Episode 17
Empowering the Next Generation: Mentorship and Community in Ministry
Dr. Michael Brodeur’s conversation centers on the vital connection between identity and destiny in the Christian faith, introducing his tool, *Destiny Finder*, to guide individuals in discovering their God-given purpose. He emphasizes that understanding our identity as God’s children is foundational for pursuing our calling, likening a Christless pursuit of destiny to building on sand. Reflecting on past experiences and childhood dreams, Brodeur encourages believers to uncover their unique gifts and passions, fostering resilience and clarity in their divine purpose. The episode advocates for a transformative shift in leadership—moving from delegation to mentorship—empowering others to thrive in their God-given destinies and creating a vibrant, impactful church community.
Takeaways:
- Effective leadership in the church is rooted in understanding our identity as children of God.
- The Destiny Finder process helps individuals uncover their unique God-given purpose through self-discovery.
- Authentic Christian community fosters growth, support, and accountability, enabling believers to thrive together.
- Mentorship is crucial for spiritual development, as it helps guide individuals through their faith journey.
- Pursuing destiny without a solid identity in Christ is like building on a shaky foundation.
- Transformational ministry focuses on developing people rather than merely delegating tasks and filling roles.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Destiny Finder
- Kingdom TV
- Kingdom Reformation
Transcript
Okay, so we're diving into this interview with Dr.
Host:Michael Berdeur by Glenn Blakeney.
Guest:Yeah.
Host:And you share this and it sounds like this is something you're really passionate about, you know, effective leadership in your community and seeing individuals really thrive, you know, in their faith.
Guest:Right.
Host:And it sounds like, you know, and we've talked about this before off the air, that you're really interested in seeing authentic New Testament Christianity restored to the church today.
Guest:That's right, yeah.
Host:And so this interview kind of gets into that and especially the idea of destiny and identity in Christ.
Guest:Yeah, it really digs into those themes.
Guest:And you know, Dr.
Guest:Bedor, he's got like decades of experience as a pastor and he's created this really cool tool called Destiny Finder.
Host:Right.
Guest:That's designed to help people uncover and step into their God given purpose.
Host:It's like a roadmap to becoming the world changers that God designed us to be.
Guest:Yeah, that's.
Guest:That's a great way to put it.
Guest:And what I found so fascinating is how he emphasizes that you can't just go after your destiny without a solid foundation.
Guest:It's like building a house on sand.
Guest:He says that understanding our true identity in Christ is absolutely crucial.
Host:He uses a really powerful analogy in the interview.
Host:He says pursuing destiny without a Christ centered identity is like building a house on a shaky foundation.
Guest:It really makes you think.
Host:It does.
Host:It makes you think about all the things that we experience, you know, through our lives and even worldly influences can really distort how we view ourselves.
Guest:Oh, absolutely.
Guest:And we get so caught up in achieving things or meeting certain expectations that we lose sight of who we are at our core, sons and daughters of God.
Guest:And you know, Brader really seems to be saying that without that secure understanding of ourselves in Christ, we're likely to just crumble when things get tough or, you know, we face setbacks.
Host:It makes me wonder, how does understanding our identity as sons and daughters rather than just, you know, servants or, you know, just people who are supposed to be doing things for God.
Host:How does that change our approach to ministry?
Guest:That's a great question.
Guest:It suggests a shift from a mindset of obligation and striving to one of love and freedom.
Guest:Just imagine leading from a place of knowing you're already fully loved and accepted by God.
Host:Right.
Guest:How might that impact your interactions, your decision making, even the way you equip and empower others?
Host:Wow.
Host:Yeah, I can already see how powerful that shift in perspective could be.
Host:So tell me more about this Destiny Finder process.
Host:How does it actually help people uncover their purpose.
Guest:Well, bradjeu describes it as a journey of self discovery that begins with understanding our personal history.
Guest:He really encourages us to look back and see how God has been working in our lives even before we were aware of Him.
Host:So it's like recognizing God's fingerprints even in the messy parts of our past, right?
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:Even in the painful parts.
Guest:He even suggests reflecting on our childhood dreams and aspirations, believing they can hold clues to our God given passions and gifts.
Host:That's interesting.
