It might seem like a crazy idea to start a new business when the economy is in a prolonged recession. A recession can actually be the ideal time for launching a company. In fact, many well-known and successful organizations were born during an economic slump.
For example FedEx Corp. began operations on April 17, 1973 as Federal Express, a nod to the Federal Reserve, with whom founder Frederick W. Smith had hoped to get a contract. He didn’t, but the company that delivered 186 packages to 25 cities on its first night of operations now manages more than 7.5 million shipments everyday worldwide.
Well, if great companies are birthed out of recessions, then it’s equally plausible for great ministries to be birthed in the time of crisis. Recently, Chicago, along with several states experienced The Great Blizzard of 2011. This blizzard literally shut down our city and forced many churches to cancel their Bible studies and activities.
My good friend Darius Williams of Every Day Cookin DOT COM challenged me to host on online Bible study and I took the bait. Thank you Darius for issuing the challenge to host a live Bible study. Had it not been for the Blizzard of 2011, this idea wouldn’t have come to fruition. You started something huge man & I’m pumped.
I’m inviting a few people to join me as I beta test this online Bible study. Working with this group will allow us to test the process and work through the challenges. If you’d like to join me:
Welcome to Session 2: The Power of Being a Servant-Leader. I’m excited about the concept of hosting an Online School of Leadership. What’s great about this school is that no matter where you are in the world, all you need to do is log on to this blog and elevate your leadership skills. Last week we learned how being a servant is the best kept leadership secret. If you missed it, you can read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 now.
The Power of Being a Servant-Leader
The term servant-leader probably conjures up images of someone who is always walking behind others, picking up after them and simply playing a supporting role. But just because you support and serve those you lead, doesn’t mean you are a doormat or any less of leader. It is probably the idea that a leader should have an elevated rather than serving position that hinders us from really understanding what being a servant-leader is about.
Think about epic stories like Braveheart. In the movie you see Mel Gibson as the lead character who is spurring his followers on to fight for freedom. But he doesn’t sit back and direct the battle from a distant hill. He is there in the front lines with his men, serving them in battle, fighting alongside them and yet still leading them. This is a powerful image of a servant-leader. Because of his servant heart, his men stood toe-toe with him until the very end.
Did you enjoy today’s session?
Join me tomorrow as I discuss King Saul who vividly portrays the consequences of not having a Servant-Leader’s attitude.
Happy Monday! Welcome to Monday’s edition of The Online School of Leadership.
Today marks the beginning of another week and I trust that you decided start the week strong. Last week I defined servant leadership and shared how leaders can lead and serve simultaneously. You can read more about it HERE and HERE. Today we conclude Session One: The Best Kept Leadership Secret discovering the characteristics of a servant leader.
Welcome to The Online School of Leadership session on servant-leadership. Two days ago the first lesson defined leadership from a biblical perspective. Jesus’ servant leader model continues to work thousands of years later while producing billions of Christians worldwide. If you did not get a chance to read it, you can CLICK HERE.
Let’s start with this premise: Most who lead desire to lead effectively – especially if you’re a new leader or haven’t developed your leadership philosophy. Seminaries, colleges, and university leadership programs don’t have a monopoly on advanced leadership skills. With time, you can teach yourself many leadership principles and skills by attending this Online School of Leadership.
This Online School of Leadership is an experiment which features the Bible, the very best leadership books available, and is based on thousands of hours of research. If you don’t have the time to drop everything, accumulate student loan debt, and attend college or seminary, tune in for the next few weeks and you’ll learn more about leadership that you can possibly imagine.
In 2005, Ice Cube (Nick) and Nia Long (Suzanne) starred in the hit comedy movie, “Are We There Yet?” Nick’s attracted to Suzanne and offers to drive her two very annoying children from Portland to Vancouver. The trip’s a disaster from the outset as the three face numerous mishaps while entertaining the nagging question, “Are we there yet?” As a parent who’s gone on numerous road trips with children, they have trouble understanding distance and how much time it takes to actually get ‘there.’
In his book, “Maximize The Moment,” Bishop T.D. Jakes references a “place called there.” It’s not a neighborhood. You can’t find it on a map. Money, education, or influence can’t get you there. There is the place God intended for us to be spiritually, relationally, financially, etc. It’s God’s destiny for us and once you’ve been touched by destiny, your relentless pursuit begins.
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Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
