by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 4, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
2. PUTTING PROJECTS BEFORE PEOPLE. Ecclesiastes
7:18 says, "The man who fears God will avoid all extremes."
This is
one of those areas where we need to embrace the tension between relating with
people and accomplishing the mission/getting the job done. Ask specifically: "Is there anything I can do for you?"
You communicate how much you value someone by simply asking the question. Sometimes it’s nice to do something for another person without them asking or surprising them. But if you’re not a good guesser and you don’t have psychic abilities, just ask. Often, when I get home from work, I know there are two things I can say that will encourage my wife:
1) I’d really like to hear about your day,
2) Is there anything I can do for you?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 2, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
3. TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM RATHER THAN THE PROCESS. A problem is an obstacle which makes it difficult to achieve a
desired goal, objective or purpose. Furthermore, it refers to a situation,
condition, or issue that is yet unresolved. In a broad sense, a problem
exists when an individual becomes aware of a significant difference
between what actually is and what is desired.
Although pastoring has many positives, problems run parallel on twin tracks. Trying to fix the problem rather than the process is like continuing to change diapers instead of potty-training your children.
May I offer you a piece of unsolicited advice:
You can either continue to react to the problem, or you can fix the process. 90% of the time it’s a systems-problem rather than a people-problem.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 27, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
5. ASSUMING THINGS ARE EITHER BLACK OR WHITE. According to Wikipedia, a grey area is a term for a border in-between two or more things
that is unclearly defined, a border that is hard to define or even
impossible to define, or a definition where the distinction border
tends to move.
Wow, that’s a mouthful isn’t it!
I often say when I’m preaching, "let me give you the Stowers translation:" A grey area is a subject or problem that people do not know how to deal with because there are no clear rules. Yea, I like that definition!!!
For those involved ministry, experience has taught us that grey areas exist! Following rules is
easier than the messiness of relationships. Following rules is easier than
discerning God’s will. The policies or guidelines we establish should actually
remove barriers and allow more freedom within our organizations. Moreover, innovative organizations don’t value the rules over relationships, they don’t value rules over people, and they don’t value rules over the mission.
As we seek to minister to God’s people, remember black and white are not the only colors in the box…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 26, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
6. NOT FOLLOWING THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Spirit’s presence within us enables us to understand and interpret the Word. Jesus told His disciples “when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). He reveals to our minds the whole counsel of God as it relates to worship, doctrine, and Christian living. He is the ultimate guide, going before, leading the way, removing obstructions, opening the understanding, and making all things plain and clear. He leads in the way we should go in all spiritual things. Without such a guide, we would be apt to fall into error.
Sometimes when I’m facing a big decision, I try to acquire more information rather than seek God’s direction. Here’s a fundamental principle to ponder: When we stop listening to God, He stops talking to us. God stopped talking to Abraham for 13 years between the last verse of Genesis 16 and the first chapter of 17. Sometimes, God requires us to take a step, in faith, before he reveals his plan. Check out Joshua 3.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 25, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
7. DWELLING ON THE "WORST CASE" SCENARIO. As one who recognizes the validity and importance of spiritual gifts, one of my dominate gifts is discernment. 
It can be a positive gift when God’s
in control of my life. However, when I try to take control, discernment can lead me towards sin. The sin I’m referring to is called worry or anxiety. I’ve wasted way too much time
worrying about challenges or problems that never happened. It has been said that "85% of what we worry about never happens." Man, with odds like these who can loose. Personally, this is an area of vulnerability. What’s yours?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 23, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
8. WAITING UNTIL THERE IS A PROBLEM TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK. 
As a pastor, I understand the importance of encouraging others. It empowers others to reach their fullest potential.
Furthermore, it motivates them to want to go the extra mile. Because I can fall victim to the tyranny of the urgent, sometimes I’m encouragement-challenged. Moreover, since I am results oriented, my tendency is to only speak up when expectations aren’t met. Experience has taught me that this can create a culture of fear. I need to discipline myself to encourage my staff, leaders, and members more. As Tom Peters has said, "Reward excellent failures. Punish mediocre successes."