Host:I mean, it seems a little counterintuitive.
Host:Like, how could my childhood dream of being an astronaut, you know, possibly connect to my purpose now as an adult?
Guest:Well, that's where Brodeur's insights get really intriguing.
Guest:He argues that those early desires, even if they seem silly or impractical in hindsight, often reveal something about our core motivations and the things that bring us joy.
Guest:He sees them as potential signposts pointing us towards the unique ways God has wired us.
Host:So it's not necessarily about literally becoming an astronaut, but about recognizing the underlying passion or skill set that drew you to that dream in the first place.
Guest:Precisely.
Guest:For instance, maybe it was the sense of adventure and exploration that appealed to you.
Host:Right.
Guest:Or perhaps it was the desire to understand complex systems and solve problems.
Host:Right.
Guest:Those core motivations might still be present in your life today, even if your outward aspirations have changed.
Host:Okay, that makes a lot of sense.
Host:So how does this idea of reflecting on childhood dreams connect to the broader destiny finder process?
Guest:Well, Brodera uses those early desires as a starting point for a deeper exploration of our spiritual gifts and passions.
Guest:He guides people through a process of identifying their unique strengths and abilities, drawing on frameworks like Ephesians 4, Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.
Host:So it's like recognizing those specific ways God has equipped us to serve and contribute to his kingdom.
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:And once we have a better understanding of our gifts, Brader encourages us to explore our passions, those things that ignite our hearts and make us come alive.
Guest:It's about connecting those passions with our gifts to get a clearer picture of our God dream, as he calls it.
Host:He actually poses a really thought provoking question in the interview.
Host:He says, if you had no limitations, what would you want to do for God?
Guest:It's such a powerful question.
Guest:It is because it pushes us beyond our perceived limitations and invites us to dream big.
Guest:Yeah, it's about tapping into those deep desires that God has placed within us and aligning them with his heart for the world.
Host:It sounds like destiny.
Host:Finder could be an incredibly valuable resource for the Christian leaders in your community.
Guest:Absolutely.
Guest:Especially those who are feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward in their ministries.
Guest:And, you know, Blakeney actually encourages listeners to connect with Destiny Finder at destinyfinder.com Kingdom TV, you can find more information about the process, access resources, and even get a special discount.
Host:That's fantastic.
Host:We'll make sure to include that link in the show notes for easy access.
Guest:Now, going back to the interview, Brodeur emphasizes that discovering your God dream is just the first step.
Host:Right.
Guest:He then delves into the importance of clarifying that dream and taking concrete steps towards making it a reality.
Host:Right.
Host:And he acknowledges that it's not always a linear process.
Host:Right.
Guest:Absolutely.
Host:There are going to be twists and turns along the way.
Host:But, you know, God can steer our course even if we don't have every detail figured out in advance.
Guest:Right.
Guest:He uses a great analogy of mapping a journey.
Host:Okay.
Guest:You might not know the exact route, but you need to start driving to get to your destination.
Host:So it's about taking that first step of faith, even if it feels small or insignificant.
Guest:He emphasizes the importance of movement, of taking action, even if we're not completely sure where we're going.
Guest:And he links this to the idea of partnering with God, allowing him to guide our steps as we move forward.
Host:It's about surrendering control and trusting that God is leading us towards the fulfillment of his purpose for our lives.
Guest:Right.
Host:Even when things get messy or unpredictable.
Guest:That's powerful.
Host:It is.
Guest:He even addresses the tension between running ahead of God and getting stuck in analysis.
Guest:Paralysis.
Host:Oh, yeah.
Guest:It's about finding that balance between taking action and seeking God's guidance.
Host:Oh, that tension is something I definitely struggle with.
Guest:Yeah.
Host:Sometimes I get so caught up in planning and strategizing that I forget to actually move forward.
Host:Other times, I jump into things without really seeking God's direction.
Host:It's a constant learning process.
Guest:It really is.
Guest:And Brodeur stresses the importance of paying attention to the various ways God speaks to us through prophetic words, the confirmation of others, the fruit we're bearing, even our own intuition.
Host:Yeah.
Guest:It's about developing that sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading and learning to discern his voice amidst all the noise and distractions of life.
