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SA Leadership Podcast Episode #028

Remaining Mission - How To Stop The Drift

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:44 — 23.6MB) | Embed

Death By Minnows Unknown-1

In February 1993 Albert Mohler became the 9th President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. With an effigy hanging outside the window of the chapel, Dr. Mohler took the podium an began to announce his intentions as the newest President of a drifting seminary. Here is what he read:

Let those who would understand Southern Seminary understand this:…That this Abstract is a sacred contract and confession for those who teach here – who willingly and willfully affix their signatures to its text and their conscience to its intention. They pledge to teach “in accordance with and not contrary to its precepts.

Unknown  Steve Haas, Vice President of World Vision stated, “Getting eaten by a whale or nibbled to death by minnows results in the same thing. One demise is typically more difficult to diagnose.”

Protecting from Drift

It seems that protecting your organization is a daily exercise that must be taken serious. According to authors Greer and Horst there are two common variables to pay attention too:

1.Clarity of Christian Mission

2.Intentionality In Safeguarding It

The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics

This law states that energy proceeds in the same manner based upon the influencers impacting it. Therefore, if faith-based organizations do not infuse their mission intentions regularly with prayer and intentional management steps, the gravitational pull of secularization will be unstoppable.

One of the biggest barriers is “PAIN AVOIDANCE!” We would rather do the easy work first as opposed to the difficult work that is challenging our mission purpose and future.

Closing Actions Steps

1.Seek Clarity First – Map your destination!

2.Acknowledge that the pressure of drift is constant. Breathe the Mission daily.

3.Realize there is a point of NO RETURN! No one is exempt from this extreme – not even Harvard or Yale University.

4.Make the hard decisions to correct the drift. Pain avoidance is the fastest way for Mission Drift to devastate an organization’s Christ-centered identity.

LINKS

Self-guided Assessment to determine Mission Drift

T.R.I.M. Assessment Tool – Private Message Me

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Premier Service – Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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Ancient Wisdom – Modern Times

Four Responsibilities of Modern Day Pastors

When applying for jobs today you generally will receive a profile or description of the position  511063703_640that you seek. These profiles describe responsibilities that  are specific to the job. The Apostle Paul wrote about some primary objectives for all ministers when addressing the Ephesian church; “He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Paul would write to his young protege and outline four (4) primary functions of all pastors in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

  1. A pastor must faithfully and consistently preach the Word of God. There is a subtle difference between teaching and preaching Scriptures. Teaching seeks to impart knowledge with suggestions for application. Preaching seeks to compel hearers to act on what they have learned from Scripture. Teaching feeds the mind; preaching challenges the will according to Charles Swindoll.
  2. A pastor must confront wrongdoing and correct error. There must an uncompromising standard for purity with respect to doctrine and teaching. This requires a due diligence in guarding and protecting those followers of the faith by the pastors example and to have qualified teachers to assist. Cultural sensitivity is required to prepare counter-cultural messages to keep the message of Scriptures central in the church and in our lives.
  3. A pastor must lead the effort to evangelize the community. The church is to be the primary carrier of the “GOOD NEWS MESSAGE” of the gospel of Christ. Therefore, the pastor is not only the evangelist proclaiming a positive message, he is an example for others to follow as well. The pastor is not a substitute for other people’s failure to commit.
  4. The pastor must serve his congregation. The phrase “fulfill your ministry” implies the idea of waiting on tables. It is the image of serving others. The pastor serves by coordinating the emotional and spiritual care of individuals in  the church. He assists in physical needs in times of loss and distress. The pastor marries, baptizes, and bury’s members of the church.

 

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SA Leadership Podcast Episode #027

Remaining Mission True - How To Stop The Drift

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:18 — 17.7MB) | Embed

Defining what is “Mission True” WARNING-_this_sign_is_only_a_distraction_Wallpaper_pcwfi

“In the simplest form, Mission True organizations know why they exist and protect their core at all costs. They remain faithful to what they believe God has entrusted them to do. They define what is immutable: their values and purposes, their DNA, their heart and soul.” [Mission Drift p.27].

