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Lead2Serve

Lead2Serve

By Ed Taylor

At Lead2Serve Pastor Ed Taylor discusses the value of servant leadership. We recognize the best leaders will always first be the best servants. From Church Planters to Senior Pastors, Sunday School teachers to CEO's, the wisdom shared will be a great benefit to your life! Pastor Ed is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church, in Aurora Colorado
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502. Look For Things To Do and Overcoming Complacency

Lead2ServeMar 12, 2024

00:00
37:10
502. Look For Things To Do and Overcoming Complacency

502. Look For Things To Do and Overcoming Complacency

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to serve with intention? In today's episode, Pastor Bob and I dive deep into the heart of servant leadership. It's about rolling up your sleeves and looking for ways to serve actively—no task too small, no effort unnoticed. It's a journey of growth and grace. You don't want to procrastinate. You don't want to be lazy. It's been said that you find what you're looking for. If that's the case, looking for ministry and discipleship opportunities is essential. If you choose to wait around waiting for things or people to come to you, laziness and procrastination are knocking at your door.

Mar 12, 202437:10
501. Nurturing Your Soul for Effective Leadership
Mar 05, 202430:12
411. SPECIAL EDITION: Pastor Avant Ramsey Discussing Racial Tensions

411. SPECIAL EDITION: Pastor Avant Ramsey Discussing Racial Tensions

Pastor Avant Ramsey (1953-2023) was a special gift and blessing to our church. He is already GREATLY missed! Back in 2020, I sat down with Avant to discuss the racial tensions, which at the time were increasing, but for our brother Avant was something he lived with his entire life. Listen in and allow our brother to encourage you.

Jun 20, 202358:01
410. What Do I Do When I Want To Quit?

410. What Do I Do When I Want To Quit?

Quitting. It's a popular choice when things are challenging, complicated, and hard. The choice to stop is always before the Servant Leader. How do you know when it's time to move on? When do you agree that one season is over and another is beginning? These questions and more will be addressed on today's episode of the Lead2Serve podcast. Be sure to subscribe and share this podcast. It helps a lot.

May 02, 202332:02
409. Facing Closed Doors With Faith and Hope

409. Facing Closed Doors With Faith and Hope

Closed doors can be painful and challenging. Sometimes they will move a person into deep discouragement or even depression. On today's episode of Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed Taylor and Pastor Bob Claycamp remind us of the importance of knowing that both closed doors and open doors for ministry and life come from God. God uses closed doors (a NO) as much as He uses open doors (a YES) in our lives. You'll hear of a couple of examples in their lives to see God moves us where He wants us. Be sure to subscribe and share this episode. It helps a lot.

Apr 25, 202331:18
408. How Do I Live Out The Call of God?

408. How Do I Live Out The Call of God?

Do you know where you belong in the Body of Christ? We often use the phrase "the calling of God" to describe God's will for our lives. What is it? How do I learn what it is for my life? How do I live out the call of God? On today's episode of Lead2serve, Pastors Ed & Bob talk about this and other subjects to help narrow down the focus of your life. Be sure to subscribe and share this episode. It helps a lot.

Apr 18, 202330:04
407. Submission is Vital In Your Service

407. Submission is Vital In Your Service

Let's admit it, submission is a tough subject. It goes against our own selfish ambitions and can be made even more difficult when abuse has been involved or when you are serving alongside bad leaders. Even though there are challenges, we need to learn to be submissive to God while choosing to be submissive to the leadership God has placed in our lives. Without submission, chaos, confusion, and disorder abound. In this episode Pastor Ed and Pastor Bob talk about the importance of submission. Where there is godly leadership that is to be matched with godly submission.

Apr 11, 202331:50
406. Limping Along But Still Serving Well

406. Limping Along But Still Serving Well

In today's episode, Pastor Ed Taylor and Pastor Bob Claycamp discuss the ongoing challenge of serving well while hurting. Serving can be one of the most painful things a person chooses to do, but will that hurt stop you? It's essential to learn to endure hardships like slander, gossip, betrayal, dishonesty, and a whole host of other challenging scenarios you will encounter. God will give you the strength to limp along while still serving well. The limp is not a good reason to stop serving. Listen in and share.

