Author Archives

Garry Brackett

BA - Fort Wayne Bible College
MAR - Trinity Evangelical Divinity
D.Min - Grace Theological Seminary
Birkman Certified Coach
John Maxwell Certified Team Member
Myers/Briggs Certified
FIRO-B Certified
TKI Certified
25 Years Executive Coaching

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My Top 5 Growth Strategies

Did I tell You The Cost? They are FREE!

Here are my Top 5 Growth Strategies that will not cost you a single penny. As a Faith Leader, move beyond the notion that greatness always costs a lot of money. Mentally you become stuck when you believe that money is the end of all things. Money will cause you to overlook the basics of leadership. Here are my Top 5 Growth Strategies:

  1. Smile More – Stop looking like you just sucked a lemon
  2. Encourage People To Love Your Mission, Not Your Methods – Skinny Jeans, Big Screens, Smoke Machines, Growth Tracks are not your reason for existence
  3. Make Your Vision Bigger Than Yourself – If you can accomplish your vision today, it is not big enough
  4. Show More Passion – As a Faith Leader you have the most amazing mission on the plant, with a willing generation in front you that desires to connect to something bigger than themselves. Act like you are passionate about this fact.
  5. Treat Your Volunteers Better – You have an amazing army at your fingertips. There are non-currency methods that communicates your genuine appreciation for their work.

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Keynote Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

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Leadership Lessons From Prison

A Leader That Did Not Make A Name For Himself

Bible Book: Philippians 2:25-30

There are a number of people mentioned in the Bible that were “Nobodies”, they. Never became famous. Yet, they are written on the pages of scripture. Since we know that all scripture is God-breathed, we know there is something to learn from obscure personalities.

Epaphroditus is such a personality that is mentioned in Paul’s writing as a prisoner. The comments that give us a glimpse of who this man was and what his impact upon Paul. What we can state is no memorials were ever erected in his honor that we are aware of from history. He was in a sense a nobody that became somebody to the Apostle Paul. We know that he journeyed from Philippi to Rome to be with Paul and to minister to him. Epaphroditus would be the person to carry this prison letter back to the church at Philippi.

It should be noted that Epaphroditus was a key personality that ministered to Paul during his imprisonment. There are people that God sends our way to minister during our difficult days. So, what does Paul say about this obscure person named Epaphroditus? Notice the following:

  1. A People Lover – Paul calls him a minister. He feels distressed that the Philippians might be worried about him when he became sick – vv.25-26
  2. A Risk Taker – Paul calls him a fellow solider. He keeps risking his life when most would have pampered themselves – vv.25,30
  3. A Tireless Worker – Paul calls him a fellow worker. We know very little about his illness, except it being tied to his hard work – vv.25,27
  4. A Servant Leader – Paul calls him a messenger. Paul tells the church to give him a hero’s welcome. Epaphroditus both led and served as he became a spokesman for the church – vv.25,29

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Keynote Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

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Leadership Lessons From Prison

Bible Book: Philippians 2:2-11

The Law of Sacrifice – Six Steps To Servanthood

There are four critical aspects of the Law of Sacrifice[1]:

  1. There is no success without sacrifice
  2. Leaders are often asked to give up more than others
  3. You must keep giving up in order to stay up
  4. The higher the level of leadership the higher the sacrifice

The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:6-8 of Christ’s sacrifice in becoming a servant on our behalf. Christ, the ultimate leader made the ultimate sacrifice. He left the glories of heaven and the highest position in heaven, not only to join His creation, but to take on the lowest form of creation.

Jesus stepped through six-levels as He moved downward toward us. He demonstrates the Law of Sacrifice to us. Notice these six levels in Philippians 2:6-8: “…who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of a cross.”[2]

  1. He gave up His divine form – v.6
  2. He emptied Himself of any rights – v.7
  3. He became a man – v.7
  4. He became a servant – v.7
  5. He was obedient to the point of death – v.8
  6. He died a terrible kind of death – v.8

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Keynote Speaking, and Executive Coaching. Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

[1] John Maxwell. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (Thomas Nelson: Nashville Ó 2007) Pp.219-230.