Host:That resonates with me deeply.
Host:It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of ministry and lose sight of that quiet, still voice guiding us.
Host:It sounds like destiny.
Host:Finder provides a framework for tuning into God's voice and aligning our actions with his will.
Guest:You're absolutely right.
Guest:And speaking of aligning our actions with God's will, Lakney brings up a crucial point about the difference between delegation and development in ministry.
Host:This seems to be a recurring theme for you, the desire to see a more authentic expression of Christian community where individuals are empowered to discover and walk in their God given purpose.
Guest:Yeah.
Host:So tell me more about how Brodeur addresses this tension between delegation and development.
Guest:Well, Berdeur argues that many churches have become overly focused on delegation, assigning tasks and filling roles without prioritizing the spiritual growth and development of their members.
Host:Right.
Guest:He challenges the idea of simply relying on voluntary volunteers to keep the machinery of the church running.
Host:Right.
Guest:Saying that Jesus's call was to make disciples, not just recruit helpers.
Host:It's a powerful distinction.
Guest:It is.
Host:It makes me think about how we often approach ministry from a purely pragmatic perspective.
Host:Who's going to run the soundboard?
Host:Who's going to lead the children's ministry?
Host:Who's going to organize the potluck?
Guest:Yeah.
Host:But we neglect to ask the deeper questions.
Host:How are we nurturing these individuals?
Host:How are we equipping them to walk in their God given purpose?
Host:How are we helping them become more like Christ?
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:And Brodeur advocates for a shift in focus from tasks to transformation, from filling slots to equipping saints for ministry.
Guest:It's about creating a culture of development where people are nurtured, mentored, and empowered to step into the fullness of who God created them to be.
Host:He even uses a personal analogy of raising his children.
Guest:Right.
Host:He didn't have them just to do chores around the house.
Guest:Right.
Host:But he realized that assigning them tasks was a crucial part of their development.
Guest:Right.
Host:Preparing them for adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it.
Guest:It's a beautiful analogy, isn't it?
Host:It is.
Guest:It highlights how our greatest growth often happens when we're stretched outside our comfort zones and given opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways.
Host:And it also underscores the importance of having someone guide us through those challenges.
Guest:Yes.
Host:You know, we need mentors, spiritual fathers and mothers who can offer wisdom, encouragement and support as we navigate the ups and downs of our journeys.
Guest:You've hit on a key point.
Guest:Berger goes on to discuss the crucial role community plays in the process of discovering and fulfilling our destiny.
Guest:He believes we can't do this alone.
Host:Yeah.
Guest:We need the support, encouragement and accountability of others to thrive.
Host:It reminds Me of Ecclesiastes 4.9 10.
Host:Two are better than one because they have a good return for their Labor.
Host:If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
Host:We're not meant to walk this journey in isolation.
Guest:We need each other.
Host:We do.
Guest:And Brador introduces the concept of missional community, arguing that community is most powerful when it's united around a shared purpose.
Host:So it's about moving beyond just socializing in potlucks to actively engaging in God's mission together.
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:It's about pooling our resources, our gifts, and our passions.
Guest:Passions to make a tangible impact in the world.
Guest:He also emphasizes the importance of having spiritual fathers and mothers in our lives.
Host:Yeah.
Guest:Those who can provide guidance and mentorship and support as we navigate the challenges of walking in our purpose.
Host:And that's a need that resonates deeply with many Christian leaders today.
Guest:Yeah.
Host:You know, we're often so focused on serving others that we neglect our own need for guidance and support.
Guest:Right.
Host:We need those wise voices speaking into our lives, helping us discern God's direction and stay on track.
Guest:He uses the example of Elijah, who, after a season of discouragement and burnout, was commissioned by God to mentor Elisha.
Host:Yeah.
Guest:It's a powerful illustration of how investing in others can not only help them grow, but also rekindle our own passion and purpose.
Host:It's like a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving.
Guest:Yeah.
Host:As we pour into the next generation, we're also being replenished and renewed ourselves.
Guest:Now, a pastor in the audience asks a great question.
Host:Okay.
Guest:Can Destiny Finder be used with both new and mature believers?
