Great Leadership articles for Pastors and Church leaders
Focus
By Dan Reiland
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2008 is underway and it seems as though there are a thousand things to do. We (12Stone Church) are moving our entire congregation and will soon experience the Grand Opening Sunday of our new campus. (January 20th, 2008) There may be a thousand things to do, but I only have time for about seven hundred things. Maybe not quite that many. The real numbers aren't as important as is the fact that I can't get to everything. This requires leadership focus. And leadership focus requires wise choices.
One of my favorite quotes is: "A man who chases two rabbits catches neither." That is so true. As church leaders we often feel compelled to chase a number of ecclesiastical rabbits, many of which are wild hares (pun intended) that belong to someone else. If you chase them all you will at best become exhausted, and in the worst case, accomplish nothing. Nearly every church leader at one time or another has spent too much time dealing with things that don't matter and chasing things that are not important. Learning focus is essential.
In his book Focus, Al Ries writes: "The sun is a powerful source of energy. Every hour the sun washes the earth with billions of kilowatts of energy. Yet with a hat and some sun-screen you can bathe in the light of the sun for hours at a time with few ill effects. Why? Wide spray. A laser is a weak light source of energy. A laser takes a few watts of energy and focuses them in a coherent stream of light. But with a laser you can drill a hole in a diamond or wipe out a cancer. Why? Focus.
As a leader you will face distractions that take you off focus and dampen your leadership. Distractions are often personal. That's one of the reasons they can be so complicated. A pastor friend of mine suffers from chronic back pain, another from migraines. No matter how positive, dedicated, intelligent, spiritual or gifted, these guys find themselves at times distracted from their work. One friend, a pastor, recently told me his daughter is getting married. He confided that she's marrying a guy that no one approves of or thinks is a wise and Godly choice. That is distracting. Perhaps you are just exhausted, if so, you are distracted. At a one level, these kinds of things are part of life, and yet we can't pretend they don't have a noticeable effect. It's better to admit the distraction and be open about it with the right people, than to try to be tough and just "deal with it." It is better to seek whatever help may be available. It is good to do everything possible to make progress rather than attempt to merely live with the situation. Distraction eventually takes its toll. Face it, do what you can, and move forward.
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes. The following set of distractions may help you recognize one that hampers your leadership.
* Distractions can come in the form of a problem.
I don't think I've faced a day of leadership in twenty-five years that has not included a problem to solve. Most of the time I see them as "good problems" - like not enough space for people to sit or park, or needing more volunteers because the ministry is growing, but they are problems nonetheless. Other problems can be more challenging such as a financial shortfall or staffing issues. The key is choosing which problems you will address and which you will ignore. There will always be problems. The problems that are distractions are the ones you must ignore, no matter how "loud they yell." Give yourself permission to let them go. Stay focused on the problems that really matter. Stay focused on the problems that if solved will make a measurable impact on your mission.
* Distractions can come in the form of time wasters.
This one can get all of us. For many leaders the internet is a huge time waster. I get caught on this one. Not so much the internet in general but email. I have a compulsion to answer email and it's a terrible distraction. I constantly work on the fact that just because someone has the time to write me doesn't mean I have the time to answer. It's not easy I know. For others, especially for all of us who love people, people can be a distraction. I know that sounds bad, but it's true. Similar to email, just because someone has some "free time to kill" and stops by or calls you on the phone, doesn't mean you have the same amount of time. Always be gracious, but sometimes you must exercise tough love and enough discipline to ask if they can connect with you at a different time. Or perhaps the need can be met by someone else.
* Distractions can come in the form of good opportunities.
This distraction can be treacherous because it can cover a large array of possibilities from flattery to a noble cause in ministry. We've all received call saying "you're the only one who can help." But you are never the only person who can help. And it's good to receive a call that include you in on a cool trip to a country like Africa to help solve a world wide problem such as aids or providing clean drinking water. Change the world, who doesn't want to do that?! But you can't do everything, and you might be right in the middle of something God has already asked you to do. Like Nehemiah, stay on the wall! (Neh. 6:3) Learn to say no to good opportunities so you can stay focused on the God opportunities.
* Distractions can come in the form of spiritual attack.
