Where Are The Leaders

I love a good game of ping pong. Unfortunately, I suck and usually lose. That's right...I lack mad ping pong skills. But, I love a good game of ping pong nonetheless. I trust you do as well.

Now...imagine the ball hitting the net and bouncing away and off. Away and off into some corner or crevice. Some corner or crevice which simply seems impossible. Oh boy! But...away and off it goes with you chasing behind. Crawling around like a fool with your friends laughing and mocking. We've all been there. Right?

We pursue. We pursue despite this laughing and mocking. A relentless pursuit. Why? Well...without this ball the game is useless. Without this ball the game is over.

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Ever sit and wonder. Wonder where are the leaders. The shepherds. After all, people sit and listen week in and week out to sermon after sermon. Sit and listen to small group after small group. Shouldn't they simply emerge? Kind of appear as a basic byproduct?

However, we often forgo the one in pursuit of the many. Creating many sheep without reproducing any shepherds.

Don't get me wrong. Sheep rock! But, sheep without shepherds quickly fall pray to roaring lions.

The remedy? Some good old fashioned one on one mentoring.

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Back to ping pong. Pursue the ball and what do you get? Bumped heads, bruised egos, and brushed cobwebs. Still, we pursue the ball. The one. And...we pursue with intention. See the similarities?

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Back to reproducing shepherds. You guessed it. More bumped heads, bruised egos, and brushed cobwebs. But, forget the game. The stakes are greater and higher. You see, without these shepherds, ministry is useless. Without these shepherds, ministry is over.

So, here's the summary...

- Pursue the one for the sake of the many. The shepherd for the sheep. The leader.
- Pursue the one through one on one mentoring. Who are you mentoring? Better yer, who's mentoring you?
- Ignore the bumps, bruises, and brushes. They come with the territory.
- Be intentional or it's useless and over.

Reminds me of a quote from my previous post. We impress people from afar, but impact them from up close. Dave Gibbons. Until next time. Jed.

Permission To Pull The Plug

Why do we do what we do? Lately, this question has lodged and rattled within my mind...specifically in relation with my church. So, why do we do what we do?

Let's first start with yet another question - who do we exist for? After all, once we define the who we can then define the why. Luckily, we don't need to look far as Jesus already answered both of these questions.

For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:20.

Who - the lost. Why - seek and save.

Funny how questions we often complicate are really pretty simple. As such, the core question quickly becomes - does any given ministry bear the fruit of seeking and saving? A simple yes or no question. Flat out easy to assess with the one caveat of honesty. And sometimes honesty stings. But, if the answer is no, why continue on?

Don't get me wrong. It's not easy pulling the plug...although, sometimes necessary. And let's not forget...Jesus already gave permission. That's right! Your permission slip is already signed.

You may think this post is a tad harsh. After all, aren't we called to care for the orphans and widows? Sure we are...but, why do we assume these orphans and widows are already believers?

More to follow along these lines at a later date. Until next time. Jed.

Seeking Purpose

Recently, I sat through some intriguing discussions. These discussions challenged and pulled me. All good stuff. From these discussions, two points have stuck with me like glue...really really sticky sticky glue. These points - swot analysis and target audience. We'll save target audience for later. But...let's explore swot analysis. What in the world is swot analysis? This was my first question. Well…it’s an analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Ever think of these before? Your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. What about your church's...

Strengths. What you do really well? Your core values. Perhaps you're gifted with talented teachers. Perhaps there's an underlying foundation of love…one that runs deep and wide.

Weaknesses. Or…more politically correct…opportunities for improvement. Perhaps you lack leaders. Perhaps mistrust has been fostered and kindled…more finger pointing than uplifting.

Opportunities. What are the needs within your community? Large segment of single moms? Large segment of unemployed? A laundry mat?

Threats. What threatens all of the above? A shaky economy or an aging congregation without fresh wind coming up through the sails.

So…time for your next decision. Whatever this decision…implement this swot analysis.

