The Dangers of Narcissism, A Call to Selflessness in Leadership and Life

In Philippians 2:3–4 (ESV), the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful reminder of how we are called to live as followers of Christ: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage challenges us to move beyond our own self-interest to make room for the transformative love of Christ in our lives and the world around us. But to do so, we must confront one of the biggest obstacles to authentic love and service: narcissism.

Understanding Narcissism:

Narcissism, a term popularized by psychology, describes a preoccupation with self. A person with narcissistic tendencies is excessively focused on their own needs, desires, and image. The term comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a man so enamored with his own reflection that he ultimately perished because he couldn't tear himself away from it. A narcissist is typically marked by high levels of vanity, selfishness, and pride. Everything is seen through the lens of "How does this affect me?" This worldview makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the narcissist to empathize with others or to prioritize anyone else's needs.

In psychological terms, narcissism exists on a spectrum, ranging from a mild sense of self-importance to a pathological condition known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). People with NPD often display a pattern of haughty behavior, a sense of entitlement, manipulation, and an inability to feel empathy. These characteristics can make relationships difficult and personal growth stunted.

The Bible and the Self-Centered Heart:

The Bible teaches that we are all born with a sinful nature. Romans 5:12 tells us that sin entered the world through Adam, and from that moment onward, humanity has been born into sin with a natural inclination to self-centeredness. In biblical terms, we call this "the flesh" (Galatians 5:19–21). This selfishness is evident in children, who see the world through an egocentric lens, where everything revolves around their own desires. Narcissism in adults is a continuation of this childish worldview, where people fail to grow beyond their self-absorption.

Psychologically, narcissism can be understood as a defense mechanism. To avoid facing their own flaws or mistakes, narcissists often elevate their sense of self-importance, creating an idealized version of who they are. Biblically, this is rooted in pride and pride that keeps people from recognizing their need for a savior. Pride blinds them to the reality of sin and the necessity of forgiveness through Christ. This false self-image is what prevents them from seeking the grace and mercy of God.

 Pride, whether in its narcissistic or more subtle forms, is dangerous. It leads to a lack of empathy, an inflated sense of entitlement, and, at its worst, destructive behavior toward others. The Bible warns us that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). The narcissist’s disregard for others, driven by pride, can create devastating consequences in their relationships and communities.

Overcoming Narcissism: The Gospel’s Power to Transform:

The good news of the gospel is that, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are not left to live according to our sinful nature. Romans 7:5–6 explains that, apart from Christ, we are slaves to sin. But through Jesus, we are set free. We are no longer bound to the flesh but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God's will. As believers, we are called to surrender our selfish desires and be transformed by God’s perspective (Mark 8:34). This process of sanctification, the journey of becoming more like Christ, is about turning away from self-centeredness and toward selflessness.

The process of sanctification requires humility. We must lay down our pride, acknowledge our need for God’s help, and trust that He can change our hearts. As Romans 3:19–26 teaches, it is only through the grace of God that we are made righteous. We cannot earn this transformation; it is a gift.

Narcissism in Leadership: A Danger to the Church:

Narcissism, when manifested in leadership, can have profoundly negative effects on both the church and the wider community. Leaders who are driven by selfish ambition and pride can lead their congregations into spiritual abuse, control, and exploitation. Here are some ways narcissistic leadership can harm the body of Christ:

    Spiritual Abuse: Narcissistic leaders may twist scripture and spiritual authority for their own gain. This misuse of power can lead to emotional and psychological harm among their followers, as the leader becomes more concerned with maintaining their image and influence than caring for the spiritual well-being of the congregation.

    Control and Manipulation: A narcissistic leader will often seek to control others to maintain their status and power. This can manifest as stifling dissent, suppressing independent thinking, and discouraging transparency. Leaders may even manipulate their followers into loyalty or obedience by appealing to their own sense of superiority.

    Exploitation: Narcissistic leaders often exploit their positions for personal gain, whether financial, emotional, or even sexual. They may take advantage of the trust and vulnerability of their followers, leaving them hurt and disillusioned.

    Lack of Accountability: Narcissistic leaders resist accountability, refusing to listen to criticism or admit mistakes. They may dismiss any challenges to their authority as personal attacks, leaving their followers feeling unheard and unsupported.

    Divisive Impact on the Community: A narcissistic leadership style can fracture a church, causing division among members who lose trust in the leader and in the church as a whole. This lack of unity can have lasting negative effects on the spiritual health of the congregation and the broader community.

