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
by Gary Reinecke | Dec 18, 2024 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
Take a look at the top 10 InFocus blogs of 2024. Why do you think these were the most viewed? Do you find a general theme that runs throughout them? Did any of them resonate with you personally?
10) Practices for Building Spiritual Resilience This Lent
Leaders should view Lent as a time for self-examination and spiritual health. Connecting with past messages can help sustain engagement. Jesus’s experience of falling and rising illustrates that vulnerability is a shared human experience, supported by scripture like Psalm 73:2.
9) Thanksgiving Blessings
We encourage everyone to seek moments of gratitude, as it’s easy to overlook everyday joys amid larger goals. Simple pleasures, like nature’s beauty and good news, can uplift our spirits.
8) Three Highlights from Lausanne 2024
The Fourth Lausanne Congress in South Korea brought together over 5,000 believers from 200 nations, showcasing the Lausanne Movement’s influence on global evangelical mission strategies over the past 50 years.
7) Unleash Your Coaching Potential: The Abiding in Christ Advantage
Despite a successful career, the coach faced challenges that led to three years of self-reflection and a deeper spiritual connection, aiming for a richer relationship with Christ rather than perfection. This inspired the coach to assist others in their spiritual growth.
6) Ignite the Flames of Faith: Coaching Your Congregation to a Transformative Lent
Lent is a season for reflection, spiritual renewal, and personal growth, emphasizing faith over strict rituals. While rooted in Catholic traditions, its principles resonate across denominations.
5) Planning for 2024? We Are Too.
As you prepare for 2024, remember that effective leadership impacts both your role and those you lead, fostering future leaders and thriving ministries that advance the Kingdom. Consider ways to expand your ministry’s influence and deepen its impact to foster meaningful life changes and grow God’s Kingdom.
4) Lead Like Jesus
Lent is presented as a time for contemplation, encouraging leaders to reflect on their roles and community dynamics. The duality of “Hosanna” in Luke 19:28-44 highlights the complexity of human emotions—celebration intertwined with a longing for salvation—inviting leaders and congregants to examine their responses to Jesus.
3) Finishing Strong
InFocus’s mission is to empower leaders to transform lives, encouraging contributions through financial support, prayer, and service. The End-of-Year Campaign, including a Giving Tuesday Matching Gift Campaign, seeks to double donations up to $30,000 towards a $90,000 goal.
2) 5 Questions to Empower Your Leaders on Work-Life Balance
It is crucial to engage leaders in reflective conversations about their overall well-being—spiritual, emotional, physical, social, financial, and recreational. These discussions should prioritize listening and questioning to understand their challenges and promote accountability.
And finally, #1, THE most-read blog post of 2024…
1) Project Congo
InFocus is launching a new board led by Chairman Wilita Sanguma of Lobiko. Through Project Congo, InFocus aims to combat extreme poverty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support this year. We look forward to seeing you very shortly in the new year! Blessings!
Photo by Avi Richards on Unsplash
by Gary Reinecke | Dec 12, 2024 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
The Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation rich in resources, yet plagued by poverty, inequality, and instability, desperately needs transformative change. Project CONGO is a bold initiative designed to empower local leaders and equip them with the tools needed to address these pressing challenges. On Monday, December 9th, we held an informational meeting to discuss some of the big ideas surrounding Project CONGO, highlighted below!
Why Project CONGO Matters
By investing in the leadership potential of Congolese leaders, we can unlock a wave of positive impact. Our focus on coaching will enable these leaders to:
- Inspire change: Catalyze positive transformation within their communities.
- Empower others: Develop future generations of leaders.
- Build sustainable solutions: Make more and better disciples that make more and better disciples.
Our Vision
To achieve this ambitious goal, we have outlined a comprehensive two-year plan:
- Launch a 2-year coach training program in January 2025.
- Conduct an in-person workshop in the Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2025.
- Complete Stage 1 of the training program by the end of 2025.
- Begin Stage 2, the train-the-trainer cycle, in January 2026.
Generosity Update:
We have already raised $25,000, which is 55% of our goal of $45,000. I am encouraged that we will reach our year-end goal so that we can deliver the full package of what we have prepared. My hope is that we can include a Health & Wellness workshop that Gina would lead to enriching local community leaders to establish important habits for physical, mental, and spiritual health.