Host:That's a good question.
Guest:Yeah.
Host:You might assume that this process is only for those who are just starting out in their faith journey.
Guest:But Brodur assures him that it's suitable for people at all stages of their faith.
Host:Okay.
Guest:Emphasizing that God has a plan and purpose for everyone, regardless of their age or experience.
Guest:He even argues that it's never too late to start discovering and walking in your destiny.
Guest:Sharing a story about a woman in her 70s who expressed a deep hunger to be discipled and to live a life of purpose.
Host:It's a beautiful reminder that God's call on our lives isn't limited by age or circumstance.
Guest:It's a lifelong journey of growth and transformation.
Host:It is.
Guest:And speaking of transformation, Brodeur then segues into a fascinating discussion about the importance of balancing content and community in discipleship.
Host:Oh.
Host:That's a topic that's near and dear to my heart.
Guest:Yeah.
Host:I've seen firsthand how powerful it can be when we move beyond simply imparting information to creating spaces where people can experience authentic community.
Host:And spiritual formation.
Guest:Brodeur acknowledges the value of solid biblical teaching and equipping, but argues that true transformation happens in the context of authentic relationships.
Guest:He highlights a recent church plant that's experienced tremendous growth by prioritizing community over content.
Host:What's their secret?
Host:How did they create that kind of vibrant community?
Guest:Well, the pastor of that church discovered that younger generations are deeply longing for authentic connection and mentorship.
Guest:They're not just looking for a fun group to hang out with, but a spiritual family where they can be nurtured, challenged, to grow and experience the love and support of a genuine community.
Host:It's about creating a culture where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to live out their faith in tangible ways.
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:And Brodeur suggests that the church should function like a family, providing a safe and supportive environment for people to discover and develop their gifts.
Host:I love that image.
Guest:Yeah.
Host:The church is a family.
Host:It speaks to the need for a radical shift in our approach to ministry.
Guest:Right.
Host:Moving away from a performance based model where people are constantly striving to prove themselves, to a culture of grace and acceptance where everyone feels loved and valued for who they are in Christ.
Guest:And he offers a practical resource to help listeners cultivate this kind of community.
Guest:His ebook, Doing Church as Family, that.
Host:Sounds incredibly relevant to our conversation.
Host:Where can people find that resource?
Guest:It's actually available for free to those who subscribe to his Kingdom Reformation community@ KingdomReformation.org okay.
Guest:He encourages listeners to become paid subscribers for just $25 a month or $175 for a full year.
Guest:You get access to monthly zoom meetings, podcasts, class notes, assessments, and a bunch of other resources.
Host:Wow.
Host:That sounds like an incredible value.
Host:We'll definitely include that information in the show notes as well.
Guest:Now, Bradora circles back to the concept of missional community.
Host:Okay.
Guest:Emphasizing that true community isn't just about inward focus, but about outward impact.
Host:Yeah.
Guest:It's about coming together around a shared purpose that of advancing God's kingdom in the world.
Host:It's about being the hands and feet of Jesus, living out our faith in practical ways and making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.
Guest:He reminds listeners that the Great Commission is our primary mission as believers.
Host:Right.
Guest:Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything.
Guest:I have commanded you, and surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.
Host:Everything else flows from that.
Guest:It does.
Guest:It's about making disciples who make disciples who make disciples.
Host:Yeah.
Guest:Multiplying our impact and spreading the message of God's love throughout the earth.
Host:Now Blakeney fields a question from a listener who wonders if it's dangerous to approach destiny from a self motivational perspective.
Guest:Right.
Host:Rather than a purely kingdom focused approach.
Host:1.
Host:It's an interesting question.
Host:Right?
Host:Can we be too focused on our own personal fulfillment?
Guest:It's a tension we all wrestle with at some point.
Guest:How do we balance our desire to live a life of purpose with our commitment to serving God's kingdom?
Guest:Brodure responds with a fascinating insight.
Host:Okay.
Guest:He shares research suggesting that even God uses reward based motivation in the Bible.
Host:Interesting.
Guest:He points out that a significant percentage of God's commands in both the Old and New Testaments are accompanied by promises of blessing.