Overcoming Narcissistic Leadership in the Church

Addressing narcissism in church leadership requires intentional efforts to create accountability, humility, and transparency. Here are some practical ways to combat narcissism in the church:

    Establish Accountability Structures: Leaders must be held accountable to others, both within and outside the church. This helps prevent the concentration of power and ensures that leaders remain humble and transparent in their actions.

    Foster a Culture of Humility and Service: Church leaders should model humility and servanthood, not seeking to elevate themselves but to serve others. As Jesus taught in Matthew 20:26–28, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

    Encourage Shared Leadership: By encouraging a team-based approach to leadership, churches can prevent one person from becoming too influential or self-centered. Shared leadership fosters mutual respect, accountability, and a more balanced approach to decision-making.

    Provide Support for Affected Individuals: Churches should offer support for those affected by narcissistic leadership, whether through counseling, group support, or pastoral care. This helps individuals heal and regain trust in the church community.

Conclusion: The Call to Selflessness

At the heart of Christian discipleship is the call to lay down our lives for others. Philippians 2:3–4 calls us to consider others more significant than ourselves and to look to the interests of others. This is the opposite of narcissism, which centers on self and isolates us from meaningful relationships and service.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reject pride and selfish ambition and to embrace humility and selflessness. When we live this way, not only do we grow in our own faith, but we also become vessels of God’s love, pointing others to the transforming power of Christ. Whether in leadership, relationships, or daily life, we must seek to serve, love, and care for others, reflecting the heart of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

How Much Have I Given? A Reflection on Faith, Generosity, and Marketplace Ministry

How Much Have I Given? A Reflection on Faith, Generosity, and Marketplace Ministry

When you first hear the question, "How much have I given?" what comes to mind? Is it money, something of value, or perhaps something else entirely? We often associate giving with material wealth, but the deeper meaning of this question invites us to consider not just what we give, but where our heart is.

As Matthew 6:21 (NKJV) reminds us, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." What God seeks from us is not just our resources but a heart that is fully devoted to Him. This is why authentic, heart-level relationship is what God desires most from each of us.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV), the Bible encourages us to give not out of obligation or reluctance but from a place of joy: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” This cheerful spirit of giving reflects the nature of God Himself, who gave everything for us.

Another powerful scripture on giving is found in Acts 20:35 (NKJV), where the apostle Paul says, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” In other words, true fulfillment comes not from what we accumulate, but from what we give to others.

The Story of Steve Dulin: A Life Transformed by Giving

One story that powerfully illustrates the impact of generous giving is that of Steve Dulin, the founder of Milestone Construction, Inc., and MasterPlan Business Ministries. In 2005, Steve made a radical decision to give 111% of his income to various ministries aimed at building the Kingdom of God. While this may sound extraordinary, it was a decision rooted in obedience to God's call.

Steve’s story is not just about financial giving but about aligning his life with God’s purposes. By 2006, his business had doubled, and his personal life was flourishing. The key takeaway from Steve’s journey is that God may ask us to give in ways that are beyond our understanding, whether that be through our time, talents, or treasures. What is God asking you to give?

God Wants to Use Your Talents

In Exodus 35:30-35, we read about two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, whom God chose to lead the construction of the Tabernacle. God filled them with His Spirit, giving them skill, ability, and knowledge in various crafts, as well as the ability to teach others. This passage reminds us that God can use anyone, from the business owner to the teacher or craftsman. He knows the talents He has given you, and He wants to use them for His Kingdom.

Perhaps God is asking you to use your unique gifts to serve others. Whether you are a teacher, a craftsman, a business owner, or any other profession, God has a purpose for your talents. The question is: will you allow Him to use them?

Living Out Your Faith in the Marketplace

One of the biggest challenges we face as Christians is learning how to live out our faith in a secular marketplace. How do we engage with the world when we know we are not of it? I once heard a pastor say, "I live in Dallas, but Dallas does not live in me." This powerful statement reminds us that while we may live in the world, we are not defined by it. Our hearts belong to God, and our lives are meant to reflect His Kingdom.

For me, this means submitting my dreams, my goals, and my ambitions to God’s will. Everything I have, from the money I earn to the opportunities I receive, is ultimately God's. As the Bible tells us, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1). I am merely a steward of what He has entrusted to me.

