Grow Your Leadership Here!!

'Always keep your heart twice the size of your brain.'
'If you want to waste your day, spend it chasing notoriety.'
'Procrastination doubles the price of everything.'
'I would rather be in a room of leaders than be the only leader in the room.'
'If the idea was accomplished by one person then it wasn't a big enough idea.'

The Language of Influence and Personal Power - Scott Hagan (2018)


I met Scott Hagan long before he was writing books and the President of a University.  In the 30 years we've known each other, we've spent a relative handful of days together and most of our contact has been by email or social media, but he has been a leading influence in my life.  Scott is a proven leader, innovator and team builder.  I appreciate his wisdom, integrity, character and credibility.  His leadership instincts and insights have inspired and resourced me over and over again. Scott's purposeful growth as a leader inspires me!  He is always stretching and strengthening his gifts and skillset.  

At about the same time as we were looking for a speaker for our annual Prayer Breakfast, Scott released his latest book.  I sent him a quick note congratulating him and on a whim asked if he might be available to speak at our breakfast.  He responded with... 'I always knew this day would come! I'd love to be there!'  I am over the top excited about having him and Karen with us!

The bad news is that the Prayer Breakfast is sold out and has been for a couple of weeks.  The good news is that we've added a Leadership Dinner next Monday (March 4) night to accommodate people who can't get to the breakfast.  You'll enjoy a great meal, meet interesting people, hear Scott and have a chance to purchase his book before you leave. (He might even sign it for you!)

We've got a limited number of spots left for dinner and ticket sales close on Wednesday!  I really want you to meet Scott and hear his heart.  You'll be a better leader for it!  Hope to see you there!

Rethinking Your Impact

I'm scheduled to speak at an event this weekend on 'Having an Impact'.  It all seemed pretty straightforward as I began to write down some key concepts in my journal.  If having an impact is all about focus, clarity, passion and intent then people who live with these qualities change their world or maybe even THE WORLD if they think, live, care deep enough. (How much easier can a talk prep be?)

My pen paused as I pondered some other options... I've lived life and worked with people long enough to know that people who have no focus, no clarity, no passion and no apparent intent have an impact as well.  The image of an unkempt yard or garden comes to mind as an example. The impact is obvious, it's just the impact of neglect, apathy and disengagement. Replace yard or garden with life and family and the fruit of dysfunctional homes and relationships coming from the same approach is obvious for all to see.

I smiled at my apparent enlightenment and then my pen paused again as I realized that I had missed the option most taken.  Abdicating is a more popular choice than option A or B.  The king of all abdicators was King Edward VIII who chose to give up the throne of England to marry Wallace Simpson.  Edward told everyone who would listen that he was marrying for love but in reality, he was unwilling to fulfill the obligations that came with being king.  Fortunately, his brother had the kind of character that inspired an empire through the Second World War and lives on through today through Queen Elizabeth.  Abdications don’t generally end this well!

Abdication means to fail to fulfill or undertake a responsibility.  More clearly it means that we willfully choose to give someone else the opportunity to have what rightfully belongs to us.  'I'd rather not get involved' is code for 'I choose to abdicate'.   Abdicating our opportunity for influence and impact means that we intentionally let people who don't share our values, foundations, perspectives and objectives use their impact on our behalf.  Life is too short, too important and too fragile to entrust someone else with what has been entrusted to you.

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We shape our world through influence.  Our influence is measured in impact.  The scope and nature of your impact is entirely up to you!  Live towards the impact you want to have!

PS.  I got my journal (travellers notebook) for Christmas.  I'm finding that writing things down helps with my thought processes (because I can't just backspace to make it go away) and is helping me become a better writer as well.  Plus, this one is made by a friend who lives in Merrit, BC.  Don is a master saddle builder and leather craftsman.  He didn't ask me to do this for him, but I'd encourage you to check out his site to see his work.

The Speech Goes On and We Were There!

The show must go on” said by one reporter on Twitter when officially learning that the 58cm of snow that fell in the capital since Sunday was not enough to keep the Speech from the Throne from happening today!  It may have shut down schools (for a 2nd straight day) and prompted CFB Esquimalt to tell it’s 5,000 employees to stay home, but the opening of the spring session, minus some of the usual outdoor pomp & circumstance, forged ahead.  The big advantage for me, the “snow day” meant my wife Christine, who teaches grade 3, she was able to join me and my colleague, Tim, for the proceedings.

Unlike some provinces in Canada, the Speech from the Throne in BC is quite formal, complete with an invite-only reception following the speech from BC’s lieutenant governor.  I always enjoy this reception because it gives me the opportunity to re-connect with many of BC’s MLA’s, mostly from the government side, who are all back in town and eager to get rolling.  Together, Christine and I were able to have many meaningful conversations with members and staff alike.  

