Today’s post is an interview with a very respected friend I’ve known for a number of years. He’s also man I’ve served along side of at Smyrna Assembly. His name is Kevin O’Dea and he is the Young Adult Pastor for Degree 180 Ministry. I’ve admired Kevin’s leadership and administrative skills for years and today I’m sharing with you our interview where I ask Kevin to discuss his style of leadership, personal influences, and share some words of advice. Enjoy!
Kevin, when you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
I have always had a passion for teaching. I have always had a passion for people. Having the opportunity to speak into the lives of people and teach God’s Word is awesome.
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What’s the most difficult job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
I suppose you are referring to ministry specifically- The most difficult job I have had or I guess the most convicting job is preparing messages.
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Why is that?
I have a conviction for what is relayed out of my mouth to people. It has to be sound, andit must line up with the Truth.
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Is there a personal influence who most helped to shape your leadership and how did that person help you/change you/mentor you?
Margaret Meek [Children's Pastor at Smyrna Assembly] has been instrumental in my Spiritual and leadership growth. She has shown me specifically how to be passionate about teaching while dealing and being patient with people. She has shown me and fleshed out grace and love in amazing ways. I have mimicked her model in my job at SA.
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Kevin, give me three words other people would use to describe your leadership style? Organized, driven, …ghetto.
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What is the hardest thing your position requires you to do?
Say the things that no one else wants to say… The things that might make people not “like” me.
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If you could share one word of advice or wisdom to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Stay absolutley centered on Christ. Unless He has called you, don’t do it. But, if He has- give it all you’ve got.
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Kevin, I know there is a very special conference that Smyrna Assembly will be hosting on June 23-26. What is the name of the conference and who are the key speakers?
It’s called the Springhouse Conference and it’ll begin the evening of June 23rd and run through the 26th. Our key speakers for this conference are Pastor Maury Davis of Cornerstone Church in Madison as well as James Ryle who is no stranger to the Smyrna Assembly family!
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Where did the inspiration for this conference come from? Unity is one of the missing links in the “church” (not specifically SA) today. We function in a wide variety of ways individually as people and departments, but rarely do we function as one unit to do one thing. This is an opportunity to grow in unity. In addition, it is not second nature to want to serve. This is an outlet to serve the community.
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How do you dream that the Springhouse Conference would impact the community of Smyrna/Nashville/Middle Tennessee? I believe that it could outgrow SA and move to Nashville! If the heart and people are behind it, God could use it as a major connect point for the churches of this area each year.
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