Thoughts on Life and Leading

Today I was discussing an upcoming message series with a couple of the guys on our Programming Team. We gather weekly to talk about upcoming worship services and to plan the elements of the services. I was making the point that some of the topics that I plan to address in the near future are sensitive and may be met with resistance. I was hoping to get the people to hear me out before they erect walls to keep out the ideas I am planning to present. I said something along the lines of this: “I need to get this into their hearts before I get it into their heads.” What I was saying was that, with many touchy subjects, people are much more willing to listen if their emotions are engaged ahead of time. I really hope this is not viewed as manipulation.

The truth is, the Gospel must be processed first with the heart and then with the mind. I have seen many people reject a concept because of intellectual reasons and the matter never made it as far as their hearts. If a person’s heart is soft enough to hear the truth, it is much easier for the brain to go along. As one guy said, “hearts rule heads”.

The concepts are I plan to present are true. Scripture says that the people die because of a lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6) I want them to know the truth and live.

Hearts first, then heads. I am working through what this looks like for my preaching and teaching on a weekly basis.

Letha and I made a short trip to a major retailer box store (to remain nameless but Sam Walton’s kids are still making lots of money) late last night. The store is in a questionable part of town, not too far from where we live. Our neighborhood is relatively mono-cultural. Not true in this store. There was a large majority of the people in the store who were a different culture than we are. I am not saying that this is a bad thing – this is just for purposes of making an observation.

A couple of things that struck me about these families was their apparent poverty and the fact that the store was full of kids and it was very late, especially for the night before the first day of the school year. Shopping carts we full of school supplies, kids were picking out notebooks and clothes and there were lots of glue and boxes of tissues as required by the classroom supplies lists. It was kind of crazy.

I couldn’t help but think that these kids should already be bathed and snug in bed. Instead, they were bouncing around the store, dealing with the crowd in this madhouse. They were buying sodas to drink now and sugary cereal to eat for breakfast. Kind of messed with my mind. Are these parents leading their kids into continued poverty? Will the kids grow up to understand that there is a better way to do life? Please don’t get me wrong. I am NOT saying that these people are the reason that they are poor. I am saying, if these parents don’t know any better than to treat their kids this way, I am skeptical of their judgment in other areas.

My heart went out to these families. I found myself wanting to pay for some of their stuff. I didn’t or couldn’t do that. I thought how much we need to reach out to these people, I talked to Letha about how we need to minister to more cultures through our church.

We just paid for our stuff and drove home, back to our neighborhood.

After a little research, I understand that momentum is a physics term; it refers to the quantity of motion that an object has. Momentum can be defined as “mass in motion”. All objects have mass so if an object is moving, then it has momentum. The amount of momentum which an object has is dependent upon two variables: how much mass is moving and how fast the mass is moving. This scientific gibberish means that it is easier to keep an object moving once it is already moving than it is to get something moving that is not moving. Think of pushing a stalled car.

Clear? As mud!

Although less scientific, organizational momentum is much the same. Getting a group of stationary people moving is very difficult. Once a group is moving forward, sustaining that movement gets easier. The dynamics of long term forward progress are elusive and would make you a million if you could capture them.

In our work in the ministry, I think momentum is the result of various considerations:
hard work
success
public relations
timing
credibility
trustworthiness
authenticity
good fortune
prayer
grace
(not a complete list and not necessarily in that order.)

I have a real desire to see measureable forward progress by an increasingly larger group of people on a consistent basis sustained over a long period of time – in other words, I want MOMENTUM! What leader doesn’t?

I wanted to wait until Michael wins all of his gold medals in the Olympics, but I just couldn’t pass up posting this Sports Illustrated photo finish from last night’s 100 meter butterfly race. By taking one extra stroke while the other guy (Cavic) is coasting in, Phelps (left) pushed ahead and won by 1/100th of one second. Look at their heads, Michael’s in down, he is focused and determined. His opponent has his head up, slowing himself down. The best sports finish I have ever seen.

A friend of mine is starting a new church in Birmingham, Alabama. Chris Goins will launch a2 church this Sunday, August 17! It is great when we get to see an exciting beginning to a new life-giving church.

