“The difference between school and life is that in school, you are taught a lesson and then given a test; In Life you are given a test that Teaches You a lesson”

“He, who opens a school door, closes a Prison”

Are you one of those young men and women who are either losing or have already lost control of their minds and behavior to peer pressure and popular culture?
Do you dance to the tune of other people’s music or are you making your own music?
Are you an eagle soaring high in the skies of success or are you a chicken flocking together with other chicken and doing dumb stuff because “OTHERS” are doing it?
Are you a character in other peoples stories or are you writing your OWN story?
Are you just an oxygen thief wasting time/space in school or college or are you a student aspiring to achieve academic excellence?
Are you in control of your life and future? Or are controlled by your life?
“I WISH I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW”
Trust me that these words will definitely roll off your tongue or go through your mind ten or twenty years to come…….UNLESS you TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE” NOW!
Many grownups today will tell you the same thing. If somehow they were taken back into their teenage years in high school or college there are so many things they would do differently. Top most on their list would take their school or college work seriously! To perform exceptionally well in class and come out with top grades. This would have put them firmly on their desired career paths and ensure that they “DETERMINE THEIR DESTINY”
  But now to most of them it’s a little too late. And they have been left “WISHING THAT THEY KNEW THEN WHAT THEY KNOW NOW”
“DON’T JOIN THAT GROUP”
“DON’T TAKE THAT PATH”
“DON’T RUIN YOUR LIFE BY WASTING THE OPPORTUNITY YOU HAVE NOW”
Seize the moment and start writing your OWN STORY of your life. The good thing about writing your own story is that you can create whatever HAPPY ENDING YOU DESIRE”
The value of Education has shot sky-high. It is a necessity in today’s world. The intellectual competition out there is cut throat! Gone are the days when people floated through school or college and came out with poor grades and a certificate.
In today’s world “GOOD EDUCATION IS THE KEY”.  The world is quickly becoming “A GLOBAL VILLAGE”  and that means you have to think globally and not locally!
You are a brand unto yourself and any marketer will tell you that a brand which offers a high value in terms of satisfaction is a strong brand. It can sell anywhere. THAT’S WHY COCA COLA IS EVERYWHERE”
In the same breath education will turn you into an international brand marketable anywhere! It will open doors and make you fit perfectly into the global society. “THE OPPOSITE IS GRIM” lack of good education will limit you. Like a poorly valued brand you will be utmost unmarketable anywhere.
Education opens up life to diverse possibilities and opportunities, as vast as the universe itself! It expands your mind and broadens your thinking. It affords you knowledge “WHICH IS POWER” it places the world at your feet. You can achieve anything you want , so long as you put your mind to it!
If you are either reading this article of listening to me present it in some of the leadership seminars and mentorship workshops and through my motivational speaking or via most of the social media that I am in, YOU HAVE JUST PUT YOURSELF ON THE RIGHT PATH TOWARDS DETERMINING YOUR FUTURE!
The program that I run is called “DESTINY SHAPERS METORSHIP PROGRAM” and  I target ages 12 and above that’s high school and college and university students in Kenya and beyond.
It’s a fact that EDUCATION SYSTEM IN KENYA have no provision for academic skills such as time management and study techniques leaving the students to use their own means.
Recent media reports have highlighted the lack of discipline in schools that has led to wanton strikes and Arson. This coupled with many problems that plague high school students and college students has exposed the need for focused attention on the dynamic needs of today’s students.
“DESTINY SHAPERS METORSHIP PROGRAM” (founded by me and registered under the laws of Kenya) is propelled by the desire to offer guidance to students in areas such as the importance of education ,developing academic goals, managing time ,preparing for exams ,physical, health, discipline, and good social behavior. This program is unique because it combines academic principles with motivational precepts to offer an un paralleled guide to motivational package.
“The future is a ball of wet clay, it is up to you to mold it into what you want it to be. And that process begins with getting a good education”

About the author: Moses Njoroge is the founder of the keep the hope alive initiative and destiny shapers mentorship programs. follow me on facebook @Destiny Shapers mentorship

Loving others isn't an option; it's a requirement....

 Colossians 3:12-14says, Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Also, in john 13:34 Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Loving others isn't an option; it's a requirement -- a command. As a follower of Christ, there are no excuses for not loving someone.

