Priorities on Purpose: Get Out of Survival Mode, Eliminate Distractions, Find Your Focus, and Grow With Jesus

34. What you may not know, the truth and real talk from a Christian Life & Business Coach: Circling back to our very first episode of Priorities on Purpose

Did you know you always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom? Have you always had a dream to become a mom? 

Some people will think those two questions go together but it isn't quite the case for me. Listen in to hear more about my journey & struggles with motherhood and how even when I wasn't in direct sales, I was always the one at the Mary Kay and Pampered Chef parties telling my friends they should sign up. To me, it's a no-brainer.  There's very little cost to get started and it was an easy way to make extra money. And, honestly, I knew they would be good at it. All these years later, I'm still a massive cheerleader for those in the network marketing industry. 
You will also hear more about how I became involved in the Thirty-One Gifts party plan company and what I learned while being a top leader. Spoiler Alert: It isn't what you would think it would be! And, if I loved it so much, why did I resign and how did I know God was in it and preparing me for the loss of income? 
Why did I decide to start a coaching business? And, how did I know this was my passion? I tell it all in this short episode as I circle back to the very first episode of Priorities on Purpose. 
Book a consult and let's chat! https://calendly.com/melissabattcoaching/30min
Coaching women in life and business is my passion! I'd love to offer you a free consult to see if working together could be beneficial for you. You don't have to know what you need help with, you just have to book the call. It takes courage. Just DO IT. 
Learn: www.melissabatt.com
Connect: realtalktribe@mail.com 
Follow me:
https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/ 
https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial
 
 
 
 

33. When you want to be polished & professional but God wants the world to see you and your weaknesses

Small Steps, Big Impact: Your Guide to Navigating New Territories and Growing Your Business
I know I'm not alone in my fear of the unknown. Recently I was on the phone with my mom and was telling her how exhausted I felt. I wasn't tired from lack of sleep. I was 'soul-tired'. Real Talk: I'm in this season of continuously taking myself out of my comfort zone, and doing new things. This episode is just a quick behind-the-scenes conversation with what God is teaching me as I lean into God and stop allowing excuses to hold me back. I am doubling down on vulnerability and leaning into the messy process of growth. And, I'm taking you along with me!
In this episode, I talk about:
Staying true to yourself in the pursuit of your goals.
Overcoming personal insecurities and developing your faith
Walking in unwavering courage to confront obstacles with humility.
Mastering the skill of venturing beyond your comfort zone and seeking support.
Believing in the vision and keeping your head focused on Jesus as you walk things out.
Keep your eyes on Jesus. Not the waves, not the wind, not the people that are behind you or watching you, but your eyes straight on Jesus because he's directing your steps. - Melissa Batt Coaching
 
Authenticity in WeaknessesThere is so much power in allowing others to see our weaknesses.  It's time to be authentic and embrace your weaknesses instead of hiding them. People are more inspired by genuine vulnerability than artificial perfection, as it creates a relatable connection. In doing so, we empower others to face their insecurities and pursue their dreams without fear. Melissa Batt opens up about her struggles with seeking approval and perfectionism. From her point of view, it is crucial to be vulnerable and show our weaknesses in front of others, even if they may be uncomfortable. By doing so, she encourages the listeners to let go of their fears and insecurities and trust in God's plan for their lives. This approach of embracing authenticity in our weaknesses can help build courage and resilience in the face of challenges.
Speaking at Church
Melissa Batt spoke at a church prayer meeting and shared about encountering trouble. She gave examples including conflict, anxiety, depression, and other hardships. Believe it or not, this is actually an invitation to spend more time with God through prayer. She challenged the audience to remember that no matter if it is big or small, God is there & cares. Use the hard times to fan the flame for Jesus and be reminded that the obstacles we face are often distractions from the enemy. He would prefer nothing more than for the trouble we face to derail us from our purpose & growing our relationship with God.  If you would be interested in learning more about having Melissa Batt speak, reach out to the email address below. 
 