In order for a new church to succeed, lots of planning, vision development and fund raising needs to happen. The amount of work that goes into a church plant is unbelievable. Leaders need to commit themselves, advertising has to happen and a solid ministry strategy has to be fully developed. More important than all of that is the prayer that needs to take place. Chris, his family and friends have been praying for quite a while about this great ministry opportunity. I am hoping that everyone who reads this will join me in praying for them.

Pray for new unchurched families to become a part of a2 church.
Ask God to provide a solid foundation for this new church community.
Pray for many people to be reached and discipled for Christ.
Pray for the resources that are necessary.
Pray for continued vision and passion for Chris and his leadership team.
Pray that God will be honored and the name of Christ will be elevated through this new church.
Ask God to change Birmingham and the world as a result of the work of His people.

Chris, way to go! We can’t wait to see what God does through the new work of a2.

I received an email this morning sharing the story of the Chinese Pastor who developed the idea for the “Pray for China” Olympics prayer band. The story comes from Voice of the Martyrs, the organization behind the distribution of the reminder bands.

On Saturday, Rick Warren from Saddleback Church will interview the two presidential candidates. This nationally televised event is one of the more interesting twists in this ever evolving and never ending election. Warren sent out an email to various pastors asking for opinions and feedback. He asks, “What question would you ask both candidates if you had the chance?” He literally wants us to send him ideas about questions to ask, I think that is pretty cool.

This week, I am working on a message series that we plan to begin on Sunday. The (not so) Perfect Family has been in the works for a while. It is born out of the concern that we have for families in our area (and everywhere) who are struggling. I meet so many people who are so hopeless when it comes to the idea of having a healthy family or a strong marriage. Too many have given up on the idea that God can actually use them to do something for Him. They feel that their families are just too messed up. So they quit. They quit hoping and believing and working.

I believe in the power of God to heal. I believe that He can take a really hurting person and hurting families and bring healing. I know he can utilize us to do something significant for Him, even though we are far from perfect.

Maybe you will want to follow along on our journey. We are planning four weeks of messages on topics like: recovery from estrangement, rebounding from relationship failure, returning from loss, and restoration from bondage. These are real issues that people are wrestling with. We aren’t going to candy-coat anything and we plan to deal directly with what God has to say about these topics.

If you live in the area, consider bringing a friend with you and attending. If you are too far away to be with us, check it out on the web. The messages are usually posted by Tuesday morning following the services.

I was amazed last night when I watched the US Men’s Olympic 4×100 Freestyle Relay Swim Team defeat France. The Americans shattered the world record and took the gold medal. Not quite as important, but fairly satisfying nonetheless, was their defeat of the French team. I have nothing personal against the French but they had gone public with their goal to “smash” the US team. Because of their skill level and experience, no one gave the US a chance to win. They were mistaken. The US team trailed for almost all of the race but team Captain Jason Lezak swam the race of his life and edged out Bernard from France. It was an incredible comeback and a remarkable moment.

I have never been a fan of trash talk. Most sports accept it as normal and part of the competitive process. I think it is not an indicator of confidence. I believe it is an indicator of weakness. In the case of this race, this is proven to be true. Maybe this is also a reminder to us of the principle: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 NIV)

Let’s stay humble. We don’t want to miss a gold medal because we are too busy talking.

Today, Josh and Niki Heilman and their two beautiful kids, Colette and Nathan left the state of Washington, headed to Palm Beach Gardens to be part of our leaderhsip team. They are loading up their mini van and making the trek, two dogs and a cat in tow. We are so excited to welcome them. Josh will be working in areas of worship ministries and outreach.

I am asking eveyrone to pray for their safety while traveling and a smooth transition for them once they arrive. To learn more about them, check out: joshheilman.com

Thanks for praying for them!

I spoke with a man today who, on Monday, lost his wife of 52 years. We were planning her memorial service and he was sharing stories about his wife. He holds her memory close to his heart. It is usual for family members to say kind things about their loved ones who have recently departed. But this was different. He spoke with simple but compelling words. His sincerity was obvious. In speaking of his wife’s faith, he said simply, “she tried to live the Christian life.” I was stuck by the depth of his statement. I believe him, I believe that she tried and succeeded in living the Christlife. If she hadn’t, he would have known. You can’t hide for 52 years.