[2] Scripture taken from the New King James Version Ó 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights    reserved.

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Relational Health Crisis

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:29 — 30.9MB) | Embed

How big is this Relational Health Crisis? In 2019 54% of all practicing Christians stated

 they have at least one relational issue that is impacting relational connectivity. Consider also that 34% of practicing Christians were experiencing Anxiety or Depression in 2019. Since our COVID shutdown, these numbers have the potential of increasing exponentially. 

Church leaders report the following as of August 17th, 2020: 28% emotional, 35% spiritual, 27% relational. Currently, one-in-five spiritual leaders rank their mental and emotional health as below average. (Restoring Relationships Report – Barna Research 2020). Add to this discussion that practicing Christians are very likely to contact their spiritual leader for assistance in emotional relational issues by a factor of 1-in-3 will reach out to a pastor or priest.

Yes this is a serious crisis!

Consider that 89% of spiritual leaders state they “Somewhat” understand the emotional/relational health of their attendees. Yet at the same time only 39% of these leaders have addressed this topic in their sermon/teaching schedule. There is a disconnect between knowing there is a real issue and then failing to act upon this need with real and lasting actionable steps that will help people.

It is interesting that research shows that one-half of all adults and one half of adult practicing Christians state that very close family members or friends are where they most likely will turn for assistance. 

The emotional wellness, spiritual wellness, and relational wellness of people will not be fully understood for 2-3 years post-pandemic. The data is still shifting quickly week by week. Here ae some key positive take-aways from the current data trends.

•People’s longing for transformation is an opportunity to bring good news where people want to hear it: where they’re hurting and most in need of healing. 

•Single people who belong to a faith community have consistently higher rates of relational and emotional satisfaction than other singles. 

•More than half of all U.S. adults (58%) and practicing Christians (54%) say they have at least one relational or emotional / mental health issue that impacts their most important relationships. If you desire to be relevant speak to the hurting, they are in every row of seats in your church

•Anxiety and depression are the most commonly experienced challenges to relational satisfaction, with more than one-third of all adults and practicing Christians saying one or the other (or both) make an impact on their close relationships. 

•People who seek out spiritual help for their relational and emotional issues are more likely than others to report satisfaction with their life and relationships. 

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

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FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Birkman Assessment

Leadershift by John Maxwell

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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Leadership Lessons From Prison

Bible Book: Philippians 1:12-18

Stay On Task In Spite of Circumstances

Instead of awaiting his trial, The Apostle Paul used his circumstances to advance the cross. Notice his words in Philippians 1:12 – But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel[1].

As a leader Paul never drifted from his mission. He determined to leave a mark wherever he traveled. George Washington Carver is reported to have stated that no person has any right to come into this world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.

How did Paul’s sense of purpose keep him in the battle even though he was imprisoned? What did he learn that we should learn during difficult circumstances? Consider the following:

  1. A purpose will motivate you.
  2. A purpose will keep your priorities straight.
  3. A purpose will develop your potential.
  4. A purpose will give you power to live in the present.
  5. A purpose will help you evaluate your progress

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Keynote Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

[1] Scripture taken from the New King James Version Copyrite 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Leadership Lessons From Prison

Leaders Connect When They Encourage

From the context of prison, the Apostle Paul speaks of his passion and love for the congregation of Philippi. Let this sink into your spirit for just a moment – passionate desire and prison! These concepts are necessarily thought of at the same time and location.

In the Bible book of Philippians 1:3-11, Paul expresses true sincere encouragement. Notice the comparison of Paul’s passion for these people and his words of encouragement.

What lesson can be concluded by examining Paul’s passion and words of encouragement for the church at Philippi?

