Mandatory Film Requirement: for Mitch Leyor Ambassadors and Congregants: Hotel Rwanda
As part of our commitment to understanding history, human dignity, moral courage, and the responsibilities we carry toward one another, all Mitch Leyor Ambassadors and congregants are required to watch the film Hotel Rwanda (2004).
The film, directed by Terry George and starring Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina, portrays events surrounding the 1994 Rwandan genocide. While the film is a dramatization and should not be treated as a complete historical record, it provides an important starting point for discussing what happens when hatred, discrimination, fear, and indifference are allowed to take hold.
The purpose of this requirement is not simply to watch a film. Participants are expected to watch thoughtfully, reflect personally, and engage seriously with the moral questions raised by the story.
Following the viewing, each Ambassador and congregant must complete a 1,500-word essay addressing the themes of courage, responsibility, bystander behavior, and the protection of human life.
Essay Title
“If I Had Been There: A European Civilian’s Response to the Humanitarian Crisis in Hotel Rwanda”
Essay Requirements
Your essay should be approximately 1,500 words and should be written from the perspective of a European civilian who finds themselves inside or connected to the Hôtel des Mille Collines during the Rwandan genocide.
The central question is:
If I had been a European civilian staying at the hotel during these events, how would I have responded to the suffering around me, and what responsibilities would I have had toward the people seeking protection?
The essay should demonstrate empathy and historical awareness rather than simply retelling the movie.
Required Section and Word-Count Breakdown
1. Introduction — 150 words
Introduce Hotel Rwanda and the historical situation surrounding the film. Explain the perspective you have chosen and identify the central moral question you will explore.
2. Seeing the Crisis — 250 words
Describe what you, as a European civilian, would have witnessed at the hotel. Consider the fear, uncertainty, violence, displacement, and discrimination surrounding the people seeking refuge.
Discuss your initial emotional response. Would you have been frightened, confused, angry, or uncertain about what to do?
3. The Responsibility of a Bystander — 300 words
Examine the responsibilities you believe you would have had as someone who was comparatively privileged or protected.
Would you have remained silent? Would you have spoken to authorities, contacted foreign officials, assisted refugees, shared resources, or attempted to document what was happening?
Consider the difficult question of whether personal safety should affect your willingness to help others.
4. Courage, Fear, and Moral Choice — 300 words
Discuss the difference between knowing something is wrong and actually taking action.
Explain what might have prevented you from acting. Fear of violence, concern for your family, pressure from authorities, uncertainty about whom to trust, or the belief that someone else would intervene could all influence your decisions.
Then explain what ultimately might have compelled you to act.
5. What I Would Have Done — 300 words
This should be the most personal section of the essay.
Describe specifically how you believe you would have responded if you had been inside the hotel.
Consider practical actions such as helping vulnerable people, sharing food or shelter, communicating with outside organizations, encouraging others to remain calm, or using your position to seek assistance.
Avoid portraying yourself as a perfect hero. The purpose is to honestly examine how an ordinary person might respond under extraordinary circumstances.
6. Conclusion — 200 words
Reflect on what the experience teaches about human dignity, responsibility, courage, and indifference.
Connect the historical situation to the responsibilities of people today. Explain what you believe Ambassadors and congregants can learn from the film and why remembering historical atrocities remains important.
Total: 1,500 words
Important Guidance
Participants should distinguish between the events depicted in Hotel Rwanda and the broader historical record of the Rwandan genocide. The film should be used as a starting point for reflection rather than as the sole source of historical information.
The essay should be thoughtful, respectful, and focused on the human consequences of violence and discrimination. Participants should avoid treating the suffering of others as merely a dramatic story. The objective is to consider what ordinary people can do when confronted with extraordinary circumstances.
Short Reference Essay
If I Had Been There: A European Civilian at the Hôtel des Mille Collines
If I had been a European civilian staying at the Hôtel des Mille Collines during the Rwandan genocide, I believe my first reaction would have been fear. I might have arrived at the hotel expecting an ordinary stay, only to discover that the world outside had become increasingly dangerous. The people around me would not simply have been frightened travelers. They would have been families desperately searching for somewhere they could survive.
At first, I might have struggled to understand the seriousness of the situation. As a European civilian, I could have been accustomed to believing that international institutions, governments, or military forces would eventually intervene. That assumption could have made it easier to remain passive. I might have told myself that the crisis was beyond my ability to influence.
But seeing frightened families inside the hotel would have made the situation personal. I would have had to confront an uncomfortable question: If I am relatively safe, does that mean I have no responsibility toward those who are not?
I believe the answer would have to be no.
If I had food, water, information, or access to people outside the hotel, I would have tried to use whatever resources I had to help. I would have shared what I could, assisted vulnerable people, and encouraged others not to abandon those who were seeking protection. I would also have attempted to communicate with diplomatic representatives, international organizations, journalists, or anyone capable of bringing attention to what was happening.
At the same time, I cannot honestly claim that I would have been fearless. The possibility of violence would have been terrifying. I would have worried about my own survival and the safety of anyone traveling with me. Courage does not mean the absence of fear. It means recognizing fear while still deciding that another person’s life matters.
One of the greatest lessons I would take from the experience is the danger of becoming a bystander. It is easy to believe that somebody else will act. Governments will intervene. Soldiers will arrive. Organizations will respond. Someone with more authority will solve the problem. But when everyone waits for somebody else, precious time can be lost.
If I had been at the hotel, I hope I would have recognized that I had a moral responsibility to help wherever I could. I might not have been able to stop the violence or save everyone. Nevertheless, I could have refused to treat the suffering of others as someone else’s problem.
Hotel Rwanda therefore raises a question that extends beyond Rwanda: What would I do if I witnessed innocent people being threatened while I had the opportunity to help?
I would hope that I would choose humanity over indifference. I would hope that I would remember that every person facing persecution is someone’s parent, child, brother, sister, friend, or loved one. Most importantly, I would hope that fear would not become an excuse for doing nothing.
The responsibility to remember history is also a responsibility to learn from it. The purpose of watching Hotel Rwanda is not simply to look backward. It is to ask what kind of people we want to be when confronted with injustice today—and whether we will have the courage to act when another person’s dignity and safety are at risk.
Mandatory Film Viewing and Reflection Mitch Leyor Requirement: Pay It Forward Requirement
Film: Pay It Forward (2000), starring Haley Joel Osment
Audience: Mitch Leyor Brand Ambassadors and Congregants
Recommended Essay Length: 1,500 words
Purpose of the Requirement
For every Mitch Leyor brand ambassador and congregant, participation is not only about representing a name, organization, or community. It is also about understanding the values that can strengthen relationships, encourage compassion, and inspire meaningful action. For this reason, viewing the film Pay It Forward, starring Haley Joel Osment, is established as a mandatory film-viewing and reflection requirement.
The purpose of this requirement is not simply to watch a movie for entertainment. Participants are expected to watch the film thoughtfully and consider how its central message can relate to personal responsibility, kindness, service, leadership, community, and the influence one individual can have on others.
The film follows Trevor McKinney, a young student who receives an assignment from his teacher, Eugene Simonet, to develop an idea that could change the world. Trevor responds by creating a simple concept: instead of repaying a good deed directly to the person who helped you, you help several other people. The idea becomes known as “paying it forward.”
Although the story is fictional, its central question is important: What happens when people choose to create a chain of positive actions rather than waiting for someone else to make the first move?
For Mitch Leyor brand ambassadors and congregants, this question provides an opportunity to examine how individual conduct can influence an entire community.
Required Viewing
All designated Mitch Leyor brand ambassadors and congregants are expected to watch Pay It Forward in its entirety. Participants should watch the film attentively and take note of characters, decisions, conflicts, and themes that stand out to them.
After viewing the movie, participants should complete a written reflection or essay addressing what the film teaches about service, compassion, leadership, personal responsibility, and the ability of one person to influence others.
The viewing should be approached as an opportunity for personal development. Participants should not merely summarize the plot. Instead, they should explain what they learned and how the ideas presented in the film can be applied to everyday life.
Suggested 1,500-Word Essay Breakdown
Introduction — 150 words
Introduce Pay It Forward, identify Trevor McKinney and his central idea, and explain why the film is relevant to the Mitch Leyor community.
