What is Christian Leadership?

Anthony D’Souza defines Christian leadership this way:

Christian leadership seeks to be of service, rather than to dominate.

It encourages and inspires.

It respects rather than exploits others.

Christian leadership reflects, prays, and acts on Jesus words: “Whoever wishes to be first among you, shall be your servant.”

Leadership is not about control or manipulation. It’s about coming alongside a colleague and saying: “How can I help you succeed?” “How can I help you reach your goals?”

The old saying is true: Much more is caught than taught. As you model the spirit of love, listening, understanding, empowering encouraging, you will not only help others do their job, but model Christian leadership for them to follow.

What Your People Want

“What People Want,” is a book by Terry Bacon, revealing results from a survey of 500 employees on what workers want.

Honesty: 90% of respondents indicated they want honesty and integrity from their boss.

Fairness: They want their management to be fair and hold everyone accountable.

Trust: They want to trust and be trusted by their boss.

Dependability: They want to be able to count on their boss.

Collaboration: 77% want to be part of the managers team.

What don’t they want?

Friendship: Only 3% want their boss to be a friend.

Conversation: Only 14% want an interesting conversation with their boss.

I like how Jesus summarized it. Treat others as you yourself wish to be treated.

How Ministry Professionals Should Live

One of the (few) advantages of hours on an airplane is the opportunity to slowly read God’s Word.

On my return from Quito last week, I relished some quantity and quality time in 2 Corinthians 5 and 6. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to his ministry leaders in Corinth. So his instructions to his team are very applicable to those of us in ministry today.

Previously, Paul was describing to his colleagues the miracle of the new heavenly bodies we will receive when we leave these temporal bodies. Our aim is to please Him whether here in this body or away from this body. But then he states in 2 Corinthians 5:11: “It is because we know this solemn fear of the Lord that we work so hard to persuade others.” Let me ask you: ‘Why do we do what we do?’ Are we so busy doing our work, we forget why we do it? It is because of the awesome fact of eternity that we work hard to share the Good News.

So what is the power and impetus to our work? Statement 14 gives the answer: “Whatever we do is because Christ controls us.” Any motivation, any power, any wisdom, any success comes from a life under the control (Lordship) of Jesus Christ.

God has brought us back to himself through what Christ has done. We were once enemies of God. Now we are friends of God. We are now reconciled with God. And He has now given to us the task of reconciling others to God. (v 18)

We are Christ’s ambassadors. Ambassadors work in a foreign country to win friends for the home country. God is using us to win friends for our eternal home country.
So how shall we now live? Read on. 2 Corinthians 6:3 ff

1. Live in a way so that no one will be hindered from finding God (6:3)
2. Live so no one will find fault with our ministry. (6:3)
3. Patiently endure troubles and hardships (6:4)
4. Prove our purity, understanding, patience, kindness, sincere love, power of the Holy Spirit (6:6)
5. Powerfully preach the truth with God’s power working in us.
I’m so honored to be an ambassador for Christ. I’m so thrilled to urge my friends to be reconciled with God. I’m so humbled to seek to live and work in such a way that friends won’t be hindered from finding Christ. And I’m so ready to with God’s power share the truth of God to a needy world.

Tucson Commentary

The tragic shootings in Tucson have reminded us once again that we live in a sinful world…and that evil men…even one evil man, can cause untold tragedy and heartache for families, friends and the family of humankind worldwide.

The Psalmist asked God why evil men seem to triumph. I ask too: Why can one evil person wipe out so many beautiful and effective lives?

My partial answer is from Psalm 11: The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.

His word assures us that in the world we will have trials. But He also promised that ultimately evil will not prevail but righteousness and justice will triumph. Wrongs will be made right. God will wipe away all tears from our eyes in His eternal kingdom.

Meanwhile, how do we live in this evil and violent world?

Psalm 37 says Fret not because of evil doers.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
We cannot live in fear.
God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.

Lord, we pray for the families and friends of those killed or injured by this evil and violent act.

We pray that evil and violence in our country will cease and that goodness and righteousness would prevail

And would you allow us as Christ-followers to be instruments of peace and reconciliation on our world.

Haiti-One Year Later

Haiti-One year later
1 year ago, I was having dinner in Colorado Springs with Charles Morris of Haven Today. On the way home, I got a call that a massive earthquake had hit Haiti.

Later that night, Sheila Leech, our VP for Global Healthcare, called and said we need to send a medical team to Haiti to be the hands of Jesus for all the hurting people.

I said: "Let's do it!"

12 hours later, Charles and I were in the studio challenging Haven Today listeners to give generously to the relief work in Haiti.

3 days later, our team of doctors, surgeons, nurses and community development were in the Haiti Baptist Hospital in Port Au Prince tending to the massive physical and medical needs of the people injured or maimed by the quake. Working alongside the team from Samaritan's Purse, lives were being saved by the medical professionals, and souls were being saved by the work of counselors from Billy Graham Association.