#1 – Paul does not express worn-out generic phrases of encouragement. His words are from the heart and specific to the needs of the people.

#2 – While a prisoner, Paul encourages others that God will complete what has been started in your life calling.

#3 – While in prison, Paul’s words are public declarations for all to hear and read.

#4 – Paul’s words are specific and directed to the church at Philippi. Specific and targeted words that would make a difference.

#5 – As a leader your difficult days should not prohibit you expressing your love and appreciation to your congregation and your team specifically. Let people hear your passion, care, and encouragement.

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Leadership Lessons From Prison

The Apostle Paul’s Leadership Lessons To The Church At Philippi

The Biblical letter from the Apostle Paul to the Philippians was wrote from prison and carries the theme “JOY”. Let that sink into your mind – Prison, Joy! How are these two realities connected to teach us leadership behaviors? 

As a high elevation view I would offer 5 leaderships lessons that can be learned as you read this biblical letter.

  1. Leaders either surrender to a cause or they surrender to their circumstances.
  2. Only secure leaders will stoop and stretch themselves to lend a helping hand.
  3. A leader’s attitude at the beginning of a task will affect the outcome more than anything else.
  4. Leaders can do anything, but they cannot do everything.
  5. One cannot be a great leader without being a great servant.

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Keynote Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

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Engaged or Controlled

Ministers, Learn the Difference

Your family is where you are making lasting memories that will matter for time and eternity. Your ministry profession is rewarding, but not at the sacrifice of your family. Learn the difference from being engaged in ministry and being controlled by it. When your current ministry assignment has ended, another will take your place and a new chapter will be wrote by a new leader. Learn to accept now the fact you will not always be the up-front speaker and people will no longer call you. SO, what really matters in life? Charles Swindoll offered some piercing words recently in his blog writings that are worth sharing. This really spoke to me.

Let’s state the obvious!

You still have a family!

  • They still long to have lunch with you.
  • They still love to get a phone call.
  • They want to know wisdom from you outside the pulpit.
  • They still yearn to have an arm around their shoulders.
  • They still want you to make time to sit on the back porch and kick back and listen.
  • They want you to attend their ball games and go to their performance and see you relax . . . really relax!
  • They still want to know that you can do more in your spare time than study.
  • And they really want to hear you laugh!

They are the ones you will leave in your legacy—the only ones who have your blood and your name. They need you. They want you.[I]

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

[i] Charles Swindoll. A Pastor’s Relationships – His Family. Accessed 29 September 2020. The Pastor’s Blog.

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10 Things Pastors Should Give Their Leaders

Ghostwriter and contributing editor for Inc. Magazine, Jeff Haden has written a number of articles on how CEO’s and other department Supervisors are to relate to employees and vice-versa. This has provoked thought on faith-based initiatives and how Pastors should relate to those they are attempting to lead. While there are similarities there are many subtleties in applications. The relationship within for-profit corporations is based upon performance – paycheck rewards. In non-profits the relationship is far more communal/relational and not paycheck rewards driven.  There are ten things that faith-based leaders should provide for those serving them.

  1. Ownership

Churches are not manufacturing facilities in that we are producing shapes, colors, and designs. We are shaping people for Eternal Kingdom purposes. Therefore, engagement and satisfaction is based upon ownership. Do your leaders own the vision? Have they bought into you as a leader first? When that happens, leaders will obtain a sense of satisfaction that will be based upon their freedom to be responsible for the outcomes. Autonomy and independence plus freedom breeds’ innovation and dreams.

  • Clear Expectations

The old adage is true: If you do not know where you are going, then any road will take you there! The one true litmus test of casting clear vision and expectations is the ability to write it down on paper. If it cannot clearly be communicated in writing, then we are daydreaming. In the book, The Advantage, the author obsesses over the fact that communication must be ridiculously redundant.   When in doubt communicate!

