Give Me a Leader

I'm helping run a Christian Spiritual Leadership Course this weekend. So I pulled up my random thoughts collected during earlier years in ministry. Ah, there are still some good ones in there. Man, was I smart back then, or well read, or both. What in the world happened? ;)

Leadership Qualities

1. Just as excited about following and serving as one is about leading.
2. Understands the painful baptism of suffering.
3. Understands the stringent demands.
4. Knows where he is going and inspires confidence.
5. Authoritative
6. Wise
7. Strong
8. Adheres to what he believes.
9. Intellectual capacity
10. Force of will, exerts will powerfully
11. Enthusiastic
12. Optimistic
13. Hopeful
14. Accustomed with the necessity of suffering and what it means to identity with the suffering servant and embracing the cross.
15. Demands wholehearted obedience from himself.
16. Disciplined
17. Ability
18. Diligence
19. Prays and cries
20. Thinks himself first as a servant before thinking of himself as a leader (Jesus giving himself as an example: Jn 13:15; 1 Pet 2:21).
21. Would be just as happy following as he would leading.
22. Chosen by God, appointed, and anointed.
23. Content with hidden service and no praise, not thirsting for applause.
24. Empathic
25. Modest
26. Gentle
27. Kind
28. Forgiving
29. Hospitable
30. Courageous
31. Leadership is influence, the ability of one person to influence others. Can influence others to follow their lead.
32. There must be a flame burning within him, a magnetism which will draw the hearts of men towards him.
33. Self-confident, and confident in God
34. Knows men and knows God
35. Makes decisions and seeks God when making those decisions
36. Originates own methods by listening to God’s voice, and listening to the voices of history as well.
37. Obeys God before telling others to obey Him.
38. Forgets himself (self-forgetfulness) and focuses on caring for others.
39. Can handle discouragements and impossible situations in stride.
40. A leader has the power to change the atmosphere by one’s presence.
41. To lead others, one must be master of oneself. He is able to lead because he has conquered himself.
42. Handles criticisms objectively and learns from mistakes.
43. Inescapable sense of obligation and responsibility.
44. Above reproach. No room for anyone to launch a smear campaign against him. Highest moral fiber (unchallengeable morality) and impeccable character.
45. The leader who possesses a sound mind is in control of every part of his nature.
46. Has gained the respect of his wife and his family, and controls household with wisdom, and every member of the family buys into his system.
47. Self-controlled
48. Sober
49. Frugal
50. Enduring in toil/perseveres
51. Able to speak competently
52. Of good reputation
53. Disinterested in personal gain. Focuses solely on gaining glory for God and magnifying Jesus.
54. Sets a worthy example for his flock.
55. Entire surrender to God and His call, great self-denial, heartfelt compassion, rare power in prayer, marvelous organizing faculty, indefatigable perseverance, and of astounding influence with men, and has clarity of the important matters with childlike simplicity and great thankfulness in his heart for the Lord and His patience with us straying lambs.
56. Passion for souls that will not be silenced.
57. Obeys discipline imposed upon himself to learn more about stubborn sinful rebellious man, his nature, and what kind of relationship with God it takes to adhere to rigorous discipline from within.
58. Stern discipline, rigid attention to detail, and ceaseless labor makes for a leader able to sleep at night at ease and with a clear conscience before the Lord.
59. Vision that only comes from spending time with God conversing about the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to go about mending broken lambs’ souls.
60. No pessimist ever made a great leader.
61. We are granted light, leaders doubly must follow it boldly and exhort the flock to following him into the purifying light and fire as well. It is the duty of the leader to follow God’s instruction.
62. Be uneasy until you see the thing you dream and talk about being put into execution.
63. Pure conscience, sincerity, and transparent character.
64. Sympathy for those struggling in difficult situations.
65. Patient, undaunted, undiscouraged torchbearer for Christ.
66. Cultivate the art of persuasion.
67. Friendship
68. Tact and diplomacy, wording and a gentle touch when addressing situations that might sting.
69. Integrity and sincerity
70. Inspirational power
71. His zeal and drive were infectious.
72. Executive ability
73. Galvanize and bring the people together under one vision, purpose, and picture.
74. A sympathetic ear is a valuable asset.
75. While writing, don’t dip your pen in burning acid; rather drench your pen in tears to leave an impression upon your hearers and readers.