Host:So it's not necessarily wrong to be motivated by the rewards that come with obedience and faithfulness.
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:He even cites the example of Jesus himself who endured the cross for the joy set before him.
Host:That's such a powerful reminder that our pursuit of purpose and our desire to bring glory to God aren't mutually exclusive.
Guest:Right.
Host:In fact, they can be beautifully intertwined.
Guest:And Brodeur acknowledges the potential dangers of self centered motivation but argues that God is able to refine our desires as we grow in our relationship with Him.
Host:Right.
Guest:He encourages us to embrace the joy that comes from fulfilling our God given purpose, knowing that our faithfulness and fruitfulness bring glory to God.
Host:It's about aligning our hearts with his heart so that our desires become his desires.
Guest:Precisely.
Guest:He then wraps up this portion of the discussion by highlighting the transformative power of mentorship, encouraging older believers to invest in the next generation.
Host:That's a message we need to hear more of in the church today.
Guest:It is.
Host:We need to create intentional spaces where younger leaders can be poured into and equipped for the journey ahead.
Guest:He shares a poignant story about a pastor who was struggling to connect with his executive pastor.
Guest:He realized that he had never even asked him about his dreams or aspirations.
Host:Wow.
Host:That's such a simple but profound insight.
Guest:It is.
Host:We can't effectively lead or disciple others unless we take the time to truly know them and understand their hearts.
Guest:He challenges pastors to move beyond simply delegating tasks to intentionally developing their people, equipping them to walk in their God given purpose.
Guest:It's about seeing people not just as workers but as sons and daughters, investing in their growth and empowering them to become the world changers God created them to be.
Host:It's about shifting from a transactional mindset to a transformational one.
Guest:You've got it.
Host:Okay.
Guest:Now Brodur shifts gears to address a practical question about the format of Destiny Finder.
Host:Okay.
Guest:He explains that it can be done as both a full day workshop and an eight week small group study.
Host:Okay.
Host:So that's great.
Host:It offers flexibility for different contexts and learning styles.
Guest:He emphasizes the importance of creating space for processing and discussion, allowing people to share their insights and experiences as they go through the material.
Host:Right.
Guest:He also suggests having participants go through the Destiny Finder journey guide beforehand.
Guest:Okay.
Guest:So they come to the workshop or small group sessions prepared to engage at a deeper level.
Host:It sounds like Destiny Finder provides a comprehensive framework for guiding individuals and communities towards a deeper understanding of their God given purpose.
Guest:Absolutely.
Guest:And remember, Blakeney encourages listeners to visit destinyfinder.com kingdomtv to learn more and access a special discount on those resources.
Host:That's a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into everything we're discussing today and start putting these principles into practice in your own life and ministry.
Host:We'll definitely include that link in the show notes right now.
Host:What else does Brodir highlight?
Host:As the conversation continues, he talks about.
Guest:The importance of having a safe space to process those deeper questions and really wrestle with what it means to align our lives with God's purpose.
Host:Right.
Host:Because it's not just about filling out a workbook.
Guest:No.
Host:It's about creating a space for genuine heart transformation.
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:He believes that both the workshop and small group formats can be effective, but the key is to create that safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable exploring their purpose and taking steps towards fulfilling it.
Host:And that goes back to the idea of the church as family.
Host:Yeah.
Host:A place where we can be vulnerable, ask tough questions and support each other as we grow.
Guest:You're right on track.
Guest:Now Blakeney takes a moment to remind listeners about those Destiny Finder resources we mentioned earlier.
Guest:He encourages them to visit destinyfinder.com kingdomtv to learn more and access a special discount.
Host:Yeah.
Host:That's a great opportunity for anyone who is feeling that nudge to dive deeper into their purpose and explore how Destiny Finder could be a helpful tool.
Guest:Absolutely.
Guest:He also reminds listeners about his Kingdom Reformation community@ KingdomReformation.org okay.
Guest:He talks about the value of connecting with other like minded leaders who are passionate about seeing God's Kingdom advance.
Host:And imagine that community aspect is invaluable.
Guest:It is.
Host:You know, it's so easy to feel isolated as a leader.
Host:So having a network of people who understand the challenges and can offer support, that's crucial.
