He was despised and rejected by men;
    a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
    he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Fr. Timothy Lowe looks to the Gospel of Matthew as the climax to the biblical story in the people's search for a leader.  The Son of Man is presented as an anti-king, securing no power in an army, palace, or wealth.  As one who submits to the will of His Father, the Son of Man will come in glory to judge on that very basis, separating those who serve the will of the Father from those who do not.  This is our hope, even as we are made to tremble.

Fr. Timothy Lowe, in reflecting on the "despair of the Lord," the very meaning of Josiah's name, reminds us there may be a time when repentance is no longer an option. 

The young King Solomon asked not for long life, nor riches, nor victory over his enemies. We learn from the story in I Kings that the Lord was pleased that Solomon instead asked for a "listening heart," to govern and discern what is right. Fr. Timothy Lowe reminds us that the right beginning, the initial baptism and the right confession of faith doesn't necessarily secure God's favor. It's in the doing and walking in faithful obedience, ever mindful of the condition, "If you keep my commandments, then I will lengthen your days."  

Fr. Chris Salamy compares the story of the man, Adam, in the Garden of Eden with the story of the man, Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane. He reminds us that serving our own wills surely ends in death, while serving the will of our Heavenly Father opens unto life. 

Fr. Chris Salamy is the author of The Way of the Warrior Saint: How to Live a Crucifixional Life. Learn more at https://www.warriorsaints.org/book/

Fr. Timothy reminds us, "It's not how we begin life, but how we end it. No one is good, but God alone. Do not imagine otherwise. It is the only corrective to our egos."

We are reminded again through this story that, "No one is good but God alone," and "Whoever would be greatest must be servant of all." Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests, "If you say these things and repeat them, trust me, it will finally sink in and live there and be the corrective to all temptations."

The story allows us to pause and ask, Who builds? Whose house? Whose glory?

Fr. Timothy Lowe looks to the story of God's regret that He had made Saul king over Israel, a similar regret we hear in Genesis after God had created man.  From this harsh reality emerges our only hope in submitting to the Lord as King and His mercy through His anointed One. 

As Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's Gospel, he reiterates His Father's expectation.  The crowds who follow Him are impressed with His prophesies, healings, and mighty works, yet they are nevertheless filled with false expectations about entering the Kingdom. Jesus addresses their self-deception, "Not every one who says to me, 'Lord,Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who dos the will of my Father who is in heaven." So why are the crowds astonished at his teaching? 

Fr. Paul Hodge remembers the aphorism of Fr. Thomas Hopko of blessed memory, "Beware of consolation before the crucifixion." Like a child who wants dessert before dinner, we may want all of the glory of God's promises now.  Looking to Romans 8, we are reminded of the order and the responsibility to receiving God's gift.  Sharing in the inheritance as sons comes after suffering with Christ, and not before. 

Fr. Timothy Lowe turns to Matthew 7 which challenges our presumptions and turns the worldly order upside-down.  The easy path leads to destruction while the narrow gate leads to life. Those who look like sheep may be ravenous wolves, so you must know them by their fruits. And those who fall prey to false teaching may need to check their very wishes and desires against the fruit of Christ's teaching.  

Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests we resolve to pray, out loud and often, the very words provided by Jesus in Matthew's Gospel.  Our daily bread is closely linked to the daily practice of forgiveness, suggesting that as often as we eat, we must seek the Lord's daily bread through His Word and extend His mercy to one another. Taking note of its priorities, its communal emphasis, and even its own powerful simplicity in what the prayer leaves out, the Lord's Prayer sets the ultimate goal and direction for those who pray, "Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done." 

Fr. Timothy Lowe submits to the critique of Matthew's Gospel which warns about heaping up empty words and praying in order to be seen by men.  A Father provides for His children, and Our Father in Heaven knows what you need before you even ask. We can't keep secrets from Him anyway.  As Matthew instructs, "When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Fr. Timothy reminds us, like Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is in the acceptance of the simple prayer, "Thy will be done."

Reflecting on Hebrews 13 where the Apostle Paul summarizes, "Do not neglect to good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God," Fr. Evan demonstrates how there's always room for one more at the table.  He affirms the degree of diversity within the parish directly correlates to the degree of parish health. 

