Ministry-More Compassionate

Ministry is not about meeting the surface needs of all the followers. Young leaders let Ray Johnston know of their desire to be led well by elder leadership.

As I picture it, it's great to give the passing, "Praying for you," when rubbing shoulders with someone you know has a need. But is that really compassion?

Some show compassion by reaching out to the less fortunate. Others champion the rights of those who can't defend themselves. Maybe, compassion can be extended to those in your own family. How cool would it be for a teenager to really understand and empathize with a parent going through a tough time... instead of consistently being focused on their own world... their own emotions... and their own needs?

Are you short on compassion anywhere in your life? I think I'll go hug my kids.

Preaching-More Challenging

Going through homiletically correct motions in a sermon is a waste of time. Continuing some previous blogs regarding Ray Johnston's keynote address at the 2011 Thrive Conference at Bayside Church... young leaders are weighing in with Ray.

Young leaders are clamoring for their preaching and teaching pastors to stop talking just to be heard. Instead, throw down the gauntlet. Eloquent words are not desirable. What's needed is for young leaders to be challenged by the teaching of the local church. When that happens... young people will rise to the occasion.

I'm 45 years old. I'm not a 'young person' anymore... even though, inside, I feel like I'm about 28. I can say that this makes perfect sense to me. I agree. And, to the best of my ability, I try and live this concept out in my own teaching. Maybe to a fault.

I realize most readers, when asked if challenging preaching and teaching is what they desire, would give a resounding, 'YES!' But, could it be when we hear challenging preaching... we actually tend to get upset and really DON'T want to hear it?

Change-Implemented Quicker

Bayside's Ray Johnston explains how his younger staff are begging to be led. In striving for a God-directed ministry accomplishing the impossible... here is the 2nd characteristic.

2. Change needs to be implemented quicker.

They are NOT saying that change is fun. But young leaders are stating when change is needed, it needs to be done quicker.

Young leaders understand there’s an urgency that’s obvious. So they want to see the politics stop and the needed changes be swiftly made if the church is to have a successful future.

Do you agree? Should we start making quicker changes when it's needed and stop worrying about being so safe? Do we stop prolonging the inevitable?

Young leaders say, “YES!” What say you?

Skeptics

Leaders lead. Managers manage. Followers follow. What do skeptics do?

KidLead - Are Kids Creative... Or Just Strong-Willed?

When a child is acting out... parents often punish them. The goal is to extinguish the behavior with pain (emotional or physical). This may discourage a child from expressing their personality. Discipline, however, hones that behavior. It's about self-awareness, self-control and learning the reality of consequences.

I don't have a clear answer - but I do know if parents, in general, continue to squelch their children with punishment for most every infraction... we will likely find ourselves with a generation of creatively deficient overseers with very little leadership strength.

From the book, KidLead by Dr. Alan E. Nelson, "When you intimidate with verbal threats or punish kids exhibiting outgoing creativity, you damage their leadership development."

Agree? Why?

KidLead - I'm The Boss Around Here

Ever see a kid totally control their parent(s) at a Wal-Mart or grocery store? Maybe in the mall or any other store where the child may want something that the parent(s) doesn't think they should have?

What you may be witnessing is a budding leader in the making.

Sure, you can bully them with threats and verbal warnings like, "I'm the boss around here." But that default style of parenting could squelch the very leader that is right under your nose. It could be that we, as the parent(s), are the 'diminishers' of the immature leader trying to stretch their wings.

Reducing the intensity of the situation is the goal. Use it as a teachable moment. Consequences can (and should) be attached to inappropriate behavior but not without clear explanation.

From the book, "When you play the 'parent card' in order to gain control and get your way, it usually means you've lost the battle. This is a last resort strategy."

The idea is you lose the ability to develop the leadership potential that might be evidenced in the 'inappropriate' behavior. It's a difficult task, but parents have a high calling to provide a safe place to have their children display their gifts of influence and grow in their confidence while failing with dignity.

KidLead - Kids Should Be Treated Equally... Right?

My wife and I used to debate about treating our children the same. When one gets something, the other should as well. If it's expensive, the other gift should be expensive too. At Christmas, they should both get a similar number of gifts with a similar price tag involved.

I was the one vying for some separation of equality. My son is 10... my daughter is 8. My son is male... you get the picture. There are way too many distinquishing factors to just say - all things should be equal. Fairness is not defined by equality.

From the book KidLead, by Alan E. Nelson, we find a second common way that adults shut down the natural experssion of youthful leaders... Treating Siblings And Peers The Same.

Most parents can identify that their children are so very different. Maybe it has to do with birth order or their gender. Maybe it's some sort of passion or personality. Many things can affect a child's unique wiring.