The Meaning of “Pay It Forward” — 250 words
Explain the principle of performing acts of kindness and encouraging those acts to continue through other people.
Leadership and Personal Responsibility — 250 words
Discuss Trevor’s willingness to act on an idea and how leadership can begin with an individual, regardless of age or position.
Compassion, Service, and Community — 250 words
Examine how kindness and service can strengthen relationships and create a more supportive community.
Challenges and Reality — 200 words
Discuss the obstacles presented in the film and why positive change can be difficult. Explain why setbacks should not automatically eliminate the desire to help others.
Application to Mitch Leyor Brand Ambassadors and Congregants — 250 words
Explain how the film’s lessons can influence conduct, communication, service, teamwork, and representation within the community.
Personal Reflection and Conclusion — 150 words
Describe the most important lesson learned from the film and conclude with a personal commitment to positive action.
Total: 1,500 words
Why This Film Matters
One of the strongest lessons in Pay It Forward is that meaningful change does not necessarily begin with people who have enormous resources or authority. Trevor is a child, yet he develops an idea that challenges adults to reconsider how they treat one another.
That lesson is especially valuable for anyone serving as a brand ambassador. Being an ambassador means more than wearing a name, attending an event, or communicating a message. It means recognizing that one’s behavior represents something larger than oneself. A respectful conversation, a thoughtful gesture, assistance to someone in need, or encouragement offered at the right moment can have an impact far beyond the original interaction.
Congregants can apply the same principle. Communities become stronger when individuals recognize that they have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of others. Waiting for someone else to act can allow problems to continue. Taking the initiative to help, encourage, listen, or serve can begin a positive chain reaction.
The film also demonstrates that positive intentions do not guarantee easy outcomes. People experience misunderstandings, disappointment, fear, and difficult circumstances. This is an important part of the film’s message because real-world service is rarely perfect. Individuals may not always receive recognition for their efforts, and some acts of kindness may not produce an immediate result.
Nevertheless, the value of doing what is right is not determined solely by immediate results.
The Role of the Brand Ambassador
Mitch Leyor brand ambassadors should view this film as an opportunity to think carefully about what it means to represent a community. An ambassador should strive to demonstrate integrity, respect, responsibility, compassion, and consistency.
The concept of paying it forward can become a practical philosophy for ambassador responsibilities. Instead of asking only, “What do I receive in return?” an ambassador can ask, “What can I contribute?”
That change in perspective can affect the way ambassadors communicate with others. It can encourage them to welcome new people, recognize contributions, support fellow participants, and respond to challenges constructively.
The objective is not to suggest that every person must solve every problem. Rather, the objective is to encourage individuals to recognize the opportunities for positive action that are already within their reach.
The Role of the Congregant
Congregants can also take the film’s message beyond the viewing experience. A congregation is built through relationships, and relationships become stronger when people demonstrate genuine care for one another.
Paying it forward can mean mentoring someone, helping a neighbor, encouraging a person who is struggling, volunteering, sharing knowledge, welcoming someone new, or simply choosing kindness during a difficult interaction.
The principle is intentionally simple: do something beneficial for another person without making personal repayment the condition of your kindness.
When multiple people adopt that attitude, a community can develop a culture in which service becomes normal rather than exceptional.
A Call to Action
Watching Pay It Forward should therefore be considered the beginning of the assignment, not the end. The real requirement is reflection followed by action.
After viewing the film, each participant should identify at least one lesson that personally challenged or inspired them. Participants should then consider one realistic way they can put that lesson into practice.
Brand ambassadors and congregants should remember that leadership can occur through ordinary choices. People observe how we speak, how we respond to disagreement, how we treat individuals who cannot benefit us, and whether we are willing to help when no recognition is guaranteed.
The most powerful aspect of the film is its invitation to imagine what could happen if one good action inspired another, and then another. That concept can be applied in families, workplaces, congregations, organizations, and neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Pay It Forward offers a memorable lesson about the potential of individual action. Through Trevor McKinney’s idea, the film asks viewers to consider whether kindness can become contagious and whether one person can influence others to create meaningful change.
For Mitch Leyor brand ambassadors and congregants, the film should serve as both an educational experience and a personal challenge. Participants are encouraged to look beyond the screen and consider how the principles of compassion, service, responsibility, and leadership can become part of their everyday conduct.
The ultimate goal is not simply to say that we believe in positive change. It is to demonstrate that belief through our actions.
Mandatory takeaway: Watch the film. Reflect on its message. Write the 1,500-word essay. Then identify one meaningful action you can take to help someone else—and encourage the principle of paying it forward through your own example.
Short Reference Essay
Pay It Forward
: A Lesson in Compassion and Responsibility
Pay It Forward presents the idea that one person can create a chain reaction of positive behavior. Haley Joel Osment’s character, Trevor McKinney, responds to a school assignment by imagining a system in which people help others instead of simply repaying favors. His idea challenges the people around him to consider whether kindness can become something larger than an individual act.
The film is particularly meaningful because Trevor does not begin with extraordinary power or influence. He begins with an idea. His story demonstrates that leadership can come from unexpected places and that age or status does not necessarily determine a person’s ability to make a difference.
For brand ambassadors and congregants, the film provides an opportunity to think about how personal behavior affects a larger community. A person who demonstrates respect may influence another person to behave respectfully. Someone who volunteers may inspire another individual to serve. A person who offers encouragement may give someone else the confidence to help another person.
The film also reminds viewers that positive change can involve difficulties and disappointment. Doing good does not mean that every situation will have a perfect outcome. Nevertheless, choosing compassion and responsibility remains valuable.
The central lesson can therefore be summarized simply: positive change can begin with one person making a deliberate choice to help someone else.
For Mitch Leyor brand ambassadors and congregants, watching Pay It Forward should be an invitation to examine not only what they expect from their community, but also what they are willing to contribute to it. The most meaningful response to the film is not merely discussion—it is action.
Reference: Pay It Forward (2000), directed by Mimi Leder, starring Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt, and Kevin Spacey.
Vanguard Collective — Required Reading: BLACKOUT by Candace Owens: Freedom, Responsibility, Family, Faith & the Principles of a Free Society
Vanguard Collective — Required Reading
Blackout by Candace Owens
The Vanguard Collective is built around a simple but important idea: free people must be willing to think for themselves. As a Black thought collective open to people of every race, the Vanguard Collective encourages honest discussion, independent thinking, intellectual courage, and a willingness to question ideas that have become accepted simply because they are popular.
Blackout by Candace Owens is the group’s required reading. The book should be approached as an opportunity to examine questions surrounding individual responsibility, family, faith, community, personal liberty, political ideology, and the principles necessary for a free and prosperous society. Members are encouraged to engage seriously with the author’s arguments rather than simply accepting or rejecting them because of political affiliation.
As you read, pay particular attention to the book’s arguments concerning personal responsibility and the consequences of allowing government, institutions, or political movements to exercise increasing influence over individual lives. Consider the difference between helping people overcome genuine obstacles and creating systems that can encourage dependency. Think about the importance of strong families, productive communities, meaningful work, self-discipline, faith, and the freedom to make choices—and to accept responsibility for those choices.
The reading should also encourage you to question prevailing narratives rather than accepting them automatically. A free society depends upon citizens who can distinguish between evidence and ideology, truth and propaganda, and genuine compassion and political manipulation. Do not read Blackout merely to agree with the author. Read it to understand the argument, examine the evidence, challenge your own assumptions, and develop your own conclusions.
1,500-Word Essay Prompt
After reading Blackout by Candace Owens, write a 1,500-word essay explaining what you learned and how the book influenced, challenged, or strengthened your understanding of conservative principles.
Your essay should address the following:
Individual Responsibility: What does Blackout teach about taking responsibility for your choices, circumstances, and future? Why is personal responsibility important in a free society?
Family and Community: Explain the importance of family, community, tradition, and strong social institutions. What can happen when these institutions weaken?
Freedom and Government: What does the book suggest about the proper role of government? Where should government responsibility end and individual responsibility begin?
Work and Self-Reliance: Discuss the relationship between work, discipline, independence, and opportunity. Why can self-reliance be an important foundation of personal freedom?
Culture and Values: Identify the cultural or moral values presented in the book that you believe are important to preserving a healthy society. Explain your reasoning.
Questioning the Narrative: Describe one commonly accepted political or cultural idea that Blackout caused you to reconsider. What did you previously believe, and what do you think now?
Race and Intellectual Independence: The Vanguard Collective welcomes people of every race while creating space for Black thought and experience. Discuss why intellectual diversity is valuable and why individuals should not be defined solely by race or group identity.
What You Learned: Identify the three most important lessons you took from Blackout. Explain how those lessons could influence your decisions, relationships, education, work, or participation in your community.
Your essay should demonstrate independent thinking, intellectual honesty, and personal reflection. Agreement with the author is not required. A strong essay should accurately engage with the author’s arguments, distinguish evidence from opinion, acknowledge meaningful counterarguments, and explain why you ultimately accept, reject, or modify particular ideas.
Short Reference Essay
The Case for Responsibility, Freedom, and Strong Communities
A free society cannot survive on rights alone. Freedom requires responsibility. It requires citizens who are willing to work, raise families, keep their commitments, participate in their communities, and accept responsibility for the consequences of their decisions. When people are taught that every problem is someone else’s responsibility, individual independence can gradually give way to dependency.
Strong families and communities are equally important. Government can establish laws, provide public services, and create a framework for opportunity, but it cannot replace parents, neighbors, churches, community organizations, or the personal relationships that give people purpose and belonging. A healthy society depends upon institutions that exist beyond government and politics.
Conservative thought emphasizes that liberty is not simply the freedom to demand from others. It is also the freedom—and responsibility—to build a meaningful life. Work, discipline, faith, family, thrift, courage, and self-reliance are enduring virtues that can help individuals and communities remain strong.
The Vanguard Collective should therefore be a place where people are encouraged to think independently rather than surrendering their judgment to political parties, institutions, celebrities, or popular opinion. Members should be willing to question ideas regardless of where those ideas originate, including ideas they personally agree with.
The central lesson is straightforward: a stronger society begins with stronger individuals, stronger families, stronger communities, and citizens who understand both the blessings of freedom and the responsibilities that come with it.
Mandatory Reading Assignment for Mitch Leyor Congregants and Brand Ambassadors — Time to Get Tough: Make America Great Again
Time to Get Tough: Make America Great Again
— Donald J. Trump
Required Reading & Essay Assignment
All Mitch Leyor congregants and brand ambassadors are expected to read the 2024 edition of Donald J. Trump’s Time to Get Tough: Make America Great Again and complete the 1,500-word essay described below.
The purpose of this assignment is to understand the book’s arguments, examine Trump’s vision for America, and develop thoughtful, independent conclusions. Participants may agree, disagree, or reach a mixed conclusion. The quality of the analysis matters more than reaching a particular political position.
Major Themes to Consider
While reading, pay attention to Trump’s arguments concerning:
American jobs and economic growth
Trade and international competition
Taxes and government spending
Business and regulation
Immigration and border security
National security
America’s role in the world
Leadership and national responsibility
Opportunities facing future generations
1,500-Word Essay
Essay Question
What is Donald Trump’s vision for America as presented in Time to Get Tough, and what are the strongest arguments for and against that vision?
Word Count
Introduction: 150 words
Economic Vision: 300 words
National Strength & Security: 250 words
America and the Next Generation: 250 words
Critical Evaluation: 400 words
Conclusion: 150 words
Total: 1,500 words
Your essay should use specific ideas from the book and clearly distinguish between what Trump argues and your own evaluation of those arguments.
Short Reference Essay
Understanding Trump’s Vision for America
In Time to Get Tough: Make America Great Again, Donald Trump presents a vision of America centered on economic strength, national confidence, security, and putting American interests at the forefront of government policy. Throughout the book, he argues that America should negotiate from a position of strength and that government policies should encourage economic growth, protect American workers, and maintain the country’s ability to compete internationally.
One important part of Trump’s vision is his approach to the economy. He emphasizes American businesses, jobs, taxes, trade, and regulation. His argument is that excessive regulation and policies that disadvantage American companies can weaken the economy. He favors policies intended to make it easier for American businesses to compete and believes that economic strength contributes directly to national strength.
Trade is another major theme. Trump views international economic competition as an area in which the United States must protect its interests. His arguments concerning China and other trading partners reflect a broader belief that America should negotiate aggressively when he believes American workers or businesses are being treated unfairly. Supporters may view this approach as an example of national self-interest, while critics may question whether aggressive trade policies can create higher costs or international tensions.
The book also connects national strength with security and immigration. Trump argues that secure borders and effective enforcement are essential responsibilities of government. This position reflects his broader belief that a nation must establish clear rules and enforce them consistently. Critics, however, may raise questions about how such policies should balance security, economic needs, humanitarian concerns, and individual rights.
For young Americans, the book raises broader questions about what kind of country they will inherit. Its vision emphasizes competition, self-reliance, economic opportunity, and national confidence. These ideas can be especially relevant when thinking about leadership: success requires preparation, discipline, resilience, and the willingness to make difficult decisions. At the same time, political leadership involves more than winning. Leaders must consider consequences, competing interests, evidence, and the effects of their decisions on people who may disagree with them.
Ultimately, Time to Get Tough presents a particular conception of American leadership and national strength. Understanding that vision does not require every reader to agree with it. A thoughtful reader should identify the book’s strongest arguments, examine its assumptions, consider possible weaknesses, and compare its promises with evidence and alternative perspectives. The most valuable outcome of the assignment is therefore not uniform agreement, but the ability to understand a significant political argument and explain one’s own position clearly and respectfully.
How to Use the Reference Essay
The reference essay is a model for organization and analytical style, not a paper to copy.
Participants should use it to see how to:
Introduce a book’s central argument
Organize an essay around major themes
Explain an author’s position fairly
Present both strengths and criticisms
Connect political ideas to broader questions of leadership
Reach an independent conclusion
Use evidence rather than slogans
Do not copy sentences or submit the reference essay as your own work.
Group Sharing
After completing the reading and essay, each participant should prepare four points:
One argument from the book that deserves serious consideration.
One argument or assumption that deserves questioning.
One point where additional evidence would be useful.
One potential implication for America’s next generation.
Each participant will have approximately 2 minutes to share before the group discussion begins.
Final Reflection — 100 Words
After the discussion, answer:
Did hearing other perspectives change, strengthen, or complicate your understanding of Trump’s vision for America? Explain why.
The goal is thoughtful reading, independent analysis, respectful discussion, and the ability to engage seriously with ideas different from one’s own.
PRISM CHURCH LA Political Transparency & Unity Oath
PRISM CHURCH LA
Covenant of Transparency, Unity & Christian Conduct
Date: ______________________________
Time: ______________________________
Location: Prism Church LA
A Covenant Before God and One Another
I, ________________________________________________, as a congregant/member of the serving body of Prism Church LA, affirm that my first identity and allegiance is in Jesus Christ.
I commit to conducting myself with honesty, integrity, humility, and respect toward every person, regardless of political party, candidate preference, ideology, or political participation.
If I am asked to disclose my political party affiliation, I commit to answering truthfully and transparently. I will not intentionally misrepresent, conceal, or falsify my political affiliation when directly asked in accordance with the church’s policies and this covenant.
At the same time, I recognize that political affiliation is a personal matter and that every member should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of whether they identify as a Democrat, Republican, Independent, third-party supporter, or choose not to identify with a political party.
Our Biblical Standard
James 2:1 (KJV):
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”
James 2:8 (KJV):
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.”
Galatians 3:28 (KJV):
“For ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Therefore, I commit that:
Christ comes before political party.
If I am asked about my political party affiliation, I will respond truthfully and honestly.
I will not use my political affiliation to claim spiritual superiority over another person.
I will not discriminate against, shame, intimidate, or mistreat another congregant because of political affiliation.
I will not use my ministry position to pressure others into adopting my political beliefs or party affiliation.
I will respect the dignity and conscience of those whose political views differ from mine.
I will pursue unity in Christ even when political opinions differ.
I will conduct myself in a manner consistent with Christian integrity, accountability, and love.
I make this commitment in good faith before God and my church family, recognizing that my ultimate allegiance is to Jesus Christ and that no political party should become greater than the unity of the body of Christ.
Full Name: _______________________________________
Political Party Affiliation (if asked to disclose):
Signature: ______________________________________
Date: _______________________________________
Time: _______________________________________
Serving Body / Ministry Role:
Witness / Church Representative: __________________________
Signature: _______________________________________
Date: _______________________________________
Gospel Glamour Mandatory Reading Assignment: Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business
Gospel Glamour Mandatory Reading Assignment
Required Book
Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business
By John Mackey and Raj Sisodia
Purpose
As a Gospel Glamour congregant and brand ambassador, you are expected to complete this mandatory reading assignment as part of your leadership and personal development. This book explores how purpose-driven leadership, ethical business practices, and serving all stakeholders can create lasting success and meaningful impact. The principles in this book align with our commitment to excellence, integrity, stewardship, service, and community.
After reading the book in its entirety, complete a 1,500-word essay that demonstrates your understanding of the material and explains how its lessons can be applied to your personal life, leadership, business, ministry, and role within Gospel Glamour.
Essay Requirements
Your essay must be a minimum of 1,500 words and should include the following sections:
Book Summary (300 words)
Summarize the book in your own words. Explain the authors’ main message, the purpose of conscious capitalism, and why they believe businesses can create positive change in society.
The Four Principles of Conscious Capitalism (400 words)
Explain each of the four principles discussed in the book:
Higher Purpose
Stakeholder Orientation
Conscious Leadership
Conscious Culture
Describe what each principle means, why it is important, and provide at least one example from the book.
Personal Reflection (300 words)
Reflect on your reading experience. Discuss what challenged your thinking, what inspired you, what leadership lessons you learned, and how the book has influenced your perspective on leadership, service, and success.
Application to Gospel Glamour (350 words)
Explain how the principles from the book can be applied within Gospel Glamour. Consider how they relate to ministry, leadership, entrepreneurship, customer service, event planning, brand representation, partnerships, financial stewardship, community outreach, and serving others with excellence.
Include practical examples of how these principles can strengthen both the organization and your individual contribution.
Personal Action Plan (150 words)
Identify five specific actions you will commit to implementing over the next 90 days as a result of reading this book. Your commitments should be practical, measurable, and reflect the leadership principles presented by the authors.
Word Count Breakdown
Book Summary: 300 words
Four Principles: 400 words
Personal Reflection: 300 words
Application to Gospel Glamour: 350 words
Personal Action Plan: 150 words
Minimum Total: 1,500 words
Group Sharing Exercise
After completing the reading and essay, all participants will join a Gospel Glamour group discussion.
Each participant will have five to seven minutes to share insights from the assignment.
Be prepared to discuss the following questions:
What was the most valuable lesson you learned from the book?
Which of the four principles resonated with you the most, and why?
How has this book changed your perspective on leadership and service?
What practical changes will you make in your personal life, business, ministry, or career because of this book?
How can the principles of conscious capitalism help Gospel Glamour better serve its members, partners, and community?
What leadership commitment are you making moving forward?
At the conclusion of the discussion, each participant will share one action they will implement immediately and identify one accountability partner who will encourage them to follow through over the next 90 days.
If this is for your congregation handbook, I can also format it in a more polished, ministry-style layout with your branding and a signature line for completion.
Tablets as Catalysts for Productivity
To all of us at Mitchell Royel Brands—leaders, creators, and ambassadors alike—consider this an opportunity to elevate how we work together. By incorporating tablets and iPads into our professional routines, we’re taking a tangible step toward greater efficiency. These tools are made to simplify the way we handle critical tasks, from effortless note-taking and precise document creation to managing emails with ease. They provide a larger, more comfortable platform for reading and working, allowing us to maintain clarity and focus—advantages that smaller devices simply can’t offer us.
This isn’t just an idea, it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe in—continuously striving to excel in everything we do. By adopting technology that aligns with our goals, we empower ourselves to tackle challenges, sustain productivity, and concentrate on the actions that truly matter. Together, we can use these tools to innovate, adapt, and move forward while staying true to the values and vision that define us. Let's make this move not just for convenience, but as a commitment to excellence—our kind of greatness.
During Meetings: Use your tablet to take detailed notes, share presentations, or access important documents in real-time, enhancing collaboration and productivity.
Bible Studies: Easily access digital versions of religious texts, highlight passages, and engage with interactive study tools or apps designed for in-depth learning and discussion.
Group Conversations: Streamline communication by sharing multimedia content or managing group tasks with apps that foster clear and organized discussions.
Health Tracking: Leverage fitness and wellness apps to monitor health metrics, set goals, and stay motivated with detailed progress insights and reminders.
Gospel Glamour Required Reading: Thick Face, Black Heart by Chin-Ning Chu
We believe that great leaders are lifelong learners. Reading broadens our perspectives, sharpens our judgment, and encourages thoughtful conversations that help us grow both personally and professionally. As part of our ongoing leadership development initiative, all Gospel Glamour congregants and brand ambassadors are required to read Thick Face, Black Heart by Chin-Ning Chu.
Originally published in 1992, Thick Face, Black Heart explores resilience, confidence, perseverance, negotiation, strategic thinking, and mental toughness. Drawing inspiration from Eastern philosophy and the author’s experiences in business and leadership, Chin-Ning Chu examines how individuals can develop inner strength while navigating adversity, making difficult decisions, and pursuing long-term goals. Throughout the book, she encourages readers to cultivate courage, self-discipline, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
The purpose of this assignment is not to accept every idea presented in the book without question. Instead, participants are encouraged to read critically, evaluate the author’s arguments thoughtfully, and reflect on how the concepts align—or do not align—with their own values, leadership philosophy, and personal experiences. Respectful disagreement and critical analysis are welcomed as part of the learning process.
Please complete the book in its entirety before participating in the scheduled discussion session. As you read, highlight meaningful passages, write notes in the margins or in a journal, and record any questions or insights that arise.
Essay Requirement
Length: Approximately 1,500 words
After finishing the book, write a well-organized essay that thoughtfully responds to the following questions:
Summarize the central message of Thick Face, Black Heart. What do you believe Chin-Ning Chu is trying to teach her readers?
Which three ideas or principles from the book did you find the most valuable? Explain why they resonated with you and how they could be applied in everyday life.
Were there any concepts or arguments that you questioned or disagreed with? Explain your reasoning respectfully and support your response with examples from the text.
How does the book define resilience and mental toughness? Do you agree with that definition? Why or why not?
Describe a personal, academic, professional, or creative experience in which one of the book’s lessons could have helped you navigate a challenge more effectively.
How can resilience, confidence, strategic thinking, and perseverance be balanced with compassion, humility, integrity, honesty, and service to others?
What leadership lessons from the book could strengthen the Gospel Glamour community and help brand ambassadors represent the organization’s mission with excellence?
Conclude by identifying the five lessons you intend to carry forward after completing the book and explain how they will influence your future decisions and relationships.
Your essay should demonstrate careful reading, thoughtful reflection, and critical engagement with the material. Support your ideas with specific references to the book while also incorporating your own experiences and perspectives.
Group Sharing Exercise
Following the completion of the essays, all participants will gather for a collaborative discussion centered on the themes of the book.
Each participant should come prepared to:
Share a passage that had the greatest impact on them and explain why it stood out.
Describe one lesson they believe can positively influence leadership and personal growth.
Discuss one idea they found challenging or controversial and explain their perspective respectfully.
Share one practical habit or action they plan to implement as a result of reading the book.
Offer encouragement and constructive feedback to fellow participants while listening with curiosity and respect.
Closing Reflection
To conclude the session, each participant will share a brief two-minute reflection answering the following question:
“What does resilient leadership mean to you after reading Thick Face, Black Heart, and how will you apply those lessons while serving as a Gospel Glamour congregant and brand ambassador?”
Our hope is that this experience encourages thoughtful dialogue, intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a deeper appreciation for lifelong learning. By engaging with diverse perspectives and reflecting on our own values, we continue to strengthen ourselves and our community with wisdom, integrity, compassion, and purpose.
Mitch Leyor’s Ambassador Appearance Manifesto
Aesthetic of Excellence
Foundational Principles
Gentlemen, you are not just models. You are living, breathing embodiments of precision, style, and uncompromising excellence.
