Propel Collective Nø.5

PROPEL COLLECTIVE Nø. 5

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CHRISTINE CAINE

FOUNDER AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

BIANCA JUAREZ OLTHOFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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CHRISTINE CAINE

LISA HARPER / LISA BEVERE

MOVING FORWARD

20-SOMETHINGS

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BIANCA JUAREZ OLTHOFF

DAWN JACKSON

I AM SECOND

LASTING LONG TERM

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JENNI CATRON

ALLI WORTHINGTON

LEADING WITH A LONG VIEW

YOUR PLAN FOR A STRESS FREE SEASON

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HANNAH BRENCHER

HER STORY

PERFECTLY UNDONE

A21

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KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR

LALITA STABLES

HOW TO BE MENTOR WITHOUT A MENTOR

CREATIVITY IN A CORPORATE WORLD

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MELISSA MOORE

TASHA MASITHA

SHOW UP AND BRING YOUR WEAKNESS

PURSUE PEACE

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BRIAN HOUSTON

KIMBERLY CHANDLER

PROPEL HIGHLIGHT

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

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LEVI LUSKO

ALLI MUNSEY

PAIN IS A MICROPHONE

BALANCE IS OVER RATED

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LISA McINNES-SMITH

NORA SHANK

A CODE TO LIVE BY

SUNDAY SOUP

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CHAPER QUESTIONS

THINGS TO COME

WITH FOUR CHAPTER LEADERS

2016

Photographers: Kat Harris @TheKatHarris

Sidney Morgan @_SidneyMorgan

Designer: Alexandria Lavender @_LEXANDRIA_ PROPELWOMEN.org

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MOVING FORWARD

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hings have been moving full steam ahead around here lately. I am not sure there is anything more exhilarating or exhausting than watching a dream come to life before your very eyes. It was just over a year ago that we launched the Propel Collective, and I shared my vision with you about starting an initiative that would help women everywhere internalize a leadership identity. We launched Propel Women at Liberty University in January, and have hosted 2015 Propel Activate events in Orange County, Phoenix, and Tulsa. There are over 400 Propel Chapters operating in local churches, and we are on the eve of our first Propel Leadership Summit with John Maxwell and Joyce Meyer. Like I said, things have been moving full steam ahead, and our team would have it no other way.

The word Propel means, “to cause to move forward,” originating from the two Latin words PRO: Forward + PELLERE: To Drive.

I am committed to ensuring that we continue to move forward, and help women discover and pursue their God given passion, purpose and potential. We have been busy planning innovative projects for 2016, and I am excited to share with you the plans for Propel Workshops, Chapter Leader development days, and Leadership Summit. I can promise you that we will never run out of vision in this place.

Turning 49 years-old in September (thank you for the birthday love) served as a reminder that I probably have less time ahead of me on this planet than I have behind me.

Therefore, I am committed to making every single moment of every single day count for the Glory of God. I want to lay a hold of all of that for which Christ Jesus has laid a hold of me. I want to reach, influence, and impact as many people as possible with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I hope you do too.

“For that reason we must continue to grow,

change, and move forward.”

I have been reflecting on Deuteronomy 1:6-8 for the past couple of months: “The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.”

There comes a time when you need to say to yourself, “You have been at this mountain long enough, it’s time to get moving.” Moving forward is as much about what we must leave behind as it is embracing what we must keep. What do you need to let go of to move forward?

Other people’s opinions Shame of past failures Resentment, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness Security, safety, predictability Comfort, ease, apathy Procrastination, indecision Negativity, fear, doubt, unbelief Unrealistic expectations Disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment We cannot allow our past to dictate our future when God has untapped blessings in store for us.

God has more ahead for you. It’s time to get up and to start moving forward. You can trust God with your future. Your best is still to come.

Cheers!

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I AM SECOND I

am second. No, it’s not religious humility or selfdeprecation. I’m literally second. I am a second born twin in the shared role of first child.

I am the second wife to my husband.

I’m the second mother to my kids. I am second in my role at work. I am second. Quotes like, “Either you’re first or you’re nothing,” and “Second is the first place loser,” reinforce the belief that secondary and subsidiary roles are insignificant. They aren’t. In fact, they are needed. In life, liberty, and the pursuit of Jesus, you can’t lead if you don’t know how to follow.

In the business world, church life, or home domain, leadership can be identified by focusing on certain skills or characteristics by people leading in front. But if leadership is influencing people, we each have a powerful role to play as we mobilize and influence people in all spheres of our life. Being second doesn’t mean I abdicate my responsibilities or influence because I am not leading at the front or making the final decision. Leading as second means we harness the collective power of the team to support the main vision or objective, whether that is in your family, church, or boardroom.

For example, I can’t stay on budget to save my life, so my husband manages our finances. (My idea of budgeting is buying a gorgeous purse and surviving off of celery and saltines for the

month.) When I think we should do this or buy that, I give my opinion, but understand that he’s responsible for the cash flow of Casa Olthoff. He isn’t controlling or selfish in his decisions because he wants me to help and steer the vision for our family, but incurs the weight of making sure we are fiscally responsible.

If we understand that we are contributing to something larger than just ourselves, it calibrates our heart and attitude. We cultivate purpose, value and mission when we move, together and willingly submit to the collective whole. Leading second is purposeful not accidental. We step intentionally into our role in domestic decisions, boardroom policies, or academic pursuits.

We lead purposefully, not accidently.

Leading second is collaborative and cooperative. We build family/team/ coworkers to lean in and build the collective vision, instead of building individual agendas. Leading second is not abdicating our responsibility because of our position or title. You may never get the recognition, but you get to speak into the vision and further the mission. Leading second is not passive. Whether you are an intern, student, stay-at-home mom, or new hire, you are part of the decision making process whether you want to be

BIANCA JUAREZ OLTHOFF

or not. You might not have the biggest vote or loudest voice, but don’t sit idly by and watch the vision happen; you make it happen.