Apr 04, 202329:45
405. The Pain and Doubting That Comes When Serving People

405. The Pain and Doubting That Comes When Serving People

Building on the theme of challenges leaders are facing in the post-pandemic landscape, today's episode tackles the topic of pain and doubting. Pastor Ed and Pastor Bob talk about the reality of the pain associated with serving God's people. On top of the pain, there is the constant onslaught of doubts that flood the leaders mind. There is hope. Listen in.

Mar 28, 202331:16
404. When You Feel Like You Just Can't Do It Anymore

404. When You Feel Like You Just Can't Do It Anymore

On our episode today, we tackle the feelings of inadequacy that flood your mind when it comes to the heaviness of change and post-pandemic ministry. You might be feeling like, "man, I can't do this." One of the prevailing things of Barna's research in this post pandemic era in the church is that pastors Yes, but in particular, is people are quitting. They, they're just coming to the place where they are concluding "I can't do this". I can't do this. Maybe you feel inadequate to the challenge but there is encouragement awaiting you to steady on in the calling of God upon your life. 

Mar 21, 202328:10
403. Clearly Communicating Through Change

403. Clearly Communicating Through Change

Building on the topic of Embracing Change in episode 3, Pastor Ed Taylor and Pastor Bob Claycamp talk about the importance of clearly communicting through change. Since change is inevitable and it happens all the time, as leaders we must clearly communicate through the changes. So much chaos and uncertainty surrounds change and clear, concise, and focused communication helps maintain the unity and get the team to the desired goal.

Mar 14, 202331:19
402. Embracing Change Even When It's Not Your Idea

402. Embracing Change Even When It's Not Your Idea

Today on Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed talks with Pastor Bob Claycamp about the importance of embracing change, especially when it's not your idea.  As a leader, in this post-pandemic season, we are living in a time of unprecedented changes. Globally, politically, spiritually. So much change. As a leader and pastor I like change. I don't like to remain stagnant. However, it's not easy. Join us in this discussion about embracing change.

Mar 07, 202329:21
401. Adversities are Full of Opportunities

401. Adversities are Full of Opportunities

Launching into Season 4 of the Lead2Serve podcast, Pastor Bob Claycamp joins Pastor Ed to talk about a lot of topics facing the post pandemic Church and leadership. Adversities abound and if we're not careful, it's easy to be buried under the weight of it all. But as you choose to carefully walk through the difficulties, you will see amazing new and fresh opportunities!

Feb 28, 202330:53
316. SEASON END: Inviting Yourself Into People's Lives

316. SEASON END: Inviting Yourself Into People's Lives

Season 3 of Lead2Serve followed along topics that are in Pastor Ed's latest book, "Sure and Steady, Learning and Growing in Pastoral Ministry". The book is a collaboration of years of ministry trial and error here at Calvary with wise input from the pastoral team.  This final episode of Season 3 is on the topic of Inviting Yourself in to the Lives of others. Because there is "so much" ministry, often we will pull back and no longer seek to minister to people that are not actively coming to us. Some might call this lazy others may look at it as a response to being tired. Whatever the reason, it's important to return to stepping into others' lives all the time on purpose. Instead of waiting for a hospital visit request, ask the family if you can visit. Instead of waiting for a marital counseling call, ask the couple to meet and talk about their marriage. You get it. Join in and share!

Mar 14, 202225:03
315. Being Intentional Connecting With People

315. Being Intentional Connecting With People

In today's episode, Pastor Ed discusses the importance of being intentional in connecting with others. So many times ministry becomes reactive to all the crises and needs of others that we forget the joy of stepping into people's lives before the crisis. Jesus was the master at stepping into lives and serving people where they were, not waiting for something to happen. Stop waiting. Start stepping forward by faith.

