Developing Followers

In leadership we are seeking to help the people we are leading discover their purpose and potential. Each leader also may have certain goals, objectives and processes that they are supposed to meet and follow-through on, however the ultimate objective of leadership is the development of our followers.

As leaders we need to engage, equip and empower. As leaders, our followers need to know that we care, that we are available to them, that what we offer is to help them and open new doors for them. In an overly-simplistic reductionism I would assert that leadership is about the people and management is about the work. In other words our leadership ought to be for the development of followers (their lives, abilities, skill-set and productivity) but our management ought to focused on company/organization objectives, benchmarks, action-steps and of course the bottom-line.

Follow the LeaderWe need to lead in such a way that our followers know that we are for them: they can come to us in times of need, in difficulties, in moments of frustration; we want to hear their ideas and we are interested in their personal and professional lives. But we should manage in such a way that our ever-developing followers understand their role in the greater machinery of the organization and the importance of getting things done. Both leadership and management are important and each have their role, but let us remember you really can’t manage people (have you ever tried to manage your spouse?) and your can’t lead inanimate objects like company objectives. Let us as leaders make the development of our followers our primary objective and watch how quickly people begin to grow, unite and flourish as persons and as workers.

Leading “as one with authority”

“As one with authority”

“They were amazed at his teaching.” “He taught as one with authority and not as their teachers.” These words were spoken about Jesus. Some of His first words to certain people were: “Follow Me”. Jesus came as a leader. He led people in a different way than the scribes of the people. The crowds looked at Jesus amazed and struck by the fact that He taught as one with authority.

Have you noticed a difference between two people speaking the same message? I mean, they are speaking on the same topic, referencing the same points and principles, and yet the way in which they are received is as different as night and day? This was the case when the people compared Jesus and the scribes of His day. What the scribes went around teaching was considered accurate and truthful. The scribes were speaking words that everyone knew and yet their words had little impact. These teachers were ineffective and their words did not astonish or amaze and were not words of authority. And yet their words were derived from the same book, the same premise, the same story. What was different?Continue reading “Leading “as one with authority””

I don’t know how to lead

In my various roles as husband, father, pastor, prayer-evangelist, chaplain and writer I have one driving desire: I want the people that I live with and interact with to discover their purpose and potential and live in perfect peace and overcoming victory. My desire is that everyone I know comes to a knowledge of all that God has for them in this life and the next. As such I want to help them find all of the strength, wisdom, provision, hope, and more that is needed. The reality though is that I don’t know what each person’s calling, gifting and potential is. And even if I did I don’t know the words to say or the things to do that will help them discover and receive all those things. As a leader of others it seems that we are often encouraged to “play to our strengths” and “put our best foot forward”; in life and business we are encouraged to show how much we know. But in deep moments of lucidity and clarity (which ultimately come by revelation of the Holy Spirit in prayer) we come to realize that we really don’t know what is best for us or others. We don’t know the “right” way to lead or the “right” words to say. At best when we are leaning on our own understanding, we are making a guess based on some books we have read or some personal experiences we have had. So in leadership, what exactly are the “right” words to say and “right” things to do to help people find their purpose and potential?

 

I don’t know. Our role as leaders is not to pass out our “pearls of wisdom” but to help people in their journeys of discovery. Our role as leaders is not to convince people but rather to help people receive what God is already speaking to them. Our role as leaders is not to have the “right” words but instead to have a humble and teachable heart, and be available for God to use us. After all, what are the right words to help people going through a tragedy or grief in their lives? I don’t know. Often pastors and counselors are instructed more in what not to say in these situations. What are the right words to say that will help people develop hard work, integrity, honesty, perseverance, creativity? We don’t know. Sometimes two kids raised in the same household and exposed to the same teaching and experiences will develop completely different characters.

