05FebMissional Leadership

From Ed Stetzer - The Lifeway Research Blog

As I mentioned and shared details on Saturday, I’m doing a conference tomorrow in Chicago. Whenever I come to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, I do a one-day seminar for pastors as part of my class. In this case, I will be focusing on “missional leadership.” I recently taught on the subject in Oklahoma. Here is the video:

You can get more information about this training at the One Day web page. Here is the outline that I used in the video:

Missional Leadership

1) Reconsideration of Leadership

a) From superman to everyone
b) From church to kingdom
c) From me to we
d) From personal power to people empowerment

2) Rejection of Clergification

a) From three tiers to one mission
b) From “called to the ministry” to “called to ministry”
c) From “called to missions” to “sent on mission”
d) From exceptional to ordinary
e) From “priests” to a “priesthood of believers”

3) Renewed focus on mission

a) From “full service” to “simple mission”
b) From “pay, pray, and get out of the way” to “join God on His mission”
c) From decisionism to disciple making
d) From “mission statement” to “Jesus mission”
Luke 4
Luke 19:10

4) Realignment of priorities

a) God is a missionary God
b) I personally join Him on mission - modeling
c) I lead others to join Him on mission - leadership
d) I equip others - multiplication

I hope that is helpful. Be sure to watch the video to get the context.

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04FebYou Don’t Have It All Together and Neither Do I (Part 1)

Mark Beeson

Five ways to describe him: Visionary. Gifted communicator. Committed to Christ. Passionate about his family. And as normal as your next door neighbor (but only if that’s a good thing).  What he does for Granger: No, not everything. He’s the first to admit that. Instead, he focuses on the areas in which he excels (have you heard him speak?) and gives Granger’s leadership team the freedom and encouragement to do what they do best, without micromanaging them. In 1986, Mark and his wife, Sheila, planted the seeds of Granger Community Church in their living room, with fewer than 10 people. Their dream was to reach out to those who weren’t currently attending church for whatever reason and share the truth that they mattered to God. And though it began without fanfare, Granger flourished at a phenomenal rate to become one of the top 30 fastest growing churches in the country. More from Mark: markbeeson.com

There has never been a time like this.

>There is a new terrain we must nativage together.
>Today in the world everything you do is instant, global and permanent.
>Things are instantly captured and sent around the globe and forever there.
>It’s a new day with new challenges.
>We wonder what the role and place of the church is around the world and in our local communities.
>Is there any significance in it at all?
>Until this generation you needed teachers and masters to learn the craft and trade… today you don’t need a master, mentor or teacher, you’ve got google. You can get knowledge without human touch.
>That’s never been the case until now.
>We can get knowledge through the web, but can we get wisdom?
>The Church is going to have to face one of the great challenges on the horizon… the challenge of technology.
>We’re going to need a well-defined theology on the value of human touch, material world connection.
>We are moving into a virtual society.
>What is the value of incarnation?
>What is the value of community?
>It’s important that we leverage new technologies to seek it.
>Where does the material world weigh in on physical touch and community?
>If you don’t tweet, text, Facebook or blog, you need to… or you should maybe consider quitting your job.
>Our business is the people business, so we must connect with technologies that make friends with people we’ve never seen.
>If we’re going to have moral authority to speak into the lives of others, we need to be engaged and leveraging technologies they are using.
>If we are going to be relevant today we better figure out what “that” is, how “it” works and what God has to say about it.
>People today have friends they’ve never met, seen or touched. The definition of community is changing.
>If we apply good theology to technology we can leverage it for good.
>If we ignore it we might find ourselves without influence in culture because we can’t even communicate with culture.
>Our great challenge is to figure out a way to be able to bring people together in creative fashion to bring the love of God to the world.
>We should pray, regularly and continually.
>As our culture changes, we need to build teams to communicate and connect so that Christ is glorified and everyone knows who He is… that He is Lord and King.
>These innovations are so critical and we’re going to have to understand to get done what we need to get done, we need to collaborate and build teams.
>We need to bring different people together around different projects to bring God glory.

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03FebBilly Graham on technology and faith

From TED.com - Ideas worth spreading

Speaking at TED in 1998, Rev. Billy Graham marvels at technology’s power to improve lives and change the world — but says the end of evil, suffering and death will come only after the world accepts Christ. A legendary talk from TED’s archives.

