I am leading a Mastermind group on "Becoming A Person of Influence." This is a great study of how to be a person that positively influences others to reach their maximum potential. John Maxwell is the author of this great book and provides insights to life changing leadership principles.
While I won't digest the whole book here, I do want to speak about being a person of influence. Maxwell has famously said that "leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less." Everyone influences someone. Some in a positive way and others in negative ways. Having people under your influence is a very powerful thing. The responsibility is tremendous. Whether you plan on influencing others or not, you carry the weight your influence provides.
With positive influence traits you can achieve success in most (if not all) areas of your life. To be a positive influencer integrity is required. Integrity carries with it honesty and transparency. A positive influencer will remain constant in their character regardless of who they are with. Chameleons cannot be positive influencers. Consistency is a must if you want to influence others in the right direction.
Being a person of positive influence lifts others up and doesn't tear people down. There is a major flaw if someone has to tear down others in order to lift themselves up. Learning how to positively interact with others will no only enhance your relationships, but it will launch you into success personally and in your business. Maxwell states, "whether your desire is to build a business, strengthen your children, or reach the world, you can achieve it by raising your level of influence in the lives of others."
Another important aspect of becoming a person of positive influence is building others up to others. Conversations are circular. What a person says always comes back in due time. When others hear you speak about someone, they are taking mental notes. The adage is so true: If someone will talk to you about someone else, that will talk to someone else about you. A positive influencer will speak positively to build and connect. They will have faith in people. They will believe in them and stretch them to new heights.
the Bible has so much to say about being a person of positive influence. The scriptures even outline in the book of Matthew just how to handle difficult situations while remaining a positive influencer. Basically, the conversation remains between the two. Gossip destroys positive influence and fuels negative influence. Stay away from negative influencers and run to the positive!
The good news is that YOU can be a Positive Influencer! It is a matter of choice. Choosing to live a life that builds others up is really the Christian way!
From the Heart,
BR
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
40 Years of Church Ministry Turning the Chapter
It's hard to believe how fast forty years of ministry can happen! I remember the very early days of serving in my home church, Roebuck Park Baptist Church, Birmingham, as a SALT Staff member. At age 17, I had the awesome privilege of being mentored into the student ministry. From there I served in student and recreation ministries until I left for Ft.Worth, Texas to attend seminary.
I was blessed to serve some very large ministries in Arkansas, South Florida and Birmingham. I think back on the hundreds of teenagers and their families that we were able to have a part in their spiritual development. Serving as Education, Administration, and Senior Pastor positions allowed me to walk through most every aspect of church life. From large ministries, God brought me to be part of a church start as their pastor for eleven years. I learned so much during those wonderful years.
Throughout the years of serving in the local church, I was also very involved and passionate about missions. God took me to so many countries to preach and teach. Developing leaders in their own countries has meant so much to me. I cherish these relationships. I have so many memories of God working and seeing lives changed. I fully know that it was God and not me.
God brought me to my last church to serve. A place with so much potential, so many resources. A place that really needed a visionary leader to stretch beyond an inward focus to making an outward difference. A place that had some loving people ready to move forward, but sadly some who did not. The church had come so far in finally having a proper Constitution, By-Laws, and Policy and Procedures. Some eighty people met for a year in prayer as God revealed His vision. The church moved forward. God provided sixty-seven acres of land for the future vision implementation. Sadly, some who chose to not be a part of the vision process stood in opposition. After four and a half years, the struggles of opposition from a few, and all that comes with such, took a toll on my health. I suffered a stroke and had to resign immediately as per my doctors. I was in great danger of another stroke that could be massive and render me unable to serve. I had to make a change. I pray for the success of this church knowing that God can really use them to impact a whole community for Christ. I pray for a movement of God. I thank the Lord for forty years of local church ministry. The ups and downs, the ins and outs. I am thankful for the people who walked alongside me in the good days and the challenging days. I am grateful for those who invested in me and helped me grow. I pray that God will move in the hearts of those that need Him greatly.
I have always been passionate about the church. I gave forty years serving the Lord through the local church. It was sad and extremely hurtful to walk through those deep waters, but I thank the Lord that He spared my health so I can continue serving. I have grown to the point of leaving all these things behind and stretching toward a new beginning!
