A few weeks ago I posted about the need to know we “Have It”. We have the courage and grace to do what it takes to make a difference in the world around us. Check out the courage and grace of this guy.
It’s the most viewed YOUTUBE video the past few months with 12 million views. I’m not campaigning for anyone here, I’m uninspired by both options, but this young man sure made me think about my own conviction and courage. It’s worth your 90 seconds:
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There was a man who went to the wailing wall to pray twice a day for 25 years. A friend asked, “What do you pray for so diligently?” The man replied, “In the A.M. I pray for world peace and the brotherhood of man. In the P.M. I pray for the eradication of all illnesses and disease.” Troubled, the friend asked, “But there has been no progress with either issue for decades. How does that make you feel?” The man lamented, “Like I’ve been talking to a wall.”
He feels my pain! You’ve been there right….hour after hour talking to God with little perceived response. So, to learn how to better hear God I’ve been working on that “30/12 Challenge” I posted about Wed. What a special experience, you might want to try it! Here’s another insight that could bless your effort.
My friend Marla shared these thoughts on her coffeeshopjournal blog:
When God wants us to experience a change of perspective, He often does it via a change in scenery.
“So Jesus took the three disciples to a new place, a high place, a place that was far removed from civilization.”
Here’s the bottom line: Where you are geographically affects where you are spiritually. A few years ago I came up with a simple formula:
Change of Place + Change of Pace = Change of Perspective.
Marla’s onto something here, which explains why mission trips can have such an impact. It also explains why leadership planning retreats are often held off-site and in a casual environment.
What’s your experience…tell me about how changes in geography and pace impacted your perspective or connection with God?
Posted in Empowering Leadership | Tagged creative spirit, Empowering Leadership, Hope, Spirit's work | 2 Comments »
Nobody knows the implications of this economic storm we’re stumbling through. We all sense that these are transformational times and that transformation must begin with us. Rosanne Cash once shared, “The key to change…is to let go of fear.” The key to letting go of fear is to build trust. But in what or with whom? …How about God?
Scott Couchenour, a partner of mine in the CKN, recently shared these insights from Brennan Manning’s book, “The Signature of Jesus.” In it Manning defines two words - Absurdity and Obedience.
Absurdity comes from the Latin “surdis” (meaning deaf). Obedience comes from the Latin “ob audire” (meaning to listen to). There are huge implications here for transformation.
Our world, with all its shrill voices, deafens us to the voice of God who speaks to us in silence. Look at your calendar, your desk, and your lists. Most likely your days are overflowing with events, projects, and appointments — yet many of us remain unfulfilled, bored, lonely, and perhaps purposeless.
Are you…
Living an absurd lifestyle, packed with noisy activity and little direction?
OR
Living a life of daily obedience to God’s still small voice?
Your “30/12″ Challenge:
Carve out a 30-minute time frame. (early morning or late evening works best) Ok…I’m going to accept Scott’s challenge. After twelve days I’ll let you know what I’ve learned. I’d love to hear and share your stories as well…you in?
Posted in Empowering Leadership | Tagged Empowering Leadership, Relevant Ministry | 18 Comments »
So what were you thinking last month as the dominoes fell one right after another? The demise of Lehman Brothers tipped into the rushed sale of Merrill Lynch to Bank of America, which was followed by the federal takeover of AIG and the $700B bailout. What does this financial crisis change for you?
In a recent conversation with author and futurist Rex Miller, he shared how traditional institutions like government, business, and churches are not equipped to navigate this rapidly changing world.
Transformational Leadership
Rex also shared how stable and predictable environments foster institutions with good management and clear vision. However, rapid change and obscured horizons require new skills. First, we need discerning leaders with enough courage to honestly define reality. Unfortunately, through this crisis we’ve been given “positive spin” and “blame shifting.” Recent Gallop polls reflect the eroding effectiveness of our institutions with declining percentages of public confidence.
Could these trends represent a “changing of the rules” and explain our recent blunders in economic, foreign, and military strategy? Could they explain why Republican Colin Powell, along with most nations around the globe, supports Obama as a “transformational leader?”
And what is the significance of all of this for the church?
Restart and innovation
Many churches have shifted to a contemporary church model with some success. Yet, research now illustrates how participation in church programs, no matter how excellent, do not lead to spiritual maturity or a sacrificial community. And without a sacrificial church community, we’re left consuming resources faster than any church can generate them.
On a positive note…I recently posted how the top 100 mega churches grew a surprising 10% in 2007. Here are two lessons critical to that success:
It’s interesting that both lessons are transformational in nature. These leaders are learners and are transforming their ministries and themselves. However, the 1.1 million that attend each weekend make up less than 1% of the 130 million who typically attend church services.
