The following is a very deep and personal look into my testimony and why I believe what I do when it comes to sexual identity issues... This letter was written to a friend of mine who asked why it is that I view my struggle with bisexuality as a "stronghold," rather than just embracing it as a part of my life and going with the flow.


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Sorry, for not replying sooner. It has been quite some time since I've logged in on here, and only got this message a few days ago but have been pretty busy with things (being the end of the year and mother's day etc)...

And this question is not too personal at all. I wouldn't post it if it were something I minded talking about. Just a warning, this is a very complicated issue with many, many, many angles to which to approach it, and because of that, I probably will be addressing multiple issues all within the same lines of thought at a time. So, just know that there may be parts of this that aren't very clear.

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Well, to answer your questions as fully as I can, you have to know a little more about me and where I have been in my past, as well as what it is that I believe.

I was very young when I started to realize that I had this tendency to like men. It goes back to the age of five for me... a relatively young age for anyone to start thinking about their sexuality in my opinion, but it was a particularly traumatic time in my life where my parents divorced and my father walked out on our family. This also is a critical age for children to grow their relationships with their parents, which greatly influences their moral system and how they develop identity roles.

There are many theories as to why people turn out they way they do, and while many people believe (specifically the Christian subculture) that people choose (100% of the time) to engage in the lifestyle. For instance that they are all straight and then randomly one day wake up wanting to be gay, but the truth is that not everyone chooses to have the tendency / natural bent toward it. Though, I agree that the choice does come with wither or not the person fallows through with their feelings / convictions or not.

For many, like in my situation, I believe the bent was created through the rejection of men in my life. Though I do not remember when the actual thought process came into play... I wanted to know that I could be valued and accepted, loved by men, and the easiest way to do that is through physicality. If they physically abused me it seemed appropriate to communicate my emotions on a physical level too.

Unfortunately, on an emotional level, I have a very hard time connecting and letting men into my world because I don't trust them, but I, more in the past than now, attribute pain to be the cause for my attraction to men. Women are the opposite. Emotionally, it takes no effort to connect with them, but I have a hard time being physically involved with them.

Anyways, another huge component to the issue, at least in my case (and I believe to be in many men's cases period), is pornography. Up until recent years, all pornography was geared for and by men. Obviously the women are generally what men are lusting over, but it is not without company of men. For many probably don't think about it much, but not only are you taking in the imagery of the female, but the male as well. My father was the one who introduced me to pornography, and while originally there were no men, men got introduced as I became more and more addicted (just like any gateway drug). The need for women quickly became boring and / or didn't interest me as much, because I had love from them. I either needed to see men and women together or just men, because I was seeking acceptance from them and had very few of them in my life.

It didn't take very long of doing my own searching to find that the act of just men wasn't enough, but that it interested me to see men involved with other men because I was a male seeking love from men.

While each of these, rejection of men and the introduction of pornography, had major influences on the outlook I had with men, but the most fundamental root, rejection, was still the main culprit.

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Secondly, I am a person of faith, who believes that Jesus Christ is the one and only way through whom one may receive salvation. I believe that the Bible is the inherent, God-breathed, special revelation that God gave us, so that we may have a chance to commune with him in a relationship within the Godhead. I will be the first to admit that I have an incredibly hard time following even the most basic of commands that God has instilled for his people. But I whole-heartedly believe that as a follower of Jesus Christ, that I have been called to live by a much higher standard, so that others may to believe and see the power that is within the blood of Jesus Christ.

Many believe that the Bible has nothing to say about homosexuality, or really anything about living a pure lifestyle that holy and pleasing before God. And I have no idea as where that kind of thinking comes from… especially since purity is one the most common subjects talked about.

Matthew 5:8 - “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

There are two major passages that come to mind in scripture that specifically deal with sexual purity and mentions homosexual activity. The first is in Leviticus chapter 18, which specifically deals with the rules and regulations that God set for his people concerning sexual relations. Now at this point in time, God had just freed the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt, using Moses and Aaron. As you probably know, Egyptian society was plagued with pagan worship and false gods. The Israelites had been enslaved long enough to have adopted pagan practices into their own culture. The problem with this is that God desires to be worshipped alone, and once the people were free from Egypt they made idols, like Baal (the cow god), to worship rather than praise Jehovah God, the one true LORD for their rescue. It was at this time that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and all the regulations that his people are to live by as a holy people. It is in this section that this rule is found.

