Blood, Sweat & Tears

"If you sweat in preparation, you will not bleed in the battle."
(10 Rules of Youth Ministry, by Blaine Bartel)


How do you prepare for battle? Whether you trade stock, fix engines, box, manage a department store or Pastor a church, preparation is an absolute must if we expect favorable results. How you lead will be determined in part by how you prepare. How much time do you spend on research and development? How much sweat do you give before the actual tasks of your job are attempted? Do you "practice" your job as a means of preparation?


As I've watched some of these hospital shows on TV like ER, I've seen these doctors study, research and even practice techniques so that they could be more prepared when the actuall emegency arose. That preparation is what gives them their calm and confident approach to successfully saving lives.


I know that you may not be saving lives like that in your line of work, but what would happen if we all approached our jobs, our families, our lives and our relationship with God with that same mind set of preparation? I think that we would all do our jobs with a greater degree of excellence and that the world would most deffinately be a more enjoyable place.


Although I've been in ministry for over 14 years, I don't know everything about the Bible, nor do I know everything about student ministries. Besides the youth culture changes weekly - sometimes faster! So, I read. I study. I research. I attempt to stay relevant and relationtional to my target audience. I practice my teachings and sermons at least three times before anyone will ever hear them in public.

Why? Well, of course I want to be great at what I do, but more than that, I want others to be great. I want others to be happy, fulfilled and blessed. If our modivation is "other mindedness" our efforts in preparation will be more passionate. What do you think?

Self Discipline

"In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves...self-discipline with all of them came first." - Harry Truman

Personal transformation begins with self-discipline. We dream and set a goal of where we want to be and then we find the courage to follow through. It requires us to say "no" to certain things in order to say "yes" to what is essential in accomplishing our goals and seeing our dreams comes true. Sacrifice and self-disciple go hand-in-hand.

"Good intentions are not a replacement for disciplined action." - Steve Moore, The Dream Cycle

The Rut

Don't let a rut become your GRAVE!


Getting out of RUT:

The churches of Sardis and Laodicea were deffinately in a rut. Sardis thought they were alive, but were dead, and Laodicea was neither hot nor cold! Check it out in Revelation 3.

1. Wake UP! Admit you’re in a rut!
2. Ask for God to help you get out!
3. Begin to dream again! Reignite your passions!
4. Begin to move forward! Don't dwell on the past
5. Be prepared to sacrifice…bad habits, priorities, time
6. Surround yourself with Godly friends, influencers, motivators…

Lincoln on Leadership

I just finished reading a great book called Lincoln on Leadership, by Donald T. Phillips. This book is the first to examine our sixteenth president's diverse leadership abilities and how they can relate our leading in a complex world. Using lively anecdotes, dramatic descriptions, and Lincoln's own words, corporate manager and historian Donald T. Phillips reveals - from the pragmatic to the unconventional - the techniques and strategies that rallied a nation and transformed Lincoln's image from country bumpkin to the most revered and honored President this country has ever known.

Here are a few of my favorite Lincoln Principles:

- Seek casual contact with your subordinates. It is as meaningful as a formal gathering, if not more so.

- Wage only one war at a time.

- A good leader avoids issuing orders, preferring to request, imply, or make suggestions.

- You must set, and respond to, fundamental goals and values that move your followers.

- Have malice toward none and charity for all.

- Seize the initiative and never relinquish it.

- Unite your followers with a "corporate mission."

- The best leaders never stop learning.

- Loyalty is more often won through private conversation than in any other way.

- Provide a clear, concise statement of the direction of your organization, and justify the actions you take.

It's Not About Me

(This is a portion of a letter written to my leadership team Oct. 07)

Jesus was never afraid to ask his followers for a deep level of commitment. Jesus said, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39). Again in chapter 16:24-26 Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Does Jesus require any less of his disciples today? How much more is even required from us as leaders? Those are tough questions to flesh out in our “always on the run” culture today. Let’s be honest, in today’s success driven society, we never quit have enough time to do everything. We have commitments to school, our jobs, extracurricular activities, family, hobbies, friends, and church. Often a barrier to leadership is not a lack of commitment, but over-commitment to the wrong things (Luke 8:14).

