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5 Ways to Make the Most of the Leaders' Conference

Joel Murray

A national conference can be exciting but overwhelming, and we want you to make the most of your time with us. Here are some things to bear in mind.

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Health and Safety: a Practical Way to Love Others

Pierre Carion , Manny Kemp , Becky Thomas

Health and safety law might seem a frustrating distraction from ministry, but it enables us to properly exercise love to everyone we interact with.

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Partnerships Across Contexts

Phil Topham

What does a church in a leafy London suburb have in common with a church in an ex-mining town in west Cumbria?

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Lessons from the Global Church

John Stevens

Eleven reflections from the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation which brought together 5,000 church leaders from across the world.

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Chart Your Journey Through Church Leadership

Ray Evans

Leading a church can be like using a chart at sea, so mapping your journey and navigating the big picture is key to growth.

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Ministry Endurance and Avoiding Burnout

Rachel Sloan

With more and more pastors and church leaders considering leaving ministry, what can help us endure to the end while sacrificially serving others?

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Partnership in Planting

Duncan Cobbett

Three churches in Worcestershire are partnering together to form a new church: Grace Church Kidderminster.

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Unrealistic Expectations for Council Estate Ministry

Ian Williamson

Churches serving council estates can face distractions and discouragements, yet shifting expectations can help ministry persevere and bear fruit.

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Catechisms and Contending for the Faith

Tim Hayward

Throughout church history, pastors have taught the fundamentals of the faith through catechesis. What might that look like for a modern church?

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Making Space for Mums

Rachel Sloan , Cid Sparks

Many of our churches run parent & toddler groups, but how do you take the next steps in introducing parents to Christ?

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From Generation to Generation

Graeme Shanks

Our churches are made up of people from different generations. How can we harness the potential that a truly intergenerational church family presents?

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5 Reasons to Go to the Ministry Wives Retreat

Kathryn Tearle

Our retreat for ministry wives offers refreshment and rest over 48 hours. Here’s why ministry wife Kathryn Tearle thinks others should come.

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What All Churches Can Learn from Scotland's Census

Andy Hunter

Published this week, Scotland's Census 2022 reveals that the majority of people now say they have "no religion". What are the implications for us?

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12 Things God Can't Do (Book Review)

Paul Mallard

An accessible and practical introduction to some of the most profound aspects of the doctrine of God.

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Why Do We Need Church Policies?

Becky Thomas

Why do we have to bother with policies in our churches? How do we make a start and get support?

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Perfect Unity (Book Review)

Paul Mallard

Ralph Cunnington takes us on a journey through the central doctrines of the faith, helping us celebrate diversity while maintaining unity.

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Evangelical Unity and the Principle of Balance

Johnny Prime

In matters that divide Christians, or cause fierce debate, “the principle of balance” is key for maintaining evangelical unity.

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Growth and Change (Book Review)

Ray Evans

A must-read for church leaders who long for their churches to be all that they could be: growing in number and in likeness to Christ.

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Being There (Book Review)

Johnny Prime

Writing from personal experience, Dave Furman’s book is full of applied, practical, pastoral theology that instructs us in our care for the hurting.

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Scattering Seeds of Hope (Book Review)

Trevor Archer

Jeremy Marshall has left us a book full of practical and inspirational ways of sharing the gospel; his greatest passion.

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A Property Partnership

Thomas Welch

Shared ownership of housing between churches and their workers could make accommodation much more affordable and display a powerful gospel commitment.

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Podcasts for Church Leaders (2024 Edition)

Joel Murray

If you’re a podcast listener, or you'd like to be, here are some recommendations to help you in your church ministry.

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Serve (Book Review)

Andy Hunter

In this book, Steve Robinson helps believers – new and old – seek to serve in a way that is sustainable and focused on the gospel.

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How Pastors Learn Through Experience

Johnny Prime

When issues in church life arise beyond our experience, we can learn by seeking the counsel of others and through training in spiritual warfare.

