Holley’s post:

Shoes

I see you peering down the path.

Wondering, can I do this?

Am I enough?

Yes to both.

And then asking, Do I take this step?

I’ve asked this question too…staring at the ceiling in the night, over coffee with friends, driving in my car.

Then I think of this verse, this bit of wisdom from Proverbs 19:21–

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

If we’ve prayed, asked wise counsel, then we can go with confidence. Even if our first step is imperfect, perhaps not even in quite the right direction, God will align us with His purpose by the end.

But here’s the thing.

You can’t redirect someone who is standing still.

Yes, there are seasons for staying.

This is about the seasons of going, setting out, those times when your heart is restless and your feet are ready.

If that’s you, then go without fear.

God is with you, for you, behind you, and ahead of you.

And even if you lose your way for a bit. Even if you grow weary. Even if you don’t know which direction to go at times. His purposes will prevail.

Take that step, woman of courage.

And know that love goes with you all the way.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Women · Tagged With: , , , ,

Women in the House

May 5, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

Women in LeadershipThis past week I joined millions of other Canadians to watch our national election. As I was watching the coverage, I noticed that there seemed to be a lot of women MP’s who had been voted in.

It turns out that more women than ever will be representing Canadians in the 41st session of Parliament. In 2008, a record sixty-nine women were elected to the 40th Parliament and in this 41st Parliament there are now 76 women! That means of the 308 members, 24.7% are women.

Doesn’t that make you excited? Leadership is a gift for both men and women and it is inspiring to see women stepping up and taking their place in leadership roles.

You have a unique gift and voice. How are you using it to influence others?

Where do you need more courage to step up and say “yes” to leadership opportunities?

What’s stopping you?

Choose today to make an impact. The world is waiting to hear what you have to say.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Leadership, Women · Tagged With: , , , ,

Be The Friend You Wish You Had

May 3, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

Here’s a great post from Michael Hyatt on Leadership and Friendship.

Recently, I read that 70% of pastors don’t have any close personal friends. I have quoted this figure publicly and several pastors have confided to me that it is true for them. They admitted that they don’t have any close personal friends. This made me very sad. I think it is also true of CEOs and other leaders as well.

Three Close Friends - Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/H-Gall, Image #9622620

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/H-Gall

Why is this true?

I know that for years, I didn’t think I needed any close friends. I assumed that my colleagues at work and the people I went to church with were enough. I finally woke up the fact that I didn’t really have any close personal friends. All of them were either dependent on me in some way or simply acquaintances.

Since that time, I have been much, much more intentional about friendships. In fact, this is one of the “accounts” in my Life Plan. I have several great friends, most of whom live in my neighborhood. We get together on a regular basis and support and encourage one another.

When I mentioned this in a talk I gave recently at Catalyst West, one brave soul asked, “But what if you don’t have any friends? Where do you start?”

My answer? Be to others the friend you wish you had. It’s that simple.

For example, here are the characteristics I look for in a close friend. I want someone who …

  • Shows up for me when I am in a crisis.
  • Listens empathetically without judging.
  • Is willing to pitch in when I am too embarrassed to ask.
  • Affirms me when I doubt myself.
  • Reminds me of who I am, when I forget.
  • Celebrates my wins and mourns my losses.
  • Remembers the things that are important to me.
  • Trusts me with their secrets.

Do you wish you had that kind of friend? Well, God says that you reap what you sow (e.g., see Galatians 6:7).

If you want this kind of friend in your life, then go BE this kind of friend to others. You might be surprised to see what happens.

Filed Under: Leadership, Relationships, Women · Tagged With: ,

Gratitude

May 2, 2011 by Gifted to Lead Leave a Comment

It’s Monday and for many of us, it’s back to work, back to the grind. Some days it’s harder than others to press into all that is in front of us at the beginning of the week.

Today, I found myself stuck in the perspective of :   “Aaaaaargh! It’s Monday! I don’t want to…..”

Then, I took a moment to visit the very popular site called: A Holy Experience by Canadian,  Anne Voskamp. What a woman of influence!

In a moment, the music drew me into a place of peace and contentment. Then, the images captured my heart and dispelled all the frustrating and discontented thoughts that were rolling through my heart and mind. I took a deep breath and felt the discontentment dissipate. I began to notice the good and what I CAN do and who I CAN be.

You really ought to take a visit to this site. In it you will find something that your heart needs. Something that will set your mind back on course and purpose.

Now, in this moment. I see differently. I see that I have so very much to be grateful for.

grat·i·tude
–noun
the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.

Anne is offering a Weekly Gratitude Booklet … download and print 7 Gifts: Good and Perfect to write down 7 gifts each day, for each day of the week — becoming thanks to God! Thanks for this wonderful gift Anne!

Bless you in all that you do and more importantly, for who you are.

We will be offering Anne’s book: One Thousand Gifts for sale at Gifted to Lead this year.

 

Filed Under: Inspiration, Leadership, Stories, Women · Tagged With: , , , , ,
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