As a chaplain, TRUST is the currency most highly valued – and now in my third year, the level of trust I have gained with MLA’s and the staff is producing a good return, today this was evident.  Although the room was loud and the conversations short, it was very easy to offer quick words of encouragement that were received with heartfelt appreciation.  It didn’t matter if was the newly hired intern, the catering staff member or the well-tenured politician with significant responsibilities: when you’re thanked and told you’re doing a great job it fills your tank.  

There will be many more opportunities over the coming months to have longer visits and more in-depth conversations, but if today was any indication, this spring session is going to be the best one yet!   

The Surest Sign of Spring - Politicians Are Gathering!

A sure sign of spring is the return of politicians to Legislatures across the country.  In my mind, no one does Throne Speech day better than BC!   There's the Military Marching Band, The Colour Parade and the Inspection of the Troops but the highlight is the 15 gun salute to honour the Lieutenant Governor that quite literally shakes the building.  (If you're familiar with the BC Legislature, the thought of the building vibrating for any reason is legitimate cause for concern.)  

As impressive as the military band, the colour parade and the inspection of the troops is, no Throne Speech is complete without a strong showing by protestors.  I'm partial to the Raging Grannies, but my all time favourite was the young man dressed as a jester who ran out from the crowd and began to 'lead' the parade with his own march style.  The real entertainment value happened when he failed to realize that the band turned right while he proceeded straight ahead.  It was at least 50M until he realized no one was following him!  There's nothing quite like leading a parade when no one else is following!

The BC Legislature resumes this Tuesday.  Ontario follows one week later.  Saskatchewan follows in early March.  These are significant opportunities for Leading Influence to serve, strengthen and encourage political leaders.  

Would you pray for us as we do?  Pray that we would find open doors and opportunities to serve, encourage and bless our leaders in meaningful ways.   Pray that we would have wisdom, discernment and insight as we listen, speak and interact with members this week.  

Speaking of praying, are you a part of our daily prayer networks?  The stories of members impacted by the daily prayers of our networks are many.  You can join any of our prayer networks just by clicking on the name of the network below or by searching it on FaceBook.

PrayBC PrayAB PraySK PrayMB PrayON

Finally, pray for those we serve.  We have prayer networks in every province from BC to Ontario.  We'd love to have you praying along with us that God would bless and help our leaders to do their jobs well.  

What Does the Groundhog Say?

It might be true, it might be fake news or it might be wishful thinking but the groundhogs have spoken! 80% of Canadian groundhogs predict an early spring! (Shubenacadie Sam, get with the program!!) This much I know for sure… after 4 days of experiencing the polar vortex in Toronto, I'm all for an early end to winter!

Winter is part of our Canadian identity. We fuss about it, but it's part of what makes us who we are. Without winter there would be no hockey, no curling, no snow sports, no snowmen/women or - let me try again, no snow persons.   Without winter there would be no 'Roll Up the Rim'… imagine for a moment how cruel a Canadian Winter would be without 'Roll Up the Rim'!

Winter, particularly a very cold winter, makes us resilient. We learn to cope, to survive, to innovate and to overcome. (It strikes me that McGyver may be a Canadian! Who else would know how to start a car in a blizzard with a paper clip, some bubble gum and 30 cms of twine?) #canadianscandoanything

Adversity is an amazing gift when properly received. God uses it to refine us, define us and transform us. I can't say that I've enjoyed the most difficult seasons of my life, but I can say that I see God's redemptive and transforming work in my life because of those seasons. He gives us grace, peace and strength at the same time that we embrace the season that He sends us.

What does the groundhog say? It doesn't matter! Winter (this one and the one you are personally living through) will end at just the right time.


In the meantime, Shubenacadie Sam, I'm watching you!

The Weight of a Province, The Prayer for the Nation

Election fever is at an all-time high in Nanaimo this week. Never has so much in B.C. politics depended on the decision of just one Electoral District! There has been a steady flow of politicians, candidates and volunteers knocking on doors, making phone calls and putting up signs in this beautiful community on Vancouver Island. Many prognosticators say the race is too close to call, which I believe is always a positive for democracy. 

The Church has an awkward relationship with politics.  

In the Gospels, we see Jesus talking about building a Kingdom that is not of this world. Some take this to mean we should avoid getting too involved in the political process and give ourselves to pursuing loftier and more spiritual outcomes. The opposite extreme is seen in the cozy relationship shared by American Evangelicals with the GOP. Sadly, our brothers and sisters are selling their spiritual birthright for the promise of political influence and power. I believe this can only end badly for the credibility of the Church in North America.  