 

So are we to do as leaders?  We must ask the Lord to shape our inner being, our heart. If our heart is right, God will be able speak to and through us as He fills us and flows through us. So to lead others we must first be led. To help others become like Jesus, we first must allow Jesus to make us like Him. I have noticed that people who are heard, loved, invested in, encouraged, prayed for and not left alone will begin to hear and discover for themselves all that God is speaking/revealing to them. So really our leadership of others is more accurately “let”-ership. We must learn to let God have His way in us and we have to learn to let others discover for themselves what God is offering to them.


So, let us strive not nearly so much to get our leadership “perfect” as that we allow God to perfect our inner motive and attitudes, so that what comes out can be used to help others. My prayer is that God changes my heart , humbles me, grants me His Spirit, His mind and His attitude. I want to be an empty vessel God can fill and use to draw other people to Himself. This is the goal of my life and leadership and I am regularly asking the Lord to do this in and through me for His glory. I hope and pray you are doing the same!

What is it like to be a pastor?

I want to share with you a little about what I feel, hear, see and think as a pastor. Indeed pastoring is the hardest and the most draining and one of the most fulfilling things that I do in life. The reason that I don’t say the most fulfilling is because I believe that the most fulfilling thing in my life is time spent with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and pouring love and life into my family. But then after those things the next most amazing thing in my life is being a pastor. Having the privilege of sharing with others the mysteries of God’s gospel and grace and inviting them to receive all that He has for them is one of the most profound and beautiful things in life.

However on the flip side, pastoring is draining, tiring, never-ending, difficult and impossible. The job is never done, there are always expectations that cannot be met, there are multiple voices (the world, the congregation, the Enemy and even my own conscience) shouting at me that I am not doing enough and doing it right and as a result people are suffering.

When I wake up in the morning most mornings I try to simply lay there in bed and think about my Lord. I try to listen to His voice, consider the Scriptures He has recently been speaking to/showing me. With time I have been able to block out the rush of thoughts concerning what I “have to” do during the course of the day. Then I get up and take a shower and spend time thinking about the Lord and all of His promises. I try to take some time to ask the Lord to show me His way and to guide my steps during the day. After this I go check on the kids and head towards the kitchen to get breakfast. Somewhere between the shower and the kitchen I begin to see the clutter in our house and begin to think about the overall clutter in our lives. At this point, unless the Lord stays my mind, I quickly begin analyzing what I could/should be doing and how I am probably letting my family down by not taking the time necessary to de-clutter our lives.

Over breakfast I sometimes am able to read a few Scriptures but often spend the time keeping the kids on task and conversing with them (if I am awake and alert enough to be coherent) and then of course we all pile into the car and head to school. On the way we usually laugh and sing along with funny songs on Pandora radio and occasionally play other “I Spy” type games. My wife has started reading a devotional to the kids on the drive and then we drop off the kids and head to our 1 hour physical fitness activity of the morning. If I have had a restless night or a particularly full or draining day the day before (or even perhaps a full day yet to come) my wife and I will sometimes go on a breakfast “date” instead of or in addition to our workout.

The burden that I feel for my people is not so heavy as it once was. I used to try and own their choices and their consequences but instead now I simply try to carry their need to the Lord and leave it there. I many times second guess myself, and wonder whether I am doing what is most helpful or even necessary. Sometimes I feel this is of God to prayerfully discern and consider all things but at other times I feel it originates in my own propensity to OCD and perfectionism or even from the Accuser trying to undermine the Word of God and cause me to doubt or fear.

During the days I think about the recent and upcoming worship and prayer gatherings and whether we sensed/felt/saw the Spirit of God moving on His people there.  I think about whether or not any lives were visibly changed, or whether anyone gave public testimony of the Word/move of God in their lives. I think about whether there has been or is a gradual moving of the spiritual climate of the overall group from apathy/lethargy/idolatry to absolute/sold out faith in and dependence upon the Lord. I pray and think about what persons are facing what struggles and what it will take for them to finally let God fill and use them as He desires which ultimately will be the best thing possible for them.

