Do you have a succession plan?

Let me start by eliminating any potential rumors. I am not planning on leaving my current place of ministry any time soon, nor am I in the plan to succeed anybody else in their position of ministry! Now that the “Rumor Weed” had been dealt a healthy dose of Round-up, let’s get to this week’s blog post.

This morning I have read two other blogs focusing on the replacement of Senior leaders. In one blog the implication was that if you don’t have a plan in place to develop new leaders, you may be relying too heavily upon personality. In another blog the introductory paragraph mentions several large ministries where the founders’ sons have taken over for the father. (In my humble opinion, some of these sons have been groomed/prepared for leadership while others are living out a dynasty based upon name recognition.)

This is not just an issue for Pastors and church Boards!! What about your Small Group? What about the area where you volunteer in your local church? Do you have a plan to replace yourself? Can ministry continue (thrive?) in your absence?

When our children were little my wife was hospitalized on a few occasions, which left me for several days in the role of a single parent. The kids actually wore clean clothes each day and nobody lost weight during the ordeal. (I realize doing this for a week is not the same as those who carry this burden for years!) The point is that some homes are run in such a way that one spouse has no idea how to do laundry or where to find things in the pantry or where to find tools in the garage because the other spouse is too possessive of those areas. A wise person will develop others in the family with skills to cope in their absence.

In the same way, a wise ministry leader will develop others with the skills to do ministry in their absence. I would like some volunteer ministry leaders to weigh in on this…What are you doing to identify and develop leaders to replace yourself?

Reading Your Idiot Lights

I just found the following quote at the blog of another pastor. I thought these thoughts provide a good warning and he provides an appropriate response. Click on the link at the bottom to read the rest of his article.

Idiot lights on our dashboards signal to us that something is malfunctioning in our vehicle. The most common one is "check engine". It could be something as simple as a service call or a major problem with the power plant. Whichever, if we don't pay attention to them, some serious damage could result.

God graciously has put into all of us our own set of idiot lights that tell us when our power plant is on overload or malfunctioning. Let me list a few typical ones:

Fatigue, lack of compassion, anger, cynicism, depression, sleeplessness, defensiveness, excessive control, fear, anxiety, boredom, aimlessness, withdrawal.

healthier pastors: Reading Your Idiot Lights

From the Heart

I don't watch the MTV Video Music Awards (Sept 13, 2009) and I can't name a single song performed by either Taylor Swift or Kanye West, but in the last week the popular media has made quite a big deal about the rudeness demonstrated by Mr. West when he went on stage uninvited and took the microphone in the middle of Miss Swift's acceptance speech for some award and launched into a personal tirade. Ironically, he did a similar thing in November 2006 when his own video did not win first place in a European award show. Over the last week he has expressed remorse on multiple occasions and I have no reason to question his sincerity, but "you can't unring a bell." The comments made by other artists (who know these two individuals better than I do) since the event leads me to conclude that we have observed an example of a quote from a pastor friend...

Integrity is forged in obscurity and refined in visibility

The gracious way Miss Swift responded to this unexpected event was an overflow of character that had been developed in her life when she was far from the public eye.
The same principle was true of Isreal's greatest king. While David was a lowly shepherd and was out of the public eye he developed the character that would be required to be described as a man after God's own heart. Psalm 78:70-72 says that from shepherding David learned integrity and skill that led God to choose him as king.
As teachers and small group leaders it is important that we prepare well for the lessons that we guide. It is just as important that we tend to our hearts. When unexpected events happen the condition of your heart will determine your response and once a reaction has been given it is difficult to undo it.

Comment below: What practices do you find strengthen your character? What have you done to counter-act when the old nature has made an appearance in your behaviors while leading others?

Lessons from 2009 NFL Week 1

Many of those who follow this blog are leaders within local churches. As the NFL season started yesterday and the commentators disected every part of the game I found myself contemplating leadership lessons for the local church.

1. Be flexible to changing roles - From the Minnesota vs. Cleveland game I learned that leaders must adapt. Brett Favre used to be valued as a gun-slinger who was viewed as a "go to guy" who could make things happen. Now the commentators conclude that he is surrounded by new talent and he will succeed this year only if he adapts and becomes a "cool, consistent player who distributes the ball to the rest of the offensive team" (namely, Percy Harvin & Adrian Peterson). Wise Small Group leaders and Sunday School teachers will NEVER stop learning and adjusting.

2. Never quit too soon - From the Denver vs. Cincinnati game I learned that leaders don't give up until it is all over. Brandon Stokley's amazing catch game-winning touchdown teaches us that it is never wise to give up hope. I shudder to think how many blessings have been missed because leaders became discouraged and gave up just before God did something amazing in the lives of students.

3. Don't view yourself too highly - From the Chicago vs. Green Bay game I learned that leaders who attempt things beyond their ability bring disaster. Jay Cutler tried to force plays and threw 4 interceptions. Too often Christian leaders get ahead of what the Holy Spirit is doing in the lives of those we have been called to shepherd. God has placed you within a community to serve and grow as a community--not to be a superstar! Christ is the head of the church--not you.

4. You are not alone - From the New York Jets vs. Houston game I learned that leaders who honor others look good. I saw a little interview with rookie Mark Sanchez after his first NFL win. He was eager to give the glory to the hard work of the team and deflect it from himself. The more he genuinely bragged on others, the more I wanted to know about him. Leaders who are secure enough to lift up others find that they turn out all right. Players who are insecure and try to keep the spotlight on themselves look like jerks. The same is true in your class or small group--the more attention you give to your students/participants, the more they will want to be around you! When you try to impress, they can see right through it!

Remain flexible, Don't give up, don't try too hard, and honor others. What other positive things can you learn from the leadership of others? (Please do NOT attack the character or question the motives of these people)