Becoming the leader your group needs, requires patience, practice, and a healthy dollop of faith.
When I first became a First Place for Health leader in 2006, I had proven leadership skills in the business world. Yet I’d only been following Jesus for five years. I frequently experienced the nagging feeling that someone might find out I was an impostor. They might find out I doubted myself. Someone might find out I didn’t have enough Bible knowledge. Someone might find out ___________ you fill in the blank.
I needed help, lots of help.
- I needed help from the Holy Spirit. I wasn’t leading this group on my own. I was leading people to place Christ first. I needed the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to guide me before, during and after the weekly meeting.
- I needed help from my friends who prayed for me. They encouraged me in my new leadership role. They boosted me up. Their prayers strengthened me. They checked in on me and buoyed my spirit.
- I needed help from First Place for Health to equip me. I read the Leadership book, now called My Place for Leadership, from cover to cover. I watched the leadership videos and started to practice the program on my own. I followed the instructions, advertised, and people showed up for the first information meeting. I was thankful for the detailed and helpful information provided.
I didn’t give up. Years later, I’m still leading groups, helping others lead groups, and writing the First Place for Health leader curriculum.
Leaders need help. Lots of help. Don’t miss one of the biggest helps we sponsor each year – Summit, July 29-30th. What makes Summit special? It is a jam-packed event with 20-speakers who will bless you with, as Maggie Rowe puts it, their wisdom, wit, and wellness. You can join us live and you will have 40-days to watch and rewatch all the live and pre-recorded sessions. Join us in person or virtually. Come however works best for you. I promise you will be:
EMPOWERED
Grace Fox will share on “I’m not good enough” is an example of mistaken thinking with which many struggle. By discovering and learning to live from the truth about how God sees us, we can fully embrace our God-given potential and purpose.
ENCOURAGED
The Bible tells us we’re so much “more than conquerors,” and it’s true! In this session, Christin Ditchfield Lazo shares specific strategies that will help you find victory even in the most difficult battles — when you’re fighting for your health and wellness AND facing major life changes, challenges, and transitions.
EQUIPPED
Charlotte Davis grapples with “Gratification vs. Growling: Staying Satisfied While Losing Weight.” Providing healthy, practical tips for decreasing hunger–and setting yourself up for weight loss SUCCESS!
Dr. Saundra and Dr. Liz team up to provide us with help on the challenges we face with losing and gaining weight, struggling with confidence, and other questions we have about how to live healthy for a lifetime.
Check out all the great speaker topics added to the Summit website: http://www.firstplaceforhealth.com/summit-2022/
Do you love your leader? Consider sponsoring their registration for Summit.
Is cost a concern? Apply for financial assistance. http://www.firstplaceforhealth.com/first-place-for-health-participation-support-award/
Who attends Summit? Members, leaders, people new to FP4H and anyone who just wants to get healthier – mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. No FP4H experience required!
Helen Baratta is Director of Development for First Place for Health. In 2006, obese and unable to walk without pain, Helen surrendered to the Lord, and He transformed her life. She shed and now maintains a 100-pound weight loss. Helen is author of the book Restored! Embracing Weight Loss God’s Way.