WHAT DOES 21ST-CENTURY CHRISTIAN YOUTH NEED?

We thank the God of heaven that there are youth in His church who love Him and make their best effort to live a godly life. It is both refreshing and encouraging to see their youthful zeal. If young folks are in the Christ, then I do not look at them as the church of the future – they are just as much God’s child as I am, and they are the church of the present. True, they may be future leaders in the church, and they may outlive older members and keep the church going strong, but I dare not count them as low-level or inferior members of the body.

What are the spiritual needs of our youth? What do they need in their lives that can help them to bear spiritual fruit and be ready to go to heaven after their earthly journey ends? I do not have a magic wand that can guarantee 100% spiritual success, but here are five fundamental needs of today’s young saints.

 

(1) To see good examples from adult Christians – Paul told the brethren in Philippi, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). We who are older owe it to our younger brothers and sisters to set the same kind of example that Paul did. As the same apostle instructed Titus, “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7), so our lives ought to be an exemplary model for our youth. As we teach them God’s truth, we must also live it in our own lives (Romans 2:21-23).

 

(2) To be loved – That is a basic human need at each stage and age of life. Our youth may never directly say to us, “Please love me,” but, in fact, they have a tremendous need to be on the receiving end of agape love – the kind of love that wants what is best for them. They need to know that we really care for them, yes, that we “will very gladly spend and be spent” for them (2 Corinthians 12:15). They deserve to be encouraged and complimented for good efforts. Because our heart truly longs for them to have the most fruitful life in Jesus (Colossians 1:10), we must be committed to telling them what they need to hear for their personal and spiritual development. That includes discipline in two phases: first, education about proper conduct in God’s sight, and second, when needed, a word or action that warns or rebukes. Jesus rebukes and chastens those whom He loves (Rev. 3:19). There are times when our youth need “tough love,” but let us always approach them with respect and compassion.

 

(3) To be given opportunities to use and develop their talents – Servants of the Lord, at every age level, have abilities. As the Parable of the Talents shows us (Matthew 25:14-30), our Lord wants us to use for His glory the abilities and blessings which He has placed in our hands. Yes, He wants us to be faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:1). Like those of us whose youthful days are a distant memory, young saints need to use and develop their talents. That takes time. It also takes experience, but one cannot gain experience unless he/she is granted opportunities. Let us make our greatest effort to get our youth involved in the work of the local church – involved in visiting widows, performing tasks around the church building, reaching out to members who have left their first love, distributing literature, leading in worship (if brothers), helping teach kids, and many other aspects of the Kingdom. Let us take time to work with them and train them. It will pay great dividends both now and in the future.

(4) To develop close friendships with other faithful members of the Lord’s church – Studies indicate that when young disciples of Jesus have a close friendship with not just one, but several other young saints, they have a much higher probability of remaining faithful to the Lord through the trials of life that inevitably will come their way. While “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33), it is equally true that close camaraderie with those of “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1) can be a wonderful leavening factor, provide encouragement, and even supply “positive peer pressure” to keep a person from making foolish choices. Parents, you are making an invaluable investment in your child’s future when you provide him and his close Christian friends with opportunities to spend time together.

 

(5) To develop their own personal faith –This is the key, brethren. It is not simply of major importance, it is the key! The Bible says that what overcomes the world is our faith (1 John 5:4). The just/righteous live and please God by faith (Hebrews 10:38,39). Since faith is produced by hearing God’s word (John 17:20; Romans 10:17), then this must be the focus of our efforts! We must get our youth into God’s Book – teach them, indoctrinate them, ground them in the truth. The four matters that I have already mentioned above will be of no value unless a young sister or brother develops her/his own faith; not an inherited faith, but a personal faith that is a blend of conviction and trust that leads to obedience.

Do you know what? As I look over the above list of five things that I scribbled down today, I realize that even though I am closer to 40 years of age than I am to 20 years , I have a lot in common with my youthful sisters and brothers – my spiritual needs are basically the same as theirs. That is correct. While I may have to face somewhat different challenges at this stage of my life, in reality, if I am going to serve my Lord faithfully, then my spiritual needs must be met – the very same needs that our youth have. Hmm, I must be special, too! Let us pray for our youth and support their efforts to live for the living God.

 

Read edited adopted by

 

Moses Njoroge Gitonga.

