Last week, I was privileged attend a video cast of the Willow Creek Leadership Summit at the Orchard Hill Church in Wexford. I enjoy the Summit’s format because it changes the delivery of the message throughout. Sometimes there are conversations, other times interviews, and other times classic lecture styled delivery.
On Friday, Bill Hybels was interviewing David Gergen. Gergen is a political analyst for CNN and PBS, as well as a noted leader and advisor to four of our past Presidents. He is currently the Professor of Public Service at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and carries with him a lifetime of practical leadership thoughts.
Maybe it was my political science background or it could have been the interview forum, but I really enjoyed this conversation. They talked a lot about practical leadership skills and principles, leadership styles, and even dabbled in communication. They also talked about being a “reflective practitioner” or being the kind of leader who doesn’t simply lead, but also takes time to reflect, learn, and grow.
Being a “reflective practitioner” is why I think I enjoy the Summit so much. It causes me to reflect on myself and my leadership sometimes more than other things can. This year’s Summit came at a time when I needed to do a little self reflecting as well as some continuing education.
As Hybels and Gergen continued their conversation that morning, they began to talk about personal habits. Responding to whether or not leaders need to be up at 5 a.m and in the office before anyone else, Gergen noted that the type of habit or routine was not as important as the self-discipline that goes along with one’s daily routines. He used the example of Churchill taking a nap in the middle of the afternoon. The nap wasn’t a liability, but part of the routine for Churchill.
Gergen made it clear that personal habits and self-discipline are very important in leadership. One’s health was also part of that self-discipline. Being physically fit and healthy allows us to endure the hard tests when they come.
Gergen continued by saying, “Those who let their bodies go flabby will often let their minds go flabby.” Realizing that this is not an absolute statement and a generalization – it resonated with ME.
It resonated with me because as I reflect on my past, the times that I am less healthy, or gaining weight, or struggling physically, I am most often also struggling mentally, spiritually, and intellectually. When I am at my best and sometimes at my worst, there is a direct relationship, a correlation between the mind the body and the spirit of my soul. Three years ago, I was at my greatest weight, and possibly at one of my lowest points intellectually. I was feeding my stomach, and starving my mind.
There have also been times when I am pouring out every fiber of myself in leading. I may be sharp, but the physical side begins to take its toll.
But the other part of reflecting is the realization that I am not always at my sharpest, even if I am healthy physically. I must be aware of my overall health and self-discipline on a regular basis making sure that my habits are all in check. I can’t neglect any one part of it, or I won’t be ready for the hard tests. I have to be whole in Mind, body, and Spirit.
Just because I am reading, doesn’t mean that I can have that entire sleeve of Oreo’s.
“So, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance.”
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Monday, August 10, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
No one asked, but . . .
I have had some time to think about some things over the past few days. I've been processing those thoughts and think its just time to put it down in writing.
The other night, I was without kids and my wife was away, so I thought I'd take a ride. I went out of my way to a store that happened to be closed by the time I arrived. However, I realized that I was close to a newer mall in our area, why not go to a store there.
Upon my arrival, I decided to check out a store front that once held a new church start in our Annual Conference. The Conference abandoned the site last fall for a number of reasons. That is not the purpose of this rambling, at least I don't think so.
I walked around the mall, and to my deepest surprise, another congregation had occupied the space that we had abandoned. I have to tell you that my range of emotion was varied from resentment, to disappointment, to celebration, and even righteous indignation. I celebrate the power of God's truth and our need to spread the message. We have to be about building God's kingdom, so most of that was not directed at the "other church," but toward my own.
I posed a simple question. "Why is our conference failing where others are succeeding?" And further, "if we take so much stock in building the church in natural ways, why are we not seeking to do more to build new places for new people."
I keep asking more and more questions. I am hoping that some of these questions will lead to more questions that will lead to some answers some day.
But . . .Why are we not using multi-site models in our local churches. Why are we not getting people excited about meeting the needs of others by planting new places for new people?
. . . .Why are we not celebrating and modeling the places in our annual conference that are doing that very thing?
. . . ..Why do we continue to put more stock in the feelings of those occupying space in a pulpit over the needs of those persons whose needs are not being met by those pastors?
. . . .Why are we not creating new places within our existing congregations? If the people are not equipped, we need leadership to be bold and ask for space within those spaces.