Fr. Evan shares how the Great Commission is inextricably linked to parish health in his new book, Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Roadmap to Parish Health.  The book is written as a practical guide for parish leaders to digest and implement in order to reclaim the Great Commission toward parish health.  

How do business and nonprofit leaders who strive to serve the Lord respond to the pressure of these events?  How do consumers and patrons respond in light of their baptism in Christ?  Fr. Timothy Lowe turns to Matthew's Gospel which critiques our motivations surrounding Black Friday and Giving Tuesday in light of Christ's Sermon on the Mount.

In this episode, Andrea Bakas provides an in-depth word study which unveils powerful imagery stemming from episkopos and diakonos. We look to First Timothy to understand what is expected of bishops and deacons, functional leaders of the church who are reminded to manage their households well.

The story of the Good Samaritan and the inverted question Jesus asks, "Who was neighbor to that man?" clarifies the question asked by the lawyer to tempt Jesus. The one who showed mercy clarified the work for the innkeeper to further extend mercy, and mercy abounds! "Do this and you will live," is the clear answer. 

Any questions? 

"We are called to do the Lord's will; no less and no more," says Richard Benton, PhD, author of Hosea: A Commentary and of Loving Language: Learning to Hear Your Neighbor.  The temptation is to overstep with paybacks, applying strictness or neglect, as we see in the Book of Joel. The Lord used the other nations as an instrument of judgment against Israel, but they have overstepped. Incapable of payback, the Lord will requite their deeds upon their own heads. And that's how we know it's fair, when everyone in every nation stands under the same judgment and mercy of One Lord.  

But Jesus isn't impressed by loving those who love you and saluting only your brethren.  That's just basic human behavior. Jesus sets a higher bar in Matthew's Gospel with instruction to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  How is this possible? How are we to respond with the call to "be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect?" 

Blaise Webster, co-host of Tell Me the Story podcast, examines the original Hebrew for "image and likeness" and its serious implications for exercising dominion over the earth.  Rather than asserting possession over what God rightly owns, man is appointed like a manager entrusted with the company keys.  

The stories told in 1 Samuel hearken of hopeful beginnings in the priestly line, the prophetic line, and the kingly line, but it doesn't take long for each to go awry when motivations for a dynastic line supplant the Lord's command.  Driven by base appetites, the sons of Eli abused their priestly office and treated the offering of the Lord with contempt. We have only to read the biblical stories that provide a warning against the contempt and corruption that seep in against the Lord's righteous establishment. And we must not lose hope when we see the Lord intervening with a new beginning. 

The story of Hannah in the opening of 1 Samuel demonstrates the gravity of remembrance, grace, and vows.  Hannah, barren and distressed, pours out her soul to the Lord and trusts in the blessing of promise from Eli, the priest.  The Lord remembers her, extending grace through the birth of a son. But the remembrance doesn't stop with the favor of the Lord. Hannah dedicates her young son, Samuel, to the Lord, in remembrance of her vow and the grace extended to her. 

Hannah exemplifies what we seek in our leaders - one who negotiates for the sake of all and makes good on her promises.      

Fr. Seraphim Solof opens Luke 24 for the story of Jesus who appears to his disciples on the road to Emmaus.  The disciples had just witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus; the very one they had expected to redeem Israel is now presumed dead. Unable at first to recognize the risen Jesus, their eyes were opened when the Scriptures were opened to them, culminating in the blessing and the breaking of bread. 

Fr. Seraphim describes, "The problem is, the God and the Jesus who we create and animate to do our bidding, whether that means instantly giving us everything we ask for in prayer, or perhaps smiting the people who don't see things the way we do, they are invariably a false god and a false messiah. They're idols of our own making, they're really just reflections of ourselves." Like the disciples, our only hope in recognizing the Lord is to open our eyes through the opening of Scripture which extends the invitation to table fellowship.  

After 40 years of leading God's people in the desert, it may seem harsh that Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. The final scene in Deuteronomy makes it clear that glory does not belong to the one who serves, but to the One who provides.  The Lord provides hope through His promise for the next generation that they would hear and be faithful to His Word which itself bears the fruit of promise.  

