The Craig T. Owens Audio Blog

I would like to tell you about my newest book which I didn’t really write. On this episode of The Podcast, I’ll tell you all about Amen Indeed. Watch the video version of this episode.  You can see the clip from the Ailbe Podcast where the idea for Amen Indeed was first sparked by clicking here. If you are a pastor—or if you want to give your pastor a special gift—please check out Amen Indeed. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

As saints entrusted with the faith, we have to learn to contend for this faith without becoming contentious and without compromising the truth. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you’ve missed any of the other messages in this series Earnestly Contend, you can find them all here.  Check out the Scriptures used in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49508871 Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

One of the amazing things about the Bible is that it has practical application for every aspect of our lives—including the business world! Today Greg and I are excited to announce that for the first time in our long friendship we are writing collaborators on a new series of books entitled Business By The Book. In today’s episode we preview the first book in this series about a CEO’s vision. Check out the video version of this episode.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

In the first ten verses of Ephesians 2 Paul talks about the amazing transformation from who we were before we met Jesus to who we are now with Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jude doesn’t pull his punches when he tells us how strenuous the spiritual battle is in which Christians have to contend. Check out the training that is required for this battle. Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you’ve missed any of the other messages in our series Earnestly Contend, you can find them all here.  Check out the Scriptures used in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49505675  My newest book Amen Indeed is a book of prayers for pastors to pray for themselves. Please pick up a copy for your pastor today. 

Christians need to be known more for what is good than for what is bad. Jesus hasn’t called us to point out what’s bad, but to point out how good Jesus is. Check out the video version of this episode.  The parable that I reference in this video is found in Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. You can watch the full sermon from which this clip came by clicking here. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jude calls on saints to “contend for the faith.” To truly learn what this means, we need to consider the context of both the author and the audience of this powerful epistle.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  Follow along with all of the sermons in this series called Earnestly Contend.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

“Kids these days just don’t understand!” That’s probably a phrase you’ve heard more than a few times from members of generations your elder, and there is some truth to it! Each generation has very diverse experiences which make them unique from the groups before and after them. In today’s episode, Greg and I want to encourage you to understand and embrace generational differences to make your team stronger. Check out the video version of this episode.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Looking at how such noteworthy people in the Bible viewed themselves, how could I ever claim a title any higher than servant?  I get much deeper into this topic of biblically-grounded leadership in my book Shepherd Leadership: The Metrics That Really Matter. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jesus calls us to be involved in our communities—in our personal mission field. In order to do this in a Christ-honoring way, we have to know what the Bible says about our interaction with others.   Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the Scriptures in this message → http://bible.com/events/49498639  If you’ve missed any of the previous messages in our series B.A.S.I.C. Christianity, you can find them all here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

One of the most important boundaries that shepherd leaders need to establish—especially when contending with biting sheep—is the protection of their family. Check out the video version of this clip.  You can watch the full episode in which Greg and I talk about some of the principles in When Sheep Bite by clicking here. Please pick up a copy of When Sheep Bite for yourself by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The approval of Jesus eternally outweighs the approval or even the persecution of men.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The first two brothers in biblical history teach us what it really means to be a “brother’s keeper.” The New Testament builds on this to show us how saints are to step-in for each other.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  If you’ve missed any of the other messages in this series, you can find them all here.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

In the wise words of John C. Maxwell, “He who thinketh he leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk.” As always Maxwell is right on the money. And the first step to getting others to follow you is trust. If you want to lead your team into uncharted territory they have to first trust that you’re not going to lead them off a cliff! In today’s episode Greg and I cover why trust is so vital and offer suggestions on how to build and maintain trust. Check out the video version of this conversation.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The deadliest enemy is not “out there” but “in here.” Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Why do Christians minister? The “why” is vital for us to get right.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Can we take just a couple of minutes to talk about fear on this episode of The Podcast? This isn’t on the list of anyone’s favorite topics, but it is something we all have to confront. Check out the video version of this episode.  I shared a whole series of messages called “Do Not Be Afraid” which you can check out here. Some other related posts are: Unlearning limiting fears Scarecrows in the melon patch Fear vs. hope Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

On the Church Lobby podcast, Karl Vaters asked me for the best piece of advice I have received as a pastor. Here’s what a wise mentor told me that changed my leadership style.  Check out the video version of this conversation.  Leaders can individualize their care for those around them by slowing down. Here’s another conversation I had with Karl on this topic. You may also be interested in my full interview on The Church Lobby podcast. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The apostle Paul makes it so clear that the Holy Spirit is a Person with Whom I should be in regular and intimate conversation by using five different word pictures for the Spirit-led life.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The pain you are experiencing from those who attacked you will negatively impact those around you unless you take time to recover.  You can check out the article I wrote for Influence magazine here, and then pick up a copy of When Sheep Bite to help your recovery time. Check out what the public ministry of Jesus teaches us about the healthy practice of sabbathing. I also recommend these related posts and videos about self-care: Playtime can be a leadership tool Leaders need to refresh The importance of margin ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