I think we've done enough talking about decline and we need to talk about the real opportunities that exist to provide relevant, indigenous, authentic, relative, sustainable and powerful ministry that build relationships with others and with Jesus Christ. It's time that we develop strategies that will be ready for the next opportunity. It's time that we start building the kingdom, one person, one church, one leader, and one follower at a time.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Humble Thyself
Last week on a retreat, our covenant group had some candid and honest conversations about Leadership and moving forward in ministry. We talked a lot about not getting distracted by things that may seem of the earth, while at the same time being Biblically focused and Christ Centered.
Today in my devotion (trying to do that following our discussion), I read scripture not only from Psalm 1, but also Matthew 20. The Matthew text reminded me of our discussion on Thursday and Friday and reinforced it completely. In order to become great, we must be a servant first.
And then I read a great selection from a reading. James Allen wrote in "As a Man Thinketh" this passage.
And you, too, youthful reader, will realize the Vision(not the idle wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful, or a mixture of both, for you will always gravitate toward that which you, secretly, most love. Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less. Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your Vision, your Ideal. you will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration . . . .
In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. "Gifts," powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized.
The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build you life by, this you will become.
Leadership is not an easy task. And we must be careful to be mindful of all that God is continuing to bring to us in scripture, thought, prayer, and ultimately service.
Let's pray that we continue to look to God for the Vision of our hearts.
Today in my devotion (trying to do that following our discussion), I read scripture not only from Psalm 1, but also Matthew 20. The Matthew text reminded me of our discussion on Thursday and Friday and reinforced it completely. In order to become great, we must be a servant first.
And then I read a great selection from a reading. James Allen wrote in "As a Man Thinketh" this passage.
And you, too, youthful reader, will realize the Vision(not the idle wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful, or a mixture of both, for you will always gravitate toward that which you, secretly, most love. Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less. Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your Vision, your Ideal. you will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration . . . .
In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. "Gifts," powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized.
The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build you life by, this you will become.
Leadership is not an easy task. And we must be careful to be mindful of all that God is continuing to bring to us in scripture, thought, prayer, and ultimately service.
Let's pray that we continue to look to God for the Vision of our hearts.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Gifts that Differ
“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function.” Romans 12:4
There are moments in life when you know some things to be true. There are things that we have learned and they become part of our collective understanding of reality. Then there are times when we learn something, and it goes completely against everything that we come to know as truth.
There are also moments in life when you hear something again and it only reinforces ideas or concepts that you have previously accepted. Sometimes, by hearing something again, you hear it differently than you had the first time. You can gain new insights, new ways of thinking, and for that matter, a new energy for moving forward.
That’s how I felt after having attended a continuing education event last week. I am a firm believer in Leadership Development and so having an opportunity to attend the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit gave me an opportunity to hear some new and exciting ideas as well as being reminded of some things that I had already come to accept. Further more, I was given new energy to move forward in innovative and exciting ways in ministry.
In addition to hearing from the likes of Bill Hybels of Willow Creek, Carley Fiorina who served as CEO of HP, and Colin Powell, we had a session with business consultant and best-selling author Marcus Buckingham. In Buckingham’s books, he gives new insights to maximizing strengths and understanding the crucial differences between management and leadership.
Buckingham’s discussion centered on his new book “Go Put Your Strengths to Work.” In our society today, most people think that we need to fix the characteristics that are our weakest. However, he argues that we need to build around our strengths and manage our weaknesses. This is counter-intuitive, but it makes a lot of sense.
Think about it. If you want to make a strong marriage, are you going to study good marriages or bad ones? If you want to know what makes people happy, are you going to build upon what makes them happy, or ask them what makes them sad? If you want to know what makes people healthy, are you going to study the well or the sick? He would argue obviously toward the characteristics that lead to strengths. I like that!
Buckingham concluded that afternoon by talking about 4 signs of strengths. First of all, we find success when we operate out of our strengths. There are things that happen more out of our instincts. We can see growth in our lives. Finally, when we operate out of our strengths, there are certain needs that are met; when we fulfill those needs, you feel effective. You can say, “I feel strong when I ______.” You fill in the blank.
Events such as the Leadership Summit are designed in many ways to make personal application. But, they are also designed for leaders to develop other leaders. Certainly there are personal applications, but there are so many that apply to those who sit in the pews. I am looking forward to reading Buckingham’s book. But I am also excited to think about how this applies to the church.
Everything that Buckingham argues is exactly what we find in the scriptures. Paul argues in the book of Romans that each of us has different strengths. In the church we call them Spiritual Gifts. There are some that are more suited to certain activities. Some are leaders, some are teachers, some are preachers, and some are prophets. However, not everyone has the same gift, nor should everyone be doing the same thing.