So God has given me a new ministry adventure! An adventure that takes me into the corporate world like never before. I have spent the last several months preparing myself for this new ministry. The stress in my life has been lowered. I have learned so much about people over these months. God didn't waste what I experienced. God has renewed my strength even as some may continue their plot. God is able. He has all things in His hand. I know that God is not finished with me yet and that He has and is preparing me for the next chapter of ministry.
From the Heart,
BR
I was blessed to serve some very large ministries in Arkansas, South Florida and Birmingham. I think back on the hundreds of teenagers and their families that we were able to have a part in their spiritual development. Serving as Education, Administration, and Senior Pastor positions allowed me to walk through most every aspect of church life. From large ministries, God brought me to be part of a church start as their pastor for eleven years. I learned so much during those wonderful years.
Throughout the years of serving in the local church, I was also very involved and passionate about missions. God took me to so many countries to preach and teach. Developing leaders in their own countries has meant so much to me. I cherish these relationships. I have so many memories of God working and seeing lives changed. I fully know that it was God and not me.
God brought me to my last church to serve. A place with so much potential, so many resources. A place that really needed a visionary leader to stretch beyond an inward focus to making an outward difference. A place that had some loving people ready to move forward, but sadly some who did not. The church had come so far in finally having a proper Constitution, By-Laws, and Policy and Procedures. Some eighty people met for a year in prayer as God revealed His vision. The church moved forward. God provided sixty-seven acres of land for the future vision implementation. Sadly, some who chose to not be a part of the vision process stood in opposition. After four and a half years, the struggles of opposition from a few, and all that comes with such, took a toll on my health. I suffered a stroke and had to resign immediately as per my doctors. I was in great danger of another stroke that could be massive and render me unable to serve. I had to make a change. I pray for the success of this church knowing that God can really use them to impact a whole community for Christ. I pray for a movement of God. I thank the Lord for forty years of local church ministry. The ups and downs, the ins and outs. I am thankful for the people who walked alongside me in the good days and the challenging days. I am grateful for those who invested in me and helped me grow. I pray that God will move in the hearts of those that need Him greatly.
I have always been passionate about the church. I gave forty years serving the Lord through the local church. It was sad and extremely hurtful to walk through those deep waters, but I thank the Lord that He spared my health so I can continue serving. I have grown to the point of leaving all these things behind and stretching toward a new beginning!
So God has given me a new ministry adventure! An adventure that takes me into the corporate world like never before. I have spent the last several months preparing myself for this new ministry. The stress in my life has been lowered. I have learned so much about people over these months. God didn't waste what I experienced. God has renewed my strength even as some may continue their plot. God is able. He has all things in His hand. I know that God is not finished with me yet and that He has and is preparing me for the next chapter of ministry.
From the Heart,
BR
Monday, September 2, 2019
Business Moving Forward
I just attended the International Maxwell Certification (IMC) in Orlando! Wow! Over 25 different countries represented and 3,100 in attendance. The teaching was the best I have ever attended. I am excited about the next steps in this new ministry.
I have started my own business consulting called BRJohnsonSolutions LLC. This will help me offer the very best in Teaching, Training, Coaching and Speaking. I am offering:
Speaking &Workshops
Facilitated Group
Individual and Group Coaching
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I have started my own business consulting called BRJohnsonSolutions LLC. This will help me offer the very best in Teaching, Training, Coaching and Speaking. I am offering:
Speaking &Workshops
Customized Workshops to fit individual needs & budgets. Strengthening team’s communication, relationships by equipping your team with the proper attitudes to develop leaders.
“Lunch and Learn” Sessions
Keynote speaker for your company sponsored event
Half day and Full day Workshop/Seminar and In-house Corporate Training
Mastermind Groups
What can a Mastermind group do for you?
Fresh Ideas
Different Perspectives
Energy & Motivation from shared discussions
Individual and Group Coaching
As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker, I can offer workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your personal and professional growth. Working together, I will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals. I have an earned D.Ed.Min. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have served in ministry for over 40 years in the local church, Law Enforcement and Secret Service Chaplaincy. Having trained hundreds of leaders and led groups in strategic planning and development, I am ready to add value to your organization, business, and/or small group. Let's get started on your path of future success!
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Friday, August 2, 2019
New Ministry
I am VERY EXCITED to announce that I am starting a new ministry as a Certified Independent Speaker, Coach & Trainer with the John Maxwell Team!
