I sit down with Pastor Eric Burton as we discuss church planting. We discuss ups, downs, ins, outs, of building his ministry from the ground up. SCOPE OF THE INTERVIEW LifeTell us about your upbringing?Is there a childhood memory that is still a clear and relevant influencer of how you live today?What in your life set and developed your work ethic?Tell us about you family.When it comes to your family what is your focus? Philosophy?When it comes to your church family what is the focus? Philosophy?PlantWhat is the single most important lesson you have learned in the process of planting a work?What does the name The Sycamore mean to you?How did or do you keep fear in check?Preplant what how did you prepare?What adversity did you have to face to plant?I’m interested to know what you have have discarded and was has been embraced?(thoughts and ideas)WaterWhat is your interpretation of John 21:15-1715. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”16. Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”17. The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.How do you approach feeding His sheep?What advice would you give to a Preacher about the life of the church?What do you believe is the heart of God for The Sycamore?How can a Pastor gauge effectiveness of their ministry?IncreaseWhen I mention the word increase what does that word mean to you?What in your opinion stops growth in a church and in our personal lives?How do you go about building unity within your church?What has been your most impactful program? (small groups, etc…)How do you reach into surrounding communities?Lightning Round(I ask these questions to all my guests)What is the best book you have read in the last 6 Months.What is your life scripture?Your favorite quote?What is #1 on your bucket listWhat is your greatest joy in life?Will you take the next few moments and encourage us?

Encouraged By Love

EBL12 Helping People See Jesus

Whether you believe armed security should be a part of your church staff or not, the times we live in have changed. Join me as I talk with Nick Spencer of Strategos International about Church and what may be the new normal.SCOPE OF THE INTERVIEW with Nick SpencerBusiness BackgroundHow long has your company been around?Was the company always international?What about your approach is different than others in the security space?When did you spin up a focus on Churches? What was the moment when you knew it was time? How did it come about?Securing ChurchesWhat is your focus in creating a Church security plan?I am curious what do you teach Churches to do? Not to do?Do you see this kind of training being important to a churches insurance?What is your advice to Pastors or church boards who are thinking about setting a team?What services do you offer Churches?Creating AwarenessAre there private classes we can take to train ourselves to be a problem for an gunman?What are some things we can do to be aware of our environment?What is the best approach if we find ourselves in a tough situation?What if we encounter someone else who needs our help?Creating a Safe BuildingWhat do you suggest for people that are wanting to tighten security around the house?What do you say to someone who might say this training is too expensive?What kind of feedback is the company getting from those who have taken the training?How can we get in touch with you and your organization?BioNick Spencer is a lead instructor and project manager for Strategos International. Nick is alsothe founder and president of Keep Them S.A.F.E. LLC, an anti-abduction course for kids.Nick began his professional career with United States Army, where he served as a team leaderfor a tactical PSYOP team. During Nick’s 8-year enlistment he obtained the rank of E6, StaffSargent. Nick served in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and spent 14 months in Iraq duringOperation Iraqi Freedom.After his enlistment, Nick was hired by the Blue Springs Police Department, where he spent 7years in patrol. Nick was also a member of the BSPD tactical team and was the trainingcoordinator and a lead instructor.Nick is married to his best friend, and the love of his life, Nikki. The couple have two amazingchildren. Nick and Nikki love serving at their church and volunteering as wish granters for theMake-A- Wish foundation.

EBL11 Church Security: A New Reality

Today my guest is Darryl Golden. Among many titles like Husband, Father, Preacher, he is my brother. Join us as Darryl and I talk about sharing our faith on the job.

