by Gary Reinecke | Jan 22, 2025 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
What would you do if you knew God would not allow you to fail? This isn’t just about ticking off to-do lists; it’s about a faith-fueled journey of self-discovery and divine guidance.
Why Dream Big?
Creating a “faith-based bucket list” isn’t just about making a list; it’s about igniting a spark within you.
- Rediscover Joy: Stuck in a rut? This exercise can jolt you out of your comfort zone and lead you to unexpected passions.
- Embrace Growth: Breaking free from old patterns – in thought, behavior, and even spirituality – strengthens you, just like weight training builds muscle.
- Deepen Your Trust: Another reason might be the opportunity to trust God in ways to which you are unaccustomed. In Scripture, it is common to read the story of a leader who is going in one direction, and when God shows up, takes a very different path. This is the journey of faith.
Ready to Dive In?
This is the perfect time to explore new horizons, pursue your dreams, and let go of anything holding you back. Whether you’re embarking on this solo or with a loved one, this guide will help you on your way.
First, Know Thyself:
- Half Empty or Half Full? How do you view the world? Are you a glass-half-empty pessimist, an optimistic go-getter, or somewhere in between? Your perspective shapes your approach to life, including this bucket list.
- What Season Are You In? Are you in a fruitful season? Are you in a drought? Are you in a restful season? Are you getting ready for harvest? Reflect on your current season, and let it guide your aspirations.
Now, Let Your Faith Soar:
- Start with Prayer: Begin with a simple prayer: “Jesus, what do you want me to know?”
- Capture Your Dreams: Keep a journal or use a digital tool to record every idea that comes to mind. Don’t censor yourself!
- Embrace the Unexpected: Resist the urge to limit your dreams. Let your imagination run wild.
- Revisit and Refine: Regularly review your list, adding, removing, and refining your aspirations as needed.
Reflect and Act:
- Identify Themes: What common threads emerge from your list?
- Take Action: Choose a few short-term goals to get started.
- Listen to Your Heart: Which dream excites you most deeply?
- Hear God’s Voice: What is God saying to you through this process?
My Iona Journey:
Years ago, I yearned to visit Iona, a Scottish island steeped in Celtic spirituality. To fulfill this dream, in 2021, I signed-up for a cohort on spiritual formation at the Fuller Theological Seminary as part of a Doctorate of Ministry degree. As an audit student, I was there for the trip to Iona which was not until the end of the three-year schedule. Little did I know what I was in for. Over the next 3 years, I worked through some deeply-held assumptions about God and myself. It kind of wrecked me – but I am a better follower of Jesus for it! However, it all started with a desire to go to Iona.This journey, sparked by a simple bucket list item, transformed my understanding of faith and myself. You never know where your own list might lead you!
This is just the beginning. Let your faith-fueled adventure unfold!
Help is Available
Ready to embark on your own coaching adventure? Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org) to find a time that works for you. Let’s join forces, and make 2025 the year you dream big!
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
by Gary Reinecke | Jan 15, 2025 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
Whatever you are doing, that which makes you feel the most alive…that is where God is.
St. Ignatius
(1491-1556)
Reflect for a moment. What is it that refreshes your soul? You might be a denominational leader serving in a national or regional capacity, a pastor, a church planter, or a ministry leader. Wherever you serve, the issue of soul care is important, critical, and more than ever – essential.
Why is soul care so essential?
Combat the cultural narrative. Faster is better. Busier is more productive. Attractiveness over substance. It is a challenge we all face as Jesus followers. How can you slow down enough to cultivate your heart (soul) when almost everything around you is shouting for your attention?
Intention is necessary. If left to itself, your soul will go on cruise control – at best! Sadly, the reality is if your soul is not intentionally nurtured, growing, and thriving, it slides backward. When this happens you lose your zeal for life; you look only for the negative. You retreat inward. What is one new habit that you have intended to incorporate in your life that you just haven’t been able to yet, to nurture your soul?
Model what you believe. I have a principle that I have tested over and over again. What people see me do they are more likely to emulate. If I merely give words to soul care, chances are the people I influence are not taking notice. What are you modeling for others with your soul care?
7 Ways to Refresh Your Soul
- Reconnect with Nature: Connect with the natural world and take in God’s creation. Go for a hike, sit by a lake or garden, or simply spend time in your backyard. God’s creative genius has a calming and rejuvenating effect on your soul. When was the last time you enjoyed the outdoors?