There is an introduction from verses 1 through 5.
Verses 6 through 20 deals with how sexual relations are to be dealt within families.
Verse 21 specifically singles out the Egyptian practice of sacrificing children to Molech.
Leviticus 18:22 - “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.”
While verse 23 follows up with the perversions of having sexual relations with animals.
Verses 24 through 30 make the conclusion, which states: “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the aliens living among you must not do any of these detestable things, for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you.

"'Everyone who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people. Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the LORD your God.’”

Many people argue that this verses context is only applied to the specific time and culture… but I disagree. The Bible as a whole has practical applications for today, the right here and now. The Bible is very clear that sexual relations is ONLY for those who are married, and that marriage is between one man and one woman. Everything else outside of that covenant is detestable, and un-holy, and though our culture is completely trying to re-write that, you can be sure that God will not stand for this type of defiance. This is one reason why I don’t support the practice regardless of it being practice within marriage or not.

The second passage that specifically talks about this type of behavior and the devastating effects it has on people is in Romans 1. Now while this passage does talk about homosexuality, it is true that there is more being said here than just, homosexuality is wrong and unpleasing to God. But it actually speaks a whole lot more about the human condition of total depravity, and how man is constantly exchanging his relationship with a Holy and Powerful God for ridiculous pleasures of the flesh.

Verses 18 through 20 talks about how there is a delusion among men that God is not real and does not reveal anything about his plans and desires for his people. This short introduction for this section specifically addresses the fact that men blind themselves from a God who has and continues to reveal himself to them. And this is what you find when reading this passage, men are easily deceived and the punishment for turning their back on a Holy God is sometimes letting them succumb to their desires.

“The wrath of God is (“Is” being a very key word) being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Verse 21 through the rest of the chapter…

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”

There are many things I could speak about here… and I’m actually not entirely sure where to begin, but I want to give control over to the Holy Spirit, so that what is said is said in the most clear way possible.

I think that one of the most incredible thing about this, is that is shows how just God is. The greatest case of tough love you will ever find. Repeatedly, over and over again throughout the Bible people forget God, and exchange the Truth for lies… and like a great father, God disciplines them. Sometimes by letting them get what they deserve. And I know from personal experience, that God allowed this to happen to me, so that I may draw closer to him, and live a life that is glorifying to him.

For a very long time, I desired (with a burning lust) to have a relationship with another man, and I didn’t care about the consequences. I just sat and waited for an opportunity to come along… and eventually he did. Going against everything that I had grown up with, all the knowledge that I had gained from the teaching my mom had instituted in me, I got involved. And God let me go, knowing what the outcome would be… a whole lot of pain (for not just me, but many others as well), many sleepless nights of self-hatred and loathing, and unbearable shame… above all else, shame.

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I guess I want to take a moment and say that, while much of this has to do with being sexually impure, it equally deals with what happens in the mind as well. God will hand you over to your reprobate thinking if you don’t turn from it eventually. And I think that it brings God a lot of pain to have to resort to that as his final attempt to get a person or persons to come back to him. But he will do whatever it takes to bring you back… Sadly, many are destroyed in the process…

Matthew 7:13-14 - "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

I must say, if you have managed to read this far into this letter, I hope you are starting to see that there is a lot more going on than just someone’s supposed preference for a particular sex. Especially when dealing with issues such as sexuality, one has to remember that it is not nearly as simple as compartmentalizing it to its own category. It directly affects how I play out the rest of my life, it affects how I relate to people around me, how I go about raising my family, how I see myself as a person, and my relationship with a Holy God who despises sin.