Remaining Mission True is to adapt and grow, so long as that adaptation and growth does not alter the core identity. Mission True organizations decide that their identity matters and then become fanatically focused on remaining faithful to that core.

The key in this process is not based upon a charismatic leader. If that were true then drift would occur within the second generation of the organization.

What Is The Core Distinction?

  • According to the American Enterprise Institute religious people are 25 percentage points more likely than secularists to donate money and 23 percentage points more likely to volunteer time.
  • Christians understand the importance of Good Samaritanism. The key concern is that we should remember that we are more than “world class humanitarians, we are CHRISTIANS!
  • With that said, is Christianity nothing more than serving hands and willing checkbooks. Do we really believe that Christ is the difference?
  • So that I am not mistaken, we must do good while we share GOOD NEWS! Do we believe this good news still matters? Do we believe that this is the best Good News the world has ever heard? I would suggest that a commitment to this good news is precisely what keeps us on mission!

Our Most Precious Asset

Christian leaders are often quiet about the crisis in our boardrooms and hiring practices and fundraising strategies. It seems there is a gravitational pull of secularization coming at us from all sides, beckoning us to abandon this “Jesus Stuff” and focus on the more practical side of life.

If we continue to apologize for our faith, conceal its importance and drift from its core, we will lose the very uniqueness our world desperately needs. There are three things that mission true organizations do:

1.Recognize that Christ is the difference. Education and the latest technologies are not enough to transform hearts and lives. Without a heart change prosperity can lead to brokenness.

2.Affirm that faith affirms them. Authors Stein and Barnett assert in their book Sacred Aid, that faith gives organizations endurance, often making them more effective than their secular counterparts. Faith is what keeps your face into the winds of difficulty and you press forward in perseverance.

3.Understand that functional atheism is the path of least resistance. What do I mean by that statement? Functional atheism is a belief that Christian works over Christian messaging is what makes the difference. This will lead organizations to become Christian in name only. I referenced journalist Matthew Paris admitting that he does not believe in God and yet admits at the same time that his approach to problem solving in the world is insufficient. As a Christian nonprofit I must be reminded that my works flow out of a transformed life in Christ. His message has changed me first and then my works flow out of that testimony.

We are in danger as Christian nonprofits if we abandon Jesus Christ, we will lose everything. Ironically, by submitting everything to Jesus it may in fact appear that we are going to lose everything simply because the drum beat of society is so anti-Christian at this point in history.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Premier Service – Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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Ancient Wisdom – Modern Times

Spiritual Leaders Job Profile

Bible: 2 Timothy 4:1-5 9da76e1a3ee03dbbd35d1c05b68c9cc4

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with [a] great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

DO NOT ENTER THE MINISTRY IF YOU CAN HELP IT!

You might be surprised to learn who said this quote. It somewhat resembles the voice of a burned-out minister that has just quite. Charles Spurgeon in his “Lectures To My Students,” quotes Joseph Alleine, a British Pastor. Spurgeon is hardly a man that would be considered as bitter and burned-out. Pastoring a church with 14,000+ members at his death, started The Pastor’s College, and a publishing company – most of which Spurgeon funded out of his own pocket. Why would such a statement be used to teach a room full of individuals that have acknowledged a call of God on their life to be influencers? I believe the answer is that we should not embark upon a life of ministry hurriedly and without consultation of others. We need to make sure of our calling!

The call of God includes a sense of destiny combined with an all-absorbing passion to use your life for Christ Jesus. When it is affirmed and acknowledged there is an undeniable assurance that you simply cannot do anything else with your life. With that said the Apostle Paul speaks to his young protégé and gives 5 specific commands that were written I the first century, but just as fresh today.