Leading second is not an excuse to do little because you are new, shy, or don’t have a corner office. Laziness and inattention are by-products of people who don’t see their value or care to change.Ultimately, we are all second. Paul, an apostle and amazing leader, summed it up best: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). We are all second to the One, followers to the greatest leader of all. When you learn to carry the vision, you will learn to lead the vision. But you need to be willing to learn, listen, and lean into being second.

“Learning to follow will prepare you to lead.”

Chief Storyteller at A21 and Creative Director for Propel Women.

You can connect with her at BiancaOlthoff.com.

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LEADING WITH A LONG VIEW

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n celebration of her 30th birthday, my sister and I took a marvelous trip to Paris, France.

We were the consummate tourists-The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, the Champs-Elysees, meandering the streets stopping at every bakery and café along the way. The culture. The people. The history. The sites. We soaked up every ounce of it. The leader in me was most profoundly impacted by our tour of Notre Dame. This magnificent French Gothic Cathedral has been an icon for the Catholic Church for over 850 years. As I listened to the guide share the story of the cathedral’s construction, I was struck by the architectural vision that would become a 200year project. Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, would never live to see his vision completed. In fact numerous Bishops and architects would contribute to the project before it’s final completion in 1345 AD. As a leader I’m wired to be a builder. I thrive on creating plans and seeing them accomplished. Whether that’s a marketing plan that leads to a successful product launch, an office renovation project for our team, or a staff person successfully achieving a promotion, I want to see progress and I want to reap the rewards of my efforts. But what if every vision you have isn’t for you to achieve? What if you’re supposed to lay the foundation stone but allow someone else to finish the work? I think of Moses who led the Israelites through 40 years in the wilderness right to the edge of the Jordan River, just steps away from the Promised Land and God tells him that he will not be the one to lead the Israelites the rest of the way.

“Instead, Joshua, whom Moses had been developing, training,

and mentoring will be the one to experience this blessing.”

After 40 years of leading this ungrateful group, Moses doesn’t get to experience the Promised Land with them.

This is probably one of the greatest tests of our leadership.

Do I love what I’m doing so much that I’ll do whatever it takes regardless of who gets the credit? Will I work tirelessly to achieve an outcome that someone else may reap the benefit of?

These are the questions I’m asking myself lately. I’ve spent nearly two decades chasing dreams and accomplishing great plans. I long to lead with the same passion and conviction that marks the stories of our history. From Moses to Bishop Sully, our history is shaped by selfless leaders who gave all of themselves for the good of a cause that was much bigger than their moment in time. I worry sometimes over my own self-serving motives. How do I keep my drive and ambition rightly directed to the good that God has called me to, yet live with an open-handed posture that rests in entrusting the outcomes to others when necessary? These are the tensions of a life of faith as a leader. Knowing that what we do matters significantly, that we live and lead with urgency and passion, all while being willing to let go at the appropriate time. What vision has God inspired in you? Who do you need to invest in and develop to carry the vision further than you can take it? What would it look like for you to lead with a long view?

JENNI CATRON

Executive Pastor at Menlo Park Pres, author, and leadership coach.

You can learn more at JenniCatron.com.

Perfectly

undone

hannah brencher

HANNAH BRENCHER

Founder of The World Needs More Love Letters.

Connect with her at www.HannahBrencher.com

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I’m too serious 99% of the time but I know, if I could shove one anthem in your pocket, it would be just the right words to convince you to pause-if only for the span of a coffee break.

To succeed in this life my mother tells me you need to pay attention. Be kind. Open your eyes and remember that we are all fighting to stand, we are all afraid to miss what’s going on here.

She says, don’t miss the people. Don’t miss the love at the table, the chance to sit down and pass the grace.

She says, you could keep going at your million-mile speed, no one’s gonna make you slow down and not miss it.

This world, she’s pretty good at keeping the ticking of the clock buzzing in the ears. This world, she’s loud but she isn’t invincible.

You could stop the world and sip the air.

You could slow down to see the rugged hope in people’s eyes, pace through the aisles of Target and discover for yourself: there’s something perfectly undone within all of us.

Maybe life is just the honor to hang hopeful in the balance of one another.

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HOW TO BE A MENTOR WITHOUT A MENTOR

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he interview was going smoothly, my answers pouring out like cream from a pitcher. Then the interviewer asked, “Have you had any women mentors?” I had to stop and think long and hard. Finally, I said, “No.” The interviewer continued to the next questions, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the absence of women mentors in my life.As a young adult, it had been men who saw potential in me, and encouraged me to take on my earliest leadership roles. Once I entered the world of my profession (education), I had bosses— again, men—who supported and helped me. However, I’ve never had a formal mentor, either male or female. Recent research shows that for a variety of reasons, women in the workplace experience more barriers to mentorship than men. In their book Organic Mentoring: A Mentor’s Guide to Relationships with Next Generation Women, Sue Edwards and Barbara Nuemann write that the “mentoring crisis” we face today is, in part, because the way we think about mentoring is outdated. They argue that rather than being a formal, structured arrangement, mentoring in today’s world needs to be more natural, informal, and organic. I’ve found that some of the most effective mentoring can occur outside a formal mentoring relationship. There are quite a few ways to be mentored even without having a mentor.