A passionate youth mentor And a Motivational speaker

A Youth Ambassador (Laikipia County)

Founder Destiny Shapers Mentorship Program.

A Youth director.

 

Rights by Dr. C

Your past does not equal your future.!!!

I don’t know about your past or what it was like but what I do know is that it can be changed.

“Don’t ever let someone tell you-you can’t do something. Not even me.” 

In you there is a light that is waiting to be turned on. In you there are abilities waiting to be revealed. In you is compassion waiting to be shared. In you is love that is not yet given. In you is the person you are destined to become.

Your past does not equal your future.

Look into your own life. Let’s go back to your childhood days. Do you remember that kid in your class who always talks, seems to be districted and the prediction was that he was not going to amount to anything? But he did. Do you personally know of anyone who has proven that what they wanted out of life became a reality? Do you remember that nerd who no one wanted to talk to? But he or she has become a great success. I say that to say, you don’t have to go too far to realize that your past doesn’t equal your future.

If what you are experiencing is poverty. That can change. If in your past you had bad relationships after bad relationships. That can change. If you were told you are not good enough. That can change. It doesn’t matter what the experiences were, you can have a better future.

A quick note: You may have to change your mindset. You may have to believe in yourself before others do. You may have to start using examples of other people success to encourage your own endeavors, but don’t judge your future base on your past experiences. Everybody has experience that they sometimes which they could change but you know what, it is some of those same experiences helped them to be who they are today. What they did was use their experiences to propel them forward into being a better and stronger person and you must believe you too can do the same.

What do you believe is possible for you?

Shared!!

More on www.njorogemoses.wordpress.com

 

I WILL DIRECT MY FOCUS!!!!!!

The lack of focus can cause people to neglect their responsibility and it can also confuse others.

Distractions are all around us but to make the best of our time and resources we have to learn how to direct our focus on the things that really are clearly in line with our goals. We must understand that even if something is similar or related if it is not our intended goal it is a distraction.

“You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support.“ 

Being focused is a requirement for success and although the journey can be rigorous at times we still have to maintain our focus despite how tempting the distractions are.

In fact, our perception on life is a result of our focus. That is to say, if we focus on the positive in and around our lives, our perception will be positive. If we focus on the negative our perception on life will be negative.

“I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest.

However, directing our focus is more than what is happening around us. We should be focusing on the things that we want to get done. By doing so, we’ll be able to achieve our objective.

“Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us; concentrate our energy.”

For me, when I was unable to focus on a specific task I realized that I lose my motivation faster. Upon learning how to focus which came as a result of knowing exactly what I wanted to do, I then realized that I was able to stick with what I was doing longer. In fact, I see it through to the end. It is the direct focus that will help us to avoid the unnecessary distractions that will only take us off course.

What I also found interesting upon deciding to focus was a lot more distractions. I believe life test us at times to see how serious we are about the things we want. Don’t lose focus.

Our focus changes our outlook on life. When our outlook changes, our behavior changes too.

@Sesmoyd on twitter #MosesToday on facebook @Moresaysgn on IG

More on www.njorogemoses.wordpress.com

 

Don’t dim your light to please anyone

It’s time to trust yourself, make your life count and it’s time to expect the best from life.

Don’t be afraid to stand out. What we do sometimes is downplay our own abilities so we can fit in. There is no power in that. Playing small is actually giving your power away. Have you ever been told that you did a good job and you downplayed the validation by not embracing the well-deserved commendation? If you have, you didn’t embrace your power. Embrace it and let those who congratulate you know you appreciate it.

Don’t dim your light to please anyone…

You have a purpose to fulfill and yes, you may not want to let those around you feel bad so you suppress your greatness but, dimming your light will only rob you of your own happiness. You have a gift, give it! Share it! Embrace it! Shine your light for the world to see. Don’t be afraid to speak your truth and although some people may not like it, you too have a purpose to fulfill. When you embrace your power you give your life meaning because you decide to share with the world what’s inside you. Your unique ability, it may not be like those around you and that’s fine but you are in this world to leave your own imprint, leave your mark of which may just change the lives around you.

If you don’t step into your divine purpose there will be people who will not recognize theirs. It’s time to shine your light! Speak your truth! Live your purpose!

