LOVING Leadership

Companies. Churches. Nations. What do they have in common? They all rise or fall on leadership. So, it stands to reason that if you are a leader, you want to do all that you can to be the best you can be, to improve in your leadership. If not, well, there is always someone who is studying your strengths and weaknesses. They might just become your successor. That won't be a bad thing if you are prepared to hand over the reigns. So, what does it take to be a better leader? You must first recognize that leadership that will be duplicated should flow out of love. Jesus, the Son of God, and the greatest leader this world has ever known, was the epitome of a leader whose influence flowed from a place of love.
Here's what LOVING leadership looks like using that very word.

Leadership should be:

Launchable: As a leader, we have to be able to cast the vision, equip those who will carry the vision, and then launch them. One of Peter the disciple's most admired traits was his sheer boldness to take Christ at his Word, and launch out. As a leader, you have to know when to tell the team to step out, stay on the boat, or dock it. The evidence of the success of your launch is not when you are at the helm, but when you are asleep below deck. Jesus' disciples were not yet ready for Pentecost, hence the refrain, "Master, carest not that we perish?" They still needed time to know Jesus purpose and mission for them.


Observable: There is nothing worse than someone directing you to do something, yet never taking time to model what it is they want or walk you through the process. Very few people are entirely audible learners, meaning most need HANDS on care. If the mission is always failing or aborted, go back and check whether you made the mission observable. Jesus never assumed the disciples knew how to spread the Gospel. He allowed them to walk with him in ministry. He mourned, He got angry, He rebuked, He danced, He hung out, He sung hymns. They saw the total leader, not just the PC side.

Validating: Almost as bad as blind directions is the feeling you are being set up to fail. As a leader it is imperative to affirm the mission and the messenger for the assignment. David was anointed as King not just in the field while herding sheep, but before all his kinsman. He was validated and therefore walked in a confidence and security that would have been lacking.

Involving: As a leader, it is important to get your hands dirty, and also allow people to be apart of the process and own the vision, goals, and mission of your organization. Yes, there is a time where leaders need to retreat and refuel, but there is also the time when leaders need to swing the golf club or make the 3-pointer with the company team.

Next Generation Minded: As a leader, you have to think beyond the now to what is to come. This requires prophetic eyes and insight. A leader will not build a vision around him or herself, but will equip the team with the principles that will carry the organization into the future, regardless of who is at the helm. Jesus left a playbook of instructions so that his mission could be easily understood, mass communicated, and duplicated at breakneck speed. Can your vision do the same?

Generous: If your organization or team is going to grow, you have to be willing to give, to invest in the team. You might do this through providing training, incentives, a better health package, opportunities to further education. A leader who is generous understands that people are the greatest investment property. Team members who are poured into will remain with an organization even in hard times. Why? Because they became vested in the success of what was invested in them.

So, Next Generation Leaders, have you provided loving leadership? If not, it isn't too late to strengthen the areas that need strengthening. May God bless the work of your company, ministry, and nation as you take leadership to the next level!

Cultivating Leaders

Leadership happens with or without your permission.

HGQ

Many people associate leadership with a prescribed set of traits. The truth is, whether you are aware or not, you are a leader. Everyone, whether introverted or extroverted, whether given the title or voted in, is in fact a leader. Someone is being influenced by your actions as well as your inaction. I propose that you make the most of your influence. Here are three ways you can cultivate leaders around you. It's as simple as ABC.

Avail yourself. If someone asks you for help, be available to help them. The minute or two you take to give direction could in fact be the life-saving answer.

Become an Opportunist. Look for ways to encourage those around you to step up to the plate, to take responsibility.Make every effort to compliment those around you who are exhibiting leadership skills.

Change your perspective. I often say children are people in little bodies. They will one day grow up with the memory of your respect or your belittling them. See them as keys future succession,  rather than your competition or your replacement.

So, this week, make an effort to Avail yourself, Become an Opportunist, and Change your perspective. You will be surprised at the positive leadership you can grow when you cultivate it.

Lead Now. Cultivate Next Generation Leaders.

