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The Problem of Legalism in Christianity and How Our Personal Convictions Aren’t Helping

The Problem of Legalism in Christianity and How Our Personal Convictions Aren’t Helping

by Esther Littlefield | Leadership

When I was in college, I spent a semester in Central America. It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I lived with a family in Costa Rica, but I also traveled to the countries of Nicaragua, Cuba, and Guatemala as part of the semester. And I saw...
Episode 59: The Importance of Apologetics in Leadership & Dealing with Doubt with Hillary Morgan Ferrer [Faith Series]

Episode 59: The Importance of Apologetics in Leadership & Dealing with Doubt with Hillary Morgan Ferrer [Faith Series]

by Esther Littlefield | Leadership, Ministry, Podcast

What is apologetics? Why is it important? And what in the world does apologetics have to do with leadership? Subscribe to the podcast here This post contains affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase via one of the links, we will receive a...
Episode 58: Three Reasons You Need a Solid Faith Foundation as a Leader [Faith Series]

Episode 58: Three Reasons You Need a Solid Faith Foundation as a Leader [Faith Series]

by Esther Littlefield | Ministry, Podcast

Why is it important for you as a leader to know what you believe and why you believe it? What are some of the reasons that you need to have a solid faith foundation as a leader? Do you have answers when the questions come about your faith? Subscribe to the podcast...
Episode 56: Walking through Unexpected Pain and Growing a Virtual Business with Esther Inman

Episode 56: Walking through Unexpected Pain and Growing a Virtual Business with Esther Inman

by Esther Littlefield | Business, Leadership, Podcast

What do you do when you feel like your entire life is crumbling around you? How do you grow a virtual business when life is hard? And how can you lead with confidence?   Subscribe to the podcast here This post contains affiliate links, which means if you choose...
Episode 49: Dealing with Stress and Developing Healthy Habits with Marnie Swedberg [Wellness Series]

Episode 49: Dealing with Stress and Developing Healthy Habits with Marnie Swedberg [Wellness Series]

by Esther Littlefield | Identity & Purpose, Leadership, Podcast, Wellness

What is the #1 way you can reduce stress in your leadership life right now? What’s important to remember about how you’re wired as you fulfill basic life responsibilities? What set of habits is critical to you as you lead and live?  Subscribe to...
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hey, I’m Esther!

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I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a pastor’s wife, mom of a spirited child, business owner and active leader in my church. I love leading women’s Bible studies, missions trips, marriage retreats (alongside my husband), and my business team. My hope is that this site will help you embrace your God-given gifts and lead with confidence.