Physical Fundamentals
Physique: Athletic, defined musculature
Body Fat Percentage: 8-12%
Skin: Flawless, even-toned, sun-kissed glow
Grooming: Art of Refined Presentation
Hair Standards
Cut: Meticulously maintained
Length: Short to medium
Styling: Effortless, windswept sophistication
Color: Natural tones, subtle highlights permitted
No visible roots or uneven coloration
Facial Grooming
Facial Hair:
Clean-shaven or precisely trimmed
Stubble: Maximum 2-3mm
Edges must be razor-sharp
Skin:
Porcelain-like clarity
No visible blemishes
Minimal pore visibility
Skin and Body Maintenance
Skincare Regimen
Daily hydration
Minimal visible pores
Even, luminous complexion
No visible tan lines
Subtle, healthy glow
Fitness Requirements
Muscle definition: Lean, athletic
No excessive bodybuilder mass
Proportional muscle groups
Visible but not bulky musculature
Wardrobe Fundamentals
Posture: Confident, relaxed
Movement: Fluid, athletic
Attitude: Effortless confidence
Intangible Essence
Beyond physical attributes, we seek the indefinable – that magnetic combination of confidence, vulnerability, and raw potential.
Non-Negotiables
Punctuality
Professional demeanor
Adaptable presence
Unquestionable work ethic
Final Note
You are not just representing a brand. You are embodying a lifestyle, an aspiration, a moment frozen in time.
Elevate. Always.
Mitch Leyor, Beyond the Pun: Mastering Serious Dialogue
Beyond the Pun: Mastering Serious Dialogue
Understanding Jest: Performance Disruptor
What is Jest?
Jest is the subtle saboteur of meaningful conversations – a defense mechanism disguised as humor that derails genuine growth and connection. It’s the conversational equivalent of wearing the wrong gear to an intense training session.
Anatomy of Destructive Humor
Manifestations of Jest
Sarcastic deflections
Inappropriate one-liners
Humor used to minimize serious topics
Nervous laughter that masks vulnerability
Why Jest Destroys Our Collective Performance
Psychological Barriers
Creates emotional distance
Undermines trust
Prevents authentic vulnerability
Blocks genuine feedback and growth
High-Performance Communication Model
Replacing Jest with Powerful Dialogue
Recognize the Impulse
Catch yourself before defaulting to humor
Breathe into the discomfort of serious conversation
Reframe Your Approach
View challenging conversations as growth opportunities
Treat dialogue like a strategic performance training
Cultivate Emotional Intelligence
Develop the courage to sit with uncomfortable moments
Create space for genuine expression
Communication Power Moves
When Jest Threatens to Emerge
“I’m committed to having a real conversation”
“This moment matters to our collective growth”
“I’m choosing vulnerability over deflection”
Transformative Dialogue Techniques
Active listening
Empathetic presence
Radical honesty
Compassionate directness
Your Performance Mantra
“Authentic communication is my ultimate training ground.”
Breakthrough Mindset
Every conversation is an opportunity to elevate, align, and transform our collective potential.
Aquatic, Gospel Glamour
Captured by the visionary Mitchell Royel, every frame feels like a rebellion against the ordinary—unapologetically raw, saturated with attitude, and dripping with electrifying intensity. His lens doesn’t just capture moments; it immortalizes a mood, a movement, a manifesto of individuality that dares to defy convention. Against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, these images transform into living, breathing narratives of the metropolis itself—a city that thrives on diversity, energy, and unyielding self-expression. Royel’s work becomes a visual anthem for those who walk its streets with boldness, celebrating the intersection of art and the unapologetic essence of urban life.
She don’t ask for permission, and she sure as hell don’t wait for it. She steps in like the tide—steady, unrelenting, and unapologetically hers. The first thing? Her energy—cosmic and grounded at the same time, like she’s got a direct line to the divine, but she’s still got feet planted firm on the pavement. Hair like a watercolor galaxy—purples, blues, golds—they shimmer like they’ve been kissed by blessings and battles alike. Waves of locs carry stories, not just style.
Her eyes cut straight through you. Dark-sky blue like dusk before the storm breaks. They don’t soften for nobody, but they sparkle like redemption. She sees you before you have the chance to decide if you want to be seen. Skin like honey gilded in sunlight—it don’t need validation, it just gleams because it can. She’s calm in chaos, legs crossed like every corner of the world belongs to her, brick walls at her back like the foundations she already cracked and rebuilt stronger.
She’s church on Sunday and a block party on Friday night. She lets gospel flow through her bones but won't hesitate to light a fire with her tongue. She’ll say “hallelujah” just as easily as she’ll say, “nah, that’s not for me.” She’s spent time in pews where hearts break open, and voices rise like they’ve got no choice. But she’s also gone places those same pews wouldn’t follow. Her prayers climb, and her curses sting with the same conviction. Holiness and human, no apologies.
You don’t put her in a category, don’t ask her to fit a label. She doesn’t need to make sense to anyone but herself. That’s power. That’s beauty. She’s that tension between what people think Black womanhood should be and what it actually is—layered, whole, unapologetic. She’ll sit in spaces that weren’t designed for her and take up all the air, not out of defiance, but because shrinking was never her calling. She rewrites rooms with her presence, remakes the energy until it hums her tune.
She meditates with her guard up. She dreams with her fists down. She’s rage turned into radiance, like fire baptized in water. Her spirit is a hymn, her laugh, a battle cry, and her tears, an offering. She’s not fragile, not even close, but she’ll still remind you that her softness is deliberate, her grace, a choice. She isn’t interested in being saved, just in saving herself—over and over if that’s what it takes.
This is Aquatic, Glam Gospel incarnate. She’s a call to worship and a call to arms, her prayers the kind where you feel the universe lean in. She embodies everything loud, layered, and luminous, existing entirely for herself while still holding space for everyone else. She walks into a city that has never deserved her and lets it become hers anyway. Because she’s her own sanctuary, her own rebellion, her own redemption. That’s her power. That's her prayer. That’s her peace.
Reflection Exercise: Seeing Yourself in Aquatic
Take a moment to reflect on Aquatic's story and presence, as described above. Use the prompts below to connect her essence to your own experiences and identity:
Sanctuary and Strength
Aquatic is described as "her own sanctuary" and "her own rebellion." Consider how you create a sanctuary within yourself. How do you provide a space for your own strength and peace, even in environments that may not celebrate you? Write about a moment where you embodied this resilience.Holding Space for Others
Aquatic "exists entirely for herself while still holding space for everyone else." Reflect on how you balance self-care and individuality with creating space for your community. When have you felt most empowered to uplift yourself and those around you?Owning Your Narrative
Aquatic enters a space that "has never deserved her" and transforms it by making it her own. Think about a time when you walked into a space that felt unwelcoming or limiting. How did you claim that space and make it yours? What did that experience teach you about your power?Prayer as Presence
Aquatic’s prayer is described as "the kind where you feel the universe lean in." Reflect on how your presence or actions serve as a form of prayer. How do you express your faith, your power, or your truth in ways that feel unmistakable to both you and those around you?Your Own Glam Gospel
Aquatic embodies "Glam Gospel incarnate." How do you define your own intersection of glamour, spirituality, and self-expression? What does it mean for you to live in a way that is vibrant, unapologetic, and deeply connected to who you are?
Take time to journal your thoughts, and share as much as you feel comfortable within your community. Your experiences and reflections are powerful testimonies to your uniqueness and strength.
Required Reading for Gospel Glamour Congregants and Ambassadors: The Magic by Rhonda Byrne
The Magic by Rhonda Byrne - A Guide to Transforming Your Life
Dear Gospel Glamour family,
Our next required reading is a life-changing masterpiece titled The Magic by Rhonda Byrne. Known for her transformative work The Secret, Byrne takes readers on an extraordinary 28-day journey in The Magic. This book dives into the universal law of gratitude, teaching us how to harness its immense power to create lives filled with joy, abundance, and profound connection. Byrne lays out simple yet profound daily exercises designed to shift your mindset, improve your relationships, magnify your health, and attract opportunities you never imagined possible.
