Leadership

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Opinion

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Unless I miss my guess…

EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION.

Some are quick to let you know what theirs is.

Some are more tactful and will hold off on giving theirs.

Some will go ahead and give their opinion, but it is so well done that no one gets annoyed or offended.

BUT. WE. ALL. HAVE. OPINIONS.

Some of them are right on the money.

Some are way off base.

Some have no clue what they are talking about, but love to hear themselves talk.

I. NEED. YOUR. OPINION!!

This is not a right or wrong test. This is not a choke-it-down or let-it-slide test. I seriously ~~need~~ want your opinion. Here’s the scenario: this past Sunday I showed this video. If you want to see how I applied it…and have the time…you can check out the introduction to my sermon here. (start around 7:50)

So…first do those two things. Or at least watch the video.

Okay, now…were you offended or did you find the video offensive? Please be honest. In particular, were you offended by the 5 second spot at 0:44? I honestly want to know. Why? I was asked about it Monday in a leadership meeting. When I explained it (anorexic looking into the mirror with a false picture), the leader who was approached by someone concerned about the “amount of skin/girl in her underwear” understood. But, in all honesty, if it takes an apology/explanation from me for showing it, I will do it. A leader should never be above saying, “I’m sorry.” I certainly don’t want someone allowing their feelings to fester and grow into something ugly. I had no problems with it or I would not have showed it, but if it was insensitive, then I need to know.

SEE WHY I NEED YOUR OPINION?

So…have at it. Your opinion matters. I am seeking outside help (you guys) for a better picture of my role in it. And please…spare me the “you shouldn’t show videos in worship as part of the sermon” spiel. I will continue using them. I have wanted to show some which I myself have rejected due to content or language (scenes from a movie). But I will continue using appropriate videos.

What do you think? Your opinion matters. Thanks.

Posted in Christian living, Leadership, Miscellaneous, Opinion | 49 Responses »

Celebrity

Sunday, May 5th, 2013

Our culture seems to hang a lot on what a celebrity thinks or says. Some of it might be good; some no so good.

Mediocre authors gained immediate audiences when Oprah’s Book Club Selection featured his/her book. It was like “immediate sensation-time” for the author. Garnering an unprecedented readership from her endorsement was like sausage gravy on a “regular” biscuit.

Advertising knows the value of an athlete with celebrity status. Shoes. Clothing.

Bedding, but since when does a celebrity-named sheet fit better than a generic one?

Even grills received attention when it said George Foreman in front of it.

Celebrity status reaches the church as well. We have celebrity TV evangelists…celebrity pastors. Seems like they were regulars on Larry King Live and are regulars on other talk shows. Their books sell in stratospheric numbers. Media hangs on to their words and films their actions (good and bad). Literally thousands flock to their church buildings for “Christianity Lite” sermons. Their TV shows are beamed all over the world. They wear thousand dollar suits or outfits; have their own private planes; million dollar mansions, etc Their word is like gold. (Can I throw up now?)

Some pastors are “flash-in-the-pan” celebrities. They give off a flash and then burn out before our very eyes. Some are ~~innovative~~ ~~creative~~ attention-hungry to the point of ridiculous. Now, please understand I am not talking about all. Some have shown staying power by their commitment to biblical integrity and a desire to stay out of the spotlight. Some have shown a quality that many of the celebrity people wouldn’t dream of having.

AND WHAT IF, WHAT IF, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INFUSION OF THIS MIRACLE QUALITY?

What quality is that? Well, here…let me use a quote I read by Louie Giglio tell you:

If Jesus rode in low on a donkey, then we should go ahead and get down off our high horse.

That quality? HUMILITY

One of the most piercing chapters of The Catalyst Leader by Brad Lomenick is the chapter titled Principled. Brad gives three elements of being principled. His #1 element is Humility. WOW! Talk about a chapter/section that leaves no stone unturned! As Rick Warren says, “Humility is not denying your strengths. It is being honest about your weaknesses.” Humble leaders don’t need praise, accolades, or credit to perform. Their answers begin with “we” or “us” or “our,” not “me” or “I” or “my.”

I truly do not begrudge those who are “the person of the moment.” Unless, of course, their theology is whacked or lifestyle “out to lunch.” God gives each of us a ministry-some are more high profile than others. But in any case, humility is essential. No matter who we are…what we do…where we live…where we minister.