- Embrace Mindfulness: Engage in activities that bring you to the present moment; this could include scripture meditation, deep breathing exercises, Christian yoga, or simply paying attention to the sensations in your body as you breathe in God’s grace. How do you practice mindfulness in your daily life?
- Deepen Relationships: Spend quality time with family and friends. Engage in meaningful conversations, share laughter, and create cherished memories. Being in Christian community is so important (Hebrews 10:25). With whom are you in genuine Christian community?
- Unleash Your Creativity: Explore your creative side through painting, writing, music, dancing, or any other art form that brings you joy. Get out of your head, and find a hobby that allows you to play with that side of your brain that God has blessed you with, but you might be neglecting. I enjoy working with my hands and doing small projects around our home. What new creative outlet can you adopt this year?
- Find Joy in Service: Volunteer your time to a cause for which you are passionate. Helping others can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your life. I am not naturally a person who finds joy in serving others, so I need to be really intentional in this area. Through God’s grace and the encouragement of my wife, I have increased my willingness to serve others and find it as a life-giving opportunity to nurture my soul. What are you currently doing to serve others?
- Unplug and Recharge: Take a break from technology. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and simply enjoy the peace and quiet. When I go on a personal retreat, I challenge myself to a digital fast. What is the last thing you do at night before you go to bed?
- Cultivate Gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate the good things in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you cultivate a more positive outlook. For the last couple of years, I have committed to designating a specific amount of time each day to journal in this way to set my mind on the “things above” and look for ways God is at work. How will you express gratitude this year?
Remember, finding what truly refreshes your soul is a personal journey. Experiment with different activities and find what brings you the most peace and joy.
But don’t just talk about it – live it!
What’s one specific action you can take this week to nurture your soul?
Let’s not just preach about soul care, let’s model it. Our actions speak louder than words. When those around us see us prioritizing our spiritual well-being, it permits them to do the same.
May we all find the courage to slow down, to listen to the whispers of our souls, and to live lives that are truly alive.
Help is Available
Are you wrestling with your soul care?
Ready to embark on your own coaching adventure? Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org) to find a time that works for you. Let’s join forces, and make 2025 the year you cultivate your soul for greater ministry effectiveness!
Photo by Jen P. on Unsplash
by Gary Reinecke | Jan 8, 2025 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
A fresh year dawns, bursting with possibilities for your ministry! New horizons beckon, inviting you to explore uncharted territories and reignite your passion. Get ready to:
- Embrace transformative transitions. Is a shift in your ministry calling you? Embrace the unknown with open arms, for it might lead you to a place of greater fulfillment.
- Conquer challenges with ingenious solutions. Obstacles are inevitable, but they’re also springboards for innovation. Use them as stepping stones to unearth creative solutions that propel your ministry forward.
- Unveil groundbreaking projects. The seeds of inspiration are waiting to take root. Be receptive to unexpected ideas, and watch them blossom into projects that empower your congregation.
Ministry in a Shifting Landscape
The ministry landscape is ever-evolving, and 2025 promises to be a year of significant change. Here are some key trends to keep on your radar, compiled by the experts at Vanderbloemen:
- Sharpen your message for a discerning audience. Today’s congregations are more discerning than ever. Develop a preaching style that resonates with their needs and ignites their curiosity.
- Become a master of your community. Understanding the unique context of your local area is the cornerstone of a thriving ministry. Tailor your approach to resonate with your community’s specific needs and aspirations.
- Embrace the power of video. The written word is no longer king. Incorporate captivating video content into your ministry to engage your audience on a deeper level.
- Communicate across all channels. Omnichannel communication is key to reaching your congregation where they are. Utilize a variety of platforms to ensure your message is heard loud and clear.
- Build a stellar team (even if it takes help). Staffing challenges are a reality, but don’t go it alone. Consider partnering with InFocus to administer the Harrison Assessment to streamline the hiring process and find the perfect additions to your team.
- Invest in your team’s growth. Compensation increases may stabilize, but exceptional talent will always be rewarded. Invest in your team’s professional development to retain top performers.
- Plan for the future, today. Succession planning is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when.” Take proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.
- Become a Yoda for the next generation. Embrace innovation and stay ahead of the curve. Your forward-thinking approach will make you a mentor and inspiration to younger ministers.
- Harness the power of AI. Artificial intelligence is not science fiction; it’s a practical tool waiting to be utilized. Explore how AI can streamline tasks and empower you to focus on what matters most: connecting with your congregation.
