Before taking on a pastoral role, Deryl Hurst started his own company and worked in the real estate business for many years, allowing him to gain valuable leadership skills. In today’s episode, listen as Deryl recalls how he received a calling to ministry through a prophetic word as a young child and how God led him in what he now realizes was a preparatory journey in leadership.

Today, Deryl Hurst serves as the lead pastor at Westgate Church in Ephrata, Pennsylvania alongside his wife, Mim. Deryl has been a part of the Westgate Church family for over 30 years and has served as a small group leader, elder, and executive pastor.

Highlights:

  • Take ownership – This deals with making decisions and taking responsibility. A natural reaction is to justify yourself and explain, but taking ownership also means bearing the burden of leadership.
  • Seek first to understand – When approaching confrontation, seek first to understand before seeking to be understood.
  • Business leaders have access, influence, and relational opportunities to aid in sharing their faith in the marketplace.
  • Spend more time in prayer – Instead of relying on your own intuition and intelligence, look to run your business differently and see the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction.
  • Serve the person you are under and be dedicated to their success – A rising tide raises all ships.
  • Find the truth in unjust criticism – Look for the 5% of truth in the unjust criticism you are receiving, don’t try to justify yourself, and let the rest go.
  • Strive towards excellence rather than perfection.
  • Work on becoming an effective communicator.
  • Utilize personality assessments to understand the strengths and distinctiveness of your team.
  • Engage in the process God is taking you through – Keep the vision/dream in front of you and reference it often, but realize it doesn’t have to happen tomorrow. 
  • Continue to train and learn.

Related Resources:

For more information about Larry Kreider, his books, daily devotionals, small group resources, or other teachings, visit larrykreider.com.

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