Description

Jeff Lawrence is a seasoned theologian and apologist with over 30 years of church ministry experience, having served as both a Worship Pastor and Executive Pastor. He has been part of leadership teams for national organizations and served on the board of the National Embryo Donation Center. Currently, Jeff is the Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy, where he is dedicated to training and equipping the next generation to thrive in a postmodern culture. With a solid academic background, Jeff fosters new conversations in Christian schools, universities, and churches, challenging the present and paving a new pathway forward. He believes it's time to reckon with the past and gently call believers back to the foundations of their faith.

In this episode, Wendi and Jeff discuss:

• Transitioning leadership from title to behavior-centered on authentic care
• Foundations of servant leadership: humility, empathy, and prioritizing others' needs
• Building loyalty through empathy and addressing individual hopes and dreams
• Inverting traditional hierarchies: leaders serve rather than being served
• Nurturing leadership in others by finding purpose in God’s unique design

Key Takeaways:

• Servant leadership is built on humility, empathy, and a genuine focus on others, setting aside personal gain to uplift the team and foster a nurturing environment.
• Authentic care for team members, seeing them as people rather than resources, fosters loyalty and belonging, reducing turnover and enhancing commitment.
• True leaders prioritize team achievements, empowering others and cultivating a space for growth, rather than maintaining a hierarchical stance of authority.
• Leadership success lies in self-awareness and embracing one's weaknesses, as humility and gratitude are essential to developing emotional intelligence.
• Purpose-driven leadership finds value in a higher calling, recognizing a greater purpose from God’s unique design over self-reliance, inspiring others to lead with integrity and authenticity.

“ I think some of the best leaders were the best followers. If you can be a great follower, there's an opportunity that in time, you could potentially be a great leader. A leader is not because of a title; it's because of influence, and that influence comes from relationships. Great leaders beget great leaders.” - Jeff Lawrence

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L8XwV_z6_5Y?si=Nsk_GojfGM8yiEg9

Connect with Jeff Lawrence:

Website: https://jeffglawrence.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.lawrence.98/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffglawrenceposts/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.