If we combine those two thoughts, it would follow that maybe what we should be doing is targeting our strengths, our spiritual gifts, and use them rather than complain when someone asks us to do something toward which we are just not gifted. We should be maximizing our spiritual gifts, and managing those things that are just not our strongest.
I know people who have the gift of hospitality. You feel welcomed by them anytime you are in their presence. I know people with the gift of compassion, their heart breaks any time that tragedy strikes. You know people who have the gift of generosity, they would give you the shirt off their back without a question.
Doing those things, and operating out of those strengths only make those persons stronger. They also make the body of Christ stronger. There are also studies that show that when we operate out of our giftedness in the church, we are less likely to burn out, give up, and ultimately throw up our hands in frustration. When we are passionate about what we do, great ministry can happen.
What Buckingham is preaching is something that I needed to hear. Some of his insights were new twists on things that I had already come to know, but some of what he argues just goes against conventional wisdom. However, this idea of operating out of our strengths is exactly the truth that I have come to believe. “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12:6
But I think you knew that.
Won’t you pray for your strengths? “Gracious and loving creator, I thank you that you have given me so many gifts. I am unique and wonderfully made. Use me, O God, for the work of the church that your name might be glorified. Strengthen me for your purpose and toward you will. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”
This week, Hengust Robinson will be preaching at College Hill. I will be preaching at my home church of St. Paul’s in Allison Park, as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration that is happening over the next few months. They have invited former pastors, and those who have been called into ministry from the church to preach. I am excited about it – it was the place where I came to know that I had some Spiritual Gifts to share. I will miss being with you this week, but know that Hengust will be spectacular! Don’t miss it!
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
There are moments in life when you know some things to be true. There are things that we have learned and they become part of our collective understanding of reality. Then there are times when we learn something, and it goes completely against everything that we come to know as truth.
There are also moments in life when you hear something again and it only reinforces ideas or concepts that you have previously accepted. Sometimes, by hearing something again, you hear it differently than you had the first time. You can gain new insights, new ways of thinking, and for that matter, a new energy for moving forward.
That’s how I felt after having attended a continuing education event last week. I am a firm believer in Leadership Development and so having an opportunity to attend the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit gave me an opportunity to hear some new and exciting ideas as well as being reminded of some things that I had already come to accept. Further more, I was given new energy to move forward in innovative and exciting ways in ministry.
In addition to hearing from the likes of Bill Hybels of Willow Creek, Carley Fiorina who served as CEO of HP, and Colin Powell, we had a session with business consultant and best-selling author Marcus Buckingham. In Buckingham’s books, he gives new insights to maximizing strengths and understanding the crucial differences between management and leadership.
Buckingham’s discussion centered on his new book “Go Put Your Strengths to Work.” In our society today, most people think that we need to fix the characteristics that are our weakest. However, he argues that we need to build around our strengths and manage our weaknesses. This is counter-intuitive, but it makes a lot of sense.
Think about it. If you want to make a strong marriage, are you going to study good marriages or bad ones? If you want to know what makes people happy, are you going to build upon what makes them happy, or ask them what makes them sad? If you want to know what makes people healthy, are you going to study the well or the sick? He would argue obviously toward the characteristics that lead to strengths. I like that!
Buckingham concluded that afternoon by talking about 4 signs of strengths. First of all, we find success when we operate out of our strengths. There are things that happen more out of our instincts. We can see growth in our lives. Finally, when we operate out of our strengths, there are certain needs that are met; when we fulfill those needs, you feel effective. You can say, “I feel strong when I ______.” You fill in the blank.
Events such as the Leadership Summit are designed in many ways to make personal application. But, they are also designed for leaders to develop other leaders. Certainly there are personal applications, but there are so many that apply to those who sit in the pews. I am looking forward to reading Buckingham’s book. But I am also excited to think about how this applies to the church.
Everything that Buckingham argues is exactly what we find in the scriptures. Paul argues in the book of Romans that each of us has different strengths. In the church we call them Spiritual Gifts. There are some that are more suited to certain activities. Some are leaders, some are teachers, some are preachers, and some are prophets. However, not everyone has the same gift, nor should everyone be doing the same thing.
If we combine those two thoughts, it would follow that maybe what we should be doing is targeting our strengths, our spiritual gifts, and use them rather than complain when someone asks us to do something toward which we are just not gifted. We should be maximizing our spiritual gifts, and managing those things that are just not our strongest.
