Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Teabag leaders?
I urge … that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
One of the greatest lessons I've learned as a leader is to read, read, and read more. Leaders are readers. I've tried to read lots of various things - books on leadership, ministry practices, teen culture and psychology, presidential biographies, etc. I've even tried reading quotes from others, just to glean a little bit of wisdom. Today, I came across this quote that has had me thinking all day...
“Quarterbacks are like teabags. You don’t know what you’ve got till they’re in hot water.”
The quote is from Sam Rutigliano, who most people have never heard of. In the late 70's/early 80
s, he was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He still is on local programs, and is witty and wise. The quote didn't stick with me because he was the coach of my favorite football team - it stuck with me because I changed "quaterback" with "leader", and it still applied perfectly.
It's easy for people to call themselves a leader - because they're in charge at work, or for a project, or because people like them. But leaders are more than that. They have to make tough, sometimes even unpopular, decisions. They have to think on their feet, even when their personal lives have them preoccupied. Leaders are always under tremendous pressuer, even if the pressure is positive.
But leaders can't be identified by the label they give themselves, but how they respond to leadership opportunities. We can say we're leaders, but when the tough times happen, our response will verify our statement...or will negate it. When the pressure rises, what's really in our hearts will come out 100% of the time.
I've not gotten things right all of the time. My response to pressure, at times, hasn't been what others have needed. I've caught myself making excuses, blaming others, blaming lack of sleep, always looking for something to take the blame off of myself. A couple of years ago, in a pressure situation, my reaction caused more damage than needed. It was then that, after a conversation with my pastor, that it became so clear to me that I don't have the luxury of responding that way. But in the weeks to follow, I began to realize more than that. I realized that my response wasn't the problem - it was my heart. Since then, God's been using several ways to remind me that it's in the "down time" of leadership that I should be making every effort to make sure my relationship with Christ is healthy and active. That if I can't take care of my own heart, how can I serve Him as a leader effectively?
This is an election year, and each person in America has an opinion of who would, or would not, be the best President for the country for the next four years. Many will have valid reasons, and many will just be basing their stance on what the networks report. But in the end, one man will be elected as our leader. I'm not opposed to debates and points of view, but they shouldn't deter our Biblical mandate from 1 Timothy.
No matter who wins, we as Christ followers should resolve to praying for our leaders. Pray for God's impact in their lives, pray for clarity in decision making, pray for their families as each man is a husband and father. Pray that God annoints the man of His choosing. Pray for God to show up in his life - not so one side wins over the other, but because we desperately want to see God return to His rightful place of glory in our country.
Selah
Thursday, July 5, 2012
5 leadership lessons I've learned - pt.1
1) Being in charge DOESN'T mean you're a leader! Too many times, we assume because we're put in charge of something, that we're a leader. I think it's important to remember that there is a difference between the two. We can be in charge of tasks and projects. But leaders develop vision and people.
2) Leaders are readers - my pastor reminds us of this frequently. If we're truly leaders, we should be taking time to consistently invest in ourselves. Read books, blogs, listen to podcast, going to seminars, etc. Anything we can take in that will help us grow and develop. If we stop reading....we'll stop leading.
3) Cowards hide from issues, leaders solve them. Every time I log on to Facebook, I see several statuses that are negative, angry, or passive aggressive. And sometimes those statuses are even about me. As a leader, I've had to learn (and am still working on it) not to react to them. Or use social media/email to retaliate. I'm no where near perfect on this, but I've learned that, as a leader, if I'm not willing to talk with a person one on one to deal with an issue, and take to social media to air my frustrations, then I'm not leading. I'm just trying to act the part.
4) Respond timely and patiently - sometimes, as leaders, we get phone calls or emails that we dread. Or we walk into some voice mails that breed anxiousness in us. And it's natural to want to avoid those return contacts. But true leaders not only return the messages, but do so quickly and as cheerfully as possible. I was told once by a friend about a concept that I've held on to till this day - it's called eating the frog. No one wants to eat a frog - it's gross. But if we know we need to do it, and put it off all day, it just hangs over us like a dreadful storm cloud. Just like some of those messages. But if we can dedicate ourselves to eating the frog first thing in the day, our days can be much more productive. Do yourself a favor - eat the frog first thing in the morning. Get it done and out of the way.