How do we help the other 300,000 churches (who attract the other 99%) develop the skills to hang on?
How do we transform ourselves?
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, Relevant Ministry | Tagged Relevant Ministry, Evolving Culture, Empowering Leadership, mega church, Rex Miller | No Comments »
The continuing drop in the stock market yesterday and this recession talk has me concerned. I found it interesting a recent American Psychological Association survey found stress is on the rise. In fact, 54% said they’d had at least one major argument in the past month with someone they love.
But it’s hard to admit when the strained relationship is yours. The disturbing political and economic news, along with too much travel, has me finding mine a bit strained these days. How about you?
So I’m glad I slowed down for a moment to read this. Take a look…it’s worth it! A group of professionals asked some 4-8 year old children this question:
The answers that they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think…
I really liked that first one where “your name is safe”. Which one touched you?
Posted in Evolving Culture | Tagged love, Love Marriage | 2 Comments »
In a recent discussion with his blog team, Ed mentioned a conversation with a Baby Boomer named Amy. In an email to Ed, Amy said these words:
I grew up going to Antioch Christian Church and our church hymnal was pretty standard with Amazing Grace, Old Rugged Cross and such. My all time favorite though is “He Lives.” I really miss these old traditional songs. A hymnal would be like a daily devotional for me.
I grew up in a small United Methodist Church where the hymnal was an essential part of every service.
Now, don’t get me wrong! As a 28 year old, I would attend a rock concert over a hymn sing any day, but the thought of sitting down with an old United Methodist Hymnal early in the morning intrigues me. I would meditate on songs like:
Like hearing an old song on the radio or finding my best friend from elementary school on Facebook, something leaps inside my soul when I hear these hymns (either in a rock concert OR on the pipe organ). Their familiar melody, their poetic verse … they are a major part of my heritage of faith, a heritage I want to pass along to my four children.
Can anyone relate? No matter what your age, certain hymns stir your soul, carrying you back to a simpler faith. Thank you Amy for sharing your story, you have inspired me to jump online and order my next devotional – a United Methodist Hymnal
Abbie Mantor works for the Aspen Group in the Marketing Department, writing case studies and white papers (among other things). As a member of the Blog Team, she helps manage the effort.. She has been married for 6 ½ years and has 4 children.
Posted in Evolving Culture | Tagged Baby boomers | 4 Comments »
“Everyone wants to know if they ‘have it’. And every person has to be tested to find out. A real battle tests you and shows you what you’ve got! And young people can’t ‘find it,’ because they’ve never been tested.”
These are the words of Johnny Wilkerson, our 90 year old neighbor who flew 69 missions as a WW II gunner in the glass bubble of a B-25 bomber. During one mission the bubble was blown completely off and his upper body was exposed to 350 MPH wind and shrapnel zinging by. On another mission, one of the two big guns in front of him was blown off of the plane by enemy fire. I asked him if he was ever scared. Without hesitating he said,
“I was fearful of every mission. If you can’t admit you’re scared, you’re a liar. Scared doesn’t keep you from doing your job though.”
Since then, Johnny has been a gentle, unassuming farmer and handy man. He never spoke of his war exploits and lived a quiet life. He wasn’t the type of man who seemed like he had what it takes. Maybe it was age that encouraged him to finally share his war experiences…experiences that made it abundantly clear that he did indeed “have it.” And now I understand why he seemed so at peace with himself.
While in his early 20’s, Johnny fought as a gunner in the skies over Europe. I, on the other hand, was a fraternity boy in college. The army took him to places like Biloxi, North Africa, and Italy. Through my early 20’s I was traveling to…yeah…”dangerous places”…like Florida for spring break and visiting friends at local universities. Maybe that’s why I still feel compelled to prove myself more than sometimes seems healthy.
Am I alone here…in what may be this search to discover we “have it”?
Johnny’s story raises many questions. Could this be the reason that:
The church could be far more intentional about addressing this search as well. Is it possible that we should actually be asking more from our members? If so, here are some ideas to get started:
What would you add to this list?
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, Relevant Ministry | Tagged Empowering Leadership, Purpose, Relevant Ministry, test, Valuable life goal | 12 Comments »
Maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to blame those guys on Wall Street for all of our financial problems. Take a look at these debt statistics for Americans. (Each is inflation-adjusted to 2007 dollars and the total debt includes personal, government & business)
Imagine the Kingdom work that we could be doing if we weren’t saddled with this massive weight! Of course there is a certain amount of debt that is an inevitable part of most people’s lives. How do you know when to go for it? For starters, check out these helpful tips.