  1. Preach the Word – Not just the latest focus poling data or survey group. Our message is the special revelation of God to humanity that we call the scriptures, the Bible!
  2. Be ready in season and out of season – The exact meaning of this phrase is debated. However, we can state there is a sense of urgency and vigilance that is being suggested here. Ultimately the minister is to be ready no matter what.
  3. Reprove – The meaning here is to persuade, convince, refute, or to prove a point. There is no sugar coating the message in this term. There are tines when you must speak precisely and clearly.
  4. Rebuke – This involves calling attention to wrongdoing and assigning responsibility. Truth must be CLEAR!
  5. Exhort – The image of this word is that of a coach coming along side to assist and impart knowledge and to offer a listening ear.

Greater Life Lessons

  • Effective Spiritual Leaders must faithfully speak the truth claims of God’s Word.
  • Effective Spiritual Leaders must confront wrongdoing and correct error.
  • Effective Spiritual Leaders must lead efforts to impact communities with scriptural messages of hope and Shalom – make disciples!
  • Effective Spiritual Leaders have servants hearts – helping others many times before yourself

Leave a comment or share this article with your friends. Your comments can teach me! I will do my best to respond to each comment.

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SA Leadership Podcast Episode #026

Remaining Mission True - How To Stop The Drift

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:11 — 17.6MB) | Embed

Consider Two Facets of Drift…

1.There is the possibility that drift can occur right under your nose on your watch. This happens when you take your eye off of the missional purpose in the organization/church that you serve. The remedy here is a profound humility and accountability. It would be helpful to remind all of us that leaders fail many times at the height of their success – when everything is going well.

2.There is an institutional drift that can occur after your watch and direct influence has ended. Institutional humility is needed here to cause officers and other leaders to bow in humility while keeping a gentle spirit about the founding missional ideas that brought the organization into existence in the first place. What are the uncompromising core values no matter the leader?

WARNING-_this_sign_is_only_a_distraction_Wallpaper_pcwfiConsider this mission statement of an extremely well known university: To be plainly instructed and consider well that the main end of your life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ.”

  • This school was founded in 1636 and employed only Christian Professors.
  • Today Harvard University’s mission statement does not sound anything like it’s original: To become a Pastoral Training School.
  • On the diploma’s there is a vestige – Christo et Ecclesiae Vertias meaning Truth of Christ and the Church.
  • At the 350th Anniversary of Harvard, Steven Muller, former president of John Hopkins University did not mince words: “The bad news is the university has become godless!
  • Larry Summers President at the time, was there to hear these words acknowledged that things divine were not part of his professional or personal life.

It only took 80 years for Harvard to drift. Because of this drift another university was born whose motto became: Lux et Vertias meaning LIGHT and TRUTH! – Yale University.

Are we adrift?

In a survey of Christian leaders at the Q Conference in Los Angles in 2013, 95% said that remaining mission true was a challenging issue to faith-based nonprofit organizations.

Key questions to ask…

  • Are financial metrics the only measurement for gauging organizational health? How do you measure holistic transformation of individuals?
  • How do you formally assess whether board members joining your organization have fully bought into your full mission purpose?
  • How do you measure your staff’s growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ?
  • How are you presently discipling and encouraging spiritual growth in your officers and leaders?
  • Are you truly incorporating your beliefs into the culture of operations?Most organizations do not willingly, consciously, and intentionally change directions to accelerate their drift. Most Christian organizations have not intentionally softened their distinctives. Harvard or Yale University did not hold a “Mission Drift Celebration Day where they mapped out their new softened position.Is remaining mission true impossible? Can we stop the drift while professionalizing ourselves?

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Premier Service – Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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Ancient Wisdom – Modern Times

19 Earmarks of Depraved Influencers

Bible: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 quote-Ariel-Durant-a-great-civilization-is-not-conquered-from-within_thumb[1]

Leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. After a cursory reading of these scriptures, Paul’s instruction to his young protégé, there is a word that comes to mind – “SAVAGE.” This word represents a cumulative summation of negative influence of these earmarks of depravity. The Apostle Paul pointedly states to Timothy, avoid people characterized by these earmarks. I am listing these 19 earmarks of depravity below, followed by 4 observations. Keep in mind these earmarks were wrote about in the first century, but they are relevant to today’s world.