- Move beyond the Gig Economy model. While the Gig Economy may have had its moment, building a stable, committed team is essential for long-term success. Invest in fostering a collaborative and supportive ministry environment.
Ready to Chart Your Course?
Do you know someone who could benefit from a guide on their ministry journey? Perhaps they’re:
- Seeking a new team member to bolster their ministry’s impact.
- Contemplating a new ministry assignment and yearning for guidance.
- Transitioning into a new leadership role and need a roadmap for success.
If so, the power of coaching can be life-changing! A coach can provide the support, encouragement, and strategic insights needed to navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve ministry goals.
Connect Someone with a Coach Today!
Know someone who’s wrestling with personal or ministry issues that keep them up at night? Is someone you know feeling overwhelmed, defeated, or unsure of their next step? Share this blog with them and help them discover the transformative power of coaching!
Ready to embark on your own coaching adventure? Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org) to find a time that works for you. Let’s join forces and make 2025 the year your ministry soars to new heights!
Celebrating Together: Project Congo Update
I’m thrilled to share the incredible results of our recent year-end giving campaign! Thanks to the generosity and sacrificial hearts of our amazing Jesus-following community, we’ve raised a remarkable 93% of our $45,000 goal!
Your support means the world to us. It will allow us to launch the coach training journey on January 22nd with a special kick-off Zoom call. This online gathering will lay the foundation for our in-person workshop in May, where we’ll delve deeper into equipping our coaches.
While we’ve made significant progress, we’re still a little short of our goal. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to fully supporting this life-changing initiative.
Would you consider partnering with us to bridge the gap?
Click here to learn more about how your support can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve through Project Congo.
Thank you again for your unwavering support and for walking alongside us on this incredible journey of faith and compassion.
Warmly,
Gary
Photo by Fabio Comparelli on Unsplash
by Gary Reinecke | Dec 31, 2024 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
As we approach the new year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to share our aspirations, dreams, and hopes for the future. This week, let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible ways God has worked in and through us over the past year. What a privilege it is to be His children and to serve as instruments of His love to those around us!
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:5 NKJV)
As we step into 2025, we hope you carry with you the memories of all that God has accomplished in the past year and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Let’s embrace the new year by placing Christ at the heart of our celebrations.
From our family at InFocus, we want to wish each of you and yours a very Happy New Year! Looking forward to continuing on this journey together in 2025!
Finally!
We’re so excited to share that we’ve reached a fantastic milestone: 90% of our $45,000 goal for Project Congo has been met!
We truly appreciate the time you’ve taken to consider and pray about how God might be inviting you to steward your resources this year. Your thoughtful discernment means the world to us.
There’s still time to join us in making a year-end gift. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
Click here to learn more and give.
Thank you for your generous heart and continued support!
Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash
by Gary Reinecke | Dec 24, 2024 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
As December began, I found myself thinking, “I have plenty of time before Christmas arrives. I’m well-prepared and in control. It is NOT going to catch me by surprise this year!” Yet, here we are just a day away, and I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water. Unexpected events have pushed my plans aside, and life has become a whirlwind. While stuck in traffic recently, a thought crossed my mind: “If I don’t take a moment to breathe, I might just miss it,” and it struck me—how many generations have passed, and we’re still missing the reason for the season?
The innkeepers in Bethlehem were so busy with the census that they failed to recognize the miraculous event happening right before them. Let’s not allow ourselves to get so caught up in the chaos of this time of year that we overlook the wonders right in front of us. “To them, God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27 NKJV)
From the InFocus family to yours, we wish you a joyful and Merry Christmas. We are grateful for your unwavering support and prayers throughout the past year, and we eagerly anticipate what 2025 will bring. As you take this upcoming week to reflect, recharge, and reset, we kindly ask you to keep InFocus in your thoughts, especially with the upcoming launch of Project Congo in mid-2025. Please share any prayer requests you may have, as we would love to support you in that way.
Finally!
We’re so excited to share that we’ve reached a fantastic milestone: 89% of our $45,000 goal for Project Congo has been met!
We truly appreciate the time you’ve taken to consider and pray about how God might be inviting you to steward your resources this year. Your thoughtful discernment means the world to us.
There’s still time to join us in making a year-end gift. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
Click here to learn more and give.
Thank you for your generous heart and continued support!
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