Here are some to consider:

1. BE OBSERVANT You can learn a lot just by paying attention. One of the most important lessons I learned early in my professional life came from observing a colleague get fired. The boss—a gentle, kind, and non-confrontational person—had not informed my co-worker that his performance was not up to expectations, and he was blindsided. I learned from observing never to assume that silence from a superior means approval. As a result, I consider it my responsibility to initiate communication with my superiors to be sure

that my performance is more than satisfactory rather than assume. No one formally mentored me to do this, but I learned by observing.

2. OFFER HELP: There’s no better way to learn from someone than to work closely with them. Find opportunities to help the person you’d like to learn from by offering to do research or assist on a project. Helping gives access to a person that would otherwise be unavailable, along with the possibility of impromptu mentoring. For example, I enjoy mentoring students outside the classroom, but cannot make additional time commitments. Instead, I ask students who desire mentoring to fulfill their university service requirements by assisting me with projects. Although mentoring isn’t the primary purpose of our time together, it inevitably happens.

3. THINK SHORT TERM: When someone asks me to be a mentor, my initial, inner response is something like, “How can I possibly fit one more thing into my life?” But if someone asks to meet in my office or for coffee, that is much more manageable. Even better is an offer to help in some of the ways suggested above. Don’t underestimate what can be learned from one-time, and short-term commitments. These can also lead naturally to longer term relationships.

4. AND THINK LONG TERM: I still collaborate from time to time with one of the men who first encouraged me, over 25 years ago, to develop as a leader. Even though our interactions are intermittent, they constitute one of my most valued professional relationships.

This person continues to mentor me—though we have never used the word “mentor.” Some of the most effective mentoring really can happen without a “mentor.”

KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR, Ph. D, Professor of English at Liberty University and a Research Fellow with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.

You can connect with Karen on Twitter @LoveLifeLItGod.

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SHOW UP AND BRING YOUR WEAKNESS T

he great writer and speaker Frederick Buechner is well known for these words: “Listen to your life.” When I’m willing to turn down the volume on a thousand other voices, and listen to my own life, I hear echoes of a couple prominent themes. The first is that, for as far back as I can remember, teachers and coaches told me in one way or another that I was a “naturalborn leader”. Real leaders, it seemed to my fifth grade mind, became class presidents, so I made posters, wrote a speech and ran for office. I lost, thanks be to God, because the truth was, it was the last thing I wanted to do. If I am a leader, I’m the reluctant sort. I don’t spend much time thinking about leadership these days, though I do think extensively about what it means to be faithful to the God who called us to serve His church, and the world He loves. In the end, perhaps those two things are mostly the same. This idea brings me to the second prominent theme in my life: the unwelcome companionship of pain. For a time I thought it was “just a season,” but years went on, two years turned into five and so on. I realized I would have to learn to live in, with, under, and even by pain.

I couldn’t sit out indefinitely and wait for it to leave while life passed

me by. Recently my Pastor asked me to do something that I felt was beyond my capacity, as my heart was in a hundred pieces. His request fell on a particularly excruciating week for me personally. I sent a text to my mentor and Mom, which basically stated, “My Pastor lost his mind and asked me to do something out of my capacity, since I’m a disaster, as you well know, please get back to me verifying that I’m not supposed to do it.” Instead she said,

“Unless you somehow sense a clear no from God, it’s your privilege. your responsibility.”

So, I did it. I feared I would weep through the entire thing and humiliate myself, but my voice only cracked for a bit. The God who gave me the opportunity to serve His church carried me. In Exodus 3-4, God calls Moses to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt. But Moses has concerns because of the tiny fact that he had a hard time speaking.

The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths?...Now go: I will help you speak.” (Ex. 4:11-12 NIV) If God calls us to something, then we can trust Him with any limitations

MELISSA MOORE

we believe we possess.

Sometimes God uses us despite our weakness, other times God uses us because of our weakness, and still other times God’s power overcomes our weakness. The only thing we need to concern ourselves with is obedience.

The rest is up to the God who promised He will be with us until the end. I don’t know what your limitation is but I know if you’re human, you have one.

You have a legitimate reason to doubt your capability, a rational excuse to keep saying no. But listen: God’s faithfulness is more fundamental than your weakness. Trust Him. Fix your eyes on Jesus, be present in the places, and with the people He called you to serve, and know He is with you. Above all, no matter what, keep showing up even in your pain. God is faithful, and you must show up.

Research and writing assistant to Beth Moore at Living Proof Ministries and resides in Houston, Texas.

Connect with her on Twitter @MelissaMoore77.

Brian Houston is Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church with campuses around the globe reaching thousands of people every weekend. To get more information or to order his book, visit LiveLoveLeadBook.com or BrianCHouston.com

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PROPEL HIGHLIGHT: BRIAN HOUSTON

1. WHAT IS THE BEST LEADERSHIP ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?

4. WHAT IS THE BEST LEADERSHIP ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?

In Bible College, my principal said something that has always stuck with me, and I believe has led me through some challenging times. He said, “No matter what happens to you in life, never develop a wounded spirit.” Commit to the discipline of overcoming, be free spirited, and have an expectation of the best, and not the worst of people and circumstances. Jesus said offences will come and it’s not always easy. Sometimes it means committing to the process of working through things that we perceive to be unjust or harmful. However, I’ve always kept my commitment that no one person will rule my spirit in a negative way, and I can honestly say that no one does.

Patience. Anyone that knows me knows I like to get places quickly. Unfortunately for me, Australia isn’t close to anything or anywhere, so I spend a lot of time practicing PATIENCE.

2. WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL LEADER IN YOUR LIFE? I get so inspired by stories of leaders who have overcome adversity and remained consistently on course throughout their life. I’m not sure I could pin down “the most influential leader” in my life; I have so many friends in business and ministry, fellow Kingdom-builders that I look up to. I admire leaders with longevity, people who run their own race with confidence, and bring others along for the journey.

3. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about fears. If we’re talking about “tangible” fears, I’m not fond of heights. I think ultimately I’m afraid of not stewarding my gifts or finishing that which I set out to accomplish. At 61 years of age, I still have dreams in my heart--God-dreams-that I want to see accomplished in my lifetime.

5. WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? Undoubtedly, my wife, Bobbie. She has given me the most strength and inspiration as a leader, and has done this 35+ year journey by my side as my “co-captain” through every season, good and bad. No one has prayed for me more, encouraged me more, believed in me more and inspired me more than she has. I admire everything she has sacrificed and walked through, I admire the way she constantly allows God to stretch and grow her capacity, and I admire the way she loves God and people so very well.

6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOTTO AND WHY? THE BEST IS YET TO COME. In my book, Live Love Lead, I say it best: “This statement is a declaration to the future, my belief that the unknown can hold the greatest potential.”

I think when we are living, loving and leading with and by the Spirit of God; we have nothing to be afraid of, or anxious about, not even the unknown details of our lives. I believe that spirit-filled Christians, the world over, can have confidence that on both sides of eternity, God has gone before us. He has paved the way for a life that is abundant–full of good plans and purposes–and that regardless of the temporal setbacks that we all face (health, finances, family, etc.) we can ALWAYS look to the future with great faith and expectation and say THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

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PAIN IS A MICROPHONE God has destined you for impact.”

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ain is a powerful gift that you would never ask for but you would be crazy to ignore. We are promised troubles in this life, but these trials open doors that would otherwise remain locked. You have a microphone - a platform, and perhaps there’s no time you are as powerful as when you choose to minister in the midst of pain.

This is a truth I’ve seen proven in my own life.

On December 20, 2012, my five-year old daughter Lenya went from my arms to the arms of Christ after suffering a severe asthma attack. My wife Jennie and I were completely shocked. We had been wrapping Christmas presents, and we went to pick up our four girls and all of a sudden, one of them is in heaven. As we walked out of the emergency room my wife said, “You need to go back in the hospital and invite those people to church on Christmas. Lenya would want you to.” I walked back in and said to the nurses, the Respiratory Therapist, Doctor, and security guard, “My little girl, whose body is behind that sheet right there, is in heaven with Jesus and on Christmas Eve, we’re going to celebrate Him coming to this world, and I’d love to invite you. If you’ll come, I’ll preach.” Knowing our pain is a microphone doesn’t make it any less difficult to face life in the midst of trial, but I never would have walked into a hospital that night to invite strangers to come to church. My pain became a passport.

Look at the hardships you’re facing and believe that through them, God wants to open up opportunities that otherwise would remain shut. Suffering is not an obstacle to God doing great things through you,

“it’s an opportunity to be used like never before

In the Old Testament, kings and priests were anointed with oil to show they were set apart for the platform. Oil is made by crushing olives. There can be no anointing without a crushing. You cannot get to Calvary without going through Gethsemane. But be of good cheer - the more it hurts, the louder you become. There is a connection between pain and volume.

When your sufferring it is the easiest thing in the world to think only of yourself. But you’re missing the opportunity to experience the boost in volume God gives when you’re willing to serve others while in the fire. God’s plan is to sabotage your suffering. What’s intended for evil, He uses for good. Remember the Respiratory Therapist we invited to church the night Lenya went to Heaven? She came. She made a decision to accept Christ. She wrote me, saying: “I was invited to go to the Christmas celebration by Levi after the passing of Lenya. I was working the night she came into the ER. It was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. That little girl touched my soul, and I knew I could not turn down the invite to listen to her daddy preach...”

I challenge you to not be selfish with your pain. Don’t waste a single drop of the precious anointing oil that the crushing circumstances of life have produced. As you sow in tears may you remember that a day is coming when you will rejoice with your arms filled with an eternal harvest.

LEVI LUSKO

Pastor of Fresh Life Church, a multi-site church in Montana, founder of Skull Church, the O2 Experience and author of “Through the Eyes of a Lion.”

Connect with him at www.LeviLusko.com.

A code

to live by

Lisa McInnes-Smith People who know the values by which they live, and work, are more likely to be predictable in their behaviour when under pressure or in a crisis. Most of us need to think through what we believe, why we believe it, and why we live the way we do. Everything we do and say is a result of habitual thinking that has taken years to develop. Most of our actions and words are in response to the deeper values that we live by, whether they are unspoken or spoken. Those who are willing to publicly declare their values by writing “A Code To Live By” are easier to follow, and often

more effective leaders. It’s hard to follow people that are unpredictable and random in their responses, whether they are in good times or tough times.

I suggest that even the process of attempting to write “A Code To Live By” is very revealing and helpful. Have a go!

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THE CODE People are more important than tasks or things.

Honesty is always the best policy. The truth hurts for a while, a lie hurts continually.

My family is my key team. Together we accomplish more and have more fun.

I am a person of my word. I say what I mean and I do what I say.

Love is my choice. I choose to love people even when I don’t like their behaviour.

I trust God with all my heart and therefore make time to be still and listen.

I create my future with my words and my actions.

I choose to be grateful at all times whether I have a lot or a little.

I choose to do the right thing when no one is watching. It’s called character.

I believe feelings are important and need to be expressed respectfully.

LISA MCINNES-SMITH

Change Catalyst, Corporate Encourager, Global Speaker and Best-selling Author.

Connect with her at www.LisaSpeaks.com.

