I recently had a conversation with someone who expressed interest in joining our church staff after transitioning from their previous church. It reminded me of something I believe every leader needs to understand when it comes to protecting the culture of an organization. Just because someone is qualified for a position doesn't mean they're the right fit for your organization. You can have someone who is incredibly gifted, experienced, and even successful in their previous environment, but that doesn't automatically mean they'll thrive in yours. One of the greatest responsibilities we have as leaders is to protect the culture we're building. And that means making sure people fit the culture before we give them a title, position, or leadership responsibility. There are several ways that can happen: Sometimes you develop people from within. They've been serving, growing, and demonstrating the values of your organization long before a position ever becomes available. Sometimes it happens through referrals from people who know you, understand your culture, and can confidently recommend someone they believe would be a great fit. And sometimes it happens through divine connections, where God brings someone into your life at just the right season because what they carry is exactly what's needed for the next level of advancement. But regardless of how someone arrives, the responsibility to examine their fruit doesn't change. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16 that we would recognize people by their fruit. Not their résumé. Not their reputation. Not their previous title. Their fruit! And here's something else worth considering. A person can be a great fit for one organization and a terrible fit for another without necessarily being a bad person. This is why discernment matters so much in leadership. I need you to understand that you aren't just filling a vacancy. You're introducing someone into an environment that you've spent time, energy, prayer, and sacrifice developing. And the people you've been entrusted to lead deserve more than someone who simply looks good on paper.

Since today is all about taking a break from our "Labor", I thought I’d give us something to think about. One of the things we talk about in Planted With Purpose is that leadership isn’t just about having a position. It’s about being faithful with whatever God has put in your hands right now. Sometimes we get so focused on where we believe God is taking us that we overlook what He’s developing in us through the work we’re doing today. That job you don't love. That ministry assignment nobody sees. That season where you're serving more than you're leading. That responsibility that feels completely unrelated to where you believe you're headed. I've learned that God has a funny way of using all of it. 😂 Joseph didn't know Potiphar's house was leadership training for a palace. David probably didn't realize taking care of sheep was preparing him to take care of a nation. This is why you've gotta be careful about calling a season insignificant just because you can't see where it leads yet. So here's my Labor Day question for you: What do you think God is developing in you through the work He's given you to do in this season? Patience? Discipline? Confidence? Leadership? Faith? People skills? Something else? Drop yours below. 👇🏾 And then go enjoy your Labor Day and STOP WORKING! 😂 Happy Labor Day, Family!

Sonia and I have been talking about some of the conversations and classes we want to bring into Plain English Academy over the next few months, but before we decide everything for you...we figured it might be a good idea to actually ask you. 😂 So here's the question: What are you dealing with right now that you'd love for us to have a real conversation about? It can be something related to: - Marriage & Family - Leadership - Ministry & Church - The Bible - Purpose & Calling - Or just LIFE. 😂 And don't feel like you have to make the question sound deep or spiritual. We really want Plain English Academy to become a place where we can talk about the things people are actually trying to figure out, not just the things Sonia and I feel like teaching. So help us out! If you could sit down with Sonia and me for an hour and ask us ONE question, what would you ask? Drop it below. 👇🏾 You might just see your question become one of our next conversations or classes.

One of the greatest strengths of this community isn't just the teaching, it's the people God is bringing together. Before you jump into the conversations, we'd love to get to know you. Take a moment to introduce yourself by sharing: 👋 Your name 📍 Where you're from ⛪ Your church (if you attend one) 💼 What you do for work or ministry 🌱 Which area are you most passionate about right now? - Marriage - Leadership - Five-Fold Ministry 🙏 What's one thing you're believing God to grow in during this season? 🎉 Share one fun fact about yourself! Finally... 👇 How did you find Plain English Academy? - Live Leadership Cohort - Facebook - YouTube - Garden City Church - Friend or Family - Other We can't wait to get to know you! Before you leave, take a minute to read a few other introductions and welcome someone you don't know. Great communities aren't built by one person, they're built one conversation at a time. Welcome to the Plain English Academy family! — Pastor Jay & Pastor Sonia English