How important is humility for you to see in your leaders? Do you have a checking point for your own thoughts about yourself?

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Leadership | 25 Responses »

Real

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

After yesterday’s post here, I thought I would take a different direction with this one.

When someone talks or writes about Real, one of the first things that comes to many minds is this section from The Velveteen Rabbit. It is not unusual for the word “authentic” to creep into many conversations these days. People are tired of fake, of facades and walls built to keep people out (or are they to keep us in?)

Dad doesn’t want his wife or children to know what is going on at work so he hides that not everything is hunky dory.

Mom hides from her friends that she is burnt out and at her wit’s end with the kids.

Teens don’t want other teens to know (and especially their parents) that they are at the end of their rope. So they cut. Or take pills. Or end it all.

We hide bullying. We hide abuse (all kinds, especially those which can be seen). We hide affairs. We hide work theft. We hide “secret” sins. The list goes on and on. One of the worst for hiding behind a facade…(are you ready for this?)…are pastors and church leaders. While people are screaming for authenticity out of their leaders, many are erecting walls that get thicker with time. I have been reading The Catalyst Leader by Brad Lomenick the past couple of days. Chapter 2 is called Authentic: Unleash the Real You. It “spoke” to my heart and I thought I would share a few quotes included in the chapter.

“Be yourself. Authenticity trumps cool every time.” Craig Groeschel, pastor (p.27)

“Perhaps the ultimate freedom is the freedom to be one’s self.” Daniel Pink, author (p.31)

“There’s beauty in imperfection. When something becomes too polished, it loses its soul. Authenticity trumps professionalism!” Christine Caine, author and co-founder of the A21 Campaign (p.33)

“Originality is overrated. Authenticity is what matters.” Whitney George, youth pastor and speaker (p.36)

“You can’t love people and influence them unless you are close to them. Up close means you can see my warts. You can impress people from a distance, but can only influence them up close.“ Rick Warren, pastor and author (p.43)

“Be strong in grace. Your grace, your gift, your ability, who God’s called you to be, just be yourself…Don’t be anybody else, don’t compare yourself, just be you. If “you” is not everybody’s cup of tea, then don’t worry about it.” Judah Smith, pastor and author (p.44)

Those are some good quotes in the midst of an excellent and challenging chapter. I realize authenticity is not in everyone’s comfort zone. I cut my “pastor’s teeth” during an age when you revealed nothing about yourself. But times have changed, and unless the people sense authenticity (pastor or not), listening and trust may/may not follow.

How do you feel? Can a pastor reveal too much? Where is the line he shouldn’t cross? How much do you want him to reveal?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Just a Quote, Just Wondering, Leadership | 25 Responses »

Images

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

What does the word image bring to your mind?

A physical representation of something or someone- sort of like an idol?

A person or thing that represents a double of something- sort of like a doppelganger?

The personality presented to the public-sort of like an organization or a church would do?

As I write this (Tuesday afternoon at 2:45), the church I pastor is going to be doing just that in about 2:45. For the past couple of years I have been attending a gathering called Owen After Hours (OAH). It is for those in the community who are members of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as those who are curious. We have been members for 5-6 years, I believe, and after finally receiving some literature, I decided to attend. Anyway, after a “Request Process,” we were approved to host the first OAH for 2013. So we began planning and today is the day. Lest anyone misunderstand, I am not a super saint devoid of motives, as in “why are we hosting this?” It is NOT a preaching service. It is NOT an evangelistic meeting. Pure and simple: it is a glad-handing event. Ryan and I (and some of the ladies who have prepared food) will be welcoming and talking with business people & leaders in the community. Okay, so I’ll say it…

IT IS AN IMAGE THING.

We want to get the name of the church, our location, and the renovation which has transformed our building and has helped “remake” us, in front of the community. We have no clue how many or who will come. I do know there will be plenty of food to ruin the healthy diet and/or supper. I don’t know if you think badly of us or not. I don’t feel a bit bad. I will if people don’t show up (attendance can be sketchy and it is now raining again). But we will run with it and do what we can to put our best foot forward. Along with food, we will also be showing the video of our renovation; showing a PP of those who took part in the renovation; we will be drawing for several donated door prizes (some donated by guys who will be displaying their business as part of OVCF and the Chamber); and we will be giving away copies of Love Works. It is an hour and a half of “Image Giving.”

