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About the Book
"The 360° Leader" by John Maxwell offers practical advice for aspiring leaders at all levels of an organization, showing how they can influence and lead those around them. Maxwell argues that leadership is about influence, not just a title or position, and provides strategies for becoming a more effective leader from any position within an organization. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, developing trust, and being adaptable in order to succeed as a leader regardless of where you are in the organizational hierarchy.
Nik Ripken
Nik and Ruth, with 3 children, served for over 32 years obeying Christ’s command to share Jesus across the globe. After 7 years in Malawi & South Africa, they moved to Nairobi, Kenya to begin work among the Somali people (1991-1997). Since that time (1998-2013) they have journeyed globally among people whom, when they gave their lives to Jesus, faced increasing persecution for their faith.
The Ripkens and their teams served throughout the Horn of Africa within famine and war zones; resettling refugees, providing famine relief, and operating mobile medical clinics. Formerly Muslims, many Somali believers, suffered for their faith. Most were martyred. Near the end of the Ripken’s tenure among the Somalis, their 16-year-old son died of an asthma attack on Easter Sunday morning. He’s buried at the school from which the other Ripken children graduated.
One year later, the Holy Spirit led the Ripkens to begin a global pilgrimage to learn from believers in persecution how to recapture a biblical missiology of witness and house-church planting in the midst of persecution and martyrdom. Most of all, believers in persecution modeled for the Ripkens how to trust Jesus completely. Many of these lessons have been lost or forgotten by the church in the West.
Currently the Ripkens have interviewed over 600 believers in persecution, exceeding 72 countries. Sitting at their feet, the Ripkens learned from the suffering church how to thrive amidst suffering, not merely survive. The Ripkens, using everything they’ve learned from believers in persecution are creating resources as gifts from the church to the church. To date they have created articles, books, a music CD, a documentary, workshops, and other tools that allow the church in persecution to teach the church in the West about its biblical heritage of both crucifixion and resurrection. A teaching DVD is included in future plans. All these tools are designed to challenge believers to boldly follow Jesus, sharing their faith with others-no matter the cost.
Finding Financial Freedom
The smartest thing we can do financially is to make God’s kingdom and His righteousness our top priority. Since true financial freedom is based largely on the condition of our heart and attitude, we must consciously embrace truth not fear, contentment not greed, humility not pride, gratitude not resentment, righteousness not deceit, generosity not selfishness. The following suggestions are financial strategies that have helped many people. Look at the list, pray over it, and apply what will benefit you and your family with the goal of changing bad habits, reducing stress, and gaining financial freedom. Make a Plan Everything starts with a plan. After you do that, you’re ready to move forward with it. Set specific goals, short-term and long-term. Write them down and refer to them regularly. This will give clarity. Create a budget. This brings freedom. Seek accountability. This will provide encouragement. Give regularly. This will break the grip of selfishness. Eliminate personal debt. This will set you free. Fund an emergency account, save, invest. This will help you have margin. Change your withholding if you get tax refunds. This will boost cash flow. Celebrate milestones with gratitude. This will keep you motivated. Reduce Expenses You can take action now to reduce your expenses. Here are several actions. Keep track of all expenses for at least 30 days to learn your spending habits. Use extra money (tax refunds, raises, gifts) wisely. Become frugal. Live like you’re poor. Buy only what you need. Cancel cable and subscriptions. Limit or drop TV and social media. Find free entertainment. Read more books — use the library. Eat out only for special occasions. Recruit a couple or family to join you on this journey. Challenge yourself to eat the pantry. The smartest thing we can do financially is to make God’s kingdom and His righteousness our top priority. Chuck Bentley in Finding Financial Freedom This Year Go on a “Spending Fast.” Use cash when possible to limit credit card debt. Change your lifestyle. Move, drive cheaper cars, and so on. Reduce utility costs. Avoid “window shopping.” Assess your friendships. Plan ahead for holidays. Grocery shop with a list. Cook large meals, freeze leftovers, and take meals from home to work Say no to impulse purchases. Use coupons or buy what is on sale. Shop consignment or thrift shops. Drop gym memberships. Make coffee at home. Skip soft drinks and bottled water. Find a mobile discount plan. Trade skills with a friend (cooking, yard care, haircuts, and so on). Avoid financing cars and loans. Don’t gamble. Increase Income By taking just a few deliberate actions, you can increase your income. Work hard and ask for a raise. Improve your job skills. Obtain certifications and online training. Take on a part-time job. Sell what you don’t need. Think outside the box. Find creative solutions to problems. Improve Your Health Your health impacts your finances in several ways, including the cost of insurance, your ability to work, your energy level, your ability to sleep, and your state of mind. Sleep a minimum of seven hours. God designed you to function best when rested. Drink more water, much more than you think you need. Eat healthily. Grow food if you can. Exercise daily and spend time in nature. Sunshine is an essential part of your health. Eliminate stress and guard your mental health. Limit prescription drug use. Research natural remedies. Plan for the Future By taking just a few deliberate actions, you can increase your income. Organize your finances and emergency information. Gather documents to prepare taxes. Make a will and plan burial options. Carry adequate insurance: life, health, car, home, or rental. Plan education costs for children. Begin funding retirement accounts. Diversify your investments. Principles and best practices are of no value if we only know them intellectually. Knowing and doing is the key to experiencing God’s promises. Living accordingly will help you to thrive.