WE LOVE OUR PROPEL CHAPTER LEADERS

and sat down to ask them about their amazing chapters! To join the fun and start your own chapter or to buy curriculum, visit PropelWomen.org

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FOUR QUESTONS

WITH FOUR PROPEL CHAPTER LEADERS 1. WHY ARE YOU STARTING A PROPEL CHAPTER? I am starting a Propel Women Chapter because I NEED it! There is such a void in support for women leaders in the body of Christ, but we all lead. We need support and guidance. We give to all, but we need to take care of ourselves first so that we can be truly used by God. Propel Women Chapters will help make this possible!

Emily Britton-Arnold, Peoria, Illinois, Ignite Church Peoria.

I am starting a chapter because I love Propel. The magazines began to really speak to me. Each issue was showing me more and more how to be a better leader.

When this opportunity came up, I wanted those close to me to be to be inspired by Propel like I had, so I started a chapter. Danielle Adams, Monroe, Louisiana, Swartz First Assembly of God.

2. WHAT ARE SOME THING YOU DID TO BEGIN THE PROCESS ON YOUR END? When we started our Propel Chapter, we created a team of strong leaders to be our Propel Chapter core. We spent time on the Propel Women site really gleaning the heart of Propel, and equipping ourselves with the many resources available. We also put together a prelaunch event with women from all over Oklahoma City, different churches, organizations, and backgrounds so that we could cast vision for the chapter. Malika Cox, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Church of the Harvest.

To start up the process of the Propel church chapter, I first wanted to make sure I had a team to work with me.

I feel that is vital for any leader to have success. Then we met up for coffee planning meetings a couple times before our “Preview Launch kick off” to pray and plan for it. We wanted to make sure we were all in unity with what we wanted to see happen and to line it up with God’s work and word. Vicki Yount, living in Agoura Hills, California, Lighthouse Church.

3. HOW HAVE YOU FELT SINCE LAUNCHING AND CONNECTING WITH OTHER PROPEL WOMEN? One great aspect for me in being a leader of a propel chapter is the encouragement and strength I find in meeting other chapter leaders. I love the private group on Facebook we have to learn from each other and share prayer needs as well as victories. Vicki Yount, Agoura Hills, California, Lighthouse Church I have had the most amazing experiences launching our first Propel Chapter. I have already built incredible Kingdom relationships, met amazing women from all over our City, and have a growing team who are passionate to see women step into everything God has for them. Malika Cox, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Church of the Harvest

4. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WITH YOUR CHAPTER? I think for me I’m most looking forward to community.

What I mean by that is I am most looking forward to the connections that are going to be made by the ladies in this group. The group we have ranges from ladies their 20s to ladies in their 50s. So for me, I feel like when we start the material it will be really interesting getting all the different perspectives from everyone and seeing all these ladies in all different areas of their lives connect and learn together. Danielle Adams, Monroe, Louisiana, Swartz First Assembly of God. I am most looking forward to connecting to other women in my community, and watching God create an intimate group of ladies that can support and love on each other.

I am SO excited to see God move! Vicki Yount, Agoura Hills, California, Lighthouse Church.

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LISA HARPER Lisa is an adoptive mom, author, and Bible teacher.

To learn more visit LisaHarper.net

LESSONS FOR 20-SOMETHINGS

We sat down with Lisa Harper and Lisa Bevere to talk about of the lessons they learned in their 20s.

1. what is one thing you would tell your 20 year-old self?

Wear sunscreen and moisturize your neck. Well, that’s not actually the wisdom I’d lead with. I’d start by encouraging my 20-year-old-tightskin-and-high-metabolism self to relax and learn to really live in light of the glorious grace of Jesus Christ.

I’d do this instead of trying to explain the concept of His unconditional love to others with multi-syllabic seminary terminology that I didn’t understand myself. I’d say, “Honey, I know you’re secretly terrified that a perfect God like Him could really love a mistakeprone girl like you with a couple of train-wreck chapters in your bio, but He does. Our Creator Redeemer isn’t simply tolerating you, He’s crazy about you. He didn’t just send Jesus to our planet wrapped in a suit of skin

because you needed to be delivered from your sins, He commissioned His only begotten Son on a rescue mission because He delights in you.” Then I’d drag my young beach-loving self to the mall and force her to buy a big hat, sunscreen with UV protection, and a vat of moisturizer.

2. what was your greatest learning lesson in your 20s?

The greatest lesson/spiritual spanking in my 20s was that our orthodoxy ~ the doctrinal beliefs we subscribe to regarding who God is ~ must go hand in hand with our orthopraxy ~ how we live in light of what we believe to be true of God. Otherwise, we’ll become arrogant legalists instead of hopefilled, humble Christ-followers whose love for God compels us to risk loving others well.

3. while in your 20s, what was something you wanted but didn’t know how to get? I was desperate to be liberated from the crippling weight of fear and shame (largely due to my father’s abandonment, my parent’s acrimonious divorce and sexual molestation that took place during my childhood and adolescence). However instead of admitting my extreme need for the healing, restorative grace of Jesus, I put a Band-Aid on emotional cancer, became mired in co-dependent relationships, and tried to outrun brokenness with religious activity. It took me a lot longer than it should have to learn that sometimes we have to “feel it to heal it” and let the Great Physician tend to our deepest wounds before the infection spreads.

22.

LISA BEVERE Best-selling author and co-founder of Messenger International. To learn more, visit MessengerInternational.com

1. what is one thing you would tell your 20 year-old self? Make a list. Pray and then write carefully because this type of list has the power to become a roadmap. This is a vision list. It should contain everything you want to do and the person you want to become. Do not limit the actions and items by what you’ve done, your education, or even by who you know.

This is about your future. If you write it well this list will edit friendships, guide your marriage and direct your job choices. Also,stop hating on that twenty-year-old body! Enjoy it because it is beautiful!

2. what was your greatest learning lesson in your 20s?

