W.W.J.D.?

Jesus was strategic. Do you perceive Jesus as inefficient, disorganized, and unintentional? If Jesus were in “corporate America”, do you think he would be a failure or a raging success? It is obvious that Jesus was intent on accomplishing his goals, that he was deliberate in choosing his disciples, and that his daily tactics lined up with his ultimate plans.

Jesus was creative. The word pictures that Jesus drew for his audiences evidence his creative thought and attention to innovation. Creativity is compelling. Just as it is essential to spend exhaustive hours learning message, it is vital to design captivating presentations. God is ultimate creator – simply look in mirror and realize He designed you to be creative too.

Jesus was relevant. Though he did not waiver in his message, Jesus made sure that his presentation was relevant to his audience. There is a difference between theology and methodology. As a minister, it is imperative to identify your theology and fervently stand by it as you share it. Seminaries across country do a phenomenal job teaching students theology. However as it pertains to methodology, way in which theology is presented, there is a disconnection.

The fruit of seminary is seen in growth of churches around globe. Yet as I step into local church after local church to observe their day-to-day and weekend-to-weekend operations, there is a lack of creativity and relevancy. The training ground for tomorrow’s church leaders must align itself with forward thinking methodology. Remember, piano was cutting edge at one time – let’s create new and exciting ways to reach people! God-centered people with God-given creativity can implement God-sized plans that produce God-blessed results!

In addition, if you solicit new distributors, you are responsible for claims you make about a distributor's earning potential. Be sure to represent opportunity honestly and avoid making unrealistic promises. If those promises fall through, remember that you could be held liable.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests that you use common sense when evaluating a multi-level marketing opportunity and consider following tips before you make your decision:

1. Avoid any program that pays commissions for recruiting additional distributors. It may be an illegal pyramid.

2. Beware of programs that ask new distributors to purchase expensive inventory. These programs can collapse quickly--and also may be thinly-disguised pyramids.

3. Be cautious of programs that claim you will make money through continued growth of your "downline"-the commissions on sales made by new distributors you recruit--rather than through products you sell.

4. Beware of program that claim to sell miracle products or promise enormous earnings. Just because a promoter of a program makes a claim doesn't mean it's true! Ask promoter of program to substantiate any and all claims with cold, hard evidence.

5. Beware of shills--"decoy" references paid by a programs promoter to describe their fictional success in earning money through program.

6. Don't EVER pay or sign any contracts in an "opportunity meeting" or any other high-pressure situation. Insist on taking your time to carefully think over your decision to join. Talk it over with your spouse or partner, a knowledgeable friend, and an accountant or lawyer.

7. Do your due diligence! Check with Better Business Bureau and state Attorney General's office about any porgram you're considering--especially when claims about product or your potential earnings seem too good to be true.

The FTC works for consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.