Also during the days I think about where people are/might be at currently. Are they at work, home, play, trip, etc? Are they sick, contented, overcoming, struggling, lonely, etc? And as such what do they need in order to be free, whole, complete, at peace and rest, full of joy and overcoming? What role can I/should I play in helping them get breakthrough?

During the days I wonder what word God is currently speaking to me and to His church. I pray about what I am to study and preach, who I am to visit, what I am to say, how I can best help the kingdom to advance in the church, her families/individuals, the community, the city and the state; I think about what it will take to help others move towards revival and total dependence upon God. I also spend too much time pushing back against the enemy because I had to some extent entertained his words of doubt and fear instead of heeding God’s Word of promise and victory.

I also spend too much time wondering about why so and so is mad or disappointed or frustrated with me and or the church/ministry and how that can be changed. I worry at times (a lot?) that my next step will be the one that breaks through the ice and spells disaster for the church or for my family/ministry. I worry about which word will finally push people over the edge and they will be done with me and wash their hands of me. As a result I also dream of having a job/life that is not done/lived out in front of people free from so many of the judgments by others and demands from others: a travelling evangelist, a hermit, a beach bum, a world traveler all top the list of things I think about.

And yet, I have seen and continue to see the hand of God at work in our midst and what I believe to be the Voice of God speaking to me. I want to see new salvations all the time, I want to see our classes and prayer/worship gatherings filled to capacity and new ones being birthed. Many times I want this just because I know that in the Presence of the Lord there is freedom and paradise and I want this for all whom I meet. At other times I want this because I feel I have this call on my life to greatness and right now my life/ministry “accomplishments” are less than great and therefore I should be running after something more/different. I fear that my philosophy often butts heads with my theology. I believe things ought to come to those who work hard and are creative and willing to take risks (philosophy) but I also believe that only the eternal things matter, and God works the eternal things when and where and how He chooses (theology) and as such I don’t know when they agree, when they disagree and when I am listening to the voice of a philosophy or even theology instead of the Voice of God.

I feel that God has called me to missions and to reaching people with the gospel that the world and the church have forgotten or neglected. I also feel that God has told me to call people to prayer and seeking the face of the Lord. I feel a call to start new churches and to travel and encourage pastors and ministers of the gospel. I feel the need to equip and encourage people to be all that God has created and is calling them to be. I feel the desire (need?) to reach brand new people in brand new ways, but also to anchor them in the God-given gifts of worship, prayer, teaching etc.

At times I feel like pastoring a traditional church stifles my above listed “callings” but at other times it seems like the perfect place for God to work a miraculous turn-around. At times I feel like I would do better all on my own, but then I wonder if in many ways I am already on my own. Are we really a “body”? Are we really of “one heart and one mind”? Are we really headed in the same direction? Are the people of this church really going anywhere or are they simply watching to see what is going on around them? I wonder if I would do better to strike out with no title, no formal means of income and no ‘permanent’ place for living and ministry, but at other times it seems like God has given us all the “things” that we have for such a time as this and so we therefore ought to use them for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. At times when I see the body unite in prayer, worship, service, fellowship and/or caring, it is then that I get a glimpse of all of God’s promises coming to fruition. In these moments I find hope.

Not a week/day? goes by that I don’t think about/pray about what are the significant things I ought to be doing in order to bring revival and change. And not week goes by that I don’t struggle with whether I am doing anything right and whether time will show that I have succeeded or failed in what I set out to do. So then, what have I set out to do? Build a church? Build a successful ministry? Follow the voice of God? Heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons? Bring revival?