  • Purposeful Goals

While the corporate world is controlled by the bottom-line, non-profits should be controlled by a higher purpose. The leaders we train need to know their effort serves greater purposes than “branding/marketing” agendas. To leave a footprint in life is a great accomplishment. Legacy building starts today!

  • A True Sense of Purpose

The Latin meaning for our word “religion” is ligare’. This implies my effort to link back to a creator or that, which is bigger than myself.  Vision needs to be tied to a greater community good. We are not just in the Brand Building business – we are in the Influence Building business. The highways and hedges mentality is worthy of time and resources to implement community-influencing strategies.

  • Provide Significant Input

The pathway to exchange ideas should be wide-open, accessible and honored. Pastor honor those who offer suggestions about the work they are involved in. Understand they are thinking about the what and where we are doing and headed. Those ideas that seem to be in left field are great teaching moments to assist those people through a “critical thinking” process, helping hem to evaluate their ideas differently. This is serving them and adding value to them. The absolute last thing you would do is to criticize their idea. They will shut down immediately.

  • Connect

Pastor you need to understand that people volunteer for more reasons than being rewarded. They want to follow someone they admire and can trust and in turn know they are admired and trust is reciprocated. Connections are made on a personal basis not just a professional basis. Ask them about their family, children, or hobbies, this will build rapport. Relate to them as human beings and not just workers.

  • Consistency

As Pastor, people are looking for consistency in conduct, policy, and behavior. They will take tough-mindedness if it is consistent. The more that workers understand why decisions are made the less likely they will consider they are being treated unfairly or assume favoritism.

  • Private Criticism

No one is perfect – no even pastors! We all need constructive criticism, not public rebuke. Good feedback is always done privately and with dignity. Always have in mind the other person’s growth and influence capability; this will keep personal attacks to a minimum.

  • Public Praise

Everyone does something that is praise-worthy from time to time. Show appreciation and recognition. Catch people in the act of kindness. The “Five-Minute Manager” book that came out years ago suggested that five minutes be taken to start each day to either call, email, or send a personal note of thanks and appreciation for a job well done. Small acts of appreciation pay large dividends.

  1. Preferred Future

Every area of work within life should have an opportunity of advancement. Pastor, develop the people around you. You cannot influence a community if you cannot influence your closest workers and allies. Invest in other people’s success. Resource them and give opportunities for learning. Don’t go to seminars by yourself; take others with you on the learning journey.

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

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5 Things Your Future Self Will Thank You For

When life pushes you over, stand up and push back even harder. Where there is a fork in the road and choices to make, make the ones your future self will thank you for. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.

Today, start…

1. Choosing to be YOU. – Wearing a mask wears you out. Faking it is fatiguing. The most exhausting activity is pretending to be who you know you aren’t. No matter how loud their opinions are, they do not choose who YOU are. Choose yourself even if nobody else is choosing you.

2. Being positive. – You can’t live a positive life with a negative attitude. Heaven on Earth is a choice we must make, not a place we must find. Let every day be a dream you can touch. Let every day be a love you can feel. Let every day be a reason to live. Life is too short to be anything but positive.

3. Letting go. – The only thing that makes it a big part of your life is that you keep thinking about it. The biggest step in changing the world around you is to change the world within you. Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived. Just live in the present, concentrate on the things you can control, and take one small step at a time. Live fully in the present! Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord – Acts 3:19 NIV

4. Picking yourself back up. – Where you are in life is temporary; where you end up in life is permanent; how you get from here to there is entirely up to you. So don’t give up. Sometimes when things go wrong it’s because they would have turned out worse if they had gone right. Be careful what you seek in life! Be glad some things do not work out and that God has saved you from yourself.

5. Taking action. – The happiest and most successful people are usually those who have broken the chains of procrastination, who find satisfaction in doing the job at hand. They’re full of eagerness, passion, and productivity. You can be too. Remember, success in real estate is about location, location, location. Success in life is about action, action, action.[i]

[i] The genesis of this article came from authors Marc and Cheryl Chernoff.