But, in order to redeem this post , I thought this devotion by Greg Laurie about “Images” was right on the money (notice the date). Enjoy it.

In the meantime, do you think churches should take part in events like this or is it giving the wrong impression? Just want to know what you think. Any thoughts on Greg’s devotion?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Just Wondering, Leadership, Miscellaneous | 31 Responses »

Anonymous

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Have you ever been the victim of an anonymous letter or comment? You know the famous “I have been hearing” or “People are saying.” I have come to several conclusions about those type of comments.

First, I don’t trust them. I have been in the church far too long to know how some people operate. Want to get rid of someone, especially a pastor or staff person? Use the famous “We have been hearing” line. Yeah, they have been hearing alright. It is usually one person going around to all of them asking for them not to mention his/her name. So each leader comes to the meeting with “I have been told” not knowing they have been told alright…by the same person.

Second, it is incomplete knowledge, especially under the guise of “confidentiality.” It is from the pit of hell and the master of that place is the master of division.

But something else really bothers me. Have you ever received the famous “Anonymous letter?” You know…the person who thinks they can tell you what to do, where to get off, where you can go…but doesn’t have the guts to sign their name? It took me awhile to realize there is only one place for that anonymous letter to go.

THE. TRASH. CAN!!

Yessiree Bob. It takes a real man or woman to speak their mind…as empty as it is. Their comment is worthless. There is a word for those type of people. Hear it and hear it well:

C.O.W.A.R.D.

I have absolutely none…translated ZERO respect for anyone who hides behind an anonymous comment…

Or letter…

Or bomb.

I used to be really bothered by anonymous letters. I kept them and tried to figure out who it was. Talk about driving oneself crazy!! That was also an effort in futility. I mean, if they had meant to be known they would have had the courage to sign it. Now if I get a letter (and I haven’t for a long time), I might read it and then see if it is signed. If not, I pitch. Cowards need to go back into their hole.

Okay, that is my rant! Sadly, it happens all too often in the church. People who “speak from the Lord” say (or write) the stupidest things and sometimes destroy people in the process. I think there is a special place of judgment for them. Sort of like cowardly bombers.

Have you ever received an anonymous letter? How did you feel? What did you do?

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Leadership, Miscellaneous, Opinion | 28 Responses »

Influence

Monday, April 15th, 2013

There is a lot of talk these days about “relevance.” I have written about it before and have no plan to link you to any former posts. Plenty of others have also done so.

Relevance is a dirty word to many people. It conjures up images of compromise; of shortchanging the Gospel; of making a mockery of a worship experience. Please, for the sake of at least this post, put those thoughts out of your mind.

PLEASE CONSIDER RELEVANCE IN ANOTHER VEIN.

Consider Jesus. There is an old poem/reading called “One Solitary Life.” The basic idea was the influence Jesus had even though He lived such a relatively short life. Put into today’s terms we could say, “Jesus did not have a hit recording. He did not have a video that went viral on YouTube. He was not born of influential actor-type parents. He didn’t come from a broken home that led Him to drugs and drinking and the gangsta lifestyle. He didn’t have boatloads of money to throw around. He didn’t have a cry-baby’s salary.” Well, you get my drift.

All Jesus did was be Himself. He loved the unlovely. He gave hope to the hopeless. He gave meaning to the meaningless. When the enemy came along and said, “I will give all this to you if you bow down and worship me” Jesus said, “Not a chance. Get lost!” Three times it is recorded He said, “It is written.” But this same Man who could get firm with the enemy and the religious hucksters, also showed a tremendous amount of compassion and love to those who were outcasts. What I am about to say is nothing earth-shattering, but it is TRUE.

As already stated, Jesus’ influence came because He was Himself. He was true to who He was, who He came to be-the Savior of the world. No pretense. No pretending. No hype. No cuss words to sound relevant. No smoke and mirrors. Sort of “who you see is who you get.”

And his influence came from how He led. Check out His disciples. He was as steady with them, as firm with them, as loving with them, as forgiving with them, as He was with the people He came into contact with every day. He was unmoveable when it came to who He was. He was sensitive when needed. He was a servant when it needed shown (and when it didn’t). He led by example. There was no variation. He didn’t let something slide for one and not for another. He prayed for His disciples. He challenged them. But then went out and forgave and accepted His Father’s ultimate challenge. That is leading by example.

