The idea of being deliberate has powerful implications. Words such as calculated, planned, studied, and purposeful are associated with this week’s word.

There is, however, another word associated with deliberate that stands out and has significant connections to leadership: intentional.

When leadership is intentional, the following results occur: decisions are well though out before implementation, the possibility of making mistakes is reduced, confidence is displayed, and steps are taken to insure others are walking on the right path.

With so many venues vying for everyone’s attention, leaders do well to be deliberate in approaching their relationship with God and how that impacts their relationship with His people.

Being deliberate – intentional does not guarantee the right decision will be made every time, but such an approach builds on the foundation of solid reasons for the decision. If it is discovered that the wrong decision was made, leaders will deliberately assess the situation, identify the problem, and step forward with a solution.

The need for both secular and spiritual leaders to be deliberate – intentional in their leadership is obvious. The longer intentionality is discarded, the longer leadership flounders.

Entering the summer continues to demonstrate the changes of seasons. There are places on earth where the changes are minimal and others that experience changes more drastic in nature.

In addition to the changes from one season to the next, people living in various parts of the world have preferences to the time of year they enjoy most. People who grow up in a very cold climate tend to enjoy  a more consistently warm climate, while others who grow up in a warm, and often humid, climate prefer a little cooler place.

Changes in the season indicate the value and beauty of variety and the lesson for leadership is important.

Everyone has a preference connected to the style of leadership they want to follow. There is, however, value to recognizing the benefits of a variety. A variety in leadership style can…

Provide different perspectives.
Eliminate limitations for growth.
Encourage the creativity of followers.
Increase the opportunity for leadership development.

The message in our leadership does not change, but the style / method by which we approach that message may need a change of season.

“Failure means you’ve stopped. So don’t stop. Keep at it. The more you move in the right direction towards success, the better you’ll feel. Every day work on making new positive habits second nature — make them automatic.” Dr. Richard Bandler

We have all heard or experienced the difficulties of stopping at something. For example, when we stop exercising, the muscles begin to atrophy. After a few days, weeks, months, or years (depending on the time between when we stop and begin again) we are left struggling with a level of soreness and loss of cardio conditioning.

Imagine the difference in making a few adjustments to prevent the desire to stop.

Imagine developing habits that become automatic in the process of leading others.

A recent article about ultra-distance runner Scott Jurek discussed ways to stay motivated and prevent the failure of stopping. One of his suggestions was to “dedicate your goal.”

When we dedicate our life to the Lord and pursue the goal with diligence, we remember the purpose for which we are seeking success.

Nothing is more worthy of our time and effort. Don’t stop!

How will we know when we reach the destination? The answer to this question requires more thought than just a quick answer off the cuff.

Before we can know when we reach the destination, we need to know our destination. Where are we headed?

Our destination will be based on the priorities that govern our lives. Will the destination be determined by a physical or spiritual desire?

The governing priorities are directly related to our worldview: biblical or secular. What lens are we looking through? God’s or the worlds?

The destination is critical to determine if we will ever reach it, but before we jump to a decision on where we are aiming, a few pieces of advice will help us all reach the destination.

First, remember there is more to life than food, clothing, and housing.

Second, we are easily blinded by only what we know empirically.

Third, time is a commodity we cannot afford to waste on the journey.

And fourth, a few moments to answer the question based on the three thoughts above can save a lifetime of frustration and failure.

Known as a particular form of procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, the idea of a method weaves an interesting web of discussion for leadership.

What method is used to improve our understanding of the spiritual foundation for our leadership?

What method is best for growing or developing the spiritual focus connected to our leadership?

What method can be implemented to achieve the goals established for the whole group?

Considering these questions, in light of the definition of our word of the week, we should naturally see the systematic planning related to the method.

Several years ago, the following idea was expressed: “any method will work, if we will just work the method.”

The idea could be challenged regarding the implications of “any method,” but the more importantly is the need for us to “work the method.”

Improving, growing, and implementing are words that indicate work. Something has to be done in order to achieve our goals, and the method designed is the means by which it will be accomplished.

