Takeaway One: Thank God for everything before asking Him for anything.
So what?: I will continue to develop the discipline of gratitude. I will work to recognize the every day graces of life and thank God for them, recognizing that if He never did another thing for me, I've already been blessed beyond all measure.
Takeaway Two: We can get excellent teaching and gather excellent teams, but "only God can make it rain." I can't expect God's blessing on my work unless I do it God's way. (2 Kings 3:9-20)
So what? All of my best efforts to grow and develop and cultivate leadership are in vain apart from the power of God poured through my life. I will quit believing that I can accomplish anything of eternal value in my own pitiful strength, wit, or wisdom.
Takeaway Three: If the size of the vision that you have for your ministry isn't intimidating to you, there's a good chance that it's insulting to God. Noah looked stupid building a boat ... until the rain came.
So what? I will repent of small dreams. I will repent of doubt. I will ask God to fill my heart and my dreams with things that only He can accomplish.
Friday, August 12, 2011
WCAGLS: Seth Godin Session Five Takeaways
Takeaway One: If you want to do work that matters, you don't have to do it by yourself. People long to be in sync, and they need someone to show up and lead them.
So what?: I will quit throwing pity parties for the lonely leader and assuming that I must work as a long ranger. I will work to rally others around a common mission to accomplish Kingdom-sized tasks.
Takeaway Two: Art is the risky human act of doing something you haven't done before for someone else with someone else. Mass production leads not just to interchangeable parts but also to interchangeable people.
So what? I will quit working so hard at fitting in and choose to do and be the things that make me original. And, I will celebrate originality in others. I will look for the people who are being effective by doing something unique and encourage them to keep moving forward.
Takeaway Three: We are constantly looking for a reason not to do our art, not to put ourselves on the line.
So what? I will practice being someone who looks for reasons and ways to say "yes." To myself and to others. My favorite leaders and coworkers are those who consistently come up with new ways to say "yes" rather than the frustration of those who give me ten different reasons why something won't work before they've even tried it.
Bonus: If all you can offer in your institution is that you're the "local" church, it's not going to get you where you want to go. Quit bowling. Bowling is not an exciting spectator sport. It's borning and the goal is perfection. What people talk about, what spreads the word is something people don't expect. Nobody talks about a brown cow. The only cow people talk about is a purple one.
If failure is not an option, then neither is success. It's impossible to do art without failure.
So what?: I will quit throwing pity parties for the lonely leader and assuming that I must work as a long ranger. I will work to rally others around a common mission to accomplish Kingdom-sized tasks.
Takeaway Two: Art is the risky human act of doing something you haven't done before for someone else with someone else. Mass production leads not just to interchangeable parts but also to interchangeable people.
So what? I will quit working so hard at fitting in and choose to do and be the things that make me original. And, I will celebrate originality in others. I will look for the people who are being effective by doing something unique and encourage them to keep moving forward.
Takeaway Three: We are constantly looking for a reason not to do our art, not to put ourselves on the line.
So what? I will practice being someone who looks for reasons and ways to say "yes." To myself and to others. My favorite leaders and coworkers are those who consistently come up with new ways to say "yes" rather than the frustration of those who give me ten different reasons why something won't work before they've even tried it.
Bonus: If all you can offer in your institution is that you're the "local" church, it's not going to get you where you want to go. Quit bowling. Bowling is not an exciting spectator sport. It's borning and the goal is perfection. What people talk about, what spreads the word is something people don't expect. Nobody talks about a brown cow. The only cow people talk about is a purple one.
If failure is not an option, then neither is success. It's impossible to do art without failure.
WCAGLS: Brenda Salter McNeil Session Four Takeaways
Takeaway One: The next generation of emerging leaders are global by default.
So what? I can no longer claim ignorance of the problems and challenges facing the world, especially other believers around the world. There is no excuse for not being informed. There is no excuse for not doing something.
Takeaway Two: The mandate is to take the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom across cultural thresholds.
So what? The promise of Acts 1:8 is that the Holy Spirit will empower believers to cross cultural divides. I have access to the power that enables me to affect change in those who look and think and act like me (Jerusalem), in those who look like me but think and act differently (Judea), and in those with whom I have no obvious commonality and potentially some hostility (Samaria).
Takeaway Three: We need Christian leaders who do not view these seismic shifts in our world as catastrophes, but as catalytic events. Summon your courage and interpret for the people you lead that God is not dead; He is alive, and He is able.
