by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 9, 2011 | regular
For better or worse, leaders put themselves out there, on display, for the entire world to see. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, business owner, entrepreneur, supervisor, or hold no titles, at some point in your professional career, you’re going to be criticized.
Recently, God’s overwhelming presence cut into my sermon time and I didn’t preach a full message. Boy, did the critics come out. They criticized me for using the Holy Spirit’s visitation for not wanting to preach. OUCH!
Criticism, even to the most seasoned professionals, is still a difficult pill to swallow and one that doesn’t go down easily or sit well with many of us. When someone publicly (or privately) criticizes you, take a deep breath and follow these guidelines:
- Ask: Is this constructive or destructive criticism? Constructive criticism is probably based, at least in part, on some truths. Through constructive criticism we have the opportunity to learn and improve from their suggestions. On the other hand, destructive criticism is down right nasty, hurtful, and offensive. Cowards usually prefer this method and you’ll immediately know the difference between the two.
- Don’t Take It Personally. One of the first things that seems to always happen upon receiving criticism is that the person to whom the criticism is directed takes it as a personal attack. Granted, there are some people out there who take pleasure in bringing people down. However, there is a distinction between constructive criticism and vicious condemnation. Learn to decipher the distinction and the first step to do that is to not take what is said personally. Easier said than done, I know…but it’s essential.
- Keep The Vision Before You At All Times. Criticism directed at you can easily break your momentum. An hour ago you were confident and in full pursuit of your vision. Suddenly, you’re filled with doubt. As a leader, you already realize how important it is to ride the wave. Don’t let an anonymous coward (most who criticize rarely do it to your face) break your stride and distract you from your vision. Like an army ant, keep moving forward!
- Just Walk Away. When you get called out for making a mistake or are challenged, it might be your instinct to stand up for yourself and come out swinging. It’s important not to react right away. Fight the urge to respond. Go for a short walk, grab a cup of coffee or move on to another project. Keep in mind that if you are nasty or condescending in your response, you can expect others to do likewise. This can lead to a war of words that benefits no one.
- Keep Smiling. Haters hate. That’s who they are and were created to do. Smiling, even a false smile, can helps us to relax more. It creates a more positive vibration and smoothes the situation. It will definitely help psychologically. Smiling will motivate the other person to moderate their approach.
Question: How do you handle critics? What would you like to add?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 8, 2011 | regular
A team is capable of accomplishing things that no individual, no matter how multi-talented, could do alone. To function well:
A team must be committed to a common vision and purpose, and it must be willing to work in unity for the improvement of the whole rather than the advancement of any one member.
Synergism can be defined as the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce an effect that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. Therefore, synergy is a joint action that increases the effectiveness of each member of a team. Synergy is exactly what Jesus had in mind when he chose His twelve disciples.
From a large pool of disciples who were following him, Jesus designated only twelve men who would become his disciples. This was such a significant decision that the Lord prayed all night to prepare for it (Luke 6:12-13 & Mark 3:14).
Jesus knew that this was the team that would be with Him for the rest of his ministry, and He was prepared to pour Himself unreservedly into their lives. Jesus’ actions, the unshakable reality of the resurrection and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit turned a group of men who were characterized by confusion, infighting, and self-interest into a genuinely synergistic team. Today the church (the body of Christ on earth) is not an organization but an organism that manifests both unity and diversity.
What does Ephesians 4:4-16 tell us about the dynamics and purpose of this organism, and what do 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 andRomans 12:3-8 tell us about how spiritual gifts contribute to the effectiveness of the groups of believers?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 7, 2011 | regular
Consider this statement:
It doesn’t have to be perfect for God to bless it.
As I read Scripture, I can’t find any instance where conditions were perfect before God blessed it. Abraham didn’t have all the answers when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac…he proceeded anyway. Moses had a speech problem and was insecure about his leadership abilities…he proceeded anyway. Nehemiah certainly didn’t know how the building project would turn out, but he proceeded anyway. Are you noticing a pattern here?
Why The Big Push For Excellence?
Every generation is quick to point out the hypocrisy of the one that preceded it. The generation born just after WWII began rejecting the values of their parents during the ’60s. Now it’s their kids’ turn. Today’s young adults see a generation of baby-boomer Christians that has striven for “excellence” in every part of church life. Boomers proclaimed in the 1980s that image is everything, and their churches have reflected that cultural trend.
The nurseries have got to be sparkling clean, the church buildings are marvelously functional as opposed to artistic, the music is as close to FM radio quality as possible (even if they must hire a band), the Sunday services are seamless with perfect transitions (just like television), the preaching is entertaining and informative (but not so deep as to offend visitors), and the plants on stage are beautiful (but artificial).
As a result, according to Dieter Zander, the next generation has concluded that “everything is image,” and therefore nothing can be trusted. Church is too slick, too good, too polished to be real. And the twenty-something hunger for raw authenticity just doesn’t fit in (Source: Out of Ur Blog).
Let me repeat: It doesn’t have to be perfect for God to bless it.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to do your best. But striving for perfection/excellence when “good enough is good enough” is a waste of time. Consider the way new technologies come to market. Major software and electronics companies cut down on time and costs by putting products on the market before they’ve been completely tested. Remember the original iPhone & all the bugs it had? These companies know that consumers will offer feedback that teaches them more in a month than they’d discover through years of in-house training.
