Influence and Impact
How short and small influences can leave a strong and lasting impact.
Never underestimate the power of a small influence. I wrote briefly about this before (see: One Lesson Can Change a Life), but I want to expand on that idea by making it a little more personal. Here are three examples from my own life where even the smallest influence left a lasting impact:
A word of encouragement. I can pinpoint people who have offered me a brief word of encouragement in ministry that has spurred me on to this day. Some were mentors, some were peers, some were students, and some were friends.
An invitation to friendship. I can pinpoint specific moments when someone intentionally reached out to me. A simple conversation, invitation, or act of kindness became the beginning of friendships that changed me personally. While some of these friendships lasted for a season, while others have lasted a lifetime, these specific ones shaped my life.
The decision to adopt. When it came to adopting our first son, it only took one book for me and one informational meeting for Jess to change our hearts, our minds, and ultimately our family.
God often works through small, ordinary influences. A word of encouragement, an invitation to friendship, or a single conversation can become the means he uses to change a life. Never underestimate the impact of a small influence.
More: Preaching & Teaching
Building Healthy Churches (15-Volume Set - 9 Marks)
The Building Healthy Churches 15-Volume Set from 9Marks is an outstanding collection to strengthen your ecclesiology. Currently 27% off at Westminster Bookstore and there is a limited amount left in stock. Use my discount promo code DIVEINDIGDEEP to save an extra 5% off your entire order always.
When it comes to building a healthy church, there are many factors to consider--membership, evangelism, biblical theology, corporate worship, and more. Building Healthy Churches (16-Volume Set) edited by Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman provides introductions for the basic biblical commands regarding the local church. Each of the 16 short, readable books--derived from the best-selling book Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever--is useful for any pastor or church leader seeking more information on the marks of a healthy church.
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Thank God it’s Friday
TGIF: China Releases House Church Leader After 9 Months / Pastor’s Job Description: Four Essential Responsibilities of a Shepherd / I’m Finding It Harder to Change / What Every Man is Looking For / The Biblical Difference Between Misplaced Shame and Well-Placed Shame
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Endnotes
Giveaway and review: In The Church Behind Barbed Wire, Tom Sugimura shares the true story of faith, family, and dignity among Japanese Americans during their incarceration in World War II.
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