We sometimes live our lives at the mercy of others because we want to fit in. You are not here to fit in. You are the embodiment of something great – you are powerful beyond measure and if you want to live your greatness you’ll have to embrace your power – your personal power. Your gift, your uniqueness, embrace it. Don’t dim your light to please others God gave you a gift and you must give it, live it, share it and embrace it. Give the world what you have and don’t allow anything to stop you from being you.

Don’t be afraid to rock the boat.

more on www.njorogemoses.wordpress.com

 

Not Everybody Is Going To Understand Your Journey

Not everybody is going to understand your journey especially if you are going about it the unconventional way. If you decide to take the road less traveled you are going to come across people (friends and families) who will not understand your journey and that’s fine. But if you are okay with being misunderstood by others you’ll become more confident in expressing who you truly are and your desires. 

In fact, the only person who knows exactly what you want is you. You don’t have to explain yourself to everybody who doesn’t understand and sometimes when you even take the time to explain yourself it is a possibility that they’ll still not understand. What normally happens after a while is that you will realize that you have only wasted your time, so don’t feel as if you are obligated or subjected to explain yourself because you are not. I know it can be hurtful especially when you think the person who is supposed to support your dream doesn’t but don’t worry because you’ll find some people who do.

I sincerely support those who are going after their hearts desire and if you so choose to make your dream a reality, bear this in mind, you are going to find someone somewhere who doesn’t understand you or your journey. If you stop to explain and be approved by everyone you may end up confusing yourself. It’s better for them to be confused – not you. You are going to be misunderstood by some people and again that’s fine.

However, as you venture on your pursuit keep an open-mind and when you get feedback from others that you may not like, don’t take it personally because as we go we grow. Don’t wait to be understood by those who don’t understand your journey because if you do you may not reach where you want to go. And sometimes it is when you get where you have intended to go you’ll find that those who didn’t understand your journey final come around. Don’t wait to be understood – because some people will never understand.

What do you do in a situation where you are misunderstood?

More on www.njorogemoses.wordpress.com

Hashtag on facebook is #MosesToday

Twitter handle is @sesmoyd

 

What Is worse than Being Poor

What Is worse than Being Poor

“Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I give myself reasons why I can.” Unknown

You can have a life that is exceptional if you can look beyond where you are currently. It is important to know that if you are in pursuit of having a better life for yourself you can once you realize that the mind is a powerful tool. You may have seen and heard of many who came from humble beginnings. Therefore if you are in a situation that you would like to change as long as you are not poor in mind, you can have that which you want. What I think is worse than being poor is to have a negative mindset, a negative attitude towards life.

You want to give yourself reasons for the things you have said you wanted.

The people who have changed their outcome in life have a positive mindset, a positive attitude towards life. Therefore, if you want to change your situation despite your humble beginning you can if you can change your outlook on life.

A positive attitude brings strength, energy, motivation and initiative. Unknown

Our mind is powerful – it can be our greatest ally and or our worst enemy. It is us who have to decide on if we are going to use it for our pathway to where we want to go or have it holding us back from what is possible.

“I can do it” is the attitude you want to have.

For you to have the breakthrough you want in life you have to have a breakthrough attitude. Your breakthrough will be based on how you think. Your mindset has a lot to do with your outcome. You may have heard it before, but I will tell you again – your success is a matter of your mindset.

“If it’s hard, it’s time to do it hard. Moses Njoroge

 

YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. -Abraham Lincoln
Have you ever find yourself counting the days? I know I have, but what I found out is that I get fewer things done. In all reality the day is going to come regardless of you counting it or not. Therefore, you want to be spending your day doing something worthwhile, something productive, something that creates positive results in your life. To have a worthwhile, productive or positive result in your days you have to make the day count and not just counting your days. How do you make your days count, you may ask?
These five ways can help you make your days count:
Thinking positively – Yon cannot have a worthwhile, productive or positive results in your day if you are thinking negatively. How you think and what you think matters a whole lot when it comes on to make your days count.
Doing at least 3 things that is aligned with your goals daily – To make the progress you want in your life after you have identify what you want is to do something that will foster growth in the area you want to grow in. How you do that? You do it by deliberately doing something pertaining to your goals.
Do something fun – Doing something fun will help you to take your mind away from the mundane, as it is important that you have balance. By doing something fun it will help you to relax and intern help you to refocus on your objectives. Also, doing something fun is rewarding. It is also a means of you taking care of yourself which intern leads to sustainable success.
Do a good deed – There is never a better way to make your day count that to give back positively in to someone else’s life.
Spend time with people who supports you, encourages you and uplifts you – Doing so will help you to do all the other things you want to get done.
Make your days count!
#MosesToday www.mosesnjoroge.blogspot.com