The Rev. Billy Graham is a religious leader with a worldwide reach. In his long career as an evangelist, he has spoken to millions and been an advisor to US presidents.

Why you should listen to him:

According to his official bio, evangelist Billy Graham took the Bible literally where it says in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Graham has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history — nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film and webcasts.

Graham has written some 25 books, and his counsel has been sought by multiple U.S. presidents. His appeal in both the secular and religious arenas is evidenced by the wide range of groups that have honored him. Graham was the first major evangelist to speak behind the Iron Curtain, calling for peace in countries throughout Eastern Europe and in the Soviet Union — while during the Apartheid era he refused to visit South Africa until its government allowed for desegregated audiences. Through the praise and criticism of a public life that has nearly spanned a century, he has held fast to his conviction that faith in Jesus is the only path to salvation.

“My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ.” - Billy Graham

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02FebThe Changing Face of Leadership (Part 4)

John Sweetman

In this series we are exploring possible differences in approach to leadership between baby boomer leaders (45 or older) [who I will call older leaders] and new generation leaders (younger than 45) [who I will call younger leaders]. While there are many factors that impact leadership style and values, generation/culture does have an impact. Of course age 45 is an arbitrary point. There are many older than this who would have younger values and vice versa.

We are interacting with American research into this issue by Carucci (2006) and Long (2009).

3. THE LEADER’S MANAGEMENT

Older Leaders - Task and Results

Long: Older leaders tend to use a command-and-control method of management and leadership. Their definition of management is “getting things done through and with people” and the processes are planning, organising and controlling. This model of management has been adopted by the church to produce organisational and numerical growth with the pastor as director or CEO. Older leaders emphasise task over relationships. The people in the group matter to the degree that they can help the group accomplish its task.

Carucci: Older leaders are very aware of the nature of team. They recognise that the leader is a member of the team and that all members of the team need to be included in the decision making process. However, they are not absolutely sold on the idea of group decisions. So while they try to include people to encourage buy-in, they also work to steer the group towards the final answer they have pre-decided. They become impatient if this doesn’t happen or the process drags on.

Younger Leaders - Relationships and Involvement

Long: Younger leaders do not like to control, but to empower others. In a constantly changing environment, they want to set teams free to be creative, take responsibility and forge their own direction. They believe that developing a healthy culture requires freedom not control. They are influenced by the internet that distributes knowledge and power broadly and are not fearful of risk, uncertainty or change.

Younger leaders emphasise relationships over task. Teams form around shared purpose and community, not vision and plans. Community involves trust (not suspicion), cooperation (not competition), and collaboration (not division). Younger leaders are not competitive. They want to be part of a team that focuses on what can be accomplished together, not individually. Community means lots of time and patience to work through differences and make good decisions together.

Carucci: Younger leaders want everyone to equally enjoy the party. They don’t care if the process is lengthy and are happy for everyone to have their say. They will often seek out opinions of those who are not even involved in the decision. They use decision making as a means to build inclusion and ownership, passion and commitment. For them, the result is less important than the process.

John’s Reflection

Again personally I find myself with a foot in both camps. I appreciate team and am absolutely committed to working in team. Yet I also have strong opinions and don’t like to waste time. I value efficiency and results and so probably find myself more in the older leaders camp. But are my natural inclinations correct?

The concept of team is strongly tied to the biblical idea of the body (see 1 Cor. 12). We all have different abilities and contributions and function best together. We have been designed by God to work together in relationship. The loss of relationship through the privatisation of our lives is a serious departure from biblical teaching.

But do relationships take precedence over the task? Certainly the Bible emphasises the task that God has called us to (e.g. Matt. 28:19-20; Phil. 3:12-21). We have a job to do. However, the weight of biblical teaching is on the side of relationships being fundamental. God is “love.” This is a relationship word.

I’ve had to push myself to make relationships a high priority for me. Within reason, I think that the younger leaders have it right.