The enemy hates a focused Christian leader because they are flat out dangerous. If you are lukewarm or distracted you aren't much of a threat. But even a modestly talented leader with a passionate and unswerving Kingdom focus can become a force to be reckoned with. It is also common for spiritual attack to come in the form of discouragement. Ministry can be tough, tiring, and lonely. If you feel that way, I understand and want you know there is hope. First, know that you are doing a good thing. It may be tough right now, but you are making a difference, one person at a time. Second, don't go it alone. Find another pastor in your area, or perhaps a counselor, maybe you just need some rest or a fun hobby. try a conference and meet some new people. It is not my desire to over simplify your issue, only to tell you there is hope and you don't have to travel the road of ministry alone.
* Distractions can come in the form of people pressures.
Pastors and church leaders come from a long line of people pleasers! Hey, we come by it naturally as lovers of people. Let's be honest, sometimes people are "brewing" problems in their life for years then they want you to solve them the day they call you. Of course we want to help, but sometimes we need to say no, or at least not now. My assistant knows that once someone gets me on the phone I'm a "gonner". I want to say yes, and I usually think I can be helpful! So she tries to take most of my calls and help me with my schedule. If you don't have an assistant, and don't think you can afford one, you can ask a volunteer to be your assistant. I know you can because I did for several years before I was able to hire my first paid administrative assistant.
* Distractions can come in the form of a divided heart.
The phrase divided heart is most often used in context of a person's spiritual life. In this case I'm referring to the more practical level of commitment to your church. Do you love your job? (Paid or volunteer) Are you "in" 100%? Are you giving your responsibilities your whole heart or are they getting leftovers from a divided heart that finds interest in other places? This kind of distraction requires immediate attention. Settle your resolve now. Get honest about your ministry and either give it your all or make a change.
You can help resist distractions with the following three things. First, know your mind. Set your direction clearly on a strategic path and take steps to move forward daily. Second, know your heart. This is about dedication to your calling. Know that God has called you to your work and like Nehemiah... you can't come down. And third, know your will. This is about the discipline it takes to do the right thing every day.
It's never too late to reset your focus. Take time to evaluate and make the changes you need to see your leadership become more effective.
By Dan Reiland
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2008 is underway and it seems as though there are a thousand things to do. We (12Stone Church) are moving our entire congregation and will soon experience the Grand Opening Sunday of our new campus. (January 20th, 2008) There may be a thousand things to do, but I only have time for about seven hundred things. Maybe not quite that many. The real numbers aren't as important as is the fact that I can't get to everything. This requires leadership focus. And leadership focus requires wise choices.
One of my favorite quotes is: "A man who chases two rabbits catches neither." That is so true. As church leaders we often feel compelled to chase a number of ecclesiastical rabbits, many of which are wild hares (pun intended) that belong to someone else. If you chase them all you will at best become exhausted, and in the worst case, accomplish nothing. Nearly every church leader at one time or another has spent too much time dealing with things that don't matter and chasing things that are not important. Learning focus is essential.
In his book Focus, Al Ries writes: "The sun is a powerful source of energy. Every hour the sun washes the earth with billions of kilowatts of energy. Yet with a hat and some sun-screen you can bathe in the light of the sun for hours at a time with few ill effects. Why? Wide spray. A laser is a weak light source of energy. A laser takes a few watts of energy and focuses them in a coherent stream of light. But with a laser you can drill a hole in a diamond or wipe out a cancer. Why? Focus.
As a leader you will face distractions that take you off focus and dampen your leadership. Distractions are often personal. That's one of the reasons they can be so complicated. A pastor friend of mine suffers from chronic back pain, another from migraines. No matter how positive, dedicated, intelligent, spiritual or gifted, these guys find themselves at times distracted from their work. One friend, a pastor, recently told me his daughter is getting married. He confided that she's marrying a guy that no one approves of or thinks is a wise and Godly choice. That is distracting. Perhaps you are just exhausted, if so, you are distracted. At a one level, these kinds of things are part of life, and yet we can't pretend they don't have a noticeable effect. It's better to admit the distraction and be open about it with the right people, than to try to be tough and just "deal with it." It is better to seek whatever help may be available. It is good to do everything possible to make progress rather than attempt to merely live with the situation. Distraction eventually takes its toll. Face it, do what you can, and move forward.