This became especially clear to me recently when I was faced with a financial deadline for a mission trip to Israel. I needed $1,055. Through careful planning and saving, I had set aside money from my job to meet the need. The week before the deadline, I was surprised to find that I would actually have $1,070 in my account. This reminds me of the story in Exodus 16, when God provided the Israelites with manna and quail. The Israelites gathered what they needed, and God ensured that no one lacked. As Exodus 16:17-18 says, "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." God provides exactly what we need when we trust Him.

Ministry in the Marketplace: Sharing My Faith at Work

As I reflect on the ways God is using me in the marketplace, I am reminded that people are watching. They are searching for something that works, something that brings real meaning and purpose. This was evident to me one Friday afternoon after chapel at school, when I was filled with the Holy Spirit and found myself crying out to the Lord. After a powerful time of prayer, I reluctantly went to work, thinking I would rather spend the day with God than at my job.

However, during my shift, a conversation with my co-workers turned into an opportunity to share my testimony. My manager and colleagues were asking me questions, and I found myself standing and sharing about God’s work in my life. When I finished, I was amazed—this was clearly a moment orchestrated by God, not by me. Later that night, the owner of the restaurant sent me to work at a private country club he owns. It felt like another open door for ministry.

The experience reminded me that God can use us in the most unexpected places—whether we are at a restaurant, a business meeting, or in any other everyday situation. People in the marketplace are looking for hope and answers. They need to see the power of God at work in our lives.

How to Be Effective in the Marketplace

To be effective as a Christian in the marketplace, I believe there are a few key principles to live by:

1. Stay Rooted in God’s Word – Read, memorize, and meditate on the Bible daily. Spending time with God is essential for spiritual growth and guidance.

2. Pray for Wisdom – Always pray about every decision, big or small. It’s important to seek God’s will, not the opinions of others.

3. Live Out Your Faith – Galatians 2:20 reminds us that we have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. Let your life reflect His love, grace, and truth.

4. Serve Others – Jesus came to serve, not to be served. In everything we do, we should aim to serve others with humility and respect, whether they are fellow Christians or not.

5. Seek Mentorship – Proverbs 1:5 says, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Find a mentor to help guide you in your walk with God.

6. Get Training – It’s not enough to pray; we must act on what we learn. God wants to be the boss of our lives, and as we submit to His leadership, He will guide us to success.

Conclusion

As we reflect on how much we’ve given, we must remember that true giving is not just about what we offer, but about the posture of our hearts. Are we willing to give whatever God asks, whether it’s time, money, or our talents? The Kingdom of God is built not by what we hold onto but by what we release. Trusting God with our lives, our resources, and our talents is the key to living a life of fulfillment and impact—both in the marketplace and beyond.

- By Donnelly Cameron

Risks

I would rather live a life of risks than live in a prison of fear! Anything of accomplishment will never come without us taking a risk. We cannot live without taking risks. Risks are woven into the very fabric of our daily lives!
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out to another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk exposing our true selves. To place your ideas, your dreams, before the crowd is to risk loss. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair. To try at all is to risk failure. (Author Unknown)

With all that said, the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. Matthew chapter 25 speaks of three men given talents; the first takes a risk by using his and gains more, the second does the same thing. But the third chooses to risk nothing by burying what he has and losses what little he did have.

The person who risks nothing:
– Accomplishes nothing
– Has nothing
– Feels nothing
– And in the end, it becomes nothing.
Risk is essential for growth, so go big or don’t go at all!!

-Dr. Rob Carman, Is the founder of Victory World Missions, a prolific author, church planter and well-know conference speaker. www.robcarman.com

How or Why?

The person who knows “How” will always have a job. However, the person that knows “Why” will always be his boss!

After Thomas Edison’s fame had become international, he was advised to have scientists come to his lab and help him understand just why some of his inventions had worked. Edison didn’t see much use for it, but being open-minded, he consented to the idea. As a result, a brilliant research scientist from Germany came to his lab to explain the principles behind some of his innovations.

Edison handed the man a globe that had been twisted into a gourd-like shape and said, “give me the cubic content of this.” Weeks passed, and eventually, Edison sought out the man to ask him why he hadn’t replied. The scientist began to give him a lengthy explanation about the difficulties of solving such a problem with high mathematics. Edison then picked up the globe, took it over to a nearby sink, and filled it with water. He poured the water into a measuring tube, and holding it up, he said, “this is the cubic content.”