I know people who have the gift of hospitality. You feel welcomed by them anytime you are in their presence. I know people with the gift of compassion, their heart breaks any time that tragedy strikes. You know people who have the gift of generosity, they would give you the shirt off their back without a question.
Doing those things, and operating out of those strengths only make those persons stronger. They also make the body of Christ stronger. There are also studies that show that when we operate out of our giftedness in the church, we are less likely to burn out, give up, and ultimately throw up our hands in frustration. When we are passionate about what we do, great ministry can happen.
What Buckingham is preaching is something that I needed to hear. Some of his insights were new twists on things that I had already come to know, but some of what he argues just goes against conventional wisdom. However, this idea of operating out of our strengths is exactly the truth that I have come to believe. “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12:6
But I think you knew that.
Won’t you pray for your strengths? “Gracious and loving creator, I thank you that you have given me so many gifts. I am unique and wonderfully made. Use me, O God, for the work of the church that your name might be glorified. Strengthen me for your purpose and toward you will. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”
This week, Hengust Robinson will be preaching at College Hill. I will be preaching at my home church of St. Paul’s in Allison Park, as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration that is happening over the next few months. They have invited former pastors, and those who have been called into ministry from the church to preach. I am excited about it – it was the place where I came to know that I had some Spiritual Gifts to share. I will miss being with you this week, but know that Hengust will be spectacular! Don’t miss it!
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Day Two
What another great day at the Leadership Summit. I am so excited about Leadership Development, but my only regret is not taking some members of my congregation with me. I need to refocus sometimes and think about continuing education, or leadership development from a congregational level sometimes.
Friday we heard from Harvard Business School's Michael Porter on Strategy and Leadership. He was first of all, very learned. He is widely regarded at the leading authority on Strategic Planning. His primary focus for the day was to focus in our institutions where we can have most value. Social benefit per dollar = value. In order to do this we need to think strategically with goals. Strategy and goals can not be confused. I enjoyed this lecture.
Secondly, we heard from Colin Powell. Powell has always operated on a set of axioms that he uses. He shared some of these in a conversation with Hybels. It was really great. All I can say at this moment is that the United States lost a great chance at having him as our First African American President. I have a lot, and I can not stress that enough, a lot of respect for this man. What passion! What conviction!
Finally for the afternoon (we missed the last one due to an Ingomar Commitment) was John Ortberg. Wow, what an inspirational and powerful speaker. His conversation was on a Leader's Greatest Fear. Leaders have many fears, fear of failure, fear of mutiny, fear of criticism, but he talked about the greatest fear - the fear of something that can happen in all of us as leaders. Our greatest fear in our ministry is moving from our mission to what he called a shadow mission. Shadow missions are the ones in our lives that are not that different that our primary mission, but they are self serving and self-destructive. He reminded us that Jesus' shadow mission was to be the messiah without suffering, Lordship without the cross. Jesus faced this shadow mission with the devil in the desert, with Peter, in the Garden, and even on the cross as others called for him to save himself. Powerful stuff.
Well the drama continues at the Cox Household. Elisabeth got sick last night at the aforementioned Ingomar Function. Yes, my worst fear came true. She vomited buckets in public at the Heinz History Museum, right in front of a huge room of people who were eating. Yup, I felt like Gil in Parenthood. So I am home, and Tracy is off to hear Jimmy Carter and Bill Hybels again on the last day.
I can't wait till next year. I think that this should be one of the events that our Annual Conference should be promoting for leaders throughout our connection!!!
Friday we heard from Harvard Business School's Michael Porter on Strategy and Leadership. He was first of all, very learned. He is widely regarded at the leading authority on Strategic Planning. His primary focus for the day was to focus in our institutions where we can have most value. Social benefit per dollar = value. In order to do this we need to think strategically with goals. Strategy and goals can not be confused. I enjoyed this lecture.
Secondly, we heard from Colin Powell. Powell has always operated on a set of axioms that he uses. He shared some of these in a conversation with Hybels. It was really great. All I can say at this moment is that the United States lost a great chance at having him as our First African American President. I have a lot, and I can not stress that enough, a lot of respect for this man. What passion! What conviction!