Scripture is clear, we are to be careful to build up others, to encourage those who are around us. I think there is a simple reason for this – life has a way of tearing people down. We have to make reaching out to others a priority. If we are going to be good at lifting up others, we must first be good at being aware of the needs of people and being sensitive to what will encourage them.

Some helpful ideas:
· Start with those who are closest to you. Look a little deeper than the surface. Listen and look for indicators that the person to whom you are speaking could use a boost. This takes time.
· Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to discern real needs vs. perceived needs.
· Don’t try to “fix” everything – just offer compassion and care. Remember that only God can bring complete healing and wholeness – but He can use you to be involved in the process.
· When you don’t know what to say, simply pray. Sometimes nothing we can say will provide encouragement but our love and prayers will go a long way.

Hebrews 3:13 “You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called “today.” If you don’t, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn.” (CEV)

Many leaders are recognized for their charisma. Seldom are leaders really respected because of their charisma. Being charismatic is not a sin but it is not the most important aspect of one’s life. Some charismatic leaders intimidate their followers. Fear is no catalyst for trust. Some charismatic leaders coerce and manipulate. Followers hate to be played.

One of the most important elements of a leader’s life is his integrity.

It is common to see compromise in areas of integrity. Apparently a few believe that there are more important characteristics. Three examples of things that I have recently seen competing with and defeating integrity in one particular leader’s life are: control, maintaining position/title and perpetuating their system.

Some leaders place these kinds of things above their integrity in the hopes that followers won’t know or care. The trouble is, once followers discover the truth (and sooner or later they do), they withhold respect and trust and therefore they will not follow. The system that the leader hoped to perpetuate and the position/title they hoped to maintain and the control they desired to retain end up lost. Once trust and respect is lost, it is not easily regained.

It takes a lifetime to build trust but only a moment to lose it.

The less integrity a leader has, the more he/she tries to cover their compromise. The deception thickens, the mistrust multiplies. And we experience meltdown.

There is no substitute for integrity. Nothing can replace it in the life of a leader. Nothing can compete.

I don’t know if you have noticed but there is a scripture that is at the bottom of this blog. It has been there since day one. For several years, this verse has been underlined in most of the Bibles that I own. I consider it a leading verse in my life. David has always been an inspiration to me, mostly because, although far from perfect, he had a heart after God’s heart.

The verse I am referring to is Psalms 78:72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (NIV)

The core words of this verse are obvious: 1) shepherded, 2) integrity, 3) skillful and 4) led. They intermingle and are inextricably connected. Can one be a true shepherd without being skillful? Can one who herds sheep (for God) lack integrity? Can we lead God’s people if we are not shepherds? This verse reminds me and challenges me and encourages me.

The Message version of the verse says, “His good heart made him a good shepherd; he guided the people wisely and well.” I want to have a good heart. This means to search for God’s heart until you discover it. This requires time and energy and focus. It also requires a removal of all other distractions from your heart. Maybe you have heard someone say, “God won’t settle for second place in your life.”

The version I used at the bottom is the New Century Version: “And David led them with an innocent heart and guided them with skillful hands.” We will never have an innocent heart unless we first discover God’s heart and then emulate it. His heart is perfectly pure and holy. Ours only becomes pure through His power.

If you are a leader and you want to do a good job of leading, capture God’s heart. I do believe the sequence of events can’t be reversed. First comes integrity, then comes skill. This “skill” is not the result of experience or education, or even hard work. It is the gift of purity. God bestows it on those who are close to Him.

God, please give me a good heart let me do a good job of leading your people.

Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. I am thinking today about collaborative leadership, or the idea of multiple leaders working on a particular project, especially with the idea of working as a unit. Synergy is one word that should come to mind, but depending on your experience, a cooperative and successful venture may not be your first thought. Your first thought may be “completely competitive chaos”. This is probably because we have all seen the results of a group of head-strong leaders trying to work together, each vying for the top dog position. I have observed while guys shuffled for titles, jockeying for who gets the credit. Who gets to be in charge?

There are several models of cooperative leadership that we may observe. Each time these efforts succeed, you can be assured that the leaders involved possess some indispensible qualities. Qualities like:
Pure motivations
Self security
Humility
Generosity
Confidence

Team work is the idea. When strong leaders collaborate, great things happen. So take a look around. Could what you are doing be enhanced if you would team up with another leader? Some projects have to be solo, but I’m thinking that we can cover more ground and increase our effectiveness if we link arms with others of like heart. The word for the day: collaborate!