I must say, I have strong feeling about this issue because I have been there, and I know of many who are experiencing this with me… but very much are on their own journeys at the same time. A very lonely journey… I can’t tell you how many people I have talked to, who wish that they didn’t struggle and have to fight with the pain that comes with this kind of stronghold, and it is precisely why I call it a stronghold. My heart bleeds for those who feel that it is just a part of who they are, and see no hope of ever being something different, because it is a lie that if you have a natural tendency toward something, that that defines who you are. God calls people to something greater than that.

I’ve talked with a lot of Christians who struggle and hate this part of themselves because they know it is in direct defiance to God, and I have talked to many people, both Christians and non-Christians, who openly accept it as a part of their lives, engaging in what it has to offer, and consequently are absolutely miserable. I know there are others who engage in it and enjoy it, but for the most part, there are more people looking for a way out than are willing to accept it as a part of their life. I see what happens behind the scenes, a God given gift that allows me insight on people’s lives, and I am drawn to people who have issues such as this to that I may encourage them, and hopefully see them delivered from it. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, who died for each and every single one of us.

I’ve taken several days to put this together… and I hope that it is a complete answer. At least, one that is as complete as I can give at this point… It is really hard because this stronghold affects so much… and those who go through it, need all the encouragement and prayer as they can get.

With much love, prayer, and research,
Matthew Palfenier

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John 10:10 - “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Philippians 4:8 - “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

1 John 4:4 - “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

Hebrews 2:18 - “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Galatians 6:1 - “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”

Ephesians 5:3-4 - “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”

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If you would like to take this assessment, go to: [link] (our church website), and go to the right hand side to "Get plugged in," and scroll down to "Spiritual Gifts Test." You will have to make an account consisting of a login and password, but that's it. No other strings attached.

God bless,
Matthew Palfenier

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S-P-I-R-I-T-U-A-L
G-I-F-T-S
A-S-S-E-S-S-M-E-N-T

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~ ~ ~ .G.R.A.C.E .G.I.F.T. .R.E.S.U.L.T.S. ~ ~ ~
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(Results out of highest possible value equaling 10; top 6 gifts out of listed 17 possible)

CREATIVITY - 9
It is in God’s nature to be creative. Therefore, when the Holy Spirit imparts personality and Spiritual Gifts to God’s people, it should not be a surprise to anyone that God would also impart this divine attribute. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “…we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. While this passage applies to all Christ Followers, it clearly refers to God as a “creative workman”. This passage also suggests that when God equips a person to be creative, it is because He desires that creative person to use those abilities to accomplish specific ordained purposes. Colossians 1:15 and 16 affirm that God created all things…and that all things were created “for” Him.

DISCIPLE MAKER - 8
A person possessing the gift of Disciple Maker is generally concerned with the healthy spiritual development of people within their circle of influence. A Disciple Maker will often display the ministry traits of Pastor and Teacher. The Disciple Maker prefers to minister to small groups or within a one-on-one mentoring relationship. The Disciple Maker is skilled at developing deep interpersonal relationships, values biblical knowledge, and likes to help others identify and achieve spiritual development goals.

ENCOURAGEMENT - 7
A person possessing the gift of encouragement has a unique ability to help others gain a positive emotional and spiritual perspective on their circumstances. Encouragers are people who find the positive in any situation. For them, “the glass is always half full”. Encouragers are at their best when they can motivate the assembly of Christ Followers to persevere in the struggle against sin and to strive for the accomplishment of God’s mission for the Church. The word Encouragement means “to instill courage into another person”.

Romans 12:8 and Hebrews 10:24, 25 instructs all Christ Followers to “encourage one another”. This gift of encouragement is clearly exemplified in the life of a man named Joseph. Joseph is first mentioned in Acts 4:36 and 37. In this account we learn that Joseph sold all that he had and laid the money at the feet of the Apostles. From that time on, Joseph’s name was changed to “Barnabas” which means “Son of Encouragement”. In Acts 9:26 and 27 we learn that when all the disciples were afraid of Paul (Saul) and questioned whether his conversion was real, it was Barnabas that risked his own life to visit Paul and to introduce him to the body of believers. In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit instructed the Church at Antioch to set apart Paul and Barnabas for a special missionary work…and so Barnabas became Paul’s ministry partner.