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God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook (Book Review)

Adrian Reynolds

Drawing biblical faithfulness and delightful visuals together for children is a tough task. This new book is a great option that does just that.

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Bad Shepherds and Good Shepherds

Johnny Prime

Sheep need shepherd-leaders provided by and patterned on the Good Shepherd, Jesus. Without them, sheep will be harmed, malnourished, and vulnerable.

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An Even Playing Field to Share the Bible

Rachel Land

The Word One to One provides an opportunity for Christians to confidently share the word of God with their friends and family.

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A Gospel-Hearted Love for Smaller Churches

Simon Medcroft

A large church in Essex has sacrificially taken steps to partner with smaller churches in the county to reach more people with the gospel.

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Church in a Weekend

Adrian Reynolds

The breadth and depth of local churches in FIEC was encouragingly reflected this weekend by where FIEC staff were serving.

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Know Your Flock Before You Preach

Johnny Prime

A wise pastor-teacher seeks to share their life with and take time to know those they preach to.

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Raising Confident Kids (Book Review)

Joel Murray

Ed Drew’s book sets out principles for every Christian parent to help their children know who they are and whose they are.

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Buying Too Small

Joel Murray

What are the benefits of buying a building that your church can’t fit into?

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Caring for Widows (Book Review)

Gareth Lewis

A book that deserves to be read by all church leaders to help prepare them for the growing number of widows in our congregations.

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Road Map to Jesus (Book Review)

Paul Mallard

How do the God and events of the Old Testament relate to Jesus? Alistair Chalmers’ short and very helpful book gives answers to this and more.

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Refreshed (Book Review)

Adrian Reynolds

John Hindley’s ‘Refreshed’ is a super holiday devotional book to come back to each year.

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Advice from a Retiring Minister

John Samuel

John Samuel offers some words of advice for young (and old) pastors after 37 years of church ministry.

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Ministry Couples at the Leaders' Conference

Vicky Cockram , Will Cockram

Why you should think about coming to the Leaders’ Conference with your spouse, and how to make the most of it if you do.

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Priscilla, Where Are You? (Book Review)

Elinor Magowan

Natalie Brand’s book is a timely and helpful challenge to women in our churches to commit to joyful theology.

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Busy (Book Review)

Rachel Sloan

In a world of being busy, Ian Carmichael helps us understand what God’s plan is for our busyness and our rest.

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Why a Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches?

Derek Prime

The reasons for independent evangelical churches to be in fellowship are just as valid now as they were 50 and 100 years ago.

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Unconventional (Book Review)

Rachel Sloan

A practical resource for starting or reviewing a robust women’s ministry that teaches, equips, and cares for women in the church.

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Confessions of a Moderator

Bob Cain

What lessons are there to learn through the process of searching for a new pastor with help from a moderator?

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Holding Out Hope for Hidden Sufferers

Alison Woods

A church in Scotland has produced some thoughtful and sensitive posters to enable domestic abuse victims to disclose safely and find hope and healing.

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Your Church's Digital Presence (Why, Who, What)

Joel Murray

A church's digital presence is almost as important, if not more so, than their physical presence in their community. How can we make the most of it?

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A New Building for a Cheshire Church

Joel Murray

After outgrowing their old building, and outgrowing their rented building, it’s time for a brand-new building for a church in central Cheshire.

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How to Pray for One Hundred

Joel Murray

Here are some different ways you can pray for gospel mission across the UK using the Pray for One Hundred guide.

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Christmas Praise! (Resource Review)

Adrian Reynolds

A spiral-bound collection of well-known and less-known Christmas songs for your Advent programme.

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Can I Have Friends at Church?

Elinor Magowan

Some ministry wives are given the advice not to make friends at their church. But is that really the right way?

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Sing a New (Centenary) Song

Adrian Reynolds

FIEC has commissioned a new song to mark its 100th year.

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Embracing Complementarianism (Book Review)

Rachel Sloan

A welcome addition to the thinking on how complementarianism can be put into practice for the flourishing of the church.

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The Universe is Made of Stories

Matt Lillicrap

The stories we tell reveal the life we long for and can point to the Lord who alone can satisfy us.

