Details

This poem is a reminder about God’s careful concern for the details of each one of our lives, day to day...today...now.

...even the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
Matt. 10: 29-30

details

that bird matters

that tree matters that holds the weight of the bird

the nest matters because it protects and insulates

the bird feeder matters because it supplies a measure of daily seed

every leaf on that tree counts
because of the balance of CO2 and O2
taken in and breathed out
by every earthly soul i love

that shelter by the road matters
because it surrounds and keeps warm those souls
those souls i love
in the dead of winter

every car every bus every truck matters
propelling the souls from here to there
this street to that street
that road
that railway
creating a smooth path for the cars, trucks and trains
as my beloved
come and go about their lives

the space
the distance
the margin between every car truck and train
on every road and every railway counts
because it keeps them from colliding at high speed
thereby keeping intact and safe
for one more day souls i deeply love

not one bird

not one tree
one leaf
not one nest
one seed
not one home
one shelter
one road
car or bus
not one train
not one soul
ever
ever
escapes my notice
and my concern
between every line
behind every scene

child

learn to be still
learn to see me in the quiet
with your soul eyes
you will begin to feel it

you will begin to understand


By: Greg Ferguson
Co-Producer/ Experience Designer, The Global Leadership Summit
Details is also posted on Greg's blog, 10,000 Pages

Relational Invasion

Relational Invasion: Influencing People Without a Forceful Agenda

When it comes to the impact we long to have as leaders, we must be intelligent in how we approach our relationships.

To build and develop true relational influence, we have to be invited into someone’s relational space versus what we sometimes do, which is invade someone’s relational space.

By "relational space," I mean that invisible dynamic inside of people where they either open themselves to someone else’s advice…or resist it. For instance, if someone refuses to allow us into his "relational space," that means he is resisting our advice. In leadership, we often don’t know exactly how to handle this interpersonal dynamic. In the process, if we are the invader of someone’s space, we break trust, lose credibility, and diminish our capacity to influence. That’s why we must learn how to navigate the space between you and another.

Think about this dynamic in a different way. Imagine hiring a personal trainer at a local gym to help you get in shape. By hiring him, you give him permission to coach you, offer his advice, and even push you to exercise with greater effort and focus. You are inviting him into your “space.”

On the contrary, imagine seeing a friend at the mall. After saying hello, he verbally assesses your physical health, explains to you how much exercise you need, and then commands you to “do 50 pushups.” I’d be looking for the hidden camera.

This metaphor may sound bizarre, but enter the world of relationships, and people often ignore this same principle. We try to advise people who haven’t yet invited us into their relational space. To them, our approach seems bizarre because we're trying to impose on them something they've never invited us to give.

Maybe this has happened with a person you’re trying to mentor, but you haven’t established a mentoring relationship. Or maybe it’s happened with someone you supervise at work, but you’ve wrongly assumed they want your input. Just because you live in close relational proximity, and just because you have a position of authority, doesn’t mean you’ve established credibility, nor a voice of influence in their life.

Even if our motives are sincere in wanting to make a positive impact, when we force our way into a person’s relational space, they sense relational invasion…and will usually resist. They resist because they feel we’re barging in without knocking. They haven’t opened the door and welcomed us in.

As leaders, we will become more relationally intelligent if we refuse to consistently invade people’s space. Instead, when we wait to be invited our credibility builds and our influence capacity expands.

One of the primary ways to identify when someone is inviting us in comes down to our ability to read and discern non-verbal, invisible cues that people emit. Everyone sends them out, thus communicating whether they’re open or closed off to us. This is revealed primarily through body language and the emotional energy a person emits. In simple terms, someone could maintain a welcoming and open spirit, or they could emit an aloof and distant one. People tell us without words whether they want our advice or input. To be a relationally intelligent leader, we must pay close attention to these cues. Over time, we’ll build relational capital and expand our influence.

To be clear, I’m not advocating for relational passivity. And, this doesn’t mean there aren’t moments when we push through resistance and challenge people to grow and change. It’s just that in many circles, we rarely acknowledge this dynamic, and we continually overlook non-verbal cues, often forcing our agenda upon someone and eroding trust and influence in the process.

Since Jesus doesn’t force Himself on people neither should we. His posture is always bent toward serving others, and He’s a model we can emulate in our relationships.

By: Steve Saccone (@stevesaccone)

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Steve Saccone is author of Relational Intelligence: How Leaders Can Expand Their Influence Through a New Way of Being Smart. To get free sample chapter, go to http://stevesaccone.com and sign up for his newsletter.

A Sick Jesus

This article first appeared in the WCANews magazine in Australia, and was reprinted with permission.

Recently, my life has been changed completely and forever. No, I’m not talking about the moment I committed my life to Jesus, or the day I did the same to my wife. Don’t get me wrong, these are the two most pivotal and significant moments of my life.