EBL10 Faith On the Job

Join me as I talk with Chad Johnson. Author of his first book, One Thousand Risks. One Thousands Risks is the encouraging and inspiring account of living fully reliant on God’s grace and following the direction of the Holy Spirit.SCOPE OF THE INTERVIEW Congradulations and Thank YouCongratulations on your book One Thousand Risks.The LifeDid anything in your life prepare you for this unique journey with Jesus?Which was more nerve racking, leaving a well paying job or asking the first person “May I pray with you”?What was the general consensus when you left your job for what is essentially full time ministry?Was there fear? (If so) How did you manage that fear?In the book you mention you wonderful wife Beth, and the fact that she was on board day one. Where there those that were not?The MissionYour book One Thousands Risks - is the encouraging and inspiring account of living fully reliant on God’s grace and following the direction of the Holy Spirit as you prayed for others. Will you share with us the substance of the idea of one thousand risks and how it came to be?Looking back over the almost 740 days you followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. How do you remember that day?Before we talk about these rich stories of healing...Just What is the Unremarkable Old and the Messy Extravagant?In your forward you use the word disciple. Can you tell us the weight of that distinctive word in your life from teenager through the amazing stories you share with the reader?In this book you are sincere and intentional about your reach to the saved and unsaved alike that happened while you were taking the risks right?The Power of PrayerThere is so much awesomeness to this book I really don’t know where to begin. What have you learned and what should we know about being open to praying for others?Of the 1000 times you prayed for people, how many made it to the book?Risk Number 125 is one of my favorite risk in the book what is you most favorite risk?What are your hopes for one who reads One Thousand Risks?Among the stories of God moving in the lives of those you prayed for, there were those who for whatever reason we did not see change. Did you face doubt?What was your private time with the Lord like during this time?Lightning Round(I ask these questions to all my guests)Best book you have read in the past year?Best book you have ever read?Best advice you ever received?In your opinion What is one thing that everyone should experience at least once in there life?What is your favorite quote?Your life verse?

EBL9 One Thousand Risks

Laziness has never been a great thing and not much has changed. There is some good news about being lazy that you may not know. Join me as I dig into what we can do about Breaking Lazy out of our lives for good.

EBL8 Breaking Lazy Part 1 - Defining Lazy

Life has many challenges that only the bravest of us will overcome. It stand to reason that there will be pitfalls in the pursuit of your dreams. I mean we all now it won’t be a cakewalk to be successful, it takes work. Some of what we will face is so difficult, that frankly it threatens our desire, to leap into what we fear, the unknown. Given enough thought we can actually overthink what we are wanting to do and kill all the momentum that once drove us forward. Don’t let this be you, don’t let fear stop your momentum. Face your fears with truth of God.

EBL7 Thoughts That Are Dream Killers

EP 6 The Family Toolbox: Re-Engaging the FamilyWith the growth of mobile technologies and expanding business opportunities many are being called away to conquer business on the road. Join my conversation with Perry and Diana Dodge of Amazing Marriages as we discuss how to re-engage your family through long stretches of time. Hear how to build the bonds that will revolutionize how you engage your family.http://www.amazingmarriages.com/

EBL6 The Family Toolbox: Re-Engaging The Family

He's back just in time for the Holidays. Personal Trainer and Online Fitness Coach Thomas Smith discusses selecting a great gym, building up your courage, becoming consistent and how these disciplines are important to your over health effort. PLUS The 28 Day "No Weight Gain" Challenge! All on this episode of Encouraged by Love.

EBL5 Here's to Your Health: Gyms, Courage, and Being Consistent

Episode 004 Love, Life and the Pursuit of Happiness.Billy Williams is an talented artist, and loving family. Join me as we discuss Life, Art and the Pursuit of Happiness. To include his upbringing, influences and the legacy he desires to leave behind. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and comment.

EBL4 Life, Art and the Pursuit of Happiness

Today, be encouraged to trust on the Great I AM! I discuss my discovery about the popular I AM statement designed to change your thinking so that it changes your being.

EBL3: The Great I AM

On April 30th, 2009, Involved in a head on car accident that left him hanging on to his faith and fighting for life. Pastor Lesh Johnson shares his story of that fateful day, ministry, and a testimony of how the Lord continues to guide him through life.

EBL2 Lessons From the Valley: The Shepherd

My guest is Thomas Smith. Thomas, owner and lead Personal Trainer of Edgefit Training answers questions about regaining ground on those health goals that have been long forgotten.http://www.edgefittraining.com/

EBL1 Here's To Your Health

The power of an encouraging word is amazing! Join us as we share encouraging stories told by inspiring everyday people.

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Encouraged By Love

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