HOW TO SEE CHANGE AS A POSITIVE THING IN 2015

HOW TO SEE CHANGE AS A POSITIVE THING IN 2015

The start of a new year brings with it a lot of things: commitments, resolutions, goals and changes. While this is a perfect way to start a brand new year, the idea of changing what we already have can be a scary thought. We take this moment to reflect on the need for change in our lives and how we can overcome the anxiety that accompanies it.

Why Is It Needed and How to Accept Change?

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”- Charles Darwin.

While it is one of the most difficult things you can attempt, the idea of dealing with change is also the single most important tool for personal growth and improvement. Whether at your workplace or your personal life, the only way to grow and move forward is by accepting that things will not remain the same.

You might be wondering how to deal with change without spiraling into phases of anxiety or stress. Here are some of the basic ways in which you can implement a positive outlook on change: See change as a challenge and opportunity; focus on the positives; gradual progression and appreciation.

See Change as a Challenge and Opportunity:

Many of us fall into the trap of the blame-game. If the change leaves damage instead of benefits we are quick to devolve into guilt or anger. Instead of following the path to negative thoughts view the situation as a challenge. In fact, one of the ways to embrace change is by comparing it to the most difficult challenges that you have faced in your life. How you coped with changes then and what followed as a result is a perfect way of making sure that you see the current wave of change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

Focus on the Positives:

All things have pros and cons. Any sort of change takes some time getting used to. Rather than dwell on the negatives, see change as a challenge that has to be overcome. If you can shift your focus towards what you can do it will allow you to be more adaptable, strong and creative. Furthermore, this increases your chances of learning something new instead of dwelling on the past. Reframing change as an opportunity is the perfect way of cultivating a positive mindset.

Gradual Progression:

One way to deal with any sort of alteration is to break it down to smaller details. What this does is it allows you to deal with change effectively while minimizing feelings of being overwhelmed. If it is an unexpected work project, break it down into components and delegate rather than trying to solve the entire thing by yourself. This prevents stress and will allow you to appreciate the change as a learning experience.

Appreciation:

The key to developing a positive outlook on change is to develop appreciation for every little thing as it is now. In that sense, accepting change is necessary and doing so ensure that you are living life in the present moment and not stressing over the possibilities and what will come tomorrow. The awareness that things could alter any minute is crucial in cultivating gratitude and appreciation for the present as it is.

You cannot stop change but you can do your best with change.

Whether good or bad, one of the best thing you can do to help you move on is to focus constantly on positive and acceptance that everything changes. The mindset for change has to arise within you and is often accompanied by relentless positivity and fearlessness.

Are you ready to give the New Year all you got?

Blogging continues

More on www.mosesnjoroge.blogspot.com

 

THINGS THAT I AM PRAYING WILL HAPPEN IN OUR CHURCHES IN 2015

THINGS THAT I AM PRAYING WILL HAPPEN IN OUR CHURCHES IN 2015

 

These are my eight prayer requests for churches in 2015:

1. For greater emphasis on prayer. Many, if not most, churches have a woeful emphasis on corporate prayer. Churches who do not give prayer a high priority are churches without God’s power.
2. For standing firm on biblical truth. Culture is trying to push our congregations away from the truths of Scripture. We cannot yield to that pressure. If we do, our congregations cease to be true, biblical churches.
3. For greater unity in our churches. There is too much infighting in many of our congregations. And there is too much disunity from church to church. The world is watching our fights. “Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us” (1 John 3:23).
4. For greater intentionality in evangelism. The typical church in America is doing very little to share the gospel of Christ boldly and intentionally. May we be so grateful for what Christ has done for us that “we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
5. For greater emphasis on groups. Churches should grow larger by growing smaller. A church member not in a small group or Sunday school class is not fully committed to the body.
6. For membership to be more meaningful. For many churches, membership has become nearly meaningless. For others, membership is a perceived entitlement, much like country club membership. I pray that membership in our congregations will become truly biblical as Paul demonstrated in 1 Corinthians 12.
7. For clear plans of discipleship. Too many congregations cannot clearly articulate how members can become more obedient followers of Christ.

