Leadership | The Preacher's Pen

Six Things the Church Must Respond To – Part #1 – Laziness

Call it slothfulness, call it inactivity, but call it what it is – laziness.

In chapter one of his letter, James makes it clear, “Be doers of the words, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1.22) We should remember that James is writing to all his readers, not a select group. James is writing to Christians. His reminder is one of action.

In the second chapter, James says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2.17) If we are faithful people, our actions will accompany our faith. Our faith and actions will work together to shine our lights and cause others to ask questions regarding our faith. (See Matthew 5.14-16 and 1 Peter 3.15)

It is the responsibility of all Christians to grow. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, James writes that we must be doers. It is not enough to just hear the word, but the second part is to actively begin taking actions upon the words heard.

The Hebrews writer takes a different approach than most in his challenge to his readers in Hebrews 5.11-14 by showing them what happened when they did not grow.

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)

The early church struggled with this laziness as well. One of the most outstanding verses regarding this principle would cause a huge battle if our world practiced it today, “If a man is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Those are tough words, but those words combat laziness.

The church needs to rise to the opportunity to share the message that the Almighty God wants active children, not slothful ones.

Just some thoughts,

Who is Leading You? – Just a Quick Thought

Who is leading you?

John Maxwell made the statement that, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” I believe he is correct.

Leadership is going to, and already is a major topic across the globe and people are realizing it more and more every day. In a recent newsletter from a friend in another country, this statement was said,

“And everything is blamed on the same Ukraine war, even though we know the primary problem is our inept leaders.”

Leaders do not provide excuses, they provide solutions.

Who is leading you today?

The church needs spiritual leaders to rise and shepherd the flock of God. We need leaders who are actively seeking solutions to guide our congregations, by the word of God, into the future.

We need leaders/shepherds who will not shirk from their spiritual duties and becoming entrapped in the world excuses. We need those leaders to seek the solutions found in the word of God and bring that message to others.

We need leaders/shepherds to be in the front leading people. They do not need to inhabit a pew, but they need to be in leading.

Just my thoughts,

The Power of Leading by Example – The Power of One Series #10

Leadership. It is a word often used when a situation needs someone to stand up and take control. Or it is used when a problem has developed, and someone is needed to make a difference.

Leading by example is one of the largest areas of contribution one can make to others, their church, their community, their workplace, and their family. Someone needs to take the lead.

Will Rogers is noted as saying, “We can’t all be heroes, because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” While it may seem that way many times, that fact is we are all leaders in one extent or another. You may lead your family, lead a group activity, or lead a team at work, but you are a leader. You might lead the way in innovation, or in teaching new generations the cultures of the past, but you are a leader.

The most significant influence you have as a leader is the example you set for others. Remember, people are watching you. People will pay less attention to what you say, and more attention to what you do. Your example in actions will be the biggest influence you will have on them.

While words are important, it is the action that backs up those words and shows the true cahracter of an individual.

Consider for a moment your experience at school or work; who were the most influential teachers and bosses in your past?

Some of your teachers and bosses were a big influence by showing you what not to be like as a leader. However, the ones that made the most significant impact on you were likely the teachers and managers who brought out the best in you and taught you through their example.

What are some character traits of a great leader?

Is a great leader compassionate?
Is a great leader ethical?
Is a great leader honest?
Is a great leader dedicated?
Is a great leader fair to others?

What character traits would make up a great leader? Have you learned about these traits from great leaders in your past?

Another area of great leaders is the skills the possess. They do not have to be a jack-of-all-trades, but do they have skills necessary to assist others?

What skills can great leaders teach through their example?

Does a great leader have tactical skills? (Skills in communication and manners)
Does a great leader have the skill of empowerment to assist others?
Does a great leader have a mastery of a craft?

Based on your experience, what are some skills a leader should possess? You will find that some areas of leadership need different skills that others.

Remember, leaders lead through their example; this is where the distinction is made between the good and the great. The actions of a leader make a difference to his influence and his leadership abilities.

How do great leaders lead through their example?
Does a great leader model appropriate behavior?
Does a great leader teach complex concepts in understandable ways?
Do great leaders walk the walk as they talk the talk?
Does a great leader practice self-sacrifice for the betterment of the group?
Does a great leader champion their cause?

