Several thoughts surround the definition of a word like challenge. While a common idea involves a form of competition, the most relevant definition describes a task or situation that tests someone’s abilities.

Two primary thoughts should be considered in relationship to leaders.

1) Leaders must challenge themselves. We must find ways to test our abilities to strengthen the character of our leadership providing followers with the best quality of leadership.

2) Leaders must challenge others. The idea is to present tasks or situations where the abilities of followers is tested to produce growth on a personal and group level.

People arise to what is expected of them. If little or nothing is expected, then little or nothing is what is given. However, experience has proven that when leaders provide encouragement and a level of expectation, then followers come through.

We have seen it happen in every area of life.

The challenge for leaders is to learn how to develop the type of discipline that strengthens our leadership and know followers well enough to use their abilities to achieve growth in the church.

Are we committed? Several definitions of commitment exist, but consider David McNally’s thought. “Commitment is the enemy of resistance, for it is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down.” David McNally

Occasionally, life is going to knock us down. We may get knocked down a few more times than we think is our share.

However, are we committed enough to keep getting up no matter how many times we get knocked down?

It is also powerful to think that commitment is the enemy of resistance. When we are committed to the cause, we will oppose resistance.

When we are committed we are motivated.
When we are committed we have dedication.
When we are committed we keep our focus.
When we are committed we will stop at nothing.

Nothing is more deserving of our commitment than the cause of Jesus. His life, as an example, His death, as a sacrifice for sin, is worthy of our motivation, dedication, focus and determination to press on, whatever it takes.

John Kotter’s book, Leading Change, describes eight steps to ultimately anchor change within an organizational culture.

The first step has universal application: “establish a sense of urgency.” Without a sense of urgency, the possibility of change diminishes.

Often times, awareness of the problem or crises does not go unnoticed, but an overwhelming problem of complacency prevents the type of action that produces correction.

The church faces a leadership crisis. Too many congregations function with weak leadership, and even more function with little or no leadership. We find that some deny the reality of the situation, while others tend to ignore it altogether. This does not mean “every” congregation suffers from this problem, but the truth remains for a greater majority.

Consider this truism: “there is no success without a successor.” Who will become the elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, etc. for the next generation? What plans are in place to train future leaders within the church?

This post is not intended to paint a bleak picture, but unless we realize the urgency of the situation, nothing changes and the result will leave the church without leaders.

Prayer seems to be a given when it comes to spiritual leadership. We know about prayer. We study about prayer. We talk about prayer. We teach about prayer.

However, do we believe in the power of prayer?

Most people can attest to the number of times God answered prayers in powerful ways. We have seen Him answer in unexpected ways that went beyond our request.

We are thankful for the avenue of prayer and we desire the kind of faith that knows God will continue to answer our requests.

Perhaps the struggle we have deals with the temptation to doubt when various trials arise and challenge our faith in God’s power to answer…yet again.

When it comes to prayer, there is no magic formula, special words, proper position, or time of the day that makes a difference.

For Christians, prayer is about the simplicity of a humble heart that trusts God to answer in His time, in His ways, and in our best interest.

We may not always understand, but to pray without ceasing is the foundation to powerful leadership.

Imagine a time, place, or organization that operates without a specific procedure to guide the direction of its purpose and outcome. Not only is it hard to imagine, we are more likely to realize a descriptive state of chaos.

By definition, a procedure involves a “particular course of action intended to achieve a result.” It also relates to a process connected to a “particular form of work.” Procedures may be loosely or dogmatically applied, but procedures provide a binding web that holds it all together.

From home to the work place, every area of life operates with some procedural form. Why are these procedures critical?

They tend to be constant. In an ever changing world, we all enjoy a measure of constancy.

Procedures remind us of the foundational basics that provide the backbone of security.

We also find a greater level of clarity through procedures.

Obviously, procedures vary from one organization to another, but spiritually speaking, we find God’s word as the foundation for the procedures necessary to achieve the constancy, security, and clarity needed for our lives now and eternally.

We make thousands of decisions each day, most of which hold little consequence. However, we do face times when decisions of great consequence must be made.

These decisions can be personal, professional, or simply practical. The great challenge occurs when we must make last minute decisions as they relate to consequential matters.

What process might help us make the best decision in these situations?

The process should include prayer. Remember, not all prayer involves eyes closed and head bowed. Sometimes prayer occurs with our eyes wide open and our hearts engaged.

While faced with little time to make a decision is never ideal, we still need to gather as much information as possible prior to the decision. The more information the better.

Consider the consequences if we do not make a decision. What happens to the people who surround us if we decide to not act in this situation? How will indecisiveness affect our leadership?

Last minute decisions are not usually easy to make, but always make them based on how they impact others first. This outward-thinking process can quickly simplify the decision and strengthen the core of our leadership.

What is the main topic of our conversations? Do we have anything worth talking about?

Far too many conversations revolve around subjects of little consequence. Kin Hubbard says, ”Don’t knock the weather. If it didn’t change once in a while, nine-tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation.”

Beyond the weather, conversations primarily focus on sports, politics, health, fashion, or what to eat.

When we consider our influence in leading others to know Christ, doesn’t it make sense that we focus our conversations on spiritual matters?

When we consider eternity, doesn’t it change the conduct of our life as well as our conversations with those we encounter on this journey through life?

When we consider the condition of our world and the challenges of globalization, do we ever wonder who really is our neighbor and our responsibility to them?

The time we occupy space on this earth is hopefully more than the trivial pursuit of fruitless knowledge. God came in the flesh and offered His life to free us from the shackles of this world.

Now there is something worth talking about!

May 2017 be filled with God’s richest blessings
May we strive to honor and glorify Him
May we serve as Christ
May we always “Think Souls”
May God’s wisdom guide us as we begin each day in the new year

from The Leadership Project:
Thank you and Happy New Year

As we count down the last few days of 2016 we begin preparations for the start of a new year. Before we specifically plan for 2017 we need to ask a few questions.

What was the high point of our leadership development in 2016?

What was the low point of our leadership development in 2016?

If we could go back and start the clock over in 2016, what one area would we change?

How have we prepared for the beginning of 2017?

Who are the individuals that impacted our life the most in 2016?

When we consider our sphere of influence, is there an individual with whom we could invest our time?

Have we considered where we were at the beginning of 2016, where we are now at the end, and where we want to be this same time next year?

Plans for the new year are the focus of tomorrow’s post, but before we consider any plan for the new year, we need to evaluate our answers to these questions. They will make a difference in how we plan tomorrow.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. We hope you are blessed to be with family this time of year. We love and appreciate you. Thank you for making The Leadership Project part of your daily routine.
The Turners