How You Can Help
Your support is vital to the success of Project CONGO. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Provide: Donate to support the training programs, curriculum development, and logistical costs – CLICK HERE.
- Pray: Lift up Project CONGO in prayer, asking for God’s blessing on the leaders, trainees, and the communities they serve – to receive my weekly update, write “Weekly Prayer Update” in the Subject Line and e-mail to admin@infocusnet.org.
- Partner: Share this message with your network and encourage others to join this important cause – reach out to Samantha at admin@infocusnet.org to schedule a time to meet.
Together, we can empower a generation of Congolese leaders to build a brighter future for their nation.
Feeling led to donate? Please click the button below.
Image courtesy of https://bloomerang.co/template/fundraising-thermometer-generator/
by Gary Reinecke | Dec 5, 2024 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
I’m excited to share Project CONGO, a program focused on coach training in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We’re nearing launch, and this is a powerful opportunity to empower capable leaders who are already transforming teams and communities on the other side of the world.
I know many of you share a passion for advancing God’s work in underserved regions, so I immediately thought of you. Project CONGO aligns perfectly with this mission by equipping local leaders with the skills and resources they need to become effective coaches. By building capacity at the local level, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that reaches individuals, families, and entire communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Project CONGO: Building a Brighter Future
Project CONGO is more than just a coach training program; it’s an investment in the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo. By equipping local leaders with coaching skills, we empower them to unlock the potential of the people around them. These leaders are already making a difference, and Project CONGO will give them the tools needed to take their impact to the next level.
Join Us for an Informational Meeting
We’re hosting a quick informational meeting on Monday, December 9th at 5 pm PST / 8 pm EST to share more about the project’s vision and goals. It would be fantastic to have you join us! Feel free to invite anyone else who might be interested in learning more about Project CONGO and how they can be involved.
Here’s what you can expect at the meeting:
- Inspiring overview of the coach training program in the DRC
- Meet Wilita Sanguma, a key player behind the project
- Q&A session – bring your questions!
Meeting Details:
Let’s Connect!
Let me know if you can make it by replying with a “YES” and I’ll send you a calendar invite. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions before the meeting.
Looking forward to connecting!
How You Can Help
Giving Tuesday Matching Gift Campaign (November 5-December 10): Double your impact with our matching gift opportunity. Every dollar donated during this time will be matched up to $30,000, speeding up our journey towards the $90,000 goal.
By supporting InFocus this giving season, you’ll empower leaders through coaching to create lasting change in the lives of children and communities in the Congo. Together, we can restore well-being and build a future filled with resilience and hope!
Feeling led to donate? Please click the button below.
Image courtesy of https://www.ctvnews.ca/ctv-national-news/2.1993/infographic-congo-maps-and-facts
by Gary Reinecke | Nov 27, 2024 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
It’s astonishing to think that we’re already expressing “Happy Thanksgiving!” As we look back on this year’s journey, we at InFocus are genuinely grateful for you—our readers and supporters. Thank you for your faith in our vision, constant prayers, and unwavering encouragement. We eagerly anticipate 2025 and all of the wonderful things God has in store for InFocus.
As you navigate the final 35 days of 2024 (That’s right, just 35 days left!), we invite you to consciously seek out moments of gratitude in your daily life. It’s easy to become so fixated on the larger goals that we overlook the countless small blessings that God places in our way—the cheerful songs of birds at dawn, a stunning sunset to wrap up your day, positive news from your doctor, or the joyful giggles of a child.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. (Psalm 100:4) Start each day with a spirit of thankfulness, and you will discover an abundance of reasons for which to be grateful. We wish you a wonderful holiday with your loved ones and look forward to continuing this journey together.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
by Gary Reinecke | Nov 15, 2024 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
Did you realize that more than 4 million children in the Congo are experiencing severe poverty? This situation encompasses inadequate shelter, healthcare, and education. Alarmingly, 42% of these children suffer from chronic malnutrition or stunting, significantly higher than the global average of 22%.
InFocus is focused on empowering leaders through coaching. In partnership with Lobiko, we will launch Project Congo in 2025.
