On Leading Well

Year: 2009

  • Chase the Vision, Not the Path

    Want to change the culture in an organization, business, church or institution? Ask “what should it look like around here?” then begin taking action in that direction. That’s how the new growth at the fringes makes its way into the center. This is leadership at its raw essence.

    I stumbled across some words of wisdom that support this idea:

    Do not seek to follow the footsteps of men of old. Seek what they sought! – BASHO

    Take from the altar of the past the fire, not the ashes! – JEAN JAURES

    Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. – Author of Hebrews

  • Breakfast with Alan Hirsch & Matt Smay

    Last week I enjoyed the privilege of an IHOP breakfast with Alan, Matt and Mike Tilley during the Exponential09:Art of Movements Conference. We affirmed God’s amazing, expansive work in the world through normal people. I appreciate these humble and courageous brothers in Christ.

    Alan’s talk on communitas (not community) during the conference confirmed much of my own movement-planting experiences in the US and East Asia. As Alan says:

    The most vigorous forms of community are those that come together in the context of a shared ordeal or, communities who define themselves as a group with a mission that lies beyond themselves—thus initiating a risky journey. Over-concern with safety and security, combined with comfort and convenience, have lulled us out of our true calling and purpose. Everyone loves an adventure. Or do we?

    If you’re wrestling with a burden for the unchurched post-everything generation, Matt’s recent book The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community may help. I finished it this morning on my new Kindle.

  • Ask Whatever You Wish

    Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it shall be done for you. Jesus in John 15

    I have a confession to make—we’re a Facebook family. Not that we’re online all the time, but that is one of many avenues we use (in addition to texting, Skype video calls, and — decreasingly — email) to stay connected, keep up with one other, share pictures and stay in touch. With Travis away in college and me frequently traveling, we long to share life as it happens.

    Recently Ann and I took a weekend away to assess how we were doing at connecting with the Lord, with each other and with friends. Jesus impressed upon me, or shall I say invited me, to deepen my times with him through memorizing Scripture again and devoting myself more fully to prayer. Abiding is all about staying connected to the true Source. As a result I’m enjoying a renewed zeal for Christ and genuine, loving interest in others.

    One of my specific requests was for new non-CCC friendships. Guys need time to do stuff together, shoulder to shoulder. Frequent travel and other responsibilities mitigate against this. Neither sitting in church nor sipping lattes provides the anvil upon which lifelong guy friendships are forged. But the Lord in his goodness has inundated me with new connections in the past four weeks: neighbors, businessmen in the city, visitors staying in our home, and a tightly knit men’s prayer group on Monday mornings. God answers prayer.

    “If…” the conditions are met, ask whatever you wish. What are you asking for?