**DISCLAIMER!! - In the effort to return calls in a timely manner, please make sure not to do so if you're emotions aren't in check. Sometimes, those calls are hurtful, or can cause anger in our hearts. Make sure to take the time to process those emotions before calling back. If not, the situation can compound into a larger issue, just because our emotions got the best of us. I feel much better apologizing for a late call than apologizing for failing to control my emotions.
5) Love those you lead. My prayer is always that my team and my students know that I love them. And not the feeling of love, but the verb. Choose to love them even when things aren't going well. I've learned that when a person feels loved and invested in by a leader, they're much more likely to overlook and/or forgive that leaders mistakes. Love them because that's what Jesus modeled for us. Love them because Jesus calls us to. Love them because without them, you're not a leader. You're just a guy out for a walk.
I hope that these help! Leaders are desperately needed in various areas, especially in the church. My hope and prayer is that the lessons I've learned through my mistakes, victories, and experiences will be of some benefit to you!
Selah
Thursday, June 14, 2012
"Why can't I be like...."
"Why can't I be like....."
Have you ever said those words? To yourself? To someone else? I've often wondered why we spend so much time comparing ourselves to other people.
This is not to say that we shouldn't look up to others. That we shouldn't look to learn from those who are more grounded than we are. But it's a fine line to walk - the line between admiration and emulation. And if we walk on the emulation side, we can tend to always be comparing ourselves to the person we're trying to emulate. The same danger exists when we compare ourselves to those we don't know, but LOOK like they have it all together.
I used to deceive myself into thinking that this was a "teen issue", and that as a youth pastor, part of my calling was to help students see themselves as original masterpieces. But as I've grown in my own walk, I've seen that everyone is vulnerable to it. It's just the people who we look up to that change. For some, it's celebrities. For others, it's leaders in their lives. Even pastors can fall into this trap by looking at their counterparts around the world and ask themselves why they can't be more like these other guys and gals. And it's nothing short of a trap. It's a trap because once we fall into it, it's really hard to get out of. And once we start down that pathway of thinking, it gets dangerous and harder to turn back from.
Psalm 139:13-14 is a special verse for me, because we prayed it and claimed it over our daughter who, soon after birth, was struggling to breathe and stay alive. Today, she's a crazy wild, beautiful 8 yr old! It reads "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Each of us should claim this for our own lives. We are created, from day one, for a purpose and with God's hands all over us. Regardless of how we see ourselves, God knows why he put our "pieces" together the way He did. We're not an accident and we're not a mistake. When we see ourselves that way, and spend too much time comparing ourselves to others, we're cancelling out what v.14 wants us to know - that we should praise HIM because we are wonderfully made.
2 Corinthians 5:17 is also special to me, because it reminds me that I am not the same person I was before knowing Christ as my personal Savior. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." We should live as new creations! We're not bound by past mistakes, past insults, past poor self image. Christ has renewed us as new creations. It tells us the the old has passed away! It's gone!! Time to let it go!!
Today was one of those days where I felt myself getting caught in the comparison trap. As I read a story of another person in youth ministry, I caught myself thinking "why can't I do that" and "why can't I be like...". And it's a person I've never even met! Probably have never even been in the same room with! Both of the above verses reminded me that I am the person/man/husband/dad/pastor that God created me to be. Sure, I have areas to work on - we all do! But I am praising Him because He's made me, with my gifts and strengths (and even weaknesses) for a purpose and reason. And He'll use me to impact lives in HIS time and HIS way.
If you're wrestling with this comparison trap today, be encouraged that you're not alone. Be challenged to let it go and see yourself as God does - as a unique creation. Be everything you can where you are, and stop looking around at what others do and try to be them. Be you! You are the only you that will ever exist! You are the only person that God has created to be you! There will never be another! Let the world see how wonderfully you've been made!! And let them give God the glory for it!!
Selah...
Have you ever said those words? To yourself? To someone else? I've often wondered why we spend so much time comparing ourselves to other people.
This is not to say that we shouldn't look up to others. That we shouldn't look to learn from those who are more grounded than we are. But it's a fine line to walk - the line between admiration and emulation. And if we walk on the emulation side, we can tend to always be comparing ourselves to the person we're trying to emulate. The same danger exists when we compare ourselves to those we don't know, but LOOK like they have it all together.