Obviously as Christians, our first priority of commitment is to Christ – knowing Christ and making Him known. The question then for us is, where does our level of commitment to our church and personal ministry fall in comparison to our other “priorities”? Are we making an honest and ongoing effort to attend planning sessions and trainings for leadership and your area of ministry? Are we supporting our church and ministry through our tithes and offerings? Are we supporting our church and it’s leadership through word and deed? Are we denying ourselves in order to fulfill our responsibilities in leadership for this area of ministry?

The bottom line is – it’s not about me. It’s not about a youth pastor looking cool or somebody’s proverbial pat on back for a job well done. It’s not about a paycheck, recognition, or the accolades of men. It’s not about numbers, an awesome facility, or having the most spiritual teens in the county. It’s about denying yourself, taking up your cross and following our leader, Jesus Christ. It’s not about you or me.

So let me ask you. Are you ready to lose you life?

Continuing the revolution,
Pastor Roger Nelmes

MAXIMS for Spiritual Leadership

(adapted & revised from information given by Dr. Jim Bradford)

1 Timothy 4:11-16
Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

My Life
1. Know God: If my place in ministry was taken from me would I still have a personal, growing relationship with Jesus?

2. Pursue Integrity: Are there areas of ongoing secrecy in my life that I am trying to intentionally hide from those closest to me?

3. Be Yourself: How often do I hear people say, “Thank you for your authenticity.”

4. Own Responsibility: Do I acknowledge my mistakes or do I project blame and use my ministry platform to vent unresolved anger?

5. Embrace Change: Is my attitude faith-filled and future-focused or am I overly nostalgic of the past and fearful of taking risk in the present?

6. Love Learning: Am I coasting intellectually or am I applying myself to the disciplines of personal study and reflection? (“I want to live until I die.”)

7. Live Joyfully: Am I living under self-imposed pressure of always having to prove something to somebody?

My Task
1. Model Servant hood: The primary role of a leader is to serve.

2. Set Attitude: Attitude is everything. You may not have control over your circumstances, but you always have the choice in how you will react and live it out.

3. Cast Vision: Relaying our vision to others builds momentum and enthusiasm. People want to be a part of something that is in motion.

4. Develop Authority: As I delegate responsibility and authority, it is up to you to wisely administrate it. Authority doesn’t guarantee respect. Respect is only earned when you exercise responsibility, follow-through and mutual respect.

5. Require Excellence: God gave His absolute best to us by offering Jesus to die in our place. Then He added the cherry on top by giving us His Holy Spirit and the gifts that accompany Him. Why should we offer any less than our best to Him in ministry?

6. Show Appreciation: Displaying thanks and appreciation to your volunteers and supporters will greatly increases your chances of a repeat performance.

Why Walk When You Can Run

Cody McCasland was born without knees and his lower legs were so badly deformed they had to be amputated. Some said he was going to die, others said he would never walk again. But Cody, now six, has proven them all wrong. Cody not only walks - he runs in races! His walking legs are decorated with pictures of his hero, Spiderman. His running legs with highly specialized feet used by paralympians in competition are adorned with endorsments! Cody plays in a city soccer league, takes karate and ran his first set of races this year winning gold in the 60 m, 200 m, and 400 m races. Next year he wants to add competitive swimming to his list!

How often have we complained about our circumstances and situation to the point where we allow them to slow us down or even stop us in our tracks? Shame on us! I was having a pretty good pitty party earlier today...now I am humbled. We can learn a lot from Cody. Why walk when you can run?

COMMUNICATION – A LEADER’S KEY TO SUCCESS

by Dr. John C. Maxwell

For my whole life, I have opened my car door by inserting a metal key into a physical lock. Now, I can unlock the doors and start the car at the push of a button. It seems like magic to me, but it’s actually a simple application of science.

Keyless entry and keyless ignition are made possible when a transmitter within your key fob communicates with a radio receiver inside the car. Two conditions are necessary for this communication to take place: 1) the transmitter must be set to the same frequency as the receiver, and 2) the transmitter must send a uniquely coded message which the receiver has been programmed in advance to recognize.

