Leadership Through Love - now in the hands of the publisher

My third book, entitled "Leadership Through Love", is now in the hands of the publisher. It should be out in printed form and available as an e-book in a few weeks, through Amazon, our Love For His People office and other outlets.

I appreciate those who have endorsed it, and for my son Ben for his great artwork again.

Having worked in the administration realm for over 35 years now, I trust the Lord will use this book to encourage others in leadership, those being led, and anyone else who cares about having good relationships in church, ministry and marketplace office organizations.

Thanks,

Steve Martin
Author


Here are some of the endorsements:

In a rough and tumble world marred by the superficial and the phony, where nothing can be counted on, Steve Martin maps out a straight-line path for Christian organizations. In reality, it's a book on how to steward the factors that too often get side-tracked when navigating a significant call of God. It's a down-to-earth manual of wisdom needed to enable Christian organizations to keep their eye on the big picture, while building a firm foundation to enable it to happen. Steve writes from the stance of one who has served in key administrative roles in a number of key ministries. Every ministry head and administrator will profit from this straight forward operating wisdom.

Morris Ruddick
Entrepreneur, Author, Minister, Consultant and Business Coach

What a great practical book for administration. I have watched Steve oversee several ministries. I know of no better administrator than my friend, Steve Martin. I highly recommend that you read this book.

Dr. Peter Wyns, President, Christians for Messiah Ministries and Pastor of Antioch International Church, grandson of Derek Prince.

Steve - I read your excellent book! I want to share this: I've known Steve now for several years. He's a man of faith and a man of action! Both are desired in true men of God. Steve is a manager - management is something he knows and can help you with. His future may be in ever-expanding ways, but he can help you manage. Read this book intently - honor the Lord by letting it wash over you and help you become the Manager that God intends you to be. And Steve, thanks for the book - thanks for your honesty and openness! Amen and blessing!” 

Robbie Phillips, Founder, Present Word Ministries, Columbia, SC

Every now and then you have the privilege to get to know someone whose character and life radiate honesty, sincerity, loyalty and Christian love.  Steve Martin is that type of person.  I first met Steve at a Messianic conference in Charlotte, NC, in 2007.  One of the things I quickly noticed about Steve was how "approachable" he was.  Even though he was the US Director of an international ministry, he still had time to talk with people at the conference and demonstrated a genuine interest in helping to bring about a network of Believers, as well as area groups and churches, for the purpose of serving the Lord more effectively.  As the years have passed I've come to realize just how deep Steve's roots of love and service for the Lord are. 

It has been exciting to walk with Steve  as he's "stepped out of the boat" and moved ahead with the vision the Lord gave him for LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE - a ministry that helps connect Believers around the world with the people of Israel.  He is a husband, father and grandfather.  Steve, and his wife Laurie, serve as leaders of the Ahava Love Band, a group of singers and musicians who provide praise and worship at area assemblies.  Whether you call him Messianic, a part of the "one new man", or a "Jewish Rooter", if there's anyone who knows how to demonstrate "Leadership Through Love", it's Steve Martin. 

Curtis Loftin Founder, Beit Yeshua Lincolnton, NC

Just finished reading Steve Martin’s new book, “Leadership Through Love” - Steve’s heart of goodness and faithfulness to His God shines on every page.  Of great importance is the practical hands-on wisdom that comes from actually leading through love, giving integrity to the words that are written.  Steve’s sense of humor always kind of sneaks up on me, and I found myself chuckling so many times at his stories and honest, from-the-heart insights!  It is the mandate of all of us who follow the One called Faithful and True to complete the work that our Father has given us, and Steve’s book will shine the light on how to do just that, whether you are an administrator or leader in the secular marketplace or in volunteer or paid ministry positions.  Loving leadership – a high calling – Steve’s done it, and it shows in this book!

Cathy Hargett, Founder/Director, Highway to Zion Ministries

I had the pleasure of working on an almost daily basis with Steve Martin for many years while he served several Christian ministries. While Steve had the control of whether we worked together, he always made me feel we were working as a team with a common reward in serving God. He enjoyed my family as I did his.  He is intelligent, thoughtful, patient to the extent he could be, a good listener, open to new ideas, joyful and passionate about serving the Lord. The projects may be over long ago but not the bond we hold to this day.