I used to deceive myself into thinking that this was a "teen issue", and that as a youth pastor, part of my calling was to help students see themselves as original masterpieces. But as I've grown in my own walk, I've seen that everyone is vulnerable to it. It's just the people who we look up to that change. For some, it's celebrities. For others, it's leaders in their lives. Even pastors can fall into this trap by looking at their counterparts around the world and ask themselves why they can't be more like these other guys and gals. And it's nothing short of a trap. It's a trap because once we fall into it, it's really hard to get out of. And once we start down that pathway of thinking, it gets dangerous and harder to turn back from.
Psalm 139:13-14 is a special verse for me, because we prayed it and claimed it over our daughter who, soon after birth, was struggling to breathe and stay alive. Today, she's a crazy wild, beautiful 8 yr old! It reads "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Each of us should claim this for our own lives. We are created, from day one, for a purpose and with God's hands all over us. Regardless of how we see ourselves, God knows why he put our "pieces" together the way He did. We're not an accident and we're not a mistake. When we see ourselves that way, and spend too much time comparing ourselves to others, we're cancelling out what v.14 wants us to know - that we should praise HIM because we are wonderfully made.
2 Corinthians 5:17 is also special to me, because it reminds me that I am not the same person I was before knowing Christ as my personal Savior. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." We should live as new creations! We're not bound by past mistakes, past insults, past poor self image. Christ has renewed us as new creations. It tells us the the old has passed away! It's gone!! Time to let it go!!
Today was one of those days where I felt myself getting caught in the comparison trap. As I read a story of another person in youth ministry, I caught myself thinking "why can't I do that" and "why can't I be like...". And it's a person I've never even met! Probably have never even been in the same room with! Both of the above verses reminded me that I am the person/man/husband/dad/pastor that God created me to be. Sure, I have areas to work on - we all do! But I am praising Him because He's made me, with my gifts and strengths (and even weaknesses) for a purpose and reason. And He'll use me to impact lives in HIS time and HIS way.
If you're wrestling with this comparison trap today, be encouraged that you're not alone. Be challenged to let it go and see yourself as God does - as a unique creation. Be everything you can where you are, and stop looking around at what others do and try to be them. Be you! You are the only you that will ever exist! You are the only person that God has created to be you! There will never be another! Let the world see how wonderfully you've been made!! And let them give God the glory for it!!
Selah...
Monday, March 26, 2012
Choose your own....theology?
I turned 37 this year. I know a lot of people who have a problem with their age. By God's grace, it's never bothered me getting older. That may change in time, but at each birthday, I take some time to think back to what God has done in my life. This year, however, I got into a discussion with my kids about my childhood and what I liked/didn't like when I was there age. Did I fight with my brothers and sister? Did I get punished for being bad. But as we talked more and more, I began to think about the nostalgia of my childhood. Transformers (the real ones - not today's imposters), GI Joe, building forts, sledding with fam, playing b-ball from morning till night. And I thought about one of my favorite books (I've always been a HUGE reader). The choose your own adventure books. Maybe someone reading this will remember those. You would read a chapter and then make a choice of where the story went. Once you made the choice, you'd turn to a certain page and find out. After a few readings, the endings weren't a surprise. But if you had an imagination, it would be as much fun over and over again. I also remember those books eventually having a computer code you could enter and see graphics of the story...on our ultra powerful Apple 2e systems :)
As I thought of those books, I couldn't help but think about how the same thing happens in Christianity. But instead of a "choose your own adventure", we've gotten into a "choose your theology" trip. I read recently that Thomas Jefferson was known to go through his Bible and physically tear out the parts that he didn't like. And many do the same today.
2 Timothy 3 tells us that "all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" It's not a mysterious verse. All Scripture is God breathed - means it came from his mouth! It means that the book we call the Bible is from God himself. Yes, it was written by different people, in different areas, many years apart. But the Lord has made it so that it flows together and supports itself in various places. It's even been proved historically that the events in Scripture actually occured. It's the only book in the world that proves itself to be true over and over again! And yet, we still treat it as a "choose your own adventure" book - we can alter the outcome of the story by choosing a different path.
I'm not perfect, and I hope I hope I never give the impression that I think I am. But one thing that I have never found myself questioning is the authenticity and reliability of Scripture. That has been a huge help in my walk with Christ, because I can honestly say that if it's against Scripture, then I want no part of it. That doesn't mean I don't sin or have struggles, it just means I can't use the "i didn't know any better" excuse.