Book a consult and let's chat! https://calendly.com/melissabattcoaching/30min
Coaching women in life and business is my passion! I'd love to offer you a free consult to see if working together could be beneficial for you. You don't have to know what you need help with, you just have to book the call. It takes courage. Just DO IT.  Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/  https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurposehttps://www.melissabatt.com

32. Struggles + Fear: Nicky’s Story of Returning to Church After Trauma

Obedience to God's Calling: Nicky's Inspiring Journey Back to Church
Have you heard these myths about attending church?
Truth: You don't have to be perfect to attend church, in fact, the church is a place for imperfect people to come together and grow in their faith.
A church should allow you to connect with others and you should actually enjoy it. Okay, okay... {Maybe you won't enjoy it immediately but you shouldn't hate it either.} 
And, although you can worship God on your own, attending church allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself and strengthens your relationship with God.
 
Note: After recording this episode, I stumbled upon a quote that spoke strongly to me. 
A disconnected member of the body of Christ will not last. It must be attached to a body for sustainability.
I can't remember the pastor's name but what he was saying was as Christians we are all a part of the body of Christ. If you are a believer, I'm assuming you know we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. 1st Corinthians Ch 12:12-31 shares about different body parts and how all are essential for the work God is doing. 
So what happens when a hand is cut off and no longer has blood flow? It dies. While some of us have left the church for a season and haven't yet lost our faith, I now believe God's word says it is crucial for us to be connected to a body of believers to sustain the hard days and the attacks of the enemy. WE NEED each other! If you are currently not attending a local church, I believe it is only a matter of time before you grow stagnant and get distracted by the world's noise. Let this message be a wake-up call! 
 
In this episode, I know you will be inspired to take a step of faith in obedience to do whatever it is God is asking of you. Nicky's testimony of how God was gracious & loving every step of the way is a reminder for us today. He knows. He is a good, good father. 
Other topics and thoughts mentioned in this episode:
Overcoming personal struggles and healing from trauma caused by the church
When you feel like an outcast because of things out of your control
Having a child with special needs inside the church and feeling unsupported
Why avoiding hard conversations is disastrous and causes conflict & chaos inside the church. 
Divorce inside the church and why treating someone differently because of it isn't the answer.
Be intentional about going back to church, even if it's scary and intimidating, and remember that the church is made up of broken people who may not always know how to respond in difficult situations.
Acknowledge the elephants in the room and don't avoid what's uncomfortable.
Take time to reflect on what God may be calling you to do and trust in His plan.
 
Nicky Asher-Bowling is a resilient and inspiring coaching client of mine who has overcome numerous challenges in her life. As a devoted Christian, Nicky faced the heart-wrenching decision to leave her lifelong church after experiencing judgment and disappointment in her time of need. Despite these setbacks, Nicky maintained her faith and yearned for spiritual growth. With immense courage, she took the leap of faith and returned to church, embracing God's calling for her life. Nicky's journey demonstrates the importance of obedience and trust in God, even in the face of fear.
 
Overcoming the Fear of Going Back to ChurchReturning to church after a long absence can be intimidating, especially if previous experiences have been filled with judgment or negativity. Opening oneself up to a new church community requires vulnerability and courage. The fear of rejection or not fitting in may hinder people from exploring their faith and finding a supportive and compassionate church community. It's important to remember that everyone's spiritual journey is unique, and sometimes, revisiting the familiar may offer new insights and stronger connections to our faith. Nicky Asher-Bowling faced her own fears and hesitations when considering returning to church after a long absence. Through our coaching and God's nudging, she realized the importance of trusting in God's calling for her life and recognizing that her fears were merely obstacles to her spiritual journey. Nicky's story highlights the powerful and transformative results she experienced as she overcame her fears and took those first courageous steps back into a church community where she felt welcomed and supported.
The Importance of a Welcoming ChurchA supportive and welcoming church environment is crucial for fostering spiritual growth and a sense of belonging. Churches should focus on acceptance, understanding, and genuine connection instead of just following rules or imposing strict expectations. A person's spiritual journey is deeply personal, and a person's ability to grow and thrive in their faith is usually greatly influenced by the quality of the church community they are part of. For Nicky Asher-Bowling, finding a church that supported her personal views and beliefs was essential to her reconnection to her faith. Throughout her conversation with Melissa, Nicky shares how she eventually found a church that offered her a supportive and welcoming environment through their unique system of "house moms," which helped her feel seen and heard. This connection allowed Nicky to flourish in her faith and feel inspired to invite her husband to attend with her, further deepening their spiritual bond.
 