Guest:He encourages people to become paid subscribers for just $25 a month or $175 for a full year.
Host:Wow.
Guest:Highlighting the value of the monthly zoom meetings, podcasts, class notes and other resources available to members felt like a worthwhile.
Host:Investment for anyone who's serious about growing as a leader is and making a kingdom impact.
Guest:He concludes by reiterating his belief that investing in our own development and the development of others is one of the most powerful things we can do to advance God's kingdom.
Host:That's a powerful reminder because it's so easy to get caught up in the day to day demands of ministry, right and lose sight of the bigger picture.
Guest:Brodeur then offers a final word of encouragement reminding listeners that it's all about Jesus, right?
Host:Because it's easy to get sidetracked by programs, strategies or even our own ambitions.
Guest:He emphasizes that our purpose isn't about self promotion or achievement, but about glorifying God and revealing his beauty and goodness to the world.
Host:It's about making him known, pointing people to the One who offers true hope and transformation.
Guest:He believes that as we step into our destiny, we become living displays of God's manifold wisdom, showcasing his grace and power to the world.
Host:Beautiful imagery.
Host:It's not about us trying to be impressive in ourselves, right?
Host:But allowing God to work through us in such a way that people can't help but see his glory shining through.
Guest:He concludes by expressing his deep desire to see every son and daughter of God operating in the fullness of their priesthood, walking in the freedom and joy of fulfilling their God given purpose.
Host:A powerful vision.
Host:A church where every member is fully alive, empowered and engaged in the mission God has entrusted to us.
Guest:And Blakeney echoes the sentiment, thanking Ador for his wisdom and insights and urging listeners to embrace the transformative power of Destiny Finder.
Host:He really believes that this tool can be a catalyst for personal and communal revival, equipping believers to step into their God given purpose and impact the world for Christ.
Guest:He invites listeners to join him on this journey of Kingdom reformation, believing that together we can see a powerful move of God in our generation.
Host:It's a stirring call to action.
Host:It's not about passively waiting for revival to happen, but actively partnering with God to bring about transformation in our lives, our communities and our world.
Guest:He concludes the interview by reminding listeners about the resources available to them and expressing his heartfelt desire to see them thrive in their faith and fulfill their destiny.
Host:So as we wrap up this deep dive into this interview, let's shift gears a bit and consider what this all means for you okay?
Host:How can you apply these principles of identity, purpose and community to your own ministry and leadership?
Guest:One of the key takeaways from this interview is that fulfilling our destiny ultimately glorifies God and brings him joy.
Guest:It's not just about our own personal fulfillment.
Guest:It's about participating in his grand redemptive story.
Host:And imagine the ripple effect when you help even one person in your community discover and step into their God given purpose.
Host:It's like planting a seed that grows into a mighty tree bearing fruit for generations to come.
Guest:This raises an important question.
Guest:What are some practical steps you can take this week to foster a culture of development and mentorship within your church or ministry?
Guest:How can you help the people you lead to discover their God, dream and take tangible steps towards it?
Host:Maybe it's starting a conversation with your leadership team about shifting the focus from delegation to development.
Host:Perhaps it's introducing the Destiny Finder resources to your congregation or starting a small group study based on the principles we've discussed.
Host:Or maybe it's simply taking the time to have one on one conversations with individuals, asking them about their dreams, their aspirations and what they feel called to do.
Guest:Remember, you don't have to do this alone.
Guest:Glenn Blakeney has provided some excellent resources to help you along the way.
Host:And don't forget about those special offers we mentioned earlier.
Host:You can connect with Destiny Finder at destinyfinder.com KingdomTV and access a special discount on their resources.
Guest:And for a deeper dive into the concepts of community and discipleship, you can subscribe to the Kingdom Reformation community@ KingdomReformation.org and receive a free copy of his ebook Doing Church as Family.
Host:Wow.
Host:These are practical tools and resources that can equip you to create a more vibrant and impactful ministry.
Host:But ultimately it comes down to a willingness to step out in faith, to embrace the journey of discovering your God given purpose, and to invest in the lives of those around you.
Guest:The invitation is there.
Guest:Are you ready to dive deeper?
Host:Yeah.