This has bothered me for some time, but more so even now. I get to minister to some amazing teenagers at Grace. They're exciting, loving, and many of them are genuinely digging and searching the Word for answers to who God is and what He has for their lives. I love that, because they're not just taking my word, or their parents word, but they're reading and finding out for themselves. But what's been bothering me is that there are people out there, authors, tv preachers, and even some local who have decided to take this book and pull a Jefferson - cut out what they don't like. And that's become a cultural norm now, even within the Christian church. If a person wants be a homosexual, they just avoid the passages in Leviticus and 1 Corinthians. If a person has been burned by a pastor or church leader, it's easier to find a few passages, re-interpreting them, and then write about how the modern church is unGodly and how pastors aren't a true Biblical office. For those who want to live the way they want, without consequence, they find a few verses about "letting the Spirit lead" and head out. All of which is damaging and surely breaks the heart of God.
I would like to challenge anyone is these areas to simply sit down and read through the Word, as it's written. Don't try to look for some hidden meaning. Don't convince yourself that after thousands of years, you're going to find some new fact. Read it as God intended it to be read- as His love letter to us. Fall in love with the author, and the one who the story is written. As you're reading Scripture, let Scripture read you. Let it challenge you, confront you, upset you, calm you, encourage you, and inspire you. It will do all of these if we let it. The Bible is called a "double edged sword" so it can cut to the heart of us all, not to be used as a weapon for our own destructive motives.
God loves each of us, read His love letter and He'll prove it to you!
Selah
As I thought of those books, I couldn't help but think about how the same thing happens in Christianity. But instead of a "choose your own adventure", we've gotten into a "choose your theology" trip. I read recently that Thomas Jefferson was known to go through his Bible and physically tear out the parts that he didn't like. And many do the same today.
2 Timothy 3 tells us that "all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" It's not a mysterious verse. All Scripture is God breathed - means it came from his mouth! It means that the book we call the Bible is from God himself. Yes, it was written by different people, in different areas, many years apart. But the Lord has made it so that it flows together and supports itself in various places. It's even been proved historically that the events in Scripture actually occured. It's the only book in the world that proves itself to be true over and over again! And yet, we still treat it as a "choose your own adventure" book - we can alter the outcome of the story by choosing a different path.
I'm not perfect, and I hope I hope I never give the impression that I think I am. But one thing that I have never found myself questioning is the authenticity and reliability of Scripture. That has been a huge help in my walk with Christ, because I can honestly say that if it's against Scripture, then I want no part of it. That doesn't mean I don't sin or have struggles, it just means I can't use the "i didn't know any better" excuse.
This has bothered me for some time, but more so even now. I get to minister to some amazing teenagers at Grace. They're exciting, loving, and many of them are genuinely digging and searching the Word for answers to who God is and what He has for their lives. I love that, because they're not just taking my word, or their parents word, but they're reading and finding out for themselves. But what's been bothering me is that there are people out there, authors, tv preachers, and even some local who have decided to take this book and pull a Jefferson - cut out what they don't like. And that's become a cultural norm now, even within the Christian church. If a person wants be a homosexual, they just avoid the passages in Leviticus and 1 Corinthians. If a person has been burned by a pastor or church leader, it's easier to find a few passages, re-interpreting them, and then write about how the modern church is unGodly and how pastors aren't a true Biblical office. For those who want to live the way they want, without consequence, they find a few verses about "letting the Spirit lead" and head out. All of which is damaging and surely breaks the heart of God.
I would like to challenge anyone is these areas to simply sit down and read through the Word, as it's written. Don't try to look for some hidden meaning. Don't convince yourself that after thousands of years, you're going to find some new fact. Read it as God intended it to be read- as His love letter to us. Fall in love with the author, and the one who the story is written. As you're reading Scripture, let Scripture read you. Let it challenge you, confront you, upset you, calm you, encourage you, and inspire you. It will do all of these if we let it. The Bible is called a "double edged sword" so it can cut to the heart of us all, not to be used as a weapon for our own destructive motives.
God loves each of us, read His love letter and He'll prove it to you!
Selah
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Damage of anonymity
As I've grown in my walk with Christ, I've learned so much the hard way. Not because I'm not intelligent, but because I was pig-headed and stubborn. I'm a guy...and it's a typical guy stereotype to be stubborn. Normally, I'd be the first to argue with the "all guys are..." statement, but I know I fall into this category. So why argue :)
But there is one thing that I truly have a problem with. It's a disease that does nothing but cause pain and trouble. It's deadly to any situation and to any relationship. Anonymity. When we say things but don't want to own up to it. If not careful, it can destroy. Over the past couple of years, I've gotten several anonymous letters in the mail. And none of them positive. They've been critical, accusatory, mocking, blaming, and hurtful. It's hard to digest someone disliking/distrusting you so much that they're not even willing to talk to you personally. Obviously, those types of letters are just out to cheap shot the one the letters are addressed to.