So what? It is not my job as a Christian leader to wring my hands in worry, fear, and doubt, nor to throw them up in despair. It is my job as a Christian leader to recognize that people in need of rescue are ripe for the message of a Savior. I will be ready and willing to preach Jesus in the most unlikely circumstances.
So what? I can no longer claim ignorance of the problems and challenges facing the world, especially other believers around the world. There is no excuse for not being informed. There is no excuse for not doing something.
Takeaway Two: The mandate is to take the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom across cultural thresholds.
So what? The promise of Acts 1:8 is that the Holy Spirit will empower believers to cross cultural divides. I have access to the power that enables me to affect change in those who look and think and act like me (Jerusalem), in those who look like me but think and act differently (Judea), and in those with whom I have no obvious commonality and potentially some hostility (Samaria).
Takeaway Three: We need Christian leaders who do not view these seismic shifts in our world as catastrophes, but as catalytic events. Summon your courage and interpret for the people you lead that God is not dead; He is alive, and He is able.
So what? It is not my job as a Christian leader to wring my hands in worry, fear, and doubt, nor to throw them up in despair. It is my job as a Christian leader to recognize that people in need of rescue are ripe for the message of a Savior. I will be ready and willing to preach Jesus in the most unlikely circumstances.
WCAGLS: Cory Booker Session Three Takeaways
I became acutely aware of something about myself during Mayor Booker's session. I have a deeply held suspicion of charismatic leaders. Perhaps it is simply that I have been described as a charismatic leader from time to time, yet I am well acquainted with my own flaws and the temptation to use charm to distract from them. Whenever I sense myself being caught up and carried away by the passionate articulations of a well-spoken orator, something deep inside of me presses hard on the brakes and I pull up short. Mayor Booker gave an excellent address full of many rich sound-bites. He is a gifted and passionate communicator. I am grateful having had the opportunity to hear him today, but I had to laugh at myself for how stubbornly my mind refused to fully engage in the energy of the moment.
Soundbite One: You drink deeply from wells of freedom and opportunity that you did not dig. You have a choice. Will you grow dumb, fat, and happy consuming what you did not provide for yourself? Or will you stand up from the banquet table your ancestors prepared and metabolize your blessings to move forward.
So what? I will make a conscious choice to make the most of what was handed to me. I am often most proud of the things I've accomplished for myself, but I will practice demonstrating greater awareness of and gratitude for the gifts that are pure graces provided by the work and sacrifice of others who came before me.
Soundbite Two: What you see in the world is less a matter of the facts that are there than a reflection of who you are and the attitude of your heart.
So what? When I begin to lose sight of hope, I will remember that hope rightly placed in God does not disappoint. I will strive to cultivate a heart and attitude toward the world that reflects His heart and love for the world.
Soundbite Three: Don't trip over people God has put right in front of you for a purpose.
So what? I will pray for God to use me each and every day however He sees fit, and I will not complain when He gives me opportunities to be a blessing, a bodily extension of His hands and feet to others ... even others that don't fit into my schedule or my sensitivities.
Soundbite One: You drink deeply from wells of freedom and opportunity that you did not dig. You have a choice. Will you grow dumb, fat, and happy consuming what you did not provide for yourself? Or will you stand up from the banquet table your ancestors prepared and metabolize your blessings to move forward.
So what? I will make a conscious choice to make the most of what was handed to me. I am often most proud of the things I've accomplished for myself, but I will practice demonstrating greater awareness of and gratitude for the gifts that are pure graces provided by the work and sacrifice of others who came before me.
Soundbite Two: What you see in the world is less a matter of the facts that are there than a reflection of who you are and the attitude of your heart.
So what? When I begin to lose sight of hope, I will remember that hope rightly placed in God does not disappoint. I will strive to cultivate a heart and attitude toward the world that reflects His heart and love for the world.
Soundbite Three: Don't trip over people God has put right in front of you for a purpose.
So what? I will pray for God to use me each and every day however He sees fit, and I will not complain when He gives me opportunities to be a blessing, a bodily extension of His hands and feet to others ... even others that don't fit into my schedule or my sensitivities.
WCAGLS: Len Schlesinger Session Two Takeaways
Takeaway One: Failure doesn't mean game over. It means, try again ... with experience.