1.) Cash advances on credit cards
Most credit card cash advances carry an up front fee and a higher interest rate. Interest starts accumulating from the second you borrow the money.
The solution: Use an ATM. An ATM is free as long as it is operated by your bank.
2.) Payday loans and tax refund anticipation loans
Frequently pitched as a quick way to get access to your tax refund, they are roughly equivalent to a payday loan in terms of hidden fees and an APR of up to 200%.
The solution: Patience! If you absolutely have to have money, use a credit card.
3.) Rent-to-own Furniture and Appliances
Rent-to-own is not a good route to take because it ultimately results in a cost that is two to five times the department store price. People will see that a couch is only $49 a month but don’t do the math.
The solution: Save up and purchase the item from a store or buy used furniture that can be found easily via the Internet on Web sites like craigslist.
4.) Buying a new car
By buying a new car you pay twice for the asset, first with interest and then again for depreciation when you sell.
The solution: Buy a 3-4 year old car that’s 50% to 60% less expensive. With vehicle history reports, you’ll know exactly what the car has been through.
5.) Taking out 401(k) loans or making early withdrawals
Loans and withdrawals against your 401(k) often carry high fees and must have a definite repayment plan.
The solution: Keep a rainy day fund. If you must take out a loan, make sure it’s for a home or property that will appreciate.
How do you feel about our debt statistics? And What responsibility do we and the church have in mentoring the next generation to live within their means?
Posted in Evolving Culture | Tagged business administrators, Evolving Culture, ministry | 4 Comments »
The billionaire investor Warren E. Buffet recently invested $3 billion in General Electric, eight days after investing $5 billion in Goldman Sachs. While others are running to the sidelines Buffet’s jumping in. He’s become a household name for his remarkable market timing. Even more amazing is the way he’s kept his down-home values and is still living in a home purchased years ago for $31,500. His secret is to, “Buy when the market is depressed and sell when it is happy.”
Successful people develop attitudes and insights contrary to our instincts. They see things that others miss and find courage to act on them. In the parable of the talents, the Bible challenges us to find courage to act as well. That’s why a recent article in Fortune magazine entitled, “Rule #1: Assume Failing Is Impossible,“ caught my attention. Anne Sweeney, one of the top 15 most successful women in America, shares this thought provoking story:
The best advice I’ve ever received didn’t come from anyone I knew. My family and I were in San Francisco for a long weekend, and we were strolling the farmer’s market. As I wandered by this one stall, I looked up and saw a piece of steel that had been etched with a quote. It asked, “What would you attempt to do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” It literally stopped me in my tracks. It made me think about my life in all its facets - personal, family, and business. I stood there for a good 15 or 20 minutes, ruminating on how this quote resonated with me and how I wanted to apply the saying to my life. It speaks to big dreams, challenging yourself, and pushing to create what’s next. I wish I knew who wrote it. I’d like to give them credit.
That moment challenged Anne to developed these three axioms she now lives by and leads Disney Media Networks with:
These are wonderful challenges for this time of loss, change, and fear. It’s a time to confront what scares us and push to create what’s next at home, work, and church. People are searching for leaders with vision.
So, how would you answer that question?
Posted in Empowering Leadership | Tagged Empowering Leadership, failure, fear, ministry failure | 6 Comments »
What’s up with McCain’s, I’m going to kick his (Obama’s) you know what”, weekend bravado? And isn’t it
disturbing that both Congressman Barney Frank (head of the financial services committee with oversight of Fannie and Freddie the last eight years) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi refused to take any responsibility for this economic chaos? So, what is it about Sec. of Treasure Henry Paulson’s leadership that gives us confidence and has the domestic and global stock markets roaring back this morning?
Author Patric Lencioni, in his book “The Five Temptations Of The CEO”, sheds light on five killer temptations all leaders must resist…including us at home, work, or church. And praise God, here’s the “five temptations” Sec. Paulson seems to resist far better than most leaders these days (don’t you kind of wish he was president):
1.Choosing invulnerability over trust
Titles have no lasting influence. Real influence is built on your trust within the team. So, be vulnerable, own your mistakes quickly, and actively encourage people to challenge your ideas. It builds trust and earns other’s respect.
2.Choosing harmony over conflict
A foundation of trust frees your team to passionately air ideological differences. Passionate discussions is often a sign of progress while safe ones a sign of mistrust. So guard against personal attacks, but never to the point of stifling an aggressive interchanges of ideas that stretch insight and understanding.