Leaders Are: Four OUTstanding Things

Have you ever been in the midst of a crowd of people, yet one person seemed to stand out amongst them? Have you ever been minding your business while browsing a store, and someone came to you for help? Have you ever been reading your paper in a cafe, curled up with a fresh cup of coffee, when you were politely interrupted by someone who thought you had all the answers? Though these instances happen to most of us at some point, they don't usually happen all the time...unless you're a leader.

Here are four OUTstanding things, or simply things that stand out about true leaders. Whether in the classroom, boardroom, or the sanctuary, Leaders, can be identified. Leaders are Readers, Writers, Thinkers, and Speakers. If you plan to be an effective leader, you must take every opportunity to maximize these components. Here are some tips on all four.

Leaders are Readers.

• They read daily
• They read variety
• They read people, not just books

Leaders keep their minds fresh and their knowledge accurate, current, and relevant. They utilize all forms of technology and read a variety of material, the Bible being their primary source against which every other source of "so-called" advice or wisdom is measured up against. They translate head knowledge into people knowledge. It's no  good to a leader to read books, yet not understand people. The best leader synergizes what he knows with who he knows.

Leaders are Writers.

• They write daily
• They write their plan and progress
• They write everyone
• They write using every form of technlogy available

Leaders write daily. They keep before them their to do list, their follow-up list, and they are constantly progressing, filtering out what is priority versus what is trivial. Leaders write their plan and progress. Whether by journaling or Ipad notekeeping, leaders keep written record of their plan, progression, changes, triumphs, and disappointments. Leaders write everyone. By this, I mean that leaders communicate with their Mentors and Mentees, but they also take time to personally thank the little old lady that sent a handwritten note about how their ministry or business impacted her. As Bishop T.D. Jakes stated recently at a leadership conference I attended, "I maximize my waiting time and tweet to individuals who have questions." If the Mega-church Pastor can do it, you can too.

Leaders are Thinkers.

• They think positively
• They think futuristically
• They think in a prepared place
• They think in motion

Leaders spend as little time as possible with Mr.Shoulda, Mr.Would Have, and Mrs. Could Have. They are all about keeping their mental space infused with the strength and energy of positivity. If you are negative, leaders will point you to the door faster than you can say, "goodbye". Leaders think ahead. Not, 1 day ahead. Not one week ahead. Pastor Rick Warren, when planning his ministry, he created a plan 40 years ahead. Why? Because he knows the vision is bigger than one person. Leaders think in a prepared place. There are times when they need to get away to renew their mind and perspective. Leaders think in motion. Leaders understand that constant thought is the key to constant progression. Jesus, spent most of his earthly ministry thinking in motion, and teaching the disciples along the way.

 Leaders are Speakers.

Leaders speak life

Leaders speak purposefully

Leaders speak to everyone

Leaders speak life. They are intentional in what they say and do, and are constantly looking to help others grow, deveolp, mature, and change for the better. Leaders speak to the janitor, the mail carrier, the farmhand, the secretary, the CFO, the significant other. Leaders don't take for granted that a smile, a simple hello, a cordial question can change a heart or an attitude. Leaders see everyone as having signficance and value. It's a huge part of what makes them a leader.

So, take some time to do all four things that make you OUTstanding. May your leadership improve, and your influence increase as you do the things that make you stand out from the crowd.

Keep Leading!

Holiday Driving Tips : On the Road & In The Pulpit

If you want to know the mind of a great leader, watch what he says.

If you want to know the character of a leader, watch how he drives. ~sac

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We are in the last days of Holiday hustle and bustle. People are growing more impatient and desperate as the hour grows closer to Christmas day. Whether they are frustrated because they can't find the right size, color, toy, or can't double their coupons, this season can bring out the gripers as well as the good-hearted. Here are a few Holiday Driving Tips to help you keep your cool and your car in good order.

#1 Pretend that the persons in front of you and behind you have bad breaks. This will stop you from tailgating and making those unexpected lane shifts without your blinker.

#2 Slow DOWN unless you want to contribute to the Policeman's Holiday Fund. They would love your extra dollars without the ticket.