The calling of Moses provides insight into this common human inclination to argue, make excuses, and wrangle out of responsibility to the work the Lord provides.  When Moses provides a litany of excuses, the Lord provides the plan, the mouth, and the words, eliminating all excuses.  As Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests, the question is whether to submit, and the rest is details, trusting in the Lord's provision. 

When faced with a difficult task, leaders may ask that question even today, "Who am I?"  Does the question come from a sense of fear? excuse and avoidance? false humility? perhaps genuine humility? The motives can be analyzed, but at the end of the day, it's not about "who am I." The servant of the Lord can avoid an ontological crisis by serving the Lord's instruction. 

Fr. Timothy Lowe reminds us that only the mercy of the Lord, in light of our own sinfulness, lays the foundation for a good beginning.  Whatever education and expertise we think we bring to our life's calling, we are challenged by Simon Peter who was willing to leave everything - his boat, nets, and fish - to follow his Lord. But it's only a beginning. And a good beginning doesn't make a hero. After baptism, there's more to the story.

Fr. Timothy Lowe shares the story of Herod and John the Baptist, reminding us that our reference points matter. We are called to refer to One Lord, serving and fearing only Him.

Standing in the Lord's presence, the prophet Isaiah cries, "Woe is me! I am undone!"  and charged with a confounding message of coming judgment and destruction.  Fr. Timothy Lowe, in a study of Isaiah 6, suggests it's time to sober up in the midst of utter devastation.  Our only hope is in the seed of the Lord that might sprout from the burned and fallen stump. 

As an outsider, the Canaanite is like a dog compared to those who feast at the Master's table within the religious community. Jesus honors her great faith which stands in stark contrast against the disciples and religious leaders who reflect such little faith throughout Matthew's Gospel. The challenge presented even today is whether those who presume to feast at the Master's table are willing to offer even just a crumb to those in need. 

Fr. Ian Pac-Urar explores the example we find in the Apostle Peter. Even by identifying himself as a "fellow elder" in his first epistle, the Apostle Peter demonstrates what it means to serve the flock, not by lording over them, but by submitting to the example set by Christ.

Fr. Barnabas Powell of Faith Encouraged Ministries attends to the treasure entrusted in St. Paul's letter to Timothy. He challenges us to allow Christ's message to confront us - our mindset and behavior - so that we shift focus to that which is eternal over the temporary. What we truly value will be evident on the Last Day when we are called to account for this precious deposit of faith. 

Women like Deborah and Jael were not the expected leaders of a nation over 2000 years ago. People would rather put their trust in the strength of an army and its commander.  In this episode, Fr. Dustin Lyon shares how the army commanders from both sides were judged by the Lord who accomplished His will through the unexpected leaders of Deborah and Jael, a righteous judge and fierce warrior. 

Dr. Andy Geleris, author of Money and Salvation: An Invitation to the Good Way, discusses the contrasts in sowing abundantly and sowing sparingly. He explores St. Paul's appeal to the Corinthians to sow generously, offering what the Lord provides, so that material resources might be transformed into spiritual blessings.

As we celebrate All Saints, Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests they witness to the message that must shake our own world, break our idols, and silence the noise that distracts us from the race we are called to run according to the Gospel. 

• Focusing on the WHY of generosity
• Positioning generosity as an opt-out decision
• Guarding against stagnation by focusing beyond the needs of the parish

In this interview, Fr. Evan cites a study which suggests that while many people face the same disruptive force, only 5% of us will make a positive change because of the disruption. Fr. Evan urges us to "press on," as the Apostle Paul instructs in his letter to the Philippians, allowing the Gospel to do its disruptive work in us for the sake of meaningful change and salvation. 

Professional organizer, Presvytera Stacey Dorrance, reflects on the teaching of Jesus who instructed, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume . .  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matt 6:19-20)

Fr. Timothy Lowe shares the perspective of The Blind Man from the Gospel of John. Jesus extends mercy, bringing sight to the blind and revealing the blindness of those who presume to see through the certainty of self-righteousness. 

Samson and Delilah's story, like many others in the Bible, provide a clear warning and an opportunity to reflect, repent, and realign priorities to the Lord's priorities. Fr. Dustin Lyon shares the Lord's hope for the next generation through the telling of this sacred vocation.