Communication acts as a leader’s “keyless entry” into relationships. It can open the mind of an employer, the wallet of investors, and the hearts of loved ones. Talented communicators seem magical when they weave their words together. However, much like the concept of keyless entry, great communication depends on two simple skills—context and delivery. Context attunes a leader to the same frequency as his or her audience. Delivery allows a leader to phrase messages in a language the audience can understand.

As we explore context and delivery, we’ll draw upon Steven K. Scott’s book, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived. In the book, Scott offers commentary on the words of King Solomon, the wealthiest man in history. Renowned for his wisdom, Solomon writings are filled with advice about effective communication.

Read the whole article @ Leadership Wired.

Get In The Wheelbarrow

Most of us have probably heard the story of Charles Blondin, the French aerialist who became legedary after crossing Niagara Falls on a three inch hemp cord on June 30, 1859. He returned to Niagara Falls several more times to defy gravity with a twist. Blondin crossed the falls on a bicycle, on stilts, blindfolded and even while carrying his manager piggyback.

On one such occassion, the Prince of Wales was in the audience and marveled at his courage and fortitude. Although amazed, the Prince asked Blondin not to do it again. With alterior motives Blondin then asked the Prince if he believed he could push the Prince himself across the falls in a wheelbarrow.

"Sure, " the Prince replied. And before he could get in another word, Blondin commanded, "Then get in!" Blondin was not surprized to see the Prince scamper away.

What about those of us in leadership and ministry? Sometimes our journey in following the call of God leads us to intimidating heights over troubled waters. If you're anything like me, even though people will warn you not to look down, you inevitably look down. You hang on for dear life unable to cross over on your own. At that moment we have a choice to make. We either run away like the Prince, or we get into the wheelbarrow and let God be God.

The testing of our faith isn't simply the belief that God can do what He says He can do. Faith is getting into the wheelbarrow and allowing Him to take us to the other side. We either trust God or we don't. Do you?

Leadership Website

I recently came across an awesome website for leaders. Although it's purpose is to assist those in government leadership and management, I think it's purpose fits those of us in ministry as well.

"This site was developed by and for government managers in recognition of the fact that managers in the government often face greater difficulties relating to budgetary constraints, bureaucracy, inflexible hiring and firing practices, and external coordination than do their counterparts in the private sector. The extent of these problems has made many government employees believe that real change is not possible."

http://www.govlerders.org/

BIGGER Than Me

"What do you think it will take to reach the next generation?" Bob prodded.

Louie (Giglio) became pensive. And then he nailed all of us. "Well," he said at last, "we've talked about some idead that we like, but then we jokingly said that we didn't like them enough to die for them. My read on the next generation is that they are looking for precisely that - something important enough to die for - and they're willing to follow someone who will put their life on the line for that cause."

OUCH!

We knew immediately Louie was right. And not just about the next generation. Men and women everywhere, of all ages, have longed to be part of something bigger than themselves. Something permanent. Something that matters. And in their best moments, they're willing to lay down their lives for that cause. (Made To Count, Bob Record & Randy singer, Word Publishing, 2004, pg 85-86)

What about you? As a leader, what are you willing to die for? I don't have to give you a history lesson and tell you about our forefathers who sacrificed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness so that we could enjoy those pleasures ourselves. I don't need to remind you of Abraham, Moses, David, James and Paul, all of whom lived and died for something bigger than themselves.

Aplication:
1. Am I as willing to die for the "big picture" today as I was when I first started ministry? If "no", what has changed and why? If "yes", how have I remained so steadfast?
2. What is that primary cause or calling that I am willing to die for?
3. How easily do others see what I am willing to die for?
4. How have I helped others to buy into this bigger picture?
5. Pray that God will reveal one or two individuals that you can share your BIG picture with.

A Family Calling

I can still remember that hot July night at summer camp when God confirmed his call on my life through a prophetic word. I felt honored and excited. At the time I was fearless and felt as if I could take over the world for Christ. I had no idea of the cost not just to me but to my future family. Hey, I was 16 years old. What did I know?

Eventually I realized, as we all do, that following the call of God comes with a costly price tag. I don't seem to struggle so much with personal sacrifice though. I've always taken it with stride, at least so I thought. It was when my family began to suffer because of my calling that I got uneasy. Watching my wife and kids pay the price of ministry is very difficult for me.