 
Other episodes related to this topic: 
Episode 25: Is God calling you to go back to church?
Episode 26: Questions to ask: Finding a local church that's the right fit for you
 
Book a consult and let's chat! https://calendly.com/melissabattcoaching/30min
Coaching women in life and business is my passion! I'd love to offer you a free consult to see if working together could be beneficial for you. You don't have to know what you need help with, you just have to book the call. It takes courage. Just DO IT.  Want to reach out to Nicky? Find her on social media HERE , listen to her PODCAST, or email her at motherhoodUnfilteredgroup@gmail.com. 
Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/  https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurposehttps://www.melissabatt.com
 

31. For the Direct Sales consultant who is tired of chasing sales & wants to build a sustainable side gig business

Unleash Your Direct Sales Potential: Proven Tips for Booking More Parties & Finding Your Groove
Do you want to increase your party bookings and sales in your direct sales business? Are you tired of chasing people and bugging the same people all the time for an order? Do you want to get back in the game with your business and actually start making money again?
I can help you turn your direct sales business into a thriving success. By implementing proven techniques and strategies, you can achieve the ultimate goal: a steady stream of party bookings and a bigger paycheck. With my help, you can transform your business and reach the result you've been dreaming of – a profitable and rewarding direct sales career. It's time to take action and start seeing the kind of success that doesn't leave you feeling burnt out and overwhelmed to sustain. 
Listen in for my real talk about treating your social selling gig like a real business. Lots of people get into direct sales because they like the idea of earning money from home, but they fail to put in the time, systems, and effort required to build a successful & sustainable business. It should be noted that the sales consultant asking the question is a rockstar who has sold thousands per month in the past and built a small team. But, at the time we were talking, she was barely staying active. Don't discount or dismiss this episode based on the numbers I'm sharing with her personally. You can use these tips to hit any sales goal you have!
In this episode, you will be able to:
Take steps to strengthen the foundation of your business.
Learn more about the goal-setting process to have a great experience in your network marketing journey.
Hear more about using mega parties as a secret weapon to get in front of more people in less time. 
Think about and take action to set yourself apart from others in your industry. 
The Importance of PresentationPresentation matters. You want to create a lasting impression on potential hostesses, recruits, and customers. This can be especially important when it comes to gift-giving or presenting party favors. A well-thought-out, visually appealing wow gift will help them remember you and want to work with you again.  A tip for those who like to give extra products as a gift or mystery bag items:  Do not give or include items you wouldn't want or others wouldn't want. The items you choose and the presentation of them can be the difference between a one-time transaction and a loyal, lifelong customer.
Setting Income GoalsDirect sales consultants often find success when they set specific income goals from the beginning. Establishing a money goal helps to keep you on track and motivated, and allows the focus to remain on tasks and strategies designed to achieve it. Goal setting helps you be intentional, get things done, and save time doing it.  
Mega PartiesAnother key strategy for direct sales success is to host Mega Parties. These events typically involve having multiple hostesses inside of one party, maximizing exposure and reaching more people in less time. Mega Parties can be held online or at home, and are a great way to boost sales and engage potential customers. I share my process of booking parties and the necessary steps to be the most efficient with the least amount of back and forth. Mega Parties, when executed effectively, are changing the game for consultants in Norwex, Thirty-One, Younique, Pampered Chef, Seint, and many others. 
The Mega Party process for those who love the cliff note version:
Figure out how much money you want to make and do the math to see how much you need to sell in order to make that amount.
Block off the weeks on your calendar when you want to have parties before you ever ask anyone to party.
Make a list of all the people you want to ask to have a party.
Join the Success Lounge to receive the script to get started on the Mega Party and host three parties inside of one party.
Try to get at least two parties booked off of every single hostess.
Create a list of the perks for partying with YOU (not the company)
If you need help with wording, put your verbiage in the student community and ask for help with tweaking it.
Treat your business like a business.
Utilize the one-to-many strategy and focus on parties to get in front of a lot of people at one time.
Don't get caught up in creating party scripts or graphics to avoid the hard thing, which is rejection.
Create small baby steps to get you to your goal. Start with booking three parties every single month if you are currently less than 3.
 