And if I have set out to the latter rather than the former, how, when, where and what are the fruits that this is actually coming to pass?  This is what I might think about, feel, pray about in one morning of ministry. But then comes the afternoon, the meetings, the phone calls, the interruptions, the crises, the complaints the trials and I wonder if I will make it at all and what in the world I am doing and what God is up to! And so I come to a place of saying, nothing else will work, nothing else makes sense, nothing else matters: “Lord Jesus come! Your Presence is heaven to me. You set all things right, so come and do Your thing in Your way in Your timing, just come!!” Maybe tomorrow I’ll become a hermit. No, instead I choose to listen to Voice of God and dwell in His Presence, that is all I can do!

Leadership Language – New Words for New Situations

What makes our words powerful and effective? What we say, combined with how we live can together offer a synergistic force that can literally change the world (or at least the world around us). So if we are trying to help people become all that they can be, what words should we use and how can we redeem or replace words that have become ineffective or tired and worn-out?

The reason why our words become tired and worn out is because people have heard the claims before and have also seen a lack of follow-through, a lack of consistency and lack of integrity in the lives of those who speak the words. So first of all the simple (and yet not at all easy) reality is that our words will carry weight if our lives are in agreement with our words. If we live what we preach people will take note. If we speak what we mean and mean what we speak. If we follow through on our promises and commitments, if we back up our promises with actions, people will begin to notice. Our words are so often received with skepticism because people have been burned before and are hoping not to have it happen again. If you want to be an effective leader and have them believe your words, you must be a consistent and faithful person full of honesty, integrity and follow-through.

New Words - 2The reason our words become ineffective is because we are addressing things that are no longer an issue or of importance to the people we are leading. Leadership is not using certain buzz-words and simply creating an environment of excitement and unity. Leadership is helping specific people in specific situations discover their calling and purpose and empowering them to become all they can be. As such we need to know our people. We need to know what they are going through and what is important, difficult, exciting and/or tiring to them. We need to know what they are feeling and thinking and our words need to come in direct response to their specific needs. And so we need to have new words for new situations. And we don’t need to try and figure out a new vocabulary or develop a new repertoire of buzz-words but instead we need to be attentive to each individual circumstance and each individual person and offer words appropriate in each context.

So please, don’t try to look for the “magic words” that will unlock people and make each and every person and circumstance work out just right. Instead realize that we need to live and lead in such a way that our words mean something because of our integrity and because of specific care we offer through our words (and attitudes and behaviors) in each and every specific relationship and context we find ourselves in.

Trusting God

Trusting God no matter what.

 

Even when things seem to be going in the wrong direction.

Even when people and circumstances seem to be against you.

Even when you are at the end of your ability to cope, understand, overcome etc.

We trust God not because of our feelings, perceptions or abilities.

We trust God because of who He is.

His character. His attributes. His Spirit.

We trust God because He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. We trust God because He is faithful. He never changes. He always is true to His Word. His love never fails. His loving kindness if forever and ever.

And that is why we trust God. Because He is completely trustworthy.

So if we trust Him that much. Is there anything we shouldn’t entrust to Him? Or rather shouldn’t we give Him everything and let Him do what we simply cannot?

“God take my everything. My doubts. My fears. My inadequacies. My mistakes. My failures. My feelings. Lord take it all and do what You desire. Please God, take me, fill me, use me. Lord I just want to be where You are and want You to have full control.

Help me to hear Your voice, keep in step with Your Spirit, rest in Your presence and enjoy You forever. Please strip away the temporal, the wicked and sinful, the darkness and doubt, the unbelief. And in place of all that was, please now fill me with all of You. This is my hope. This is my prayer. And to this I commit my life both now and forevermore.”

Amen!

Leadership Language – Old and New

We can attract people with our language and we can turn them off just as quickly with the words we use. Which ones are the right ones? Which ones will not only connect but communicate what we are intending? Furthermore what “baggage” do the words we use carry with them? I want to take a moment and consider the importance of words in leading others and how the right words can make something stick but just as quickly the wrong words could result in the loss of our influence and leadership in someone’s life.