Chill a Little and Love a Little

As I think about Christianity and how some evangelistic messages or methods adversely impact our American culture there is much to ponder.

Unfortunately the "in your face" and "looking for a heated confrontation" approach that Jesus sometimes took with the religious leaders of his day has become for some Christians the only approach in their evangelistic handbag. Don't get me wrong, it is a validate approach, and should be pulled out when appropriate, unfortunately their needs to be wisdom as to when to apply such an approach.

I fear the fire for Jesus by some invokes the inner warrior and has them pulling out their swords and trying to slash off people's ears. In a day when people need to hear God's message, we all need to pray a little more, think a little more, and act in love a little more. This way the message is more appropriately conveyed as Jesus would present it.

Evolution of Speaking

I speak four times in the coming month. Three of them are for colleges, and one of them is a wedding. I'm also tackling an outreach training time and presenting material for a spiritual leadership development program.

When I'm preparing to speak, a whole gamut of things flow, collide, and mesh in my mind. One thing I've intentionally given attention to recently is how to present content. For me this is very much unexplored territory, or at least it was until a few months ago. I'm actually taking as much time thinking about how to present the content as I'm taking to decide what content to present. Since my M.A. is in Biblical Exegesis I'm not in great peril screwing up the content of most messages. I know what a text says at transferable level to a non Bible scholar audience. I'm not in grave danger to make a text say what it never meant to say. My academic background provides footing on these sorts of matters. I am in trouble however to make a mess of these speaking engagements and leave the audience in the dust for lack thought into how to present content in a way that sticks, hits home, and causes further contemplation after the talk is over.

Our culture has evolved. Our speaking needs to evolve as well. Do people no longer want an exegetically precise sermon delivered from the pulpit? I want to deliver that, well kinda at least, and I think people still deep down want that too. Axe the pulpit or podium part, and I think we still have something worthwhile. What I'm saying is that we need is to figure out a way to preach exegetically precise in a way that hits the pulsating heart.

Although, I myself would love getting God's Word handed to me every week by an 18th century Puritan Preacher that goes three hours long, I'm aware I'm not the norm. A Puritan Preacher in my opinion can move anyone. People want to be moved, they want something that will speak to their minds as well as tug at their emotions. To take an audience down a journey through a Bible passage involves savvy preparation of both content and importantly here, style. So how would a resurrected great preacher of the past adapt their style to fit this current time?

To gain answers, unfortunately not many examples can be found in the American Churches today. Sure there are some, and I could rehearse some names right now, but by in large, we're hard pressed to find both exegetical precision from the text, and an inspirational element that spurs change and application. Oh John Piper, how I wish I could clone thee. For right now, I'm just starting on this journey of the preacher and audience communication dance, and hopefully others will come beside me and help fill in the gaps. You got thoughts? Share 'em.

"Without order nothing can exist-- without chaos nothing can evolve."

God's Presence

Spurred by Jonah 2. God's continued presence with Jonah despite Jonah's rebellious heart.

God's Presence
We thank you for your presence
We've said it many times before
The words roll off our tongues
We barely have to think about them anymore
The words are repetitious from times past

But when we are honest today
When we recall how we felt yesterday
When we remember where we were last week

We realize in times of reflection we are not always thankful for your presence
Sure, we can say it in our Sunday finest
But when ugly Monday comes again, we leave our holy disposition behind

Today we seek to be more honest with you
Today we want to be more honest with ourselves
Today we ask for forgiveness

The truth isn't that are simply forgetful to stop and thank you for your presence
No, that truth isn't such a horrid gasping admission of sin
It's rather that we don't want you present with us

So today, it isn't really a wholehearted prayer to thank you for your presence
Today, we repent and say we are wrong for running from your presence

What a Human Can Offer God

What kind of work can a human offer God that can please Him? Nothing!

