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 | Nov 23, 2011 | regular
Today marks the official Thanksgiving holiday season. As we prepare to spend time with our family and friends, don’t forget to tell them how thankful you are for having them in your life.
Earlier this 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 by sharing “The Best Kept Leadership Secret discovering the characteristics of a servant leader.”
Characteristics of a Servant Leader
A servantleader is someone who understands the bigger picture. They know the benefit of putting the group, individual or organizational agenda ahead of their own. A servant–hearted leader understands that their task is to equip and empower those they lead. By helping group members or employees achieve their goals, they know they are enriching the organization as a whole.
A leader who is a servantis secure enough to know that serving others takes nothing away from their leadership position. A servantleader is confident. They do not need a title. They take on the role of a servant willingly out of love. They have a true desire to help others and happily initiate service even when there is no direct benefit to them.
An influential leader ignites an organization’s potential and drives the vision by being servants themselves. You too can be an effective leader by having the heart attitude of a servantas you empower, equip and encourage others.
Question:
Do you possess the characteristics of a servant leader?
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses: Jesus washes the disciple’s feet as a servant – John 13 verses 3-5
- To be great you must be a servant – Mark 10 verses 43-44
- Christ’s attitude of being a servant – Philippians 2 verses 5-7
- God looks for a servant heart – 1 Samuel verse 7
Other Reading:
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 22, 2011 | regular
Monday’s post 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 begin today’s session with this question:
How can a Leader be a Servant at the same time?
When you picture a servant you probably think of someone with a low position. A leader by contrast is someone who is elevated by title. How is it possible then for a person to be both a servant and a leader? One of the best examples is Jesus Christ, who is arguable one of the most influential men and leaders of all time. He had thousands of people following him as he moved from town to town. He was looked up to as a great teacher and healer, and did many miraculous things. For believers he was the leader of all leaders. Yet one night while having dinner with a group of his closest friends, this leader stripped down to a servant’s attire and washed the feet of his followers (John 13:3-5). This was not an act of manipulation. It was an act of love. He had chosen them to lead and succeed him in his ministry. In washing their feet he was demonstrating that for them to be effective leaders, they needed to have a heart attitude of a servant.
The context of John 13 reveals to us that servant leaders:
1. Acquire their power from God
- They understand that they get authority from God
- They understand that they give account to God
2. Advance their people for God
- They demonstrate humility in leadership
- They demonstrate helpfulness in leadership
3. Achieve their purpose from God
- They serve the Savior
- They serve the saints
What’s remarkable about this story is how Jesus even washed Judas’s feet. Have you ever noticed that Judas already had the betrayal in his heart, yet Jesus still washed his feet too. Do you ever feel like you are doing things for people that don’t deserve it? Do you ever qualify your serving and give only to those who you deem worthy or deserving? Think about the example given to us by Jesus. There could have been no more undeserving than Judas, yet Jesus washed his feet too.
Next Session:
Characteristics of a Servant Leader
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses: Jesus washes the disciple’s feet as a servant – John 13 verses 3-5
- To be great you must be a servant – Mark 10 verses 43-44
- Christ’s attitude of being a servant – Philippians 2 verses 5-7
- God looks for a servant heart – 1 Samuel verse 7
Other Reading:
