This time of year we usually stop to give thanks. It is a healthy exercise of our hearts. But what would it look like to live a life of thankfulness? Paul describes it pretty clearly in Philippians 4:4-13
His first reminder to live thankfully is to "rejoice in the Lord always". Why can we rejoice in the Lord always. Because circumstances are always changing but the Lord never changes. He is near, completely understands, and His grace is totally sufficient.
Secondly, Paul tells us to pray about everything. If we pray about everything we would be in constant communication with Lord. Not a bad idea. If you are like me, most prayer is asking and hopefully getting answers. However prayer is really an opportunity to establish our dependence and give us the opportunity to unload our anxiety. The key however is to couch all of our prayers in thanksgiving. You never see anxiety and thanksgiving occupy the same space.
Thirdly, Paul says that we should intentionally think about the good stuff. He starts out with what is true and then moves on to other positive things. We are programmed to think negatively in our culture. It doesn't take long to believe that if we just watch the evening news. But if we start with what is true, we can see truth trumping our emotions. The truth will set us free.
Fourth, Paul tells us to learn contentment in all circumstances. Contentment is a journey for all of us but the best way to learn it is release things instead of controlling them. We also need to experience, in reality or vicariously, the matter of both prosperity and poverty. Until we experience both we will consistently want more.
Paul concludes this section by saying I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That is the main reason we can rejoice in the Lord always. Happy "Thanks Living"!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Overcoming Cynicism
Paul Miller writes a great piece in his book, "A Praying Life", about how to overcome cynicism.
Here are 6 principles in overcoming this prevalent problem in our Christian culture.
1. Jesus tells us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. What he is saying is that we should always keep the tension of wariness about evil with robust confidence in the goodness of God.
Therefore we can always live with a cautious optimism.
2. It is so easy to find ourselves caught up with the day to day frustrations and obstacles, that we forget that there is victory in the end. Therefore we always need to stay in touch with the hope within us.
3. We should cultivate a childlike spirit. If we allow the rust of our adult experience to always taint our view our faith can become tainted as well, leaving us vulnerable to cynicism.
4. We should cultivate more of a thankful spirit. When we focus on the many ways God has blessed us it crowds out the temptation to be cynical.
5. It is easy for a cynic to see themselves as a self appointed critic who is insightful and always right. Therefore the best way to overcome this is to keep a humble heart of repentance. Instead of explaining away your right to feel the way you do, it is better to find the moment of inward honesty and vulnerability.
6. Exercise true forgiveness. When I am cynical about something it is usually an issue of a wound that I have not truly forgiven. It is critical that we not brush hurts under the rug. Often our anger and hurt comes out with a cynical attitude.
Here are 6 principles in overcoming this prevalent problem in our Christian culture.
1. Jesus tells us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. What he is saying is that we should always keep the tension of wariness about evil with robust confidence in the goodness of God.
Therefore we can always live with a cautious optimism.
2. It is so easy to find ourselves caught up with the day to day frustrations and obstacles, that we forget that there is victory in the end. Therefore we always need to stay in touch with the hope within us.
3. We should cultivate a childlike spirit. If we allow the rust of our adult experience to always taint our view our faith can become tainted as well, leaving us vulnerable to cynicism.
4. We should cultivate more of a thankful spirit. When we focus on the many ways God has blessed us it crowds out the temptation to be cynical.
5. It is easy for a cynic to see themselves as a self appointed critic who is insightful and always right. Therefore the best way to overcome this is to keep a humble heart of repentance. Instead of explaining away your right to feel the way you do, it is better to find the moment of inward honesty and vulnerability.
6. Exercise true forgiveness. When I am cynical about something it is usually an issue of a wound that I have not truly forgiven. It is critical that we not brush hurts under the rug. Often our anger and hurt comes out with a cynical attitude.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Four Root Idols
Many different people have written about four root idols that all of us struggle. Here they are:
1. Power: A longing for influence or recognition
2. Control: A longing to have everything go according to my plan
3. Approval: A longing to be accepted or desired.
4. Comfort: A longing for pleasure.
John Calvin has said, "The evil in our desire typically does not lie in what we want, but that we want it too much."
Thomas Chalmers said, "The best way to overcome the world is not with morality or self discipline. Christians overcome the world by seeing the beauty and excellence of Christ.
