Leadership

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 2:6-7). I read that passage yesterday afternoon, surrounded by towering redwood trees.  I had hiked up the prayer trail at Opportunity Camp, settling in on a bench that provided a great view of the trees (especially when lying flat on your back). My thoughts and prayers drifted to the kids who were then enjoying open recreation time.  I wondered how many of them had someone who spoke into their life the way that Paul spoke into the life of Timothy -- because he believed in Timothy. Too often, those who speak into our lives do not speak the truth into our lives but lies.  They tear…

Elton Trueblood was a Quaker and a theologian.  He spent most of his career working on a college campus, at places such as Harvard and Stanford.  Being surrounded by college students, it's not surprising he once wrote: "A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he never will sit." In a world that is increasingly about instant gratification and getting our way, Trueblood's words are a good reminder that God calls us to think forward. The apostle Paul would put it this way: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2). It is a sign of maturity to invest in others without expecting an immediate return.  The formation process takes time.…

When I went through church planting boot camp* with Stadia, I was given a plaque with my name on one side and these words inscribed on the back:  "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23). It was a reminder to those of us who were about to start a new church that perhaps the most difficult thing we would do would not be finding launch team members or a facility.  It would be to guard our heart.  To not become overly inflated or unduly depressed.  To not become prideful or pitiful. That verse came back to me this morning in my devotional time.  It wasn't written just for church planters or even pastors.  It was written to everybody who wants to live a life that honors God and pleases him.  Simply put, it's good medicine.  For when a person doesn't guard their…

"A boss creates fear; a leader confidence. A boss fixes blame; a leader corrects mistakes. A boss knows all; a leader asks questions." - Russell H. Ewing Ewing raises a good distinction between being a boss and being a leader.  This applies just as much in the family as it does in the workplace.  Do you boss your children or lead them?  Do you boss your employees or lead them? Both approaches may work -- but only for a little while.  No one likes to be bossed around.  But do people like to be lead?  If you distinguish between bossing and leading, I would answer, "Yes."  People like to be lead by those who develop their talents, care about their dreams, and are generous with appreciation. At home or work, are you more concerned with being followed than you are about leading?  Are you more comfortable being a boss because…

"'Fighting fires' is the byline of reactive leaders. If they’re in survival mode and reacting, they engage in influencing moments from a fear base. Proactive leaders come to influencing moments from a trust base." -- Chris Edmonds, Cool Culture