Lovers of self – Selfishness

Lovers of money – Materialistic

Boastful – Ancient “con artist” implied

Arrogant

Revilers – Blasphemer

Disobedient to Parents

Ungrateful

Unholy

Unloving

Irreconcilable

Malicious Gossips

Without Self Control

Brutal

Haters of Good

Treacherous – “Traitor” implied

Reckless – Falling forward into trouble

Conceited

Lovers of Pleasure Rather Than Lovers of God

Form of Godliness Minus The Power of Demonstrating The Reality

Any single or combination of these influencers can exhibit a brand of leadership that is savage and brutal! As you read the wisdom of Paul you realize in the first century and today the influence of evil will intersect our lives at multiple points. Paul warns to avoid people who exhibit these earmarks. A warning has been issued! How do we prepare? Here are 4 observations.

  1. Difficulty will come in life as evil attempts to destroy good – accept this reality. Nonprofit work in a depraved world will be difficult – embrace it!
  2. Deceivers will present themselves as ambassadors of truth – reject their message. False influencers are TOXIC – reject them!
  3. Evil resides in places of power that cannot easily be overthrown – endure difficult times. Evil is temporary! Reject evil when you can and endure when you must!
  4. The primary weapon of evil is deception – reveal truth. Evil cannot stand in the light of truth – Shine the LIGHT!

Leave a comment below and share this article. Your comments are interesting and enlightening. Share your voice.

The genesis of this article originated in a commentary article by Charles R. Swindoll

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SA Leadership Podcast Episode #025

Why Time Management Is An Oxymoron

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:16 — 24.1MB) | Embed

Today’s GROWTH Gives Me Potential

Misconceptions about Growth

  • People think that growth is automatic. If you do not take responsibility for our growth plan it will never occur.
  • People think that growth comes before information. The greatest hindrance to growth is not ignorance. It is the illusion of knowledge.
  • People think that growth comes with experience. Failing to hit the bulls eye is never is never the problem of the bulls eye – it is always the person. “Who will be the matter with me today?”

Consider these four reasons why growth matters today…

1. Gifting without growth leads to ineffectiveness. Nobody is so good they do not need to sharpen their skills with continual learning. When you place a premium on growth you take whatever talent you have and increase it. You not only become more effective today, but tomorrow as well

2. Growth prevents personal and professional stagnation. Stagnation is a sign that internal changes need to occur. You cannot always control the externals of life. You can control the internals of life by means of thoughts and determination.

3. Your personal growth impacts your organization’s growth. In order to do more I’ve got to be more – Jim Rohn. If you are not growing you will become the lid that holds your organization down.

4. Only through continuous improvement can you reach your potential. If you do not attempt to improve yourself everyday – this could be your fate. You will be stuck doing the same things, the same way, believing that things will improve.

QUESTION: What is my potential?

The greatest handicap that a person can have in life is to not realize their potential in life. What dreams do you have that are unfulfilled? What gifts and talents are waiting to come and be expressed within you?

The gap between your vision and your present reality can only be filled through a commitment to maximize your potential.

  • Make a commitment to change.
  • Set growth goals – if you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there. If you aim at nothing you will hit every time.
  • Put yourself in a growth environment. Quite looking for the hand-outs and freebies in life. Put some skin in the game! Things that are free are not appreciated.How do you manage growth?1.Make is a habit to grow on some level daily2.Have a personal growth plan1.Listen to good audio/video teaching every week

    2.Read at least 2 books per month

    3.Set an appointment with yourself for purposes of growth – meet new people!

    4.File what you have learned. Do not let it lay in an unorganized pile.

    5.Apply what you have learned.

