“The illiterate of the 21st century are not those that cannot read or write but those that cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” -Alvin Toffler
Wow!
This has been an explosive season of learning, growing and stretching for me. Ever since I was a little boy, I made the commitment to be a life long student. Growing up, my grandfather would tell me, “Your life is a university. Every day, take a class.” As a result, I’ve always started each year with a few attainable goals that challenge me spiritually, financially and socially.
One of my goals for 2016 was to invest in personal development. As a pastor, I prepare content weekly to preach to a growing congregation. In addition, I teach two classes during in The Equipping Center (TEC) ministry school, as well as countless private messages for insights, problem solving and ideas. This is taxing and I find that the more I feed, the more I must be fed! With this in mind, I specifically looked up events and conferences that I’ve never been to and don’t know anyone. This forced me to meet new people, learn new ways of doing things and to find out what else is out there.
Although it’s only the first quarter of the year, my heart is racing and my vision has been reinvigorated. I wanted to share a few highlights from some of the public and private events I’ve attended recently. These 10 nuggets have made a tremendous impact on my life!
Project Gideon – Dallas, TX
A mentoring program by Bishop T. D. Jakes
1. “In ministry, there will be fluctuations. Your ability to understand fluctuations determines the depth of your leadership.” -TDJ
2. “Every idea needs a strategy. If there is no strategy, there is no stream.” -TDJ
3. “Always be interested and not just interesting.” -Sundra Ryce
4. “I coach the masses, I mentor the few. I can coach a person that I don’t see. Mentoring is when I take a portion of my life and invest into that particular person.” -Holton Buggs
5. “The power is in the WHY. Teaching tells you the WHAT. Mentoring tells you the WHY.” -TDJ
6. “Mentoring is MEN TOURING each other’s lives.” -TDJ
Q Commons – New York City
A faith and culture event hosted by Gabe Lyons.
7. “It’s not an easy to be a leader and it’s not an easy time to find a leader you can trust.”
8. “A leader increases others flourishing by their own vulnerability. The challenge of leadership is the proper stewarding of vulnerability.” -Andy Crouch, Strong & Weak
CAP Retool – Atlanta, GA
An association of pastors hosted by Bishop Dale Bronner.
9. “Let the changes you make be evolutionary and not revolutionary. Know your pace.” -Bishop Dale C. Bronner
10. “There are three types of people you need in your life to accomplish your mission. Doers, Donors and Door openers. Doers have time but no resources. Donors have resources but no time. Door openers have the ability to take you to the next level. Evaluate your life and see who is who.” -Bishop Dale C. Bronner
The Global Report 