A human can't offer God anything like that. And yet many Christians, me included, guilty as charged, have tried to live the bulk of our lives trying to give works of service to God. Our works are filthy rags to Him. It's not that God throws our pretty little paintings that us children have labored so hard on down from His throne, but it is that we miss the point.

The point is union and communion with the Divine. It is what Sabbath rest is all about. A point from the garden experience in Genesis was about humankind living in union and communion with their Creator. The clay should be forever reflecting the Potter's hands. There is was a form and shape that we were forever designed to hold. We were designed to forever carry with us the presence and image of the Holy God.

How can we return to the garden of Eden and be connected with God once again? Enjoy His presence! Rejoice that the Shepherd has found His lost sheep. Rejoice by proclaiming the forgiveness of the One who came into the world. God did not become flesh to condemn the world, but that through Him, we might find relationship once again! The way that it was meant to be since the very beginning of time! Shout praise to our gracious Mediator, King Jesus, He has bridged the unimaginable gap filled by our sin. We were once far, but God has searched for us, and has brought us near! Oh shout to Him and be overwhelmed, for the Lord our God is good. Amen.

So what can we offer God? Certainly not our work. We cannot give Him anything, He needs nothing. What He desires is communion with us. We learn this from the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. Be intoxicated this day as you kneel before God in prayer to thank Him. Be intoxicated because of His goodness, and mercifulness, and graciousness, and, and, and, the list goes on and on. The thing God wants is us, standing in His presence, praising Him. Well, can you praise Him? I most certainly think you can! Then let us offer our praise! Let us sing, Blessed Be the Unblemished Lamb, He is our hope. He alone is the reason we have life. May God be your breath this Sabbath day.

Motivation-Condemnation-Rededication cycle

"I lived many years of my Christian life trapped in what I call the motivation-condemnation-rededication cycle. From the earliest years of my Christian life, I had a mental picture of what I thought I should be. In this picture there was always a wide gap between where I ought to be and where I was. Sometimes when I was especially motivated, I would feel the gap had narrowed a bit. When I was winning people to Christ or spending a lot of time praying and studying the Bible, I felt that I might actually one day be able to bridge the gap and be a victorious Christian.

But inevitably, my motivation level would diminish and my fury and fire would die down. That decline always led to a sense of condemnation. Even when I had done nothing wrong, I would feel guilty for not doing all the things that I believed I should be doing. The devil had a field day with me during this phase. Sometimes I would become spiritually indifferent. Other times I would wonder if I would ever be consistent in my Christian life. I would wallow in my misery until I couldn’t stand it anymore; then I would finally rededicate myself to God, confessing my spiritual slothfulness. With genuine contempt for my inconsistency, I would ask God to help me be more consistent. I would promise to read my Bible more, pray more, win more souls, whatever I thought it took to get back on course. I resolved to try harder than ever to live for God. Yet no matter how hard I tried, I never experienced real peace about my Christian life." Grace Walk, McVey

Sound familiar. This vicious cycle isn't God's plan for you. Interested in learning what is? Ask me...

Background Noise

Throughout the centuries it has always been difficult to hear that, "still small voice." What with, sin, stubbornness, arrogance, and the list goes on and on. Us humans think we have better things to do than to sit with God and listen to Him. Humans have always had an uphill battle to clear the clutter and obstacles keep him in front of his Father's throne to hear that, "still small voice."

Today, it's no different. In fact, I argue that today maybe now more so than ever, it might be the most difficult time in human history from a societal standpoint to hear that, "still small voice." It is a test of time-management and finding the time to put the ol' hammer down on the amount of time spent in front of the T.V., video games, and at the mall. Why do we need to do this? Is T.V. from the Evil One? No, but it becomes a distraction if it prevents us from adequate time to spend alone with God to hear that "still small voice."

The remedy? Where are you with God right now? Close, far? Either way. Stop and pray.

Thinking in new categories in how to get action from an audience

I've been thinking creatively, trying to work out a deeper understanding of the interchange, interplay, and exchange between communicator and audience. In a book I'm currently reading, "Communicating for a Change," it teaches that the number one goal should be to prompt change in the congregation, which in turn brings everybody closer to God.

I say, good starting point, and a number of other things in the book are helpful as well. However, I find myself uneasy and left wanting. I've been spurred onto deeper thinking along these lines the past two days to put my finger better on the issue. I naively thought in the past all a preacher needs to do is to preach the Bible, and as long as he exegeted the Bible properly, and threw in some good modern day hermeneutical offshoot applications, job well done. However, I've come to realize that is woefully not enough. I could go on about this, but there is a larger issue I need to address.

Where is the modern day error in successful communication? Further on down the line we can find part of the answer simply by watching successful communicators. Part of the answer lays in audience engagement. This is where you see the communicator thinking, and when you look into the eyes of the audience, you see the audience tracking and thinking exactly along the same lines. This is crucial, they are thinking together! A perfect communicator-audience connection. They are thinking through the topic together. The communicator then is charged with guiding and directing the group's thoughts as the move through the journey together. Unfortunately for many communicators today, we fail not just in getting the audience to think with us, but we actually fail in getting the audience to think at all!!

Alas, I digress. The point, ah yes, the point. Now that I have you engaged I can tell you the point. The reason for failure in communicating for change or action is because we do not yet have a thorough understanding of what causes a human to act. If our goal is to elicit action from our audience, we first must have an understanding of what shapes the way in which they choose to act, and then play on this as we think through the topic together with our audience. We'll be hit and miss in our communicating if we don't understand the root issue of the process of human decision making.

We can't communicate for action effectively when we don't know what causes action. Tell me what is involved and what goes in a person's mind, body, and soul in the process leading up to action, and then I can start being able to communicate with the goal being action. But as it stands now we still cannot figure out why humans decide to do what they do. What is a robust theory of action? I'm out on the horizon looking for a philosophy of action, and I still can't find one. What causes humans to change, or to act in a particular manner.?

Do we act in a certain way when we become rationally convinced? Are we creatures of reason? Experience should definitely rule out this possibility for Christians. I say this because we as Christians sin a ton, and we know rationally this is the most absurd thing to do! Reason dictates that to sin against God is far from being smart. Yet, we still do it! Christians, therefore, are certainly not foremost creatures of reason, because if we were, we would never sin again. Therefore, a sound, logical, convincing argument alone usually will not serve to spur change or cause action. And a sinning preacher should realize this if he gives purely intellectual messages, because his very sinful lifestyle proves a sound Biblical rational message isn't the ultimate key in causing appropriate holy action and noteworthy change.

On the flip side of us building rational connectivity with our audience, is us building emotional connectivity. This line follows, if I can get you to feel a certain way, I can get you to act in a certain way. But is this true? Alas, I'm stumped and tired. Therefore, my action is now to stop. ;) (So what just exactly caused this action?)

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You Should Listen too...

One of the most gifted communicators I've ever heard. Entertaining, inspirational, informational, you name it, he had it. Sir Ken Robinson talks on nurturing creativity.





I've heard people talk about his book...but I know very little about this man and his material. My only real encounter with Rick Warren is right here, presenting at the TED conference. Good message here, I cannot comment on anything else of his. May our money, influence, and position be used to help others! Fantastic message, appeals to both Christian and non-Christian audience base.

A Christian Book Cover?

What comprises a good Christian book cover?

So I'm currently writing a book myself. Therefore, I think about what makes a book pop off the shelf. People taking casual strolls in bookstores pick up books with eye-catching, interesting, or thought provoking covers. Find a good cover, and we hope we also find a good book inside. Immediately below are my thoughts on the most ironic and therefore probably most popular design of a pop Christian book cover as our contemporary American Christian evangelical audience would articulate it.

The front cover would be a businessman sitting on a wooden bench on a dock watching the sunrise over the morning's colorful waters. The man is pictured as being in a relaxed, reflective state as he gazes out over the waters and gets lost in the beautiful scenery. The man has on an expensive business suit, ready to go to work. He holds in his hand a cup of Starbucks or perhaps Caribou coffee, which of course costed him an ungodly amount of money. In his other hand he holds his gold trimmed Bible. Now of course his Bible is leather bound and has his full name written on the lower right hand corner of the front cover. This too obviously necessitated forking out an ungodly amount of money.