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01FebHow do you raise the value of volunteering? (Part1)

From Tony Morgan Live

Over the last several months I’ve had the opportunity to visit churches, consult with churches, and work at a couple of churches. I’m guessing I’ve had the opportunity to see the inner-workings of more churches in the last year or so than most folks get to see in a lifetime. Here’s one conclusion that I’ve arrived at: Many churches don’t get volunteers. You’d think churches, of all institutions, would have this one figured out. But many don’t. With that, I’m going to offer a series of posts this week on volunteers in the church.

The series begins with an interview with Ritchie Miller, the senior pastor of Avalon Church in McDonough, Georgia. Of all the churches I’ve worked with in the last number of months, Avalon has the highest percentage of people serving in volunteer roles. With that in mind, I decided to ask Ritchie for the inside scoop. Here’s what he had to offer:

TONY: First of all, tell us a little bit about Avalon Church.

RITCHIE: My wife, Kim, and I started Avalon Church eight years ago with nine couples. From what I have learned about church planting, we did lots of things wrong. We met with our core group for only five weeks, and then we launched the church. In the first two years, we met in four different locations. After I started getting some coaching, we began to grow. We still meet in a rented facility.

I am not too fond of trying to describe our church in terms like “contemporary,” or “emergent,” or “missional,” or “attractional.” We are trying our best to be a church that is committed to living out the Gospel in word and deed while creating a safe place for people to experience God’s grace and to live in rhythm with God through a lifestyle of repentance. Hopefully that does not sound too corny or like we are trying to fit into a particular church subculture.

TONY: How do you explain that high commitment to serving at Avalon?

RITCHIE: That is a great question. Our weekly attendance average for 2009 is 1,419 and we have 602 active adult volunteers. That does not include the middle and high school volunteers. That’s about 42% of our average attendance. I think there are a few things that help us get as many involved as we do:

  • It’s a part of our discipleship strategy. People always ask what we do for discipleship. We believe that being a disciple is more than just sitting and learning facts about the Bible. So we simply expect people to serve as a volunteer in a ministry. It is a value we hold high.
  • We talk about it a lot. We work on a communication plan that emphasizes certain things on a regular basis; giving, baptism, small groups, volunteering, etc. I talk about it in my sermons, and we have an organized plan to communicate these ideas throughout an entire service on a regular basis.
  • We keep it simple. We decided a long time ago that we would not have 500 ministries but that we will have only a few that we do well.
  • We try to keep easy entry points into ministries. We have beginning levels for volunteering in every ministry, and we try to keep it simple. We try to make a clear job description for every position that is short and easy to understand.
  • We emphasize the recruitment process. Every staff member and every ministry leader knows that recruiting volunteers is one of their main jobs.
  • We try to keep it fun. I think that serving God is fun, and we try to celebrate and have fun doing it.

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28JanExposed :: Lessons Learned from the Last 12 Months (Part 2)

Tim Schraeder from Innovate 2009

Methods Change

> We’ve got methods that need to be modified.
> We begin with the Scripture… that’s what we’ve always done.
> We exegete and apply… read, study, apply.
> We’re in a culture now that’s shifted so dramatically that our old method of teaching doesn’t work.
> You have to consider the culture you are bringing your message to.
> The value people used to place on Scripture has dropped, dramatically.
> The premise of the message is being questioned in our culture.
> Many see the Bible as a good work of fiction.
> It’s no longer the authoritative word of God in people’s eyes.
> People might not get the point at the end of your message because they don’t agree with your opening premise.

A New Method?

1. Start with Real Life

> It’s worth considering starting with real life.
> What if we started with the human condition?
> Real life, real problems.
> What if we started there, then…

2. Exegete Life

3. What Does the Bible Say?

4. Apply /Illustrate

> There’s only one place in the Bible where Jesus started teaching from the word and ended with application.
> Jesus met people were they were and talked to them where they were.
> He was effective because he listened to people.
> We need to answer questions people are asking.
> When Jesus comes no one will wonder who He is.
> We’ve got to figure out how to apply and illustrate how people are meant to live their lives in this broken world.
> We’ve got to live out for them.
> We’ve got to show them.

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27JanRichard Dawkins on militant atheism

From TED.com - Ideas worth spreading

Oxford professor Richard Dawkins has helped steer evolutionary science into the 21st century, and his concept of the “meme” contextualized the spread of ideas in the information age. In recent years, his devastating critique of religion has made him a leading figure in the New Atheism.

