As the recession continues to rise in the United States, the reality becomes more sobering. To date, 4.4 million jobs have been lost in the financial crisis–that’s 15 jobs a minute. Personal bankruptcy filings jumped 31 percent between 2007 and 2008 and are expected to rise another 35 percent in 2009.

We couldn’t help but notice Suze Orman on Oprah’s show as she swings the BIG FINANCIAL STICK. If you feel your sinking in recession sand, here are a few tips to jump out.

1–Go back to basics. Keep your skills sharp in all the core disciplines, whether it’s HR management, marketing or finance. Keep yourself up to date with the latest thinking and trends.

2–Now is the time to network. Taillards says that in times of economic uncertainty, networking is an area that is often neglected. “People have trouble going to events where there is networking and getting their names out, but now is not the time to give up networking,” she says.

3–Network smart. The internet offers great networking opportunities, but work out which are suitable for you. “Be appropriate with your online networking,” says Enelow, “Facebook and Twitter might be appropriate for young professionals but for older professionals with years of experience, LinkedIn is probably the only online networking tool you need, unless you work in high-tech industries.”

Matthew 25:21“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ”

Tags: bible, church finances, church giving, church offerings, church strategy, job loss, recession, stewardship, Superman Skills, suze orman —

… Continuation from Part A …

iHateChurch: What is your favorite communication scripture pertaining to Jesus?

RW: Well, there is no doubt that Jesus was the greatest communicator of all time. He took on a very unorthodox and creative approach to communicating. For instance in those days most teaching (communicating) took place at the temple, while we know Jesus spent time teaching there he also changed up his setting quite a bit.

He went from a boat, to a garden, to the city even onto a mountain (I mean you talk about stage de sign lol Jesus was way ahead of us). He preached really hard sermons, really loving sermons, really confusing sermons, really simple sermons, really deep sermons. He used illustrations, props, video’s, skits, special songs maybe even secular ones lol…. He was to say the least a very creative communicator. To narrow it down to one verse that highlights his communication brilliance is practically impossible.

One verse that comes to mind that I have always loved is Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and h umble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I love this verse because Jesus was so smart and relevant in his communication. He is trying to explain that so many of us carry weight around. Maybe its guilt or fear. Who knows, we all deal with different things, but he is saying turn your junk over to me and I will heal you and make you whole. He says take my yoke upon you.

You see a yoke was a piece of hardware that farmers used for a pair of oxen to carry a load in a straight path. It was a very common devise that everyone in that day was familiar with. Jesus always uses the familiar things to teach us that which is unfamiliar (we as preachers should follow this pattern in our communication). So what he is saying to them is take my yoke, which is my teaching and my life and do it. Why?

Because I am gentle and humble in heart. I will guide you in a straight path. My yoke is easy he says and my burden is light. Jesus desperately desires those that are broken and hurting to come to him. He wants to restore them and put them back together!!!

Tags: bible, church communication, church communications, church leadership, jesus, religion, rich wilkerson jr, the rendezvous, trinity church, youth leadership —