Doesn't the scene created start to paint the picture of a man, a successful businessman, moving places, but taking a little time to relax before God, prior to embarking on the rest of his hectic work day? Of course it does! And there is an attempt so that the average Joe Christian can connect with this peaceful image in some way, in hopes that he picks up the book thinking, "this man seems to be relaxed, peaceful, and have it together, I want some of that." So we pick up this book and other such books who inner pages match up to the ideals that this front cover depicts. These texts skyrocket to number one on Christian bookstores bestsellers lists.

But I ask you a scandalous question, "What's so Christian about, "this man seems to be relaxed, peaceful, and have it together, I want some of that."? This may be Christianity, but this could also be a whole lot of other philosophies as well!

Here is my version of a Jesus type of cover. Here is a man worn out. Here is a man with dirty feet. This man doesn't have gelled and slicked back hair, in fact, quite frankly, this man flat out smells and could use a shower. Here is a man who has bags underneath his eyes. Here is a man who has no place to lay his head. This is Jesus. And as if a cover could say this much....but I'll continue anyways. Jesus walks past the finely dressed businessman sitting on the dock. Jesus gestures back to you, the businessman and woman who has picked up this book and says, "I want you to walk on these waters today. I want you to stop just looking at them. I didn't create you so that you could sit on a dock and peer out across the waters. I created you to walk on the waters with me. No sitting on the bench with a silly reflective hazy gaze out across the morning waters. Come walk on them with me. Put down the $4 coffee, come after me. If you're truly crazy about me you'll follow me on these waters."

Saying 'Yes' With Eyes Clinched Shut But With a Heart Opened Up

In Christianity the call of God, "come follow me" is to be executed with deliberate decisiveness on the human's part despite the certain unknowns and hardships that inevitably wait behind the door of conversion. In this way, we say yes to following God despite us truly knowing what grand decision we have just made, its earth-shattering ramifications, and journey for which we have just enlisted ourselves. Therefore, we say "yes I will follow," without truly knowing what obedient following entails. It is not a point of laziness or lack of researching that brings the uncertainty cloud over what following means. It is rather a message that cannot be discovered until you take the path of servanthood, journey and churn up the ground for yourself that you begin to unearth what following entails.

God gives us a puzzle, but only reveals portions of that puzzle to humanity. The portions/pieces of the puzzle God chooses to give us are sometimes joyful. But with every joyful piece there is a corresponding sorrowful piece that snuggly fits in and is the corollary partner of the joyful piece. The sorrowful pieces often mean deep discipleship and pain for the human, as they speak to the self-denial that must be established within every humans' heart that chooses to answer the call of servanthood to God. Regardless if the pieces you are currently discovering are full of the joy, discovering perhaps for the first time that you are a beloved child of God, or full of pain, hearing God's call to be a suffering servant, they are equally pieces of revelation.

Let us specifically hone in on a specific piece of the puzzle. It's the "come follow me" piece. You remember, it's the piece that Christians say "yup I will follow," without really having a clue of what they're naively jumping into. It's the part that entails faith, because we have no clue what lurks on the other side of that door. It's the part that allows your eyes to be clinched shut, but requires your heart to remain open. It's the part that requires you to say yes in faith, even though at this moment you may be too scared to open your eyes to see what true servanthood entails.

Unfortunately, it is our human nature to desire interrogate God. We salivate for the opportunity to spin God down and force Him to talk. We first want to demand, "First God you tell me what exactly we'll be doing, and then I'll decide if I'll choose to follow you or not." But God will not play nice is my interrogation room, I don't know about yours. He's always breaking my chains, throwing chairs around, and just throwing a real hissy fit.

What I think God is saying is that there is an element to all of this that cannot be known before being journeyed. That element involves faith. That element involves commitment while our eyes still cannot see, while they are still clinched shut. God has plenty of room to operate when our minds cannot yet fully see, God will work in the room of faith. What I wish to say in conclusion is, God can work while our eyes are still clinched shut, but has no place if our hearts are not yet opened up.