Determining the right method is one of the key components to our leadership.

The idea behind this statement penetrates the heart of every person who wears the name Christian.

To claim the name of Christ is one demanding a life characterized by the example left by Him.

As we have examined over the last few weeks, to be like Jesus involves several components that can leave us uncomfortable when practiced.

While a number of areas could be discussed, there is one final thought worthy of our consideration.

To be like Jesus is to love God and others with all our being. Jesus was not one who loved God or others when it was convenient or suited His own personal desires.

In modern terms, Jesus was “all in.” Nothing stood between Him and serving His heavenly Father in ways that demonstrated loyalty and faithfulness.

Additionally, Jesus completely focused His attention on both the physical and spiritual needs of those who constantly surrounded Him.

We can learn much in striving to fulfill this one thought, “Oh to be like Thee.”

If we truly desire to walk in His steps, we need to give more thought to where those steps will lead.

“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.” Thomas Jefferson

How do we determine our identity? We are all aware of people who talk a big game. If they were able to measure themselves by their claims, their image would be far greater.

There is, however, a difference between the way we judge ourselves and the way others judge us. We judge ourselves by our intentions and others judge us by our actions. Often, our intentions and actions are not always the same.

Even though who we are may be defined by our actions, especially as it is connected to our leadership, our identity is far more significant than simply being defined by our actions.

Our identity is summed up more in the actions of someone else, than by our own. The actions of Jesus are what delineate and define us. Interestingly enough, it is because of His actions we learn who we are and what we are to do.

Thankfully, God’s wisdom preordained an avenue by which the actions of one man would define and identity His children.

Being prepared is foundational to influencing others. Challenges and questions are always presented, and the need to be ready to provide an answer is critical for our leadership.

Scripture reminds us to always be ready to give an answer (1 Pe. 3:15). The question that follows is essential to our preparedness: Are we ready?

The way leaders prepare themselves is built upon a few key principles.

Understand the urgency of the situation. By the time questions are asked, it is usually a matter of some form of urgency. We need to be ready to give an answer because it can make the difference.

Recognize that answers can be found in the Bible. Instead of looking to external sources for answers, God has provided a tool by which we can be prepared. We need to know it!

Ask others to provide assistance. Why is it so difficult to seek the counsel of others? Only sinful pride keeps us from using the resource of others to help us improve who we are and the work we do.

Are we ready? A few simple steps will help us get there.

This earth is a marketing field where companies strive to find the key to reach into the pocket of those in every corner of the inhabited world.

Sadly, billions of dollars are spent annually to learn the best ways to entice consumers to participate in what they do…consume.

Worse still, is the fact that Christians often succumb to the marketing mentality in an effort to appeal to people in their communities.

The result leads to what is referred to as the “attractional” church. The idea is to provide some sort of gimmick in the form of a program or activity that will attract people to the church. The church is always looking for the latest fad to entice folks to “come in.”

Jesus, however, provided a different marketing strategy that insures success. This strategy is one that involves “going out,” often identified as “missional.”

While there is an element that is attractional, God designed the church to be involved in going out into the world with the message.

The Great Commission is the instruction given to the apostles and an imperative that characterizes the whole of Christian living.

Conveyance involves the action of making an idea, feeling, or impression known or understandable to someone.

While there are various ways to understand the word of the week, leaders need the skills to take the required action to provide guidance for others.

These actions my be identified by words spoken and the example given that makes the message known or understandable.

The bottom line to this word is communication. Leaders must be good communicators. They know the vision, mission, and values that drive the organization and they must communicate it to others clearly and understandably.

When the story of God’s mission, as it unfolds in the life of Jesus, is the heart of the vision, mission, and values then the message conveys hope with eternal ramifications.

This is the message that changed the lives of 3,000 people on the day of Pentecost.

This is the message numerous disciples / apostles suffered and died for to see others come to know.

This is the message that continues to be the power that saves two thousand years later.

Let us lead with conveyance.