During the past year, 8 teams have gone in to follow up with medical care, community development, clean water. We've also helped the radio stations in Haiti with diesel fuel for generators, new broadcast equipment, remote broadcast gear, and personnel. Another work team went in to rebuild damaged churches, hospitals and homes.

Most recently, two teams went back to save literally thousands of lives infected by the terrible cholera plague. And a team of business professionals recently visited to look for ways to create micro-enterprise opportunities to get believers on their feet financially.

These are ways for our team to be the "voice and hands of Jesus" to the people of Haiti. And Haiti has been changed by the disaster. Many have come to know Jesus as Savior. Many have flocked to the church to find hope, help and fellowship.

What a privilege to serve God and humankind in this way and reflect the love of Christ to a hopeless and desperate world.

Ministry Leaders

Ministry is...
Giving when you feel like keeping,
Praying for others when you need to be prayed for,
Living truth before people even when you can’t see results,
Hurting with other people even when your own hurt can’t be spoken,
Keeping your word even when it is not convenient.
Being faithful when your flesh wants to run away.

Leadership is not easy. Leading a ministry is not easy, it`s a calling.

Here’s what Paul the Apostle said:
Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves: “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. God wants the combination of His steady constant calling and warm personal counsel in Christ to come to characterize us.” (The Message)

Ministry often reinforces inattentiveness to Christ.

Want to know the top 5 behaviors of high potential leaders?

The Eblin Group suggests these:

1. Proper pacing by building in regular breaks from work.

2. Less time using personal functional skills; more time encouraging team members to use theirs.

3. Manage workload so there’s time for unexpected problems or issues.

4. Focus less on day to day issues and more on strategic opportunities.

5. Regularly steps back to define or redefine what needs to be done.

I don’t know if I’m a high potential leader or not. But I do know that I need to adhere to these principles.

Good pacing, encourage others, margins, big picture and redefinition.

Listen to this advice from The Message:

God helping you: take your everyday ordinary life, your sleeping, eating, going to work and walking around life and place if before God as an offering.

God has a reason...and a plan.

"God works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Oswald Chambers says: "The circumstances of a saint's life are ordained of God. All your circumstances are in the hand of God.”

I like that because many times a leader is faced with a situation where you want to say “Why?”

But, I really understand that God has a plan. Many times we see the reasons for the plan in the rear view mirror.

And we experience God’s plan day by day as we follow Him. So what does that mean for a leader?

One: start your day intentionally committing to follow God’s lead.

Second: understand that the people you encounter are brought into your day by God.

And third: live in the confidence that God has the solution for anything you face today.

Burned out?

I saw this on CNN: With modern chief executives increasingly becoming frazzled and run-down, promotions should come with a health warning. Probably two-thirds of CEOs are struggling. The best way to avoid a breakdown? Build a support network and try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. End of quote.

No question. Today’s leaders face overwhelming challenges. The boardroom or the corner office no longer guarantees a sweet life of luxury and respect.

So how does a leader who follows Jesus adjust?

With a solid, wise, Godly team that provides feedback, ideas, support and counsel.

With a balance between work, play, family and God.

With a proper pace. Unhurried, balanced and calm.

Jesus said it best: Are you tired? Come to me. Learn the unforced rhythms of Grace.

Focus Forward

How do you as a leader balance tradition and forward progress?

I work for an 80 year old organization with a rich history. There is often the temptation to rest in the past.

But we work on a rapidly changing culture. We deal with mind-boggling technology changes. As much as we cherish the past, we can't live there. We must move forward to avoid irrelevance, if not extinction.

We value the past, but we don't live in the past.

We build on the past with a direction to the future.

We hold to our core values, while adopting a willingness to change.

And the paradox is that consistency of values plus a willingness to change preserves the core values and stimulates progress in the future.

Paul the apostle in the 1st century said: "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

I Wish I Had Done It Sooner

've found most people don't regret what they’ve done. I've found many who regret what they didn't do.

I think of the opportunities I've missed by ignoring an opportunity.

I think of times I wouldn't step out of my comfort zone and take a risk. I think about times I moved too slow.

Jack Welch is the famed former CEO of GE. He had a reputation for ruthless decisions. Recently, Bill Hybels conducted an interview. Bill asked if Welch had any regrets from his years in leadership. Jack replied: Yes. I wish I hadn't moved so slowly.

I can relate. If I had taken action on some situations right away, I would have avoided years of struggle.

Jesus emphasized the importance of TODAY. James his brother said, "Don't put it off till tomorrow. We have no assurance of tomorrow.”

Deal with little problems promptly, before they become BIG problems.

"No Guilt" Fun

I used to feel guilty about wasting time having fun. I was taught that every single moment we live must count.

Recently I've found that the greatest waste of time is unproductive tasks.

Like spending HOURS trying to get a new software program to work. I smack my forehead and say: I could have been relaxing.

I now realize the most destructive waste of time is not in “having fun”, but spending hours doing useless work.

Jesus made every moment count. Yet, he went to a wedding. He played with kids. He went boating and fishing. He went to a quiet place to pray and rest.

