Leadership Tips & Training Give the Gift of Encouragement!

Mark Twain once said that he could. . . “live a good month on just one word of encouragement.” The Apostle Paul once recommended to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) As I reflect on the gifts that are given during the Christmas season, I am reminded that the gift of encouragement can be given all through the year. First Place members need encouragement weekly, not just at Christmas. Let’s look at some practical and creative ways we can give the gift of encouragement to our precious First Place members.

“Doing Great” Weight Loss Stickers. Nothing thrills members more than to receive a “Doing Great” sticker with their weight loss amount written on it. If I forget to give my members their sticker—boy, do I hear about it! It not only encourages the one receiving the sticker, but it also encourages the one who did not lose weight that week. It is a simple reward for “sticking” with the Live-it and exercise that week. Sometimes the simple rewards work the best, along with an encouraging word.

Post-It Note Pads. A Commitment Record can become a communication tool by sticking a “Post-It” to the front of the CR. Many times we cannot find room to write on the CR, so the sticky notes provide a way to prominently display a few words of encouragement.

Give a CUP of Encouragement! You may want to reward your members for their weight loss, perfect attendance or for keeping their exercise commitment by giving them a First Place water mug. When we minister to others, even by giving them a cup of water, we have ministered to Jesus! (Matthew 25:37-40) In First Place, drinking eight glasses of water is a must when following the Live-It plan. Water helps us in many ways, both physically and spiritually; Jesus gives us living water through His Word, which heals us completely to live a life of freedom. So, water is very significant in First Place. What a perfect gift to encourage members to drink water – a First Place water cup, mug or bottle!

Here is what you have to choose from:

• 12 ounce Cargo Cup
• 28 ounce Sports Travel Mug
• 34 ounce Thermal Water Mug
• 32 ounce Water Bottle

All these gifts are to encourage First Place members to press on and to reward them for their perseverance in the journey toward balance. These gifts, of course, are not the only way to give encouragement. Encouragement can come in the form of words, hugs, and through service. Let us look for ways this holiday season and throughout the coming year to give gifts of encouragement to those the Lord entrusts to our leadership.

Nancy Taylor
Leadership Training Director



Nancy Taylor is the First Place Leadership Training Director and joined the First Place staff in 1997. Nancy teaches leadership principles to First Place Leaders throughout the country and at Houston's First Baptist Church where she coordinates all the First Place groups. Nancy also speaks at First Place workshops, rallies, retreats, and conferences, where she delights her audiences with humor and encourages them with boldness. She writes a monthly article, which includes helpful tips for leaders, for the First Place E-newsletter, and was a contributing writer to the Today is the First Day devotional book. Nancy is the resident First Place Bible Concordance because of her love for Scripture memory.