I was reminded recently of a 6 item checklist that Mike Breaux (@mikebreaux) walked our staff at Heartland Community Church through to determine whether or not we are in danger of some pitfalls that come with being in ministry.
Here are 6 things that will take you out of ministry (via Mike Breaux):
1. Life without boundaries
2. Calendars without Sabbath
3. Words without practice
4. Giftedness without humility
5. Relationships without discernment
6. Letting your identity get tied up in our title
This list is posted in my office. It should be in yours too!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Finding a Mentor
So, I've learned some things about finding mentors. Here are my thoughts...
1. Never ask anyone to be your mentor. When you ask someone to be your mentor, it sounds like you are asking them to create a curriculum for you. They may think they need to prepare teachings, give homework, or provide professional counseling. Most people you want to be mentored by don't have (or don't think they have) time for it. They'll end up running away.
2. Ask people that you respect why they made the decisions they did. Most of the time, you can learn the most by asking about rationale. Respectfully, of course. Just ask, "Why did you do it that way or make that decision."
3. Seek out feedback. Tell someone who you want mentorship from a decision you made and how you made it. Ask them for their opinion of your decision. Most people love sharing their "take" on a situation. Open the door for people you respect to tell you "what they would have done."
4. Mentor BACK! A good mentoring relationship should never be one sided. I read this in a book "True North." The one surefire way to obtain and retain mentors is to add value to your mentors life. Ask them questions, encourage them, give them feedback on things when they ask for it. If it's all about you all the time, it will wear them out.
5. Always error on the side of less time. If your interactions are productive and breif, they are more likely to welcome interruptions.
6.Tell your mentor how you are applying their advice. The most frustrating experience for someone who is investing time and emotional energy with you would be for you to "soak in" all that they are telling you and not apply it. Give direct examples of how you are applying their insight.
Maybe more to come...
1. Never ask anyone to be your mentor. When you ask someone to be your mentor, it sounds like you are asking them to create a curriculum for you. They may think they need to prepare teachings, give homework, or provide professional counseling. Most people you want to be mentored by don't have (or don't think they have) time for it. They'll end up running away.
2. Ask people that you respect why they made the decisions they did. Most of the time, you can learn the most by asking about rationale. Respectfully, of course. Just ask, "Why did you do it that way or make that decision."
3. Seek out feedback. Tell someone who you want mentorship from a decision you made and how you made it. Ask them for their opinion of your decision. Most people love sharing their "take" on a situation. Open the door for people you respect to tell you "what they would have done."
4. Mentor BACK! A good mentoring relationship should never be one sided. I read this in a book "True North." The one surefire way to obtain and retain mentors is to add value to your mentors life. Ask them questions, encourage them, give them feedback on things when they ask for it. If it's all about you all the time, it will wear them out.
5. Always error on the side of less time. If your interactions are productive and breif, they are more likely to welcome interruptions.
6.Tell your mentor how you are applying their advice. The most frustrating experience for someone who is investing time and emotional energy with you would be for you to "soak in" all that they are telling you and not apply it. Give direct examples of how you are applying their insight.
Maybe more to come...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Keep in Mind
Had a recent conversation about something that has been on my mind lately over the past year or so. The thought came from a book I read by Rich Stearns, CEO of World Vision, called "The Hole in the Gospel." The book is a compelling call to action for every Christ follower to be an agent of change, a help to the poor, and visible representation of Christ's love to a hurting world. Stearns made the point that if you were to cut out all the verses in the Bible that had to do with "justice", you would have a tattered, torn apart, and fragmented Bible. You would have a HOLE in the gospel.
Compassion and fighting for justice are foundational to what it means to follow Christ. But, I had another thought that has been on my mind.
The young generation in the church is captivated by this call to action. High school students and twentysomethings seem to jump at the idea of "making a difference!" (Which is an incredibly awesome thing). But, we must remember that it starts first with the salvation part of the gospel.
God is the source of our energy to change the world. If we forget that we are broken people who need grace and forgiveness, we can lose our motivation. If we don't have an intimate relationship with the one who created and saved us, then we are merely activists. Nothing wrong with being an activist, but our energy will eventually dry up.
I believe it will be important for the emerging generation to continue to grow in their love for God AND the causes that result from that love. We will be passionate about helping others because of our gratitude for the way God helped (and is helping) us. If we aren't careful, we will have another hole in the gospel that will be tough to remedy.