AND BOTH OF THOSE ARE INFLUENCE….BEING HIMSELF AND LEADING BY EXAMPLE.

I hesitate saying this, but perhaps if we had pastors/leaders more willing to follow His steps we might have less talk and worry about being “relevant.”

Okay, I’ve “preached” enough. Your thoughts?

Two main thoughts about Jesus inspired by Craveable by Artie Davis.

Posted in Christian living, Church, Just Wondering, Leadership | 21 Responses »

Bullies

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

First, watch this video and then this video.

We hear a lot about bullies these days. For various reason. For various causes. Physically abusive. Emotionally abusive. Relationally abusive. Verbally abusive.

Both videos told multiple stories. I think one of the most poignant is the danger we all face from bullies.

Abusive parents.

Abusive fellow students.

Abusive siblings.

Abusive teachers.

Abusive “pastors.”

I read today (Thursday) that many are taking shots at Rick Warren for the suicide death of his life-long mentally ill son. It has come from the religious community. (Shame on you!) It has come from the LGBT community. (Yeah, I read the comments).

Come on people! This is a man, yes he is a pastor, but a father (and mother) whose son took his own life after battling depression all his life. Doctors. Medicine. Clinics. Treatment. All were temporary fixes for what was “wrong” from the beginning. But for the religious world to castigate him and for others to use this as a bully pulpit to condemn him because of his stand against gay marriage is unconscionable.

I am speaking more from the religious viewpoint here (for obvious reasons). I have always heard it said, “The church is the only army that shoots its own wounded.” When I read that Rick and Kay have taken shots lobbed from those who call themselves Christians, I was appalled. I applaud those, like Louie Giglio and Beth Moore, who took a stand against that. So many others. It is sad though that a few “jerks” will be used to represent the Christian community in this story. Instead of this being the time for the followers of Christ to shine in their actions of grace and compassion, we are seen as heartless idiots who don’t care about our own people. Frankly, I don’t always agree with Rick Warren. And I am pretty doggone sure not everyone agrees with me. (I could make a catty comment here, but this is not the time). But holy mackerel! Talk about shooting when a man is down! Those who do-religious or irreligious-ought to be ashamed of themselves. Religious people using it as one more example of God’s wrath on an unfaithful servant. Religious and irreligious people who use it to satisfy their agenda. Take a hike! Go back to your pit!

I would like to apologize for my “heatedness” in this post…but I won’t. There are some times I find myself getting a little “hot” and this is one of them. To all the “Christians” who are shooting…shame on you!!! To all those who are using this as a bully pulpit because Rick did not agree with your choice…shame on you too!!

Maybe if we had some character (like the dude in the video). And maybe if we reached out (like the young lady in the video), we might actually find it feels good. And for some, it is actually being Christ-like. Any thoughts?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Friendship, Leadership, Miscellaneous, Story | 23 Responses »

Perspective

Wednesday, April 10th, 2013

This has been a different week here at Cycleguy’s Spin. Let’s continue with a change in direction.

First, watch this video. For those unable to watch, a transcript is included on the link.

Okay, now be honest. How many of you chuckled. I did. I absolutely loved the optimism shown by that young man. That type of optimism comes from having a clear perspective of the situation. How many times have you done something only to have it fail? You have the choice of hiking up your pants and going at it again or throwing in the towel.

Or maybe you have had someone come along and offer you a different perspective, one that changed your whole outlook. I once read of the daughter who wrote her parents a note:

Dear Mom & Dad,

Just thought I’d drop you a note to clue you in on my plans. I’ve fallen in love with a guy named Jim. He quit high school after grade eleven to get married. About a year ago he got a divorce. We’ve been going steady for two months and plan to get married in the fall. Until then, I’ve decided to move into his apartment (I think I might be pregnant). At any rate, I dropped out of school last week, although I’d like to finish college sometime in the future.

On the next page she continued:

Mom and Dad, I just want you to know that everything I’ve written so far in this letter is false. NONE of it is true. But Mom and Dad, it IS true that I got a C in French and flunked Math. It IS true that I’m going to need some more money for tuition payments.

Not too shabby a way of putting things in perspective wouldn’t you say? Now…you can choose to be an Optimist or a Pessimist. You can choose to have your glass half full or half empty.

