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Issue link: http://magazine.kcm.org/i/1541847
B V O V : 1 5 oce and calling God had placed on him more than 30 years earlier. Now living in Texas, recently re-married and back in his former position as CEO of KCM, John speaks candidly about the su€ocating nature of shame to the sta€ at KCM. He recalls how, in church culture especially, struggles like addiction are often hidden rather than brought into the light. For leaders, the fear of judgment can be overwhelming, he says. Looking back, he recognizes that even painful failures can become blessings when they are met with humility. "Sometimes things happen and, at the time, you think it's the worst thing ever," says John. "But if you stay connected with God and move forward, He can turn it into something good. Mistakes can become stepping stones if we're willing to learn and let God redeem them. Hiding only feeds the cycle. But once you bring them out into the open, then the shame is gone. Even in failure, faith can be the anchor that keeps you moving forward." What once felt like an ending can become the door to a new calling. "I'm not perfect," John says. "Nobody's perfect. But if what I went through can help somebody else, then it was worth it." John Copeland's journey is one of painful honesty. Marital struggles, addiction and a DWI may have driven him into the depths of shame and the loss of his ministry role. Yet those same failures became the soil for redemption. As the returning CEO of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, his life is a testament that even in the darkest chapters, redemption is possible. His story is now a tool—not of shame, but of healing—for those who, like him, have felt trapped in cycles of addiction and failure. Among the many words of encouragement he shares regarding his journey, John is quick to remind people of this one thing: When it feels like hope is lost, control what you can— YOUR WORDS! Have faith in God and watch Him turn it around. never waver in my trust in God and always let the Word be my foundation. And he taught me about fear—and how to never allow it in my life. What powerful lessons those two things alone have been! But they only scratch the surface of what I have learned from Dad through the years. I have learned both spiritual and natural things, and they all have made me better in so many ways—including being a father and provider. They have made me a better man! And today, I am passing those same lessons on to my children. There have never been two sides to my dad. He has always practiced what he preaches. And that has probably impacted me more than anything else. I was inspired just watching how he and Mom lived—never wavering in their faith and trust in God, and always letting the Word be their foundation. If my dad had not been that way when I was going through those difficult times in my youth, and if he hadn't truly believed in what he was doing as a minister of the gospel and been steadfast and committed to what he believed, I honestly do not believe I would be where I am today. I'm grateful to God for my dad, and all that I've learned from him. I'd like to share some of those things with you. I hope they will bless you and that you will share them with your children. 1. "A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke" (Proverbs 13:1, New International Version-84). 2. When you borrow something, always return it in better condition than when you got it. 3. Never put pressure on people. They are not your source. When you have a need, turn to the Word and find a scripture that addresses that need. Then stand on that scripture. 4. Do what is right. Do it because it is right. And then, do it right—even when no one is watching. 5. Never borrow money. It's not a sin, but it is not God's best and it causes you to become a servant to the lender. 6. Always tithe! If you don't it will seem as if you have a bag of money with holes in it. 7. Give, especially when you are in financial trouble. 8. When God tells you to do something, obey Him and do it then. He is trying to get something to you. 9. Never make rash, knee-jerk decisions when the pressure is on. Relax and roll the care of it over on God. 10. Always put others first.