So what? I hate to fail. Hate it. I mean, 99% of the time I won't try something I might be bad at doing. I live a very safe (aka: boring) life most of the time. I fear the stigma of failure. I fear the misery of failure. I fear the defeat of failure. I hate to fail. But, I've lived long enough to know there's not really any other way to succeed but to endure some failure. I will strive not to fear failure but to embrace it as an opportunity to learn and to do better with the next attempt. I will not be paralyzed by the fear of failure. I will continue to attempt new and greater things despite my fear.
Takeaway Two: Nobody can ride one business model through the life of his career. Adapt.
So what? It is okay if what once worked is no longer effective. It doesn't mean it never worked. It's okay to embrace new ideas and change. A very wise 78 year old woman reminded me earlier this week, "All that is old is not bad, and all that is new is not good; neither is all that is old good, or all that is new bad."
Takeaway Three: In the face of unknowability (an uncertain future), rational behavior requires small steps based on what you've got in hand. Start with what you care about.
So what? Doing something is better than doing nothing. I don't know what my organization or program looks like a year from now, but I do know who and what I have been given today, and I can move forward tomorrow with those provisions. I exhaust myself (and many around me) with my attempts to see the future. Rather than worrying about what might happen down the road, I can move forward by concerning myself with finding firm ground for the very next step in front of me.
So what? I hate to fail. Hate it. I mean, 99% of the time I won't try something I might be bad at doing. I live a very safe (aka: boring) life most of the time. I fear the stigma of failure. I fear the misery of failure. I fear the defeat of failure. I hate to fail. But, I've lived long enough to know there's not really any other way to succeed but to endure some failure. I will strive not to fear failure but to embrace it as an opportunity to learn and to do better with the next attempt. I will not be paralyzed by the fear of failure. I will continue to attempt new and greater things despite my fear.
Takeaway Two: Nobody can ride one business model through the life of his career. Adapt.
So what? It is okay if what once worked is no longer effective. It doesn't mean it never worked. It's okay to embrace new ideas and change. A very wise 78 year old woman reminded me earlier this week, "All that is old is not bad, and all that is new is not good; neither is all that is old good, or all that is new bad."
Takeaway Three: In the face of unknowability (an uncertain future), rational behavior requires small steps based on what you've got in hand. Start with what you care about.
So what? Doing something is better than doing nothing. I don't know what my organization or program looks like a year from now, but I do know who and what I have been given today, and I can move forward tomorrow with those provisions. I exhaust myself (and many around me) with my attempts to see the future. Rather than worrying about what might happen down the road, I can move forward by concerning myself with finding firm ground for the very next step in front of me.
WCAGLS: Bill Hybels Session One Takeaways
Every year my faithful blog readers endure with me through a series of posts from a Leadership Conference that makes me absolutely giddy. It fills my head with so many profound thoughts and fuels my passion for leadership in ways that make me a little dangerous at times. Normally, I just use these posts to regurgitate my notes, but I thought this year, I'd try to process my thoughts out a little further for you and tell you what I actually hope to do with all this wonderful and glorious information.
The only Leadership Summit faculty member you can count on hearing from year after year is Bill Hybels, and the reality is, he is by far the best of them all.
Takeaway One: Leaders need to be incurable, insatiable learners. When a leader stops learning, he stops leading.
So What?: This year I did something I've never done. I created a reading list at the start of the year. And, I've kept track of what I'm reading. I renewed my library card, and I've availed myself of all the riches available through Fort Worth's very excellent library system. And, in the process, I'm becoming a better leader, and yet, I find myself wishing I had the ability to consume more, especially true stories about the ordinary lives of courageous men and women. They remind me that I am not alone when I come up against difficult days. I will continue to make the most of every opportunity to learn.
Takeaway Two: Part of my job as a leader is to look problems straight in the eye, call them what they are, not be intimidated by them, arrest them, and put them on a new curve.
So what? I will quit complaining that leadership is hard. That's a given. In my lines of work and ministry, problems most often come in the form of people. I will quit acting surprised when problems arise. I will deal honestly and directly with them with a commitment to a gracious and generous love for every individual.
Takeaway Three: How you finish is how you'll always be remembered.
So what? With God's help, I will not be remembered for being a slow starter. I will not be remembered for the years I've wasted. I will not be remembered for all the times I fail (I will fail plenty and often). I will be remembered for boldly following Him and being used by Him to love and live courageously. I will strive to make each year of leadership better than the last, and to be remembered as one who consistently pointed others to Christ.
