You’ve heard the famous quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
Time and life management experts have likewise pointed out the value of “sharpening the saw” for maximum effect in our work.
Jesus practiced this truth not only by times of withdrawing to seek the face of God (Mark 1:34) or to rest (Mark 6:31), but even as He allowed His disciples to minister to others, He gave them “continuing education” along the way (Mark 4:10, 7:17, 9:11, 28, 10:10, 13:3).
Indeed, as spiritual leaders, the sharpness of our “saw” is vital. Our work has eternal ramifications, and the more effective we can be, the better.
Yet, in the busyness of ministry, sometimes we find ourselves pushing forward to the next event, the next Sunday, the next lesson, the next appointment—without time, resources, or energy to step back and evaluate the effectiveness of our labor and adjust our efforts for maximum impact.
Consider the difference it could make in your ministry if you were 10 percent sharper—even in just one area of ministry:
- Preaching
- Soulwinning and outreach
- Discipleship
- Sunday school
- Music
- Training others
- Children’s ministry
- Youth work
- Christian education
- Administration
- Media and technology
That is what the workshop sessions at Spiritual Leadership Conference are for—providing practical helps for sharpening the saw in these areas.
What if you could take three days to sharpen the saw? What impact could that make in your ministry over the coming year?
If you have not yet registered for Spiritual Leadership Conference, it’s not too late.
If you are already planning to come, I encourage you to come with an open heart. Review the list of workshops in advance, and begin asking the Lord to use them to help sharpen your saw. I’m already praying for you and for the Lord to use this conference to make a difference in your life and ministry.