#3 Even if you have the right of way, take a few seconds before venturing out for that turn or crossing multiple lanes. It might save your life.

#4 Your family and friends would rather you late and alive than dead on arrival to the annual Family Christmas Party or Get Together. If you live in a metropolitan area or big city, plan an extra 45 minutes into your driving time.

#5 Winterize your tires and windshield wipers. The cost is minimal and can enhance your safety on the road.

I hope these tips were helpful. If you are a leader, then lead by showing good driving habits. Those who follow you will emulate what you do in AND out of the pulpit.

Blessings!

Vulture or Visionary?

This particluar topic is borne out of an unexpected lesson the past few days. Allow me to explain.

Yesterday, on my way driving home, I saw two vultures hovering over the carcass of a dead deer. I was a bit taken back by the sight. It was my first time ever seeing something like that. Yes, I'm a city girl with a country heart, and being new to the great outdoors, this was a wake up call to life in the country. Today, as I drove out on my way to work, that deer hadn't moved an inch (it was dead, of course) but neither had those vultures. In fact, what was yesterday only two vultures feeding on the carcass, there were now nearly a dozen. There was no fuss, no fight. They all munched peaceably on the carcass of the deer in the light of the cold morning.

Now, as a prophetic minister and pastor in the making, I had to ask, "God, what meaneth this? What is the lesson here?" This is what He had to say:

"Vultures feed on dead things. Visionaries feed on living things."

God began to share with me further on the topic:

"When you feed on dead things, things of the past, nothing around you can grow. You get stuck there. Vultures become stagnant, and soon other vultures begin to flock. They too begin to feed on those things. They begin to share in what appears to be a fellowship until there are no more dead things. Then, they begin to disband, and go their own way. Visionaries on the other hand feed off their faith. They focus on the life-giving Word of God, and seek after what God is continually saying about their vision. They continue to move forward, pressing toward the prize that God has set for them. Visionaries are not vultures."

Here are some facts about vultures:

Vultures are such efficient feeders that they can pick the body of a small animal clean in less than half an hour. Some vultures go one step further by eating the bones as well, thus making sure no part of a meal is wasted.

They bask after their meals.

They have keen eyesight.

Initially they fight and bicker over feeding spots. For the most part, many vulture species are relatively silent, but not when it comes to a prime place at the dinner table.

Many species of vultures feed together with little competition, because they do not feed on the same kind of meat within the carcass.

I said to myself, "God, what does this mean?"

"Vultures represent the spirit of the Hireling. Hirelings are looking for those who operate in dead things (works, habits, continual sin) so that they may feed there. Hirelings initially fight over the carcass (people who can be lead astray), but will become partners, realizing they can each have their own species of unregenerated folks. They will strip the easily decieved clean and leave them with nothing in the end. When the mission is complete, they may abandon the flock, start another flock, or cite "irreconcilable differences". They are only leading for their own benefit."

As a Next Generation Leader, I encourage you to do a self-check, as I continue to do. It is vital to those 0-30 that you make sure that you are operating in the capacity of Servant-Leader. If we would judge and evaluate ourselves, we would not be judged.

Let's Pray:

Lord, as we carry on this work of leadership, let us be the Visionaries you are calling for. Help us to equip the next generation so that they would not be victimized by the Vulture, the Spirit of the Hireling, in Jesus name, Amen.

Maximized Humanhood

There is a divide in Christian leadership. A divide that should not be. It's been there for a while, sometimes more pronounced than others. It's a divide over authority, and surprisingly gender. Yes, after more than 40 years, people are STILL divided over this issue that is a non-issue with God.

Let me be the first to tell you that with one loving and supportive husband, five brothers, ten uncles, three god-sons, and numerous male cousins, and a novel series based primarily around strong, godly, male characters, I am unquestionably pro-male by providence, and then by choice. Though I have experienced abuse at the hand of a man, I have not allowed that to color my opinion on men in general. I respect the God-given purpose and destiny set forth. I encourage my husband daily by word, prayer, and deed to fulfill the complete purpose of God on his life. I can be a lioness when his ministry and profession is insulted, because I see him behind the scenes and can attest to the quality of service and excellent work ethic he abides by. So, I want to clarify that I have no interest in supporting the warped message that women are better than men or without them. It simply is NOT true. What I will say is that we are better TOGETHER in our God-given roles of dominion and co-rulership. What that rulership looks like in my home or church may look different from yours, but in the ministry, there are some strictly held notions that align in the Marriage Covenant that are not expressed in relation to ministry, particulary five-fold ministry.