 

8. For more ministry involvement and impact in our communities. I pray that our churches will become known by the positive impact they have in their respective communities. As we obey Acts 1:8, we must first be obedient to our own Jerusalem.

 

Adapted from a church blog that I read on a daily basis..

MY PRAYER FOR THE CONGRAGATION THAT I AM A PART OF. I LOVE BLOGGING ABOUT THE CHURCH. Find more on www.njorogemoses.wordpress.com

7 Warning Signs Your Church Staff Is In Trouble

7 Warning Signs Your Church Staff Is In Trouble 

The caliber of your church staff is crucial to the long-term health of your church. Honing your ability as a leader and your church staff's ability to operate as a high functioning team takes work, but the payoff will prove beneficial for the development of your church's community. 

We sometimes have blinders on when we look at our own church staff. We're there day in and day out, trying to stay above water as we deal with the urgent matters before us each day. It may feel overwhelming to even think about anything but only what has to be done today. However, when you focus on developing the synergy of your church staff, you'll begin to see the power of how a great team can revolutionize your church. 

The team rebuilding process begins with the team leader’s awareness of the reality of how the team is functioning. When you drive a car, there are often subtle cues that tell us if the car isn’t functioning as well as it should. If we don’t pay attention to the rattle of the engine or the squeak of the brakes, we’ll see lights on the dashboard. The signals are there to protect us. If we ignore those signals, it’s at our own peril. 

In a team, there will be signals that will be subtle at first but will warn you that your team needs attention. 

What are some warning signs that your team is heading for a breakdown? 

1. One or more members of your team do not contribute ideas or thoughts during meetings.  

Pay attention and take notes. Who’s speaking up? Who’s being quiet? Who’s acting independently, and who seems to need handholding?  Observe Body language and facial expressions. Was there an opportunity for healthy debate that was missed? The way your team interacts with each other in staff meetings will help you take a temperature check of how they are interacting with other in the office. 

Ask yourself: Who isn’t speaking up in meetings? Should I have a one-on-one meeting with them this week to make sure their ideas and concerns are being heard?   

 2. Blame shifting is toxic.  

Are your team members taking responsibility for their actions or not? Are members of your church staff blaming a lack of productivity on another team member? Be quick to notice and address blame shifting, or your team members will quickly feel beaten down. 

Blame shifting can also contribute to a culture of gossip, which will cause division on your team. We’ll talk more about gossip below.  

Ask yourself: Is my senior leadership taking responsibility when our team experiences failure or is blame shifting happening? Is there gossip that is breaking down our team unity? Who do I need to talk to this week to address gossip before it’s out of control? 

3. Absence of healthy conflict.  

It is a misconception that healthy teams should never experience conflict. In fact, the truth is quite the opposite. Healthy teams engage in healthy conflict because they are striving to do what is best for the church. Thus, leaders should encourage a culture where team members' ideas, opinions, and concerns can be heard. A lack of healthy conflict could mean that team members have lost their passion for their role or the overarching vision of the team. 

Be sure to incorporate a diverse mix of personalities on your leadership team. You don’t want a table of “yes-men” who just say yes to everything that the leader says. Create a culture where feedback and constructive criticism is invited and encouraged at the table. You set the tone as the leader as to how feedback will be handled on your team.  

Ask yourself: When was the last time someone told me no, and how did I respond? Am I inviting my team to give me feedback and constructive criticism on ideas and initiatives before I move forward?  

4. Lack of trust and a fear of speaking the truth.  

Does your team trust each other? Are staff meetings a safe place? If you sense that certain team members are dominating the decision-making and others seem uncomfortable speaking up, lean into the root of the situation. The most effective teams trust each other.  

You set the tone as the leader of the team as to how you trust them. If you are micromanaging your team, you are showing them that you do not trust their problem solving ability. However, if you are too absent as a leader and make decisions without your team’s input, they might feel that you don’t trust or value their opinion. Be intentional about showing your team you trust them.   

 

If you do sense a lack of trust, consider planning a retreat or onsite where you can help build cohesion among your team. Team building doesn’t happen overnight, but there are tangible team building principles you can apply now.  

