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Season 3 of Lead2Serve followed along topics that are in Pastor Ed's latest book, "Sure and Steady, Learning and Growing in Pastoral Ministry". The book is a collaboration of years of ministry trial and error here at Calvary with wise input from the pastoral team.  This final episode of Season 3 is on the topic of Inviting Yourself in to the Lives of others. Because there is "so much" ministry, often we will pull back and no longer seek to minister to people that are not actively coming to us. Some might call this lazy others may look at it as a response to being tired. Whatever the reason, it's important to return to stepping into others' lives all the time on purpose. Instead of waiting for a hospital visit request, ask the family if you can visit. Instead of waiting for a marital counseling call, ask the couple to meet and talk about their marriage. You get it. Join in and share! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode, Pastor Ed discusses the importance of being intentional in connecting with others. So many times ministry becomes reactive to all the crises and needs of others that we forget the joy of stepping into people's lives before the crisis. Jesus was the master at stepping into lives and serving people where they were, not waiting for something to happen. Stop waiting. Start stepping forward by faith. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

I recorded a special edition of the podcast today, a discussion I had live with our mission team on the border of Ukraine actively helping settle refugees.  After they finished their dinner, and as they were heading for a night of much needed rest,  Pastor Byron, his wife Emily, Pastor JJ, Randy (Elder), and Irina and Masha shared about what is happening from their perspective. We talked about the faith to go into a war zone, how God speaks, and confirms, how are they feeling, and with Irina and Masha, we heard their painful perspective of what it's like for them to lose everything and be separated from their families and homeland not knowing the future. It was an emotional call. Join in the conversation and pray. PLEASE! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

As a servant of the Lord, you are literally being invited into people's lives every single day. How you handle that invitation truly matters. People are NOT events or calendar appointments. They are the precious blood bought people created in the image of God!  They deserve our best in ministering the gospel into their lives. There is more to follow up than returning a phone call or responding to an email. On today's episode we learn the principles of following up, following through, and following on! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

On today's episode the topic is wasting time. Time is valuable. Your time. Other's time. It's something that cannot be bought, reproduced, or regained so it's important we choose to use our time wisely and invest it in Kingdom values.  I know most people conclude that they use their time wisely, but is it true? How you choose to use your spare time will either lead to great success or great failure for the Kingdom of God! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of maintaining the place of player coach when serving in ministry. Yes, it's a sports analogy that reminds of of the importance of both leading and submitting at the same time. A great picture of servant leadership is of a coach helping others fulfill their God-given calling while at the same time being a player fulfilling your own calling. They both are important.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Who likes feeling stuck? It seems like progress is the sign of success these days. Aways moving forward is desired. But have you considered that in that place of feeling stuck you are exactly where God wants you? Have you considered that maybe God has led you to place of being stuck so that you might stop, reassess, and cry out to Him? Have you thought out the close intimate times that are yours in time of great difficulty and hardship?  On today's episode, Pastor Ed tackles the topic, once again, of 'feeling stuck'.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Somewhere along the way the false assertion that leaders are above and beyond and apart from those they serve became popular. Instead of servants, leaders became masters.  Relationships are profoundly relational. Ministry is "people". We must serve among the flock and separate from them. Tune in and be encouraged to jump in with both feet relationally serving the men and women God has entrusted to your care.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Today on Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed and Pastor Bob discuss the importance of building trust among those you serve. It's important that confidentiality is maintained where necessary, so that trust is built and ministry flows. It's also important to remember that ministry is a 24/7 role, not a 9 to 5 role where you clock in and clock out. Ministry happens all the time and we must be ready to serve when the Lord needs us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

On today's episode, we have part 1 of a conversation Pastor Ed shared with Pastor Bob Claycamp on the topic of serving well and loving the people you serve. Pastor Bob has 40+ years of pastoral experience as well as a missionary heart. He is a part of the pastoral team here at Calvary as well as Poimen Ministries. We hope you're encouraged by the next 2 episodes.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

It's cliche for sure, but teamwork is essential in moving forward in ministry. In today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of loyalty, submission, godly and loving leadership, and teamwork. When everyone does their part, the team moves forward and the Kingdom advances. When there is disloyalty and division, the enemy wins and we remain discouraged and stuck. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Lead2Serve is on holiday break. New episodes post Monday, January 10, 2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In our episode today Pastor Ed reminds us of the vital importance of guarding your heart! That's the key. Protect it. Feed it spiritually. Serve wholeheartedly from a heart that is clean and clear before the Lord. In all things the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart! Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Its easy to think that now you are a leader in your local church, you are there more for others than for yourself. In today's episode, Pastor Ed reminds us that we are in our local church not to exercise our spiritual gifts primarily, but to grow in grace extensively. Even though you now have a role, a desire to serve, and many things to do, you cannot in anyway neglect your own spiritual growth within the local church you're a part of right now. Tune in and let's grow in Jesus together! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Today Pastor Ed reminds us that there is a cost to ministry, serving others. Ministry requires time, a lot of it. But never does God ever ask you to sacrifice your family on the altar of ministry. Luke 14:28 (NKJV) “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—” As we singularly seek Jesus, abiding in His love, He will lead us, guide us, and help us to grow in serving Him well. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

Many times when there are challenges in our ministry and service and leadership, we run to a friend, or to a book, or to some program to help us improve. But have you considered your prayer life and lack of prayer?  Because we are serving Jesus His way, for His will, in His power, it's important our prayer lives are vibrant and growing. Today on Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed addresses the problem of prayerlessness.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

On today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of your personal life and the constant need to reassess and reevaluate where you are and make the needed adjustments going forward. Most neglect the inward woman, the inward man, and ultimately pay a high price for not going deeper in their personal relationship with Jesus. Join Ed on the discussion. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

The Lead2Serve podcast is back with a brand new season of fresh content from Pastor Ed, from Calvary Church in Aurora Colorado. In today's episode we will learn what season 3 will look like, as Pastor Ed introduces a brand new leadership development resource, the book "Sure and Steady".  He'll also talk about how to respond and what to do when you feel overwhelmed. Be blessed as you grow in grace with us.  Be sure to leave a positive review and share this podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In this special edition of the Lead2Serve podcast, Cassandra Austin interviews Pastor Ed about his newest book, God's Help for the Troubled Heart. Cassandra is Pastor Ed's assistant and was an integral part of getting this book completed and published. They talk about pain, problems, and the faithfulness of God in bringing healing and comfort. You can get your copy of the book at calvaryco.store or wherever you purchase your books. All net proceeds through our bookstore go directly to our missionaries. So encouraging! Tune in and share. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message

In this final episode of 2020, Pastor Ed talks briefly about his new book just published entitled, "God's Help For the Troubled Heart".  In it he seeks to encourage and strengthen the reader going through any trial or tribulation. Born out of deep grief, and written through God's comfort, this book is a must for anyone struggling with pain, trials, big or small.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lead2serve/message