Sometimes you have to do a lot of things now that you don’t want to do in order to do things later that you will want to do. Serving more means learning more, this translates to more opportunities. Kindness and diligence go a long way towards closing the gap due to a lack of experience. Make it your goal to do more than your job description. I started out as a makeup artist and transitioned to a producer.

3. while in your 20s, what was something you wanted but didn’t know how to get?

I desperately wanted an older Christian woman that could help me navigate: marriage, children, female friendships, and work.

When I couldn’t find her, the Holy Spirit challenged me to be that woman. I thought it was a joke, but I was assured that I could work it backwards. I sat down with pen, paper, and a Bible, and wrote out a description of her and how she would interact as a mentor, sister, and a friend. This is the very reason Propel is so crazy important so that another generation doesn’t have to make the same mistakes or make it up as they go along!

24.

LASTING LONG TERM

S

he startled me as she swept past. I stopped to watch the sheer beauty of poetry in motion.

She had explosive strength, a fluid, butt kicking (literally) stride, sculptured muscles, a fiercely determined look and she was incredibly fast! I had just been passed on the track by a world-class sprinter.

I am in awe of sprinters. Gliding through the air, their feet make just enough ground contact so as to drive them forward at an incredible velocity. Their race is quick, glorious and over in a matter of seconds. However I often remind myself that a life of influence looks more like a distance race than a sprint. I have been a pastor at my home church for almost 27 years. I am also an ultra-runner and a triathlete. I am not fast, but I have learned to get it done.

Sometimes I am asked how one goes about finishing a 50 mile race or completing an Ironman or, in the church world, serving joyfully at the same church for decades.

There are many similarities between leading long-term and completing an endurance race. Here is one of the big ones: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. The best running advice I have ever received was while running a tempo run (i.e. a fast-paced multiple mile run), “Dawn, if it didn’t hurt, you didn’t do it right.” At first this sounds horrible. But my friend was not talking about the hurt of being injured. He was talking about the temporary pain associated with being uncomfortable. There is a difference.

When we are injured we should stop. When we are uncomfortable we need to press on. Feeling uncomfortable is, well—uncomfortable!

“The voice inside our head comes up with every excuse to quit.

But quitting hinders growth and halts potential impact.”

It’s in the space of being uncomfortable that growth occurs. When running gets tough I have learned to shift my attention away from the uncomfortable feeling, and focus on accomplishing the goal.

In my 27 years of ministry there have been a few times I have been tempted to throw in the towel. It can get hard.

You or someone close to you gets offended. There is drama or transition on the team. Something (or someone) is pushing you beyond your perceived limits. It is uncomfortable. It is so easy to begin fantasizing about an easier life. Besides the little voice inside your head that wants to quit, there may be other people who try to distract and frustrate you or talk you out of pressing on. In seasons like this I am inspired by the story of Nehemiah who was called by God to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. When faced with opposition and attacked with false accusations, ridicule, and rumors he responded by saying, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Rather than be distracted and derailed by an uncomfortable situation, Nehemiah stayed focused on the call, and he finished a great work.

Much of what I have experienced in ministry has been amazing, but there have been those uncomfortable times.

By staying focused on what God has called me to do and riding out the difficult time, I have found that on the other side of a painful season is often a season of incredible beauty, unlike anything I could have imagined. The strength and maturity gained by pressing through is priceless. Don’t run from uncomfortable seasons—learn to embrace them, and finish this race God has called us to run!

DAWN JACKSON

Pastor of Ministry Operations at Faith Community Church where she has been on staff for 27 years.

Connect with her on Twitter @RunDawnJackson.

26.

YOUR PLAN FOR A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON F

all has always been my favorite season. The kids are back in school, pumpkin spice lattes abound, and the weather in Nashville is absolutely perfect. What I’ve realized is October and November tend to be the calm before the storm, otherwise known as the holiday season.

There’s too much to do, too many people needing us to be in two places at once, and we sometimes feel like we are letting everyone down. My life is a balancing act between work, my five sons, all their fifty-gazillion coaches, teachers, and other responsibilities.

Growing up I watched the women in my family seem to work themselves ragged to produce big holiday parties that they didn’t seem to ever enjoy. I used to try to live up to all the excess myself. There’s something about the holidays that can make us feel like we have to be all things to all people. I’m here to say (once again) holidays don’t have to be this way. You can actually enjoy the holiday season, and I’ll share with you my secrets for taming the beast of holiday craziness.

1. PREPARE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN NOW Late October and early November are the perfect times to order your Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, submit your vacation time requests at work, and work out as many details that seem far away as possible.

2. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO SAY NO. We all know you can’t be in two places at once, no one’s budget can afford to take part in every gift exchange, and sometimes more than one holiday party in a week leaves us all exhausted and grumpy (kids and their parents)! When it’s time to say no, just use this script, “Thank you so much for (the request). I’m so proud of you for (what the person is doing).

I have to say no because (your reason).

Thank you so much for thinking of me.” You’ll want to add more to this, of course but it gives you a framework to be able to say no with love.

consumerism. It’s especially easy when you have kids and they see constant advertising convincing them that they can’t live without a certain new toy.

But even as adults, we can get caught up in the excess. I blame Pinterest for making us all believe every party must have dancing unicorns, centerpieces that cost more than my first car, and chocolate fountains. This year try to say no to a couple of parties and say yes to allowing time for peace, reflection, and gratitude. With a few simple changes to this holiday season you can go from stressful to stress-free.

3. FOCUS ON THE SPIRITUAL, NOT MATERIAL. It seems trite to say, “Jesus is the reason for the season,” but the reality is it’s easy to lose sight of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. It’s easy to fall into the trap of making the holidays about

ALLI WORTHINGTON Executive Director for Propel Women.