Mar 07, 202229:18
SPECIAL: From Ukraine War Zone Relief Efforts 3.2.2022

SPECIAL: From Ukraine War Zone Relief Efforts 3.2.2022

I recorded a special edition of the podcast today, a discussion I had live with our mission team on the border of Ukraine actively helping settle refugees.  After they finished their dinner, and as they were heading for a night of much needed rest,  Pastor Byron, his wife Emily, Pastor JJ, Randy (Elder), and Irina and Masha shared about what is happening from their perspective. We talked about the faith to go into a war zone, how God speaks, and confirms, how are they feeling, and with Irina and Masha, we heard their painful perspective of what it's like for them to lose everything and be separated from their families and homeland not knowing the future. It was an emotional call. Join in the conversation and pray. PLEASE!

Mar 05, 202234:27
314. Follow Up. Follow Through. Follow On

314. Follow Up. Follow Through. Follow On

As a servant of the Lord, you are literally being invited into people's lives every single day. How you handle that invitation truly matters. People are NOT events or calendar appointments. They are the precious blood bought people created in the image of God!  They deserve our best in ministering the gospel into their lives. There is more to follow up than returning a phone call or responding to an email. On today's episode we learn the principles of following up, following through, and following on!

Feb 28, 202223:39
313. Wasting Time Doesn't Yield Success

313. Wasting Time Doesn't Yield Success

On today's episode the topic is wasting time. Time is valuable. Your time. Other's time. It's something that cannot be bought, reproduced, or regained so it's important we choose to use our time wisely and invest it in Kingdom values.  I know most people conclude that they use their time wisely, but is it true? How you choose to use your spare time will either lead to great success or great failure for the Kingdom of God!

Feb 21, 202222:23
312. The Player Coach Mentality in Ministry

312. The Player Coach Mentality in Ministry

In today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of maintaining the place of player coach when serving in ministry. Yes, it's a sports analogy that reminds of of the importance of both leading and submitting at the same time. A great picture of servant leadership is of a coach helping others fulfill their God-given calling while at the same time being a player fulfilling your own calling. They both are important. 

Feb 14, 202224:13
311. I'm Feeling Stuck Again Now What

311. I'm Feeling Stuck Again Now What

Who likes feeling stuck? It seems like progress is the sign of success these days. Aways moving forward is desired. But have you considered that in that place of feeling stuck you are exactly where God wants you? Have you considered that maybe God has led you to place of being stuck so that you might stop, reassess, and cry out to Him? Have you thought out the close intimate times that are yours in time of great difficulty and hardship?  On today's episode, Pastor Ed tackles the topic, once again, of 'feeling stuck'. 

Feb 07, 202226:38
310. Servant.Leadership Is Relationally Relational

310. Servant.Leadership Is Relationally Relational

Somewhere along the way the false assertion that leaders are above and beyond and apart from those they serve became popular. Instead of servants, leaders became masters.  Relationships are profoundly relational. Ministry is "people". We must serve among the flock and separate from them. Tune in and be encouraged to jump in with both feet relationally serving the men and women God has entrusted to your care. 

Jan 31, 202224:04
309. Building Trust Among Those You Serve With Guest Pastor Bob Claycamp

309. Building Trust Among Those You Serve With Guest Pastor Bob Claycamp

Today on Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed and Pastor Bob discuss the importance of building trust among those you serve. It's important that confidentiality is maintained where necessary, so that trust is built and ministry flows. It's also important to remember that ministry is a 24/7 role, not a 9 to 5 role where you clock in and clock out. Ministry happens all the time and we must be ready to serve when the Lord needs us.

Jan 24, 202224:33
308. Getting Involved in the Lives of Those You Serve with Guest Pastor Bob Claycamp

308. Getting Involved in the Lives of Those You Serve with Guest Pastor Bob Claycamp

On today's episode, we have part 1 of a conversation Pastor Ed shared with Pastor Bob Claycamp on the topic of serving well and loving the people you serve. Pastor Bob has 40+ years of pastoral experience as well as a missionary heart. He is a part of the pastoral team here at Calvary as well as Poimen Ministries. We hope you're encouraged by the next 2 episodes. 