FAITH - 7
Every Christ Follower has established a relationship with God through faith in the work and person of Jesus Christ. However, the gift of Faith enables a person to trust God even more so for remarkable provision, especially in circumstances that appears to offer no viable solution. The person gifted with Faith often displays unusual confidence in the will and purposes of God. Such a gifted person exhibits a lack of anxiety and communicates to others peace and assurance. People gifted with Faith may become frustrated with others, or with their church leaders, for moving too slowly or for supporting a limited vision or easily obtained goals. People gifted with Faith just know that God wants to do more through us than we could think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

DISCERNING OF SPIRITS - 6
Spiritual Discernment is a special ability to be aware of the presence of godly and demonic spiritual forces. The gift of Spiritual Discernment is an important gift for the Church; because often the work of Satan can appear on the surface to be very positive. Without discernment, Satan could easily lead many people away from following Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:10 specifically lists “Discerning of Spirits” among the Apostle Paul’s gift list. 1 John 4:1-6 instructs the Church to “test the spirits”. Acts 16:16-19 relates how the Apostle Paul used the gift of “Discerning of Spirits” when he encountered a slave girl who was possessed by an evil spirit masquerading as a spirit of light.

TEACHER - 6
The gift of Teaching is a highly honored spiritual gift within the assembly of Christ Followers, but it is also a gift with severe responsibilities before God. The Bible warns us that those who teach among the people will be judged more harshly by God (James 3:1). A spiritually healthy teacher will not simply instruct the minds of his/her students, but will first instruct and apply unto him/herself the lessons taught by God through Scripture, and then only after the teacher can model the biblical lesson within his/her life, will he/she be authentically able teach the lesson to others.

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~ ~ ~ .E. .P.E.R.S.O.N.A.L.I.T.Y. .R.E.S.U.L.T.S. ~ ~ ~
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(Results out of highest possible value equaling 100)

INDEPENDENT - 60 ............. 40 - SOCIAL
ABSTRACT - 80 ................... 20 - CONCRETE
HEART - 70 ......................... 30 - HEAD
ADAPTIVE - 70 .................... 30 - SYSTEMATIC

RECONCILER - Let me heal broken relationships, between people and between God and His people.

Highlights:
• Relates strongly to the concepts of “guilt” and “grace”
• Highly relational individuals
• Seeks to reconcile people with people as well as people with God
• Commonly serves on the mission field or in mission and counseling organizations
• May be hard on themselves for their own failures
• Requires affirmation of self for who they are, not simply for the task they may perform

Who God Made You To Be:
The Reconciler identifies well with the Apostle Paul’s tension between our guilt and God’s grace. The Reconciler is a grace-giver and seeks harmony and unity within an individual or people in interpersonal relationships, both emotionally and spiritually. However, they are often hypersensitive to sin within themselves and within others. While the Reconciler is gracious in helping others address and overcome their personal sin, they can be far less gracious with themselves. They can find that they “beat themselves up” emotionally for their “failures”. They may struggle with feelings of acceptance by God and His people. They may struggle with issues of self-worth and their place in this world as they wrestle with a sense of guilt. They may feel that they must perform “good deeds” to compensate for their failures.

The Reconciler likes to work with people rather than ideas or tasks. They prefer a few in-depth relationships rather than many social contacts. They work alone well, and can be frustrated if interrupted too often. When communicating, Reconcilers may illustrate points using word pictures, analogies, and metaphors.

What You Can Contribute To The Ministry:
Reconcilers are very receptive to personal involvement in causes that make a difference. This personality type would most likely respond to a missionary’s appeal to come join in the work they are doing in Africa or the Muslim world. Reconcilers want to make a difference and heal broken relationships. The combination of these two passions enables them to fit well in the role of pastor, missionary, counselor, city mission director, restoration and recovery ministry support staff, and cross-cultural minister. They may also serve well as a small group leader.

How Leadership Can Support You:
It is important that pastors affirm and support the Reconciler in clear and consistent ways. The Reconciler needs to know that what they are doing and, more importantly, who they are personally is important, valued, and appreciated. To help the Reconciler be effective in their ministry, leaders should pour upon them blessings of grace. Leaders should emphasize the value of the Reconciler, not for what he or she has accomplished, but for who they are in Christ Jesus.