Connect with her at AlliWorthington.com.

Her

story amanda

After Amanda ďŹ nished college, she went to a job agency in the hopes of getting a job within her degree. The agency offered her a summer job in Greece, assuring her that they would take care of her application, visa, and flight. It seemed like a dream come true. When Amanda arrived she was not given the job they had promised her. Instead she was locked in a room, assaulted, abused, starved and threatened.

Amanda was trafficked from brothel to brothel, forced to service multiple men every night. After two long years, she finally managed to escape. She was brought to the A21 shelter and is now rebuilding her hopes and dreams with the help of A21.

We honor Amanda as a true Propel Woman.

Seven years ago we decided ending human trafficking was a cause worth fighting for.

Today, Amanda’s life is completely changed. There are so many more out there, waiting for their journey of freedom to begin.

Help us fight for the freedom of women just like Amanda by visiting www.A21.org

: @A21

: @TheA21Campaign

: @A21

28.

30.

CREATIVITY IN A CORPORATE WORLD

I

started my working life in a traditionally “creative” space. My background is in musical stage theatre, singing, and songwriting. I always thought that was what I would do with my life. A few years later I found myself in the corporate world, in IT to be specific–possibly the least traditionally “creative” industry.

My career was plateauing and my spiritual life was dry. I watched everyone around me obtain promotions and felt I was working hard but not getting anywhere. It was in that very dry place I made the decision to come back to God. The Holy Spirit started challenging me to apply the same passion that I’d had for music and storytelling to my corporate career. I had the revelation that I didn’t have to give up the “creative” in me because I was in the corporate world. I am a creative being, because I am created in the image of God, the ultimate Creator!

I began presenting my ideas and my team’s achievements more as a storyboard rather than just as facts and figures.

That grabbed people’s attention and circumstances began to shift. Now 19 years in the Tech industry, I work for Google as an Enterprise Sales Manager, and love that I can be more creative and innovative (more of myself) in my leadership style.

“Along the way, God has expanded my world

more than I could have ever imagined.”

He has given me opportunities to outwork my creativity through involvement at my local church (Hillsong Australia), where I serve on the Board of Directors. My husband Clark and I are also Service Pastors, and I’m a new mum to a gorgeous boy, Archie.

If you lead a group of people at work, church or at home, create a safe place for ideas to thrive. In that place, refine your ideas too. Don’t be afraid to share them, just hold them loosely and keep a thick skin - remember feedback is a gift! People often ask me what my biggest regret is in life. I always say that I wish I had started believing in myself and my ideas sooner and stopped second guessing myself. We all have something significant to give to the world that it didn’t have before - THAT is creativity to me. I believe YOU have the capacity to come up with the next billion dollar idea! I urge you to ask the Author of Creativity for ideas, attach it to Kingdom purpose and execute it beautifully. Remember, there is no end to His creativity, we can draw from Him, a well that never runs dry. So go unleash that creativity within you! With God, the possibilities are in fact, endless.

LALITA STABLES Enterprise Sales Manager for Googe Australia.

Connect with her on Linkedin.

32.

PURSUE THE PEACE I

landed in South Africa with tears streaming down my face.

Was this fear or excitement?

Had I just embarked on the greatest adventure of a lifetime or haphazardly rejected the best job opportunities offered to a college graduate? We face choices daily that shape the course of our lives. We make decisions, both big and small, that require the direction and guidance of God. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah told the people who were in the midst of transition and hardship, that soon a prince would come. This was not just any prince, but the Prince of Peace! The good news for you and I is that the Prince of Peace has come! Jesus has come! I moved to South Africa when I was 21, and I had just completed my undergraduate degree from a university in my hometown of Seattle. It was my first time away from home and the events leading up to my move could fill this magazine.

Needless to say, it was by God’s grace and direction that I was there.

As most do, I swore off dating for the year; I was planning to serve at a church and chose to use the upcoming months to serve diligently. My time was filled singing with the praise team, witnessing to the girls that walked the streets at early hours of the morning,

playing with the kids in the orphanage, and much more. I had never been happier. I had never experienced a life more adventurous than I had in those months. When I stepped foot on the airplane, I was riddled with fear.

After the first month, I never wanted to leave! Two months into my journey, I came bursting into a meeting after church one night. I quickly found myself in a room full of people having dinner and discussing how to better reach the city for Jesus. After being invited to the join the group, I noticed one of the guests had a magnetic and demanding presence. When he spoke, every eye was glued to him. He spoke with determination and leadership that was extraordinary. For the rest of the dinner I tried not to stare at him.

I think I failed miserably. One week later, we discussed over coffee how to better serve the university campus, where he was the current student body president. Six hours (and numerous coffees) later, I realized something extraordinary. I had just spent the afternoon with my future husband!

During this season, one of my mentors told me to “pursue the peace.”

When the idea to move to South Africa seemed wild, pursue the peace.

When the plan failed or the visa was declined for the fourth time, pursue

TASHA MASITHA

the peace. When everyone questions your idea, pursue the peace. In every situation, trust that God can and will lead and guide you. When you seek God’s guidance, you are connecting to the source of true peace. Pursuing peace doesn’t mean there isn’t fear; it means you choose to trust the peace more than you trust the uncertainty.

Life is an incredible adventure and if we get caught up in fear, we will never possess all that God wants us to . We will obtain an idea and limit ourselves because we think it is too sizable to accomplish alone. We weren’t created to accomplish anything alone—the Prince of Peace is always with us.

Pastor, worship leader, and writer at christian Faith Center.

Connect with her on Twitter @TashaTheGringe.

34.