Host:It's a challenge for sure to step outside that routine and invest in those deeper things.
Guest:But you know, he reminds us that it's in those deeper places that true transformation happens.
Guest:He uses this great analogy, a tree.
Guest:He says that the quality of the fruit depends entirely on the strength of the roots.
Host:Okay.
Guest:So if we want to see lasting fruit in our lives and ministries, we need to be deeply rooted in Christ.
Host:So we can't just focus on the outward actions, the doing of ministry, without cultivating that interconnection with God.
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:And he points out that this internal Transformation is fueled by the Holy Spirit.
Guest:You know, it's about developing that intimacy with God, learning to hear his voice and allowing him to work in and through us.
Host:He talks about the Holy Spirit writing God's laws on our hearts.
Host:It's beautiful imagery.
Guest:It really is.
Host:You know, it's not just about knowing the rules, but having our very being aligned with God's will.
Guest:It's about becoming more like Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our character, refine our desires, and transform us from the inside out.
Host:And this really resonates with your desire to see authentic Christianity restored in today's church.
Guest:Absolutely.
Guest:It's about going beyond the outward forms and rituals to cultivate a genuine heart level transformation.
Host:And Brodeur cautions against getting caught up in the external trappings of success.
Host:Yeah, you know, it's like we're trying to build this beautiful facade without making sure the foundation is solid.
Guest:He insists that true fulfillment comes from allowing Christ to transform us from the inside out.
Guest:It's in that deep inner work that we discover our true identity and purpose.
Host:This leads perfectly into a question from a pastor in the audience.
Guest:Okay.
Host:He's asking if Destiny Finder is suitable for new believers.
Guest:Broder's response is a resounding yes.
Guest:He believes that God has a plan and a purpose for everyone, regardless of where they are on their faith journey.
Host:So it's never too early or too late to start discovering and walking in your destiny.
Guest:That's right.
Guest:And here's where he brings up a really fascinating point about the evolution of motivation.
Guest:He suggests that relying on duty or guilt isn't as effective in today's culture, especially for younger generations.
Host:Yeah, that makes sense.
Host:We can't guilt people into a passionate relationship with Christ.
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:Instead, he emphasizes the importance of tapping into three key.
Guest:Mastery, autonomy, and significance.
Guest:He believes these are deeply embedded in our human design.
Host:So it's about creating environments where people can develop their skills.
Guest:Right.
Host:Feel empowered to make choices, and know that their contributions matter.
Guest:Precisely.
Guest:And he links this back to discipleship, arguing that if we want to see people thrive in their faith, we need to create environments where they can experience these three things.
Host:Wow.
Host:Imagine if our churches were filled with people who were passionate about growing in their gifts, making a real difference, and owning their faith journey.
Guest:It would be amazing.
Guest:And this connects directly back to the concept of Destiny Finder.
Host:Right.
Guest:It's not about forcing people into predefined roles, but about guiding them to discover their unique God given purpose and equipping them to walk in it.
Host:It's about helping them paint that picture of their God green, that vision of what they would do for God if they had no limitations, and then helping.
Guest:Them take those first steps towards making it a reality.
Host:Exactly.
Host:And you know, speaking of Destiny Finder, listeners can connect with destiny finder@destinyfinder.com Forswyth Kingdom TV.
Guest:Right.
Host:They can find more information about the process, access those valuable resources, and even receive a special discount.
Host:Yeah.
Host:So as we wrap up this deep dive, I'm curious what stands out to you as the most impactful takeaway?
Guest:You know, for me, it's that reminder that as leaders, our primary call is to make disciples.
Guest:It's about investing in people, empowering them to discover their God given purpose and creating a culture where they can thrive.
Host:It's about shifting our focus from tasks to transformation.
Host:From filling slots to equipping saints for ministry.
Guest:Exactly.
Guest:And that transformation begins with understanding our own identity in Christ and then extending that same grace and freedom to those we lead.
Host:It's about fostering a culture of love, acceptance, and empowerment where everyone feels seen, valued, and equipped to step into the fullness of who God created them to be.
Guest:It's a beautiful vision.
Host:It is.
Guest:And it all starts with taking that first step.
Host:So what will your first step be?