Fr. Timothy Lowe shares how with this new life comes freedom from excuses and new accountability to walk in the life-giving commandments and to "Go and sin no more." 

Fr. Patrick O'Grady, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Antiochian Church, opens the Wisdom of Sirach and shares the story of St. Philaret to encourage generous giving with cheer and gladness.  

Who among us doesn't pay good money to protect, preserve, and champion our beliefs, our way of life, our prestige? Perhaps Judas sought to protect religiosity or force the hand of Jesus against the Roman occupation or was simply captivated by his own greed when he betrayed Jesus. Regardless, the will of the Father was accomplished through Jesus Christ, the ultimate Champion on the cross. 

Fr. Robert Holet, DMin, author of The First and Finest: Orthodox Christian Stewardship as Sacred Offering, discusses Judas's entanglement with money and his ultimate betrayal of an innocent man.

If you want like to learn more about current Biblical Hebrew or Greek course offerings as this podcast mentions, please contact Fr. Timothy Lowe. 

Michelle Moujaes, Director of Faithtree Resources, shares The Encounter - a prayer book, app, and community initiative to support a discipline of transformational prayer.

Andrea Bakas demonstrates how the Book of Samuel subtly reveals even our own lust for power as we find ourselves rooting for the young David and his rise to power against the suspicious and paranoid King Saul.  We quickly forget that the Lord warns his people about their rebellion against Him in seeking an earthly king who constantly abuses his power on the backs of those he rules. 

Dr. Andy Geleris, author of Money and Salvation - An Invitation to the Good Way, reflects on the parable of the rich fool from Luke's Gospel and the importance of being rich toward God.  We must live as though we believe we will die and stand before God's judgment.  Dr. Geleris also suggests that the Church has severely neglected the topic of money and the salvific practice of almsgiving as mercy-giving.  He urges tithing as a great first step in almsgiving and reminds us that the Lord's blessing is abundant through anonymous giving.  

Fr. Aaron Warwick, co-host of Teach Me Thy Statutes, exegetes the parable commonly referred to as The Unjust Steward in the Gospel of Luke and demonstrates the wisdom of the steward through a more careful translation of the Greek which renders The Steward of the Unjust. The Master praises his steward for doing what the Master intends: distributing mercy just as the Apostle Paul mercifully distributes the Gospel to the Gentiles.  

Mariam Haddad, successful entrepreneur, community supporter, and devoted mother, shares her encounter with the pruning shears wielded by the Lord. In the solitude of the pandemic, she gives up her grandiose plans for her children and business and loses every possession in the Houston freeze. Mariam glorifies God for this new season of repentance by which the dead branches of pride and personal agendas are pruned and cut away. 

The episode's title conveys a double meaning. "Supporting" describes the clergy wife in her role, and it explores how the laity can support these women who are constantly called upon to serve and sacrifice for the sake of the community. Rather than offering suggestions and critique, support is better offered by extending the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

These stories help servant leaders within the Lord's household to reconsider our "target audiences," those "customer profiles" we find worthy to engage our services, products, and events. 

While the young King Josiah leads his people in a faithfully executed temple repair campaign, the Book of the Law is discovered within the temple treasury. The Book of the Law presents itself as the true treasure and offers a new chance for Israel to get on the same page - quite literally - of Deuteronomistic reforms which is Israel's only hope amidst destruction and pending exile.  

While it may be tempting to turn to a book like Lamentations for a dose of consolation, if we listen carefully to the entire text, the scripture warns us through poetry crafted to break our hearts of stone. Rather than lamenting the destruction of that which is temporary and built by our own hands, the biblical writer laments Israel's disobedience. Lamentations is merciful in its warning and is followed by Ezekiel's hope that God would grant a heart of flesh so that we might walk according to His commandments.

This week's podcast remembers those who have led by example. The best leaders on the path of righteousness lead not by their own examples, relying on their own strength and resources. Instead they point to the Lord's instruction and examples of obedience, like the Theotokos who responded, "I am the Lord's servant. Be it unto me according to thy word!" (Luke 1:38)

May the prayer of 2022 be for all who serve in the Lord's household, "Not my will, but Thine be done!"

