Just A Thought

The following is an excerpt from Francis Chan's book "Forgotten God." (By the way this should be a must read for all church leaders!):

"If you combine a charismatic speaker, a talented worship band, and some hip, creative events, people will attend your church. Yet this does not mean that the Holy Spirit of God is actively working and moving in the lives of the people who are coming. It simply means that you have created a space that is appealing enough to draw people in for an hour or two on Sunday."

Is the Holy Spirit leading through you? Are you fighting the battles on your knees? We have one shot at this and we've got to get it right!

Taking Advantage

I was watching some videos online tonight and came across this one again. I know a lot of you have probably seen this before, but this is a great example of taking advantage of the platforms in our life God gives us to share our faith in Him.

Personal Life Update

Just thought I would take a moment to give a personal update about what God is doing and things are lining up for me and Rachel. First off let me just say these last 3 1/2 months, although trying at times and finding my self board at times, have been great. I have been able to spend so much time in the word and just seeking God and it is probably something that only God knew I needed... a long period of time off. I have also been able to start back to school and if all goes well should finish by the end of the year. My health is great as well and things are beginning to fall into place.

Although things are not yet official yet, it appears that God is opening up a door for me to work with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes.) It will be a part time thing starting out, but it will allow for me to get the ball rolling, bring in some income, and provide a face for FCA here in the Foothills Area of SC. Rachel and I have been invited to attend the state FCA Staff Retreat at the end of the month and we are really looking forward to that. It has been a lengthy process but things seem to be rolling and as we all know God's timing is always best.

Thanks for all of the prayers and support and in the days ahead I would just ask for your continued prayers and God's leading every step of the way. I feel God is getting ready to do something incredible and I don't want to get in His way or screw it up!

What I'm Learning or Being Reminded

Lately God has been rocking my world and teaching me a lot about leadership and just life in general. Here are a few highlights:


*God's not concerned with my religion, He wants a relationship.

*Leadership is about relationships. You must care for your team more than just what they do for their paycheck.

*You can't lead people without their trust and you can't expect them to trust you without you leading them.

*"I shouldn't ask someone to do something I'm not willing to do. Actually, I shouldn't ask someone to do something I'm not already doing." ~ Andy Stanley

*I need to invest more in non-Christians. My focus should always be on the lost while caring for all.

*The easy way is not always the best way.

*Jesus should be the main character in my life's story.

*"Roots produce fruit" ~ Rick Warren

*With God all things are possible!


What is God teaching you lately?

A Manager vs. A Leader

I am taking a class right now called Organizational Management and Leadership and have studying the differences between management and leadership. A lot of people think management and leadership are synonymous, but in reality they aren't. Here is a list from Warren Bennis on the differences between and manager and a leader I thought was worth sharing:

* The manager administers; the leader innovates

* The manager is a copy; the leader is an original

* The manager maintains; the leader develops

* The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people

* The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust

* The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long rand perspective

* The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why

* The manager has his eye on the bottom line; the leader has his eye on the horizon

* The manager imitates; the leader originates

* The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it

* The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person

* The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing

Where do you fall? Are you a manger or a leader? Are you the rare breed that may be both? Just food for thought.