4 Things I Want To Share With You

One of the lessons I’ve learned, well am STILL learning since stepping into a position of leadership, is that I cannot do this alone. I do not have all the answers. I am not the most skilled. I do not have the greatest ideas. I NEED others. Interestingly enough, this principle is echoes all throughout the Celebrate Recovery program (which I’d say has been the GREATEST leadership tool or resource I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of).

Interestingly, this NEED for others has actually transformed into a WANT. I don’t just need people, I don’t just need to be around others, I don’t just need the accountability, I don’t just need to be pushed and challenged…I WANT it!

Here are 4 things I want to share with you that I’ve learned over the past few years…

#1 There’s No Room For The Lone Ranger Leader—If I think I can do it all, if I honestly believe that I’m always right, I will NEVER be willing to work with others and will be forever destined to ride off into the sunset on my own (sorry Tonto). When I think of this style of leadership I think of a knot that’s been tied at the end of a balloon. It does a great job of maintaining the shape and integrity of the balloon, BUT only for a while. Eventually the helium leaks out. Eventually something comes along, life happens, the balloon is squeezed, and POP! All you’re left with is a deflated remnant of what WAS. Be more like the helium tank and blow up OTHER balloons!

#2 Answers Kill Creativity—How do you create an atmosphere of creativity? How do you get people to share their ideas? It’s simple: ASK QUESTIONS. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to allow others to speak. What I’ve learned is that if I’m the one giving ideas, if I’m the one giving answers, the creative people SHUT DOWN and SHUT UP. I’ve learned that I don’t necessarily always have the greatest idea in the room. Sometimes I have to just sit back, take notes, and allow the brainstorming process take place. I’ve got to allow for ideas to bounce back and forth amongst my creative team.

#3 There’s Always Someone Who Can Do It Better—Yes! This doesn’t scare me. This doesn’t make me feel insecure. This gets me EXCITED! This gets me FIRED UP! This means I will have the opportunity to invest in and build up future leaders! THAT’S FREAKIN’ AWESOME! God receiving more honor and glory; how could that be bad? As a leader I have to be secure in my relationship with Christ, not in my ability to speak, to write, or to sing. I do not know it all. I cannot do it all. BUT I can empty my cup into someone else’s. I can share what I’ve learned and learn FROM them. Grow leaders who can take over; don’t work to secure a position.

#4 You Stop Leading When You Stop Learning—New Life Community Church is the FIRST and ONLY church where I’ve been on staff. When I came on as the Worship Arts Pastor…I had NO CLUE about what to do. I’ve been LEARNING AS I GO. Thank you God, for blessing me with a patient group of people who have stood by me, encouraged me, and helped me along the way. As much time, if not MORE time, as I spend on planning and implementing I spend on researching and reading. Leaders, when you STOP LEARNING you will STOP LEADING. I fully understand that I do not know it all and cannot know it all, but I can sure as heck try my best to learn ALL I CAN! Again, I gotta be willing to ask questions, difficult questions, and seek advice from the people I trust.

God wants to use you to do something MAGNIFICANT! God wants to use you to CHANGE THE WORLD…the MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Here’s the catch: you cannot do it alone. Do you have a creative team? If you’re in Celebrate Recovery, are you investing in your T.E.A.M.? Is the majority of your time spent with OTHERS or yourself?

People matter. Just look to the cross for proof.