At the time of this post, I have 1059 emails in my inbox. And that is just my church account. My personal account on aol has 79. I also have two other email accounts that I rarely use, glad to say they are not so active, one has 12 and the other, my iPhone account, is empty (that’s only because no one knows that address).

I am seriously thinking about declaring “email bankruptcy”. According to a recent aol article on email addictions, “More than 27% of the people asked are so overwhelmed by their email that they’ve declared ‘email bankruptcy’, deleting all their email messages to start anew.” If I thought I could live with the guilt, I would do it.

Here’s the funny thing…all those emails…I’ve read. I just don’t know what to do with all of them. I could file them, I have lots of files. But many of those in my in box don’t have an obvious place where they belong. But I hate to just delete them because I may need them. But then again, the oldest one is dated 12/05/06. Wouldn’t you think that if I would have needed it, I would have used it by now?

I’m sure this reveals something about my personality flaws. I’m also sure that a psychologist would have a blast diagnosing my neurosis. Please, any amateur shrinks reading this, refrain from making an analysis.

I think it just may be time for an email chapter 13.

Do not pray for easy lives, but pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, but pray for power equal to your tasks. Then the accomplishing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself and the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God.

–Phillips Brooks
(Thanks to Craig Kerns for the quote)

We are facing some real courage-requiring opportunities around here. It is exciting to realize that over the next few months, we will be going out on some limbs. Prayerfully, we are taking some risks that we believe will result in more people following Christ. We have made some decisions that will stretch us and make us grow. As we are navigating our way through these adjustments, I realize that not everyone likes to be challenged to grow. In fact, when some people are asked to step up to the challenges, they go the opposite way. I think that it is within the nature of some people to avoid situations that seem risky and require personal stretching.

This is not a bad thing. Variety in approaches to living is the way God planned it. But we should also be aware that there is a certain level of satisfaction in knowing that, when courage and confidence is needed in order to move into and through a challenge, we can be counted on to step up.

It is somewhat like a basketball game. When the game is on the line, when someone needs to come through for the team, who wants to take the shot? I suppose the world is divided between those who want to take the shot and those who would rather allow someone else do it. Both are necessary. But only one can lead when it is crunch time.

If you are in the middle of an opportunity to make a big difference, grab it. When a challenge is put to you to step up, prayerfully consider it. If you are not called to do it, don’t. But if God is asking you to step to the plate, step up with confidence.

Yesterday, Letha and I celebrated 27 years of marriage. The date of our wedding was 8.1.81. That’s right, we were married as little children.

Just wanted to say how thankful I am for her, all that she means to me and the blessing that God has given us in our marriage.

Letha, I love you and can’t imagine life without you. Sure glad I don’t have to.

Reports are all over the networks are saying that the Green Bay Packers are offering retired quarterback Brett Favre 20 Million dollars to stay retired. Most football fans are tired of this story and the fiasco that Favre has set off with his unstable ways. But this is much more than a sports story.

Can you imagine how you would feel if the organization that you worked with for 17 years was willing to pay you extra to not work with them? This isn’t simply an awesome retirement plan. It is a loud and clear statement by the team that he is no longer welcomed there. Rather than being honored or excited, I think I would be crushed.

What happens in organizations that cause such division among leaders? From time to time we hear horror stories about the train wrecks that happen in churches and ministries. People get mad, people get hurt. Anger and bitterness sets in. Bridges get burned. Before it is over, some want to pay others to just go away.

What leadership mistakes did Brett make? My opinion is, he messed up here. He retired, he called the press conference, he gave the tearful speech. The team had to move on and they did, and he wants to come back. He has lost credibility, the team leaders no longer trust him. I think that he is being disrespectful of the team. But none of that matters in the long run. What matters is that you and I do better. We have to behave in ways that encourages others to believe in us. Our credibility is important. While we will never be perfect and never be able to please everyone with whom we work, I hope no one is ever willing to pay me to simply go away.

On the other hand, how many of us would take them up on the offer? How much would it cost to buy you out?