The same applies for verbal issues. If you have to start a sentence with "I need to tell you something about someone but you can't tell them I told you", then you're going down a slippery slope. You're setting up the conversation to go in an ungodly direction. I'm not talking about confidentiality. As a pastor on a large church staff, I realize that there are things that have to be kept confidential. It's one thing for me to speak to a fellow staff member about a situation, to get prayer or wisdom. It's another for me to talk to another staff member about a problem I have with someone else. The sum that up in one word - GOSSIP.
If you want to be a person of character and Spirit-led, and you have an issue with someone or something someone said, address it with them. No go through back channels, shadows, or late phone calls and tell others what's going on. Go to the person first....tell them what your upset about. Deal with them face to face!! I've compiled this list below
5 Things to do to avoid gossip
1) Mind your own business: We don't do ourselves any good by jumping into situations that don't involve us. If someone comes to you for help, help them. Encourage them, challenge them. Deal with the situation they're asking about and then let it go. When we step into things that don't involve us, uninvited, we're bound to step in it (do I need to explain what "it" is? ;)
2) Shut down gossip when it comes to you: If someone comes to you with a "keep this anonymous" comment, stop it dead in it's tracks. You won't be held accountable for what happens after that, unless you participate in the gossip. Challenge the person to go to the other and discuss the issue. Matthew 17 clearly states how things like this should be handled. I believe even if a gossip isn't saying it to us, even if we just overhear it, we should take action to confront them. Colossians 3:16 tells us to use Scripture to admonish each other. I'm not saying slam them against the wall, but challenge them and "confront" them about their sin.
3) Don't be afraid to ask for help: especially if you attend a solid church, ask a pastor to guide you and help. If you come across gossip and aren't sure what to do, ask for help. But remember - you're asking for help with an issue, not spreading the information to another person.
4) Be above reproach: handle things in a way that no one can come back and say you're lying, you manipulated the situation, etc. Be honest and be clear. The more we do this, the less likely gossips will come looking for you.
5) Shine a light on to everything! If the gossip is about you, don't keep it hidden. Go to the people involved and get it out in the open right away. The minute we say to anyone "we can't say who said this...", we're tiptoeing the line between confidentiality and contributing to the problem. It's a hard place for any person to be, but it's under this type of pressure where our growth can happen.
In ministry, anonymous letters, emails, blogs, FB posts, tweets, calls, discussions, etc. are very common. I'm on staff at a large church so sometimes they seem to happen more than you'd like. When these have happened to me, it was like a kick in the gut. The first time just about ripped my heart out. As each one has come, I've begun to just toss them out without reading them. I was reminded of the damage this does recently as I've spoken to someone who's having this done to them - gossiping about to those close to them.
I'm begging anyone who might be reading, and challenging myself every day, to deal with people face to face. If you have an issue, talk to them. If someone has a problem with you, go to them to get it straightened out. If you hear gossip, take the intiative and shut it down. Unity is so important...don't let the enemy destroy that because of a few comments.
Selah....
But there is one thing that I truly have a problem with. It's a disease that does nothing but cause pain and trouble. It's deadly to any situation and to any relationship. Anonymity. When we say things but don't want to own up to it. If not careful, it can destroy. Over the past couple of years, I've gotten several anonymous letters in the mail. And none of them positive. They've been critical, accusatory, mocking, blaming, and hurtful. It's hard to digest someone disliking/distrusting you so much that they're not even willing to talk to you personally. Obviously, those types of letters are just out to cheap shot the one the letters are addressed to.
The same applies for verbal issues. If you have to start a sentence with "I need to tell you something about someone but you can't tell them I told you", then you're going down a slippery slope. You're setting up the conversation to go in an ungodly direction. I'm not talking about confidentiality. As a pastor on a large church staff, I realize that there are things that have to be kept confidential. It's one thing for me to speak to a fellow staff member about a situation, to get prayer or wisdom. It's another for me to talk to another staff member about a problem I have with someone else. The sum that up in one word - GOSSIP.