Book Breakdown:
Key Principle: The Magic reveals gratitude as the secret to unlocking life’s unlimited blessings. By actively practicing gratitude, you align yourself with the vibration of goodness, drawing more of it into your life.
Structure: The book is divided into a 28-day practice plan, each day focusing on a unique gratitude-based exercise like writing down what you’re thankful for, visualizing your dreams, or using gratitude to overcome challenges.
Impact: Transforming how you approach everyday situations, the lessons in this book encourage an awareness of the present moment and the countless blessings often taken for granted.
This book is more than just a read—it’s an interactive experience that will not only challenge your thinking but elevate your soul and optimism.
Solo Essay Exercise (1,500 Words):
Title: Unveiling the Power of Gratitude — Personal Reflections on The Magic
Reflect on the following prompts and compose a 1,500-word essay drawing from experiences, insights, and emotions that arose during your reading of The Magic.
How has your understanding of gratitude changed after completing the book?
Share a specific moment in your life where gratitude created a noticeable positive shift.
Imagine a future scenario where gratitude transforms how you handle challenges. Illustrate the scene and the emotions that arise.
Use one principle from The Magic to describe how it applies to your relationships, dreams, or well-being.
Group Sharing Session Template
Title: Gratitude in Action - Sharing Circle for Congregants and Ambassadors
Opening Ritual: Begin with a grounding prayer or moment of meditation to center the group. Invite participants to close their eyes and visualize someone or something they’re deeply grateful for.
Guiding Questions for Sharing:
What was your favorite chapter or exercise in The Magic? Why?
Describe a breakthrough moment you had during the process of practicing gratitude.
How can we, as a Gospel Glamour community, incorporate gratitude into our collective mission?
Action Point: End the session with a group gratitude list. On a shared poster or digital board, each member writes down one thing they are grateful for, symbolizing unity and collective positivity.
The heart of this practice lies in the spirit of connection—both with yourself and the Gospel Glamour family. The Magic and its transcendental lessons on gratitude will inspire your soul to leap toward boundless grace. Let's embody this magic together!
Disclaimer: For the best experience and to fully immerse in The Magic, it is recommended to read the book all the way through once before beginning the 28-day challenge. During your first read, feel free to skip the daily challenges, focusing instead on understanding the core principles and essence of the book. After completing your initial reading and engaging in group sharing sessions, return to the book for a second time, this time committing to the challenges and assignments outlined for each day. This approach allows you to build a deeper connection with the material and unlock the full potential of the gratitude practices.
Required: Terms & Conditions for Female Activity During or After Activities at Shepherds Home Daycare
Due to the existence and ethos of Gospel Glamour upheld during Shepherds Daycare activities, it is hereby stated that no females, other than the caretaker’s female parent or an older family friend (of the caretaker's mother), should be present at the house or any related activities at any time. This guideline is essential to preserving the intended values and atmosphere of Shepherds Daycare.
If any females, other than those specified above, present themselves during Shepherds Daycare "house" activities—even during off-the-clock hours—Mitchell reserves the right to immediately terminate all ongoing activities. Additionally, this could result in the permanent termination of your involvement with Shepherds Daycare.
By signing below, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
Date: _____________________
Signature: _____________________
Required: Purity Oath for Mitch Leyor Congregants and Ambassadors
The Purity Oath represents a foundational commitment for congregants and ambassadors within the Mitch Leyor community. Mitch Leyor is more than just a faith-based brand; it is a vibrant and inclusive community rooted in principles of integrity, spirituality, and purpose-driven living. This oath serves to unite members under shared values and a collective dedication to personal and communal growth. By committing to this pledge, individuals align themselves with the mission of Mitch Leyor, embodying its ideals in both word and action. It reflects a promise to uphold the purity of character, faith, and intention that defines the spirit of the Mitch Leyor movement.
We, as congregants and brand ambassadors of Mitch Leyor, solemnly take this oath, committing ourselves to the principles of marriage and sexual purity as outlined in the Holy Bible. With integrity, humility, and steadfast faith, we promise to uphold these values.
On my honor, I will:
Honor marriage as a sacred covenant, reflecting the love and faithfulness God desires for us.
Strive for sexual purity in thought, word, and action, living a life that is righteous and pleasing to God.
Resist temptations that seek to pull me away from biblical teachings, always seeking God’s guidance in times of struggle.
Encourage and support others to walk in obedience to God’s Word, holding each other accountable with love and grace.
Represent the Mitch Leyor mission with excellence, being a beacon of hope and light to those around me.
May this oath serve as a testament to our shared commitment, as we continually seek to honor God in all aspects of our lives.
Date: __________________________
Signature: __________________________
Bennett + Monroe Required Reading Assignment: Sacred Commerce: Business as a Path of Awakening
Bennett & Monroe Required Reading Assignment
Required Reading
Sacred Commerce: Business as a Path of Awakening
Authors: Matthew Engelhart and Terces Engelhart
Why This Book?
At Bennett & Monroe, we believe business is more than transactions—it’s influence, service, integrity, and purpose. Sacred Commerce invites us to build organizations that honor people, community, and the greater good while creating sustainable success. The philosophy shared by Matthew and Terces Engelhart, founders of Café Gratitude, reminds us that gratitude, authenticity, and conscious leadership can transform the way we work and serve others.
Every Bennett & Monroe congregant and brand ambassador is expected to complete this reading assignment. Excellence is cultivated through discipline, continuous learning, and a commitment to living out our values.
1,500-Word Reflection Essay
Title
How Sacred Commerce Shapes the Future of Bennett & Monroe
Word Count Breakdown
Introduction (150 words)
Introduce the central message of Sacred Commerce.
Explain why values-driven business matters in today’s world.
Core Principles (300 words)
Discuss three principles from the book that resonated with you.
Explain why these principles are important for ethical leadership.
Applying the Principles to Bennett & Monroe (450 words)
Describe how Bennett & Monroe can embody the principles of sacred commerce through branding, storytelling, partnerships, customer relationships, and community engagement.
Include practical examples of how a brand ambassador can represent these values every day.
Personal Reflection (300 words)
Explain how the book challenged your perspective on leadership, gratitude, generosity, purpose, or success.
Identify habits you intend to adopt because of this reading.
Conclusion (300 words)
Summarize the book’s most meaningful lessons.
Explain how practicing sacred commerce can strengthen Bennett & Monroe’s mission and create a lasting legacy built on integrity, creativity, gratitude, and service.
Total Required Word Count: 1,500 Words
Reflection Questions
Address the following throughout your essay:
What does “sacred commerce” mean to you?
How can business become an act of service rather than simply a pursuit of profit?
Which chapter had the greatest impact on you, and why?
How does gratitude influence leadership and decision-making?
What responsibilities do entrepreneurs, creators, and brand ambassadors have to the communities they serve?
How can Bennett & Monroe remain purpose-driven while pursuing excellence?
What specific commitments will you make to embody the principles of Sacred Commerce in your daily life?
Group Discussion
After submitting your essay, each congregant and brand ambassador will participate in a guided discussion.
Prepare a 3–5 minute presentation covering:
The lesson from the book that impacted you most.
One memorable quote and why it stood out.
One practical way Bennett & Monroe can apply the teachings of Sacred Commerce.
One personal commitment you will implement over the next 90 days.
The goal is not simply to complete a reading assignment, but to cultivate a community where gratitude, purpose, ethical leadership, and meaningful service shape every decision we make.
Mitch Leyor Brand Ambassador & Congregant Mandatory Reading Assignment: Four Agreements
“The Four Agreements: A Blueprint for Personal Mastery, Integrity, and Purpose”
Required Reading
Book: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
Author: Don Miguel Ruiz
Description:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a spiritual and personal development book inspired by ancient Toltec wisdom. The book explores four principles designed to help individuals break free from limiting beliefs, create healthier relationships, and live with greater authenticity, discipline, and inner peace.
The four agreements are:
Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with honesty, kindness, and intention. Your words have power and should be used to build, inspire, and create positive impact.Don’t Take Anything Personally
Understand that people’s actions and opinions often reflect their own experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Freedom comes from not allowing outside judgments to define your identity.Don’t Make Assumptions
Seek understanding through communication rather than creating stories based on fear, uncertainty, or incomplete information.Always Do Your Best
Commit to giving your best effort in every season of life while recognizing that your best may change from day to day.
