I love to write out what is bouncing around in my head…and recently I have been given a small writing project (certainly nothing to brag about…but for me it is a life-goal to do some writing so this is good practice). I am supposed to be working up a couple of short articles on the lessons I have learned in my first year of being a lead pastor. This creates a bit of a problem for me…because I have had to learn and re-learn so many leadership lessons, I have a lot I want to say…but not enough time or words to say it all. So what to do…ah, I will begin to share the rest on the ole’ blog…so, here is one of the brief bouncing thoughts I have forced into landing on paper.
“As a pastor, I am learning to surround myself with leaders who take their work seriously, but not themselves. In church leadership there are always some who need a leadership role to feel valued, and others who simply value the role. I want to be surrounded by people who value the role and don’t need to feel value from the role.
The reasons are obvious; as Christians we are called to servant leadership not selfish leadership. And those who take themselves too seriously are the ones who drain you of energy, vision, and passion for the ministry. Servant leaders add value to you as a pastor, confirming and directing from an objective point of reference with the desire to add value rather than steal it.
I am learning to pay attention to key words and actions that help me determine who surrounds me in leadership. Beware of the person who demands to be included in decisions even when it isn’t part of their direct role, or the person who constantly complains about others in leadership, and especially the person who gives their opinion more often then they ask questions. Build around you those who often speak words of encouragement, who can speak opposing views without de-valuing others, who question you in order to better hear you, who can excel in a given responsibility while giving credit to the team, and those who seek to dream even bigger than you.”
Today (Ash Wednesday) is the beginning of lent. For centuries Christians have spent the 40 days leading up to Easter in self-examination and life-reflection. It is a time to empty our lives of us…and our dependence on anything other than God. Many people choose to fast (give up something) for these days as a daily reminder of their need to be filled only by God. Others choose to add something to their life (like an hour of prayer, reading, or exercise) that leads them to a more God-centered life.
Over the next three weeks at nbc we are going to be “poured out.” We will take a look at the three pouring out actions God asks us to do in order keep our dependence on Him alive.
I am still in school…everyday learning how to lead, how to be a better pastor, how to help people grow spiritually. I have many class rooms…reading, listening, watching others who are succeeding, and even the class of criticism and failure. All of these experiences teach me how to be better…how to grow.
Right now I am learning how to lead people into new places that involve the chance at failure. We are dreaming and discussing how to take some strategic risks that we hope will have huge spiritual impact…but like any change, it involves the risk of failure.
Today I watched a great video about the the lessons of failure. It is worth every one of the eleven minutes it takes to watch…so today, will you come to class with me? Let’s learn together. Click on the “bookie” link to watch this video.
Recently I have been re-reading Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline. It seems that superficiality is the curse of our culture. Foster often says in the book that the doctrine of instant satisfaction is the primary spiritual problem. I love this quote found in the book…
“I go through life as a transient on his way to eternity, made in the image of God but with that image debased, needing to be taught how to meditate, to worship, to think.”
So today, I am looking for some feedback…(the comments are open too). How about some honesty and vulnerability…
I can’t get my mind off of this Sunday…this message in the Imago Dei series has been burning in me for weeks.
If you have ever wondered if there is more to life than what you are experiencing…
If you have ever longed for something more…
This service is for you.
Then on Sunday evening will we have another LeaderCommUNITY. Anyone and everyone from every area of ministry within the church is invited and encouraged to attend (or maybe you just want to check out what’s happening…you are welcome too!).
We will talk about the last few months and celebrate what God has done…and we will take a honest look at what we need to improve.
The teens will be serving us some ice-cream (and hoping you will support their summer missions trip and camp)…so bring a couple of bucks to throw in the ‘donation’ bucket and enjoy some ice-cream and conversation.
Sooo…this Sunday at nbc is going to be important…and another step into the future God has for us.
