Thank you for taking the time to learn about my story.
Three key developments in my life have led to the development of "Building Your Legacy."
As an eight-year-old boy I understood that I needed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As much as possible at that age I opened my heart and received Him. That relationship is the critical beginning for my life's work. The work of "Building Your Legacy" is not limited or restricted in any way to people of faith. But my faith forms my motives and guides my conduct.
At age fifteen I became committed to serve the Lord in whatever capacity He called me. I have been preaching since I was 15 and pastoring since the age of 19. I have seen throughout these years that leadership is leadership but that being spiritual and building leaders are mutually inclusive aims.
While many of the leadership resources I offer are not spiritual in nature, my faith is foundational to all that I do.
Whether or not we share a common faith, we doubtless share a common passion for leadership. I have come to believe that leadership is leadership. Regardless the role or belief system, a good leader is a good leader. However, it is important for me to acknowledge that I am indelibly shaped by my relationship with God and His calling on my life. I am eternally grateful for the grace of God shown in saving me and allowing me to be a part of building into the lives of others.
The second major development in my life was a growing understanding of spiritual gifts. I found myself fully engaged in understanding how people are gifted in various ways. I was fascinated by understanding how our gifts shape our actions and reactions. I discovered the thrill of helping others understand their gifts and calling.
Each time I had the privilege of leading a study of gifts I became more committed to helping people grow. Through the years I have had the privilege of leading small groups and larger groups. I have pastored churches as small as twelve people and as many as two hundred. I have led people in urban and rural settings. In all these situations I have sought to help people understand their gifts and motivations.
The third development of my growth toward "Building Your Legacy" occurred during the introductory course of the Doctoral Program. We were exposed to multiple leadership assessments. Learning how our personality traits and leadership styles define us brought another critical growth place in my life.
The spark of understanding leadership and development lit a flame that became a fire in my life. Since that first seminar I have been driven to learn more and more about leadership. I determined to be constantly learning and sharing what I have learned across multiple channels. I read, study, and categorize what I have learned.
The tools I use and have developed are the outcome of the years of study. I have served in the role of pastor for decades, honing my understanding and use of leadership tools and spiritual gift teaching.
I have had joy of leading teams with multiple paid staff members and in small churches where the entire leadership of the church was made of the volunteer members. In every setting I have sought to be faithful to God and those I serve. I have taken on leadership roles within our local associational groups of churches and in the life of the state convention.
During my career as a pastor, it became necessary for me to move into a role where I had two careers. In the church world that is called being bi-vocational. I have been a bank manager for two different banks and served those banks in multiple training and leadership roles. I have been on leadership councils, strategic planning teams, and served as a mentor and trainer. Being recognized as a leader only made me want to be a better leader.
I have been blessed to lead in various roles in the communities where I have lived. I have served as a chaplain, a president of ministerial alliances, and in multiple other capacities.
I offer this short history not to be boastful, but to identify that I speak of leadership and development from a rich and varied background. I have learned from and followed great leaders. I have learned much about leadership in every role. All the work of Building Your Legacy arises from my desire to share leadership insights and strengths with you
Thank you again for seeking to understand my journey.
