EPISODE RECAP
The most important person you lead is yourself. (4:00)
Lean into your strengths, rather than trying to make your weaknesses better. (8:00)
Your growth and your confidence is your responsibility. (11:30)
Surround yourself with a personal team to help you figure out what it means for you to “get better.” (15:00)
The years ahead will be shaped by how well you know yourself. (16:00)
Read. Read a book that inspires you, a book that is fun, and a book that scares you. (20:00)
Invite viewpoints that you disagree with to speak into your life. (23:30)
Everything you do inside of your ministry is a reflection of where you are personally. (32:00)
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
VOICES IN THIS EPISODE

CJ PALMER
CJ is the Managing Editor for XP3 High School and Social Media Strategist for XP3’s blog and social media platforms. CJ has been leading small groups for middle school and high school students at North Point Community Church for the past 10 years. He also placed 5th in his 8th grade class fun run. CJ and his wife, Teri, live in Alpharetta, GA.
TOM SHEFCHUNAS
Tom Shefchunas is the Executive Director of Student Strategy at Orange. In this role, he leads the development and strategy for XP3 Middle School and High School curriculum. Previously, Tom was North Point Ministries’ Multi-Campus Director of Transit, their middle school ministry, for 12 years. And before that, he spent 10 years as a high school teacher, coach, and principal. Additionally, he is the co-author of Lead Small with Reggie Joiner. Tom and his wife, Julie, live in Cumming, Georgia, with their three children, Mac, Joey, and Cooper.

CRYSTAL CHIANG
Crystal currently leads the XP3 High School initiative at Orange. Before that, she spent 10 years as a high school teacher and student ministry leader, doing everything from leading small groups to speaking to curriculum design. Crystal and her husband, Tom, live in Alpharetta, GA with an ill-tempered chihuahua named Javier.
ASHLEY BOHINC
Ashley Bohinc serves as the Director of Middle School Strategy at Orange, co-host of The Think Orange Podcast, and co-author of The Art of Group Talk. She’s worked with students in public education, athletic, and ministry settings since 2005. Ashley is most passionate about resourcing the local church, communicating onstage, developing leaders, working with students, and engaging in world missions. Additionally, she’s the USA Director of Carry 117. In her downtime, you’ll find her watching Friends, cheering on the Cleveland Cavaliers, traveling, reading, or on one of her Fairytale Friday Adventures.Did you enjoy this episode? Help us spread the word!
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In this episode, Shef mentioned a journal with morning and evening prompts. Is this a thing or just a practice he is doing – I’d love to hear more about that. I’m trying to develop that rhythm and a journal or even a static set of prompts may be helpful.
Thanks! Love the podcast already!
Hey Jamie! Sorry for the delay. I just emailed Shef your question, and I’ll respond back as soon as I hear from him! Have a great week. –CJ
Hey Jamie! This is what Shef said:
“I started with the Self Journal and I’ve moved to my own system. I did like the process they took me through though. It was very helpful. Here’s the Self Journal: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1X54HH/”