As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker, I can offer you workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your personal and professional growth through study and practical application of John’s proven leadership methods. Working together, I will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals.
Help me by passing this information along. Contact me if I can be of service to you or your organization.
As a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker, I can offer you workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your personal and professional growth through study and practical application of John’s proven leadership methods. Working together, I will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals.
From the Heart,
Pastor BR
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Dennis Spaeth
Dennis Lee Spaeth was a committed follower of Jesus Christ! When I got the call that Dennis had passed away in his sleep, I knew the world lost a great man of God, the church lost a servant, and heaven gained a saint.
As I preached his funeral on July 16, 2019, I tried to put into words his passion that everyone know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I started the sermon with the fact that if you really want to know a person then there are three books to look at. First, their checkbook. What do they use their resources for while on this earth? Dennis used all his resources for Kingdom work. He was faithful in his tithing, faithful in his serving. Dennis spent a tremendous amount of time serving at the church in the media ministry. He loved investing in sound, lights, and video needs for our services. He specifically ran the lights. Oh, and did I mention he was legally blind? He didn't let anything stand in his way of serving. He was fully committed with his time, talents, and resources for the growth of God's Kingdom. He served on the Vision Team as he had a passion and conviction of what the church should be. He could see what others could not when it came to the church!
A second book to look at is a person's Bible. I preached Dennis funeral using his bible. He was a man in the Word of God. Although legally blind, he studied diligently and was a tremendous teacher. He used some aides to help him see the Word of God. He had memorized many scriptures and was never hesitant to share. He was a man OF the Word and IN the Word.
The third book to look at is The Lamb's Book of Life. Dennis made sure his name was recorded in The Lamb's Book of Life and wanted everyone he knew to have the same assurance of salvation. Dennis used his business as a platform for sharing Christ. He used his board positions to influence others towards Jesus. He told me, in preparation for his funeral, that he wanted me to talk more about Jesus than him. He wanted me to preach the gospel message and give an invitation. He wanted to make sure that the last public reference from his life focused on Jesus!
Dennis will be missed but his ministry will continue. Each time the church gathers for worship and the lights and sound are on, his ministry continues. Each service that is broadcast over social media, his ministry lives on. And as these outlets are used to help someone trust Jesus as Lord and Savior, his ministry is alive and well. I ended his funeral message with the following statement:
"Dennis would rather you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior than to know Dennis Spaeth."
From the heart,
Pastor BR
As I preached his funeral on July 16, 2019, I tried to put into words his passion that everyone know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I started the sermon with the fact that if you really want to know a person then there are three books to look at. First, their checkbook. What do they use their resources for while on this earth? Dennis used all his resources for Kingdom work. He was faithful in his tithing, faithful in his serving. Dennis spent a tremendous amount of time serving at the church in the media ministry. He loved investing in sound, lights, and video needs for our services. He specifically ran the lights. Oh, and did I mention he was legally blind? He didn't let anything stand in his way of serving. He was fully committed with his time, talents, and resources for the growth of God's Kingdom. He served on the Vision Team as he had a passion and conviction of what the church should be. He could see what others could not when it came to the church!
A second book to look at is a person's Bible. I preached Dennis funeral using his bible. He was a man in the Word of God. Although legally blind, he studied diligently and was a tremendous teacher. He used some aides to help him see the Word of God. He had memorized many scriptures and was never hesitant to share. He was a man OF the Word and IN the Word.
The third book to look at is The Lamb's Book of Life. Dennis made sure his name was recorded in The Lamb's Book of Life and wanted everyone he knew to have the same assurance of salvation. Dennis used his business as a platform for sharing Christ. He used his board positions to influence others towards Jesus. He told me, in preparation for his funeral, that he wanted me to talk more about Jesus than him. He wanted me to preach the gospel message and give an invitation. He wanted to make sure that the last public reference from his life focused on Jesus!
Dennis will be missed but his ministry will continue. Each time the church gathers for worship and the lights and sound are on, his ministry continues. Each service that is broadcast over social media, his ministry lives on. And as these outlets are used to help someone trust Jesus as Lord and Savior, his ministry is alive and well. I ended his funeral message with the following statement:
"Dennis would rather you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior than to know Dennis Spaeth."