The only Leadership Summit faculty member you can count on hearing from year after year is Bill Hybels, and the reality is, he is by far the best of them all.
Takeaway One: Leaders need to be incurable, insatiable learners. When a leader stops learning, he stops leading.
So What?: This year I did something I've never done. I created a reading list at the start of the year. And, I've kept track of what I'm reading. I renewed my library card, and I've availed myself of all the riches available through Fort Worth's very excellent library system. And, in the process, I'm becoming a better leader, and yet, I find myself wishing I had the ability to consume more, especially true stories about the ordinary lives of courageous men and women. They remind me that I am not alone when I come up against difficult days. I will continue to make the most of every opportunity to learn.
Takeaway Two: Part of my job as a leader is to look problems straight in the eye, call them what they are, not be intimidated by them, arrest them, and put them on a new curve.
So what? I will quit complaining that leadership is hard. That's a given. In my lines of work and ministry, problems most often come in the form of people. I will quit acting surprised when problems arise. I will deal honestly and directly with them with a commitment to a gracious and generous love for every individual.
Takeaway Three: How you finish is how you'll always be remembered.
So what? With God's help, I will not be remembered for being a slow starter. I will not be remembered for the years I've wasted. I will not be remembered for all the times I fail (I will fail plenty and often). I will be remembered for boldly following Him and being used by Him to love and live courageously. I will strive to make each year of leadership better than the last, and to be remembered as one who consistently pointed others to Christ.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Homesick
I don't think about heaven enough.
And, I really don't write about it enough.
This week, I can't help but think about it.
Right now, friends are travelling back from Ethiopia where they hoped to meet the children their hearts have already claimed.
Right now, friends are praying anxiously for the health of a baby boy suffering from Malaria in the Congo, a baby boy they've already named, the son of their hearts.
Right now, a sister is weeping over the brokenness of her father who is once again in the grips of alcoholism.
Right now, a sister sits by the bedside of her 33 year old husband who has not breathed on his own for nearly three weeks, his body ravaged by an unknown infection.
Right now, a family grieves the sudden loss of a husband, father, grandfather.
Right now, a family wrestles with difficult choices as their savings dwindles to nothing and they wait prayerfully for news from the latest round of job interviews.
Right now, a sister makes a choice every single day to work hard, stay clean and prays nothing happens to prevent her 8 month old daughter from being returned to her custody next week.
Right now, a brother prays that someone will look past the things he's done and see who he is and give him a real chance to build a life on this side of the bars.
Right now, a pastor battered by the humanity of his most recent congregation prays for a new direction for himself and his family.
Right now, a soldier endures separation from his loved ones, scorching heat, and hostile enemies.
Right now, a mother prays moment by moment for a miraculous demonstration of provision to meet her family's most basic needs.
And, I don't just think about heaven or write about heaven.
I long for heaven.
For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
And, I really don't write about it enough.
This week, I can't help but think about it.
Right now, friends are travelling back from Ethiopia where they hoped to meet the children their hearts have already claimed.
Right now, friends are praying anxiously for the health of a baby boy suffering from Malaria in the Congo, a baby boy they've already named, the son of their hearts.
Right now, a sister is weeping over the brokenness of her father who is once again in the grips of alcoholism.
Right now, a sister sits by the bedside of her 33 year old husband who has not breathed on his own for nearly three weeks, his body ravaged by an unknown infection.
Right now, a family grieves the sudden loss of a husband, father, grandfather.
Right now, a family wrestles with difficult choices as their savings dwindles to nothing and they wait prayerfully for news from the latest round of job interviews.
Right now, a sister makes a choice every single day to work hard, stay clean and prays nothing happens to prevent her 8 month old daughter from being returned to her custody next week.
Right now, a brother prays that someone will look past the things he's done and see who he is and give him a real chance to build a life on this side of the bars.
Right now, a pastor battered by the humanity of his most recent congregation prays for a new direction for himself and his family.
Right now, a soldier endures separation from his loved ones, scorching heat, and hostile enemies.
Right now, a mother prays moment by moment for a miraculous demonstration of provision to meet her family's most basic needs.
And, I don't just think about heaven or write about heaven.
I long for heaven.
For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
2 Corinthians 5:4
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