Practically speaking we can overcome:
1. Power: By submitting to his power.
2. Control : By surrendering to the one who is ultimately in control
3. Approval: Recognizing that we have his approval. Which is most important.
4. Comfort: Remembering He is the God of all comfort.
Pastors and/or leaders can suffer from these idols from time to time. Which one is most likely to occur in your life?
1. Power: A longing for influence or recognition
2. Control: A longing to have everything go according to my plan
3. Approval: A longing to be accepted or desired.
4. Comfort: A longing for pleasure.
John Calvin has said, "The evil in our desire typically does not lie in what we want, but that we want it too much."
Thomas Chalmers said, "The best way to overcome the world is not with morality or self discipline. Christians overcome the world by seeing the beauty and excellence of Christ.
Practically speaking we can overcome:
1. Power: By submitting to his power.
2. Control : By surrendering to the one who is ultimately in control
3. Approval: Recognizing that we have his approval. Which is most important.
4. Comfort: Remembering He is the God of all comfort.
Pastors and/or leaders can suffer from these idols from time to time. Which one is most likely to occur in your life?
Friday, August 30, 2013
The 3 P's of Stinking Thinking
I have to take a break from my previous blog with this incite from Henry Cloud's book, "Boundaries for Leaders".
He talks about the 3 P's that can be devastating to a leader's thinking. A typical spiral can take place in a leader's mind if things are not transpiring the way they want. Or perhaps there is some sort of criticism that affects the way a leader thinks. Here they are:
Personal: Whenever there is something negative taking place a first temptation is to take it personally.
Things might be said like, "What ever made me think I could be a leader?" " The reason we are stuck is that I'm not up to this task." "What ever made me think that I could pull it off?"
Pervasive: The next step downward in the spiral is to believe that everybody must think this is true. Or that everything is failing. Things might be said, "It seems like everything I am working on is failing." "Nothing seems to be going right."
Permanent: The final step to this spiral is that it is always going to be this way. So we think that things will never change.
How many times have any of us gone through this spiral in various forms? It is critical for us to stop the spiral. That kind of inward thinking can kill the morale of those on your team.
If you are in that spiral, it is time to stop the merry-go-round and get some outside objective counsel before you fall into a depression or create a permanent culture of negativity.
He talks about the 3 P's that can be devastating to a leader's thinking. A typical spiral can take place in a leader's mind if things are not transpiring the way they want. Or perhaps there is some sort of criticism that affects the way a leader thinks. Here they are:
Personal: Whenever there is something negative taking place a first temptation is to take it personally.
Things might be said like, "What ever made me think I could be a leader?" " The reason we are stuck is that I'm not up to this task." "What ever made me think that I could pull it off?"
Pervasive: The next step downward in the spiral is to believe that everybody must think this is true. Or that everything is failing. Things might be said, "It seems like everything I am working on is failing." "Nothing seems to be going right."
Permanent: The final step to this spiral is that it is always going to be this way. So we think that things will never change.
How many times have any of us gone through this spiral in various forms? It is critical for us to stop the spiral. That kind of inward thinking can kill the morale of those on your team.
If you are in that spiral, it is time to stop the merry-go-round and get some outside objective counsel before you fall into a depression or create a permanent culture of negativity.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Moving from I to We part 2 A GOOD LISTENER
Now that I have introduced this new model of being a leader who is a steward of his/her own gifts and also a steward of those gifts already in the body, we need to describe how this model is practically lived out.
Dr. Ford points out that the first step is for the Steward leader to be a "good listener". This means the leader needs to listen for the passion and vision of those under his leadership. It means asking a lot more questions, being an excellent observer, and then discerning where their gifts may lie.
A Harvard University professor has said, "Most leaders die with their mouths open". Leaders are often valued more for what they say and thus fall into the trap of not being a good listener.
A leader who is good at listening communicates a teachability and sensitivity to the people in the church or on the team. When this happens, people feel validated and the freedom to express their passions and giftedness.
Once a leader understands where people's passion lay, the next step is to equip them for tasks they are passionate about. I will touch on this aspect in the next blog.
The question I want to leave you is this: Are you a good listener? Have you created an environment of understanding and discernment as the leader? Have you created a self serving agenda of leadership or a body building agenda of leadership?
Dr. Ford points out that the first step is for the Steward leader to be a "good listener". This means the leader needs to listen for the passion and vision of those under his leadership. It means asking a lot more questions, being an excellent observer, and then discerning where their gifts may lie.
A Harvard University professor has said, "Most leaders die with their mouths open". Leaders are often valued more for what they say and thus fall into the trap of not being a good listener.
A leader who is good at listening communicates a teachability and sensitivity to the people in the church or on the team. When this happens, people feel validated and the freedom to express their passions and giftedness.
Once a leader understands where people's passion lay, the next step is to equip them for tasks they are passionate about. I will touch on this aspect in the next blog.
The question I want to leave you is this: Are you a good listener? Have you created an environment of understanding and discernment as the leader? Have you created a self serving agenda of leadership or a body building agenda of leadership?
Monday, July 22, 2013
Moving from I to We
I have been reading a book called "Moving From I to We" by Dr. Paul Ford. It has impressed me with a new model of leadership.
For the last decade the emphasis in local churches has been a need for visionary leadership. This has precipitated a CEO driven model, where one guy is the hub of strategy. This puts an enormous amount of pressure on the pastor to be all things to all people. Many pastors are simply not wired to represent this model because many are pastor/shepherds not necessarily visionary leaders. Consequently the pastor becomes the lightning rod of criticism when things trend downward.
What if we introduce a different model of leadership that could bring new life to a local body of believers? Could a pastor lead his congregation to vibrant health and not be a visionary leader? I believe the answer is yes!
Let's think of a leadership model that requires "stewardship". This model would require the leader to develop a strategy around the people God has brought to the table, utilizing their gifts and passions.
Typically a CEO would cast vision and develop a strategy and then try to find the people to fit into the strategy. A steward on the other hand would assess the people and develop a strategy around the gifts and passions of the people. This model could release and empower the entire body of Christ into action.
For those of you who are not the type A strong visionary leader, this could be the answer to bringing new life to your team or flock.
In the weeks ahead I will unpack this model some more. Stay tuned......
For the last decade the emphasis in local churches has been a need for visionary leadership. This has precipitated a CEO driven model, where one guy is the hub of strategy. This puts an enormous amount of pressure on the pastor to be all things to all people. Many pastors are simply not wired to represent this model because many are pastor/shepherds not necessarily visionary leaders. Consequently the pastor becomes the lightning rod of criticism when things trend downward.
What if we introduce a different model of leadership that could bring new life to a local body of believers? Could a pastor lead his congregation to vibrant health and not be a visionary leader? I believe the answer is yes!
Let's think of a leadership model that requires "stewardship". This model would require the leader to develop a strategy around the people God has brought to the table, utilizing their gifts and passions.
Typically a CEO would cast vision and develop a strategy and then try to find the people to fit into the strategy. A steward on the other hand would assess the people and develop a strategy around the gifts and passions of the people. This model could release and empower the entire body of Christ into action.
For those of you who are not the type A strong visionary leader, this could be the answer to bringing new life to your team or flock.
In the weeks ahead I will unpack this model some more. Stay tuned......
Friday, June 21, 2013
When is it time to leave an Organization?
Unfortunately over the past 6 1/2 years I have seen too many pastors and leaders of organizations stay too long in their positions. In a recent article given to me written by Ron Edmonson, he shares 10 scenarios that may indicate when it is time to leave. Here they are:
1. When God has freed you from your commitment.
( You sensed God has released you)
2. When your work is finished.
( You have accomplished what you came to do and your are done)
3. When your heart has left the organization or its vision.
4. When you can't support the leadership, or I might add, when the leadership does not support you.
5. When your family or personal life is suffering because of the demands of the organization.
6. When your mind starts working against the mission of the organization.
(losing hope in the organization)
7. If the organization or senior leadership is venturing into immoral or unethical practices.
8. When your relationship with co-workers or leadership is damaged beyond repair.
9. When you find yourself physically ill if work crosses your mind.
10. When you don't have the energy to pull your own weight.
1. When God has freed you from your commitment.
( You sensed God has released you)
2. When your work is finished.
( You have accomplished what you came to do and your are done)
3. When your heart has left the organization or its vision.
4. When you can't support the leadership, or I might add, when the leadership does not support you.
5. When your family or personal life is suffering because of the demands of the organization.
6. When your mind starts working against the mission of the organization.
(losing hope in the organization)
7. If the organization or senior leadership is venturing into immoral or unethical practices.
8. When your relationship with co-workers or leadership is damaged beyond repair.
9. When you find yourself physically ill if work crosses your mind.
10. When you don't have the energy to pull your own weight.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Leaving a Legacy
Have you ever thought about what people might say at your memorial service? Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 7, "A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. In the same way the day you die is better than the day your are born." He goes on to say say, "a wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now".
I am not trying to be morbid but there are some legitimate questions that need to be asked when it comes to leaving our legacies.
Questions:
1. Are we living our lives on the earth like we are aliens or permanent citizens?
Colossians 3:1-2
2. Are we going to stay active for the kingdom until we die or do we plan on retiring?
Philippians 3:12
3. Are we investing our lives in young eagles to carry on the Kingdom's business?
II Timothy 2:2
4. Are we releasing and empowering those you have invested, or are we still trying to
control them?
Matthew 28:19-20
5. Is there anybody in our lives who respects us enough to want a double portion of our
spirit?
II Kings 2:9
I am not trying to be morbid but there are some legitimate questions that need to be asked when it comes to leaving our legacies.
Questions:
1. Are we living our lives on the earth like we are aliens or permanent citizens?
Colossians 3:1-2
2. Are we going to stay active for the kingdom until we die or do we plan on retiring?
Philippians 3:12
3. Are we investing our lives in young eagles to carry on the Kingdom's business?
II Timothy 2:2
4. Are we releasing and empowering those you have invested, or are we still trying to
control them?
Matthew 28:19-20
5. Is there anybody in our lives who respects us enough to want a double portion of our
spirit?
II Kings 2:9
Monday, May 6, 2013
Overcoming Spiritual Depression
Elijah was in a spiritual depression following his great victory at Mount Carmel. Last blog I referred to the triggers of spiritual depression. This blog I want to share with you how God dealt with his depression.
First and foremost God wanted him to rest and get something to eat, and then take a walk to Mount Horeb. There is no substitute for rest, a healthy diet, and physical exercise. This requires some boundary setting but is absolutely essential to overcoming spiritual depression.
Secondly you will notice that Elijah wasn't afraid to tell God exactly how he feels. He whined and complained about his loneliness and just wanted to die. It is critical for us to be honest with our fears, anxieties and frustrations before God. God wants our honesty not our perfection.
Thirdly God stopped his spiral downward by doing some pretty dramatic intervention. There was wind, fire, and earthquake, but God wasn't in those sources. God wanted Elijah's undivided attention.
He spoke in a whisper. It is critical that once we have stopped complaining to listen carefully to the voice of God. Scripture tells us to "be still and know that I am God".
Fourth, we need to fix our mind what is true. God made it abundantly clear that Elijah was not alone, and that there were 7000 others who refused to worship the god of Baal. This takes a lot of intentional thinking on our part, but with God's help we must get off the emotional merry-go-round long enough to see what is really true.
Fifth, it is critical to find a friend you can trust. This means someone who will be there for you and speak truth and encouragement into your life. God knew that Elijah needed someone in his life like Elisha.
Lastly, We need to just get up and get going. Sometimes we just need to take the next step in faith. This doesn't mean we fake until we make it. It does mean that often taking those steps we can find new joy in serving. God had work for Elijah to do. He wasn't finished with him yet. And he is not finished with us either.
First and foremost God wanted him to rest and get something to eat, and then take a walk to Mount Horeb. There is no substitute for rest, a healthy diet, and physical exercise. This requires some boundary setting but is absolutely essential to overcoming spiritual depression.
Secondly you will notice that Elijah wasn't afraid to tell God exactly how he feels. He whined and complained about his loneliness and just wanted to die. It is critical for us to be honest with our fears, anxieties and frustrations before God. God wants our honesty not our perfection.
Thirdly God stopped his spiral downward by doing some pretty dramatic intervention. There was wind, fire, and earthquake, but God wasn't in those sources. God wanted Elijah's undivided attention.
He spoke in a whisper. It is critical that once we have stopped complaining to listen carefully to the voice of God. Scripture tells us to "be still and know that I am God".
Fourth, we need to fix our mind what is true. God made it abundantly clear that Elijah was not alone, and that there were 7000 others who refused to worship the god of Baal. This takes a lot of intentional thinking on our part, but with God's help we must get off the emotional merry-go-round long enough to see what is really true.
Fifth, it is critical to find a friend you can trust. This means someone who will be there for you and speak truth and encouragement into your life. God knew that Elijah needed someone in his life like Elisha.
Lastly, We need to just get up and get going. Sometimes we just need to take the next step in faith. This doesn't mean we fake until we make it. It does mean that often taking those steps we can find new joy in serving. God had work for Elijah to do. He wasn't finished with him yet. And he is not finished with us either.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Triggers to Spiritual Depression
In a recent sermon I spoke to the issue regarding spiritual depression based upon a passage in I Kings 18-19. Elijah experienced spiritual depression along with David, Jeremiah, and Paul just to name a few.
As I studied the downside of Elijah's ministry after defeating the prophets of Baal, I saw 4 factors that contributed to his spiritual depression.
The first was spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion. Elijah had just had a euphoric moment on Mount Carmel defeating the prophets of Baal and seeing the people of Israel declare that there is only one true God. Elijah then spends himself in fervent prayer for rain followed by a 20 mile marathon down the hill to Jezreel. Exhaustion from draining times in life whether good or bad can trigger spiritual depression.
Secondly Elijah had to deal with the threat of Queen Jezebel. Even though Elijah defeated 400 prophets he found Jezebel's threat too much for him. When we are in a place of criticism and rejection it is easy to find ourselves quickly spiraling downward. Especially those of us in leadership find this to be a given. There will always be critics in our lives but accompanied with exhaustion it can be dangerous.
Thirdly the chapter tells us that Elijah became afraid and ran. Fear is terribly debilitating. There are so many things to fear in our lives if we allow ourselves to go there. Whether it be health, economic, relational, domestic, or foreign fears, it is easy to find ourselves worrying just about anything.
Finally Elijah did something he ought not to do. He separated from his aide and went off into the desert by himself. Isolation can be deadly. Alone in the spiral of fear, threats, and weariness can be ever so dangerous. It gives satan the opportunity to play with our minds without external input.
So are your experiencing these in your life? My next blog will give you the help you need to overcome spiritual depression. God became Elijah's therapist.
Until next time. Hang in there.
As I studied the downside of Elijah's ministry after defeating the prophets of Baal, I saw 4 factors that contributed to his spiritual depression.
The first was spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion. Elijah had just had a euphoric moment on Mount Carmel defeating the prophets of Baal and seeing the people of Israel declare that there is only one true God. Elijah then spends himself in fervent prayer for rain followed by a 20 mile marathon down the hill to Jezreel. Exhaustion from draining times in life whether good or bad can trigger spiritual depression.
Secondly Elijah had to deal with the threat of Queen Jezebel. Even though Elijah defeated 400 prophets he found Jezebel's threat too much for him. When we are in a place of criticism and rejection it is easy to find ourselves quickly spiraling downward. Especially those of us in leadership find this to be a given. There will always be critics in our lives but accompanied with exhaustion it can be dangerous.
Thirdly the chapter tells us that Elijah became afraid and ran. Fear is terribly debilitating. There are so many things to fear in our lives if we allow ourselves to go there. Whether it be health, economic, relational, domestic, or foreign fears, it is easy to find ourselves worrying just about anything.
Finally Elijah did something he ought not to do. He separated from his aide and went off into the desert by himself. Isolation can be deadly. Alone in the spiral of fear, threats, and weariness can be ever so dangerous. It gives satan the opportunity to play with our minds without external input.
So are your experiencing these in your life? My next blog will give you the help you need to overcome spiritual depression. God became Elijah's therapist.
Until next time. Hang in there.
Monday, April 8, 2013
TOO MANY EXPECTATIONS
Most of us live under too many expectations. Especially those of us in leadership. All of our followers put various demands upon our lives which can reek havoc with our emotional and spiritual health. How so?
If we are not careful we can allow everybody else's expectations to shape our identity. It is so easy to become performance driven when we allow everybody else to determine our agenda. When that happens we can lose our authenticity. We just become actors on the stage of life. Before long we forget how God has actually wired us to be.
Unfortunately I have seen this happen to too many pastors. After years and years of meeting expectations that they are not wired to meet, they become burned out and ineffective. So instead of finishing well in their sweet spot they are busy compensating for their weaknesses.
So what is the answer?
1. Take time to revisit your God-given strengths and weaknesses, to reestablish your identity.
2. Begin setting appropriate boundaries that co-inside with your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Learn to release and empower those who are gifted around you to meet those expectations that are
not in your sweet spot. Too many leaders are control freaks.
4. Consider leaving your position to another who maybe has the gifts and energy to better meet the
expectations. ( I realize that there are some positions we can't leave. ie. husband, wife, father etc.)
5. Find time to recharge your batteries. Get off the merry-go-round long enough to rest and evaluate.
Leadership is demanding and requires intentional rest.
If we are not careful we can allow everybody else's expectations to shape our identity. It is so easy to become performance driven when we allow everybody else to determine our agenda. When that happens we can lose our authenticity. We just become actors on the stage of life. Before long we forget how God has actually wired us to be.
Unfortunately I have seen this happen to too many pastors. After years and years of meeting expectations that they are not wired to meet, they become burned out and ineffective. So instead of finishing well in their sweet spot they are busy compensating for their weaknesses.
So what is the answer?
1. Take time to revisit your God-given strengths and weaknesses, to reestablish your identity.
2. Begin setting appropriate boundaries that co-inside with your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Learn to release and empower those who are gifted around you to meet those expectations that are
not in your sweet spot. Too many leaders are control freaks.
4. Consider leaving your position to another who maybe has the gifts and energy to better meet the
expectations. ( I realize that there are some positions we can't leave. ie. husband, wife, father etc.)
5. Find time to recharge your batteries. Get off the merry-go-round long enough to rest and evaluate.
Leadership is demanding and requires intentional rest.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
DISCIPLE OR LEADER
Disciple making is the buzz in most churches that I have consulted. Recently I heard Larry Osborne shed some simple light on the whole matter of what a disciple is. Since I wholeheartedly agree with him I want to pass what he shared along to you.
The simple and Biblical definition of a disciple is to be a follower of Christ. Unfortunately the church has confused a follower with a leader. We have defined a disciple to be someone who is totally sold out to Christ who will be actively leading others and/or multiplying themselves. However there are many followers of Christ who wouldn't measure up to these qualifications. There are some followers who may be at the head of the line and there may be some who are at the end of the line. Nevertheless they are followers. Certainly some followers will excel at leading but we must not expect all followers to be leadership material. We shouldn't make people into second class citizens in the kingdom just because they aren't in full time ministry, leading a Bible study, or measuring up to other behavioral qualifications we put on mature Christianity.
The Great Commission commands the church to make disciples and teach followers to obey all that He has commanded them to do. So every disciple, as a follower, should be on a journey to learn and obey.
That simply is what qualifies a disciple nothing more and nothing less. Every journey looks different with its own highs and lows.
As long as the church is teaching those in their care to obey, perhaps we are doing a better job of making disciples then we think we are?
The simple and Biblical definition of a disciple is to be a follower of Christ. Unfortunately the church has confused a follower with a leader. We have defined a disciple to be someone who is totally sold out to Christ who will be actively leading others and/or multiplying themselves. However there are many followers of Christ who wouldn't measure up to these qualifications. There are some followers who may be at the head of the line and there may be some who are at the end of the line. Nevertheless they are followers. Certainly some followers will excel at leading but we must not expect all followers to be leadership material. We shouldn't make people into second class citizens in the kingdom just because they aren't in full time ministry, leading a Bible study, or measuring up to other behavioral qualifications we put on mature Christianity.
The Great Commission commands the church to make disciples and teach followers to obey all that He has commanded them to do. So every disciple, as a follower, should be on a journey to learn and obey.
That simply is what qualifies a disciple nothing more and nothing less. Every journey looks different with its own highs and lows.
As long as the church is teaching those in their care to obey, perhaps we are doing a better job of making disciples then we think we are?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
SELF AWARENESS
There are lots of factors that go into successful ministry; or for that matter successful leadership, successful living, and successful relationships.
All of us want to hear these words from the Lord when we see him face to face, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."
By these words, being faithful is the critical component to a successful life. But being faithful to what? Most of us want to be faithful in the tasks that are set before us; such as parenting, leading, working hard, handling our finances, etc. But what about being faithful to ourselves?
What does that look like? Is our faithfulness connected to the way God has hard-wired us?
We can be faithful to the tasks set before us but if the task doesn't jive with our gifting, passion, and personality, all we are doing is spinning our wheels.
Unfortunately I know too many pastors and leaders who are busy being faithful, but have such a low self awareness that the fruit of their faithfulness is waning. Why? They have not really understood, accepted, are clueless, or in denial of their strengths and weaknesses.
