by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 24, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership
Humility increases our appreciation for God. To respect God’s majesty, we must compare ourself to his greatness. When we look at creation, we often feel small by comparison. To feel small is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation.
In 2011 saw some exciting changes at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, my purpose was to share three humbling lessons learned. If you missed reading Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.
(Sanctuary Renovation – 2011)
So, what did I learn? (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 17, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership
I am surprised and humbled by the overwhelming response to this week’s post, “Humbling Lessons In Change & Transition.” If you missed it, you can read it HERE.
(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)
In 2011, I shared some new and exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. I believe you can learn a lot from your failures if you’re willing to admit and learn from them.
(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)
First, I learned how buildings house memories. Therefore, it is wise not to erase their significance. Parents have introduced their children to the church and sat Sunday after Sunday in the pews together. Others have said goodbye to loved ones and those last few words in that place were significant. In addition to learning the significance of buildings, I also learned how change can happen quickly but, transition often follows more slowly. (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 15, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Mars Hill Baptist Church
I’ll admit, as a leader it’s quite easy to get caught up with a vision. It’s natural because as leader’s we’re encouraged to look out for opportunities and then take the lead in making things happen. But sometimes we find ourselves alone out front, and wonder what happened to the people we’re leading? Why aren’t they with us?
Going Fishing – Who’s in?
Take a scenario of a group of people going fishing on a lake. Typical leaders get the vision, jump in the boat and are off to fish straight away. But the rest of the group may take a different approach. As the leaders look back they find that half the people are still on the river bank. Some are still prepping their fishing gear.
Some are just starting to launch their boats. Others are on the water but are heading in the opposite direction. Some are going in circles and still others haven’t yet even decided if they feel like fishing after all. That’s when you realise that only leading from the front doesn’t always help facilitate transition.
John Maxwell in his book Winning with People admits that patience is not one his strengths. He says:
“When I was younger I constantly cast vision for the people in my organization and then left them behind – not a good thing for a leader.”
2011 saw some exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, I’ll share three humbling lessons learned.
Mars Hill Renovation (2011)
(more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 11, 2013 | Communication, Current Affairs, Decisions, Fun Stuff, Money and Finance
My father, the late Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Stowers, Sr. was a wise man. He had a lot of what’s missing today – COMMON SENSE. He was an expert at summing up life with quick pithy statements.
The best financial planning seminar I ever attended was my dad’s. It didn’t involve plane tickets, hotels, conference fees, or books. It took less than five minutes & here’s what he said:
“Son, it’s not the money you make, it’s the money you hold on to.”
- Make yourself a budget.
- Live BELOW your means.
- Pack your lunch.
- Pinch pennies.
- Save as much as you can.
- Get the education you need for as cheap as you can get it.
The art of holding on to money is all about saying no to stuff you don’t need. Say no to eating out, $4 fancy coffee, and that shiny new computer when the old one still works fine.
That’s my dad…his advice still works! LOL!
What would you add to my dad’s list?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 19, 2013 | Communication, Computers, Current Affairs, Decisions, Internet, Social Media
There really is such a thing as too much information.
There are things that you don’t want to know, even about your spouse or significant other. Yet people seem to like to share these things online. Before you do, think about whether you’d want your parents, grandparents or even kids to see the post. It seems today that everyone is using social media.
Blogs, Facebook and Twitter are popular and powerful tools. And like most tools, they could be helpful if used correctly or dangerous if used inappropriately.
The bottom line principle is that you are responsible for what you write. The Internet is a public forum, and writing something is the same as speaking it from a stage. Even if you delete a blog post, RSS feeds will still contain your post. Once something is published, it’s impossible to take it back, so think before you update, and be responsible for your words.
Recently, I decided to rework our social media policy and send it to our ministry leaders to share with their teams. Additionally, I used Facebook to encourage our members to connect with their ministry leaders and read the policy. Surprisingly, many pastors and ministry leaders sent inbox messages and emails requesting our policy. Yep, I sent it to them…free of charge!
I want to be a blessing to the Kingdom of God. Therefore, I decided to post it on my blog for all to glean. Here’s what it says: (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 10, 2013 | Decisions, Encouragement, Self-Leadership, Success, Teamwork
Today’s TV shows don’t compare to “old-school” TV shows. If you were to search the gazillion cable channels, what you will find are reality shows depicting sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Growing up, one of my favorite “old school” TV shows was the Lone Ranger. He was a fictional character, a masked ex-Texas Ranger who, with his Native American companion, Tonto, fights injustice in the American Old West. Although I loved the show, I was somewhat puzzled by the show’s title – The Lone Ranger. He wasn’t alone he had Tonto.
Go figure.
If the Lone Ranger had Tonto assisting him, why do most people try to figure out life’s problems on their own? Why do some insist on taking the “Lone Ranger” approach to solving life’s most difficult challenges? Since life’s filled with many twists and turns, it’s wise to recruit other wise people to help you conquer life’s challenges.
Wise People Never Attack Difficult Problems Alone
One of the greatest resources we have is the people God places in our lives. If you ask around, I’d be willing to suggest that someone in your circle has “been there, done that.” I can’t imagine going after a problem without the advice of the wise men & women God has placed around me. The next time you’re faced with a difficult problem, don’t attempt to solve it alone. Instead, ask: “Who can I recruit to help me solve this problem.
Who’s your Tonto?
