At one time, it was extremely compelling and became the driving force behind the organization. But needs change, people change, and ultimately, the focus may change.
The overall mission probably won’t change since that’s the purpose of the organization’s existence. But fulfilling the purpose takes many steps (vision). Thus the vision needs to change according to the journey.
Don’t let an old vision continue to drive you. Create new ones – still based on your mission – but gradually progressing.
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The responsibility to develop your God-given talents rests on you. If you are not sure where to begin, select three of your top hobbies/passions.
Set an ongoing pattern of training for yourself. If you are not able to enroll in a formal training course, at least get some online training. Just make sure those trainers are reputable and that you’ll get your money’s worth.
Invest a significant amount of time for practice. Although the talent was given by God, developing it rests on your shoulders. As you invest significant amount of time into these passions, one will emerge as primary. You will feel more comfortable with that one, and others who observe you will also affirm you in that one activity. Build on that one.
Get a mentor and begin getting significant insight into your craft. Let that mentor’s experience and learning be an empowering and motivational force for you. You’re getting years of training and experience in a “capsule” form as you work with a mentor or coach.
Finally, be persistent. without looking for short term results, be persistent. Stay with the task. Keep doing it. Keep doing that one task that benefits others. Expecting nothing in return, keep giving through your talent. Month after month, year after year, keep on being faithful in that task. You have the task of developing the talent that God created in you.
Start.
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No sense in explaining yourself when there is no trust.
Especially when there is no trust. We may want to clear things up and explain our actions. But if there is no trust, all our explaining will go to deaf ears and our efforts will be wasted.
Give it time.
Build trust.
Explain.
Then, just leave it to God.
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Some just complain. Others do something about the problem. They build solutions.
Complainers are quite knowledgeable. They’ve been around the block a few times and they know what’s the “proper” way. They will point out the problem and inconsistencies.
Builders also see problems. Then they look around with a desire to see progress. They look for solutions.
Focus on builders. Spend time with them. Invest in them. They’ll help you build solutions.
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Does planning imply a lack of trust? If we work out all the details, where is our faith in God? Is it impossible to do a detailed planning and have faith?
While Moses was on the mountain for 40 days, God was giving him detailed plans for the tabernacle where God would come and dwell with the people (Exo 26:30). God wanted to ensure that Moses would erect the tabernacle according to his plan.
But will God come? Will he show up and do all that he promised? That’s faith. It was Moses’ job to work out the details according to the plan.
So go ahead and plan out the details of the worship service, small group, youth gathering, children’s programs and all that you do for the Kingdom. Then have faith that God will show up. He promised. He will.
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It’s a challenge to attract great leaders for your organization or church. They become a valuable asset as you move forward. You will have a broader perspective from such quality people. And their perspective is of much value.
It’s a greater challenge to raise up leaders from within. It takes more energy, patience, and lots of time investment. But the value is immense. You can be sure they carry your DNA. They won’t need to develop or “grow into” your values. That’s simply who they are.
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How much liability does the leader carry? Are the sins of the people indicative of the leader’s incapability to lead and teach?
I suggest three considerations. First, the people have the primary responsibility to follow and obey God’s Word. Second, leaders have the responsibility to lead, teach, correct, and ensure that the people walk according to God’s ways. Third, we leaders have the privilege of handing over all of the responsibility to God. His shoulders are big enough. Jesus bore the guilt on the cross.
For the Israelites, the high priest was the spiritual leader. Symbolically he bore the guilt of the people on his forehead – that they may be acceptable before the Lord. Although the high priest bore the guilt, it was then given to God (Exo 28:38). It’s a transfer of guilt.
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Without a clear, articulated purpose, we’ll meander in all directions. The critical side of our personality gets the upper hand, and we turn on each other.
“The problem … is that since nobody knows what we are supposed to be doing, too many leaders think their full time job is making others feel unimportant.” (Quoted in Lead Like Jesus: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role Model of all Time by Ken Blanchard and Paul Hodges)
Purpose.
Clarify it. Articulate it. Live it.
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Culture develops from years of response to practical needs. But later, when needs change, the culture seems out of touch. It requires revision.
We can’t revise culture. But maybe we can. But it will take so much effort. The resistance may be overwhelming. Most just give up. But some persist and push forward.
There is a huge price to be paid for even attempting to revise culture. You’ll be ostracized and condemned as an outlaw and as one who intends to destroy the peace.
So, is it worth the cost? If it is, go ahead and put your neck on the line.
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It’s amazing how many of those annoying people God put in your life. Their habits, words, and behavior seem to be aimed at making your life miserable.
God has a special purpose for strategically placing them there in your life. This is an opportunity for you to give grace to others – the same grace God gave you. Actually he not only gave it to you at salvation but he continues to give it. Daily.
Grace received – to be given.
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