1,500-Word Reflection Essay Assignment
Essay Title:
“Living the Four Agreements: Building a Life, Brand, and Community Rooted in Purpose”
Essay Prompt:
After reading The Four Agreements, write a 1,500-word reflective essay explaining how Don Miguel Ruiz’s principles can influence your personal growth, your role as a Mitch Leyor brand ambassador or congregant, and your ability to contribute positively to a creative and spiritual community.
Your essay should explore how these agreements can shape your communication, leadership, relationships, discipline, and personal responsibility.
Reflect on the following questions:
Which of the four agreements impacted you the most and why?
How can being impeccable with your word change the way you represent yourself and the Mitch Leyor community?
How can releasing the need for outside approval create greater confidence and authenticity?
What assumptions do people commonly make, and how can better communication create stronger relationships?
How does “always doing your best” apply to creativity, faith, work ethic, and personal challenges?
How can these principles help ambassadors represent a brand with integrity and purpose?
Your essay should connect the lessons of the book to real-life experiences, future goals, and the responsibility of being someone who influences others.
Word Count Breakdown (1,500 Words Total)
Introduction — 150 Words
Introduce The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz’s message, and explain why these principles matter in personal growth and community leadership.
Agreement One: Be Impeccable With Your Word — 300 Words
Discuss the power of communication, reputation, encouragement, and using your voice responsibly.
Agreement Two: Don’t Take Anything Personally — 300 Words
Explore emotional maturity, confidence, handling criticism, and staying committed to your purpose.
Agreement Three: Don’t Make Assumptions — 300 Words
Discuss the importance of asking questions, building trust, and avoiding misunderstandings.
Agreement Four: Always Do Your Best — 300 Words
Explain discipline, consistency, resilience, and how effort creates long-term growth.
Conclusion — 150 Words
Summarize how living the four agreements can create stronger individuals, ambassadors, and communities.
Group Sharing Essay Exercise
“The Four Agreements Circle: Reflection, Connection, and Growth”
After completing the individual essays, gather as a group for a community reflection exercise.
Step 1: Personal Reflection (10 Minutes)
Each participant selects one agreement that challenged or inspired them the most. Write down:
Why this agreement stood out
A personal experience connected to it
One action you want to practice moving forward
Step 2: Group Sharing (30–45 Minutes)
Each person shares:
The agreement they chose
A lesson they learned from the book
How they believe this lesson applies to their role within Mitch Leyor
One commitment they want to make to the community
Participants should listen respectfully and focus on understanding rather than responding or judging.
Step 3: Team Vision Exercise (20 Minutes)
As a group, create a shared statement answering:
“How can we represent creativity, faith, and personal excellence through the Four Agreements?”
The group should identify:
Three communication values
Three leadership values
Three community values
One shared commitment for the future
Final Group Reflection:
End the exercise by answering:
“If everyone in our community practiced the Four Agreements every day, how would our relationships, creativity, and impact change?”
The goal of this assignment is not only to read a book, but to transform knowledge into action. A true ambassador represents more than a brand — they represent values, character, and the ability to inspire others through their choices.
Gospel Glamour Required Reading: Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
Gospel Glamour Required Reading, Again
Required Reading Assignment
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
by Amanda Montell
Amanda Montell’s Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism is this season’s required reading for all Gospel Glamour members. As we continue to grow as communicators, creatives, leaders, and people of faith, we are reading this book once more to better understand the influence of language, identity, persuasion, and community. The purpose of this assignment is not to label organizations or individuals, but to strengthen our ability to recognize how words shape culture and how responsible leadership begins with responsible communication.
Throughout the reading, members are encouraged to take notes, highlight meaningful passages, and reflect on how language can either build healthy communities rooted in truth, humility, and accountability or contribute to unhealthy patterns of influence. As Gospel Glamour continues developing its own culture, this book serves as an opportunity to evaluate our own communication with wisdom, integrity, and grace.
Homework Assignment
1. Reflection Essay (Required)
Each member will submit a 1,500-word reflection essay on Cultish. This assignment is designed to evaluate comprehension, personal reflection, leadership application, and group discussion participation.
Your essay should be written in your own words and demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the book.
Word Count Breakdown
Introduction — 150–200 words
Introduce the book.
Briefly summarize its central theme.
Explain why it is valuable reading for Gospel Glamour.
Book Summary — 300–350 words
Summarize the major ideas presented by Amanda Montell.
Discuss the role language plays in forming identity and community.
Explain the author’s primary arguments without simply retelling each chapter.
Personal Reflection — 500–600 words
What challenged you?
What surprised you?
What lessons did you learn?
Did the book change how you think about communication or leadership?
Which chapter had the greatest impact on you and why?
Application to Gospel Glamour — 300–350 words
How can Gospel Glamour apply these lessons?
How should leaders communicate responsibly?
What practices encourage healthy community?
How can members create an environment built on trust, humility, and accountability?
Conclusion — 150–200 words
Summarize your biggest takeaway.
Explain how the book will influence your future communication and leadership.
End with one meaningful quote from the book or a brief personal statement inspired by your reading.
Total Required Word Count: 1,500 words (±100 words).
Group Sharing Session
After essays have been submitted, each reading group will participate in a structured sharing session.
Each participant should prepare a 3–5 minute presentation highlighting the major insights from their essay.
Discussion should focus on thoughtful conversation rather than debate. Members should actively listen, ask respectful questions, and encourage one another through constructive dialogue.
Group Sharing Excerpt Format
Please prepare a short excerpt from your essay using the following format.
Name:
Essay Title:
Favorite Chapter:
Three Key Takeaways:
Takeaway One
Takeaway Two
Takeaway Three
Favorite Quote:
Personal Reflection (100–150 words):
Share the lesson that impacted you most and explain how it can influence your personal life, leadership, or communication.
One Action Step:
Describe one practical change you plan to make after reading Cultish.
Submission Requirements
Minimum of 1,500 words
Double-spaced
12-point font
One-inch margins
Include a title page
Include page numbers
Proofread before submitting
Submit electronically by the assigned due date
Learning Objectives
By completing this assignment, Gospel Glamour members will:
Develop stronger critical reading skills.
Reflect thoughtfully on the power of language.
Strengthen written communication.
Practice respectful group discussion.
Apply principles of ethical leadership and healthy community building.
Learn how intentional communication can inspire, encourage, and unite others while remaining rooted in integrity.
We look forward to reading your reflections and hearing your perspectives during our group discussions as we continue growing together through thoughtful reading, meaningful conversation, and Christ-centered leadership.
If you’d like, I can also format this as an official Gospel Glamour Book Club syllabus with grading criteria (rubric), due dates, participation points, and discussion questions.
Developing Nations Pledge: Gospel Glamour, Trump Style – Big Vision, Big Impact
This Gospel Glamour initiative is a heartfelt movement dedicated to empowering young girls to embody grace, respect, and compassion in their daily lives. Rooted in the principles of empathy and mutual uplifting, this initiative fosters a sense of unity across diverse backgrounds. It recognizes the beauty and strength in the unique voices of girls from all walks of life, encouraging them to shine as beacons of kindness and poise in their communities. Developing nations are given a platform where their perspectives and experiences are celebrated. This initiative sheds light on the shared values that transcend borders, races, and religious beliefs. From one sister in Christ to another, this vision reminds us of the importance of mutual understanding and respect in building bridges of love and solidarity.
The pledge is a unique commitment to living a life that reflects Gospel Glamour's core ideals. It calls young girls to make their actions and words a model of positivity and grace, emphasizing respectful communication and genuine care for others. It is a reminder that through empathy and understanding, we can nurture both personal growth and collective harmony. This movement is a call to celebrate the broader family of Christ, forming connections that rise above political or religious viewpoints. By acknowledging the diverse journeys of our sisters, whether near or far, we affirm the truth that we are all united under the love of Christ. This pledge stands as a testament to that unity and is an invitation to young girls to live with dignity, respect, and a compassionate heart.
THE PLEDGE
“I pledge to live with grace, empathy, and respect towards my sisters in Christ, both near and far. I commit to speaking and acting with kindness, ensuring my words uplift and inspire rather than harm. I will practice understanding and avoid judgment, honoring the strength and beauty that comes from diversity in race, culture, and experience.