But the change that has happened to me recently is no less radical.
That’s right, I became a father.

At this point you are probably wandering what all this has to do with the somewhat curious title of this article. It’s amazing what parenthood does to you. Amidst the sleepless nights (which I have to say have been minimal), and the great highs and occasional lows, I have found myself contemplating all manner of wondrous and peculiar thoughts.

During one particular crying session (the baby’s, not mine) I was struck by the thought… did Jesus cry as a baby? According to the writer of one certain Christmas Carol, ‘but little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.’

Surely the answer would be yes. Baby Jesus was still a baby, and like all babies, he would have been hungry. As I have discovered, there is only one way for a baby to get mum’s attention, and it’s not by asking quietly and politely.

Of course, this led me down the path of the age old question, did Jesus ever get sick?

I found myself pondering whether the boy Jesus ever caught a cold? Did He ever fall and break a leg while playing with His friends? Did he ever eat too much at Passover and get a stomach ache? Did He ever get a bit too excited with his hammer and chisel and end up with a bruised and swollen thumb?

We know that Jesus was fully God, and therefore never sinned. So we can also deduce that any physical sickness Jesus may have experienced was not a result of sin. At this point, I must stress that I by no means believe all human sickness to be a result of sin.

But He was also fully man, as John says, the Word became flesh. So therefore He would have experienced everything we experienced, and would have been subjected to the conditions of a fallen and sinful world.

We know that Jesus got hungry in the desert after fasting for forty days and nights. Surely He would have been verging on malnutrition? And of course on the cross, above and beyond the obvious excruciating pain and suffering, one of the last statements Jesus made was a cry for water. 6 hours under the hot Jerusalem midday sun would surely dehydrate anyone.

I don’t seek to answer this hotly debated question. But I do wish to add a very somber challenge.

I believe that, to this day, there is something that makes Jesus sick. And I’m not talking about the everyday cold here. At the risk of sounding graphic, there is one thing that makes Jesus so physically ill, that he is forced to throw it up. In the book of Revelation Jesus Himself says these incredibly confronting words, So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16).

Jesus cannot stomach lukewarm, half-hearted followers.

My prayer is that we, you and I, will be so passionately hot for Jesus that we will be an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the Lord (Leviticus 1:13).

By: Ian Anderson
Creative Director
Bill Newman Ministries, television@billnewman.org.au

10 Points on Biblical Stewardship

Someone recently asked me what I would say if I was asked to summarize the key things I hoped folks would understand in relation to biblical stewardship. I found that to be a challenging and thought-provoking question.

Here’s my answer – in no particular order, with the exception of the last two being the most important:

1. The ultimate goal of frugality is generosity. It’s wise to save and I believe we’re called to live a lifestyle of moderation and contentment. But it’s not just so we can amass more money. It’s so we have more to give to those in need and to give to causes that advance the work of God in the world.
2. Good financial stewardship is not rocket science. There are just a few basic principles: Have a plan, spend less than you earn, avoid consumer debt, save for the unexpected (but avoid hoarding), and be generous and learn contentment.
3. Have a support network. Financial stewardship may not be rocket science but because of the temptations of our culture, it’s hard! So have one or more support folks who believe as you do and with whom you can give and receive encouragement as you pursue a counter-cultural way of handling your financial resources.
4. Our culture lies – very persuasively! You know the big 3 lies from the G$ courses: Things bring happiness, debt is expected and unavoidable, and little more money will solve all my problems. We shouldn’t be surprised by the lies and temptations – they are part of the epic struggle between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. Be conscious of the need to refute them – the means to do it is all around us if we look for iit.
5. We live in a materialistically berserk environment. Lots could be said on this but to prove the point: Houses are twice as big as in 1950 and families are 25% smaller, but our attics, basements, closets and garages are so full of stuff that a whole new growth industry, self storage facilities, has emerged. We are madly about building bigger barns (pretty foolish according to God).
6. It may be hard (especially at first) but "You can do it!? Irrespective of our means, we can practice good financial stewardship. While there are particular challenges for the poor, there are also unique challenges to the wealthy upon whom money can exert a very strong hold. The reason we all can do it is God is for us and really wants us to "get it right" in this area of our lives.
7. God is faithful – if not through providing materially to the degree we had desired, then in teaching what we need to learn through difficult times.
8. Contentment is key, creates peace in place of anxiety, and can be learned.Pray hard and reflect on this. Replace envy with the joy of giving. Allow your supportive friends to challenge you in this area. Paul learned to be content in all circumstances – it may not be easy but it can be done!
9. Financial stewardship is a huge spiritual issue. That’s what should drive our passion to grow in this area! Money can be, and is for many, the chief rival god. It’s all about where my heart is, who I am serving, whether or not the deceitfulness of riches will choke out God’s Word in my life and whether or not the love of money will lead me to all kinds of evil. (See Matt. 6:21; 6:24. 13:22 and 1 Tim. 6:10.)
10. We really are not owners of anything, just caretakers… and all we have is a gift from God. In earthly terms, yes, we own things. We have deeds and titles. But in eternal terms the earth and the fullness thereof belong to the Lord. And the means by which we acquire possessions (our minds, healthy bodies, talents) have come from God. Further, one way or the other, we will lose all those earthly treasures, either while we’re here or when we die. Ownership is incompatible with stewardship.