Want to learn how to get your first 500 Loyal Lifers?  Click here 
Purchase the ON DEMAND Bootcamp and get all 4 days: Click here
 
Book a consult and let's chat! https://calendly.com/melissabattcoaching/30min
Coaching women in life and business is my passion! I'd love to offer you a free consult to see if working together could be beneficial for you. You don't have to know what you need help with, you just have to book the call. It takes courage. Just DO IT.  Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/  https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurposehttps://www.melissabatt.com
 

30. Mental Health Struggles: Finding courage to ask for help and what NOT to say to someone battling depression and anxiety

Finding Courage in Mental Health Struggles with Breakthrough Challenge member, Mary
After years of pushing down her emotions and putting herself last, Mary finally scheduled an appointment with a doctor and even followed through, despite her husband's recent hospitalization.
And, sadly, her vulnerability was met with rude remarks by the doctor and nurse, leaving her feeling dumb and ashamed. To make it worse, a nurse actually said the words "Pull up your big girl panties", which is not helpful to someone who is already struggling.
Now, Mary questioned whether her struggles were even valid.  
Quick tips and topics we talk about: 
• Validate the courage needed to ask for help with mental health challenges.

• Ways that therapy can target and alleviate the roots of anxiety and trauma.

• Consider the critical nature of selecting a therapist with whom you can develop trust and rapport.

• Welcome the benefits of letting go of fear and leaning on faith for support and direction.

• Uncover the process of addressing and healing from the shame associated with trauma.

• Recognize that seeking help IS pulling up your big girl panties.
• Flip the script on negative self-talk and recognize your worth and value.
• Take medication if needed and recognize the importance of medicine in managing mental health.

• Journaling through emotions and asking for prayer support when feeling weak.

• Prioritize self-care utilizing a battle plan, and intentionally live a fulfilled life.

 
Healing Requires Confrontation

The road to healing often requires confronting and facing the source of our trauma or emotional distress. By avoiding these issues, we risk prolonging our pain and allowing it to dominate our lives. Confronting our past and its impact on our present can be an uncomfortable and challenging process, but it is necessary for growth and healing to occur. Melissa Batt gently guides Mary in the conversation to understand that, although the process is difficult, breaking apart can eventually lead to healing and freedom. Melissa encourages Mary to create a battle plan and seek protection during tough times by turning to prayer partners when needed. This deliberate confrontation of her traumatic experiences will allow Mary to start healing and find freedom in her life.
You are worthy of attention

Suppressing your emotions and struggles for fear of seeming needy or attention-seeking ultimately hinders your ability to heal fully. It's crucial to realize that your experiences, emotions, and the path to healing all deserve attention and care. During the podcast, Melissa Batt reminds Mary of her worthiness of attention and advises her to flip the script on her negative thoughts. By embracing her value and acknowledging her emotions, Mary can move forward in her healing journey with confidence and self-assurance.  
 