Solutions to most problems are far more simple than we realize. We tend to complicate them and make more out of them than they are. Learn to apply common sense and logic, and always know the whys, not just the hows.

-Dr. Rob Carman, Is the founder of Victory World Missions, a prolific author, church planter and well-know conference speaker. www.robcarman.com

What to Do in Difficult and Trying Times

Some of the most impactful spiritual lessons I have ever learned when I’ve faced challenging and difficult times is when I have continually and consistently applied, these five simple truths listed here. I have found that these truth lessons about who Jesus is really do win the argument in the negative situations I may be facing. I have also found that most, if not all, challenges I face have an underlying goal—to skew my perception of God’s righteousness, faithfulness, and love. But when I practice what I have learned, I find strength and renewed hope. And I believe it is this power that will carry me to the end.

We all have been told that reading the Scriptures and applying due diligence to the study and application of God’s Word in our everyday lives will move us into joy and fulfillment. I bet if I asked you if you could be like the Apostle Paul as he described himself in his letter to Timothy, you would agree that yes, that would be amazing. We all would. What did he write? Glad you asked. He wrote,

I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. (2 Timothy 1:11–12 NIV)

When we love and serve God, it is natural to desire to be anointed and appointed to herald His message—the message of a God who causes us to triumph over all. But then, at the first sign of trouble, for most of us, our faith often trembles, our focus gets diverted, and the issues we face start to overtake us. We try but typically fail at heralding triumph. I confess that I have been quick to forget who I am in Christ, what He says about Himself, His faithfulness, and His power to rescue me. Yes, failed (and miserably) at that. But as I grow in my spiritual walk, I find a go-to remedy—a balm of truths to remember when I face trials and difficulty. And it has made all the difference.

These five simple truth-filled lessons have changed my perspective of the problems I may be facing, aided me in how to pray when my faith is challenged, shaped my faith, and solidified my walk during hard and difficult seasons. I have come to know in whom I have believed in a new and powerful way. And yes, I am learning to say as Paul said, convincingly, that God “is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.”

Before you glance down and assume you have read all this before, before you tap the delete button or, as in some social media cases, swipe left to remove this blog from your screen, I urge you take a moment to read and ponder. Allow the Holy Spirit to breathe life upon what you might otherwise consider “just another blog full of insipid platitudes.” I promise this is in no way a trite A-B-C or 1-2-3 method or solution. I realize that some of you who are reading this may be struggling with extremely difficult or painful situations. And this is in no way intending to minimize sorrow or pain. These suggestions or lessons listed here may not solve your problems or make them disappear; they will, if allowed, anchor you to the God of hope. And hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).

Lesson 1
You Are Never Alone

Have you ever wondered why the Lord says, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) but does also say, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13)? I have.

If He will never leave me, why must I seek Him—especially in a difficult and trying time when I need Him most? Scriptures say He is a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). I have asked what does “present help” look like. Here is what I have learned and applied in my prayer life and has made the difference: He promises to be near to the brokenhearted and the one crushed in spirit. God completely understands our prayers of desperation, our cries for relief. He hears, and He feels compassion towards us—”for we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15).

However, I’d like to suggest that in our trials and difficult seasons perhaps there is an opportunity for us to seek Him and ask: “Lord, how are You revealing Yourself to me in this situation I’m facing? How are You being glorified in this trial?” I’d like to also suggest considering Jeremiah 29:13 in context, with the before and after scriptures. Verse 11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” He has thoughts about each and every one of us, our situations, our future. And they are good, full of peace, and intended to give us hope. When we cannot see during our difficult challenges is when we most need God to share His purposes with us. Verses 12–14 continue, “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, says the Lord.” We have this promise of “finding Him” right in those moments when we can’t see how He could possibly be glorified in what we are facing.

Many would say, “But I am seeking Him; I am praying for a miracle, for deliverance, for provision, for healing, etc.” I say to continue to do so but in addition to try these aforementioned questions. You will find Him in a way that will encourage, strengthen, and empower you to move forward.

Lesson 2
Remember What You Know

Psalm 77 portrays precisely the conflict of the psalmist’s heart as he faced trial and tribulation. When his circumstances threaten to convince him that God has forgotten him, the psalmist articulates exactly what each one of us does in our propensity to forget God’s goodness and miracles. It’s as though the Psalm conveys that the real battle is to obliterate God’s righteous goodness from our memory forever.

