by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 17, 2008 | Christianity, Church Issues, Empowerment, Leadership
LEADERSHIP CAN BE STRESSFUL!
As I shared earlier this week, at Mars Hill, we have been trying to get our
minds and hearts around some of the data that points to unmet
expectations. What do you do when not as many people are inviting
their friends…not as many are growing in Christ…not as many are
tithing…not as many are reading their Bible…not as many are
attending…and not as many are being baptized?
These
questions are very real for us right now, and over the next few days I will
share some of the stages of unmet expectations I have recently
experienced…
WHEN WE EXPERIENCE UNMET EXPECTATIONS, WE TEND TO QUESTION THE DATA. Perhaps the stats are wrong. Maybe we didn't ask the question in the right way. I bet a certain category of people refused to take the survey and so the results are skewed.
I once heard someone say, "figures don't lie; but liars know how to figure."
MY RESPONSE: When we don't like what the data says, it is so easy to question its' validity. We look deep for one anomaly – one thing that sticks out. We find the one piece where we can cast doubt on the data…thus causing a large shadow over all the findings. Here's the problem: It makes it easier to say everything is okay. We tend to say, "The problem isn't the church – we're good, it's the data."
WRONG!!!
It's like the person who continues to squeeze into clothes/shoes that are too small – the data says either loose weight or go to the next size.
Two down…three to go…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 15, 2008 | Christianity, Church Issues, Empowerment, Leadership
LEADERSHIP CAN BE FRUSTRATING!
Perhaps you've heard of the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance). I wonder if a similar list could help define the stages a leader goes through when his or her organization fails to meet certain expectations.
In the past year at Mars Hill, we have been trying to get our minds and hearts around some of the data that points to unmet expectations. What do you do when not as many people are inviting their friends…not as many are growing in Christ…not as many are tithing…not as many are reading their Bible…not as many are attending…and not as many are being baptized?
These questions are very real for us right now, and the next few days I will share some of the stages of unmet expectations I have recently experienced…
- WHEN WE EXPERIENCE UNMET EXPECTATIONS, WE TEND TO JUSTIFY: Well, the attendance is down because of the weather. Everyone is at home entertaining, shopping, golfing, etc. People aren't reading their Bibles because we have so many who are exploring Christ. The economy is terrible so people aren't giving.
MY RESPONSE: Sometimes there are rational reasons for failure, but if you continue to explain it away over time, it begins to look like an excuse rather than a reason. You can justify a week or even an entire season…but it's difficult to justify trends that are happening over time.
One down…four more to go…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 30, 2008 | Bible Journey, Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Communication, Family
I would like for you all to say hello to my guest blogger Chandra Ivy-Oliver. Along with others, she took the challenge to offer practical steps to help others struggling with revenge.
Dr. David Hawkins, author of ‘Dealing With the Crazy Makers in Your Life’ says “People come in all shapes and sizes. I have no problem with that. However, when these people are in my life, and they are bona fide, dyed in the wool, Certifiable Crazy Makers, I’m no longer as friendly or hospitable. Click here to read the how he deals with these people.
Dr. David Hawkins
The Relationship Doctor
Chandra’s Response to What if its family that keeps hurting you?
I believe in giving chances, not just a second chance, but chances. God had given us chance after chance when we hurt or do wrong, because I know he has done it for me. But I would start off by telling the person that is doing the hurt, how they act or react is hurting your relationship. The person doing the hurt will always blame it on you, not because it’s really your fault, but because you are the reasonable and considerate person trying to make thing right or easier.
Ex: It’s just like having a toddler with a tantrum, you keep giving in and he or she will keep acting out. Family can be the same way, there is that one person who keeps hurting you, but they only do it in public where they can front on you, then when your home or on the phone, they apologize and want forgiveness. And you accept the apology, because you want to be like Christ and forgive. If it keeps happening you need to talk to God, remain prayerful, calm, firm and clear. Reading your Bible while dealing with this hurt. Colossians 3: 8-25 helps you clearly understand.
Thanks Chandra, you hit the nail on the head!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 4, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Communication, Current Affairs, Empowerment, Family, Race, Religion, Vision, Worship
Next week I’m starting a new blog series entitled: "Ten Challenges Facing African Americans & What You Can Do." Trust me, I will hold no punches and exercise my 1st Amendment right.
Will I offend some, YES…
Will I spark debate…YES
Will you disagree…MAYBE
Will you engage…I HOPE SO
Will I cuss…STAY TUNED 😀
Will you comment…I PRAY THAT YOU DO
Stay tuned…Spread the word…Can’t wait till Monday…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 13, 2008 | Church Issues, Staff
I have the privilege to serve with an incredible staff…a fired up group of people
who love their church and have a “by any means necessary” mentality towards
ministry.
However, in my ministry experience, both in the life of Mars Hill, working with
other churches and conversations with many pastors and leaders I believe there are five phrases that we should NEVER
hear from someone on staff.
#1 – “That’s Not My Job.”
When a staff member is asked to do something and they reply, “That’s not my
job,” then you can be assured that he/she does not have a heart that is fully
devoted to the ministry.
The staff we have here at Mars Hill walk around with fire in their eyes…and
when asked to do something they just make it happen. Now…I have seen this abused & do not think
ANYONE should allow themselves to be ran over; however, when asked to do
something that might not serve the person BUT WILL SERVE THE CHURCH…the answer
should always be yes.
#2 – “That Can’t Be Done.”
I have noticed something about staff members that say something cannot be
done…USUALLY the ones who say that are the ones who are going to be asked to do
the particular project they are freaking out about…and it will require tons of
work…SO, they just say it can’t be done.
I have a confession to make…I don’t like hearing “it can’t be done.”
Here’s the kind of attitude I like:
Someone who’s realistic with me and says, “Now we CAN do that…but it will
require such and such and we don’t have that–and if we want it then it is going
to cost this…so what do you want to do?” I LOVE THIS ATTITUDE!
Trust me, when a staff member continually says that something cannot be done they either have a lazy work ethic
OR a very small view of who God is…neither are beneficial for your team.
#3 – “All I Need Is More
Staff & Money To Make This Happen.”
When people begin to use resources as an excuse for a stagnant or failing
ministry then you can be sure they are in trouble and have most likely became
spoiled, thus forgetting the art of being innovative.
#4 – “Recognize Me!”
Beware of the staff member who is always telling you how much work they did,
how many hours they put in and how tired they are.
HOLD
ON
…as
a leader it is our job to make sure that staff members are not sacrificed on
the alter of ministry. We should pay them well and make sure they have adequate
time off.
BUT…when someone is always demanding attention for the work they’ve done
then you can be sure that either pride or insecurity is coming out…and neither
are good!
#5 – “My ministry needs BLANK
to…and if we don’t get it then…”
When a staff member begins to focus on his/her ministry more than the church
as a whole…trust me, you have a HUGE problem.
A good staff member does have passion and vision for their particular area
of ministry; however, they have an even greater passion for the church as a
whole and will gladly lay aside their plans if it means that it is best for the
church.
The church will either operate as a loosely organized group of sub
ministries…OR ONE BODY with many parts…and if a staff member cannot be a part
of the body then they most likely do not have a kingdom mindset.