If you want to be a person of character and Spirit-led, and you have an issue with someone or something someone said, address it with them. No go through back channels, shadows, or late phone calls and tell others what's going on. Go to the person first....tell them what your upset about. Deal with them face to face!! I've compiled this list below
5 Things to do to avoid gossip
1) Mind your own business: We don't do ourselves any good by jumping into situations that don't involve us. If someone comes to you for help, help them. Encourage them, challenge them. Deal with the situation they're asking about and then let it go. When we step into things that don't involve us, uninvited, we're bound to step in it (do I need to explain what "it" is? ;)
2) Shut down gossip when it comes to you: If someone comes to you with a "keep this anonymous" comment, stop it dead in it's tracks. You won't be held accountable for what happens after that, unless you participate in the gossip. Challenge the person to go to the other and discuss the issue. Matthew 17 clearly states how things like this should be handled. I believe even if a gossip isn't saying it to us, even if we just overhear it, we should take action to confront them. Colossians 3:16 tells us to use Scripture to admonish each other. I'm not saying slam them against the wall, but challenge them and "confront" them about their sin.
3) Don't be afraid to ask for help: especially if you attend a solid church, ask a pastor to guide you and help. If you come across gossip and aren't sure what to do, ask for help. But remember - you're asking for help with an issue, not spreading the information to another person.
4) Be above reproach: handle things in a way that no one can come back and say you're lying, you manipulated the situation, etc. Be honest and be clear. The more we do this, the less likely gossips will come looking for you.
5) Shine a light on to everything! If the gossip is about you, don't keep it hidden. Go to the people involved and get it out in the open right away. The minute we say to anyone "we can't say who said this...", we're tiptoeing the line between confidentiality and contributing to the problem. It's a hard place for any person to be, but it's under this type of pressure where our growth can happen.
In ministry, anonymous letters, emails, blogs, FB posts, tweets, calls, discussions, etc. are very common. I'm on staff at a large church so sometimes they seem to happen more than you'd like. When these have happened to me, it was like a kick in the gut. The first time just about ripped my heart out. As each one has come, I've begun to just toss them out without reading them. I was reminded of the damage this does recently as I've spoken to someone who's having this done to them - gossiping about to those close to them.
I'm begging anyone who might be reading, and challenging myself every day, to deal with people face to face. If you have an issue, talk to them. If someone has a problem with you, go to them to get it straightened out. If you hear gossip, take the intiative and shut it down. Unity is so important...don't let the enemy destroy that because of a few comments.
Selah....
Thursday, January 12, 2012
What is our vision? Where are we going?
One of my prayers for 2012 is to ask God to both renew, and help me to better communicate, vision in my life. I've always loved Proverbs 29:18, because I think it says so much in a few sentences. I especially love the KJV wording - "where there is no vision, the people perish". And I've always been intrigued because it's so insightful, yet so simple. Without vision, we're not going to see much happen. How many of us leave on a trip without a destination in hand? Without our GPS set, or map in hand? I'm a huge NFL fan (if you consider the Cleveland Browns an NFL team ;) ) and I think about the fact that no coach shows up on day one and says "Let's play, and hope we win". You go in with a plan, an idea of where you want to go.
My prayer for this is two fold. First, the obvious one, is vision for ministry. I wrestle with insecurity - it's the thorn in my flesh that Paul discusses. And I always wonder what I'm missing when I struggle to recruit leaders, lead the ones I have, or lead students. Recently, in my prayer time, I've been feeling that God has been telling me that maybe it's because I've not clearly shared what I'm thinking, where I think God is leading us. Communication is a recent focus, and is an ongoing area of refinement for any leader. I've been thinking that it is time for a shift in what we do, how we do it. it may not look different to those outside of our ministry, but it may change everything to those inside. Exciting!!!
My other prayer is personal vision. What is God asking of me as a believer? As a husband? As a dad? What things is my heart desiring that may, or may not, be what God has. One dream is write a book that gets published. Not for noteriety, but to share what I can to help others. Is that a selfish desire? Praying it's not as I am working on a book proposal. I want to be a Godly husband and father, not just because I'm supposed to be, but because I want my kids to grow in knowing Christ, and want my wife to know she's treasured as a gift from God. I know that I do not put enough time in my life for me. Not to watch football, play video games, lounge around (although there is nothing wrong with those). But how am I recharging myself?