George Payne Write Hand Publishing Andalusia, Alabama

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.  I enjoyed it and thought it had some really great insights.  I wish I had this back in my "corporate" days.  You are a good writer too.  In a world filled with an ever increasing list of ‘how to’ books, Steve Martin has provided one which clearly sets itself apart from the rest.  He presents a concise look at the art/science of management and leadership based not on academia but on real life experiences founded on God’s Word and powered by the Holy Spirit.  Based on his vast personal experiences in leadership, reinforced by insights received from others, Steve provides truly practical instruction in how to lead and manage an effective organization whether it consists of one or one thousand people.  If you are a manager, leader, or hope to one day become one, this book is a must read.  

Dr. Richard E. Tompkins, President, Explore Truth Ministries. SC

Leadership Through Love - Steve Martin (New Book in 2014)

 

Every person serving with a ministry, church, business or in the home has gifts from the Lord to use in that service. If we understand what our gifts are, we can best contribute in the needed work.

I dedicate this book to each of you who are giving yourself in love for His purposes. In this you will find fulfillment and joy, as you serve your fellow man. This indeed pleases our Lord. 

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

A Few Endorsements

Wow! What a great practical book for administration. I have watched Steve oversee several ministries. I know of no better administrator than my friend, Steve Martin. I highly recommend that you read this book.

Dr. Peter Wyns, President, Christians for Messiah Ministries and Pastor of Antioch International Church. Grandson of Derek Prince.

In a rough and tumble world marred by the superficial and the phony, where nothing can be counted on, Steve Martin maps out a straight-line path for Christian organizations. In reality, it's a book on how to steward the factors that too often get side-tracked when navigating a significant call of God. 

It's a down-to-earth manual of wisdom needed to enable Christian organizations to keep their eye on the big picture, while building a firm foundation to enable it to happen. Steve writes from the stance of one who has served in key administrative roles in a number of key ministries. Every ministry head and administrator will profit from this straight forward operating wisdom.

Morris Ruddick
Entrepreneur, Author, Minister, Consultant and Business Coach


Steve - I read your excellent book! I want to share this: I've known Steve now for several years. He's a man of faith and a man of action! Both are desired in true men of God. Steve is a manager - management is something he knows and can help you with. His future may be in ever-expanding ways, but he can help you manage. Read this book intently - honor the Lord by letting it wash over you and help you become the Manager that God intends you to be. And Steve, thanks for the book - thanks for your honesty and openness! Amen and blessing!”

Robbie Phillips, Founder, Present Word Ministries, Columbia, SC


Every now and then you have the privilege to get to know someone whose character and life radiate honesty, sincerity, loyalty and Christian love. Steve Martin is that type of person. I first met Steve at a Messianic conference in Charlotte, NC, in 2007. One of the things I quickly noticed about Steve was how "approachable" he was. 

Even though he was the US Director of an international ministry, he still had time to talk with people at the conference and demonstrated a genuine interest in helping to bring about a network of Believers, as well as area groups and churches, for the purpose of serving the Lord more effectively. As the years have passed I've come to realize just how deep Steve's roots of love and service for the Lord are.

It has been exciting to walk with Steve as he's "stepped out of the boat" and moved ahead with the vision the Lord gave him for LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE - a ministry that helps connect Believers around the world with the people of Israel. He is a husband, father and grandfather. 

Steve, and his wife Laurie, serve as leaders of the Ahava Love Band, a group of singers and musicians who provide praise and worship at area assemblies. Whether you call him Messianic, a part of the "one new man", or a "Jewish Rooter", if there's anyone who knows how to demonstrate "Leadership Through Love", it's Steve Martin.

Curtis Loftin, Founder, Beit Yeshua Lincolnton, NC


Just finished reading Steve Martin’s new book, “Leadership Through Love” - Steve’s heart of goodness and faithfulness to His God shines on every page. Of great importance is the practical hands-on wisdom that comes from actually leading through love, giving integrity to the words that are written. Steve’s sense of humor always kind of sneaks up on me, and I found myself chuckling so many times at his stories and honest, from-the-heart insights! 

 It is the mandate of all of us who follow the One called Faithful and True to complete the work that our Father has given us, and Steve’s book will shine the light on how to do just that, whether you are an administrator or leader in the secular marketplace or in volunteer or paid ministry positions. Loving leadership – a high calling – Steve’s done it, and it shows in this book!

Cathy Hargett, Founder/Director, Highway to Zion Ministries


Reading Steve Martin’s new book ‘Leadership through Love’ led me to a tear and a quick repentance. How often we can overlook the journey for the objective - what we do as opposed to who we are. Steve uses his life testimony to shine light on the importance of loving relationship in the workplace. It is good to be reminded of that, in spite of our great visions. The higher we climb in the Kingdom the greater the responsibility and the more numerous the people we need to serve and love. I thoroughly recommend this book to all in business and ministry. Thank you Steve for reminding me to love the people I work with.