From the heart,
Pastor BR
Monday, June 10, 2019
Hills and Valleys
The last month has been very full! Three surgeries and a trip to the Holy Land. Wow what a roller coaster. I'll try to unpack some of the events as best I can.
I have needed hand surgery on both hands for several years. The problems progressed to the point that I had to get something done and since I'm not presently working, what better time than now. So I had the right hand done earlier in the year. Now it was time for the left. I scheduled the surgery for the week after I returned from a trip to Israel that had been booked for about a year. One week before the trip, I suffered with a kidney stone. Obviously unexpected and unplanned. The stone was such that I could not pass it so the urologist decided to perform surgery. Unfortunately the surgery was unsuccessful and a temporary procedure was done so that I would not have to cancel my trip.
Yes, I took the stone all the way to the Holy Land and back.
The Holy Land was an incredible experience. To walk in the towns and areas that Jesus walked and taught was simply amazing. I had the privilege to preach in Bethlehem, baptize people in the Jordan River, lead marriage vow renewals in Cana, have the Lord's Supper on my birthday in the Garden Tomb, and preach in the great Amphitheater in Cesarea where Paul taught and was put in prison. So many other sites including the City of Jerusalem, Jericho, Masada, etc. Truly a blessing and life changing. Our guide summed it up by saying that the tour would add color to the reading of the Bible. Places would now come alive with pictures.
Returning from the Holy Land, I did have my hand surgery and a second kidney stone surgery all in the same week. Needless to say, all went well but what a ride! I'm typing basically with one hand but a heart full of the Holy Land!
So during all of this, I have been praying and looking for my next ministry opportunity. I have to be very honest at this point. I experienced some things in the church that shocked me and disappointed me. God knows the true situation and circumstances so I'll leave it there. I have always been passionate about the church and what I walked through really made me want to walk away. I had to separate God's purpose and vision from man's actions. This has taken a lot of time and prayer. I've had to come to the realization that God truly knows and still loves. I guess I saw the power that the devil really has.
In my roller coaster ride, one thing has remained constant and true for me. Hills and valleys may occur. Fright and screams of exhilaration can happen on the same ride. But my costar never left the track! There is a destination designed by God. Valleys are created between the hills but the destination still remains. Sometimes it is fast and other times slow. It takes more time to climb the hills and the valleys come fast. Up and down. Hard to catch your breath and yet screaming at the same time. But when you arrive at the station you feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I'm learning to leave the disappointments in the valleys! I'm learning to look at the hills that brings me closer to God and gives me the momentum to travel through the valleys. I never want to get stuck in the valleys!
I'm sure my next ministry opportunity will have hills and valleys. I am stronger and have a deeper faith and trust in God. Experiencing the Holy Land reminded me of just how great and powerful God truly is!
From the Heart,
Pastor BR
I have needed hand surgery on both hands for several years. The problems progressed to the point that I had to get something done and since I'm not presently working, what better time than now. So I had the right hand done earlier in the year. Now it was time for the left. I scheduled the surgery for the week after I returned from a trip to Israel that had been booked for about a year. One week before the trip, I suffered with a kidney stone. Obviously unexpected and unplanned. The stone was such that I could not pass it so the urologist decided to perform surgery. Unfortunately the surgery was unsuccessful and a temporary procedure was done so that I would not have to cancel my trip.
Yes, I took the stone all the way to the Holy Land and back.
The Holy Land was an incredible experience. To walk in the towns and areas that Jesus walked and taught was simply amazing. I had the privilege to preach in Bethlehem, baptize people in the Jordan River, lead marriage vow renewals in Cana, have the Lord's Supper on my birthday in the Garden Tomb, and preach in the great Amphitheater in Cesarea where Paul taught and was put in prison. So many other sites including the City of Jerusalem, Jericho, Masada, etc. Truly a blessing and life changing. Our guide summed it up by saying that the tour would add color to the reading of the Bible. Places would now come alive with pictures.
Returning from the Holy Land, I did have my hand surgery and a second kidney stone surgery all in the same week. Needless to say, all went well but what a ride! I'm typing basically with one hand but a heart full of the Holy Land!