Leadership should observe carefully whether a Reconciler is being too sacrificial or working too much. While this workaholic mentality may benefit the ministry, it is also likely a sign of spiritual ill-health in the life of the Reconciler. Their sense of personal guilt may drive them into a works-relationship with God and others, rather than trust in God’s gift of grace. Leadership should consider providing accountability relationships to help the Reconciler stay on a healthy spiritual path.

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(Results out of highest possible value equaling 30)

PIONEERING - 17
STRATEGIC - 18
ADMINISTRATIVE -21
TEAM -19
PASTORAL - 12
ENCOURAGING - 17

MANAGEMENT / ADMINISTRATION

Highlights

• Address the detailed operational tasks associated with any project
• Support the accomplishment of a vision, but is motivated by resourcing and supporting their leadership in accomplishing tasks
• May struggle with multi-tasking, preferring rather to work from a check-off list
• Bring to the team an eye for the many practical and administrative details that must be addressed
• Highly dependable and conscientious project support team members

Description

Every ministry requires good stewards and managers, people with gifts of administration (Acts 6). Any vision or change requires people who are able to plan, problem solve, delegate and organize. Without this gift, the best plans may not get implemented. The apostles delegated the practical tasks of sharing food and taking care of the widows to those gifted with the necessary skills, including Stephen and Philip.

Administrative Leaders are often under-appreciated, having a leadership style which is less "up-front" than some of the other styles. However, much of the work simply would not get done without them. They are able to organize and follow through on all the necessary tasks and activities to ensure that projects are completed on time. They may struggle to relate to visionary leaders, not because they are unable to appreciate a vision, for they often highly value a noble vision, but they may become quickly overwhelmed by the many practical details that they perceive must be accomplished. Administrative Leaders are 100% committed to addressing the practical operational issues of any task.

Administrative Leaders are highly skilled at handling the details associated with any project. They are able to help people be successful. In fact, they may see themselves as the "Power behind the throne". Administrative Leaders are at their strongest addressing the ongoing operational management of a project. The Administrative Leader is a practical detail-oriented person. The Administrative Leader can successfully serve an organization or a project for an extended period of time. Administrative Leaders put the plans of the Strategic Leader into action. They provide a level of accountability that is necessary to ensure that each task is done, and done right! Administrative Leaders provide a practical bridge between the ideal plans of the Strategic Leader and the practical people-oriented tasks of the Team Leader. The Administrative Leader is generally not comfortable serving in entrepreneurial roles. While the Administrative Leader may also have some level of skill as a Strategic Leader or Team Leader, they will be most comfortable addressing and managing the practical operational details of an organization, along with its many projects. However, multi-tasking skills are not typical among Administrative Leaders. Administrative Leaders are people of incredible focus and will tend to work their way logically down a list of responsibilities. The Administrative Leader will likely receive the greatest personal satisfaction when he or she is able to observe how they have enabled others to be successful in their areas of responsibility, as well as observing how many duties they have "checked-off" their to-do list.

Administrative Leaders are very task-oriented. Administrative Leaders typically claim that they care about people…and will likely cite the many tasks that they have accomplished which have empowered people to do the work of ministry. Because they are naturally task and detailed oriented, they may unfortunately be perceived by others as being very "professional," yet emotionally cool and relationally aloof. The Administrative Leader is typically unaware of how other people may be feeling in this regard. After all, from their perspective, they are simply trying to help others be successful! They are convinced that if people adhere to their practical support, everyone will benefit in the end. When people do not affirm their supportive efforts, the Administrative Leader may respond with confusion and an over-whelming sense of failure. They may respond to disaffirmation by assuming that they missed some valuable information, inspiring the Administrative Leader to conduct more research in an effort to gain affirmation of their support. Ultimately, if their support is rejected, the Administrative Leader will likely receive the rejection personally…believing that they have failed their leaders and subordinates. This sense of failure, and the resulting feelings of guilt, will inspire the Administrative Leader toward one of two extremes: 1) either they will double their efforts and work tirelessly and sacrificially to support the needs of their superiors and subordinates, or 2) they will emotionally shut-down, become disillusioned, and seek to distant themselves from their perceived failure. Either extreme is unhealthy for the Administrative Leader as well as for the people he or she serves. Administrative Leaders have such an intense internal sense of responsibility that they will likely blame themselves for their perceived failures…real or imagined…for years to come. This inner sense of responsibility to the people they serve, and the projects they support, is both a blessing and a curse. They may work tirelessly to ensure the success of others and their projects, even sacrificing their personal life, their family, and their spiritual life in the process.