Jan 17, 202223:40
307. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

307. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

It's cliche for sure, but teamwork is essential in moving forward in ministry. In today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of loyalty, submission, godly and loving leadership, and teamwork. When everyone does their part, the team moves forward and the Kingdom advances. When there is disloyalty and division, the enemy wins and we remain discouraged and stuck.

Jan 10, 202229:14
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year: New Episodes Return January 10, 2022

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year: New Episodes Return January 10, 2022

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Lead2Serve is on holiday break.

New episodes post Monday, January 10, 2022

Dec 24, 202101:54
306. The Heart of The Matter is a Matter of Your Heart

306. The Heart of The Matter is a Matter of Your Heart

In our episode today Pastor Ed reminds us of the vital importance of guarding your heart! That's the key. Protect it. Feed it spiritually. Serve wholeheartedly from a heart that is clean and clear before the Lord. In all things the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart! Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”

Dec 20, 202127:17
305. You're Still Growing Yourself

305. You're Still Growing Yourself

Its easy to think that now you are a leader in your local church, you are there more for others than for yourself. In today's episode, Pastor Ed reminds us that we are in our local church not to exercise our spiritual gifts primarily, but to grow in grace extensively. Even though you now have a role, a desire to serve, and many things to do, you cannot in anyway neglect your own spiritual growth within the local church you're a part of right now. Tune in and let's grow in Jesus together!

Dec 13, 202124:31
304. Why Does Ministry Take So Much of My Time

304. Why Does Ministry Take So Much of My Time

Today Pastor Ed reminds us that there is a cost to ministry, serving others. Ministry requires time, a lot of it. But never does God ever ask you to sacrifice your family on the altar of ministry. Luke 14:28 (NKJV) “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—” As we singularly seek Jesus, abiding in His love, He will lead us, guide us, and help us to grow in serving Him well. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Dec 06, 202126:33
303. Problem of Prayerlessness

303. Problem of Prayerlessness

Many times when there are challenges in our ministry and service and leadership, we run to a friend, or to a book, or to some program to help us improve. But have you considered your prayer life and lack of prayer?  Because we are serving Jesus His way, for His will, in His power, it's important our prayer lives are vibrant and growing. Today on Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed addresses the problem of prayerlessness. 

Nov 29, 202127:27
302. When It's Time To Reassess Your Personal Life

302. When It's Time To Reassess Your Personal Life

On today's episode, Pastor Ed talks about the importance of your personal life and the constant need to reassess and reevaluate where you are and make the needed adjustments going forward. Most neglect the inward woman, the inward man, and ultimately pay a high price for not going deeper in their personal relationship with Jesus. Join Ed on the discussion.

Nov 22, 202126:12
301. Are You Overwhelmed? Season 3 Kick Off

301. Are You Overwhelmed? Season 3 Kick Off

The Lead2Serve podcast is back with a brand new season of fresh content from Pastor Ed, from Calvary Church in Aurora Colorado. In today's episode we will learn what season 3 will look like, as Pastor Ed introduces a brand new leadership development resource, the book "Sure and Steady".  He'll also talk about how to respond and what to do when you feel overwhelmed. Be blessed as you grow in grace with us.  Be sure to leave a positive review and share this podcast!

Nov 16, 202123:05
225. SPECIAL BOOK: God's Help For the Troubled Heart

225. SPECIAL BOOK: God's Help For the Troubled Heart

In this special edition of the Lead2Serve podcast, Cassandra Austin interviews Pastor Ed about his newest book, God's Help for the Troubled Heart. Cassandra is Pastor Ed's assistant and was an integral part of getting this book completed and published. They talk about pain, problems, and the faithfulness of God in bringing healing and comfort. You can get your copy of the book at calvaryco.store or wherever you purchase your books. All net proceeds through our bookstore go directly to our missionaries. So encouraging! Tune in and share.