Standing upon a strength while improving a weakness. Taking advantage of an opportunity while minimizing a threat. Is this decision accomplishing this? If not, perhaps it's the wrong decision? Or...at a minimum...the wrong direction.

Combine the above with target audience…and, wow! Now, this decision has a face to it. Whether it be Sandwich Sam or Plano Pat (two towns near me)…you have a reason to do what you do.

One more time. Start talking and thinking like...we're launching this new ministry or revamping this existing ministry by standing upon a strength while improving a weakness and taking advantage of an opportunity while minimizing a threat...all in the name of reaching Sandwich Sam or Plano Pat with Christ's love. Wow! Now...that's what I call purpose!

Do you know your swot analysis? Do your leaders on all levels? Leaders - carve out some time, close the door, and flush it out...so it may flesh out for all.

Step outside the church and how about your family or even yourself? Until next time. Jed.

The Tortoise & The Hare

The tortoise and the hare. Remember that one? Brings back some great memories. Doesn't it? Specifically...the one with Bugs Bunny as the hare. Ah...good times!

On a separate note...my six year old simply scratches her head at the mention of Bugs Bunny. "Who's that," she asks? Oh...woe as me. Where have I gone wrong as her father!

Anyways...back to the tortoise and the hare.

As a leader, should we run the race as the tortoise? The outcome? Well...little will ever change. It's just about the same step today as tomorrow. Step after step. Ever so slow. Little to no progress...no good at all.

So, what about the hare? Only if you love chaos, confusion, and headache. Although a silly illustration...just eat ice cream too fast and what do you get? Headache! Lead too fast...headache as well...only more like a migraine.

The magic comes with the pace. Not too slow and not too fast...but, reframing expectations day in and day out. Leading at the pace of change. Or, as Ron Heifetz says, disappointing people at a rate they can tolerate.

So...how do we find the right pace? Your thoughts?

Where Are You Leading From

I'm sitting in the midst of process. Watching leaders create clarity and debate direction. Very intriguing...this whole thing of process. Much talks around leadership and the associated means and methods. Here's one that stuck with me...

Where are you leading from? The authority zone, the power zone, or the leadership zone?

From the authority zone, we basically satisfy expectations. We have the authority to lead...but, only within the confines of this authority. These confines set the standards. We meet these standards and thus satisfy these expectations. All very comforting...and, in my opinion, all very boring.

From the power zone, we rule with the iron fist. I think of Nikita Krushchev banging his shoe on the delegate's desk. Dictatorship...ultimately leading to abuse. And...abuse is rarely healing or helping.

But...step just outside the authority zone and we enter the leadership zone. Here we reframe expectations. Here we redefine priorities. Here we pursue and challenge. Here we lead!

The mindset within the leadership zone?

- Perseverance with will...
- Resistance is expected...
- Deal with values...
- Risk is required...
- Judgment is required...
- Share in responsibility...
- And...luck is part of the equation...

Now, the skill set within the leadership zone?

- Distinguish operational, strategic, and/or operational...
- Moderate anxiety...
- Engage stakeholders...
- Reinforce purpose...
- Infuse meaning...
- Build rapport...
- Reframe problems...

So, where are you leading from? The leadership zone offers movement. Not just movement...but, forward movement. And...not just forward movement...but, forward unified movement.

Let's lead from the leadership zone...allowing and compelling forward unified movement! Until next time. Jed.

Thanks to John Holm with TAG Consulting for inspiring these principles and thoughts over the last couple of days. Greatly appreciated!

Disappointing Leadership

Disappointed with your leaders? Perhaps they're right on the money.

Ron Heifetz from Harvard (Kennedy School of Public Leadership), defines leadership as “disappointing people at a rate they can tolerate”.

Huh. Do you agree?

Breaking The Piggy Bank

Dirty Water makes me smile. Last week, Parkview Christian Academy launched their Dirty Water Campaign. The kids are now little "water evangelists" as their zeal and zest have invaded their classrooms and homes. Daily...they stumble down the halls with dollars and dimes in hand.