Want more tips to help you move forward and get healing?   
Book a consult and let's chat! https://calendly.com/melissabattcoaching/30min
Coaching women in life and business is my passion! I'd love to offer you a free consult to see if working together could be beneficial for you. You don't have to know what you need help with, you just have to book the call. It takes courage. Just DO IT. 
 


Let's connect:
 


https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/


https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/


https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurpose



https://www.melissabatt.com
 
If you or someone you know is struggling and you feel like you need someone to talk with you can also reach out to the National Mental Health Hotline NOW. It's free and confidential. They offer 24/7 assistance and will provide support with compassion. Call 866-903-3787 and someone will be on standby to talk with you. 

29. Stop with the Copy-Pasting Posts & Messages: Create a loyal tribe who will buy anything & everything you are selling.

Authenticity Over Copy-Paste: How to Stand Out in Network Marketing
From copy and paste to authenticity and value - Find your loyal tribe or as we call it around here-LOYAL LIFERS!  But how do you do it? Listen in to find out! 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand the role authenticity (and allowing yourself to be REAL) plays in direct sales, social selling, and network marketing businesses like Mary Kay, Scentsy, Park Lane, Norwex, Plexus, Thirty-One Gifts, Seint, etc... 
Start creating content to set yourself apart and provide MASSIVE value to attract your people and build the like, know, and trust factor.  
Know your pillars and who you want to attract to speak directly to them in your communication.
Learn to embrace your unique strengths to set yourself apart from competitors.
Ask for feedback to grow and polish your areas of knowledge & expertise because it's probably so obvious you won't see it. 
To give value, you have to show up authentically. Stop hiding behind your products or the company you represent. - Melissa Batt
Other tips: 
Stop teaching copy-and-paste methods in direct selling and network marketing.
Focus on creating value instead of noise.
Show up authentically and stop hiding behind your products or company.
Niche down and speak to one person.
Let your freak flag shine and share your quirks, stories, struggles, and obstacles.
Acknowledge all the things that set you apart and become super clear on who you are.
Share your personal stories to connect with your audience.
Define your LOYAL LIFER aka Ride or Die and determine who she is.
Help Others Navigate Their ObstaclesOne way of demonstrating authenticity and providing value is to assist others in overcoming their obstacles. This can include sharing your personal struggles, giving encouragement, and offering support through empathy and compassion. In doing so, you become relatable & go beyond the surface talk and sales. Leverage your life experiences and skills to aid others facing similar challenges. In this episode, I share personal examples of how I have been open with my battles with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. By being open about my struggle to focus, for example, I have inspired others going through the same thing. As I walk this out, I can see that my 'loyal lifer' is someone who struggles to focus and sometimes feels like she is all over the place. Since this is something I have learned (and am still learning) to overcome, I can share tips on what has helped me. If they try the tips and it works, it builds trust and they are more likely to continue following, connecting, and trying other things that I share as helpful. 
Acknowledge What Sets You ApartIt's important for all of us entrepreneurs to recognize what sets us apart. We do not have to compete with team members, new consultants, or even similar brands. There is room for us all! You will recognize this when you stop trying to be basic in your marketing and serve the masses. Identify your own strengths and weaknesses or seek feedback from close friends or family members. By getting clear on your uniqueness, you can stop trying to be like everyone else and own who God created you to be.  Remember you don't have to know everything about a certain topic, you just need to know more than who you were five minutes ago.  Example: I share how I am mastering the art of planning despite not being a natural planner. In this topic, I'm not targeting those who love to plan and have it mastered. I'm targeting people who wish they loved to plan, find it hard, and want to find something that works for them. Can you see how this fits with my brand of chasing squirrels, getting distracted, and having attention deficit problems? 
Want to learn how to get your first 500 Loyal Lifers?  Click here 
Purchase the ON DEMAND Bootcamp and get all 4 days: Click here
 