There is a better opportunity for us to engage in the political process, but it requires some fresh thinking on our part.  Here are a few things to think about:

1) PRAY: our greatest opportunity is to become a genuine prayer-force in our nation.  We have been given a unique role. No one else can do what we are able to do through prayer. What do you think God would do in response to the sincere prayers of His people on behalf of our nation?  

2) THINK VALUES: we need to think beyond our traditional political assumptions about who can best represent our values. Kingdom values are scattered throughout the political spectrum. Choose the ones that matter most to you and support them within the political context.

3) VOTE: the Bible calls us to be exemplary citizens, and we believe part of being a good citizen is voting at every opportunity. Be an informed voter and if you want to avoid the lineups, be an early voter.  The lines are rarely long at an advanced poll and your vote counts just as much!

4) SERVE: become a campaign worker/volunteer. Serve a political party as a member or on a party Board or.... take a giant leap and serve a community as a candidate/elected representative! Jesus taught and modelled service as a lifestyle. Follow His example!

Our team is praying for the community of Nanaimo. So, Nanaimo, the next move is yours.  We, along with several candidates, await your decision!

My Battle With Blue Monday

I’ve never been diagnosed with depression or anxiety, but as I look back at my life I see some patterns that would likely have qualified me if I had gone to talk with a professional.

For those of you that don’t know me, I’ve spent most of my life working as a pastor/minister. There are times it can be tremendously exciting and rewarding and other times where it can be soul-crushing. Everyone handles things differently and I handled it all very poorly. In the seasons where things were exciting and rewarding, I thought that if I just prayed and worked a little harder, things would be that much better. In the seasons where things were soul-crushing, I thought that if I just prayed and worked a little harder, things would improve and turn around. I learned some painful lessons about performance, prayer, God and people but I need to leave that for another day.

Proverbs tells us that ‘hope deferred makes the heart sick’. I kept hoping that things would improve and the more I hoped, the more they didn’t. In the meantime, I became miserable on the inside and on the outside. Anger, frustration and short temper became part of my brand, especially for those closest to me. (I had no idea how bad it was until long after the fact.) By the fall of 2005, I was in bad shape and needed to step away.

A change of career focus improved things somewhat, but the stress of building a ministry from scratch, some serious financial pressure and a lot of baggage from days gone by, made my inner world that much heavier and darker. To be clear, I had some wonderful people around me who loved me, accepted me and supported me who had no idea what was happening inside of me. It was just too embarrassing or painful to invite them into my that part of my world.

In the fall of 2010, my best friend looked me in the eye and said ‘I’m fat… you’re fat… we should do something about that!’ He proposed a friendly competition with some other ‘fat friends’ where we each put in $100 and the first person to lost 10% of their body weight won the prize.

While I didn’t win the grand prize, I did win the better prize. I began to run as a way to lose weight but quickly discovered that in addition to burning calories, my inner world was getting brighter. The more I ran, the more my mental health improved. I was more relaxed, more patient and basically had more ‘mental endurance’.

I know this isn’t a panacea for everyone and many suffer at a much deeper level than what I experienced, but it’s something that made a huge difference in my life. Part of it is just biology and physiology. I burned off a lot of the negative energy in my world just through burning calories. Part of it is intensely spiritual. I know this isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but it happens to be part of mine. God did (and is still doing) a profound work in me in the time I’ve spent running.

Subway Tales

I'm in Toronto for a few days and decided to take the subway downtown.  I find myself becoming a bit germophobic lately so a subway ride stretches my limits.  I just can't help thinking about the nasty germs on pretty much everything....   but I digress....

On my way back after a pretty amazing day, I noticed a Muslim woman panhandling at the bottom of the escalator.  I had nothing to give with me and so I took a spot in the waiting area.  A few minutes later, I heard a loud commotion and glanced over to see two men arguing in front of her.  One was trying to 'save her soul' and the other was trying to stop him from harassing the woman.  I immediately began to pray that the train would come quickly, but alas... the prompting to respond kept increasing in volume. 

You must understand that Toronto is filled with 'interesting people' for whom a confrontation in a public place is a normal part of their day.  Oh... and 78 people have been shot and killed here this year, so engaging with people who are a bit agitated isn't always a smart move.  But the nudge to respond got louder in volume.

As I arrived the man was pointing his finger to heaven declaring that the poor lady had no hope of heaven without Jesus.  I ignored him and asked the woman if I could stand beside her.  She responded that she didn't speak English.  I smiled and stepped between her and the man.