But wait! There’s more. The Psalmist makes a choice in verse 11: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago” (NIV). And by the time he finishes writing, not only has he encouraged himself through remembrance of the Lord’s great goodness but he is now exalting the magnificent power of our God!

Another example of this is found in the book of Exodus chapters 14–16. In just a few chapters, we see the Israelites delivered from slavery, brought through the Red Sea, and before you know it, they are grumbling about not having food to eat! The Israelites used to build altars of memorial. We write it down. Yes, the best way of remembering God’s faithfulness is to record it, write it down, refer to it, and share it with others.

Let us not forget. May we be people who fight against every difficulty with the God-given gift of remembering.

My friend, we have to figuratively park in the camp of past memorials where the goodness of God was manifested on our behalf—how He healed, provided for, kept, and sustained us. In trying and testing times it can be easy for our attention and focus to be removed off of God and unto the problem we face. We can be overcome by the distractions of the issues. I’ll admit I am likely first in line when it comes to being completely centered on Jesus but in challenging times. However, I hold on to this truth. I force myself, strain if need be, to see that my mind and heart remember Him. And it works!

Lesson 3
Choose Gratitude

It has been said (tweeted and posted) that to be thankful is to be grateful, and to be grateful is to be happy. But I submit to you that the Scriptures foretold this truth long ago. Because it is just that. Truth. “All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast” is what we read in Proverbs 15:15 (NASB). Consider the value of this scripture. It plainly lays out the difference between a miserable life and a wonderful life. We can choose the negative, bad feelings and live afflicted by them, or we can consider that a continual feast is an option, one that is within the reach of every believer.

When the Scriptures say in Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,” I believe it talks about God imparting to us the thankful, grateful, and cheerful attributes of His own nature. You see, when we choose gratefulness and express it in our worship, the happiness and kindness of our happy God are measured to us and become our portion. We can have as many helpings as we desire.

And this joyful feast satisfies us and sustains us in hardship. It is served right before the eyes of our enemy, and he can do nothing about it—except hate it and retreat far away for it renders him useless and of no effect in our lives.

Lesson 4
Pray for Others

There is an excellent example in Scriptures of what we often call “intercessory prayer”—praying for someone other than ourselves. We find this example in the life of Job when the Lord restores the fortunes of Job after he prays for his friends (see Job 42:7–10 RSV).

One thing we see in that passage is the example of a man interceding on behalf of his friends and God taking it very seriously. But the most significant of all is that Job was not yet healed nor restored when he prayed. This passage is helpful in understanding the power of intercession for others and is setting an example for us to take during our own hardships.

I have experienced times when I have been under tremendous pressure, depressed, overwhelmed, exhausted and someone prayed for me. This steadied me, strengthened me, upheld me, and enabled me. Likewise, there have been times when I have been privileged to pray for others who were in need. And when I have done this, I have found it to be like a medicine for my own soul, because praying for others has been an effectual tool that has kept me from being focused on myself.

What could transpire if we all took the same posture as Job? Job’s actions of praying for his friends in this story are remarkable—to not only be able to take his focus off of himself but to do it in humility, willingly, and obediently is a tried and true lesson for all of us indeed.

Lesson 5
Proclaim It on the Rooftops

I don’t know much, but one thing I do know: I was blind and now I see (John 9:25, paraphrased). In other words, I don’t care what you think, I don’t care what you believe, this is the irrefutable truth: I was blind and now I see, and Jesus Christ the Son of God is responsible for it! This man was facing the rage of the leaders of that day. He knew not what would ensue, yet he was sure of one thing: the way the miracle-working power of God had affected his life.

Talk about the Lord’s goodness with others. Share His Word, His promises, His miracles; the ones He has done for you, the ones you read about, the ones He has done for others, and the ones you are believing Him for! Talk about them, write about them, sing about them, shout them aloud—but whatever you do, make them known (Deuteronomy 11:18–20, paraphrased).

And lastly, because we overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of [our] testimony” (Revelation 12:11), I believe the greatest battle we face in difficult and trying times is trying to avoid accusing God and living offended. Accusation and offense draw us away from Him. Perhaps practicing these simple steps in prayer and conversation might help us find our safe place hidden in God, under the shadow of His wings.

Hold on. Stay steady. Don’t quit. God is for you. May you find His grace to help in your time of trouble (Hebrews 4:16). May you experience God granting you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner man (Ephesians 3:16).

 What are you currently experiencing that could use one of these five lessons?

