All of us are spirtual leaders in one form or another, so I think (and hope) you’ll find the following excerpt from a Rick Warren article as fulfilling as I did.

The excerpt comes from The Christian Post found via a fantastic blog, Church Relevence.

1. Open your mind to God.
   If you’re going to do this, you’ve got to be quiet before the Lord. Schedule times of silence, of solitude.
2. Do some research.
   The Bible says that it’s dumb just to step out. (See Pr. 18:13) Think before you act. Read books, go to conferences, visit other churches – but get the facts.
3. Start asking for advice.
   Leaders are learners.
4. Establish some priorities.
   You don’t have time to do everything, so you have to learn the difference between the important and the urgent, the helpful and the life-changing, and being efficient and being effective. Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things. You need to focus on doing the right things.
5. Evaluate the cost.
   Proverbs 20:25 says, “It’s a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later consider his vows.” (NIV) You need to ask yourself three questions when you’re planning out a dream:
   1. Is it necessary? (Can I reach my goal another way?)
   2. What will it cost? (What’s the price tag – in terms of time, energy, money, and reputation?)
   3. Is it worth it?
6. Plan for problems.
   Proverbs 22:3 says, “A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks and suffers the consequences.” (TLB)
7. Be willing to risk. Face your fears.
   When you know your dream is from God, it gives you confidence. You won’t let people tell you why it can’t happen. What matters is that God has said to do it.
8. Do it now.
   There comes a point of decision where you’ve got to stop talking and start acting.

Epinoia Café is a small part of my big dream. Thank you to all of you for being a part of it.