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Leaders Who Follow (Book Review)

Ray Evans

Trusting, following, and experiencing the love of Jesus keeps us humbly serving his cause, rather than our own.

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Support For and From Ministry Wives

Caroline Haley

The role of a ministry wife can be incredibly lonely at times. Getting together with other women who understand what it’s like can be a great support.

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How to Have Difficult Conversations

Ray Evans

When a difficult conversation is needed, how can we go about them to reach a resolution, whilst avoiding an abuse of power?

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Difficult, Inevitable, and Necessary

Ray Evans

Understanding that difficult conversations need to be had, and how people may respond, is key to a good resolution.

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When Can I Say 'No' in Church Life?

Elinor Magowan

A good ministry wife is sacrificial and always willing to say "yes" in church life... aren't they?

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Why Difficult Conversations Are Getting More Difficult

Ray Evans

Challenging someone about their beliefs, choices, or actions feels more and more problematic. What has caused this shift?

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Gospel-Driven Wills and Legacies

Ray Evans

How often are you advising, teaching, and envisioning believers in your church about how they should use their wealth?

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How to Make the Most of Your FIEC Church Profile

Joel Murray

Your church profile on the FIEC website is an effective and free tool to reach church-searchers and welcome them in.

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The Freedoms of Independency

John Stevens

There are significant advantages to being an Independent, autonomous, and self-governing church.

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Releasing Women for Ministry

Rachel Sloan

FIEC churches have long valued women serving in ministry. How can your church release, develop and champion this essential work?

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Great Gain

Adrian Reynolds

Disaster can come when godliness is left in the shadow of gifting. But the New Testament urges church leaders to pursue both.

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A Prayed-For Plant

Joel Murray , Kenny Rogan

Prayer has played a key part in the launch of Hope Church Aviemore – from initial discussions, to launch, and now into the future.

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Small Changes for a Big Difference

Stui Chaplin

Whether part of your church family or not, the whole congregation needs to be equipped to welcome people with additional needs and love them well.

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Who was Edward J Poole-Connor?

FIEC has been helping churches work together for 100 years, since its first meeting was convened by Edward J Poole-Connor. Who was this pioneer?

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Insuring Your Church

Barry Walker

Few of us are concerned about insurance until we make a claim. What should church leaders be considering before a claim is needed?

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The Problem with Hymns

Sam Smith

We are blessed to have a treasure trove of old hymns in the history of the church. So why do so many sit dormant in dusty hymnbooks?

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6 Ways to Keep Church Seven Days a Week

Joel Murray

The church is called to gather, but also to encourage, to pray, to witness. Online technology can help us do that all through the week.

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Church in a Box (Lessons for Meeting in a Rented Building)

Adrian Reynolds

Five practical issues for churches who meet in rented premises to grapple with.

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Friendship Lessons from the Royal Navy

Adrian Reynolds

It might be difficult to spot how investment in friendship can help your ministry, but it is worth its weight in gold.

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Making Faith Magnetic (Book Review)

Rachel Sloan

Dan Strange’s excellent book encourages us to engage with the questions people are asking in order to point them to Jesus.

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5 Lessons for Churches Hosting Refugees

Brian Whittaker

As homes across Britain are opened to host Ukrainians fleeing the war, what do church leaders need to do to welcome refugees into church life?

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Three Books to Read on Leadership in 2022

Ray Evans

Three important Christian leadership books were published in 2021 which would be a good addition to your reading list this year.

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The Nearly Impossible Task

Ray Evans

Leading your church in mission and evangelism is a difficult but important job. How can we avoid guilt whilst pushing it to the top of our agenda?

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Powerful Leaders? (Book Review)

Ray Evans

Marcus Honeysett’s important book on spiritual abuse is challenging, humbling, and full of insights to help you serve others, and Christ, better.

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Leading the Church in Response to Ukraine

Adrian Reynolds

Four things church leaders can do to lead their churches in response to the situation in Ukraine as it continues to deteriorate.