The latest book from author Daniel Hoogteijling can be used to help you walk through life’s tougher moments knowing you’re loved by God and that He has hope and an answer for the challenges you face. 

Selenia Vera

Selenia Vera resides in Kansas City and has been on staff with the International House of Prayer for more than a decade. She currently serves as the buyer/purchaser for the Forerunner Bookstore. You can visit her blog at seleniascribbles.blogspot.com.

Welcome 2020!

Can you imagine that it’s 2020? To me, it seems like yesterday that we lived with an expectation and uncertainty of a new millennium (for those that can remember Y2K. )

So, I have a challenge, I have no idea who penned the following words, no author is mentioned, but when I read them something leaped inside and challenged me.

“I do not choose to be a common man. It’s my right to be uncommon if I can. I seek opportunity, not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the company look after me. I want to take the calculated risk, to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of the fulfillment to the state of the calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor dignity for a handout. It is my heritage to think and act for myself, to enjoy the benefits of my creations, to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done”’

What a heart full! Although I don’t know who wrote that, I do know who wrote the following. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV.

Keep running, keep going, have big dreams and bold actions, this is going to be a great year. Welcome, 2020!

If you want to start this year off right, I challenge you to download my series called “I Dare You.”

-Dr. Rob Carman, Is the founder of Victory World Missions, a prolific author, church planter and well-know conference speaker. www.robcarman.com

7 Ways to Follow Up with Christmas Visitors & Get them to Return in the New Year

With Thanksgiving officially over, the countdown to Christmas is on. People are caught up in the flurry of shopping, planning/attending parties, picking out gifts, and going to all of the seasonal festivities. It’s during this season that many people are the most open and looking for a real message of hope for their lives. Help them make the Gospel the center of their lives all year long by being a regular part of your church. 

What’s the best way to keep your visitors coming back after the Christmas season? The answer is as simple as “follow up.” Reconnecting with a follow up can go a long way to make visitors feel welcome and cared for, and it increases the likelihood that they will come back. 

Here are 7 great follow up ideas your church can use to get visitors to come back in the new year and beyond:

1) Have a Welcome Team

Your guests will decide if they feel welcome even before they set foot inside. One key way to making a genuine first impression is by establishing a vibrant welcome/greeter team. A smiling face, warm welcome and helpful guidance around your church building is a great way to make visitors feel at home and increase the likelihood that they will return. 

Besides friendly faces, there are a few great tools you can use to create a more welcoming atmosphere. New handheld signs with messages like “You Belong Here” and “Welcome to Church”  are sure to bring a smile as people arrive at your church. 

The next tool that will help visitors feel more comfortable are T-shirts for your greeters and staff. A shirt that says “Ask Me” or “How Can I Help” or just “Welcome” is a subtle way for new guests to know where to turn for directions and basic information. 

2) Offer a Check-in Table 

Once you have made your guests feel welcome, you need a way to contact them in order to follow up after they leave. Check-in tables are a great way to connect with visitors. Placing a check-in table right as visitors walk in and out of the sanctuary, have an iPad or connection cards guests can fill out. 

Many churches are finding it difficult to get visitors to share their contact information during a first visit. Younger visitors are more reluctant to provide “private” information to your church until they feel like they can trust you. Offering a free gift or snacks at your welcome area may be one way to overcome this reluctance. Also make sure the area is staffed by people who are warm, able to answer questions but won’t be too intrusive or pushy. 

3) Plan a Welcome Lunch 

Who can resist free food? Provide people who are new to your church a chance to learn more about your ministry, meet key staff members and connect with other new families at a special lunch meeting. Especially in bigger churches, first-time visitors can feel like it is hard to get to know people, so a welcome class like this is a great way to get people connected and follow up with them. These classes can be held every week or every other week but should be held more frequently during the Christmas season since there are more visitors.

Announcing this class during the service and having the class right after the service is one way to immediately follow up with guests and it is convenient because visitors can find a connection in the church the first time they come.  

4) Say Thank You! 

Remember the Thank You Notes your mom always told you to write after Christmas? Well, turns out she was right, formally thanking someone for spending time in your church can go a long way towards making them feel appreciated and recognized. But make sure you handwrite them and have the lead pastor, teaching pastor or connections pastor sign them. (A children’s leader will also work if the note mentions having the children in their classes). 