3. Choosing certainty over clarity
With expanded insight and understanding you can seek clarity over certainty and take decisive action versus getting lost in analysis paralysis. If you’re wrong, trust frees you to change plans and explain why. In this fast moving environment paralysis is deadly.
4.Choosing popularity over accountability
With trust and clarity you can hold your team members accountable to commitments. Without accountability there are no predictable results. Work for your team’s respect not for their affection. I guess this is why its lonely at the top.
5. Choosing status over results
Make results the most important measure of personal success, or step down from your job. Will you put your career on the line for the team or the project? Or, will you hold them hostage to your status and ego?
This recent crisis has us all concerned. But, the more pressing crisis in Washington, and in many of our businesses, churches, and homes, may lie in our inability to resist these deadly temptations and pull people together to achieve results.
What do you think…does this leadership vacuum concern you?
“A trusted name is more important than wealth” - Provebs
Posted in Empowering Leadership | Tagged Empowering Leadership, Lencioni, trust | 8 Comments »
No doubt about it, America and the rest of the world is in the middle of a crisis. But I question if the root is found in finances. It seems that the real crisis is one of trust, wisdom, and insight. Here are a few thoughts for perspective as we ponder the recent election rhetoric and market collapse.
Business professor Jim Collins and Pastor Andy Stanley spoke at the Catalyst Conference this week in Atlanta and shared some helpful thoughts about wisdom and leadership:
- We want our leaders to have consistency between what they say and what they do.
- Authenticity is a powerful leadership dynamic.
- The greatest CEO’s from the greatest companies in history had one distinctive characteristic that separates them…humility.
- If it is about you, you will not build something great. (and only you know if it’s about you)
- As leaders, we must never carry into the future the hurt of the past.
- Perhaps the boldest leadership move you could make is to get on your knees and let go of your hurts.
And to help keep the market collapse in perspective:
I’d appreciate your take. How are you feeling about the recent financial and political events? What do you think is the root of our struggles?
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture | Tagged Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, wisdom | 5 Comments »
The financial crisis is everywhere. We’ve talked with pastors who are experiencing major budget shortfalls and are painfully laying off staff. On the other hand, we’ve also talked with a pastor who’s experiencing a 20% increase and is expanding his outreach.
Newsweek columnist Robert Samuelson sheds some light on this confusing dichotomy with his recent column, The Great Confidence Game:
“It’s about confidence, stupid. Every financial system depends on trust. People have to believe that the institution they deal with will perform as expected. We are in a full-blown crisis because investors and financial managers have lost that trust.”
In a recent USA Today article entitled “Some Christians keep tithing even as they face foreclosure,” I was surprised to learn that many will choose to walk away from their homes in order to tithe. Dr Robert Oldham writes, “It’s a simple fact that here, as in many Christian cultures, you will find some people for whom obedience to God comes second to none. For those people, a contract with God is worth more than their home.” Now there is some serious confidence in a relationship!
Looking back on the last six recessions from 1968 through 2001, we see the confidence issue at work. Three of those recessions resulted in decreased tithing while the other three actually resulted in an increase. It’s fascinating to note that the two decreases in 1970 and 1973-1975 were accompanied by a serious drop in confidence in the church. For example, a Gallop poll found that in 1970, only 14% of respondents felt that the influence of religion on American lives was increasing (A serious drop from the 69% who believed so 13 years earlier). These poll results may suggest that the decreases in tithing may have had more to do with confidence in the church than the recessions.
The President of Generis, a large stewardship consultant, recently shared with me, “Decreases in giving are rarely an issue of donor fatigue. They’re an issue of vision fatigue.” This aligns with Samuelson’s 
suggestions above. It’s about confidence and trust! Leaders who can build confidence in their vision can inspire others to make it happen.
So what do you think? Are the current church and business budget struggles simply a financial problem, or are they a confidence test for the vision?
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture | Tagged Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, giving, Leadership, Newsweek, tithing, USA Today, vision | 4 Comments »
80% of the churches in the US are on the decline, and that includes every traditional denomination. The younger crowd has been quite clear about loving Jesus but disliking the church. In fact, According to Dave Kinneman’s book, “Unchristian,” they trust the gay community more than the Christian community!
So what’s up with the continued growth of the supposedly “outdated” mega church? While the US economy is eking out a weak 1-2% growth and the global economy is sputtering along at 2-3%, the largest mega-churches shot ahead at 9.9%! While most churches remain small, these large churches keep getting larger.