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The Least, the Last, and the Lost (Book Review)

Alistair Chalmers

Mez McConnell’s new book is a must-read for pastors, church planters, and those trying to reach people in schemes or council estates with the gospel.

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Time Well Spent (Book Review)

Adrian Reynolds

Colin Webster’s short book gives practical and encouraging advice to help make the most of your quiet times.

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Why You Should Mix Up your Small Groups (and How to Do It)

Andy Hunter

Mixing up a church's small groups can be wise but is there a way to do it without losing all the relational benefits already built up?

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How to Spot a Healthy Church

Jonathan Bond

What does a church look like that is truly growing and knowing God’s grace upon it?

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Serving in a Smaller Church

Jonathan Bond

The best place for you to serve is where the Lord wants you, not where the biggest church is.

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The Answer to the Loneliness Epidemic

John Stevens

The birth of Jesus is a foretaste and anticipation of God’s dwelling with his people. God is with us: then, now, and forever.

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How to Receive Criticism and Respond Well

Lewis Allen

Receiving criticism is part of pastoral ministry and is the Lord’s appointed means of change as you respond well to it.

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The Glorious Future

Jonathan Thomas , John Russell , Raymond Brown , Colin Adams , Steve Robinson

The church of Christ has a glorious future! At the 2021 Leaders' Conferences, local pastors each encouraged us with this truth.

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How Innocence/Guilt and Honour/Shame Cultures Collide

Andy Paterson

[Part 21] In cross-cultural evangelism we need to understand someone's cultural paradigm. Here is how the two dominating paradigms interact.

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In Praise of Smaller Churches

Jonathan Bond

Nearly half of all FIEC churches have 35 or fewer members. It may seem that these fellowships are failing but in fact many are healthy and thriving.

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Primer 12: In the Flesh

David Shaw , Nathan Weston

Understanding and celebrating the person of Christ.

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Brave by Faith (Book Review)

Rachel Sloan

Alistair Begg shows us how discovering the message of the book of Daniel enables us to stand firm and live bravely.

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Finding My Father (Book Review)

Elinor Magowan

Blair Linne’s personal story of fatherlessness is compelling, instructive, and insightful. A must-read to help you disciple those that are hurting.

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Cultural Paradigms in Evangelism

Andy Paterson

[Part 20] We must be careful to understand where someone is coming from when engaging in cross-cultural evangelism.

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How Should I Respond to Criticism?

Elinor Magowan

Ministry wives can be acutely aware of criticism of their husbands - and themselves - that may escalate into conflict. How should they respond?

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Getting Out of a Church Rut

Ray Evans

Serious issues in church life that go unaddressed can end up getting you stuck in a rut. How do you change things for the better?

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How to Welcome Students into Your Church Family

Sophie Cornes

As students begin a new academic year, what are some of the ways the local church can help them feel welcome and part of the family?

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How Can I Be Content as a Ministry Wife?

Elinor Magowan

There are many challenges that threaten our contentment as ministry wives. When we encounter difficulties, Paul directs us to Christ.

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The 5 Cs of Church Revitalisation

Steve Robinson

The story of a revitalised church in Liverpool which has now multiplied to four church plants has important lessons for churches in need of some help.

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Answer Questions Like and With Jesus

Andy Paterson

[Part 19] The best way to respond to many questions we face in evangelism is with a question. And then to point the questioner to the ultimate answer.

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Speaking Jesus at Reading Festival

Richard Baxter

What do you do when 90,000 festival-goers descend on your town? Find out how a local church took the opportunity to show love and share the gospel.

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Is it Worth the Effort?

Elinor Magowan

During seasons when the pressure of ministry is keenly felt, the privileges of ministry can escape you. Considering your purpose can help you hold on.

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Pursuing Biblical Generosity

Jonty Allcock

In a culture which isn’t very good at talking about generosity, a church in London ran a week of activity to think about what it means to be generous.

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Servant-Hearted Team Meetings

Ray Evans

There is more to effective team meetings than simply good time keeping. Leaders must have a servant heart.

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