As an evolutionary biologist, Richard Dawkins has broadened our understanding of the genetic origin of our species; as a popular author, he has helped lay readers understand complex scientific concepts. He’s best-known for the ideas laid out in his landmark book The Selfish Gene and fleshed out in The Extended Phenotype: the rather radical notion that Darwinian selection happens not at the level of the individual, but at the level of our DNA. The implication: We evolved for only one purpose — to serve our genes.

Of perhaps equal importance is Dawkins’ concept of the meme, which he defines as a self-replicating unit of culture — an idea, a chain letter, a catchy tune, an urban legend — which is passed person-to-person, its longevity based on its ability to lodge in the brain and inspire transmission to others. Introduced in The Selfish Gene in 1976, the concept of memes has itself proven highly contagious, inspiring countless accounts and explanations of idea propagation in the information age.

In recent years, Dawkins has become outspoken in his atheism, coining the word “bright” (as an alternate to atheist), and encouraging fellow non-believers to stand up and be identified. His controversial, confrontational 2002 TED talk was a seminal moment for the New Atheism, as was the publication of his 2006 book, The God Delusion, a bestselling critique of religion that championed atheism and promoted scientific principles over creationism and intelligent design.

“Dawkins … is a master of scientific exposition and synthesis. When it comes to his own specialty, evolutionary biology, there is none better.” Jim Holt, The New York Times

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26JanThe Changing Face of Leadership (Part 3)

John Sweetman

In this series we are exploring possible differences in approach to leadership between baby boomer leaders (45 or older) [who I will call older leaders] and new generation leaders (younger than 45) [who I will call younger leaders]. While there are many factors that impact leadership style and values, generation/culture does have an impact. Of course age 45 is an arbitrary point. There are many older than this who would have younger values and vice versa.

We are interacting with American research into this issue by Carucci (2006) and Long (2009).

THE LEADER’S OPENNESS

Older Leaders - Guarded

Long says that older leaders have been taught that vulnerability is dangerous. They have doubts and questions but they are never voiced. They must have their act together. They are in control. The result is that they tend to lead teams of isolated individuals, and inhibit their own personal growth.

Carucci agrees that older leaders are generally uncomfortable with emotional language and personal intimacy. They see results and clarity as being more important than connection. While the literature on emotional intelligence has impacted their world and made them more aware of understanding themselves and others, they still see relationships as a means to an end. Many still lack genuine integrity.

Younger Leaders - Vulnerable

Long states that younger leaders are looking for vulnerability and honesty. This is the way they build trust and relationship. Postmoderns are not afraid of emotions, doubts, weakness or mystery. They don’t believe in perfection so they don’t need all the answers. True vulnerability requires time together to grow close relationships and genuine care for and trust in each other.

Coming from a similar perspective, Carucci has found that younger leaders are very comfortable expressing emotion and dealing with the emotions of others. They are suspicious of those who are emotionally guarded and won’t speak honestly about themselves and their feelings. Sometimes this leads them to inappropriate disclosure, but it is a risk they tend to take. They feel that it’s important to say how they feel as well as what they think.

John’s Reflection

I feel that I’m in the wrong category here because although my age (I’m 56) would suggest that I’m in the more guarded faction, my heart has always been for honesty and vulnerability (within reason). It just shows that no theory is watertight. Having said that, I do think that my generation has been more careful and closed than following generations. Many younger leaders have asked me where they can find mentors who will be real with them.
One thing I really appreciate about the Bible is that it does not paint any leaders as perfect (except Jesus, and maybe Daniel comes close). David is probably the most respected human leader in Scripture and yet we know all about his weaknesses, his sins, his family struggles, and his personal fears. His songs are brimming with vulnerability and honesty. This surely is the way God intends it.

Of course the degree of vulnerability both older and younger leaders are comfortable with is dependent on more than age. Plenty of young leaders are a closed shop. Your openness will also depend on your personality, your degree of security, your culture (e.g. Asian cultures do not value vulnerability), and your experiences (some have been badly hurt by being too honest). But the trend towards greater honesty and openness is a positive spiritual sign.

