Ministers Retreat Held on 28^th-30^th Dec. AD 2022

Organized by The Open Reconciliation Mission Inc. at Igbotako, Osoro - Ondo State

Topic: Walking the talk                           Texts: 1 Thess. 2:9-12; Eph. 4:1-3.

Introduction: Walking the talk is a crucial word for categories of leaders in any field of endeavour. Anyone who want to be a notable leader of repute among his/her followers must know how to walk the talk.

It is not enough to claim leadership or desire a leadership position with eloquence and motivational talks without needed and measurable actions backing up what was being said.

Meaning of Walking the Talk: Walking the talk means the following:

1.     Putting your words into action that is showing that you mean what you say by actively doing it yourself and taking responsibility of any outcome.

2.     To perform actions consistent with your claims.

3.     Being involved in doing the work rather than planning and talking about it.

4.     To back up your boastful talk with meaningful and measurable actions.

5.     Taking responsibility to come up with solutions to problems and when you do, it shows you lead by example.

The Importance of Walking the Talk:

1.     It delivers rightly in a well appreciated manner.

2.     It helps to connect you as a pastor or leader with your congregation or followers.

3.     It provides firsthand experience and information on what is happening within.

4.     It helps to break down the “us” and “them” mentality that can divide different levels and groups in the Church or any organization.

5.     It helps you to be the change you want to see in the Church or your organization and in the congregational members or followers; individually and collectively.

6.     It helps in the development of accountability culture which is the best culture to have.

When you and your congregation or followers can say you are walking the talk as a leader in the Church or organization is when you or people see the positive impact you have made in the Church or organization and among the congregation or followers in the following ways:

a.     Motivating others for positive and effective works.

b.     Engaging others in positive works and outcomes.

c.      Bringing out the best in others for the service of God, the Church and for others.

d.     Building them up to be honest and accountable.

In Conclusion – Col. 1:10: If you want to achieve a great feat and achievement asa a minister of the Most High or a leader, you must endeavor with accorded strive to walk the talk.

Wisdom Word: “The day you start practicing the ‘walk the talk,’ life shall show you the dream to reality path.”

Food for Thought: Words do less than 10 things, but actions do more than 10 thousand things. Be ready to back your words and claims with needed and measurable action. Stop the talk, walk the talk!

By

The Rev’d Dr. Joy David