From the book, "If we fail to distinguish differences and respond to them appropriately, we do a disservice to our children, even though our intent is to treat them fairly."

We'll end up, in the name of fairness, failing to develop the youth in our lives and their leadership will suffer. We can still maintain our family values, but maybe we'll want to create some unique, effective, and far different learning opportunities for our kids. However, we don't have to equalize the time, cost and elaborateness of each opportunity.

It applies with discipline as well. A compliant child might respond to a stern look for your disciplinary action. A strong willed child will typically laugh at such attempt of behavioral training. They often need a more 'in-your-face' approach to accomplish the same result. Kids cannot be treated as equal... cause they're not.

Probably the most consistent way to develop a young leader is one on one time. Consistent and focused attention with a child is probably the optimal way to tap in to their quirks and individuality. When we begin to see the depth of who they are and, quite possibly, where some of their 'acting out' or defiance is sourced... then we have opportunities to capitalize and hone in on their potential as a leader.

I love this book.

KidLead - The Spirit of a Young Leader - SHHHH...

Young leaders are greatly influenced by the people in their lives. Sure it starts with parents, but it also includes teachers, coaches, church influences and adult friends of the family. Could we possibly be missing the boat regarding our influence in the kids' lives all around us?

From the book, KidLead by Alan E. Nelson... one of five areas that breaks the spirit of a young leader is: Poor Listening and Exclusion of Their Ideas.

Leaders typically have a lot of opinions. It's not that being opinionated makes you a leader. But leaders have opinions and ideas. When children convey their opinion openly and often, adults often squelch those expressions in the name of protecting the child from displaying characteristics such as arrogance, stubbornness or being too demanding. We might even call them out as not being team players. 

Children value having their voices heard. Who doesn't? When we trip them up on sharing their opinions and ideas, we often stymie the very leadership they were gifted by God to exhibit.

From the book, "Responding to the ideas of young leaders requires emotional intelligence. While we can't always provide ample time and attention for listening, when we consistently quiet our kids, exclude them from adult conversations, and dismiss their ideas as childish because they're young, we telegraph the idea that their natural gifting is not valued. By failing to reinforce their opinions, we communicate that their leadership is not valid. Literally, we're creating leader 'invalids.'"

OUCH! Have you been at all suspect in diminishing the leadership of a young person within your sphere of influence? At home? At church? At school? In sports? Next door? Suggestions on what you can do?

KidLead - Is It Possible Adults Are Hindering Young Leaders... A Lot?

I'm finally back to reading the book, KidLead, an awesome book on raising young leaders. I can't describe how motivating and convicting a book like this can be for me as it gets into my very core. Not just because I have an 8 and 10 year old to parent... but because of my faith. 

As a pastor and Christian leader, I've heard the stats of what age people typically come to faith in Christ. These numbers previously revealed that kids under 18 were most likely to accept Christ as their Leader, Savior, Boss of their lives. However, that number has declined over the years... quite substantially. Which is why a book like this on developing young leaders becomes so dear to my heart.

If Christendom is experiencing people come to faith and a relationship with Jesus at the age of... let's say... 15 and under - then by golly if we can develop significant leaders in that age group, what do you think will happen to the number of those putting their trust in Jesus? BINGO!

So, let's chat about that a while... 

Welcome Development Pastor - Mike Vander Dussen

It's official. Mike Vander Dussen started at Impact Community Churchon October 1, 2010 as our Development Pastor. His roots are from Chino Hills, CA and, believe it or not, he's a Lakers fan... I can't believe we hired him. Let it be known we're an equal opportunity employer.

What is a Development Pastor? At Impact - that's a guy who will help 'develop' all things Impact. He'll come along side our leaders, pastors and directors to help us all develop our ministries. He'll help us take it to the next level. He'll be a strong encourager and supporter along the way as well.

Impact is unbelievably blessed by having the caliber of leader on our team. I'm so excited about Mike, our team, and especially our future in the Elk Grove and Sacramento area. www.impact.cc has its best days right in front of us.

Mike will also be a regular teaching pastor at Impact. His first weekend to speak is October 30/31. Be sure to join us for that weekend and I hope you get to meet Mike really soon.

Majority vs Minority

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."

  -- Mark Twain

Awesome quote... but how does that translate into your life? Do you agree? Is it always good to be in the minority? 

I guess it depends, doesn't it?

I know I hate the status quo! I hate ruts! Life is too short to just roll with it and let life happen to you.

What do you think? Anything you can glean from this quote/concept? Anything need to change? 

Leadership Is Only Part Of The Equation

Continuing thoughts from the book, "KidLEAD: Growing Great Leaders" - the author states there are three types of people.