STUFF WE LOVE FROM NEW YORK FASHION WEEK ashion week is in the air! Nothing gets me more excited than attending shows and presentations to see what designers have in store. These looks determine what will be the trend for the upcoming season. In honor of Spring 2016 Fashion Week, which has just swept through New York, and is now making its way to London, Milan, and Paris, here are a couple looks and a product I can’t live without.

F

TIE-DYE PRINTS I am a huge fan of color. Thakoon and Tracy Reese, whose shows I also attended, both incorporated loud and subtle punches of color in the form of tie-dye this season. I love matching bold prints and color combos as it gives a look such full of life. The splashes of color in the outfit become the accessory and not much else is needed.

determines whether the look is casual or dressy. Throw on a pair of converse for day, and heels at night, and you’re set.

This is how I typically dress, as I never know where my day will lead and one can never be too prepared.

LUCAS PAWPAW OINTMENT I discovered PawPaw, as I like to call it, from one of my closest Aussie girlfriends. It is a trade secret amongst many make up artists and I NEVER leave home without it. After a long day in full make up my skin can get a bit dry, especially, under my eyes if I am wearing concealer. I love to dab a bit of the paw paw over my make up. It instantly revitalizes that area, and makes me look revitalized and fresh. I prefer using products that are multi functional and this ointment doubles as a “cure all” for my children as well. It completely eliminated my sons eczema and has been a life-saver with insect bites, cuts, and bruises. One thing to remember is a little goes a long way.

OVERALLS I personally don’t think overalls ever go out of style, and designers are putting a new spin on the look. I attended Rosie Assoulin’s presentation where she incorporated an especially snazzy pair of overalls that could easily go from day to evening. I find the material of the garment

KIMBERLY CHANDLER Philanthropist and Fashionista.

Follow Kimberly on Twitter @KimJChandler.

36.

BALANCE IS OVERRATED W

hen I was 25 years old, my husband and I felt the call of God to plant a church in the heart of Downtown Chicago. We didn’t know exactly what that looked like or how it was going to unfold, but we did know that God had been nudging us to do it.

Immediately after we planted City Church Chicago, I had the opportunity to compete for the title of Mrs. Illinois USA, and won the pageant. This opportunity immediately propelled me into juggling more responsibilities, in addition to being a mom, wife, and pastor to a growing church. I began to feel more and more like a professional juggler. Have you ever watched a professional juggler? Maybe you have seen one at a circus or carnival and thought, “That doesn’t look so hard.”

Then when given the opportunity to try it, you find you can’t even juggle two.

They all come crashing down at once.

One day while I was informing God that I just didn’t have what it takes to do what He has called me to do, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper quietly, “Life is not about balance; it’s about discerning the season you are in.” When I investigated this word further, I found that the Bible did not have much to

say on balance in life, but it did speak to the importance of understanding the seasons. King Solomon,one of the wisest Kings that ever led Israel, wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to throw away. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.”

This verse brought much revelation into my life because it taught me the value of owning a season rather than trying to live in balance. Jesus modeled this concept perfectly for us. In Luke 2:52, when he was just 12 years old, we see him in the temple growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men. Then we know for a period of time that he was working as a carpenter, and eventually at 30 years of age he began his ministry. He didn’t

breeze through any season of his life; he was purposeful about each one.

What I love about Jesus is that he was fully engaged and intentional with each moment he had. Whether it was healing the sick person, taking time to explain a parable to his disciples, showing compassion to those who were lost, or ministering to thousands, Jesus did not live by balance but rather by seizing each season he was given. Be encouraged to live your life passionately, and own your season, because at some point it will change.

Galatians 6:9 says,“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

ALLI MUNSEY Pastor, leader, mother.

Connect with her atwww.CityChurchChicago.com

38.

SUNDAY SOUP We all agree about the magic of a warm bowl of soup as the weather turns cold. This is a recipe you can cook for yourself this weekend, a large pot that you can share after church, turn into healthy to-go lunches, or serve yourself on a kid-friendly meal night. The real magic in this soup isn’t the ingredients (although I could go on about the merits of bone broth soup, mushrooms, barley and dill), it is the purpose for which it was made— to sit down, enjoy good food that tastes good, and to create a moment where you breathe deeper, knowing that God wants to nourish and strengthen you to think well, to be well, and to do well.

Mushroom Barley Soup

1-2 meaty beef shank bones (about 8 oz) 1/2 onion, skin on 1 tsp salt 2 quarts water 2 Tbsp beef broth concentrate or 2 beef bullion cubes 2 Tbsp butter 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced 8 oz fresh gourmet mushrooms (oyster, shiitake or portobello) 1 tsp each dried dill and thyme 1 cup quick-cooking barley, cooked according to package

Bring the soup bones, onion, water, and salt to a boil in a large, heavy pan over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for up to 8 hours (I start this in the morning, then continue the recipe before dinner.) Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the onion and cook for about 10 minutes until soft and opaque, then add garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about one minute. Add mushrooms and carrots and continue to sauté until mushrooms are reduced by half and start to caramelize, about 10-15 minutes more. Remove from heat and set aside. Remove the soup bones and onion from the broth, returning the remaining meat to the broth, then add beef concentrate and bring to a boil once more; turn broth down to low and add mushrooms, herbs and barley and warm through, about 10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

NORA SHANK Learn to Be Well with Nora Shank, a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.norashank.com.

40.

A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME 2016

PROPEL ACTIVATE

PROPEL LEAD

PROPEL WORKSHOP

PROPEL CHAPTERS

PROPEL GROUPS

PROPEL CURRICULUM

PROPEL CHAPTER LEADER GETAWAY

PROPEL COLLECTIVE

WEB: PropelWomen.org

: @PropelWomen

: @PropelWomen

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