Martin Powell, Kingdom Talents, Owner

I had the pleasure of working on an almost daily basis with Steve Martin for many years while he served several Christian ministries. While Steve had the control of whether we worked together, he always made me feel we were working as a team with a common reward in serving God. He enjoyed my family as I did his. He is intelligent, thoughtful, patient to the extent he could be, a good listener, open to new ideas, joyful and passionate about serving the Lord. The projects may be over long ago but not the bond we hold to this day.

George Payne Write Hand Publishing Andalusia, Alabama


Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed it and thought it had some really great insights. I wish I had this back in my "corporate" days. You are a good writer too. In a world filled with an ever increasing list of ‘how to’ books, Steve Martin has provided one which clearly sets itself apart from the rest. He presents a concise look at the art/science of management and leadership based not on academia but on real life experiences founded on God’s Word and powered by the Holy Spirit. 

Based on his vast personal experiences in leadership, reinforced by insights received from others, Steve provides truly practical instruction in how to lead and manage an effective organization whether it consists of one or one thousand people. If you are a manager, leader, or hope to one day become one, this book is a must read.

Dr. Richard E. Tompkins, President, Explore Truth Ministries. SC


My third book is coming in February 2014. 

Hope you get it! 

Steve Martin

Back To The Future...

Ben and I leave Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11 am, for our annual fall Ahava Adventures trip to Israel. (This is my 11th trip. Ben's 2nd.)

These trips are part of our Love for His People ministries, which Laurie and I started in April, 2010. We are committed to go each year to meet with those we support on a monthly basis with contributions received. These are either Christians working as volunteers in ministries there, or believers who live in Israel. We have been doing  this even beyond the three years of the ministry.

On this ministry trip we will be joined by our good friend, 70 yr old pastor friend from India, John Ebenezer. I went to India in Feb. 2010 and spent four days teaching 75 pastors, that he oversees, on the importance of blessing Israel and the Jews. He is so excited about coming and getting baptized in the Jordan, among other events on his 1st time to Israel.

Pastor John Ebenezer from Hyderabad, A.P., India

(on the left)

Pastor John praying with one of his pastors in training.

Steve at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv

We land Sunday afternoon (Israel time) in Tel Aviv, are picked up by our friends from Christian Friends of Israel, and then drive to Tiberias on the Sea of Galillee. Supper is with a Messianic Jewish couple who moved there from Cleveland many years ago. 

We are also delivering 40 lbs of bandanas form the USA for the IDF soldiers (Israel Defense Force) which fills an extra suitcase I am bringing. Imprinted on the bandanas (scarves) is Psalm 91, both in Hebrew and English. We will personally give some of them to the young men and women on Monday when we visit a base in northern Israel.

                           

IDF (Israel Defense Force) soliders. Typically 18-21 yrs old.

Young women in the IDF.

Other highlights include dinners at five Israeli homes, again of those families/ministries we support; my meeting with the head pastor of Kings of Kings (for 30 years) in Jerusalem) and the Producer/Editor of Israel Today magazine, Aviel Schneider - both in Jerusalem.

Steve with Aviel Schneider 

of Israel Today magazine - Jerusalem

On Shabbat, Friday night, we will be with a young Jewish family of six, with another child due in 2014. Their apartment in central Jerusalem is less than 700 sq. ft. Packed, but full of love and hospitality!

Ben and I enjoyed a Shabbat meal with them during our last time in Jerusalem in 2010. We (Love For His People) send them $200 a month in regular support. We hope you join us in supporting families like these in The Land.

Click here to: Donate Even Now 

using our safe PayPal account

Another most important aspect of the trip, in addition to being with our friends, is to pray at the Western Wall (The Kotel in Hebrew). I will again place names in cracks in the Wall. Be blessed and send me your name and family members via e-mail (loveforhispeople@gmail.com). I will do it.

In order to keep our costs down, we only stay one night in a hotel. The other nights are with our friends. We walk a lot, and/or take the city bus and train to historic and spiritual locations. Keeps it cheap, and adventurous at the same time. We meet more of the local people this way, and share our ahava (love in Hebrew.)

Please pray for us as we journey to the Promised Land. Our solid commitment is to give strong, ongoing support to the Lord's Chosen people. It grows in our hearts every year. We love His provision, connections, and protection always.

Shalom and ahava! (Peace and love in Hebrew),

Steve, Laurie and Ben Martin

P.S. I am taking my camera (of course!) and laptop. Expect to see photos and videos on this blog and Facebook pages nightly! (Did you think otherwise??!!)

Next year in Jerusalem for you or a loved one?