So during all of this, I have been praying and looking for my next ministry opportunity. I have to be very honest at this point. I experienced some things in the church that shocked me and disappointed me. God knows the true situation and circumstances so I'll leave it there. I have always been passionate about the church and what I walked through really made me want to walk away. I had to separate God's purpose and vision from man's actions. This has taken a lot of time and prayer. I've had to come to the realization that God truly knows and still loves. I guess I saw the power that the devil really has.
In my roller coaster ride, one thing has remained constant and true for me. Hills and valleys may occur. Fright and screams of exhilaration can happen on the same ride. But my costar never left the track! There is a destination designed by God. Valleys are created between the hills but the destination still remains. Sometimes it is fast and other times slow. It takes more time to climb the hills and the valleys come fast. Up and down. Hard to catch your breath and yet screaming at the same time. But when you arrive at the station you feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I'm learning to leave the disappointments in the valleys! I'm learning to look at the hills that brings me closer to God and gives me the momentum to travel through the valleys. I never want to get stuck in the valleys!
I'm sure my next ministry opportunity will have hills and valleys. I am stronger and have a deeper faith and trust in God. Experiencing the Holy Land reminded me of just how great and powerful God truly is!
From the Heart,
Pastor BR
Friday, May 10, 2019
Unexpected
OUCH! I didn't yell out loud but the pain was excruciating. You see, last Sunday I was sitting in church, a new church for us as we were just visiting, and all of a sudden I had this pain in my lower back. I didn't want to scream out loud and interrupt the worship. We were just visiting and I wanted to leave a positive impression. So I squirmed to get comfortable.
The preacher is really good. As I shifted around in my seat I thought he would NEVER get past his first point! A couple of times I wanted to leave but, as visitors, I didn't want them to think we were just walking out. The pain continued all the way through the invitation. When the last word was spoken we exited very quickly. I decided to skip lunch and go straight to the ER.
After a few tests and some pain medication, the diagnosis was a kidney stone on my left side. If you have had one then you fully understand the pain. I was directed to go home and drink gallons of water to help pass the stone. I drank until I floated but no stone was produced. I followed up with my urologist. Stone and size confirmed.
At this point I must tell you that I have a trip to Israel planned and paid. The doctor said I had a fifty percent chance of passing this stone. Time was not my friend. We decided to wait two more days to see if I could pass the stone. Well, no such luck. Yesterday I went in for a procedure to remove the stone and get on with life. The procedure was not successful, a few complications allowed me to keep the stone until I return from my trip. The stone can't move anymore and a stint was placed which would help things to calm down until the next procedure takes place (which will be more aggressive and complicated).
Unexpected!
These unexpected events can really mess up our plans and cause us to get get down and out. During these times friends can really lift us up with their prayers. Another encouragement I receive is from the promises and practices found in God's Word. I love to read the Psalms and be reminded of how great God is and all the works He has performed. Psalm 8 begins with,
The preacher is really good. As I shifted around in my seat I thought he would NEVER get past his first point! A couple of times I wanted to leave but, as visitors, I didn't want them to think we were just walking out. The pain continued all the way through the invitation. When the last word was spoken we exited very quickly. I decided to skip lunch and go straight to the ER.
After a few tests and some pain medication, the diagnosis was a kidney stone on my left side. If you have had one then you fully understand the pain. I was directed to go home and drink gallons of water to help pass the stone. I drank until I floated but no stone was produced. I followed up with my urologist. Stone and size confirmed.
At this point I must tell you that I have a trip to Israel planned and paid. The doctor said I had a fifty percent chance of passing this stone. Time was not my friend. We decided to wait two more days to see if I could pass the stone. Well, no such luck. Yesterday I went in for a procedure to remove the stone and get on with life. The procedure was not successful, a few complications allowed me to keep the stone until I return from my trip. The stone can't move anymore and a stint was placed which would help things to calm down until the next procedure takes place (which will be more aggressive and complicated).
Unexpected!
These unexpected events can really mess up our plans and cause us to get get down and out. During these times friends can really lift us up with their prayers. Another encouragement I receive is from the promises and practices found in God's Word. I love to read the Psalms and be reminded of how great God is and all the works He has performed. Psalm 8 begins with,
"O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set your glory above the heavens!"
The Psalm 9 says:
"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O most High."
When the unexpected happens, return to the truth that you know about God!
My next kidney stone procedure is booked. The good news is that before that takes place, I get to walk in the Holy Land and worship the Lord!
From the Heart,
Pastor BR
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