Mar 12, 202155:52
224. God's Help For the Troubled Heart Book Available NOW

224. God's Help For the Troubled Heart Book Available NOW

In this final episode of 2020, Pastor Ed talks briefly about his new book just published entitled, "God's Help For the Troubled Heart".  In it he seeks to encourage and strengthen the reader going through any trial or tribulation. Born out of deep grief, and written through God's comfort, this book is a must for anyone struggling with pain, trials, big or small. 

Dec 15, 202013:51
223. COVID 19, Masks, Courts, And What's Expected from Spiritual Leaders

223. COVID 19, Masks, Courts, And What's Expected from Spiritual Leaders

In this special edition of Lead2Serve, Pastor Ed talks about the biblical expectations of spiritual leaders during this prolonged crisis.  On the foundation of a recent staff discipleship day here at Calvary, Pastor Ed takes us through Numbers 13 and 2 Timothy 4, reminding us of the key role God has given to spiritual leaders in times of great crisis. You're leading, either for the Lord or away from Him, but you're leading. It's important that we carefully follow the Lord during times of crisis. If the leaders get distracted, the people get destroyed! Listen in and share

Oct 24, 202027:02
222. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Miles McPherson

222. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Miles McPherson

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Miles McPherson of The Rock Church, San Diego, California. Pastor Miles, a former San Diego Charger, founded the Rock Church in 2000 with over 20,000 people calling it their spiritual home today. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Pastor Miles has written a book, "The Third Option" which is a MUST for any of us wanting to make a difference for Jesus in a culture focused on division! Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com)

Aug 07, 202058:06
221. Is It Time To Return To Worship Services

221. Is It Time To Return To Worship Services

On today's episode Pastor Ed asks and answers the question, "Is it time to return to worship services."  There is a lot of fear, most of it very real, concerning the COVID-19 Corona Virus crisis. This fear is holding people back from being in worship services. How do we sort out when it's time to walk in faith and not fear, in wisdom and not our own understanding.

Jul 22, 202024:17
220. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Avant Ramsey

220. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Avant Ramsey

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Avant Ramsey of Calvary Church in Aurora, Colorado. Pastor Avant and I have been friends and served together for over 15 years. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com)

Jun 19, 202058:01
219. A Biblical Response to Racial Divisions and Tensions

219. A Biblical Response to Racial Divisions and Tensions

As I anticipated coming together again as a church family in person after 3 months of quarantine, I really thought that most of my ministry would be to speak to how the COVID-19 crisis affected us, individually  and culturally in many negative ways. I planned on getting our eyes firmly fixed and re-fixedated on Jesus. However within a few days, the horrific death of George Floyd sparked a cultural uprising. What started with somewhat peaceful protests, ended up with extremely sinful riots and seemingly everything in between. Racism is a sin. God led me to share these important truths with our Church family and now we share them with you. If racism is a sin, and it is, then the answer is the cross of Jesus Christ. Justice and mercy flow from the cross. The answer is the gospel in action through your life and mine. ed

Jun 12, 202021:07
218. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Al Pittman

218. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Al Pittman

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Al Pittman of Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Pastor Al and I have been friends for 20 years. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com)

Jun 12, 202051:29
217. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Tony Clark

217. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Tony Clark

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Tony Clark of Calvary Chapel Newport News, Virginia. Pastor Tony and I have been friends for many years. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com)

Jun 12, 202055:32
216. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Bill Buffington

216. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor Bill Buffington

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor Bill Buffington of Calvary Chapel Inglewood, in Inglewood California. Pastor Bill and I have been friends for 24+ years. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com)

Jun 09, 202058:05
215. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor John Moreland

215. A Real Conversation on Racial Tensions with Pastor John Moreland

In today's episode we rebroadcast a live radio call in-show where I sat down with Pastor John Moreland of Denver Christian Bible Church in Denver. We talk candidly, honestly, and biblically about the racial tensions in our society today and what our responses as followers of Christ could and should be. Enjoy and share. (Taken from our live national radio call in show originated on gracefm.com)

Jun 05, 202057:55