Healthy Pastors Leading Health Churches
Derwin L. Gray is the founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, mission-shaped community that loves God completely (Upward), ourselves correctly (Inward), and our neighbors compassionately (Outward) in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Transformation Church was recently recognized as one of the fastest growing churches in America for 2010 by Outreach Magazine.
Gray met his wife, Vicki, at BYU and has been married for 19 years. They have two children, Presley and Jeremiah. After graduating from Brigham Young University, he played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). Gray is the author of Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart (Summerside Press, 2009) and is a highly sought-after communicator. He’s also recognized by many as the Evangelism Linebacker. He’s had the honor of teaching in a variety of settings including Billy Graham Evangelistic Association events, the Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Exponential Conference, Simply Youth Ministry Conference, Greg Stier’s Dare 2 Share Ministries, Tommy Nelson Song of Solomon For Students Conferences and at universities and conferences around the country.
Leaders can harm or heal. Whether you’re a pastor, parent, coach, or CEO, creating organizational cultures where people thrive, rather than simply survive, is our calling. Here are four ways to create a thriving organizational culture: 1. Have a compelling, clear, and challenging vision. God has deposited within the human spirit … [Read more...]
The first way to kill your leadership potential is to think that those you lead exist to serve you. Transformative Leadership is about servant leadership. The point leader exists to serve those he or she leads. Being a transformative leader is not about telling people what to do; it’s about embodying what you’re asking someone to … [Read more...]
As leaders, whether it be as CEO’s, coaches, parents, or pastors, we have the honor of being the architects of organizational cultures where people can flourish. As I was reading Sam Chand’s book, Cracking Your Church's Culture (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2011), I came across 9 characteristics of an unhealthy organizational culture … [Read more...]
If you want to be great, you will, at many points in your life, have to exercise great courage. And our ability to exercise great courage depends on how we answer this question: “Do we trust God enough to follow Him even when we don’t understand where He’s leading us?” Marinate on Genesis 12:1-3. It’s the story of how God … [Read more...]
Is the mission of Jesus Christ impossible through our life? Jesus’ Church, which the Bible describes as His Bride, His Family, and His Body, was birthed out of His divine DNA to join Him on His mission of reconciling the world to His Father (2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 28:18-20). As a pastor and a Christ-follower in general, I see … [Read more...]
GOOD AND MEDIOCRE LEADERS ARE ALREADY TAKEN. There’s really no need for any more of those kinds of leaders. The world is overpopulated with good and mediocre. Your family, school, job, and team, like a thirsty man in the desert, are in need of great leaders. You can be a great leader. BUT YOU NEED TO KNOW ONE PERSON: … [Read more...]
“The Mega Church is the best!” “No! The House/Organic Church is the best!” “No way, bro! The Hipster Church is the best!” “The Traditional Church was good for the Apostle Paul, therefore it is still the best!” We slam the Mega Church, saying it’s “too corporate and shallow.” We slam the House … [Read more...]
Every family, business, athletic team or church has a culture. The culture of an organization is its personality or soul. Here are 9 ways to create a winning organizational culture where people thrive and become leaders themselves: Leaders create a winning organizational culture by casting a clear, compelling, and challenging … [Read more...]
As I write this blog, it’s difficult for me to contain my emotions. God is so faithful. Please understand me. Jesus being faithful doesn’t mean life is easy, nor that I understand what He’s doing in the midst of uncertainty. What I mean is this: God, our glorious Father, is faithful to exalt His wondrous, eternal Son by … [Read more...]
Back in the day, Rodney King echoed these famous words, “Can’t we all just get along?” How do we get along? Is it possible? YES! BUT WE CAN’T DO IT IN OUR OWN STRENGTH. Reflect on Philippians 2:1-4, NIV: Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His … [Read more...]
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