Certainly self awareness is a life long journey. That journey is an inward one. There are plenty of diagnostic tools on the market today to help us more clearly define who we are. I trust good leaders will take that journey seriously.
All of us want to hear these words from the Lord when we see him face to face, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."
By these words, being faithful is the critical component to a successful life. But being faithful to what? Most of us want to be faithful in the tasks that are set before us; such as parenting, leading, working hard, handling our finances, etc. But what about being faithful to ourselves?
What does that look like? Is our faithfulness connected to the way God has hard-wired us?
We can be faithful to the tasks set before us but if the task doesn't jive with our gifting, passion, and personality, all we are doing is spinning our wheels.
Unfortunately I know too many pastors and leaders who are busy being faithful, but have such a low self awareness that the fruit of their faithfulness is waning. Why? They have not really understood, accepted, are clueless, or in denial of their strengths and weaknesses.
Certainly self awareness is a life long journey. That journey is an inward one. There are plenty of diagnostic tools on the market today to help us more clearly define who we are. I trust good leaders will take that journey seriously.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
ADAPTABILITY
The apostle Paul made it clear in Romans that he had "a great sense of obligation to the people in our culture, and to people in other cultures" (1:14). In other words, he wanted to be culturally relevant. Fort this reason, he was always willing to make whatever adjustments he needed to so that he could effectively reach peoples' hearts and minds for Christ.. Paul said, "I have made myself a servant to all that I might win the more...I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake: (I Cor. 9:19,22-23)
Too many leaders are unwilling to adapt to the changes that are constantly taking place in our culture affecting the life and health of the local church.
I have said that healthy things grow and growing things change. Change is really hard for some leaders. Someone has said that the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and expecting a different result.
Good leaders are in touch with the culture and the dynamics that affect their ministry.
Change may require a fresh vision, becoming more relational, more creative, or empowering more. It may even mean getting out of the way and bringing in fresh leadership.
Samuel Johnson, the great English author, wrote, "He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts and multiply the grief which he purposes to remove."
Too many leaders are unwilling to adapt to the changes that are constantly taking place in our culture affecting the life and health of the local church.
I have said that healthy things grow and growing things change. Change is really hard for some leaders. Someone has said that the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and expecting a different result.
Good leaders are in touch with the culture and the dynamics that affect their ministry.
Change may require a fresh vision, becoming more relational, more creative, or empowering more. It may even mean getting out of the way and bringing in fresh leadership.
Samuel Johnson, the great English author, wrote, "He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts and multiply the grief which he purposes to remove."
Saturday, January 12, 2013
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP part 4
So far we have described spiritual leadership with three components:
1. LOVING God with all your heart soul and strength (all in)
2. LIFE- LONG LEARNING (intellectually and emotionally)
3. LIVING an integrated Christian life (consistent and cohesive)
The fourth and final component Moses describes is LEAVING A LEGACY.
Verse 1-2 of Deuteronomy 6 tells us "These are all the commands, laws, and regulations that the Lord your God told me to teach you so you may obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and so you and your children and grandchildren might fear the Lord your God as long as you live."
We must understand that we will leave a legacy to those whom we influence. It can be a great legacy or not so great.
Great spiritual leaders are consistently and intentionally building into the lives they influence. So when the baton is passed it leaves no doubt to the longevity and productivity of the fruit that follows.
Remember: Leadership is a person who knows with greater than average strength of conviction what he wants to get done and where he wants to go. So let's get it done!
1. LOVING God with all your heart soul and strength (all in)
2. LIFE- LONG LEARNING (intellectually and emotionally)
3. LIVING an integrated Christian life (consistent and cohesive)
The fourth and final component Moses describes is LEAVING A LEGACY.
Verse 1-2 of Deuteronomy 6 tells us "These are all the commands, laws, and regulations that the Lord your God told me to teach you so you may obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and so you and your children and grandchildren might fear the Lord your God as long as you live."
We must understand that we will leave a legacy to those whom we influence. It can be a great legacy or not so great.
Great spiritual leaders are consistently and intentionally building into the lives they influence. So when the baton is passed it leaves no doubt to the longevity and productivity of the fruit that follows.
Remember: Leadership is a person who knows with greater than average strength of conviction what he wants to get done and where he wants to go. So let's get it done!
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