Google is one of the most admired and innovative companies in the world and they release MOSTLY EVERYTHING in beta. In other words, they knowingly release products that are incomplete and gather feedback from their customers on how to improve them. Churches, companies, ministries, & people should learn from Google and others. You should know when your work is “good enough.” At Mars Hill, we don’t have the best facilities, slick marketing, it’s over-crowded, and located in the inner-city. Conditions are FAR from perfect, but God’s blessing and adding to our numbers daily.
Alexander Hamilton said, “I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man.” Don’t let unhealthy perfectionism keep you from pursuing God’s best.
Question: What do you think? Is excellence overrated?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 6, 2011 | regular
The mark of a great leader is how many great people will join his or her team. King David’s team was comprised of “mighty men.” Because David attempted mighty things, only the mighty could keep up with him. Those who could not keep pace could not join the team.
Don Bennett was the first amputee to climb Mt. Rainier. His testimony is simple – if you try such a feat with only one leg, “you can’t do it alone.” However, Bennett understood that not just anyone could help. Bennett did not recruit his helpers in a nursing home. He built a team of people who WANTED to climb a 14,410-foot peak and who COULD climb a 14,410-foot peak. One who attempts mighty feats had better be capable of recruiting a mighty team.
David did just that.
His was one of the most celebrated teams in the entire Old Testament. This group was the all-star team of his battle-hardened warriors. Several things stand out as we consider how David pulled his team together.
First, he spent time with them in battle. These men were welded to David by the hot fires of battle. His inner circle consisted of those men who had fought alongside him. He knew their capabilities, because he had seen what they could do with their own eyes.
Second, he sacrificed for them. When three of his mighty men risked their lives to obtain drinking water for him during a battle, David refused to drink it, choosing instead to pour it out onto the ground (vv. 13-17). That act of sacrifice communicated a depth of devotion and love that had to have impressed those warriors.
Third, they enjoyed victory together. Time and time again David and his mighty men faced seemingly insurmountable odds and saw God deliver them.
Finally, David honored them. These men were well known throughout the land as “David’s Mighty Men.” That phrase served as a banner that set them as extraordinary. As you read this account, one thing becomes clear: David knew he couldn’t do it alone.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 5, 2011 | regular
I grew up in an era when radio stations would open their request lines (usually late night) for listeners to call in and hear their favorite songs. Listeners would share what’s on their hearts or dedicate special songs to their loved ones. Lately I’ve noticed how many cable stations such as BET, MTV, & VH1 allow their viewers to do the same.
Well, since it works for radio and Cable TV stations, I thought it would be a great to hear from YOU! Each year in December our team breaks away for our annual teaching calendar planning retreat where we lay out a general idea of where we sense God wants to take us over this next year in terms of teaching and subject matter. For two weeks, we will spend the next several hours focusing on praying, planning, and brainstorming. So please pray for us!
But here’s my BIG question for all of you….
What topics/subjects would YOU like to hear teaching on?
I’d love to hear your ideas! So please leave a comment!
Maybe your feedback will spark a great idea for Mars Hill or even others over this next year!
FYI…YOU DON’T HAVE TO ATTEND OUR CHURCH TO RESPOND!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 2, 2011 | regular
It’s been said “when a man enters his 40’s he carries with him the experiences from the past and the anticipations of tomorrow.” Thus, I decided to create an organic…ongoing list called “Now that I’m 45.
Now that I’m a year older & a year wiser:
- God will remain the center of my existence. Without Him I’m nothing…All to Him I owe and all to Him I FREELY give.
- I will work extra hard/smarter to learn how to be a better husband, father, brother, son, and pastor. I’ll practice “kaizen” – the art of continuous improvement.
- I’ll use teachable moments life presents to teach my sons how to be a better man than me AND model true manhood to my daughter.
- I’ll spend additional quality time with people who “refresh me” rather than “drain me.” Life’s too short to be miserable, frustrated, and stressful.
- I’m stepping up my dress code. My wife says I’m already a sharp dresser, but I want to maintain a sense of distinction whether formal or casual. It’s true: “You never get a 2nd chance to make a great 1st impression.”
- I’m simplifying my life in order to spend more time with people I love and doing things that bring me joy. Therefore I set limits on what I do. For example, check email just twice a day. Write emails of only 5 sentences or less. Only check Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter twice a day.
- I’m committing to one (1) goal at a time. Often the problem is that we try to take on too many goals at once. We have a list of things we want to accomplish, spanning the spectrum from gardening to to getting in shape. It can be overwhelming, and because of that we never start.
- I’m done with multi-tasking. I’m focusing on single-tasking. Why is it life-changing? A couple powerful reasons: (1) You’ll be more effective with your tasks and get more done. It’s hard to achieve important things if you’re constantly switching tasks and distracted by other “urgent” things. (2) You’ll be less stressed overall and (in my experience) happier throughout your day.
- I’ll practice more kindness. Yes, kindness is a habit and it can be cultivated. Focus on it every day for a month and you’ll see profound changes in your life. You’ll feel better about yourself as a person. You’ll see people react to you differently and treat you better, over the long run.
- I’m writing a book. There’s a book on the inside of me waiting to be birthed. I’ll stop at nothing to get it out.
- I still refuse to smoke or eat chitterlings (Chitllins”) no matter what. PERIOD!
Well, that’s about it for now. What about you? Do you have a list? Will you create one?