DEPENDS ON YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

Life is entirely too short to be languishing or moping around. Circumstances will not always be what we want or hope them to be. Life is a challenge or a bore; a victory or a defeat; an adventure or a misfortune. Depends on your perspective.

Where do you fall into this picture? What are you wanting out of your life?

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Leadership, Little Bit of Fun, Pick me Up | 23 Responses »

Better

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

This is a different week here at Cycleguy’s Spin. I’ve been using some short videos to introduce my topic. So, please first check out this video. By the way, if you can’t watch the video, you can see the transcript on the link.

I absolutely LOVE the teacher’s approach. You can see the “guitar hero’s” face when a peer says, “It is awful.” But watch his face when the teacher hangs back and says what she does. That reminded me of something I read from the book Craveable Tuesday morning:

He who rejects change is the architect of decay.

One of the hardest things in church work, okay in just about any company, is dealing with progress. It is sometimes easier to say, “We never did it that way before” than to forge ahead by trying something new. We were talking in staff meeting Monday morning how some would just as soon sit the kids down and have them sit for 30-35 minutes and use flannelgraph boards than to use more modern means of storytelling like video and action. Unless the teacher is an exceptional storyteller, it ain’t going to happen! I like the way Artie Davis puts it in Craveable:

We always need to be learning new ways to get done what we have to accomplish; if not, we become obsolete and get so far behind we lose any prospect of attracting new customers. (p.149)

Take construction, for example. Roofers very seldom use hammer and nails for the big jobs. I hear more air gun-driven nails these days than I ever hear hammer-driven nails. It almost becomes a matter of survival. I have a very, very short driveway and still use a snow shovel. I can guarantee, if I had a long driveway, I would be looking and giving serious thought to a snow blower. It is a matter of time and survival.

What a great lesson for the church! I am NOT saying the church ought to put aside its use of the Bible and solid teaching for a rock concert or a video lesson from Andy Griffith (although there is a place for that in small groups), but we should not be afraid to use video clips or modern worship music or another version besides KJV to enhance our approach. Just make sure the emphasis is not on change for the sake of change, but on Jesus, and reaching people for Him.

So, what are your thoughts? Where is the line that should not be crossed? How can the church embrace change without compromise? Can you give an example of a church/company that did not change and got moth-balled instead?

Posted in Church, Just Wondering, Leadership | 20 Responses »

Gratitude

Sunday, April 7th, 2013

SOMETHING DIFFERENT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK AT CYCLEGUY’S SPIN!

But first the backdrop.

Our new youth pastor, Ryan, is one top-notch dude. I’m not saying that because he might read this. I’m not even sure he will. (It is not a staff requirement to read and comment on my blog, although they do get extra points if they do!). Seriously, Ryan is someone ~~our~~ all youth can emulate. He was not raised in a two parent home, least not the traditional kind. God got a hold of his life, led him to Bible college, and led him to his soul mate, Hope. They chose a radical way to purity in preparation for their marriage and even wrote a book about it. Their dream was to do missions (Ryan is bi-lingual in Spanish). Events happened (babies for one) that derailed their plan for the mission field, so they came home to work, live and raise their children. He began working at a local credit union and eventually visited OVCF. They had just had child #3 and liked it so well decided to stick around. Eventually they volunteered their time with the Jr/Sr High youth. This past February, after 2 years of volunteer work, we hired Ryan full-time. He is a young man who has a lot to say to the kids because he lives what he says.

Recently he has been talking about some short videos he found and plans to use on Sunday night from time to time. He sent me the link and I decided to do something different this week: Each day I am going to highlight one of the videos for you to view. They last less than a minute. I will make a comment or two and then leave it up to you from there.

Here is the first:

So many things ran through my mind as I watched this. The frustration. Sure.

But I loved the kindness of the ladies to a gruff man whom they did not know (who was also a different color skin).

The “love your enemies” teaching of Jesus.

The power of something simple. Seems I remember Someone say, “When I was hungry, you fed me…”

The return of a gratitude-like expression by the man.

And, of course, the song.

Okay, now it is your turn. What struck you about the video? Have you had this happen in your own life? What can you do to show a little gratitude today?

Posted in Christian living, Friendship, Just Wondering, Leadership, Pick me Up | 24 Responses »