Deep Imprints

MARCH 4, 2012

A couple weeks ago, I reviewed the first half of this book. Throughout the time I’ve been reading this book, I’ve been live-blogging it on my facebook feed. And, for four and 1/2 years, I’ve been whipping through the tumultuous turns of a detour of my own. I know the pain, the desperation, and the despair. Aaron does an excellent job of describing the situation, and he begins to show you how to survive a detour.

Review 73

Review Books Blog How To 73

Deep Imprints

MARCH 3, 2012

You know that top-down model we have been using for years? The model of leadership that looks like an upside down pyramid? We’ve discussed some of the negatives of that leadership style – particularly the exclusivity. However, there are strengths that need to be considered. Strong structure makes people feel safe. People who feel safe are more willing to risk deeper relationship.

Leadership 62

Leadership Leadership Styles Power Proposal 62

Deep Imprints

MARCH 9, 2012

This morning, I was reading my Strengths-Based newsletter from Gallup , and a concept struck me. Here is the activating sentence: Of the millions of employees Gallup has surveyed, just over half have a clear understanding of what’s expected of them when they show up to work every day. So, we know that people operate best when they are operating out of their strengths.

Newsletter 56

Newsletter Operations Survey Team 56

Deep Imprints

MARCH 6, 2012

So, if we focus on the ministry of the individual, then why do we need church? If our focus is on helping each person be the person God created them to be in the life they are already living, then why do we need Sunday morning church? Would it be possible to accomplish our goal through a coaching network? From the earliest time, people who followed Jesus met regularly, in groups, for fellowship and encouragement.

Quality 56

Quality Goal Power Influence 56

Deep Imprints

MARCH 5, 2012

photo by JAS_photo on flickr. This afternoon I had an interesting conversation going. I was contemplating the reason that power is so tempting. By power being tempting, I don’t actually mean the power that destroys, as in Hitler. I’m talking about the gentle turn in focus that can easily happen in ministry leadership. This small turn causes our focus to shift so that we see all the energies of the group feeding to build something larger, stronger, more enticing.

Power 56

Power Influence Fashion Politics 56

Deep Imprints

MARCH 4, 2012

When I explain the model of church leadership I’m working on , some people realize right away that it takes away the hierarchy. So, I get comments like -” it sounds like you want to lead by committee” Realizing that church growth in any model is not easy, I think it is important to consider the implications of any model, and make sure that the essentials of leadership are taken care of.

Committee 56

Committee Power Education Energy 56

Deep Imprints

MARCH 5, 2012

So the truth of the matter is that when one is in leadership, there is a certain amount of power that goes with the position. After all, one must speak with authority…and people listen. However, as pastors, our goal isn’t to exude power, but to garner influence…for the sake of others, not for the sake of power. Our problem with power is compounded by our society, which equates influence with power.

Influence 56

Influence Power Energy Course 56