Compassion and fighting for justice are foundational to what it means to follow Christ. But, I had another thought that has been on my mind.
The young generation in the church is captivated by this call to action. High school students and twentysomethings seem to jump at the idea of "making a difference!" (Which is an incredibly awesome thing). But, we must remember that it starts first with the salvation part of the gospel.
God is the source of our energy to change the world. If we forget that we are broken people who need grace and forgiveness, we can lose our motivation. If we don't have an intimate relationship with the one who created and saved us, then we are merely activists. Nothing wrong with being an activist, but our energy will eventually dry up.
I believe it will be important for the emerging generation to continue to grow in their love for God AND the causes that result from that love. We will be passionate about helping others because of our gratitude for the way God helped (and is helping) us. If we aren't careful, we will have another hole in the gospel that will be tough to remedy.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Commitment
We are sometimes tempted to believe that commitment limits our opportunities. "If we lock ourselves into something, we won't be able to say yes to others. Our freedom will be limited!" Right? I think...WRONG!
Commitment opens up opportunities. You have to remember that "once in a lifetime" opportunities don't come to people who like to sit on their butt. Most of the time, when something new and fresh emerges, it happens right when you are in the middle of something. Right when you are diligently obeying God, giving it your all, refining your gifts, getting as much learning as you can, and building relationships God says, "Hey, how about this?"
So, COMMIT to something. Give it your best. Doesn't have to be your perfect scenario or dream job. Do your best to be deliberate, thoughtful, and spirit led, but don't let your fear of commitment, not having enough time, and being "tied down" be a barrier for you to experience the thrill of seeing what is on the other side of the mountain.
Commitment opens up opportunities. You have to remember that "once in a lifetime" opportunities don't come to people who like to sit on their butt. Most of the time, when something new and fresh emerges, it happens right when you are in the middle of something. Right when you are diligently obeying God, giving it your all, refining your gifts, getting as much learning as you can, and building relationships God says, "Hey, how about this?"
So, COMMIT to something. Give it your best. Doesn't have to be your perfect scenario or dream job. Do your best to be deliberate, thoughtful, and spirit led, but don't let your fear of commitment, not having enough time, and being "tied down" be a barrier for you to experience the thrill of seeing what is on the other side of the mountain.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Emotional Emergency Savings Account
Do you have an emergency savings account? You know, a set aside portion of money to be used for emergency situations only?
Dave Ramsey, a financial guide and teacher for millions, says "there is no such thing as an emergency, there is just life." Life is full of emergencies (financially speaking), so it is wise for each one of us to be diligent to save a certain amount of money to be spent when needed (so that we don't get trapped by debt).
I think the same in true with our "emotional bank account." Too many of us push ourselves to the limit, skip out on basic spiritual practices, don't engage in deep and meaningful conversation, or give our minds a break from the constant messages we receive from an array of media inlets. We deplete our resources to a danger zone. When emotional emergencies come (bad news, hurt feelings, a tricky problem at work, an irritable friend, family member, co-worker or employee, etc.) we don't have any reserve to give what is necessary.
Don't let this happen to you. Spend time in the Word. Reflect on God's goodness in your life. Laugh. Have an interesting conversation with a friend. Be careful with your emotional output (as well as your input). Rest. Do things that energize you. Discover how God has wired you and give it your best. Then, when emergencies come...you will have an "emotional emergency savings account" to access.
Dave Ramsey, a financial guide and teacher for millions, says "there is no such thing as an emergency, there is just life." Life is full of emergencies (financially speaking), so it is wise for each one of us to be diligent to save a certain amount of money to be spent when needed (so that we don't get trapped by debt).
I think the same in true with our "emotional bank account." Too many of us push ourselves to the limit, skip out on basic spiritual practices, don't engage in deep and meaningful conversation, or give our minds a break from the constant messages we receive from an array of media inlets. We deplete our resources to a danger zone. When emotional emergencies come (bad news, hurt feelings, a tricky problem at work, an irritable friend, family member, co-worker or employee, etc.) we don't have any reserve to give what is necessary.
Don't let this happen to you. Spend time in the Word. Reflect on God's goodness in your life. Laugh. Have an interesting conversation with a friend. Be careful with your emotional output (as well as your input). Rest. Do things that energize you. Discover how God has wired you and give it your best. Then, when emergencies come...you will have an "emotional emergency savings account" to access.
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