Book a consult and let's chat! https://calendly.com/melissabattcoaching/30min
Coaching women in life and business is my passion! I'd love to offer you a free consult to see if working together could be beneficial for you. You don't have to know what you need help with, you just have to book the call. It takes courage. Just DO IT.  Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/  https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurposehttps://www.melissabatt.com
 

28\\ Circling the wagon: Become proactive & prepare for life’s challenges to protect your peace

Circling the Wagon: Preparing for Life's Challenges
In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, I share more from the Girlboss Basic Bootcamp in hopes it will help you prepare for resistance. For 3 years I've been challenging my coaching clients to slow down and pay attention. Are you ready to circle the wagon and start being proactive in your life? Tune in to find out.
 
Spoiler Alert: While life is hard and the enemy will come to attack you as you live out your calling, you DO have control over some areas of your life. 
 
Key takeaways in this episode:
Look for the gaps and cracks in your life and create a plan to fix them. Areas mentioned include your health, relationships, marriage, finances, and your home.
Declutter and organize your home to remove chaos and create peace. If you struggle with anxiety, ADHD, or depression, this will be extremely helpful for you. 
Take time to review your budget paying attention to what comes in and what goes out to improve your financial situation. 
Spend intentional time in your closest relationships to make sure you remain connected.
Stop putting off taking care of yourself. Prioritize your health. Schedule the doctor's appt you have been putting off. Go to the dentist. Move your body.
Consider adding an additional stream of income to live out your calling or if you are already a direct seller, utilize your business as a vehicle to help you do so. 
Join a book club or find other ways to slow down and reset to avoid being too busy to take care of yourself and your priorities. Check your rhythms. 
 
Circle the WagonCircling the wagon involves identifying areas in our lives that are more vulnerable and taking steps to strengthen them. This proactive approach will help you have more peace, limit your distractions, and protect your resources. It's time to get off the hamster wheel and out of survival mode. This is the message God gave me in 2020. Today, the words are still written on my mirror in my bedroom as a reminder. It's my mission now to help others recognize that living in reaction mode and putting out fires regularly isn't how it has to be. Follow these steps and protect your peace. 
 
Want more tips to help you Circle the Wagon?  Click here 
Purchase the ON DEMAND Bootcamp and get all 4 days: Click here
 
Book a consult and let's chat! https://calendly.com/melissabattcoaching/30min
Coaching women in life and business is my passion! I'd love to offer you a free consult to see if working together could be beneficial for you. You don't have to know what you need help with, you just have to book the call. It takes courage. Just DO IT.  Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/  https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurposehttps://www.melissabatt.com
 

27\\ Mean girls, listen up! Acknowledging insecurities and sharing it all with you.

Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Insecurities to Thrive
Are you holding yourself back from your true potential? So many of us fall prey to these misconceptions and most of us do it without even realizing it.  
Misconception #1 - You have to be perfect to succeed.
Misconception #2 - Someone else can do it better than you. 
Misconception #3 - Success means never feeling self-doubt.
 
But the truth is, you don't have to be perfect, there is room for you even when others are also doing it, and self-doubt is 100% normal. As a Christian Life & Business Coach for women & direct sellers, I'm here to share with you the real truth - and help you silence your inner mean girl once and for all.
In this episode, you will be challenged to:
 
Silence your inner critic and transform your mindset by reversing negative thoughts aka FLIP THE SCRIPT.
Own your quirks and insecurities as tools to connect you to others and remain relatable
Trust God to use all of you- the good, the bad, the ugly!
Your purpose and plan has the power to impact more than just yourself. It isn't about you. -Melissa Batt
Other Tips:
Consider hiring a coach for personalized and focused accountability to help you reach your goals.
Cut out Bible verses related to your insecurities and post them in visible places as reminders of God's love and purpose for you.
Call out your insecurities and address them if you feel shame around them. The enemy can't use what you bring into the light. 
Speak out about the things that the devil wants to keep you silent in and acknowledge the elephants.
Join the Success Lounge for access to masterclasses and community support.
Follow Melissa Batt Coaching on Instagram for daily inspiration and tips.
 