I’m not sure if all that is helpful but it felt good to put it in writing! I’m sure if I gave it more thought I’d come up with things to add. What are the key things you would want to say about financial stewardship?

By: Dick Towner
Executive Director, Good $ense Stewardship Ministry

This is posted with permission from the Good $ense column

If you're looking for next step resources...

• Free Good $ense ministry resources (like debt calculator, spending plan, spending record...)
• Stewardship Resources (from books to small group curriculum)

Swimming in Peanut Butter

It’s true what they say; “Good news travels fast” and will always reach you quickly, from anywhere in your church, ministry, or organization.

But bad news, no matter how important, moves like it’s swimming in peanut butter. And that can cost you precious time.

This is exactly what happened in Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30). When the master returned from his trip and asked his servants to account for how they had invested his money, the first two servants, with good news to report, answered immediately.

But notice how long it took to get a report from the third servant.

“Master,” he said, “I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.” (Matt 25:24-25)

I’d bet that even if the master had not called this “staff meeting”, the first two servants would have burst into his office anyways to report on their 100% investment return. The third servant? I wonder if that report would have ever found its way to the master’s desk.

As a leader, you need to get all the information in a timely manner. So, how can you speed up the flow of even the worst news?

Effective leaders I’ve known have done this by:

Creating a safe culture: Create a culture that minimizes fear and maximizes safe conversations.

Being clear on timelines: “I need this information by Thursday” is much better than “I need this information as soon as possible.”

Creating multiple information channels: Maintain various information streams to accelerate communication.

Bill Hybels has an axiom that reads, “Facts are your friends”. Getting all of your facts in a timely manner is critical to effective leadership.

Do you get the information you need in the time you need it?

By: Scott Cochrane (@WScottCochrane)
Former ‘marketplace guy’ and executive pastor, and now executive director at The Leadership Centre Willow Creek Canada.

Post used with permission from Scott's Blog: A Leader's Journey

First Love

“But you have lost your first love” Revelation 2:4

People lose their passion and then their interest in many aspects of life, a particular sport, a hobby, a car. More significantly they lose their passion for a great cause - a friendship, a marriage, a relationship with Christ, a calling to Ministry.

The statistics on Pastors, who responded to a “Call to Ministry” with a passion to serve, who have in later years left ministry, and in some cases left the Faith, is dramatic and almost frightening. The life of the pastor and their family, along with the life and effective witness of the Church is significant.

Experts say pastors leave their pastorate for a variety of reasons, including family pressure, needing more income, burnout, disillusionment, being forced out, discouragement and feelings of unfulfillment.

There are many occasions which can contribute to Pastoral depression. In 2 Cor 7:6, Paul wrote, “But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us.” The Corinthian church drove Paul down to the “pits of despair.”

Many pastors, like C.H. Spurgeon, have wrestled with dark days of depression throughout their ministries. Did you know that ministers can also get discouraged? Pastor R Kent Hughes notes, “Almost everything a pastor does, can be scrutinized by the church: selection of house, and cars, tastes in clothing, education of their children, choices of entertainment - to name just a few possibilities.” The “fishbowl syndrome” has given rise to some inside humor among ministers about The ‘Ideal Pastor’.

The Ideal Pastor
Is always casual, but never under-dressed
Is warm and friendly, but not too familiar
Is humorous, but not funny
Calls on his members, but is never out of the office
Is an expository preacher, but always preaches on the family>
Is profound, but comprehensible
Condemns sin, but is always positive
Has a family of ordinary people, who never sin
Has two eyes - one brown and the other blue

It is tough out there for the Pastor as effective ministry is far more complex than in years past.

Whilst there are support systems available the simple steps of Rev 2:5 are worth heeding, “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first."

It behoves us as colleagues in Ministry, Church Councils, and friends of Pastors to keep asking “How are you doing?”

And sometimes ask “but how are you doing really?"

Pastors and people in Ministry need to read and respond to Revelation 2:4-5 on a regular basis... just as we respond to questions on our growing maturity in other areas… remember your first love!

By: Rev. Ken Anderson
Ministry Advantage Coaching for Australian Pastors

For further reading: An article worth pursuing on this topic is ‘Twenty-Five Ways To Lose Your Passion For Ministry’ from John Mark Ministries

Saint Theresa’s Prayer

Praying for all of the church leaders out there who need to experience some peace this weekend.