I vow to remember that no matter where we come from, we are all one under Christ. I will celebrate the voices of my sisters in developing nations, recognizing their value and contributions. My commitment to tasteful and compassionate communication reflects the love and unity that binds us. I choose to embody humility and intentionality in all my actions, aspiring to be a role model of respectful living.
I will focus on building bonds that bring glory to God and foster a spirit of fellowship and peace. I will remain mindful of the importance of encouragement, creating a supportive space where we can all flourish in faith and purpose. Through this pledge, I affirm my dedication to being a voice of love, empathy, and light in the world. Together with my sisters in Christ, I will strive to honor God through meaningful connections and a life that reflects His teachings.”
Name: ____________________________
Signature: _________________________
Date: _____________________________
Required Film Assignment: Clones, Corporations, and Control: What The Island Teaches About Modern Society
Required Viewing & Analytical Essay
Assigned to: Gospel Glamour · Mitch Leyor · Bennett + Monroe · Prism Church LA
Film: The Island (2005), directed by Michael Bay
Essay length: 1,500 words
Assignment Overview
This is a required viewing assignment. Every participant and team listed above must watch Michael Bay's 2005 science-fiction film The Island in full before completing the written work below. Please watch it closely and take notes as you go — not as passive entertainment, but as a cultural text worth interrogating.
The Island follows Lincoln Six-Echo and Jordan Two-Delta, two residents of a sealed, controlled facility who believe they are survivors of a global contamination. They dream of winning a lottery that promises relocation to the last uncontaminated place on Earth: "the Island." What they eventually discover is far darker — they are clones, engineered and housed as living insurance policies for wealthy clients who harvest them for organs, children, and spare parts. The lottery is a lie. The Island does not exist. It is simply the euphemism for death.
On the surface, the film is a big-budget action spectacle. Beneath that surface sits a sharp meditation on identity, ownership, deception, and the value of a human life. Your task is to read the film on both levels at once.
After viewing, each group will produce a single 1,500-word essay responding to the prompt below.
Essay Prompt
Write a 1,500-word analytical essay that examines how the central themes of The Island correlate with current political and societal issues, and how Michael Bay's directorial style shapes the way those themes reach an audience. Your essay should make an argument — not simply summarize the plot. Build a clear thesis, support it with specific scenes, and connect the film's ideas to the world outside the theater.
Structure your response around the three sections below.
Section 1: The Film's Core Themes (approx. 500 words)
Identify and analyze the film's driving concerns. Address at least four of the following:
Cloning and manufactured identity — The residents are told a fabricated story about who they are and why they exist. What does the film suggest about identity that is built by an institution rather than a person?
Corporate control — The Merrick Institute owns its "products" completely, including their bodies and futures. How does the film frame corporate ownership of human life?
Consumer deception — Clients believe they are purchasing insurance, not sentient people. How does the film use this lie to critique what consumers choose not to know?
Loss of autonomy — The residents' movements, relationships, diets, and even dreams are monitored and managed. What does freedom mean inside a system designed to feel comfortable?
Use concrete moments from the film. Reference specific scenes, lines, and images rather than speaking in generalities.
Section 2: Correlation to Current Political and Societal Issues (approx. 600 words)
This is the heart of your essay. Connect the film's themes to real conditions in contemporary politics and society. You are not required to argue a particular political side — you are required to think seriously and draw honest parallels. Consider issues such as:
Surveillance — The residents live under constant observation framed as care and safety. Where do you see similar trade-offs between comfort, safety, and privacy in modern life?
Bodily autonomy — The clones have no legal claim to their own bodies. How does this speak to ongoing debates about who controls a person's body and choices?
Corporate power — A single institution holds the power of life and death over its "products." Where do you see concentrated private power shaping public life today?
Media manipulation — The lottery, the Island, the contamination story: these are engineered narratives that keep people compliant. How do manufactured narratives function in current media and politics?
Government and institutional overreach — When institutions decide who counts as a full person, what protections disappear?
Choose the connections you can argue most convincingly. Depth beats breadth. It is stronger to develop two or three parallels thoroughly than to list six shallowly.
Section 3: Michael Bay's Directorial Voice (approx. 400 words)
Bay is often dismissed as a director of loud, glossy spectacle. This essay asks you to take his craft seriously. Analyze how his signature style operates as a delivery system for the film's deeper critique. Consider:
Spectacle — Bay stages enormous set pieces, chases, and explosions. How does spectacle keep an audience watching while smuggling in uncomfortable ideas?
Hyperrealism — The world of The Island is bright, clean, and seductive. How does that polished surface mirror the film's warning about attractive lies?
Commercialism — Bay's work is saturated with brand imagery and advertising aesthetics. Is it ironic, then, that a film so commercial critiques consumer culture? Or is that tension the point?
Argue whether Bay's style strengthens or weakens the film's message. There is no correct answer — only a well-supported one.
Requirements
Length: 1,500 words (a reasonable margin either direction is acceptable)
Thesis: Your essay must open with a clear, arguable thesis
Evidence: Reference specific scenes, dialogue, and visual choices from the film
Original analysis: We want your interpretation, not a plot recap
Tone: Thoughtful and bold. Take a position and defend it
Guiding Question
As you write, keep one question in front of you:
If a lie is comfortable enough, well-produced enough, and profitable enough — who is responsible for finding the truth?
The Island poses that question through clones, corporations, and explosions. Your job is to answer it for the world you actually live in.
Required Reading for Mitch Leyor Brand Ambassadors and Congregants: The Giver
To deepen our understanding of themes like altruism, purpose, and connection, we encourage all Mitch Leyor brand ambassadors and congregants to revisit The Giver by Lois Lowry. This thought-provoking novel explores the boundaries of individuality, the value of emotion, and the roles we play within a structured society. It will serve as a meditative tool for reflection on self-awareness and collective responsibility. We will be using the book as a centerpiece for discussion and introspection in our next gathering. Below is an essay prompt alongside guidance for a reflective group discussion to engage meaningfully with the material.
Essay Prompt and Breakdown
Title: "The Depth of Choice and Memory in The Giver — A Journey Toward Unity and Self-Understanding"
Introduction (200 words):
Begin with the central question of the novel: How does the absence of choice shape our humanity? Reflect on what the controlled environment of the world in The Giver suggests about individuality and conformity.
Highlight the significance of memory and its role as a vessel for collective understanding.
Section 1 – The Role of Memory (300 words):
Discuss the role of the Receiver of Memory in the community and its parallels to our own spiritual and emotional archives.
Analyze how Jonas’s encounters with these memories contribute to his awakening. Draw connections to personal experiences—how does memory guide your own choices or deepen your introspection?
Section 2 – The Crisis of Choice (350 words):
Reflect on the societal absence of choice in the novel, its consequences, and the emotional numbness that ensues.
Expand on how contrast (emotion versus neutrality, free will versus imposed rules) shapes Jonas’s transformation and how we recognize similar patterns in our world.
Section 3 – Themes of Unity and Sacrifice (400 words):
Explore the sacrifices made by characters like Jonas and the Giver to awaken others. How does their selflessness serve the greater good?
Reflect on how this theme of sacrifice and commitment relates to modern life and personal development. Think about actions that foster unity and overcome isolation.
Closing Reflection (250 words):
Conclude with personal thoughts on the impact of free will and collective memory.
Prompt the reader to consider their role within their community and how they can balance individuality with a commitment to shared values.
Group Discussion Framework
Opening Question: What emotions did you experience while reading The Giver, and why do you think these moments resonated with you?
Key Themes to Explore:
The importance of memory in shaping identity.
How freedom and choice define humanity.
The power of connection versus isolation in a structured society.
Activity (15 minutes): Divide into smaller groups to discuss personal takeaways from the essay. Focus on parallels between the book and our shared mission of growth and unity.
Closing Reflection (10 minutes): Regroup to share insights, highlighting moments of learning or personal connection with the text.
The Giver serves as a rich foundation for understanding self-awareness, choice, and the unity that binds us. By engaging deeply with this book, we encourage all congregants and ambassadors to not only discover fresh perspectives but also to draw closer to the ideals we seek to embody together.