Recently a prominent Pastor and Church Leader was asked, "Is it okay for a man to listen to a woman?" His response was. "He can listen to her, but it can become dangerous to make her the authority over his life as a Pastor. He would lose his masculinity." I could not believe that someone could think this way. I wondered, "What is he talking about?"  The statement was disturbing  and I continued in prayer for some days on it. As a result, I will share some things God spoke to me regarding this. You don't have to agree, but search the scriptures for yourself. I believe that we cannot afford to get this wrong if we are to minister to the next generation of leaders, which, by the way, according to population growth experts, will be women and those 18-30.

What the Lord spoke:

Maximizing Manhood at the expense of minimizing womanhood or Maximizing Womanhood at the expense of minimizing manhood is not the original order. Everyone who wants to return to the original order yet believe women are in subjection to men paint a paradise picture for men and one of subjection for women. I am coming to Maximize Humanhood. That can only be done when manhood and womanhood both submit to the Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). When the Godhead rests on your Humanhood, man or woman will begin to maximize their God potential, God purpose, and fulfill God's plan for their lives.

There is a strong notion in most traditional Reformations that a woman should not be a Pastor and God-forbid she claim to be an Apostle. I am looking for this assertion in Scripture. Ephesians 4:11-16, lays out the five-fold ministry plainly. I have seen women Teachers, Evangelists, and Prophets, and Pastors, and Apostles. I respect their ministry because I have never seen them attempting to overthrow any man. Most churches have no problem with women being teachers, or missionaries, or evangelists. But are not all these offices from God? Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." If we are all one, why are women seen as a separate class of Christians? Ephesians 5:22 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." is often quoted as basis for a woman not serving in a leadership capacity, but this is in the context of Marriage covenant. What about the widow? The single mother? The single woman? Let's look closer:

Ephesians 5: 21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This verse is rarely mentioned

when women being in subjection is the topic of the day.

Wives and Husbands

22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing^b her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”^c 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

So, can a woman really lead? I would say based on scripture, if she is married, and following the principles of the Word, she could be a really effective Pastor as she maintains her God-set role in submitting to her husband and respecting her husband in the Marriage covenant.

Well, what about the single (woman)?
1 Corinthians 7 (NIV)

32I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Paul speaks this by permission, not by command, but the implication here is that if you can remain a virgin, and single, then devote yourself to the ministry God has given to you. Before I married, I was actively involved in ministry. I devoted myself to it. Now, I am even more devoted! I am married to a man who supports women, who supports women in ministry, who I reverence as Lord in my household happily and without reservation. He is my covering in our marriage covenant. I submit to a local church with the Senior Pastor as my covering. So, what am I saying?

The bottom line is this: If you cannot submit, you should not lead. Male or Female. Period. I asked God, "Should a man listen to a woman? Is there something wrong with her advice?What would happen to his authority? Is this assumption based on a few bad apples in the Bible (Jezebel, Eve, Delilah, Salome)? Could we not make the same assumption about "fallen" men who failed, yet are esteemed as heroes of Faith (Abraham, Jacob, David, Peter)?

This is how He answered:

Where would Barak be without Deborah who counciled him on military strategies?

Where would David be without Abigail who spoke wisdom to him regarding not killing a fool?

Where would the spies be without Rahab who gave them a plan to get out of the city in the midst of their 007 assignment?

Where would Manoah be without his wife who was approached by the angel reagarding Samson?

 Where would Zecharias had been after his mouth was closed by God and his wife had to confirm their son's name (John the Baptist)?

What about Priscilla & Aquilla?

Where would the Jews have been without Esther?