At our staff onsite, we have an hour dedicated to encouraging one another and building trust among our team. We chose someone’s name from a piece of paper in a bowl, have them stand in front of the team, and share words of affirmation with them about how we see them living out our company values on a daily basis. It has proven to build immense trust among our team, especially for newer team members. It allows people to feel noticed and loved by their colleagues.  

Another way to build trust is to do a team building problem solving activity. See if your city has an Escape Game location. It has become a popular and fun way for teams to build trust outside of the office. The idea is that you have a case to solve and only one hour to solve it. Everyone on the team is needed to solve the problem. Nashville’s is NashvilleEscapeGame.com, and Houston’s is HoustonEscapeRoom.com. 

Ask yourself: When was the last time our team stepped away from everyday work and intentionally spent time building trust with each other? Do I show my team I trust them or do I micromange them? 

5. Offline conversations about one or more individuals on the team.  

Gossip will destroy a team. As a leader, you must be clear that there will be a zero tolerance for gossip on the team and be the primary example of this no-gossip policy. Consider having your team write and sign a no-gossip covenant with each other to help establish expectations and build trust. 

Our client Dave Ramsey has zero tolerance of gossip on their team of over 400 employees. He understands the power gossip can have in deflating a culture of teamwork and cohesion when senior leadership does not address gossip early on.  

Ask yourself: Am I gossiping to my senior leadership team? What tone am I setting as a leader? Is it time for our team to sign a no-gossip covenant?  

6. Meetings to debrief meetings.  

If your church staff is constantly in meetings, then when is ministry being accomplished? If your team is overwhelmed with meetings, take a step back and ask your team why these meetings are necessary. There may be unhealthy reasons for too many meetings including micromanaging, a dominating leader, or an understaffed team. 

 As a leader, think about how much each meeting costs you. How many people are sitting in the meeting? If you break down each of those staff member’s salaries, how much are you paying them to sit in that meeting? Then ask yourself, “Is the return on this meeting worth the time and money I’m investing to have this meeting?” This will help you prioritize which meetings are more necessary than others.  

Ask yourself: What is the purpose of our daily, weekly, or monthly meetings? Are we seeing results come out of those meetings that make them worth it? Are there people in the meeting whose time would be better spent outside of the meeting? 

7. People take a back seat to productivity.  

If your church staff is placing productivity above people and ministry, then your vision needs to be revisited. Is your team giving people a back seat to productivity because they have too much on their plate? You may need to hire more staff. Are people taking the back seat because your church staff is ignoring them? Your staff may be burned out, or you may need to let some people go. 

Ask yourself: How have I instilled vision in my team this week that people matter? Am I continually pushing numbers, or am I focusing on life change?   

Have you noticed any of these characteristics in your church staff? Rebuilding a team is hard work, but it's crucial to the long-term health of your church.      

Adopted this edited it and shared it.. LEADERSHIP IS HARD. BUT ASA LEADER YOU SHOULD ALWAYS READ THE SIGNS THAT ALL IS NOT WELL IN YOUR TEAMOR ELSE THE FALL WILL FIND YOU UNEXPECTEDLY. PROPHETICALLY SPEAKING…..#MosesToday www.mosesnjoroge.blogspot.com or www.njorogemoses.wordpress.com on tweeter as @sesmoyd instagram as @moresaysgn on facebook I am moses Njoroge and on linkedin its Moses Njoroge

Five Reasons Why Millennials Do Not Want to Be Pastors or Staff in Established Churches

Five Reasons Why Millennials Do Not Want to Be Pastors or Staff in Established Churches
Not all Millennials are averse to serving in leadership roles in established churches. But many of them are. And our churches are approaching a tipping point where many are unable to attract Millennial members or leaders. It will likely soon be a crisis.

What is it about established churches that push away Millennials? Let’s examine that question first, and then let’s look at some possible solutions.
1.Millennials perceive established churches to have values that are entrenched in non-missional traditions. Millennials have values that focus on community, cooperation, and service to others. They see established churches as barriers to those values, institutions that are more concerned about maintaining the status quo rather than making a missional difference.

2.They perceive that much time in established churches is wasted catering to members’ personal preferences. For a number of Millennials, the established church feels more like a religious country club rather than an outwardly-focused organization. Budgets, ministries, and activities seem to be focused on preferences of members rather than reaching out to others.