Check this out by seeing our full website:

Love for His People - Ahava Adventures 2014

My good friend George Payne 

gave me this

Ahava Adventures jacket!

Young David in Jerusalem.

You can join with us 

in blessing families in Israel.

Please use the donate button

in the right hand column

to go to the 

Love For His People, Inc. 

contribution page.

Leadership Through Love - Chapter 5 - "Burn Candles at Both Ends? – NOT!" (Steve Martin)

Leadership Through Love - Chapter 5  

(Steve Martin)

Burn Candles at Both Ends? – NOT!

A.    Rest and Sabbath Days

B.     Mornings with the Lord

C.     We all are given 24 hours each day

D.  Trust in Him at all times

Working seven days a week, 50 or more weeks during the year, is not the Lord’s plan for anyone, and certainly not for someone in a leadership role, be it business, a church or ministry administrator. The one who does this will burn out faster than a Roman candle at a July Fourth celebration.

Serving with one church/ministry combination for fourteen years proved this in my life. During the continual growth of that ministry, we were staffed with a secretary and myself for a period of four years. After six years in this position, in 1994 we moved the ministry office and three families from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to having a family of myself, with my wife Laurie and four children at home (either in grade school, middle or high school), my time was pressed at both ends.

Once having moved to North Carolina, within six months after landing in Charlotte we started building the local church, which took additional time and energy. With annual conferences continuing, starting at two per year and then four, plus Friday all-night prayer meetings from 10 pm until 6 am, followed by Saturday labor in building projects, added to the usual Sunday morning services, the toll indeed took its physical, emotional, and spiritual toll on myself and others.

When my father, who had moved here from Iowa in 1997, to help me with the ministry, after his retirement shortly before at age 63 years old, died two years later in July, 2000 from lymphoma cancer, my strength and desire to continue on ended soon thereafter. I was burnt out. And when the seemingly only hope and one request I had left, to travel at least once a year on an international ministry trip with the head of the ministry and senior pastor, was not to happen for me, my heart and hope completely left for staying there.

Dad's clock - in His time He took him to glory.

I resigned from the church and ministry staff as Administrator six months later, and our family left the church in July, 2001. It had just gotten to be too much.

If not for the encouraging prophetic words I had received along the way over those years, and the opportunity to return to Derek Prince Ministries after being gone for ten years, I am not sure where I would have ended up. Nor where my family would have gone. I am not sure it would have been with another ministry.

But only because of the Lord, Who was still giving me that continuing flicker of hope, which still lingered in my heart, and had not totally gone out. I yet longed to complete the call that had been on my life since my youth.

Early on in my Christian walk, certainly because of the great example my Mom, Lila Martin Parker, had set, I still continued to be diligent and faithful with my morning prayer and Bible reading time. Spending the early morning hours with the Lord was not only a good habit, but a necessity, if I was to do what I needed to do in my work of the ministry.

My Mom - June 2013

Typically I would rise at 5 am, shower, and spend the next half hour reading a chapter from the Bible, plus a Proverb, and then pray in tongues the rest of the time. As I saw it, letting the Holy Spirit, Who knows all, was much more intelligent than I was in praying. So I let Him pray through me, which would be more effective than if I prayed a list, or as thoughts came to my head, in English, my native tongue.

And so I prayed in tongues. This is a good practice that I continue to this day. Someday, once I have met my Lord in the heavenly realm, I will certainly begin to know how effective these prayers have been. I do know, as the Scriptures promise, that my inner spiritual being was being built up, and gave me daily strength and wisdom for the responsibilities I maintained.

We each are given 24 hours each day. What we choose to do with them will determine much in the direction we walk, the relationships we have, and the work that is completed. Our daily choices today will determine where we are at next month, next year, and ten years from now.

Back in 1985, as a member of Shiloh Fellowship in East Lansing, Michigan, I heard a message spoken by Erik Krueger, Founder and Senior Co-Pastor of the church (later renamed New Covenant Christian Church), that still speaks to me this day. Erik shared a word that just sank into my spirit, which I think about on occasion. He simply said that we each are on a path, and along the way there are roads we can take, which will either take us closer to the mark, or farther away from our destiny.

Even if we were to take a slight degree shift from our destined path at any point in time, if no course correction later occurred, years down the road we would find ourselves way off course. In some instances, it could be too far off to be corrected, without a major shift or repentance on our part.

We each need the help of others to make sure we continue to walk the walk, and stay on the right road. We need the encouragement of others to see the path ahead, when often it looks like we have come to a cliff, and the only way is down, or to a mountain, and we neither have the strength nor the desire to climb another mountain. (Even if we watch the Sound of Music movie many times!)