If you don’t have an address or time to write a proper note, send visitors a Text message.  Texting may not seem like much, but it can go a long way towards showing visitors that you noticed them and want to be a part of their lives. 

In today’s world, everyone is busy and it can be easy to forget things that are not in someone’s everyday routine. Getting a text from your church is a great way to remind people that they should come again. These texts could be just a little thank you for coming or it could be a reminder of upcoming events. Whatever this text looks like, be sure to personalize it and use the person’s name if you can. 

Texting is also effective because everyone has their phones on them almost 24/7 and that means that the likelihood of your visitors seeing the text is very high. 

5) Inviting Guests Back for An Event

Sometimes people need a reason to return to church – they aren’t used to the weekly routine of just showing up yet. So plan a special guest speaker, movie night or marriage seminar in the weeks after Christmas and then invite all your guests to return for the event.  You can include a small invitation card in your Christmas bulletin shell for your next event and then follow up afterward. 

Email is a great way to share upcoming events and special services. The emails that you send can be as professional or fun as you want and can be general or personalized. Including a person’s name in the subject or headline of the email will increase the chance that the person will read it. In fact, the more personalized you make the email, the more likely visitors are to attend your church and events again. 

Ideally, you should choose to highlight applicable events for your visitors – for example, if they had teens, including an event for your youth group in the email. Also highlighting things that would be incentives such as free food or child care will increase the likelihood that visitors will come again. 

6) Use Social Media 

Social media is all the talk nowadays and is a great tool to reach lots of people at once. On Facebook and Instagram, posts can be targeted towards specific demographics of people in specific areas. This means that after visitors come to your church, you can send out ads for your next events that will reach the people in your area.

This might sound complicated but it doesn’t have to be. Outreach can create and run your social ads through YOUR church’s Facebook and/or Instagram accounts with Outreach Digital.

7) Make a Phone Call 

It’s ironic that most of us carry phones around with us 24/7 but rarely use them to make actual calls! And that is why calling your guests makes a big impression. Even if you get voicemail and leave a message, it shows that visitors are important to your church. It’s even more effective if the person leaving the message met the person on Sunday and can say, “Hey, it was great meeting you and your family and I hope that you will come back for (such and such event).” 

Conclusion

It is exciting to see all of the visitors coming to church this Christmas season, but it’s important to remember that many of them are looking for more than just a seasonal service. Use these tips to help you connect and to share God’s love with the people He brings into your church during this wonderful time of the year. Merry Christmas! 

By: Outreach

With a mission to share God’s love and empower the Church to share the message of Jesus Christ, Outreach has quickly grown to become the largest provider of church outreach products and services in the world. Join the Outreach Weekly for the latest tips, tools, ideas, and deals to help you reach your community for Christ.

Sacrifice of Praise

Holiday movies have always been the custom in our family. One of my faves is The Miracle on 34th Street circa 1947 in original black and white. The movie begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and culminates at Christmas. In our home, these are the bookends of the holiday season; the tree goes up the day after the turkey goes down.

A year-round Thanksgiving movie that always waters my eyes is “Pollyanna.” The main character is a 12-year-old orphan who proceeds to teach an entire town about finding gratitude no matter the circumstance. Both versions (1960 and 2003) are excellent and inspire me to find the bright spots in my life for which I can be glad. (I’m a bit partial towards the later version.)

Growing up, I recall learning about the Pilgrims in school and watching my mom do lots of cooking at home. As we raised our own family, we sought to more intentionally integrate the theme of being thankful into the holiday—along with good food, of course! We read books to introduce our children to the historical figures prominent in those first Thanksgiving feasts. Whether historical or fiction, finding context in the story of others helps us to reflect upon our own stories.

Thanksgiving Day was instituted by President Abraham Lincoln with a proclamation in 1863: “I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

The proclamation concludes with an invitation to prayer. “With humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, to commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.”

The Thanksgiving holiday was forged in the fire of great heartache and loss. Conservative estimates list 620,000 deaths over the four-year period of the Civil War. The grief and sorrow in families, in both Union and Confederacy, was overwhelming. Countless homes gathered around a table of bereavement—far from a Hallmark holiday moment. In many respects, the inauguration of the Thanksgiving holiday reminds me of the biblical phrase “a sacrifice of praise.”

America was two years into a devastating war that would continue for another two years. No one could foresee that even after the war ended the respite from racial and regional strife would be short-lived. The celebration amongst black Americans was derailed by prejudice and greed, and though free from slavery, they were plunged into a state of discrimination for decades to come. Perhaps we could all relate to the irony, the paradox, of aspiring to abide in a state of gratitude while the circumstances of life have stacked the odds against us.