The story of the Rich Young Ruler immediately follows the scene of Jesus calling the little children to him. He takes the moment to teach, "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Luke 18:17) Dependent children cannot but trust and receive from the one who provides for them. Fr. Dustin Lyon, host of The Way, contrasts the trusting children with the Rich Young Ruler, reminding us of the call to seek the treasures of heaven found in obedience to the instruction we receive.

Fr. Timothy Lowe, former Rector of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem, exegetes John 13, and reminds us that this intimate act of service and love is transformative for all who hear and do as the Lord instructs. 

This week's episode is Part 3 of "Speaking the truth in love," and explores the receiving end - hearing the truth. And even when the criticism seems ungodly and spoken not in love, it is a kairos - an opportunity to submit to your neighbor as you would in deference to the Lord. 

This week's episode continues the study of Ephesians 4:25-32 and the responsibility we have as "members one of another" to speak the truth in love even when we would rather avoid the conflict. 

• "You should hire me because . . ."
• "You should promote me because . . ."
• "You should buy my product or service because . . ."

"What Scripture is telling you is that you're exploiting your neighbor, and you're under judgment. So proceed with caution, because the Lord is coming. If we can just learn to be honest with ourselves about what we're doing, then there's hope that we will cause less harm to each other in our business dealings. We have to be held to the Lord's standard that we are to be perfect as His Father is perfect. And then we have to be fully aware that we're not, so that we don't think too highly of ourselves." - Fr. Marc Boulos

Service is the emphasis of servant leadership within the Lord's household as we serve His instruction in the context of parish council. Service shapes recruitment, training, and succession planning. Service frames strategy,  governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and support of the parish priest or non-profit director. And service to Christ, however He is presented to you as "the least of these" matters on the last day. 

The program, designed for parishes, schools, and any Christian community, will strengthen the clarity of purpose and vision not only for that community, but for each member within the body of Christ. Mentoring and Nurturing Transformative Relationships (MNTR) creates opportunities for people to realize their unique place in the body of Christ, integrated through collaborative multi-generational ministry. 

• First asking whether a meeting is even needed
• Preparing and time-boxing your agenda
• Following up with task owners recorded in minutes
• Creating a safe environment for dissent
• Ensuring alignment over agreement

Isn't the whole-burnt offering an archaic, wasteful practice? 

Can tithing be understood as a Church tax?

Isn't almsgiving simply giving a few spare coins to one in need? 

Shouldn't parish fundraising use a ministry-centric approach?

An interview with Dr. Andrew Geleris, author of the forthcoming book Money and Salvation: An Invitation to the Good Way, challenges many of these notions after his study of Scripture challenged him. 

Fr. Timothy Hojnicki will be speaking on Early Life Transitions: Supporting and Navigating Change from High School to College at the 5th Annual National Orthodox Leadership Conference at St. Vladimir's Seminary, September 17-19, 2021.  

Learn more about Axia Women at https://www.axiawomen.org/

• Developing emerging leaders within the body of Christ
• Christian mentoring
• Collaborative intergenerational ministry
• Mutual learning and listening to understand generational perspectives
• Succession planning for your church and nonprofit boards or staff
• Early-life transitions such as college and vocation
• Changing the fear-based narratives around "The Church is losing its youth!" to explore hopeful possibilities
• Responding well to cultural and social changes
• Networking with other Orthodox Christian leaders

 . . . THEN THIS CONFERENCE IS FOR YOU AND THE  EMERGING AND SEASONED LEADERS AROUND YOU!

Dr. John Mark Reynolds and Hollie Benton anticipate this year's 2021 conference, Generously Investing in Emerging Leaders.  Each challenging presentation is followed by highly-interactive discussion questions, case studies, or small group work. Online participation is available, and attending in person at St. Vladimir's Seminary provides the benefit of networking and deepening relationships across the Church to support the ministry God has entrusted to your care!