Giving Yourself Permission to Be YouEmbracing our true selves, quirks, and all, is essential for personal growth and achieving true sustainable success. By giving ourselves permission to be authentic and unique, we can harness our individual strengths and stand out in the crowd. In this episode, I share my personal journey to self-acceptance and want you to do the same. In doing so, we can channel our unique abilities to truly live in the purpose God has for us and create a massive impact.
Want the worksheets I mentioned in this episode? Click here 
Purchase the Bootcamp: Click here
 
Last chance to join the Breakthrough Challenge:
Want to start using your voice and allow yourself to be seen? Build a Nonprofit? Or maybe just grow your confidence? Whether you have business, faith, or life goals, it can be as simple as cutting through the noise and finding time for the main priorities, networking to get outside of your circle, or improving relationships. I've coached dozens of clients through the last 3 rounds of the challenge and watched them achieve so much more than they ever thought possible. I'm confident I can help you, too!  Partner with me HERE: https://www.melissabatt.com/12-weeks-to-success Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/  https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurposehttps://www.melissabatt.com

26\\ Finding a new & local church: Questions to ask & practical tips to make the process doable and stress-free

Church Search Anxiety: Facing Fears and Embracing New Connections
Does anyone else move a lot like me? One of the hardest parts of moving is finding all the favorites in the new area. We have to research and make so many decisions like where to send our kids to school, the best neighborhoods, who to use for a pediatrician, a dentist, our own primary care physician, etc... And, then of course, for those of us who consider ourselves Christians... We need to find a new church. While this isn't easy, it is doable. And, with as much as we have moved, I now consider myself a professional church researcher and love to help my friends and coaching clients narrow down their choices to not allow decision fatigue and analysis paralysis to keep them from jumping back in and getting back to church.
In this episode, you will learn a lot of tips and tricks like:
Deciding on your non-negotiables when it comes to finding a church to fit your family
Knowing your personal preferences for a church, such as denomination, type of music, size of congregation, and proximity to home.
Asking friends, family, or colleagues for church recommendations and inquiring about their experiences.
Visiting church websites to gather information on their beliefs, programs, and staff.
Watching live streams or recorded services to get a sense of the worship style, music, and preaching.
Reviewing church social media accounts to gain insight into the church community, pastor, and children's program leaders. {I know I'm not the only one who stalks Facebook accounts, right?}
Reaching out to friends who follow or like the church's social media pages to ask about their experiences and opinions.
Attending a service at the TOP 3 churches and being open to trying different churches until finding the right fit.
Engaging with church members and staff during your visit, asking questions, and expressing your interest in learning more.
Getting involved in church events, small groups, or volunteer opportunities to further immerse yourself in the church community and make connections.
And, last but not least...  Feel free to reach out. I'd love to help you find a church that meets your needs. 
 
Bonus Tip
Obviously, taking time to look up the church's website and social media accounts can provide great information on their beliefs, values, and available programs. But, if you take time to watch recordings or live streams of previous services it may also give a glimpse into the atmosphere and worship style of a church. Look for churches that post candid photos of their congregation to see how people dress and what the overall culture of the church is like. 
Importance of Outreach and ServingOutreach and serving opportunities within a church allow members to serve the community and be a part of something greater than themselves. Being involved in outreach programs can foster personal growth and spiritual development, as well as strengthen one's connection to the church community. Finding a church that emphasizes the importance of serving and encourages involvement is crucial for those of us who love to create impact. By participating in these programs, not only does one grow spiritually, but they also have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. 
 