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes. The following set of distractions may help you recognize one that hampers your leadership.
* Distractions can come in the form of a problem.
I don't think I've faced a day of leadership in twenty-five years that has not included a problem to solve. Most of the time I see them as "good problems" - like not enough space for people to sit or park, or needing more volunteers because the ministry is growing, but they are problems nonetheless. Other problems can be more challenging such as a financial shortfall or staffing issues. The key is choosing which problems you will address and which you will ignore. There will always be problems. The problems that are distractions are the ones you must ignore, no matter how "loud they yell." Give yourself permission to let them go. Stay focused on the problems that really matter. Stay focused on the problems that if solved will make a measurable impact on your mission.
* Distractions can come in the form of time wasters.
This one can get all of us. For many leaders the internet is a huge time waster. I get caught on this one. Not so much the internet in general but email. I have a compulsion to answer email and it's a terrible distraction. I constantly work on the fact that just because someone has the time to write me doesn't mean I have the time to answer. It's not easy I know. For others, especially for all of us who love people, people can be a distraction. I know that sounds bad, but it's true. Similar to email, just because someone has some "free time to kill" and stops by or calls you on the phone, doesn't mean you have the same amount of time. Always be gracious, but sometimes you must exercise tough love and enough discipline to ask if they can connect with you at a different time. Or perhaps the need can be met by someone else.
* Distractions can come in the form of good opportunities.
This distraction can be treacherous because it can cover a large array of possibilities from flattery to a noble cause in ministry. We've all received call saying "you're the only one who can help." But you are never the only person who can help. And it's good to receive a call that include you in on a cool trip to a country like Africa to help solve a world wide problem such as aids or providing clean drinking water. Change the world, who doesn't want to do that?! But you can't do everything, and you might be right in the middle of something God has already asked you to do. Like Nehemiah, stay on the wall! (Neh. 6:3) Learn to say no to good opportunities so you can stay focused on the God opportunities.
* Distractions can come in the form of spiritual attack.
The enemy hates a focused Christian leader because they are flat out dangerous. If you are lukewarm or distracted you aren't much of a threat. But even a modestly talented leader with a passionate and unswerving Kingdom focus can become a force to be reckoned with. It is also common for spiritual attack to come in the form of discouragement. Ministry can be tough, tiring, and lonely. If you feel that way, I understand and want you know there is hope. First, know that you are doing a good thing. It may be tough right now, but you are making a difference, one person at a time. Second, don't go it alone. Find another pastor in your area, or perhaps a counselor, maybe you just need some rest or a fun hobby. try a conference and meet some new people. It is not my desire to over simplify your issue, only to tell you there is hope and you don't have to travel the road of ministry alone.
* Distractions can come in the form of people pressures.
Pastors and church leaders come from a long line of people pleasers! Hey, we come by it naturally as lovers of people. Let's be honest, sometimes people are "brewing" problems in their life for years then they want you to solve them the day they call you. Of course we want to help, but sometimes we need to say no, or at least not now. My assistant knows that once someone gets me on the phone I'm a "gonner". I want to say yes, and I usually think I can be helpful! So she tries to take most of my calls and help me with my schedule. If you don't have an assistant, and don't think you can afford one, you can ask a volunteer to be your assistant. I know you can because I did for several years before I was able to hire my first paid administrative assistant.
* Distractions can come in the form of a divided heart.
The phrase divided heart is most often used in context of a person's spiritual life. In this case I'm referring to the more practical level of commitment to your church. Do you love your job? (Paid or volunteer) Are you "in" 100%? Are you giving your responsibilities your whole heart or are they getting leftovers from a divided heart that finds interest in other places? This kind of distraction requires immediate attention. Settle your resolve now. Get honest about your ministry and either give it your all or make a change.
You can help resist distractions with the following three things. First, know your mind. Set your direction clearly on a strategic path and take steps to move forward daily. Second, know your heart. This is about dedication to your calling. Know that God has called you to your work and like Nehemiah... you can't come down. And third, know your will. This is about the discipline it takes to do the right thing every day.
It's never too late to reset your focus. Take time to evaluate and make the changes you need to see your leadership become more effective.
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