The conversation went like this:

He: 'Who are you?' 
Me: 'You're not helping...'
He:  'Are you a Christian?  
Me:  Yes I am.
He:  You believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is your personal Saviour?'  
Me:  I do... I know you THINK you're helping, but you're not helping.
He:  I'm trying to save her soul!  
Me:  It's not working...  She doesn't speak English. 

Long pause

He: Oh....   

Me:  Jesus wouldn't do it like this.

He:  Yes He would!  He did it this way with the Samaritan woman.

Me:  I think he did it more kindly, gently, more quietly and with a heart full of love.

He: I was doing that...

Me:  Mmmm.... maybe not as well as you think you were...

The subway arrived and we got on together.  He wants to keep talking... loudly.  I want to be on another train...

We chatted back and forth and ever so slowly I could see the dots beginning to connect.  In the end, he agreed to read the 'red parts' of the gospel to get a fresh glimpse of 'the Jesus way' and we parted with a smile.

I've been thinking about this ever since it happened.  For more times than I care to admit I've been guilty of trying to figuratively 'save someone's soul' when I wasn't speaking their language.  

The language of our world has changed both literally and figuratively.  From the very little I remember about elementary school French class the first step to learning a new language is to listen carefully and listen often so that you can repeat what you are hearing so that you are understood.

Learning the language of our culture and context is hard work.  It takes a determination to find a new/better way, but when we do, the opportunities to love, bring hope and life to people looking for a better way are everywhere!

Buckle Up!

 I was sitting in a meeting in Toronto last fall when someone wondered if there was a plan to mobilize the church to pray during the upcoming Ontario provincial election.  I was equal parts excited and terrified because I knew what could happen if we were able to do it and I knew the scope of the task if we took it on.  Within a few days, I'd been invited to give leadership to what at this point is the largest ministry project I've ever led.

Ontario and the GTA, in particular, is unlike anywhere else in Canada.  1/4 of the entire population of our nation lives within 160km of downtown Toronto.  More people live within an hour of my suite in Toronto than live in BC and Alberta combined.  The opportunity to impact a nation while we impact a province is greater there than anywhere else in the country. With that in mind, we began to develop a strategy that took advantage of what we had learned in other provinces and added some pieces to increase the impact.  Here's what we've built:

A 40 Day prayer campaign starting April 29 through to June 8 with daily video prayers, prayed by people who represent a cross-section of Ontario's demographics.  Some are recognizable. Some you've never heard of.  They all matter!  Each day a proud Ontarian who loves Jesus will pray a prayer that will provide our theme/focus for the day.

Our partnership with Transformation Canada has provided us with access to the Adopt Your City prayer walking app.  Part of our strategy includes encouraging participants to prayer walk their streets praying the daily prayer theme.  The app has a GPS component to it that allows us to see what streets are being prayed for and gives us the ability to encourage others to walk streets that are yet to be walked!  We want to cover as much of Ontario as possible with little red lines showing that someone has prayer walked there.

Finally, we are recruiting Hub Churches across Ontario to help communicate the PrayOn vision.  These churches will also act as venues for a local/regional prayer gathering on Sunday night, June 3.  We envision at least 124 gatherings (one in each Electoral District) coming together on that night to pray with one heart, mind and purpose that God would give us leaders for Ontario through whom He can work to accomplish His plans and purposes.

This will be epic!  Not because it's our idea but because of what can happen when THE CHURCH comes together with unity, focus and purpose.  GOD CAN'T RESIST UNITY AMONG HIS PEOPLE!  He get's SO EXCITED that He does amazing and remarkable things!

This campaign isn't about electing Christians.  This campaign is about asking God to give us HIS CHOICE of leaders for Ontario.  Multiple good things happen that position a province to prosper, to care for its weakest and most vulnerable, to practice good financial stewardship, and create an environment that is conducive to growth, safety and security for everyone when God's choices are elected to office. 

Our experience tells us that in addition to those things happening, we also see an increase in the number of men and women who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ elected to office. Our observation is that these people aren't likely to be 'issue candidates' as much as they are proven servant leaders with a heart to do what is best to benefit an entire province rather than simply satisfying a particular interest group. These are the kind of people that make the organizations, cities, provinces and nations they serve better because of their ethos and their desire to serve.  Ontario and Canada both need an influx of this kind of leader.

Regardless of where you live in this great nation, let me encourage you to pray with us for Ontario in the PrayON campaign.  

Buckle up!  This is going to be quite a ride!

Game On!!