Saint Theresa’s Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Blessings,
WCA (@wcagls)

What Makes You Happy?

It seems like there's been a lot of interest lately in what makes people happy - and especially about the link between money and happiness. A lengthy article from the NY Times can be found at here. Besides the story of a couple who did some incredible downsizing, the article links to some of the leading current research in this area. Here’s a few of the results:

• Spending on experiences rather than things produces greater happiness
• The happiness that comes from buying things is much shorter lived than we tend to think
• Spending on others produces greater happiness than spending on self
• Keeping up with the Jones does not bring happiness – usually the opposite
• Buying numerous little things results in more happiness than buying one big expensive thing

By: Dick Towner
Executive Director, Good $ense Stewardship Ministry

If you're looking for a next step...

• Video with author and psychologist, Henry Cloud. Henry talks about ingredients for a happy life.
• Stewardship Tools and Resources from Good $ense ministry

What is Your Picture of God Like?

I love this post by author, Trevor Hudson (…who is a great voice on spiritual formation!!) In this video Trevor says, we become like the God we worship. If we believe God is compassionate, loving, and caring, then we too start to show signs of compassion, love, and care. Unfortunately the opposite is true too. This video makes me pause and ask, "what is my picture of God like?"

What is your picture of God like? Caring and compassionate or something else?

By: Mindy Caliguire (@MindyCaliguire)
Transformation Ministry Team, WCA
Founder, SoulCare (a Spiritual Formation Ministry)


If you're looking for next steps….

• Trevor's new book, Discovering Our Spiritual Identity: Practices for God's Beloved is a great tool to continue to unpack your own spiritual identity.
• You may also be interested in The LIFT Project, which offers a course on "A Leader's Soul." The course will cover stories and theories on how to keep a soul healthy while pouring into the hearts and lives of others.

The Pull of the Culture

On a whim I recently reread my copy of Epic by John Eldredge. It’s a quick read and John’s point is that 'story' is really important – we live in and respond to story. The "epic story" is that of the battle between good and evil. As I read I wondered: Is that battle analogous to the point in the Good $ense core curriculum that we all exist in the tension between the mind and heart of God on one hand and the pull of the culture on the other?

Some may argue that it’s O.K. to equate the mind and heart of God with good, but it goes a bit far to equate the pull of our materialistic culture with evil. But I still wonder... Isn’t something that distracts us from God – or even attempts to gain our allegiance and, in fact, replace God – evil?

I would submit that if you're involved in stewardship ministry, you are in the very forefront of the epic struggle between good and evil. The stakes are much too high to not give it your very best effort.

By: Dick Towner

Executive Director, Good $ense Stewardship Ministry

If you're looking for some resources or next steps....

• Free Good $ense ministry resources (like debt calculator, spending plan, spending record...)
• Info on Good $ense website and resources for your church

Cut the Chit Chat

A while ago Mac Lake shared this re-post from his blog with WCA arts leaders. This post serves as a good reminder for us…. And for all ministry leaders. Hope you enjoy it!

Spiritual leadership isn’t just about accomplishing God given results, it’s also about caring for the souls of those we lead along the way. As leaders we are accustomed to meeting with our direct reports and talking to them about action plans, priorities and results, but we often neglect talking to them about the condition of their soul.

While we don’t have to be their spiritual accountability partner or best friend it’s wise to stay in touch with the condition of the soul of those we lead. Aubrey Malphurs, one of my professors at Dallas Seminary, used to have a plaque on his desk that read, “Let’s cut through the chit chat, what’s God doing in your life?”

Okay that may be a little to direct if you’re not that close to someone but you get the idea. For some leaders inquiring into the condition of their followers soul can be awkward or uncomfortable.

Having a few good questions can help make this more natural and more effective. Here are a few…

• What’s the freshest thing God has been doing in your life lately?
• How full is your emotional, physical and spiritual tanks? Empty, quarter filled, half, three quarters or full.
• What theme does God seem to be emphasizing in this season of your life?
• What are you looking for God to do in your life in the next couple of months?
• What’s God been saying to you through His Word recently?
• What passion is God stirring in your soul recently?
• What season best describes your spiritual life right now: Winter, spring summer or fall? Why?
• What’s exciting you the most in your spiritual journey these days?

Today’s Leadership Challenge: Have a soul care conversation with someone on your team this week.

What questions would you add to this list?

by: Mac Lake (@maclake)

Chief Launch Officer of The Launch Network, a new church planting network based out of West Ridge Church in Atlanta, Georgia

If you're looking for next steps….

• Check out Mac's blog (This piece has been reposted with permission from Mac's blog)
• Authentic Transformation in a Small Group Kit: STIR Mac gives an amazing message on inspiring others to lead.