{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 214: Leading with Hope","description":"Reason 3: Discipling You to Lead with Hope You\u2019re a Christ-centered leader. You\u2019re also a Jesus follower.  As we focus on hope throughout the year, we are creating this to be a resource for leaders in their walk with Jesus. Hope Throughout the Year is a place where we\u2019re asking questions about the intersection of faith and daily life, where we\u2019re inviting you to live into the beliefs you talk about, preach about and teach about; and, where we\u2019re practicing the means of grace - works of piety and works of mercy.  The Means of Grace Being a follower of Jesus is impossible without God\u2019s grace. God comes to us, saves us, provides for us, and holds us close in the way God chooses. You and I neither choose the ways God brings about our transformation nor command God to make us Jesus followers.   Yet, we can choose to use those means of grace that have consistently been used by God to draw us toward him. Unless we develop the ways God has provided, we will not produce the fruit of discipleship or experience the joy of becoming who God created us to be.  John Wesley and the Means of Grace John Wesley believed that the grace of God was freely offered to all people. He believed that God used the means of grace to offer the benefits of grace to all believers.  It was Wesley\u2019s belief that regular and consistent use of the means of grace put us into a healthy relationship with God and one another. He was convinced that human beings are not strong enough or good enough to go on to perfection, to become who God created us to be, without God\u2019s help. God\u2019s help comes through the use of the means of grace.  Maybe another way of saying it is, \u201cThe means of grace are a way of being awakened to God\u2019s grace.\u201d Leading with Hope So, what does that mean for us regarding leading with hope? The means of grace give access to God\u2019s presence in the world.  Som maybe a question to ask yourself is, \u201cWhere have I seen God at work today?\u201d The means of grace keep us on the path to becoming who God created us to be. Ask yourself, \u201cHow have I been growing in my faith?\u201d In all situations and circumstances, the means of grace keep us close to God.  Do you want a more vital relationship with God? Practice the means of grace. Do you want to grow as a follower of Jesus? Practice the means of grace. Are you paralyzed by fear? Practice the means of grace. Do you feel isolated and alone? Practice the means of grace. Do you want to become who God has created you to be? Practice the means of grace.  Following Jesus was not easy in Wesley\u2019s time and it is not easy in our time.  But God has the means of grace available for us to stay connected with the One for whom all things are possible. It is inconceivable that you should live a transformed life without tapping into the resources of God to do that transforming work within you.  The Means of Grace & Leading with Hope Need a little help in leading with hope? Try using the means of grace daily for the next month. Read the Bible Read Reflect Repond Return Pray personally and corporately Worship  Receive Holy Communion Fast (12 hours one day a week) Discover a multitude of resources entering your life through the disciplined use of the means of grace.   Mentioned in this Episode Hope throughout the Year Episode 207: Hope is a Big Deal Episode 211: Hope Throughout the Year Episode 212: Hope-Filled Encouragement for Christ-Centered Leaders Episode 213: Remembering God's Presence and Power  Being and Becoming Hope: The HOPE Discipleship Pathway Hope is a Big Deal  Is it Hope or Wishful Thinking? Hope is Everywhere  Transforming Mission by David Bosch   ","author_name":"Transforming Mission Podcast with Tim Bias & Sara Thomas","author_url":"https:\/\/transformingmission.org\/","html":"