In a team context, the Administrative Leader will bring to the team an eye for the many details associated with accomplishing a project or running an organization. The Administrative Leader should be given responsibility for supporting the implementation of the many task-oriented details associated with completing a project or running the organization. Once the road map to success has been defined by a Strategic Leader, the Administrative Leader will ensure that the details are completed in the right way and according to designated time line goals. Administrative Leaders will naturally subordinate themselves to supporting Pioneering and Strategic Leaders, largely due to the fact that Administrative Leaders are not risk-takers. They are so focused on the details, that while they may be inspired by a vision, their motivation is in helping make the vision a practical reality.

Because of the relational challenges typically experienced within with in a team environment, Administrative Leaders should have responsibility over the tasks and details of a project, while the human elements of the project should be addressed by a Team Leader. The Administrative Leader will likely find that managing data and tasks is far easier than managing people. While they may have some people-management skills, care should be taken to protect the Administrative Leader from overwhelming stress caused by relational conflict. The Administrative Leader is wholly ill-equipped to pastor and encourage the team for an extended period of time. The team should have one team member whose primary responsibility is to pastor and encourage the team members emotionally, spiritually and relationally.

It is important that the Administrative Leader realizes that they cannot accomplish the many tasks alone…they need their team members and the team members need the Administrative Leader. 1 Corinthians 12 affirms that the Body of Christ is comprised of many different members who all need one another. The passage also affirms that God positions the members of the body, just as He has determined. God created the Administrative Leader and positioned him or her strategically in this world, at this particular time, and within specific churches because God intends for them to support ministry systems, as well as personally resource those who do the work of ministry. With the support of the Administrative Leader, the Kingdom of Christ will be propelled forward within a world that desperately needs to know the power and love of the God who Himself supports those who call upon Him to accomplish his will and purposes within this world.

It's been quite some time since I've done any kind of update, and today seems like a good day to do so.

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Today was Easter (or rather yesterday). A day we celebrate the greatest gift ever given. For it is on this day that we celebrate the one true risen LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. The one who was entirely God and fully man, who was born of the virgin, who lived a life fully submissive to the Father, was without sin, healed the sick, fed the poor, challenged the state, forgave the sins of man, spoke with the utmost authority, testified to the TRUTH, endured unspeakable torture, died on the cross, conquered death itself, and rose from the dead, so that man might have fellowship with the Father and be freed of the sin, pain, and death of this life. AMEN!!!

I must say, there is no greater story in all of history, than this... and in a culture where so many are questioning and trying to snuff out the Truth, I cannot deny the power of the Word and God's Holy Spirit to still change lives amidst the confusion that we today. We had 7 people accept Christ as their King today from the morning service alone, and 5 more men accepted Christ earlier this week! It's incredible (thinking about it, I'm constantly in awe)... We've seen almost 70 people just this year alone (since Dec 1st) come to Christ!!!

God you are so amazing!

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I'm really tired, and am probably going to fall asleep soon... so I will update this next section tomorrow, hopefully, with some of what God has been doing more specifically in my life.

Ciao for now, and God bless!

I'm done holding myself back from speaking truth into peoples lives.

The work that Christ has done in my life, is only something that a supernatural and Holy God could have done. He has saved me from my self, from the world, given me freedom to live life and have it to the full!

The Gospel needs to be spoken, and I'm gonna live it LOUD!

I'm enjoying today for it just being simple.

^_^ God is good, even if it's cold out.

I'm happily awaiting to go to dance class tonight! Yay!

That be all I think.