Join the Breakthrough Challenge:
Want to start serving in a specific ministry? Find a church to call home? Spend time in God's word and actually understand what you are reading? Build a Nonprofit? Whether you have business, faith, or life goals, it can be as simple as cutting through the noise and finding time for the main priorities, networking to get outside of your circle, or improving relationships. I've coached dozens of clients through the last 3 rounds of the challenge and watched them achieve so much more than they ever thought possible. I'm confident I can help you, too!  Partner with me HERE: https://www.melissabatt.com/12-weeks-to-success Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/  https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurposehttps://www.melissabatt.com

25\\ Do you feel God calling you to go back to church? Overcoming church hurt, rejection, and shame to get involved with a local church in your community.

Overcoming Church Hurt, Rejection, and Shame to find community with other believers.
In the last two years, I have had conversations with several women who feel called to either begin attending or go back to church. In today's podcast, I'm acknowledging all the elephants and sharing some of my own personal experiences about feeling as if attending church was pointless. I know it sounds harsh, but it appeared that most church attendees were going through the motions. I wanted no part of it until my friend convinced me to try it one more time. Because of Natasha, I gave attending a local church one more chance and I'm super grateful for her push.
Watching online, settling for a podcast with your favorite preacher's messages... (Does anyone else love listening to Steven Furtick's podcast episodes of his Sunday messages? If so, I see you, girl!)
God wants more for you and that is what this podcast is all about!
In this episode, you will be challenged to:
Acknowledge personal fears, rejections, and past hurts that could have you self-protecting and avoiding
Recognize your need for local believers to pray and connect with
Stop living offended and instead use it as an opportunity for intentional conversations
Recognize when avoidance to what is uncomfortable gets in your way of spiritual growth
Trust in God's guidance and provision, remembering my favorite bible verse; Matthew 6:8: Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
Be courageous and take steps to go back to church, even if it's terrifying.
Reflect on any past church hurt, remembering that people hurt you, not God, and that it's important not to put the church on a pedestal. The church is full of broken people who are in need of a Savior and help.
Research churches in your area, considering factors such as location, denomination, and community involvement and pick three to try out.
Attend a church service or event, keeping an open mind and heart.
Get involved in a church community by joining a small group, ministry, or volunteering in an outreach program.
Consider reading the book Triggers: How We Can Stop Reacting and Start Healing by David Richo
Reflect on any past experiences of rejection or abandonment and how they may be influencing your feelings about attending church
Remember that God is calling you back to the church not only for your own growth but also to be a part of a community of believers and serve others.
Re: Recognizing TriggersTriggers are specific cues or situations that cause an emotional reaction or flashback from past traumas or hurt. Becoming aware of one's triggers allows for better management of emotions and reactions to challenging experiences. Identifying these triggers and working through them ensures past emotional baggage does not hinder your growth. In this podcast, I chat a little bit about the concept of triggers and their potential impact on rejoining a church community. Previous experiences of rejection may lead to negative emotional responses when contemplating attending a new congregation. While this may be uncomfortable, I want to challenge you to flip the script and work through these emotional triggers, analyzing the root causes, and seeking support as needed to overcome them. Doing so will enhance the individual's ability to develop a healthy church experience free from the influence of past emotional scars.
God is calling you to get involved.
Delayed obedience is disobedience. Not only do you need the church, but the church also needs you. - Melissa Batt
 
Reminder:
The next Breakthrough Challenge will be starting soon.  Want to start serving in a specific ministry? Find a church to call home? Spend more time in God's word and actually understand what you are reading? Build a Nonprofit? Whether you have business, faith, or life goals, it can be as simple as cutting through the noise and finding time for the main priorities, networking to get outside of your circle, or improving relationships. I've coached dozens of clients through the last 3 rounds of the challenge and watched them achieve so much more than they ever thought possible. I'm confident I can help you, too! Sign up for the free workshop that I'm hosting this week to learn more!  REGISTER for the free workshop: https://www.melissabatt.com/12-weeks-to-success Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissabattofficial/  https://www.facebook.com/melissabattofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@prioritiesonpurposehttps://www.melissabatt.com