by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 12, 2012 | regular
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?
Do you dwell on the “worst case scenario?”
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 11, 2012 | regular
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.”
Have you encouraged someone today?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 10, 2012 | regular
9. STAYING TOO BUSY.
I’ve too often made the mistake of assuming that since I’m busy I’m adding value.
It’s very possible to be constantly busy and be completely ineffective. By the way, email can be the biggest trap of all. If I wanted to, I could spend every hour of every day processing email and getting absolutely nothing accomplished.
It has been said, “never mistake motion for progress.” Throughout the day we must stop and ourselves, “is what I’m doing adding value to others or helping me reach my destiny?” If so, keep doing what you’re doing. If not…well, you know what to do.
How do you know when you’re too busy?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 9, 2012 | regular
Leadership Guru, John Maxwell is known for saying: “Everything rises & falls on leadership.” Even though I’ve been in various leadership roles for about 25 years now, I’m still learning what it takes to be a good leader. Because of that, I feel awkward trying to tell other leaders how to lead because I’m still trying to figure it out myself.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to take a different spin with this post. With the help of some friends, I’ve compiled a list of the “10 Dumbest Leadership Mistakes I’ve Made.”
In other words, rather than sharing all of the enlightening leadership principles I’ve discovered through the years, Over the few weeks, I’m going to confess all the dumb mistakes I’ve made.
If you are fascinated by grown men baring their souls and confessing their deepest, darkest secrets, then you may want to consider sharing some of your mistakes.
OK, HERE WE GO:
10. SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON THE DETAILS RATHER THAN THE DREAMS.
Check out Genesis 11:31-32. Terah intended to go to Canaan. Instead he stopped in Haran. He got stuck there for 205 years. Then he died. Why? Was it disobedience? Did he lose sight of God’s vision? Did he just get too comfortable? Did he settle for less than God’s best?
When I get too focused on responding to the urgent, I lose sight of the big picture. And, frankly, my tendency is to settle into a routine that’s very comfortable but doesn’t accomplish the full mission God has for my life and my ministry.
What mistakes come to mind after reading this post?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 30, 2011 | regular
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” 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.
Did I miss anything? What statements would you add to this list?