Through your reflection on what makes great leaders, you must remember that your example has power to shape whatever situation.

You can influence others in ways you may never imagine. Through your example you will help build someone’s character, or teach them a skill, and even encourage their self-worth just by doing what you do best, being a proper example.

Something to always keep in mind is that you are never unobserved. Others are always responding to your presence.

Remember to do your best from a place of integrity and think about your influence wherever you are. Do what you can to be mindful of the fact that someone, somewhere, is being influenced by your behavior. If even in the smallest of ways, your existence is making a meaningful impact on the world.

Whether you are the leader of a company, a leader in your church, or the leader of your home, you are a leader with influence wherever you go.

Be a good example to those looking to you and walk with confidence knowing that you are affecting others as they watch you.

Just some thoughts,

Making a Difference to Others Benefits You – The Power of One Series #9

As we have spoken about already, you must remember that making a difference in the lives of others has a benefit for you as well. You will find yourself in a different place because of your influence on others.

Draw this in your mind for a moment: one person making an effort + multiple people receiving the benefits of that effort = countless people who are now in a better situation.

While you are motivated to help others for selfless reasons, you do find there are undeniable benefits that come from the effort. It is not selfish to appreciate or enjoy those benefits. They are rewards for doing a job well.

One benefit of helping others is it makes you feel happier and helps you live a fulfilled life. You can understand that because of your effort, someone somewhere is now better off.

When you think of motivation, be aware there are different types. Typically, people think of the big words of motivation, but when it is broken down, you are able to see its lasting effects.

Consider these types of motivation work in the lives of others. Each person might be looking for motivation to affect their life in different areas:

Those needed wanting positive reinforcement.
Those seeking to avoid negative consequences.
Those with a natural desire to be motivated (Also called “intrinsic motivation”)
There are other forces work together to motivate us to act.

No matter our reason for taking action, the benefits are rewarding and more impactful than you may realize. Many people see the action, then forget to see the results. It is not selfish to look for positive results in others because of your actions.

Here is a list of personal benefits you will find in your life when you help make a difference in the lives of others:

You are Creating and Building a Legacy – When you begin making a difference in the lives of others, it often leads creating a legacy. Others will remember who you are and what you did for them or someone they know because you took actions for the greater good. You will find that pouring yourself into something bigger than you can make an impact for generations – this is creating a legacy.

You are Giving Back – Sometimes making a difference comes from giving back to others when you have realized your blessings. Giving back provides healing to your life and to the lives of others. You will also find satisfaction because you have been able to bless others. This healing and satisfaction come from paying forward what you have gained in your lifetime.

You are Restoring Your Faith – When you have lost something precious, it feels good to regain your faith in God, humanity, or your community. When you begin making a difference, you see the good in others and it begins a process of restoring your faith. When your faith is restored, you begin seeing others in a different light and you notice a different side the first perceived.

You Begin Reducing Depression – Various forms of depression are rampant in the world, especially in the past year. When you are suffering, it helps to refocus your energy to somewhere other than yourself. When you refocus your energy, you find your suffering slowly easing. You find more energy because you see the difference you are making in others. Your efforts to assist others, changes you.

You Might Honor Someone – You might make a change in others because someone made a difference in yours. You can honor someone by making a difference just as they did. In doing so, you also continue their legacy and their memory.

You Create Future Opportunities – Your actions have a unique way of creating future opportunities for you to make a difference. When your actions take root, it is like planting a seed and watching it grow. As that seed grows, more opportunities will be present.

When you intentionally choose to make a difference in the lives of others, it becomes a winning situation for everyone involved. The win might not be immediately known, but it will be a worthwhile effort.

Remember, those who receive support from others are blessed, just as those who step out and make a difference.

Be assured that your efforts to serve others will come to result in significant personal benefit.

Realize the power of one.

Just some thoughts,

The Compound Effect – The Power of One Series #8

Have you ever heard of the “compound effect?”

This effect has been around for decades and is misunderstood by many. However, when it is understood, it is power.

So, let’s dive into the theory behind the compound effect and see how it can help you realize the power of one.