During the last year of my tenure with All Nations Church and Mahesh Chavda Ministries, when I was struggling to hear the Lord and confirm His direction I felt I needed to take, I called my good friend in Andalusia, Alabama, George Payne. George and I first knew each other in the early 1990’s, when he had called our Fort Lauderdale office to see if he could print our ministry envelopes. I was fairly blunt at the time, and told him on the phone that we didn’t do business with anyone outside of town. Well, the Lord changed that!

Many years later, after using boxes and boxes of envelopes that he had printed, serving together at conferences, and building a long lasting friendship to this day, George was one I could call on for advice. Knowing my situation as well as anyone, he had gained my trust to give me some good counsel. So I called him from my office in Charlotte during the summer of 2000.

He encouraged me to call a lady who had a prophetic gift, whom he had known for years, to ask her if the Lord would give her a word for me. And so I did.

When I called Helen, and introduced myself briefly so as to not give my situation away and let the Lord speak through her, she started praying in tongues, and then shared some very encouraging words. One being that the “changing of the guard was taking place”, and that the Lord’s direction was to be made clear to me. Truly words of light in my place of darkness and weariness.

The “guard” did change, and my faith was strengthened. Changes were needed, and I gave thanks to the Lord for His rehema word, and His written Word. As I shared above, the Lord had a turn in the road, and within a year I had taken it.

The first Scripture I ever memorized (being raised Catholic we didn't do too much of it), when I was 18, comes from Psalm 37:4,5, “Have your delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

I would be the first to say that I have not always depended on the Lord as I should have, nor did I always trust Him for those daily needs that occurred regularly, but I can testify that I am still walking with Him this day. He has sustained, upheld, protected and watched over me and mine since I first put my trust in Him as a first grader in 1960. The teachers and preachers heard along the way, with the backing of the truth found in the Bible, have kept me on the destiny path the Lord desires.

I have learned not to burn the candles at both ends, to take each Saturday (or Sunday) as the holy day of the Lord to rest from my labors, and acknowledge Him in all my ways, along the way. This has been very instrumental in administrating His directives with staff and situations during the building processes.

Shalom!

Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider sending a monthly charitable gift of $5-$25 each month to help us bless Messianic Jews in Israel. 

You can bless this ministry work now, through: Online PayPal gifts

You can also send checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

©2013 Steve Martin      Love For His People, Inc.  12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134      

E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People       

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople and ahavaloveletter 

Blog: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com         Full website: www.loveforhispeople.org

YouTube: Steve Martin (loveforhispeopleinc)

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.  Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation.

Note: To read the Intro, Chapter Listings and first four chapters please use the Search Box in the top right hand corner of this Blog, and enter "Leadership Through Love." Be blessed in your reading!

Leadership Through Love

Chapter Listings

1.      A Gift for His Purposes

- The Early Years

- On the job training

2.      Use the Tools You Have, But Not the Staff

- Treasure the people, while digging the foundations

- Do unto them as you would…

- Bless and curse not: honor those who serve with you

3.      Right Man (or Woman!) for the Job

- All are created equal – make the most of this!

- If the Shoe Fits, Have Them Wear It

4.      Train and Let Loose

- It IS Who You Know and Are Known By

- Hire To Complement Your Strengths

- if you are weak, then they are strong

- Outsource as needed

5.      Burn Candles At Both Ends? – NOT!

- Rest and Sabbath Days

- Mornings with the Lord

- Trust in Him at all times

- We all are given 24 hours each day

6.       The Visionaries Need You!

-          They dream it - you make it happen

-          It takes a team

-          Head Won’t Get Far without the Neck

(or heads will roll)

  

7.      Field Trips and More!

- Staff Retreats

- Party Time!

- Birthdays and BBQs

- After Hours

8.      It Doesn’t All Depend On You

- The Lord is the Rock – Not You

- Whose strength  - yours or His?

   - Key Staff to Lean On

    - Trustworthy managers and assistants

9.      Practically Speaking…and Walking

- Handle each piece of paper once

- File so you can find it!

- Early morning – before the others come

- Take a Break

10.  Meetings – Time-manger or Time-waster?

- Do you really need all those meetings?

- Group or One-On-One?

- Why Morning and Mid-Week?

 - Prov. 24:6 “By wise counsel…multitude of counselors

11.  Acknowledge Him in All Your Ways

- Heart of Thankfulness

- Heart of Worship

- Heart of Service

12.  Another Man’s Vineyard

-          Follow & help fulfill their vision

-          Faithful with another’s

-          Learn and growth until your time

-          The proper way of moving on