A Vision for Personal Growth with Michael Ensey

11/15/24 • 74 min

Episode Summary: Vision for Personal Growth with Pastor Michael Ensey

In this episode, Pastor Michael Ensey, Senior Pastor at Christian Life Center in Heath, Ohio, shares his powerful insights on developing a vision for personal growth. Drawing from his journey in ministry and leadership, including his time as General Youth President of the United Pentecostal Church, Pastor Ensey discusses key principles for fostering growth, setting purposeful goals, and handling challenges.

Key Takeaways:

1. Growth vs. Goal-Oriented Mindset

Pastor Ensey explains the importance of a growth mentality over merely hitting goals. Success lies in maximizing one’s potential, not just reaching specific milestones.

2. Aligning Actions with God’s Purpose

Ensey shares his “test of purpose,” urging listeners to align every decision with God’s purpose and avoid distractions. This alignment helps ensure all actions contribute to fulfilling a greater mission.

3. Challenges as Teachers

Reflecting on personal hardships, Ensey emphasizes that challenges and adversity are key to growth, teaching lessons of obedience and submission in our spiritual journey.

4. Value Yourself to Grow

Pastor Ensey stresses the importance of self-worth. To invest in one’s growth, it’s essential to value oneself, embrace a balanced life, and reject comparison and self-doubt.

5. Taking Action Without Delay

Ensey encourages listeners to avoid being paralyzed by preparation. Begin today, taking even small steps, to move towards your vision and purpose.

About Pastor Michael Ensey:

Pastor Ensey is an influential leader dedicated to helping others grow personally and spiritually. His book, Coffee with Anthony, offers ten life lessons on maximizing potential and leaving a lasting impact.

For more insights, visit Pastor Ensey’s website: [michaelensey.com](http://michaelensey.com).

I'd love to hear from you!

Episode Summary: Vision for Personal Growth with Pastor Michael Ensey

Key Takeaways:

1. Growth vs. Goal-Oriented Mindset

Pastor Ensey explains the importance of a growth mentality over merely hitting goals. Success lies in maximizing one’s potential, not just reaching specific milestones.

2. Aligning Actions with God’s Purpose

3. Challenges as Teachers

Reflecting on personal hardships, Ensey emphasizes that challenges and adversity are key to growth, teaching lessons of obedience and submission in our spiritual journey.

4. Value Yourself to Grow

Pastor Ensey stresses the importance of self-worth. To invest in one’s growth, it’s essential to value oneself, embrace a balanced life, and reject comparison and self-doubt.

5. Taking Action Without Delay

Ensey encourages listeners to avoid being paralyzed by preparation. Begin today, taking even small steps, to move towards your vision and purpose.

About Pastor Michael Ensey:

For more insights, visit Pastor Ensey’s website: [michaelensey.com](http://michaelensey.com).

Previous Episode

It's OK Not to Be the Best

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Today’s episode explores the story of Mephibosheth, a man invited to King David’s table despite his limitations, symbolizing God’s acceptance of us as we are. We discuss the freedom found in letting go of comparison and embracing our value in God’s eyes.
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### Key Points:
1. **Mephibosheth’s Story**
- King David honored his promise to Jonathan by inviting Mephibosheth, a disabled descendant, to dine at his table—showing how God’s love invites us as we are.
2. **Letting Go of Comparison**
- Constant comparison fuels self-doubt. True peace comes from knowing our worth doesn’t depend on being “the best.”
3. **Self-Fulfilling Beliefs**
- Believing we aren’t “enough” can limit us. God values us for who we are, not what we achieve.
4. **Embracing Unique Strengths**
- Focusing on personal strengths brings more satisfaction than competing with others.
5. **Confidence in God’s Standards**
- God values faithfulness, not worldly success. Trust that you belong at God’s table because of His grace.
**Final Reflection:**
God’s love is about belonging, not competing. Embrace who you are and bring your best to God, knowing you’re accepted as you are.
**Keywords:**
Mephibosheth, King David, overcoming comparison, God’s grace, Christian podcast

Next Episode

Our Ultimate Priority

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In this powerful return to the podcast, the Mike reflects on obligations in life—whether in family, work, or ministry—and challenges listeners to evaluate their ultimate priority. While society values dependability, the most crucial question remains: Can God depend on us?

Key Takeaways:

Obligations Are a Part of Life:
- As we grow, we take on responsibilities—to our families, jobs, and communities.
- These commitments are necessary and often biblical, but they must be rightly prioritized.
Obedience to God vs. Worldly Expectations:
- What happens when following God contradicts societal norms?
- Abraham’s test with Isaac defied all expectations—yet he obeyed because he feared God more than being misunderstood.
Sacrifices in Ministry and Life:
- God still calls people to make sacrifices that others may not understand.
- Missionaries, ministers, and believers often face difficult decisions—quitting jobs, relocating, or turning down opportunities—for the sake of obedience.
- Being misunderstood in ministry is a sign you're truly following God’s calling.
The Cost of Prioritizing God:
- You cannot satisfy both the world and God at the same time.
- Choosing God first may lead to criticism, but it brings spiritual fulfillment and divine provision.
- Abraham gained everything because he chose God over Isaac—are we willing to make the same choice?

Final Reflection:

Who is your ultimate priority? If the choice is between dependability to others and obedience to God, the answer must always be God.

Beyond the Mic with Mike - A Vision for Personal Growth with Michael Ensey

Transcript

**Mike Yates:** Today's episode, I have someone you might have heard of. His name is Pastor Michael Ensey on the show and we're going to talk about a vision for personal growth. You may have heard of him because he did spend a little time in St. Louis. Spent four years serving as general youth president. Before that, he bounced around as promotions and youth secretary. Before that, I want to give a shout out to the original, he said, Texas district, the Lufkin Texas district youth president fo