Tag: SIBI

What if…

In a recent interview with Brandon Edwards, we discussed concepts about vision. 

Brandon shared a powerful thought about how to dream. Often times, people hear a big idea and tend to say, “Yes, but…” What follows is usually a reason why it cannot be done.

However, imagine what happens when we have an opportunity to dream and begin with, “What if…”

“What if” implies something big. When we think of a future so big that it can only be accomplished with God’s help, we are laying the foundation for the right kind of vision.

We need leaders who know how to say, “What if…”

A Legacy to Remember…

My father’s legacy consisted of the following.

For 30+ years he read the New Testament every month and the Old Testament twice each year.

He preached the gospel for over 50 years.

He was married to the same wonderful woman for 60 years, father to 4 children, grandfather to 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He developed a series of lessons to share the gospel in a simplistic way with others.

He lived in and by God’s Word. He knew THE book!

He died with his Bible opened to the passage he was studying for his next sermon. Take a moment to read Philippians 2:16. 

He led untold numbers of people to know Jesus.

These are a few ways his legacy leaves an incredible example to follow.

A Tribute to a Great Leader…

Tributes to great leaders are numerous. From those who are famous to those who are personal, great leaders exist everywhere. 

My father demonstrated great leadership by the kind of friendship he demonstrated. All his friendships involved pointing people to heaven.

Nothing was more important to him. He was one of the best personal workers I have ever known. His approach and style to studying the gospel with others was one of kindness. He was gentle and patient, and his ability to lead others to an understanding of God’s word was unmatched.

May we all learn from his leadership and point others to heaven.

Measuring our Leadership…

One thing about leadership, everyone is watching. Children, spouses, coworkers, neighbors, friends, and the world. They are all watching. 

Andrew Carnegie once said, “As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.”

People listen to what we say, but they watch what we do and measure. How does our leadership measure up? 

God measured the leaders of His people to show them how they did not measure up to the standard He had given them. 

If God were measuring our leadership, how would we measure up?

While others are watching, God also watches. Will we measure up?

Consistent Leadership…

We’ve all heard, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around. It will change in five minutes.” 

Inconsistency appears to be consistent when considering the weather. What about our leadership?

Do people see us one minute in perfect form and the next cold and stormy, leaving everyone wondering what they should do or say?

Often times, uncertainty exists among followers because inconsistency reigns among their leaders.

Leadership involves a process by which we learn to demonstrate the consistent qualities of godliness so followers know exactly what to expect.

When we do, the strength of our leadership will shape the lives of others with the same standard.

Leadership Attitude…

What if everyday were like a holiday?

While we will not explore all this means or could mean, we need to consider the attitude behind it.

Life is about our approach. If we make up our mind to approach life with a negative attitude, then all we see is negativity.

However, if we choose to approach life with the “everyday’s a holiday” attitude, then what we see is positivity.

The biblical concept of being blessed is a mindset that cannot be affected by outside circumstances. If we look closely, we will also find that being blessed is a choice. Maybe everyday can be a holiday.

Goal-Setting Leaders…

Goals are one of the most needed areas of leadership, yet one of the most overlooked and misunderstood.

Our approach to goal-setting is often an exercise in wishful thinking and generalities.

Goals must be specific in nature. What are we seeking to achieve, exactly?
Goals must be measurable. What gets measured gets done.
Goals must be achievable. In other words, they are something we can accomplish.
Goals must be relevant. They must mean something and have value to us.
Goals must be time-bound. Without a time factor, it is just a wish.

As leaders, we need goals on a personal and congregational level, long and short-term. Success comes to those who set SMART goals.

A Prerequisite for Leadership…

What prerequisites are needed for successful leadership? Good communicator? Solid character? Leadership ability?

While I realize choosing one prerequisite for leadership can be subjective, I have learned over the years the main prerequisite needed is a relationship with God.

Leaders often fail when attempting to go it alone.
Leaders blindly falter when leading from a humanistic worldview.
Leaders suffer needlessly because they seek help from worldly wisdom.

Only with the guidance, strength, and help of the Almighty God can we lead with this foundational prerequisite for successful leadership. Do we know Him?

Popular Leadership…

God told Israel, “You shall not follow the masses in doing evil” (Exodus 23:2). He understood the problems associated with following the majority.

We’ve all heard this thought, “What is popular may not always be what is right, and what is right may not always be what is popular.”

Simply because the majority is involved in something, does not mean the minority should follow.

Christians will always be in the minority. While spiritual leadership among the minority will face its challenges, it is necessary.

As the church, we have a responsibility to stand up for what is right, even though it may not be popular.

Leading for the Distance…

Paul often compares Christianity to distance running.

For distance runners, there is often the challenge of starting too fast too early. The result? Muscles become fatigued and one cannot go the distance.

Another challenge is the proper balance of fluids and fuel. Without the proper fuel, we do not have enough energy to sustain long distance running.

Running may not be for everyone. However, it provides a number of lessons that parallel with leadership.

Trying to accomplish too much too quickly leaves one tired and burned out. Remember, leadership is not about a sprint, but going the distance.

A balance of spiritual nutrition is vital to that kind of leadership.