LEADERS
In God’s economy, we’re all leaders!
So many in the chronic illness community feel a deep sense of isolation and loneliness. We at Chronic Joy are here to equip leaders to foster relationships, build community, and guide small groups for those affected by chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
Blog Posts
Mission: Possible – 5 Leadership Tips
Every day has many small blessings when we see that how we live, love, serve, and care for one another is the ultimate Mission: Possible that we are living out day by day.
❄️ Snowflakes and Serving
In God’s remarkable way, each tiny flake is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. ... each one simply doing its job without concern about whether it is valuable enough, big enough, or useful enough. Snowflakes can teach us a lot about serving.
Three Leadership Principles for Everyone
Even if you don’t hold a position officially-recognized or defined as “leader,” you are still responsible for guiding some people in some way. Think of your specific situation as you read and apply these leadership principles.
Featured Books
GRACE, TRUTH & TIME: Facilitating Thriving Small Groups
Heather MacLaren Johnson
With this incredible resource you can learn to: lead through God's grace, create a space for spiritual growth and healing, empathize, listen and engage with those in pain, grow in prayer and compassion, foster hope and encouragement, and build small group communities that thrive.
Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart: How to Relate to Those Who are Suffering
Kenneth C. Haugk, PhD
Haugk has written an essential guide on how to care for and relate to people as they encounter difficult times in life. This book draws on extensive research of those who have experienced various kinds of suffering in their lives, offering key insights and suggestions of what to say and do—and what not to say or do—when people are hurting. With its biblical foundation, compassionate approach, and concrete ideas, this book will help you bring God’s loving presence to hurting people when they need it most.
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry
Ruth Haley Barton
"I'm tired of helping others enjoy God. I just want to enjoy God for myself." With this painful admission, Ruth Haley Barton invites us to an honest exploration of what happens when spiritual leaders lose track of their souls. Weaving together contemporary illustrations with penetrating insight from the life of Moses.
Serve Strong: Biblical Encouragement to Sustain God's Servants
Terry Powell
Serve the Lord long enough and discouragement or some form of opposition is inevitable. Joy-sapping workloads, feelings of inadequacy, lack of fruitfulness, or battle fatigue from spiritual warfare often spurs God's servants to quit or sabotages their passion. The purpose of this book is to infuse them with biblical perspectives that buoy flagging spirits, boost motivation, and cultivate endurance.
In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership
Henri J.M. Nouwen
For a society that measures successful leadership in terms of the effectiveness of the individual, Father Nouwen offers a counter definition that is witnessed by a “communal and mutual experience.” For Nouwen, leadership cannot function apart from the community. His wisdom is grounded in the foundation that we are a people “called.” This beautiful guide to Christian Leadership is the rich fruit of Henri Nouwen’s own journey.
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Even More
Good leaders must first become good servants.
“Good leaders must first become good servants.” Robert Greenleaf
No symptom, no sickness, and no setbacks
“No symptom, no sickness, and no setbacks get to steal your leadership potential. Your chronic illness is not allowed the final say … unless you let it. …chronic illness has actually equipped us to be better leaders – more empathetic, resilient, and courageous.” Anna Kowlessar
God ultimately raises up leaders for for one primary reason: His glory. He shows His power in our weakness.
“God ultimately raises up leaders for for one primary reason: His glory. He shows His power in our weakness.” Matt Chandler
Good leaders must first become good servants.
“Good leaders must first become good servants.” Robert Greenleaf
leadershi-lollipop-moment
Lollipop Moment “…a moment when someone said or did something that you feel made your life fundamentally better, or when something your said or did made someone else feel fundamentally better.” Drew Dudley
According to Scripture, virtually everything that truly qualifies a person for leadership is directly related to character.
“According to Scripture, virtually everything that truly qualifies a person for leadership is directly related to character.” John MacArthur
Leaders don’t force people to follow; they invite them on a journey.
“Leaders don’t force people to follow; they invite them on a journey.” Charles S. Laure
We rise by lifting others.
“We rise by lifting others.” Robert Ingersoll
mentor leadership is all about serving.
“…mentor leadership is all about serving.” Tony Dungy
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” John F. Kennedy
Thriving Small Group Leaders
Thriving Small Group Leaders: Read God’s Word • Pray • Treat others with dignity, love and respect • Face conflict with humility • Experience joy • Care for those they lead • Listen actively
The first job of leadership is to love people. Leadership without love is manipulation.
“The first job of leadership is to love people. Leadership without love is manipulation.” Rick Warren
Leadership requires willingness to be transformed into the person we were created to be.
“Leadership requires willingness to be transformed into the person we were created to be.” Peoplewomen.org