Finally for the afternoon (we missed the last one due to an Ingomar Commitment) was John Ortberg. Wow, what an inspirational and powerful speaker. His conversation was on a Leader's Greatest Fear. Leaders have many fears, fear of failure, fear of mutiny, fear of criticism, but he talked about the greatest fear - the fear of something that can happen in all of us as leaders. Our greatest fear in our ministry is moving from our mission to what he called a shadow mission. Shadow missions are the ones in our lives that are not that different that our primary mission, but they are self serving and self-destructive. He reminded us that Jesus' shadow mission was to be the messiah without suffering, Lordship without the cross. Jesus faced this shadow mission with the devil in the desert, with Peter, in the Garden, and even on the cross as others called for him to save himself. Powerful stuff.
Well the drama continues at the Cox Household. Elisabeth got sick last night at the aforementioned Ingomar Function. Yes, my worst fear came true. She vomited buckets in public at the Heinz History Museum, right in front of a huge room of people who were eating. Yup, I felt like Gil in Parenthood. So I am home, and Tracy is off to hear Jimmy Carter and Bill Hybels again on the last day.
I can't wait till next year. I think that this should be one of the events that our Annual Conference should be promoting for leaders throughout our connection!!!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
On a High
Today, I attended the first day of the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. It was awesome in so many ways. I believe very strongly in leadership development, and this is only a small part of my own growth.
Bill Hybels began the day with a talk about casting vision that you would be willing to die for in the church. It was a dynamic beginning. He talked about the new approaches to building vision that is based upon team ownership rather than the old model called the Sinai Model. Many old school pastors remember casting their own vision that they got from on high and then tried to sell it. Doesn't work that way anymore.
Next we heard a conversation between Hybels and the former CEO of HP, Carley Fiorina. This was an interesting engagement talking about character and authenticity. She said that leadership requires passion. Good stuff.
The next speaker, Rev. Floyd Flake was interrupted by this afternoon's storm. We were moved to the basement for the Tornado Warning. Good decision, but we missed the greater part of his opening. He was not as easy to follow.
Finally, the best part of the day was with Marcus Buckingham. if you ever get a chance to read some of his stuff, I would recommend it. He was engaging and dynamic. He was talking about putting our strengths to work in an atmosphere were we always seem to want to focus on our weaknesses. He was talking about Building around strengths and managing our weaknesses. Awesome.
I can't wait for tomorrow when we hear from Colin Powell, and Jon Ortberg among others.
Bill Hybels began the day with a talk about casting vision that you would be willing to die for in the church. It was a dynamic beginning. He talked about the new approaches to building vision that is based upon team ownership rather than the old model called the Sinai Model. Many old school pastors remember casting their own vision that they got from on high and then tried to sell it. Doesn't work that way anymore.
Next we heard a conversation between Hybels and the former CEO of HP, Carley Fiorina. This was an interesting engagement talking about character and authenticity. She said that leadership requires passion. Good stuff.
The next speaker, Rev. Floyd Flake was interrupted by this afternoon's storm. We were moved to the basement for the Tornado Warning. Good decision, but we missed the greater part of his opening. He was not as easy to follow.
Finally, the best part of the day was with Marcus Buckingham. if you ever get a chance to read some of his stuff, I would recommend it. He was engaging and dynamic. He was talking about putting our strengths to work in an atmosphere were we always seem to want to focus on our weaknesses. He was talking about Building around strengths and managing our weaknesses. Awesome.
I can't wait for tomorrow when we hear from Colin Powell, and Jon Ortberg among others.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Filling Up
I really try my best to attend continuing education events, or seminars. I do not feel that the expectation of continued learning is a burden in my professional career. I see it as a part of my overall growth personally and professionally.
There are some who find the concept beyond their "need" or responsibility in ministry. I find this attitude misguided. However, there is the other strain of professional that just finds it overwhelming to fit it into the weekly grind.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I will be attending the Leadership Summit at Orchard Hill Church in the North Hills. I am very excited. Mostly because this is exactly what I need right now, but also because this is the kind of seminar that really revives me.
That being said, I am falling into that previous category of those who find it hard to fit in. No doubt, I am going. But today, I am feeling the pressure of getting things done and prepared for this weekend.
There are some who find the concept beyond their "need" or responsibility in ministry. I find this attitude misguided. However, there is the other strain of professional that just finds it overwhelming to fit it into the weekly grind.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I will be attending the Leadership Summit at Orchard Hill Church in the North Hills. I am very excited. Mostly because this is exactly what I need right now, but also because this is the kind of seminar that really revives me.
That being said, I am falling into that previous category of those who find it hard to fit in. No doubt, I am going. But today, I am feeling the pressure of getting things done and prepared for this weekend.
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