We know what happened when Pilate didn't listen to his wife: He wound up as an accomplice to the Crucifixion.

 I ask you to go back and search the scriptures through the eyes of God. He doesn't have to use a donkey to lead a man. He can and he will use a Woman, not because we are smarter, or better, but because we are all one in Christ Jesus. God is more concerned about accomplishing His plan in the earth than soothing our egos, Male or Female. He is looking not at gender, but willingness to be yielded and used for His praise, glory, and honor. The best prayer we can pray is, "Lord, use me. Do it through me. Include me in your plan." I believe He will hear you when you call.

Blessings!

Healing Begins At The House

Sin is never an easy subject. Why? All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Our sins were laid on the Lord. We were found guilty and stood deserving of the full measure of judgement...BUT GOD. As I was in prayer, the Lord began to deal with me about OUR Nation. Its amazing that when we talk about the sins of the Nation, very rarely do you hear the word "our" included. When Nehemiah prayed, when Daniel prayed, they prayed that God would deliver, but they didn't leave themselves out. After all, they were Jews, they were dealing with the effects and fallouts of the sins committed by the nation, though they may not have personally committed them. In other words, Sin affects us all. There were 9 things the Lord spoke to me about in regards to the USA. But He didn't stop there. He said, "These sins reflect what is in my House."

As I share these, I hope that you will join me in prayer for the healing of Our Nation and also for the Healing of Our churches. 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us the secret to healing for the land: The people who belong to God must pray, and seek His face, and turn from OUR wicked ways. My local church body will enter into a time of prayer, praise, and fasting from November 7-11. I will continue on until November 30. I believe the Church is at a make or break point. We are at a precipice. We will either choose God, or choose a Form of God. Either way, a decision must be made.

9 Sins of the USA reflected in the Church

1. Abortion of the unborn- There has been a silencing of the Great Commision in many local bodies. There has been an abortion of new-born disciples.

2. Homosexuality- This is not only sexual sin, but an imbalance in ministry, an unnnatural affection. Male dominated or Female dominated, a subjection of one sex to the other . It is the denial of the opposite sex and the cleaving to of your own sexThere is neither male nor female in Christ.

3. Greed-This is not only dealing with finances, but a hoarding of the Truth. An unwillingness to release revelation that will free people and a deliberate twisting of the truth to manipulate giving.

4. Rape of the Land/Resources- Hirelings are at the forefront of many local assemblies. There is an abuse of the laity, a slave mentality bred into the believer, to live below standard.

5. Murder- Speaking ill of and assasinating the character of the leaders that God has established.

6. Predjudice- Catering only to those who look like us, think like us, grew up with us. Isolating those who don't fit the traditional mold of the local body.

7. Pride- Thinking our denomination or non-denomination, or Movement, is the only true move of God

8. Division- Not settling differences the Biblical way; involving the world in Ecclesiastical affairs.

9. Loveless- Becoming indifferent to your fellow sister or brother in Christ; Running to save the world in an escape to avoid what issues need to be dealt with in the Body. The world will know who we are by our love for one another.

One thing the Lord was very clear on: "It will get worse before it gets better."

When the children of God pray, the prophets prophesy, the Apostles mobilize, the Pastors shepherd, the Evangelists deliver the Good News, and the Teachers equip through the Spirit of God the terror of the Lord will be upon the nations.

God will deal with the Communities of Falsehood, the cities that entertain wickedness, wink at sin, and open the floodgates of His anger and wrath against the ungodly. False prophets and False Communities that allow sin to remain, tolerating, sparing, or shielding, rather than rebuking, reproving, and correcting. There is a reckoning coming between God and Man. My desire is to be found on the Lord's side.

Join me in prayer:

Lord, forgive our sins. Heal our Land. Restore us and cause us to be lights in every place. Begin with Us, your people. We repent. Bring us back to our first love. Help us to continually renounce that which is not like you. Open our eyes. You said if we were otherwise minded, You would reveal it to us. Thank you that as You reveal, we will be honest with our selves and repent. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Further Reading: Joshua 24:14-15, Deuteronomy 12, 13, 2 Peter 3:14,17,18,