Project Congo is a “Train-the-Trainer” program aimed at developing a select group of local leaders in the Congo, who will subsequently train others. To maximize our impact, we will concentrate on equipping a few Indigenous leaders so they can, in turn, mentor additional Indigenous leaders. We are starting with this approach and foresee future training cycles extending to other nonprofit leaders, local church planters, pastors, and denominational leaders. However, let’s focus on the present vision:
- Launching a 2-year coach training process in January 2025 (virtual setting)
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo in July 2025 (in-person workshop)
- Complete Stage 1 by the end of 2025
- Begin Stage 2, the train-the-trainer cycle, in January 2026
A brief overview cannot fully capture the significant impact of Project Congo, but I hope it piques your interest to explore further. On December 9th at 5 pm PST/8 pm EST, I will be conducting an informational Zoom session to provide additional context about our partnership with Lobiko and host an interview with Founder, Wilita Sanguma. I will also give you an opportunity to address any inquiries you may have. To reserve your spot for the session on December 9th, please reach out to my assistant, Samantha, at admin@infocusnet.org.
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the questions I will ask Wilita…
Q. How will coaching be used to combat severe poverty in The Congo?
Q. What makes coaching such a valuable asset for leaders?
Q. Why does InFocus need to be involved?
How You Can Help
Giving Tuesday Matching Gift Campaign (November 5-December 10): Double your impact with our matching gift opportunity. Every dollar donated during this time will be matched up to $30,000, speeding up our journey towards the $90,000 goal.
By supporting InFocus this giving season, you’ll empower leaders through coaching to create lasting change in the lives of children and communities in the Congo. Together, we can restore well-being and build a future filled with resilience and hope!
Feeling led to donate? Please click the button below.
by Gary Reinecke | Nov 7, 2024 | Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized |
The InFocus team trains leaders in the methodologies and competencies essential for effective Christian coaching.
Since the year 2000, more than 10,000 leaders have been equipped to accelerate their development in coaching (verified using the 360° Christian Coach Assessment)
A mission agency that InFocus has been collaborating with since 2015 that plants churches in the “10-40 Window, shared: “Since adopting a coach approach with a reproducible disciple-making process, we have reduced the amount of time it now takes to plant a church by 50%. “
As we conclude 2024, I want to express your support’s profound impact on InFocus and the leaders we serve. The trip to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the Lausanne Congress was a watershed moment for me. It brought back memories of my early ministry when I raised support and witnessed God’s faithfulness throughout that journey.
I feel as though I am embarking on a new chapter. Last week, I shared the vision for Project Congo. I’m excited about the prospects of the fruit that could be generated through training Indigenous leaders in coaching. If you want to refresh your memory or get an overview – CLICK HERE.
As you read this, pause and reflect. Our mission at InFocus is to empower leaders to transform lives. You’re investing in a future filled with hope and impact by supporting us.
Whether you give financially, support the work in prayer, or serve through your gifts, your contribution makes a difference. Let’s work together to build a brighter future.
If you have prayed, discerned, and reflected on how you wish to practice generosity, and feel led to support InFocus, here are three ways you can help us end 2024 on a strong note, and set a solid foundation for 2025:
- Participate in our End-of-Year Campaign: Giving Tuesday Matching Gift Campaign (November 5-December 10): Double your impact with our matching gift opportunity. Every dollar donated during this time will be matched up to $30,000, speeding up our journey towards that $90,000 goal.
- Prayer: I have a weekly prayer update that I send out, and I would like to build on that. Do you have a passion for prayer, mobilizing intercessors, and building a team? Please reach out to Samantha at admin@infocusnet.org and ask to be put on our weekly prayer blast.
- Serving: If you have skills in any of the following, I am eager to connect with you and discuss how we can partner.
- Web-hosting
- Website maintenance
- Fundraising
Please reach out to Samantha at admin@infocusnet.org to schedule a time with me that works with your schedule.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I hope you receive this blog with the heart behind it. My desire is to build on the vision to make more and better disciples, cultivate leaders, and plant healthy churches that reproduce.
Feeling led to donate? Please click the button below.
Photo by Hanna Morris on Unsplash