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estherdlittlefield

🙋‍♀️Helping Christian women embrace their gifts + lead with confidence
🎧 Host of @christianwomanleadership Podcast
Have confidence in hard convos 👇
Ever since I was a little girl, writing has been p Ever since I was a little girl, writing has been part of my life. I wrote in diaries and journals about the big and little things. And when my dad died suddenly when I was 13, writing is one of the ways I processed the grief.⁠ And since that time, I've had a dream in my heart to write a book. I started a blog 13+ years ago, but dabbled for most of that time. And I put that book idea on the back shelf.⁠ This past May, I joined a membership community called Hope*Writers. It was the step I knew I needed to take if I was going to take my writing seriously and actually pursue the dream of writing a book. And now I'm actively working on a book proposal, thanks to the Hope*Writers community.⁠ Maybe you can relate. Perhaps you don't want to write a book, but you know you have a message to share, and you're not sure how to get started. Or maybe, like me, you've been writing for years, and you aren't sure how to move into your next phase.⁠ I'd love to encourage you to check out Hope*Writers and consider joining us! The membership is open through the end of today (Jan. 17th), so click the link in my profile to find out more and see if it's a good fit for you right now.⁠ Do you have a dream of writing a book or starting a blog or sharing a message of any kind? I'd love to hear about it!⁠
If you've ever tried to pack a car up for a long r If you've ever tried to pack a car up for a long road trip, you know this is true. Making a minor shift can allow everything to fit the way it needs to. The same goes in our life and leadership as Christian women. There are times that shifts are necessary, but it takes intentionality to determine what those shifts are and how they should take place. In epsiode 82 of the podcast, I share about the 3 types of shifts you may need to make as a Christian leader: 1. Your Actions, which can include your habits, stepping out, and your words & conversations 2. Your Beliefs, which includes what you believe about God, what you believe about yourself, and what you believe about others 3. Your Commitments, which includes your time, your energy, and your boundaries Where might you need to make some shifts in 2020? #leadingwithconfidence #christianleaders #christianwoman #christianposts #spiritualgrowth #bethelight #christianlife #letyourlightshine #givemeJesus #coffeeandJesus #christianitytoday #proverbs31women #wellwateredwoman #pastorlife #christiancreatives #christianpodcast #leadershiptips #biblestudygroup #boundariesarehealthy #pastorswife #hopewriter #faithandfocus #catalystleader #womenforjesus #pastorwife #pastorswives #momsinministry #ministrywife #leadingandlovingit #womeninministry
Sometimes when I hear the word "shift" or "change" Sometimes when I hear the word "shift" or "change", I automatically assume that it's going to be a big, dramatic process. But shifting can look a few different ways: • A small move... like shifting a puzzle piece slightly so that it locks into place. • A big change... completely replacing one thing with something else. • Changing gears... when you shift up a gear, you’re able to go faster. When you downshift, you are slowing down. As you consider the potential shifts in your own life and leadership, think about whether it needs to be just a small shift, a larger shift, or perhaps a changing of gears. On today's podcast episode, I'm sharing the 3 shifts you need to make as a Christian leader this year, plus giving you some examples of how I'm making shifts in my own life. AND I created a whole guide to go along with the episode which you can grab for free. Now I'd love to know, have you sensed God telling you it's time to make some shifts in your life? #leadingwithconfidence #christianleadership #christianwoman #christianleaders #biblestudy #biblejournaling #proverbs31woman #Christianliving #christianwomen #christianfaith #butfirstJesus #shetheroar #personaldevelopmentjunkie #faithdriven #spiritualwellness #christianpodcast #selfawarenessjourney #incourage #shineforjesus #pastorswives #momsinministry #ministrywife #churchleaders #purposefulleadership #pastorwife #pastorswife #leadingandlovingit #womeninministry
One of the best ways for us as leaders to support One of the best ways for us as leaders to support others dealing with burnout, compassion fatigue, or mental health concerns is to talk about it. When we are vulnerable and share about our own struggles, this creates a safe space where our team is comfortable sharing as well. Instead of being ashamed of struggling, let's be willing to seek out the help and support we need, as well as offer support to those we lead. Have you seen leaders who model this kind of healthy vulnerability? #leadingwithconfidence #christianleadership #christianleaders #christian #christianquotes #shereadstruth #propelwomen #christianwoman #womeninministry #servantleadership #christianinspiration #healthyboundaries #biblestudymoments #leadingandlovingit #christianpodcast #christianspeaker #everythingchristian #personalwellness #pastorwife #confidentinchrist #christiandevotional #mentoringwomen #leadwithconfidence #extraordinaryleadership #pastorswives #pastorswife #momsinministry #ministrywife
If you've dealt with burnout or compassion fatigue If you've dealt with burnout or compassion fatigue, you might have felt guilt or shame about it. But Laura reminds us on this week’s podcast episode that you're likely experiencing these things not because of sin or wrongdoing, but because you're actually caring so much about the people you serve. It's important to remember this truth and then to seek out help and support so that you can recover. Have you ever been directly or indirectly affected by compassion fatigue or burnout?
I sat on the shore and watched the waves crash dow I sat on the shore and watched the waves crash down. I thought about some of the events of the past year. The challenges and disappointments and unanswered prayers. Ways I’ve let myself down and ways I’ve let others down. As the waves crashed, I thought about how they wash away what’s underneath them and bring in something new. And God reminded me that he can do the same for me. I’m ready to let go of the old and be open to the new. #hopewriterlife @hopewriters
For the past week, we’ve been on a family vacati For the past week, we’ve been on a family vacation and I’ve been on a social media break. It’s been such an amazing time and I am so grateful. One of my goals for the trip was to be present, so being off social helped me to do this. My other goal was to gain clarity around some goals and business decisions. I had to stop trying to rush it and just allow myself time to process and think and pray. I’m happy to share that I was able to get clear on where I’m starting for this year. I may not have the full picture of what it will look like (which is always my preference), but God reminded me that I don’t have to know the end result. I just need to know the next step. And for me, that is clear. I’m excited to share more in the next few weeks, but a shift is coming. Do you know your goals for 2020? Have you made time to think and plan? #christianleadership #christianleaders #2020goals #powersheets #shereadstruth #propelwomen #christianwoman #womeninministry #servantleadership #christianinspiration #healthyboundaries #biblestudymoments #leadingandlovingit #christianpodcast #christianspeaker #everythingchristian #personalwellness #pastorwife #confidentinchrist #christiandevotional #mentoringwomen #leadwithconfidence #extraordinaryleadership #pastorswives #pastorswife #momsinministry #ministrywife
19 years ago this guy asked me to marry him on Chr 19 years ago this guy asked me to marry him on Christmas Eve. My response? “Are you sure?” We’ve had our moments in 17 years of marriage when I wasn’t so sure. But I am so thankful that he’s stuck with me, and I with him. And I’m grateful for God continually changing us, growing us, challenging us to be more like him. He is always faithful, even when life feels out of control. And there is always hope. Merry Christmas, friends.
Embrace awkward.⁠ ⁠⠀ I heard @jonacuff say t Embrace awkward.⁠ ⁠⠀ I heard @jonacuff say this on a podcast interview: “Your ability to experience awesomeness is directly related to your ability to tolerate awkwardness.”⁠ ⁠⠀ Most of us don't like feeling awkward, but it can lead to some pretty awesome things.⁠ ⁠⠀ Today we packaged up our cookies that we've ben working on and set out to deliver them to some of our neighbors.⁠ ⁠⠀ We walked up to people's doors and actually knocked on them. I don't now about where you live... but that doesn't really happen that often around here.⁠ ⁠⠀ We wished people a Merry Christmas and hopefully spread a little unexpected joy.⁠ ⁠⠀ This is nothing life-changing. It's not expensive or difficult. But it does require being okay with awkward.⁠ ⁠⠀ The best part is seeing my daughter's face light up when we deliver the goodies. I'm pretty sure her love language is gifts, and she loves giving even more than getting. And that is pretty awesome.⁠ ⁠⠀ So this week, as we go into Christmas and celebrating the birth of Jesus, let's embrace awkward.⁠ ⁠⠀ Be the first person to ask a real, meaningful question at dinner. Say hi to a stranger and smile at them. Invite a friend to church. Talk to someone in an elevator. Instead of telling someone you will pray for them, stop and pray for them right there. Then tell me how it goes.⁠
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Recent

  • 82: Three Shifts You Need to Make as a Christian Leader and How to Make Them
  • Episode 81: Dealing with Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Mental Health as a Christian Leader with Laura Howe
  • Episode 80: How to Avoid the Trap of Niceness and Speak Boldly with Sharon Hodde Miller [Communication Series]

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