Just some thoughts as 2012 unfolds. I really believe, in my heart, that 2012 will turn my world upside down, and for the positive. How could anyone not think that. God promises in Jeremiah that he's got a plan, a great plan, a plan that is all about His glory and our blessing. Pray with me, won't you? For me and for you! Be excited! Ask God for the vision for your life, and then be passionate about carrying that out!
Selah.....
My prayer for this is two fold. First, the obvious one, is vision for ministry. I wrestle with insecurity - it's the thorn in my flesh that Paul discusses. And I always wonder what I'm missing when I struggle to recruit leaders, lead the ones I have, or lead students. Recently, in my prayer time, I've been feeling that God has been telling me that maybe it's because I've not clearly shared what I'm thinking, where I think God is leading us. Communication is a recent focus, and is an ongoing area of refinement for any leader. I've been thinking that it is time for a shift in what we do, how we do it. it may not look different to those outside of our ministry, but it may change everything to those inside. Exciting!!!
My other prayer is personal vision. What is God asking of me as a believer? As a husband? As a dad? What things is my heart desiring that may, or may not, be what God has. One dream is write a book that gets published. Not for noteriety, but to share what I can to help others. Is that a selfish desire? Praying it's not as I am working on a book proposal. I want to be a Godly husband and father, not just because I'm supposed to be, but because I want my kids to grow in knowing Christ, and want my wife to know she's treasured as a gift from God. I know that I do not put enough time in my life for me. Not to watch football, play video games, lounge around (although there is nothing wrong with those). But how am I recharging myself?
Just some thoughts as 2012 unfolds. I really believe, in my heart, that 2012 will turn my world upside down, and for the positive. How could anyone not think that. God promises in Jeremiah that he's got a plan, a great plan, a plan that is all about His glory and our blessing. Pray with me, won't you? For me and for you! Be excited! Ask God for the vision for your life, and then be passionate about carrying that out!
Selah.....
Monday, January 2, 2012
What's next, Papa?
A question that I have been thinking about ever since attended a conference in Atlanta in Nov. While I don't associate it with the strange theme of the conference (although not as strange as the hindu baby, right team?), that question has had me thinking a lot lately. What's next Papa?
That's how I am starting off 2012. By asking God, my Father above, "What's next Papa?" For many in full time ministry, myself included, we have a tendency to get caught up in programming, tasks, and the job of pastoring. But during the holidays, I began to think a little deeper about my ministry calling. I am a full time youth pastor - and believe that I have the BEST job in the world. I'm love my students as if they were my own kids. Eventhough, at times, I watch them make poor decisions or treat their lives as if they deserve more than they have, my frustration comes from wanting to see them authentically connect with Christ, and to embrance all that HE has for them. And I I thought deeper and deeper, I could feel the temptation of seeing my job as a job. That scared/upset/angered me. and I felt myself thinking more about the events and programs instead of stopping to ask "What's next, Papa?".
That question has sent me into a new walk through God's word. I've begun seeing how the events of 2011 are setting up for a remarkable 2012. Not all of 2011 was fun - I lost my grandmother, friendships, ministry aces, etc. But each of those will be something God will use to grow and stretch me this year, and impact the ministry He's called me to lead @ Grace Community.
So, as we begin 2012, please join me in asking "What's next Papa?" I believe His answers will rock our world!!
That's how I am starting off 2012. By asking God, my Father above, "What's next Papa?" For many in full time ministry, myself included, we have a tendency to get caught up in programming, tasks, and the job of pastoring. But during the holidays, I began to think a little deeper about my ministry calling. I am a full time youth pastor - and believe that I have the BEST job in the world. I'm love my students as if they were my own kids. Eventhough, at times, I watch them make poor decisions or treat their lives as if they deserve more than they have, my frustration comes from wanting to see them authentically connect with Christ, and to embrance all that HE has for them. And I I thought deeper and deeper, I could feel the temptation of seeing my job as a job. That scared/upset/angered me. and I felt myself thinking more about the events and programs instead of stopping to ask "What's next, Papa?".
That question has sent me into a new walk through God's word. I've begun seeing how the events of 2011 are setting up for a remarkable 2012. Not all of 2011 was fun - I lost my grandmother, friendships, ministry aces, etc. But each of those will be something God will use to grow and stretch me this year, and impact the ministry He's called me to lead @ Grace Community.
So, as we begin 2012, please join me in asking "What's next Papa?" I believe His answers will rock our world!!
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