There are certain words that I read that quickly turn me off: “Vision-casting, BHAG’s, Successful, Daring, Significant” and more. Now don’t get me wrong I see the value of each of these words. I have incorporated what they represent into my own life and leadership and I have taught them to others. However I do often shy away from people using them because of the abuse of them and the “used car-salesman” (no offense intended) impression that some leadership experts carry with them as they teach others how to manipulate (hm-hmmm, I mean lead) others. So is there anything wrong with these words? No. But when I use them could I just as quickly be turning people off to the message I carry because they are perhaps judging me in the same way I have just mentioned? So does that mean we need to get rid of these words, redefine them, redeem them or replace them? And is it really that important?

LL Old & New Part 1 - 2The traditional words of leadership carry with them important themes and principles that ought to be incorporated and lived out in the daily lives of those who want to genuinely help others and influence both individuals and culture for the good. So how do we make sure that when we speak of “vision” people don’t just think of us as dreamers or orators with no actual ability to bring something to pass or see it through? How do we ensure that when we speak of becoming successful we don’t leave the impression that the most important things to us are status, money and power? How do we speak of “significant” steps that can be taken towards health and growth without people discounting us as merely selling a product? I believe it all comes down to humility, patience, perseverance, time and love. As we love people, they will listen to our words. As we are humble and meek people will watch our lives and begin to realize that our words are more than catch-phrases and buzz-words. As we walk with people, journey with people, listen and hurt, laugh and rejoice with people, they will know that our words are more than words they are an expression of who we are and of the love we are attempting to express for our fellow sojourner.

LL Old & New Part 1 - 3In my next post I want to elaborate more on redeeming and replacing words (using a new language to speak new and fresh messages) but for today, the question is this: Are your words consistent with your life and character? Are your attitudes reflecting your “leadership principles”? Are your words an extension of your heart for humanity? Or are they merely a vain attempt to grab at a bit of attention, recognition and praise? If you taint your words with ego it won’t be long before you too are grouped in the category of the “used-car salesman” and you may forever burn a bridge of influence you might otherwise have had.

Treasure their hearts

The Lord has been speaking to me about discipleship in the home. Our first responsibility as people of God is nurturing, valuing, treasuring, affirming, building-up and even cherishing the hearts of those God has given us as spouses, children and family. How often our words, attitudes, looks, posture and non-verbal cues speak loudly to our “loved ones” that we don’t care, don’t have time, aren’t interested and otherwise find the persons right in front of to be a burden and even a distraction and nuisance. God forbid, that the very people God has blessed us with in order that we might experience unconditional love and acceptance we treat with disdain and and impatience. Why do we do this? We blame it on many things, but I believe that it is a combination of a few things: busyness, selfishness and undue fascination with the stuff (temporal things) of life. Indeed somehow between our own overcommitments (or poor time management) in combination with obsession with material possessions, financial security, success, accolades and struggling with inner selfishness we have many times neglected, alienated, forgotten and yes even forsaken our beloved ones. So what are we to do about this?

First we must know the love that God the Father has had for us. He didn’t love us from a distance. No He came as Emmanuel, God with us. He took on flesh and walked among us so that He would know our struggles as we do and that He might show us compassion and love incarnate. God doesn’t call us, instruct us or make promises from a distance but rather He draws near by His Spirit and whispers our name. When we relate to our kids or spouses from a distance we end up become estranged and unknown and simply cannot love or be loved as we need.

Second we must know that when God came near He was not satisfied only with being near. He wanted to be with us. In the digital/wired era in which we live, how often we are tempted to be near people but not with. God on the other hand came near and made it a commitment to be with people as well. When we live near but not with people that breeds familiarity rather than intimacy; furthermore familiarity without intimacy can and often does create indifference, then apathy, and finally stand-offishness or even despisement.