Piggy banks have been plundered and hearts have been moved. Generosity defines the day. I love it!

Here's why Dirty Water makes me smile:

Instructing, teaching, and showing these kids how they will impact the world! Fairly plain and simple. Not through distant actions or stories or through checks their parents write. But...through their actions and sacrifices. What a great life lesson! Better yet...what a great truth from Scripture!

I wonder if we, as adults, forget this truth. Impacting lives through God's grace. Through our generosity. Through our actions and sacrifices. Not through hearing compelling stories. But...through authoring compelling stories.

The key? Find your catalyst. That's all these kids were looking for...a simple catalyst. Dirty Water is the catalyst for the instructing, teaching, and showing. The rally cry. Vision defined and realized. So...do you have a catalyst? Does your church or family?

Want to know more about Dirty Water? Click here or here. Thanks!

My Story Of Story

Recently, I attended Story and it was an amazing couple days. With speakers such as Dave Gibbons, Thomas Fluharty, Micheal Hyatt, Don Miller, and Ed Young and worship from The Sycamore Band, I'm not even sure where to begin. So, I don't plan to begin anywhere and will allow Scripture to speak of my experiences and thoughts.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother and sister in need but shows no compassion - how can God's love be in that person? 1 John 3:17.

This a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies, he is God alone. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17.

...upon this rock I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18.

It's impossible to say it better. So, let the above soak in.

On a separate note, Thomas Fluharty and his wife Kristi authored and illustrated Fool Moon Rising. It's an amazing book for your children and grandchildren. Get a copy!

The Perception Of Hurdles

So...I recently jumped aboard a local organization. This organization has a few hurdles to overcome. Not hurdles down the road. Rather, these hurdles are directly in front. The kind you either clear now or fall face first, with all eyes on you. Then, before you know it, you've gone viral. Kind of like this one.

These hurdles revolve around perception. The perception of both insiders and outsiders. I'm not sure who coined it. But, it sure does ring true. Perception is everything.

Let's head back to Exodus 14. Israel is finally freed of their captors. Not only freed...but, they plundered them and headed out with high fives and loot in hand. But, before long, they heard chariot wheels and hoof beats.

Then they said to Moses, "Have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?" Exodus 14:11. Wow! Their perception has taken a large swing in little time.

The response from Moses is priceless! "Don't be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:13-14.

This response must be the mantra of the organization noted above. Standing still and waiting to see the salvation of the Lord. Sure...there may be chariot wheels and hoof beats. Perhaps the Red Sea is directly in front. But, without these things, there would be no need for God. This fact alone excites me!

The same applies to our personal lives. Whatever hurdles need to be cleared. Cling to the simple principles of Moses.

1. Don't be afraid.
2. Stand still.
3. The Lord will fight for you.
4. You shall hold your peace.

These principles are awesome! These principles greatly impact perception. Go and live them out, as God is currently crafting your testimony. And...this testimony will rock lives! Yours included!

Death By Paralysis

When Ishbosheth heard...he lost all courage and ALL Israel became paralyzed with fear. 2 Samuel 4:1.

First off...what kind of name is Ishbosheth. Poor guy. I bet he never got teased. Sure - ya right! So, for you expecting parents, take this one off your list of potentials for little Johnny. You'll thank me later...and so will Johnny.

Anyways...talk about the importance of leadership. The crippling of one leader froze an entire nation. ALL Israel. What? Say that again. One man froze one nation. An entire nation. Not ten men, five men, or even two men. But, one man.

So, leaders need to lead. Simple enough. Right? Despite what you may hear - cast your eyes upon the Lord and lead - cling to His cross and lead. Ignore the whats and whys of your ear, as they completely deflated our friend, Ishbosheth. They promise the same for you - while clapping, singing, and smiling along the way.

The alternate is paralysis, which generally leads to a slow and painful death. Until next time. Jed.