Billy Graham had experienced success as a Youth for Christ evangelist when, at age 31, he was ready to launch out on his own. In 1948 he met with three men who would be his partners in evangelistic crusades, Bev Shea, Grady Wilson, and Cliff Barrows. In a Modesto, California motel, he challenged them to take one hour, go to their rooms, and come back with a list of any possible problems that could sabotage their effectiveness.

When they returned, their lists were remarkably similar. Their discussion led them to agree on a set of standards designed to protect the integrity of their ministry. Their pact, although never published, came to be known as the Modesto Manifesto. And observing those guidelines kept Graham from corruption and scandal for almost six decades after that.

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Most Christian leaders agree their main priority—maybe their top priority—is seeing lost people saved.

And too many Christian leaders think the inadequacies of others—immature leaders, uncommitted church members—are the main reason their congregations aren’t reaching that goal.

But in my study of scripture this week I was struck with a truth that should have been obvious to me. I was reading 1 Corinthians and meditating on Paul’s claim, quoted above: “I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” And here’s what hit me: The first step toward seeing others saved rests with me and how I view myself. When I am selfless, many will be saved. Others finding salvation begins with my selflessness. And that’s something I can fix without waiting for or depending on anyone else.

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in 2018 I dove back into the blogging and writing sphere. The coaxing of a good friend caused me to reflect and dive back into this space. Last year was a good year. In fact, for the most part it was a great year. Like most years though, looking back there were some themes in my life and ministry. I also found that there are themes that many of you resonated with in 2018 and I am sure that they would be beneficial to revisit as we hit the ground running in 2019.

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