Above all else, we need Jesus. Without continual communion with Christ, we become dry and drift from God’s intentions for us. Our leadership falters. Our relationships suffer. Yet, with the fast-paced fullness of life, we often lack the spaces needed to intentionally quiet our minds and hearts long enough to notice God’s in-dwelling presence. Even when we set aside the space, sometimes we don’t know how to enter that quiet. 

We are committed to maintaining intentional rhythms for connecting with God such as our Quarterly retreats called A Day with the Lord, prayer retreats, and encouraging the practice of multiple day retreats. Above all else, we seek to set aside space to sit at Jesus’ feet and be reminded of His love and fellowship.

In the context of relationships, we learn and grow together. We realize that many leaders lack safe communities where they can be genuine and transparent. At DLI we have established “Shepherding and Learning Community” groups that become that “safe place” where deep relationships are developed and where God uses us in one another lives.

Humble is defined as: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance. Do we have a modest estimation of our own importance when we are leading others? It is vital in our Christian walk to remain humble in all circumstances, especially leadership. 

How can we lead with humbleness? For one, as a community, we want to encourage speaking truth and welcoming counsel and advice from others. As well, we want to practice being vulnerable, admitting faults and sin, asking for prayer, sharing our burdens with others, forgiving others, and being present in the moment with all people but specially with the "least of these" (Matthew 25). As leaders we seek to avoid propping up our own importance and significance, but rather give all the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Many leaders focus only on what they do in ministry to validate who they are as a leader.

But who we are is equally, if not more important in being an effective leader.

What we do in ministry flows from the gifts and abilities God has given us. Who we are flows from a commitment to fulfill our calling, safeguard our character and be willing to change. At DLI, to prevent us from ministering out of an empty soul, we recognize the importance of Being and Doing. 

Breakthrough is needed in our lives when we keep butting our heads against the same issue but never seem to get anywhere. Other times we only become aware of the need for breakthrough because someone was loving enough to tell us the truth about a blind spot. We talk about the three A’s needed for breakthrough – Awareness, Attitude, and Accountability. Awareness is always needed for breakthrough and often it also requires a strong attitude for change and the help of others. 

As a community we seek to stay aware of where breakthrough is needed in our lives and ministry. And then accept responsibility for the change needed that ultimately will glorify God. And lastly, seek out key individuals for their help along the way. Breakthrough requires an honest and humble heart and often requires a well laid out plan.

We are intentional and dedicated to helping ministry leaders be “healthy leaders”. Ministry leaders often make great sacrifices while serving others; unfortunately, at the expense of their own families. We believe as leaders embrace and live out our core values, especially, the value of balance then they will be very intentional about caring for their own families. Healthy leaders make their own families a priority!