3.Many established churches are denominationally loyal; but many Millennials see denominations as antiquated organizations. If a church is affiliated with a denomination, this younger generation views both the church and the denomination as anachronisms. They don’t see either as effective or relevant.
4.Millennials don’t see established churches as community-centric. The men and women of this generation typically have a heart for their community. Many have become key to the revitalization of urban communities and other locales. But they see most established churches with a minimal focus at best on the community in which they are located

5.Millennials see church planting as a far superior alternative. To use a well-worn phrase, they would rather have babies than raise the dead. They see futility in wasting precious resources of people, time, and money on churches that will not likely budge or change.

As a reminder, the Millennials are almost 80 million in number. While Christians comprise only about 15 percent of this generation, they still are an influential force in our churches. And, to this generation’s credit and defense, many of their concerns are valid. #MosesToday more on www.mosesnjoroge.blogspot.com
adopted from Rainer

I CANT HELP BUT WONDER,!!!

I Can’t Help But Wonder

The report was bleak, the morale was worse...

Why is it that Christians are often pessimists about the culture? Have you noticed? We mope and shake our heads in disgust. We walk around with our shoulders hunched and our spirits low. From all appearances, we’ve given up and given in.

As I read Numbers 13, I am struck by the account of the spies who had investigated the Promised Land. I’m not mistaking for a moment that the United States is the Promised Land, it’s not... but I am struck by the pessimism of God’s people – honestly, it feels familiar. The land had giants and a value system that celebrated destruction.

This was not news to God. He wasn’t sending His people on a suicide mission; He was inviting them to witness His surpassing power. A land that devours its inhabitants was no match for Him.

God didn’t expect His people to be naïve; He expected them to be confident. God was on their side. This confidence should have birthed optimism (someday I’ll ask Caleb and Joshua why it didn’t.)

What if we Christians bucked the trend? What if we became cultural optimists? Not naïve about our culture or evil or the giants that inhabit the land... but optimists about the transforming power of God. (Note the optimism of Jesus when He confidently proclaimed something about the gates of hell being no match for His community of believers!)

The Bible emphasizes this promise when, through the Apostle Paul, we’re told...

“... in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Nothing can separate us.

In all these things we are MORE than conquerors.

Key verses numbers 13:31:32

Romans 8:37-39

It’s time for those of us who follow Jesus to occupy the promises of God – in spite of the bleak reports. I’m optimistic. Are you? Find more on www.mosesnjoroge.blogspot.com

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT WHAT YOU WANT?

How badly do you want what you say you want?

I hope you are not discouraged due to the fact that the breakthrough you wanted is not yet a reality. Don’t stop believing!

Did you know that the authors of the Chicken Soup for the Soul were rejected 140 times? After I read their story and read a few of their books my faith in my pursuit for greater things got stronger. Never give up!

Did you know that the Alchemist was not an instant best seller and Paulo Coelho was told that the book was not to going sell but later sold 65 million copies? That’s what happen when you trust the process and yourself. I love that book!

Did you Eric Thomas the hip-hop preacher who is now a renowned motivational speaker, author and educator were once homeless and a high school dropout? Eric Thomas is a perfect example of possibility. He too trust the process!

The faith and belief that these individuals have displayed is something that we can all exercise. Sometimes we stop too quickly and may have been very close to making the dream a reality and not even knowing that we were close. The thing about the above mentioned individuals is that they believe with all their heart in what they felt deep within their soul – they have the conviction that they too have something of value to offer to the world and like them, when we want something; the universe conspires in helping us to achieve it. The question is, do you really want what you say you want? If you do, you have to decide that you are going to move towards that which you want despite the oppositions.

I love how Eric Thomas said it,

“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.”

There are several more individuals you can think of that have demonstrated faith and belief in what they wanted to accomplish. You may have to knock on more doors, make more call or hit the road and start sharing what you have with everybody that you come in contact with. You have to do the work! It is a conscious choice that you’ll have to make.

“When you want something, the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” Paulo Coelho

What I want to say to you today is that no matter how many times you have heard  no’s or your work is not good enough or that’s not what the people want, but if you have a conviction that you have something meaningful to offer you want to keep believing in the possibility of it coming to a reality.

For the most part it is going to take your faith, determination and belief to carry your dream for the required amount of time. So don’t lose faith especially when you start feeling the pressure, the resentment or the lack of support you have to remember it is still your dream.#MosesToday www.njorogemoses.wordpress.com