So, when you work, work with intentionality.

And when you play, play with abandon, forgetting the long list of emails in your in box.

And let the joy of the Lord be your strength.

~Wayne

Leadership Wisdom from the First Century

These days, a leader has plenty to worry about.  We have reasons to be discouraged or depressed.

I got a very fresh insight on the proper demeanor of leadership from Paul's letter to the Philippians.

Paul had plenty to worry about--plenty of reasons to be depressed.  But listen to this summary of what he wrote:

ALWAYS be full of joy. Let everyone see that you're considerate.

Don't worry about anything. Instead pray about everything.

Tell God what you need. Thank him for all he's done.

Then you will experience God's peace. His peace will guard your heart and mind.

Now, how's that for strong, timely leadership counsel?

Modify Your Dream

I have this quote written inside the front cover of my journal: Modify your dream; not of what you’ll do, but of who you’ll be.

I didn’t write down the author of this quote, so at the risk of plagiarism, let me expand.

People care more about your character than your accomplishments. People care more about the kind of person you are than the kind of leader you are. If you’re a great leader with a lousy personality, you won’t succeed. If you’re an average leader with character, integrity and personality, you’ll be successful.

Integrity counts.  Character counts.  People skills count.  The greatest leadership skill is people skills.  More leaders fail for lack of people skills than for lack of competency. God cares more about what you are than what you do. 

Proverbs 29 says:  When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.

~Wayne

Empowering your Team

I read this in the Harvard Business Review:

“The time has come for chief executive officers to transform themselves into chief enabling officers who enable, encourage, and enthuse employees."

As organizations downsize, they’re decentralizing their structures and allowing the team to make decisions from the ground up.  The CEO becomes a player-coach bringing out leadership qualities of the team."

Even Jesus said that His followers would accomplish greater works than He accomplished.  That’s because He trained and empowered His team to effectively change the world.

By investing in 12, then 300, then thousands, and eventually millions,  His followers continue to make an impact.

So how can you multiply your effectiveness?  Not by doing it all yourself, but by building the strength and leadership of your team.

Leading Through Crisis

How does a leader lead during times of crisis?

Normally a good leader provides big picture, future direction type leadership.

But in a crisis, a leader is called upon to lead the organization through the crisis.

When the building is on fire, you don't call a committee meeting to vote on what to do.

You yell “fire”, take direct action, give commands to get people to safety, and save lives.

In a crisis, a leader will take more direct management control of the situation.  Obviously getting input from board and staff, but providing more directions and decisions than in normal situations.

1st Century leader, Paul, said:

I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.

I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound.

In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

~Wayne

Healthy Leaders

In order for an organization to be healthy, it’s leaders need to be healthy

1. Healthy leaders are lifelong learners.  You’re never too old or too experienced to learn new stuff.
2. Healthy leaders are committed to serve and pour themselves into others.
3. Healthy leaders have a dynamic view of life and ministry and a Biblical set of values and mission.
4. Healthy leaders have times of renewal.  They develop their walk with God and get away alone to hear from the Lord.
5. Healthy leaders have a balanced life perspective that helps shape their organizational leadership skills.

Paul told Ephesians leaders that God is able through His mighty power at work in you to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

How's your team? Guidelines from the world of sports

Good teams have diversity and talent: They recognize and use all of their varied abilities.

Enthusiasm and fun: They know how to keep it enjoyable.

Good teams show creativity and open-mindedness: Don’t get locked into a game plan, but adjust creatively.

Good teams have unified goals and clear rules: Great teams have defined goals.  Everyone knows their assignments.

Good teams show quick resolution of conflict: disagreements should not be left to smolder, but resolved quickly.

Good teams backup and support and need depth to win and have a good bench. 

Good teams have a willingness to take risks and know it’s sometimes better NOT to play it safe, but go out on a limb.

Jesus pulled together a widely diverse set of personalities and molded them into a powerfully effective team that changed the world.

Think Team!

Peter Drucker says, “The most effective leaders never say “I”.  They think team.  They understand their job is to make the team function.  They accept responsibility and don’t sidestep it, but “we” gets the credit.  This is what creates trust and get the job done.”

I like this concept.  Philippians 2 says:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.  Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 

This kind of selfless thinking goes a long way in effective leadership and creates a climate of mutual success and accomplishment.

Great Leaders Listen

What are the traits of the most admired senior executives?  According to a survey by Next Level Leadership:

1     They listen.  They know part of the job of leader is to get people to talk.

2     They’re present.  Most admired leaders give 100% attention in meetings.  They’re not distracted by email or text messages. 

3     They prepare.  They accomplish more because they prepare.  They publish their agendas.  They expect others to be prepared as well.

4     They’re open.  They seek to uncover problems and get them resolved. 

5     They challenge.  They don’t intimidate. They ask open-ended questions. 

Jesus did that a lot.  He listened intently.  He gave even women and kids total attention.   He was so open to people they told him everything.  And he questioned and challenged those around him.

That’s why Jesus is one of the most admired leaders in the history of the world.