As men and women who desire to be all that God has called us to be to our families and loved ones we must learn from the perfect love of God. We must learn to be with and not just near. We must learn meet those we are seeking to commune with where they are.  We must look them in the eye, listen to the cries of their hearts, respond in love, tenderness and compassion. We must treasure the hearts of those we call our beloved. We must find the broken places in their hearts and fill them up with love. How important it is that we value and take tender care of the treasure that is the heart. After all, remember the heart is the wellspring of life.

God’s moving

We often say “God is moving”. What do we mean by this? What are we inferring or referring to?

Often we mean that there are good circumstantial things coming to pass. The offering was good, the service was full of passion or there were new visitors. However we are discounting both the depth and breadth of what God is doing when we only refer to circumstantial things. Other times when we say “God is moving” it means that we may have a great deal of positive emotional energy regarding how the circumstances of life appear to be trending. And so when things by and large seem to be “going our way” (i.e. there are more things turning out like we want them to than not) then we say “God is moving” This misses the entire reality of what God’s moving really entails.

God’s moving is really the movement of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore the movement of the Holy Spirit is always God moving on the hearts of people. When the offering plate is fuller than last week it is because God prompted people to give and they agreed with the Holy Spirit and obeyed. When the service is full of passion (if it is genuine and not contrived or mere emotionalism) then we can be sure what has happened is that God’s Spirit moved on the hearts of people to draw them to repentance, trust, worship, adoration, thanksgiving, etc. In addition, not only did God speak, but the people listened and obeyed. If there are new visitors in our church services, we can be assured it is because God was “moving” on their hearts and convincing them of a need to gather with God’s people and seek Him and in particular He has led them to our congregation; and again in this instance the evidence of God’s moving is the people’s obedience.

So “God’s moving” is the convicting, convincing, rebuking, training, drawing of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and lives of people coupled by their faith, trust, brokenness, humility and obedience. However God is always working, every day, every moment for our salvation and to shape and form us into His likeness and image, so if we do not see or hear or say often “God is moving” the reality is that people (maybe me?) are not listening to and heeding the work of God. Indeed the Holy Spirit is always at work, the question is are we also about the Father’s business and are we keeping in step with His Spirit? I want to see God at work always, but am I agreeing with all that God is saying to me? Please, Holy Spirit come!

What God is doing in the hearts of believers

God paid the price for His children to receive everything they need for life and godliness. Everything. And yet we moan and complain, fear and worry, and find ourselves constantly hurried, stressed and full of anxiety. The reason we fall short is because fail to pay careful attention to what He has said and to listen to what He is saying. God is pouring out His Spirit with all of His abundant blessings upon all who will believe. If we will but wait in His Presence, He will give us blessing upon and blessing and grace upon grace and the beautiful thing is that when we spend time in His Presence we finally begin to realize that He is the greatest gift! All that we need for life and godliness is found in Him. Here are some realities of what God is doing, what He is pouring out, what He is supplying, if we will wait, trust, listen, believe, and receive:

  • As His beloved God is making us into His beautiful masterpieces
  • He is availing to us all we need to be at peace and rest in every moment
  • He is providing all of the power, patience and love we need to be His body
  • He has given and is giving us love, compassion, and everlasting loving-kindness for every person, and every circumstance we are in right now
  • He is right now giving us victory over everything (including joy and peace over anger, bitterness, judgement, grumbling, negativity, and complaining!)
  • He also supplying patience to us for things being less or different than we would want them to be
  • He is giving us love and joy and excitement about the things God is doing

Please realize, recognize and receive all that God is offering you right now! There are some things in life that are far off. His supply of His Spirit is not one of them. He wants to fill you now. Please let Him abide in you and you in Him!

Every moment, every circumstance and every person is a present opportunity for God to fill us, use us and flow through us to bring His kingdom to earth. Please wait patiently in God’s Presence and let Him flow into you with His holy fire, let Him speak to you the majesties of His voice, let Him move through you by His mighty Holy Spirit and let Him do in and through you everything He desires which will make you into His likeness and image with ever increasing glory and will result in praise, glory and honor to Him forever and ever!