Dear Leader,
I still recall one of my first opportunities to lead. I was five and had been initially placed in the “slower” first-grade group. No tests were given, it was just assumed since I was their very first African American student in 1965. But thanks to a persistent Mom and an open-hearted teacher, I would be asked to read to the class. After that Mrs. Patton asked me to help some of the students in the class who struggled with their reading.
My experience with Mrs. Patton has taught me a crucial lesson in leadership: that it is never too early to start. At the tender age of five, I was exposed to taking responsibility for people and ensuring that their reading improved. Even though I did not understand it at the time, in hindsight, it has influenced my life’s work. This is why I encourage our community of Leaders at CLN to always involve the young with tasks and ask for their contributions.
Now ask yourself: Who is the Mrs. Patton in your life? Who was...
Dear Leader,
As you journey through life remember that there is a generation coming behind you and it is our responsibility to nurture them to greatness.
Thanks to technological advancement, the world is changing rapidly and growing “smaller” every day. This has increased our opportunities to reach people around the world and to impact emerging and potential leaders. As a result of social media and other forms of communication, the generation following us is experiencing pressure and influence at a speed never experienced before by humankind. This is where we come in. As a leader in my community, I believe I have a responsibility to help the next generation make sense of all the influences and discover their purpose and potential in the midst of this changing world. In the relay race of life, we have to pass the baton of impeccable community leadership to them and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are prepared to lead. In the coming month, I will be sharing...
Dear Leader,
We have established in our past letters the essence of communities to our growth as individuals and as leaders. However, we must not forget that at the core of this ministry of building and establishing communities is a genuine heart for community. This is not limited to our immediate environment or family. It is an all-encompassing call to nurture communities to thrive in oneness, not just exist. It is to genuinely desire growth for all. This is the beginning of community-based leadership.
You must also keep in mind that these gifts are not just installed in us from birth, they are nurtured through the Word of God and a continued passion to see people and the world become better. It is a deliberate growth, just like we feed ourselves to grow in health. We develop a heart for community by consistently showing up and asking ourselves, “What can I do to make things better? What can I contribute to ease people’s burdens?” You must know that what matters...
Dear Leader,
In the 45 years that I have been blessed to be a leader, I have come to understand that sometimes, encouragement is all we need to achieve success in our individual and God-given goals. Proverbs 11:25 says, “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” This means that God calls us to encourage and build one another – especially during tough times. The art of encouragement goes beyond prayers and words. It is a ministry dedicated to lifting people through many words, emotional support, actions, and even thoughts. It is a core part of leadership and when you are encouraged as a leader, you can encourage others with more confidence and strength.
Nonetheless, leadership is often a lonely road. People see you as a source of strength, wisdom, and encouragement and forget that you are human too and you need help, encouragement, and love on some days. That is why I firmly believe that leaders ought to stick together and provide each other with all...
Dear Leader,
Change is never easy, and as a leader looking to change things in your community of influence, it must begin with you. Mother Theresa is remembered for often saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” What could be better? What could be different? It all starts with you being better and being different. Transformational leadership requires us to inspect and sometimes dissect our own lives while simultaneously leading change in the lives of the people around us. How do we prepare for such a potentially daunting task?
It starts with commitment and dedication to the process of change. I honestly believe that a willingness to learn is often a willingness to be transformed. CLN covers a range of topics to help you accept and walk in your divine calling. You have been singled out to transform lives and enact change within and outside your community. We may not reach our full potential quickly, but if we remain committed to the transformation process,...
Dear Leader,
Lately, I’ve been thinking that the real mission of CLN is to “Encourage, Develop and Deploy Transformational Leaders to Change Communities.” Then, immediately I think, “Who is a transformational leader?
We all know the simple definition of leadership... Leadership is influence. Leadership is what is required to move yourself or others from where you are to a destination. Leadership is the gift to produce a change in circumstances, yourself, others, and our communities. You, my friend, are leading every day, even when you don’t realize it!
The world is a collection of communities––family, friend groups, towns, cities, and other groups connected by geography, affinity, or both. At CLN, we desire to spur people to rise to the challenge of producing the change needed to improve the quality of life for those communities you influence. Where you live, where you work, where you study, or where you play... you are the change agent. Who...
Dear Leader,
Thank you for joining our last monthly zoom call! Whether you joined us live or caught the replay afterward, I hope your leadership process was enhanced by our discussion of the Transformational Leader. Our conversation was framed by four great leaders who have had a major impact on my life and ministry. Gideon Thompson, Richard Hilton, Sam Chand and John Maxwell have left an indelible mark on my philosophy of transformational leadership. These ideas we discussed resonated with so many of you. I wanted to review them again.
Transformational Leaders Must Be Transformed
I learned at the onset of my leadership journey that I couldn’t be an agent of change unless I was a product of change! To the degree you are willing to be changed will determine how much change you can catalyze. Bishop Thompson mirrored the power of prayer and scripture to change the leader first! Be determined to be a leader who is being changed by the tools you give others.
Transformational...
Hi Friends,
Anyone that knows me or reads my weekly letters knows that I am passionate and committed to community leadership.
I’ll tell you why. It’s because I have seen the power in having a strong community, which can come in several forms, family, church, or just your neighborhood. I have seen and experienced the power of quality companionships in communities. However, this doesn’t just happen. Deliberate leadership and passion for community is a requirement for this type of leadership, which I define as “called-out leadership.” It’s demanding yet so rewarding when results are achieved!
Honestly, it can get overwhelming, and having worked as a community leader, I know that it requires close mentorship, the kind that Calvary Leaders Network offers! With our program, you’ll be investing in the leadership of you and your team and ensuring your effective impact on your community! Those who partner with us have access to all of our...
Hi Friends,
I strongly believe that everyone has potential and with nurturing, we can change the trajectory of our lives. This is why Calvary Leaders Network exists—for you.
We have built a community that is committed to nurturing great leaders even when you do not know you have the potential to lead. It does not matter where you are in the world, we want you to maximize that potential because as we all know, the world needs more great leaders. With the constant changes in life as we know it, leaders in today’s world need to be all about empowering and collaborating with their teams in empathy. The traditional style of leadership was more demanding and controlling and left team members with feelings of resentment. It’s time to make the change.
At CLN, we also know that leadership potential is not enough, great leadership involves a lot of refining and growth. This cannot be done alone, like most things in life, you need to learn and sharpen it with the help of...
One of the greatest benefits of our network is the opportunity to connect with awesome leaders from your area of expertise and a host of other disciplines! One of my greatest joys is introducing great people to great people and you are one of those great people!
Calvary Leaders Network is home to nearly 200 leaders from all over the world who are determined to be their very best. Most of these leaders are extensions of the faith community and believe that God has called them to make a difference. The beauty of this is the potential to gain courage, information, friendship, and momentum from others who share your commitment.
We are also in the process of creating leadership teams from various segments of the marketplace and the ministry. This will be one vehicle for finding out from you what areas of leadership training are needed in your specific area. It will also allow you to connect with people in similar fields. I believe with all my heart that the most valuable asset you and I...
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