First, let’s begin with a question: Did you know that investing a small amount of money in the bank at a young age could make you a millionaire by middle age?

If you didn’t, then you need to know more about the compounding effect. Through the power of compounding interest, your initial investment can eventually give you a return that far exceeds what you first put into it. The initial investment does not have to be large.

Did you know that making a difference is the same?

Even though your contributions might be small and consistent, they have a compounding effect that surpasses your initial effort to make a lasting and meaningful impact.

Let’s look at some people who took a step in faith and in service to others to create a legacy that we enjoy today:

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the founder of the Special Olympics. It began in 1962 as a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities. Now, that backyard summer camp is a global movement. Eunice Shriver’s small contribution compounded over time to surpass her expectations and even her lifetime. Today, the foundation is over fifty years old and has touched the lives of thousands and thousands over multiple generations.

Dr. Gory Klatt wanted to raise awareness and funds for a local cancer charity. So, in 1985, he walked a track for 24 hours continuously. He raised over $27,000.00 and the awareness of the need for cancer support. Since Dr. Klatt’s initial fundraiser, Relay for Life has become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world. Currently, over 4 million people in 20 countries celebrate Relay for Life.

At some point, two people who had a passion for life and wanted to assist others, acted in a tiny way and their actions sparked interest and support with others. Their actions compounded so much that foundations were born. These foundations have employed people, served people, and constantly fill a need throughout the world.

Isn’t that amazing?

How about a few more people to consider?

Ever heard of Ray Kroc? Though he wasn’t the founder of McDonald’s, he brought the genius to the table that catapulted that small hamburger stand into a franchise that has served billions and billions since the 1950s. The name, “McDonalds,” is known in all parts of the world.

Or how about Colonel Sanders? He founded Kentucky Fried Chicken with one recipe and changed the industry. The hard work of that one man with his one recipe grew exponentially (the compound effect) until the KFC brand was known worldwide as “finger-lickin’ good.”

As you can see, small, consistent actions matter. Those consistent actions will grow benefits to reach to the ages.

Now that you understand a little about the compound effect, what actions will you begin today?

Just some thoughts,

Looking Back on Your Influence – The Power of One Series #7

Have you ever attended a retirement dinner?

Have you ever attended a gathering honoring someone?

Have you ever attended a funeral?

Whether it was a retirement celebration, a dinner honoring a person, or even a funeral, those events had speeches given by people who were grateful for the influence of the individual.

With retirement celebrations, the retiree gets to hear their accolades and the influence that they had on those around them. When you are at a dinner honoring someone, they get to hear from people who they had a lasting impact on in various areas of life. With the deceased, there is hope we can realize the stories of gratitude despite the separation of death.

When you look back on someone’s life you can see all the things they have done and then the influence they have had on many lives.

If you were to look back on your life, who would you say you have influenced?

Have you ever been told about the impact you had on someone else? Have you kept a record of the times you’ve volunteered, or actively tried to make a change – even in a small way?

I would imagine you have had a larger influence than you realize. Take a moment and ask yourself a few questions to see what type of impact you might have made:

Do people refer to you as an excellent example of individual traits and values?
Has a group has ever honored you for your contributions?
Have you been featured in a newspaper or magazine?
Have you ever made employee of the month?
Have you ever been interviewed about your work or your ministry?
Have you volunteered for your church?
Who have you shared your knowledge of a skill or trade to help them improve?
Who have you mentored?
Have you ever received a personalized “thank you” for something you did for someone?
Have you written a blog post, book, or other work that someone told you “changed their life”?
Have you donated your time or resources to an organization or a cause?

After you answer these questions, I would imagine you can think of times you’ve made a difference.

I would encourage you to make a list of the times you can recall and reflect on how it felt to be an influence. Consider those people you’ve affected and how they have benefited from your influence. These might be people that you never considered the influence you had on them, but you did. Even if you initially had no intention of making a difference, the chances are that you did, and it should encourage you.

Before we close, understand this point: you don’t have to wait until you retire, or honored by others, or die to know you’ve affected people around you. Realize your influence now.

Each of us has influence over others. We have even influenced those we may not realize. Consider how you have influenced others and decide to continue to be a positive influence in the future.

Just some thoughts,

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