    Does TODAY MATTER? By now you surely have come to the same conclusion that I have. I cannot create time and I am not going to manage it. Therefore, time management is an OXYMORON!

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

The Today Matters by John Maxwell

The complete show notes and slides are found on our YouTube Channel

FREE GIFT – “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Premier Service – Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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Ancient Wisdom – Modern Times

The Missteps of Malcontent Leaders

The Apostle Paul coaching his young protege instructs him on restlessness and rebellion in leadership roles. Paul gives his instruction in 1 Timothy 6:7-10 with a clear reminder of priority; “For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either…” [NASB]. WARNING-_this_sign_is_only_a_distraction_Wallpaper_pcwfiIt is amazing how quickly we lose sight of key priorities in life. We become distracted.

Consider the definitions of contentment and complacency. Contentment is a feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation. Complacency is a self-satisfaction when accomplished by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. Both of these definitions can lead to satisfaction. Both can lead to an enjoyment of status. However the key difference between these are what separates good leaders from great leaders. Contentment leads to thankfulness to God for everything. Complacency congratulates self for everything. Complacency rests on its accomplishments. Contentment pursues excellence and growth.

1 Timothy 6:7-10: 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all [a]sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 

As you ponder this ancient wisdom for modern times consider these life lessons on contentment and complacency.

Contentment

  • Live in the reality of your current blessing instead of constantly striving for more in your life. You will never enjoy what you have if you are always looking for more.
  • When you are content you are liberated to applaud other people’s success without the slightest bit of envy or jealousy. You become one of the loudest cheerleaders for other people.
  • With contentment you are free to be absolutely grateful for your many blessings. Living in this manner will allow you to acknowledge future blessings as gifts as opposed to an “It’s about time” attitude.

Complacency

  • Decide to make everything else in your life essential beyond the need for food clothing, and shelter. Don’t get me wrong, I am not implying that it is wrong to improve your lot in life. The problem is when your attitude and perspective changes as a result of acquiring more.
  • When you decide to increase your income as your primary focus in life is when you start to become ineffective in your current career.
  • Make the decision to  keep your money and possessions instead of releasing them. As soon as you clutch your possessions tighter, your possessions begin to clutch you tighter.

Which type of leader are you striving to become? How would you describe contentment in your life? Leave a comment below or share this article on FB or Twitter. Thanks!

 

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SA Leadership Podcast Episode #024

Why Time Management Is An Oxymoron

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:52 — 25.5MB) | Embed

Today’s Values Give Me Direction

Why Values Matter Today

  • George Lorimer once editor of the Saturday Evening Post stated, “Back of every life there are principles that have fashioned it.”
  • I believe these principles are the “LIFE VALUES” that are the beacons of light guiding our daily direction. They are the core values of our being.
  • They are an anchor. There will always be rough times in life, how will you find direction? Without a core center you are left to drift in life. Any size storm is a threat to your aliveness!
  • They are a faithful friend. Your core values are the deeply held beliefs that authentically describe your soul. President Lincoln stated that when he lays down the reigns of this administration he wanted to have one friend left and that friend was inside of him.
  • They are you North Star. Your life is always changing in terms of learning and acquiring skills that you never had before. However, your values never change. They are a dependable guide.

Let’s review the journey of this series of podcasts and you will find they are based upon core values of the author. When restated they sound like this…

1. I value my attitude because it gives me possibilities

2. I value my priorities because they give me focus

3. I value my health because it gives me strength

4. I value my family because it gives me stability

5. I value my thinking because it gives me an advantage

6. I value my commitment because it gives me tenacity

7. I values my finances because they give me options

8. I value my faith because it gives e peace

9. I value my relationships because they are my fulfillment

10.I value my generosity because it gives me significance

11.I value my values because they give me direction

12.I value my growth because it gives me potential

Make the decision to embrace and practice good values daily!

