What do you want to be true of you by the end of the year? It's never too early to ask yourself this question. And while most people have made resolutions to do something new, it is equally important for you to decide what NOT to do so that you can be the person and ministry leader God has called you to be. 

In this episode, Jen shares 7 things NOT to do this coming year...because if you're not careful and do them, you will get sucked into the perpetual cycles of busyness that lead to overwhelm and you'll be less effective in the roles you've been given.

Decide not to...

• make yourself busy
• plan too far ahead
• make everyone happy
• manipulate the outcome
• chase every idea
• fill in every moment on your calendar
• wait with great expectation for things to go back to normal

Need help getting clear on your next steps? Join me for a one-hour coaching call via Zoom in the month of January for 30% off. You'll get the recording of our call plus 7 days of Voxer with me so you can...

Whether you are comfortable with your ministry role or not, one thing remains true. Your assignment...your territory has already been given to you! 

You don't have to fight for it. It's yours! Be bold and courageous! Walk into it with faith and trust.

[Monday Motivation episodes are mini-episodes of encouragement from God's word.]

Do you have space and margin built into your every day? Most of us don't. We believe that if we create space and margin, we will miss out on the opportunity to do or produce something valuable. We feel guilty if we have unscheduled time and we violate the God-given rhythm of space and margin in the name of doing something great for God.

Here's the thing:

Space and margin are essential for your life and leadership. 

In this episode, Jen dives deeper into the reasons we refuse to create space and what happens when we finally do. She also gives a pro tip on how to create this buffer within your day-to-day.

More from the Episode:

God works in open spaces. He speaks, gives us ideas, sets up divine appointments and opportunities, and expands our vision.

Space and margin doesn't just happen. It starts with you. It's a decision that you make and a discipline you integrate. 

Creating space and margin is dependent on the mindset that says:

• I am valued by God regardless of what I do...

What you believe will directly impact the decisions that you make, and influence the outcome of your situation. When you are stuck, it can often be traced directly to a fear, lie, or limiting belief. It doesn't take much to allow the culture (even the culture of the church), and the enemy to spin a false narrative of who you are. If you continue to operate under these falsehoods, you may experience guilt, shame, bitterness, and resentment. You may also begin to make excuses and blame others. It is critical to check-in with yourself on a regular basis and pay particular attention to the places where you are struggling.

In this episode, Jen confronts the lie: Good leadership means being available 24/7.

Does your gender influence your leadership? Do you have a place around the table? Does your voice carry the same weight as your colleagues? Being a woman in ministry adds a layer of complexity to our calling and it is something we rarely talk about. In this episode, Jen talks about some of the challenges we face as women in ministry.

One of the greatest motivators in any journey is to remember where you used to be. In today's episode, Jen takes you back to the beginning of the Giving Up Normal podcast. It is still a rallying cry for us all to give up the normal ways of leadership that are hurting our souls so that we can lead as the people God has created us to be!

Your soul is the "you" that you bring into every role, every job, every relationship, and every activity. When we live as our true selves, we bend our roles, jobs, relationships, and activities to fit the design of our souls, the true essence of who we are and were meant to be. Sadly, however, most of us end us changing who we are in order to fit the role that we play. This is dangerous territory.

In today's episode, Jen discusses the importance of living and leading as your true self, out of a healthy soul. She shares three keys to nourishing your soul and enabling you to be you.

Are you frustrated by the restrictions of COVID-19? You are not alone. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when things have radically changed. But there is good news.

You have a once in a lifetime opportunity because of COVID-19.

In this episode, Jen talks about how you can show up and seize the opportunity that is before you! 

The question was never did you have the time, but rather, what will you do with the time you have?

There is a great gift that awaits you in this season...to give up the normal things that were hurting your soul so that you can fully live and lead as the person God created you to be!

When I began my journey in pastoral leadership, I believed that to be a good leader, I needed to be available all of the time. I would meet people or attend meetings on my day off. I'd keep my phone on and close by so I could answer every call. I would check my email every day, sometimes late at night, just in case. When I was in my office, in the spirit of openness and transparency, I would allow anyone to come in at any time. I never wanted to be off-limits.

It was exhausting.

Being "on-call" nonstop interfered with essential ministry functions like my preparation for sermons, bible study, and meetings, it compromised my relationships and my family time, and it chipped away at my sanity. I needed space and quiet to let ideas percolate. I wanted to be able to work out and spend time with the Lord that wasn't related to my job. I needed to pick up my son from school on time and have the chance to make a healthy dinner and eat at the table like a civilized human being before getting...