Over the last several months I have had the opportunity to meet with a number of ministry leaders. Some of whom are very seasoned and lead very successful organizations and others who are just getting started and have great hopes of success. The following does not apply to everyone I’ve met, but this is the trend when comparing the wisdom of those who are seasoned vs. those who are just getting started:
Seasoned: Take your time and protect the vision
Starting: I want success… what vision?
Seasoned: Simplify your ministry and know you can’t please everyone
Starting: I want to get as many people involved so I need to do more
Seasoned: Live in the tough situations and allow God to lead you out
Starting: Avoid or run from the tough situations because they drag you down
Seasoned: Increase your personal time with God and don’t let ministry interfere with that
Starting: Ministry and my time with God are really the same thing
Seasoned: Empower leaders who get the vision to help you spread the vision
Starting: I’m keeping the leash tight on my key people to make sure they don’t mess up
Seasoned: Your primary ministry is to your family, don’t let the church get in the way
Starting: Growing a new church takes a lot of time, God will make up the difference with my family
The most dangerous thing for many who are getting started is that they would never say the things I’ve written. In a conversation they would sound like the seasoned leader. I mean, most of those who are bold enough to start into ministry spend time reading or listening to those who have been successful, so they know the right things to say. They would never say these things… but their actions and attitudes do.
When you hear yourself saying the right things it can become difficult to recognize that you are doing the wrong things. When you hear yourself using wise words it can become difficult to recognize wrong attitudes. When you encourage others with the knowledge you have obtained it can become difficult to realize that your not following the same instructions.
This has been a huge warning flare to me. I will be asking myself often… Do my actions in family life, ministry life and leadership reflect the wisdom or knowledge that I speak?
Shane, I especially appreciate your statement on the tension between hearing/saying the right thing and doing the wrong thing.
I think this is one of the issues that makes leadership an art – not just “knowing” the right things,but actually “doing” the right things.
Keep on keepin’ on.
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Really great post!
Leaders in my life are the ones who know that waiting is productive. As for myself, waiting is time to listen to Gods direction, looking for the door opening. Struggling for direction can lead in the wrong direction, listening and watching can lead to success.
Excellent post.
If my actions are reflecting those of a starter, I should ask myself if I was thought the right way.
I mean, a good teacher should not let someone not ready make desicions that will put in danger the vision and mision of a ministry.
I needed this today…Sometimes, I have one foot in seasoned and one foot in starting. Thanks for the reminders. Looking forward to Unleashed!