If I was a pastor around the time of the Civil War, I may have preached a sermon from one of the great restoration chapters in the Bible.

This is what the Lord says: “You say about this place, ‘It is a desolate waste.’ Yet . . .  there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, . . . and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord, saying, ‘Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; His love endures forever.'” (Jeremiah 33:10–11 NIV)

The ebbs and flows of life are the “eye of the needle” through which we are invited to offer the sacrifice of praise. Being a pastor for 37 years, I’ve sat with many people who suffered great loss. There is one in particular that stands out. Her name was Maureen—stricken by disease in her teen years that required her to be on a ventilator machine around the clock. Her younger brother died from the same illness, and their dad died at a young age from a heart attack. I had the privilege of visiting her and her mom often during the ten years of my pastorate in their city. Yes, they had their days of “Why Lord?” as we all sometimes do. But they so inspired me with their grateful hearts towards God.

Maureen endured many trials on her way to an enduring city, where she resides now in a redeemed, glorified body.

For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for a city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. (Hebrews 13:14–15 NIV)

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it’s a way of life. Every Christian will agree that a lifestyle of giving thanks is the will of God.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 

A well-known inspirational verse encourages us that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). If you’ve been enduring a season of trial, you know that the morning is not always tomorrow. The timestamp of our breakthrough is unknown, but the sacrifice of praise is for today.

By: Mike and Anne Rizzo, Directors of Marriage and Family Ministries

Mike and Anne Rizzo have been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years and currently serve as directors of Marriage and Family Ministries at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. They carry a passion for personal mentoring, teaching, and raising up marriages that exalt the name of Jesus. Mike and Anne have three grown children and one grandchild and are the authors of Vertical Marriage: A Godward Preparation for Life Together and Longing for Eden: Embracing God’s Vision in Your Marriage.

Happy Birthday America!

I thought it would be of interest to hear from some of our founding fathers and universities on their view about America.

John Adams, “It becomes necessary to every citizen to be in some degree a statesman and to examine and judge for himself the political principles and measures. Let us examine them with a sober Christian spirit.”

Benjamin Rush, “The only means of establishing and perpetuating our Republican form of government is the universal education of our youth in the principals of Christianity by means of the Bible.”

Noah Webster, “Our citizens should early understand that the genuine source of correct Republican principals is the Bible, particularly the New Testament or the Christian Religion.”

Harvard University, “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus which is eternal life and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.”
Then the university went on to say, “Everyone shall so exercise himself in reading the scriptures twice daily that he shall be ready to give such an account of his proficiency therein.”

Yale, “Seeing God is the giver of all wisdom every scholar beside private or secret prayer, shall be present morning and evening at public prayer.”

I believe we need to return to our roots!!!

-Dr. Rob Carman, Is the founder of Victory World Missions, a prolific author, church planter and well-know conference speaker. www.robcarman.com

Life is Like A Cafeteria

It has been said that life is like a cafeteria. Years ago there was an immigrant that had come to America from Europe, being new to this country he was unfamiliar with many of its customs and practices. After getting settled in a nearby apartment he began to familiarize himself with the area, soon he became hungry and went to a nearby restaurant. He took a seat at a table waiting for a waitress to take his order. He waited and waited, but no one came.

A woman observing the man approached him and said, “Sir this is a cafeteria, no one will wait on you, take your place in line and get whatever you want and then you pay for it.”

This is a fantastic picture of life! You see, life is like a cafeteria, you can get what you want if you’re willing to pay the price, but you’ll NEVER get what you want if you wait for someone to bring it to you. There’s a story told about a person who compiled a huge book that contained the wisdom of the ages, he brought it to the King, who said: “The book is too big, no one will read it.” So he made it smaller and showed it again to the King, who said, “smaller, it’s still too big” this was repeated several times until he had reduced all the wisdom to just one page, that read “There’s no free lunch.”

It is true that you can have what you want if you’re willing to pay for it, but you’ll NEVER get what you want if you wait for someone to bring it to you.

I’ve put together a series of messages that will help you. Download my series called “I Dare You” and get your life moving forward.

-Dr. Rob Carman, Is the founder of Victory World Missions, a prolific author, church planter and well-know conference speaker. www.robcarman.com