Check out these 2008 mega-church stats from Outreach magazine’s annual survey:
So what’s going on here? This mega-church growth wasn’t supposed to continue. The recent struggles at Willow Creek (the mega-church poster child in Chicago) had many bloggers celebrating the indisputable death of the mega-church model. Why do you think they continue to grow, and do you think it’s good for the Kingdom?
Noted researcher, Ed Stetzer, summarized the data into the “Top 10 Lessons” gained from the group of mega-churches:
Of course there are downsides to rapid growth. The leaders are burning out (Most would say they are “Rushnecks”), and many are promoted into roles they aren’t qualified for. As a result, the churches fail to adequately disciple and assimilate new people…resulting in unhealthy growth and a consumer culture. In light of the sobering decline of the traditional church, where would we be without this creative innovation and courageous risk taking?
Do the negatives outweigh the positives? Would you attend a mega-church? Why or why not?
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, Relevant Ministry | Tagged Church growth, Ed Stetzer, Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, mega church, outreach, Outreach magazine, Relevant Ministry | 12 Comments »
I’m in Omaha rushing to catch a plane for home, and like most of you, I’m ready for a quiet weekend. As Jeff Foxworthy (the redneck joke guy) says, “When you get to your third millionth frequent flyer mile, I think something snaps in your brain.” I haven’t snapped just yet, but aren’t we all hoping life will slow down a bit?
Tim Harlow, the senior pastor at the 75th fastest growing church in America, must have felt the same way as he prepared to speak at our recent Cornerstone Conference. To make his point, he began his presentation for us with a little Jeff Foxworthy humor. Of course we aren’t rednecks, but Tim challenged us to ponder if we are “Rushnecks.” Rushnecks are people who put efficiency ahead of relationships…with God as well as with others.
Tim helped us put things in perspective with the following “Rushneck” questions:
- You might be a Rushneck if…you have ever put on your makeup or your tie while driving to work? (If you’ve done both, I just don’t want to know!)
- You might be a Rushneck if… you have ever checked your email while driving.
- You might be a Rushneck if…a Yellow light means GO FASTER to you.
- You might be a Rushneck if…you have ever wished you had a faster microwave.
- You might be a Rushneck if…your children think their first name is “Come on,” Hurry,” or “Let’s move it.”
- You might be a Rushneck if…you have ever tried to fast forward through live TV.
- You might be a Rushneck if…Before deciding whether to get in line A or line B at the grocery store, you count how many people, how many carts and how many items per cart.
- You might be a Rushneck if…you not only do that, but you keep track of the person who would have been you if you had chosen the other line and are depressed for the rest of the day if they beat you out of the store.
O.K…how many of these reflect your thinking the last six months…count em up?
An old African proverb says, “Hurrying and worrying are not the same as strength.” And the Bible teaches us, “Be still and know that I am God.”
My prayer is that you’ll find time to “be still and know” this weekend.
Posted in Bahler Family Doing Life, Empowering Leadership | Tagged growing church, Empowering Leadership, struggling, Faith, trust, Bahler Family Doing Life, Simplicity and Sustainability | 13 Comments »
My daughter called me the other evening because she had just been embarrassed by her son’s hissy fit in
public and wanted some advice. You’ve seen those fits, right? The screaming kid laying on the store floor with arms and legs flailing everywhere and the parent, four shades of red, unsure what to do. My daughter knew this was a serious teaching moment and didn’t want to blow it. Her son would either learn that there are boundaries or that emotional outbursts could get him what he wanted.
As I watched our politicians after the catastrophe this week, I couldn’t help but wonder if their parents somehow missed that teaching moment on the store room floor. Am I the only one embarrassed by this childish, irresponsible name calling? If they were our kids they would have had a “time out” long ago! It’s obvious that both congress and the administration sat on their hands while this crisis loomed. We are all responsible.
It can be different. People can, by God’s grace, walk in humility when their power and respect are on the line. I saw this in a conversation last week at our Cornerstone Conference. A pastor was sharing about the recent contemporary services in their church that had taken off. The new service had grown to twice the size of the traditional service, and people were coming to know Christ. However, those services were led by the youth pastor…not the senior pastor. Normally, that spells serious trouble!
When I asked this senior pastor how he felt about it, he humbly 
responded, “At some point all of us must become the forerunner of another. We must decrease so others can increase.” Needless to say, the Spirit is alive in a congregation led by a heart like that. Their church will be able to do big things because it doesn’t matter who gets the credit. A week later, I’m still thinking about the humility of that man as I listen to the news.
What’s your take on this sad spectacle in Washington? Would there even be a crisis if they had shown the same humility as that senior pastor?
Posted in Empowering Leadership | Tagged Empowering Leadership, humility, successful pastor | 2 Comments »