But one important warning for younger leaders. As a leader, you can’t expect your followers to walk your personal journey. This means that at times you will share your doubts, struggles and fears with your mentors and friends, but not with your followers. Sometimes they need you to be strong.

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22JanThinking Forward: Aid vs Trade (Part 2)

By Tim Schraeder from the Leadership Summit 2009

Andrew Rugasira is the Founder and CEO of Good African Coffee, an African-based social enterprise that brings quality coffees to the global market. Prior to founding Good African Coffee, Andrew was the CEO of VR Promotions, Ltd., Uganda’s leading promotions and events management company, which was featured in president Bill Clinton’s 1998 tour of Africa. Andrew was nominated the Young Global Leader 2007 by the World Economic Forum and remains an established leader in economic development. He graduated with honors from the University of London, and lives in Kampala, Uganda, with his wife Jacqueline and their children.

AID vs TRADE

> There have been well-meaning but misguided advocates for aid.
> They believed they could bring about change by giving out hand-out’s.
> Even when you to make your case for your vision, people will always stand in the way.
> There is no country in the world that has developed through handouts… why is Africa different?
> We use trade as an engine for growth because it’s part of economic doctrine.
> Trade creates transformational impact for communities.
> Trade is the only succcessful way to bring economies out of poverty.
> Africa today only contributes 2% of the world’s trade goods.
> We often only see the problem, not the opportunities.
> We need to look at Africans as partners, trade opportunity, etc.
> We need to give marketshare, not pity.
> We need to change the conversation.

1. Aid is really not aid.

> Between 1970-2000 Africa has received $400 Billon in aid from Africa
> Their GDP decreased as aid increased.
> Aid is not effective.
> Aid is not really aid.
> It’s poorly structured.
> The country prioritizes what it will spend its money on.
> It’s insincere.
> It’s conditional – we tell them what to do with it.

2. Aid undermines accountability.

> Aid creates chronic dependence.
> So many countries seek donors for their budgets.
> It undermines integrity and dignity of recipient countries.
> We need to get people thinking about the impact of their compassion.
> How do the people receive our compassion while maintaining their dignity?
> We need to look at Africa as a people of consumers, great products, etc.
> Real partnerships can make sustained community transformation.
> The greatest help won’t come from the outside, it will come as you empower people on the inside.

The best way to help Africa is with trade, not aid.

Reconstruct the narrative in your mind that kindness is best expressed through a hand out.

The greatest kindness you can give is to help people help themselves.

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21JanExposed :: Lessons Learned from the Last 12 Months (Part 1)

Tim Schraeder from Innovate 2009

> 60% of churches across the country have an average of 60 people.
> What might happen if every local church, every congregation, every pastor in rural communities would light up, ignite?
> Nothing man-made, but the fire of God from the hand, altar and Spirit of God… what would happen?
> Many do not try because they are convinced it can’t be done because it’s never been tried.
> Every now and then God calls a leader to dance the fine line between insanity and radical faith
> Someone needs to manifest faith alive to us.
> What would happen if we weren’t trapped by what is and what’s happened?
> Are our prayers too small?
> It’s time for a God-sized dreamed and a God-sized vision?
> It all starts NOW.

The Church Has Changed…

> “I have a grave concern that church has become a building in America.”
> The consequence is that people drive by and they don’t see the Church.
> We need to open the blinds and let the world see the truth.
> How could Jesus tear down the curtain just for us to put them back up so no on could see our imperfections.
> “Shake us God, move us from the feeling of hamsters on wheels, instead remind us we are your kids chasing after your dreams”
> God’s call for us to come to the world… one that’s really not that excited to see us or welcome us.
> We must stay rooted deeply in God’s Kingdom.
> We need God’s people.
> God’s people need each of us.

5 Stages of Innovation

> People deny innovation is required.
> People deny that the innovation is effective.
> People deny that the innovation is important.
> People deny the innovation will justify the efford required to adopt it.
> People accept and adopt the innovation, enjoy its benefit, attribute ti to people other than the innovator, and deny the existence of stages 1-4      - Alexander von Humboldst’s “Three Stage s of Scientific Discovery”

> It’s amazing what you can get done when you don’t care who gets the glory.

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