* "L" = Big "L" leaders

* "l" = Little 'l' leaders

* "F" = Followers

The idea is that a big "L" person is a natural leader, someone who will consistently and habitually gravitate toward roles and situations where they can express their gifts. Maybe 10-20% of people have some degree of this wiring.

The little "l" person can learn various leading skills but doesn't do it naturally. They lead situationally. Maybe 60% of people are in this range.

Then the "F" people are followers. They are incredibly important but shy away from leadership like the plague. They loathe being put 'in charge.' Around 20-30% of people are strong in the "F"s.

However, a majority of people are followers most of the time. That's not a bad thing.

Have you seen big "L" leaders be successful in leading? What did that look like?

Leadership Is A Task

From his book, "KidLEAD: Growing Great Leaders," Dr. Alan E. Nelson says, "Leaders are those who get leadership going."

We could say, "Well DUH." But it's true. How many leaders do you know who just aren't leading? Think of the marketplace. Ever had that boss who liked to boss people around? Had the guy who couldn't lead his way out of a paper bag? Ever had a really hard working boss but nothing ever seemed to really move forward?

Leaders get leadership going. But not every child has the capacity to lead. They all deserve good self-esteem, confidence, people skills and a sense of purpose. But they don't necessarily have a capacity to lead.

Who cares? What's the big deal? Well, too much of a leader's life and decisions affect so many. And we've all suffered from poor leadership. Between the sex and organizational scandals of banks and churches alone - our society continues to be negatively impacted by poor leadership.

What kind of poor leadership have you observed and how did that affect you?

Leadership Is A Process

I just picked up the book, "KidLEAD: Growing Great Leaders" by Dr. Alan E. Nelson. It's actually a multifaceted program for 10-18yr olds. The premise is that leadership tendencies can be seen and developedat a VERY young age. The problem is... America typically doesn't effectively develop those leaders until the ages of 25-35. By then, a myriad of opportunities have been lost.

I am only a chapter into this - but absolutely love it. And just so you know this isn't some yahoo author with some lame-brained program - the Advisory Board consists of national leadership and family experts: Dr. John Maxwell, Dr. Les Parrott III, Dr. John Trent, Dr. Teresa Roche and Steve Arterburn.

Here is a quote I grabbed out of chapter one: "Leadership is the process of helping people accomplish together, what they could not as individuals."

Not everyone can, should, or even desires to become a leader. And that's ok. We actually do a disservice to those lacking a sufficient aptitude for leadership.

Can't wait to read the rest. What do you think? How has that quote been lived out in your life or the lives of those around you?

Un-Finished Dreams... The X Factor Devotional - Day Eight - January 20, 2010

“….so I sent messengers to them with this reply:  ‘I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.  Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?’”
Nehemiah 6:3

Dr. Haller Nutt of Natchez, Mississippi, had a dream.  He wanted to build one of the greatest plantation houses in all of the South.  Being a doctor and cotton farmer gave him the wealth needed to accomplish this dream home.  He made his sketches and searched the nation for the best architect to make his dream a reality.  He found Samuel Sloan in Philadelphia to design it.  It was going to be an octagon-shaped mansion with eight rooms on each of the six floors.  All of that was going to be grouped around a middle piece, a six story rotunda that would be capped with a 16-sided Byzantine onion-shaped dome.  It was going to be beautiful with nothing else like it in all the South.  Dr. Nutt went all over the world to purchase the very best furnishings for this masterpiece.

As soon as construction had begun, tragedy struck.  The Civil War erupted.  All the workers left to fight.  Dr. Haller Nutt lost everything during the course of the war.

During that time, he moved his family into the basement of this grand mansion so that they might be safe and have shelter.  Dr. Nutt died in 1865 before the war was over.  The family continued to live in the basement.  In fact, they lived there for over a century, 111 years!  Finally, some relatives donated it to the local historical society.  To this day, it stands as a monument to an unfinished dream.

In chapter 6 of Nehemiah, enemies tried to stop him from completing the dream that God had laid on his heart – that of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.  But Nehemiah stayed focused.  He completed his God-given dream in record time to the praise of His glory.  He is a role model for us today.

Prayer Focus: Pray God will enable us to complete the dream He has given us in such a way as to bring Him glory and expand His kingdom.  Pray He will remove any enemies or naysayers who try to steal our dream and prevent it from happening.  Ask the Lord how you can take ownership of this vision using the time, talents, and treasures He has given you.  Where do you feel God is leading you to stretch to fulfill God’s calling on Impact’s people?  You are a part of this body and definitely needed to fulfill the vision.