After a summer break in Ontario and perhaps the strangest summer ever in BC politics, a collective 'Game On' is just around the corner.  BC resumes this coming Friday with a Throne Speech and the first NDP government in 16 years.  Ontario resumes on Sept 11 and heads into the last 9 months before an election.  Saskatchewan follows in early October and is undergoing a search for a new premier.  (Who says politics is boring?)

In all of it, Leading Influence is present and well positioned for another season of ministry to our political leaders.  We believe that our nation is in desperate need of a spiritual awakening among our political leaders!  Our belief is rooted in a deep conviction that God loves leaders in every part of the political spectrum and yearns to reveal Himself to them in profound and meaningful ways.  We are thrilled to be called to fulfill that part of God's plan on the Canadian political scene.

Do You Know Someone Who Might Fit?

Like any non-profit, we have our challenges and opportunities.  We continue to seek full-time ministry associates in Edmonton and Toronto.  These are crucial opportunities to see the Kingdom of Heaven come in key places of influence in our nation.  Pray with us that God would send us workers who share our vision to reach and impact leaders with a message of hope, help, and strength.  

We Need Your Help!

We are also experiencing a financial challenge at this time.  Summers are always a bit of a challenge for us and we normally do a summer appeal to our friends and partners and see an excellent response, but this year's wildfire situation in the BC interior made reminding and encouraging our BC donors inappropriate because of the pressing need all around them.  We are so proud of the way some of our friends and donors stepped up to volunteer and provide assistance to the thousands who were displaced.  We fell well short of our anticipated goal of $15,000 through July and August.  While we have a need, we are confident in God's ability to provide and make a way for us!

Your gift of $25/50/75 or any amount you choose to help us with will make a huge difference for us right now.  You can click here to give by credit card or to find how to give through the mail.  Thanks for standing with us at this crucial time.  We are confident that with the support of many people just like you, we will see our budget needs met!

A New Season

September is a bit of an anomaly.  It marks the beginning of fall, harvest and the end of summer and yet it always feels like the beginning of a new year/season.  Our prayer for you is that this coming fall season would be marked with God's blessing, bounty and goodness in your life, home, family and business/work in every way!  Have a fantastic September!

The Wild West

The rest of Canada refers to BC politics as “The Wild West” and certainly the last month has only cemented that moniker.  So much has happened since the election on May 9^th but on that evening I stayed up until the very end.

I’ve been watching elections results since the late 70’s but this one was entirely different for me.  It wasn’t that the results were the closest in BC election history (which they were) that kept me up.  It also wasn’t that BC now has its first minority government in 65 years, with the BC Greens holding the balance power, that kept me tuning in until 1am. 

What was different this time was that I had come to know so many of the people involved.  Some I had just visited in their offices weeks before, with many I had shared a laugh or an encouraging word in the hallway.  Many were being re-elected that night, some were not, while a few ridings were so close that it went late into the night (and beyond) before winners were declared.  I knew I needed to stay up because people I knew were up.  In some small way, I needed to stand with them.    

I was reminded again how difficult the life of a politician can be for them and their families on election night.  How when the results come in you’re either celebrating victory or suddenly it’s over.  In previous elections, I have paid more attention to what party that was being elected, this time I cared much more for the people in those parties.

Fast forward to today as I attend the Throne Speech and connect with new and returning members, some for the first time. Each member is someone I can potentially serve, encourage and pray for through this next parliament.  My hope is to make my days and time count here in significant ways through what may be the most interesting parliament BC has seen in some time.

It's an honor to be here and serve this way. Pray with me for open doors and opportunities into the lives of those God has called to serve us as leaders in BC.

Help Us Win $10,000!!

What would you do with an extra $10,000??  I know what we would do with $10,000.  We'd pour it all into serving and reaching leaders across Canada.  We'd expand the boundaries of our tent and put every penny of it to good use!  

We are very thankful for CanadaHelps and the excellent donation processing service they provide to us.  This year, CanadaHelps is offering an incentive to support Canadian charities like Leading Influence.  Each dollar given to Leading Influence through CanadaHelps between June 1-30 qualifies us for an entry into a draw to win $10,000.  We are excited about our plans for the future and an extra $10,000 would be very helpful!!

Our Summer Appeal goal is $15,000.  We will use those funds to underwrite our in Ontario as we continue to establish our presence there.  If 100 of our friends and partners would sow $150 towards that budget in honor of Canada's 150th birthday, our need would be met.
We know it’s not always that simple.  Some can’t give $150.  Some can give much more.  Our hope is that in some way, you will hear God speak and sow into Leading Influence to help us meet this need. 

Thanks for standing with us!  Our partners are the most important people at Leading Influence!  We can't do this without you!

CLICK HERE TO GIVE!