  • Determine to be God’s man/woman – no matter where you go in life determine to stay in the center of God’s will in all things.
  • Determine to develop my potential to the best of my ability – rebuke laziness and indifference in your life. Be prepared to assist the spiritual lost in life.
  • Determine to be a true spiritual leader – I determine to not be poured into another man’s mold and speak what I do not believe.

Your core values may alienate you from others but never yourself!

Create a list of GREAT VALUES

Write out a list of values. Remember your values should not be determined by externals such as your profession or our environment. Take some time to ponder your list of every possible value idea that comes to mind. Spend a week or more prayerfully considering this list. Get your spouse involved in the discussion about this list.

Embrace the good values that have emerged from your effort and discussion. Clarifying and embracing your list of values will help you from leaning your ladder against the wrong wall in life.

Physicist Albert Einstein stated, “Try not to become men of success. Rather become men of value.” Articulate and embrace your values daily! Live out your values regardless of how you feel – do not compromise. Successful people do what is right no matter how they feel!

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

The Today Matters by John Maxwell

The complete show notes and slides are found on our YouTube Channel

FREE GIFT – “The Art of Balancing Candor With Care” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Premier Service – Private message me for details on this customizable service

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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Ancient Wisdom Modern Times

Do's and Don'ts of Healthy Leadership

The Apostle Paul writing to his young protege Timothy, gives a list of three (3) negative commands and three (4) positive commands in 1 Timothy 4:7-16. Before I get to the discussion of this list of Do’s and Don’ts, I do not think the case can be overstated in terms of having a Great Coach In Life. The power of influence that another person can bring to your life is immeasurable. Becoming a healthy leader is not about the performance of the latest and greatest trends with success. It is quite the opposite, it is more about the steady influence of godly men and women that speak into your life. It is about the steady maturing, it is about knowing how to let go of the good in order to embrace the best for your life.

Take notice of the chart below as these six (7) commands are simplified.

NEGATIVE COMMANDS POSITVE COMMANDS
Have nothing to do with worldly fables(old wives tales) (4:7a) Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (4:7b); prescribe and teach these things (4:11)
Let no look down on your youthfulness (4:12a) Show yourself an example of those who believe (4:12b)
Give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation and teaching (4:13)
Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you (4:14) Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching (4:16

 

A doctoral student asked his Professor; “Based upon your understanding of Paul’s advice to Timothy and your experience, what do I need to know entering full-time Christian ministry and leadership?” This is a powerful question that reveals a desire to become healthy vibrant Christian Leader. Here are the Professor’s five (5) responses for us to ponder and apply to our life.

  1. There is no higher goal in life than servanthood. Do not become a leader, become a servant first, leadership grows out of service. Do not aim high in life, rather lie low. Look for ways to make someone else’s life more pleasant and comfortable. God found Moses, David, Elijah, and Esther. If you are meant to be a leader God knows where to find you.
  2. There is no greater temptation in leadership than extremism. Pride has an unbelievable pull upon a person to cause them to pursue greatness over other people’s needs. Be careful to not believe your own press report. Stay focused upon a dedication to people and pursuit of truth.
  3. There is no more important responsibility in leadership than exposition. Knowing what scriptures truly says and then knowing how to apply the scripture is a very powerful combination in life. The Bible should be the basis of everything you do in leadership – cling tightly to the truth of scriptures while living in a world that is attempting to sanitize this fact.
  4. There is no more effective means of spiritual leadership than for a person to GROW! Demonstrate yourself to be a person of growth. There is no neutral position in  life. You either move forward in progress or retreat backwards in defeat. Keep growing in life and as you grow older grow deeper.
  5. There is no better proof of authentic leadership than perseverance. Leaders do not succeed because of brains, charisma, and interpersonal skills. Leaders are successful because they stuck it our in the hard times of life and did not quit. Success is staying the course day in and day out, season in and season out, year after year, regardless of the outcome.

That Professor was Dr Swindoll of Dallas Theological Seminary.

Leave a comment and add to this list what you think is missing. Start a discussion and let us grow together.