So, as I always try to do, I looked to God's Word for strength. I was reading in Genesis chapter 22, where Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice his ONLY son Isaac as a burnt offering. It sounded crazy! Why would God ask Abraham to offer his only son, the son with whom God promised to bless and make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore? It was an impossible request. It was an incredible sacrifice. I don't think that I could have done it.

That was a life-changing moment for Abraham and for Isaac. His faith was tested and he passed with flying colors. Abraham's family learned that "the call" went beyond Abraham. It was a family CALLING, a family SACRIFICE and a family BLESSING.

I don't think that I am quite the man that Abraham was but I'm praying that I get there. My family has already faced suffering and sacrifice and I'm sure that there is more to come. I know that doesn't sound very compelling but I am confident that it also means that there is more blessing to follow! After all, everything that God promised Abraham and his family came to pass.

Obedience to the call of God may require sacrifice for you and your family, but the rewards and fulfilled promises are unending. Besides, the blessings will also be for those to whom we minister - our church and community. Lord, help me to have the faith to obey and a willingness to sacrifice as Abraham did.

Leadership Begins At Home

A tall-tale sign of a good leader is humility. It's not one of my strongest qualities, but hey, I'm growing in the right direction. To exercise my humility I'm going to confess that I am not the greatest father in the world. In fact, at times I'm impatient, short tempered and I over-react. The good thing is that I'm trying to do something about it. Here is an article that I came across recently that could encourage us all as we raise our children to be leaders.

Parents are the earliest and most influential influences on a child. Their examples profoundly affect the kind of leaders they become. Leadership training takes time (think quantity not just "quality") and guidance in every facet of a child’s life from early on. Additionally, leadership needs to be modeled by the parents. It helps if you view all of this in the long-term. The big picture view assists in smoothing out the immature peaks and valleys and helps keep your goals on track. Here are some (not comprehensive) ideas to think on:

Take time to know your child. Working with a child’s personality, a parent needs to learn to develop that child’s individual traits and abilities and sometimes temper strengths that left unchecked would become a liability. For example, an assertive, outgoing personality is a great trait in a leader, but without self-control it can be seen as overly aggressive and controlling.

Take the time to point out where they can learn from the example of others. Use examples and outcomes of decisions of both right and wrong approaches to situations. Teach them cause and effect. Choices have consequences.

Take the time to understand what problems and issues your child is dealing with and then guide them to the right decisions by applying the right principles. By instilling principles rather than pat answers to problems, you will give them tools to work with that they can apply over and over again in their life.

Take the time to praise them when they make the right choices and gently show them the choice they missed when they go astray. Give them age appropriate responsibilities and let them stand or fall on their choices. (Note: Self-esteem comes from knowing you did do or are doing the right thing and should be praised. It’s not generated from unsupported, manipulative comments designed to make kids—or anyone else for that matter—feel good.) Take the time to involve them in family activities and work. This will help them learn teamwork (sharing and considering others) and a good work ethic.

Why do all this? Pat Williams (senior vice president of the Orlando Magic) in his book, Coaching Your Kids to be Leaders, quotes Jackson University football coach Steve Gilbert,

I tell young people, "It feels good to be a leader!" Success and failure are part of the adventure of life. Young people need to see that good leaders are important in their community—and there are great rewards for being a good leader. Those rewards include a sense of satisfaction and a feeling that what you are doing is meaningful and significant. You don’t always win when you lead, but that’s okay. Young people should be rewarded and encouraged for stepping up and leading, no matter whether they succeed or fail.

Copied from Leadership Minute at www.LeadershipNow.com

Coffee Addiction

I am 77% Addicted to Coffee

Leadership Wired

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Brand New

I've been blogging for about two years now and I love it. Since I work mostly with teenagers, my blogs have been geared toward students and parents (Revolutionary Leaders). "Leading Through Life", however, will be a blog solely devoted to leaders and ministers. My goal is to share leadership principles from God's Word, from books that I am reading, or simply lessons that I have learned through my life's failures and successes. I encourage you to read, learn, laugh, cry, pray and visit often. Feel free to comment and share your stories as well.
- Roger Nelmes