• Hopes do not align with reality
• Confidence is wavering 
• Responsibilities feel overwhelming
• Life feels lack-luster

Fr. Paul reminds us how submitting to the Lord's will addresses any situation. "Sacrifice and offering thou dost not desire; but thou hast given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering thou hast not required. Then I said, 'Lo, I come; in the roll of the book it is written of me; I delight to do thy will, O my God; thy law is within my heart.'" (Psalm 40:6-8)

​Learn more about the Orthodox Coaching Network.

• "The love of money is the root of all evils" (1 Tim. 6:10)
• The difference between stewards and volunteers
• What we've earned versus what the Lord provides
• The connection between stewardship and the liturgical life

Fr. John's book is a resource used in Inspiring Generosity and Stewards, a module of Doulos - The Intensive Program in Servant Leadership.

While professional coaching is not therapy, pastoral guidance, nor counselling, Fr. Elias suggests coaching can help those who want to:

·    Move beyond feeling stuck

·    Articulate a clear vision

·    Navigate and resolve conflict

·    Balance work, ministry, and family responsibilities
Visit the Orthodox Coaching Network to learn more.

Fr. Barnabas recalls a sermon to "know thyself" and acknowledges that fear or arrogance protects one from being discovered. "Coaching helped me get behind the curtain and to better know myself . . . to know my strengths and weaknesses and to avoid stumbling over stuff that catches me by surprise, even in my own heart."

Dean Harbry, PCC, and Fr. Barnabas Powell discuss the benefits of coaching for any Christian leader. Learn more and take advantage of this service through the Orthodox Coaching Network!​

• Key-less leaders may be young or inexperienced who strive to prove their worth in possessing keys in order to gain authority or access.
• Key-hoarding leaders run the show and refuse to give others access and share responsibility.
• Key-loaning leaders reluctantly or temporarily loan keys to others and then quickly take them back.
• Keychain leaders are aware of the keys they hold and intentionally open doors for some while training and entrusting others who are ready for their own "set of keys." 

Thomaida suggests that keychain leadership works not only in developing youth, but in engaging new church members through missions and evangelism. 

Anna Caraveli suggests turning the question outside-in and ask instead, "How can we understand and connect to what matters most to people? How can we attend to the struggles of our people and serve them?" 

Learn more about Anna's research in organizational health and how it applies to churches with respect to 

• Leading from the outside in
• How processes should link to vision
• Replacing tactical thinking with strategic thinking
• How empathy opens possibilities
• Transforming self-centric to others-centric

Check out The Demand Perspective: Leading from the Outside In

Based on extensive parish development practice and consulting, Joe Kormos shares many useful suggestions to function as a more effective parish board, including:

• Regular Parish Health Assessments 
• Seriously asking, "Do we want to be made well?" (John 5:6)
• Intentional narrowed focus on few initiatives
• Committing to a Parish Council Covenant
• Utilizing consent agendas
• Parish board retreats and calendar planning

As college graduates launch their careers, their first employers readily harness the value of those who received leadership training and served on the OCF Student Leadership Board. But are our parishes so quick to harness this energy?   Christina offers some suggestions to both parish leaders and young emerging leaders to create opportunities for those capable college graduates who desire to serve the Church.
 
Christina Andresen, Director of Ministries for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, shares how student leaders are trained to serve OCF ministries on their college campuses.  

Fr. Luke bases his ministry on the Lord's word to Abram found in Genesis 12:2, "I will bless you, so that you will be a blessing." 

The 2021 Holy Saturday episode of Doulos explores the imagery and poetry of St. John Chrysostom's Paschal Homily through an interview with Andrea Bakas, founder of the Los Angeles Bible Lecture Series. She takes a deeper look at the scriptural content woven into this powerful and enduring sermon. Andrea also explores the rich meaning of the Greek word, epikranthi, used as the basis for her new podcast which releases Pascha Sunday, 2021, VEXED!

Fr. Sergius looks to Christ, the Theotokos, and the faithful Centurion as shining examples of those who humbly submit to the Lord's instruction and exercise the power of that instruction to carry out their responsibilities for those in their care.

Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and contributor to Doulos – The Intensive Program in Servant Leadership, shares the final episode of a four-part series to explore serving with Christlike authority and humility.

Fr. Sergius encourages Christians to imitate Christ's humility by 

1. Submitting to the authority of God's instruction.
2. Allowing God's word to correct us.
3. Giving thanks to God when corrected.

Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and contributor to Doulos – The Intensive Program in Servant Leadership, shares Part Three of a four-part series to explore serving with Christlike authority and humility.

• I'm so busy and I just don't have time to help.
• Thanks for asking, but who am I to take on such a responsibility?
• I'll just keep quiet and avoid any conflict.
• I'm so broken, how could God use me?

False humility seeks excuse from duty and personal accountability, appearing humble for personal gain. Rather than pointing out the false humility in others, how do we recognize excuses and false piety in our own behavior and repent from it? 

Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and contributor to Doulos – The Intensive Program in Servant Leadership, shares Part Two of a four-part series that explores serving with Christlike authority and humility.

·    I’m in charge. It’s my decision. I don’t have to listen to you.

·    It has to get done, so I’ll do it my way.

·    I’ve been here longer than you, so I know better.

·    My family built the church, so I’m entitled.

False authority usurps the power of the scriptural commandment to assume the place of God. Rather than pointing out the false authority in others and resisting their commands, how do we recognize the insidious self-righteousness in our own behavior and repent from it?

Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and contributor to Doulos – The Intensive Program in Servant Leadership, begins a four-part series to explore serving with Christlike authority and humility.

Fr. Chris Salamy, author of The Way of the Warrior Saint: How to Live a Crucifixional Life, looks to Christ as the model for conquering the fear and sin in our lives that would otherwise master us. The power of the cross is manifested when sacrifice is made in service and love to others. Crucifixional living cultivates vision and change in our own lives, and in the way we work and serve others. 

Fr. Chris pastors St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ, which offers many resources at WarriorSaints.org.   

• A broader commitment to biblical literacy and accountability
• Plans for recruitment, succession, and ongoing leadership development for ministry roles
• Strengthening consensus in parish decisions

Salemi shares how her own attitude toward the Church shifted from transactional to relational as she served as the Parish Council President while still in her twenties. 

1. Acknowledge God as the source of everything
2. Receive God's gifts
3. Offer the first fruits
4. Care for all God entrusts
5. God accepts our offering and pours forth greater abundance
6. Mature in human capacity to steward God's gifts
7. Make an account upon the Master's return
8. Eternal reward of "good and faithful servant"

Fr. Robert also explores the five T's of stewardship, consecrating beyond the first fruits of Time, Talent, and Treasure. As we allow the Lord to examine our hearts and minds this Lent, Fr. Robert offers A Self-Examination and Reflection Guide to prepare for confession and participate in faithful stewardship. 

• Speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15)
• Leaning into the "good uncomfortable" to allow stretching and growing
• Examining our own motivations for wanting young people in the church

Katrina suggests that just because kids are participating in church activities doesn't mean that they have encountered Christ. Young people need to be trusted and engaged in doing the living work of Christ.  

Peer Learning offers you the opportunity to connect with other parish leaders like you to problem-solve, share best practices, gather insights, and celebrate successes.

An interview with Fr. Paul Hodge explores how parish leaders - clergy, council members, treasurers, and emerging leaders - can develop in their role through Peer Learning, a resource offered by the Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative.

• Equipping parents as evangelists in the home
• Reclaiming the dinner table for life-long Christian learning and engagement
• Utilizing the oratorical festival as a fully engaging, cross-generational tool in faith formation

Dr. Richard Benton looks to Ezekiel 34 to understand 

• Our place and duty as sheep within the flock.
• The responsibility of the 'ebed (Hebrew equivalent to the Greek word doulos, meaning servant or slave) who the Lord places as shepherd over the flock.
• The Lord Himself who serves as the true shepherd, protecting his flock and judging those who would devour it.

Richard Benton holds a PhD in Hebrew and Old Testament from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is co-host of The Bible as Literature Podcast and serves as an IT scrum master for a global company based in St. Paul, MN.

In addition to serving St. George Greek Orthodox Church in DeKalb, IL, Fr. Dustin Lyon hosts The Way, a podcast on the Ephesus School Network.

1. Growing in biblical literacy and accountability
2. Cultivating watchfulness 
3. Leading as one under authority 
4. Caring for "the least of these" 
5. Offering the "first fruits"