The Big Ask
Sheryll--If we don't ask, we are not hearing from God. Ephesians says our JOB is to arrange the saints for the work He has called them to. When we let fear stop us from reaching out to others and getting them connected serving the Church, we are blocking His plan. We suffer, they suffer, the Kingdom of God suffers. When we do reach out and ASK, we find our purpose and fulfillment and so do those we ask. It's so important to push past the fear, we all experience it to begin with, and ASK. And remember, if they say no, they are not rejecting you. Either you've asked and it is not something they feel gifted to do and in that case, ask again differently; or they are rejecting the gift God has placed on the inside of them. At the end of the day, it's our job to ask. What they do with it is up to them.
Tony--I really liked what Hybels pointed out about being honored when asked. That is true. If it is done correctly, we feel honored when someone trusts us enough to ask our participation in what they are pursuing. I think it is equally important to frame it in the right context as he pointed out. The first point he makes about making sure those we ask know our relationship is not affected by their response is good. Remove the pressure from those we ask, and do our very best to remove any manipulation. Asking is not easy, and I don’t think it gets easier even as we do it more. But the better we get at doing it, the more opportunities we will get to ask bigger. Jesus told us that when he said if we are faithful with the little things, we will get the opportunity to be faithful over big things. I want to change the world and that’s a big thing and will require extensive partnerships. That means I must be able to ask well in all the little things like “Will you help me with this team by handling these administrative tasks each week?”
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If low-pressure, straight-forward, relationally-based, confident “asks” yield more yeses than why not ask right? It is much easier to say yes to an appeal from someone who believes in what they are promoting & knows how to ask. It is also easy to say no to a sloppy petition. As leaders we can increase our influence by not only asking right but by also knowing who to ask. Jesus will tell us who to approach if we will just ask Him. Making the sale is all about asking the right people, the right way. We say yes to Jesus because of how He asks.
ReplyDeleteBeing a 'Leader' in our culture translates into 'Team Builder'.
ReplyDeleteOne of the primary ingredients of good Team Buiding is the 'Big Ask'!
Our Creator still uses Words to transfer the image of Himself into our hearts.
I still remember when He came to me with the 'Big Ask'. That was some
thirty-four years ago and I'm still on His team...No matter what the team might
be, clear and precise communication of the Vision is vital to it's success:)
One of the things that caught my attention is that we don't naturally "drift" toward better behavior, it usually requires that we're asked. If Pastor Tony hadn't asked me to step up to the plate and be the Prayer Coordinator, I would never have made the step myself, and would have missed tremendous opportunities and blessing. I have big vision for my team's part in carrying out our mission, so why not ask people to join me so we can get it done. If I don't ask them to be involved, I'm depriving them of realizing God's dream.
ReplyDeleteThis one was great! I agree Shonna...I loved the same point about not drifting towards better behavior.
ReplyDeleteAsking is a personal struggle of mine. One that I tend to think I am better at when I am behind close doors than in reality. Why are we so afraid of a "NO"? Maybe it really isn't the NO that scares me. Could it be the fear of pushing someone over the "burnout" ledge? Since when does asking equate to pushing? These are the discussions I have inside everytime I ask someone to ______. Truth is...every good coach asks more than a player would give on his own. And the world is a better place because people do say YES!.
Final thought, I like to think that the pressure to perform falls on the person who receives it, not on the one who asks. Though wisdom regards the value of a "ask" in due season.
Yes Shonna, I agree. When we ask or are asked and the reponse is yes, then growth begins. I think one of the big challenges we face when asking is returning by default to the ones who have said yes in the past. I realize everyone needs "go to" people but it's important to always be looking for others who can contibute to the dream. While asking is still scary, one thing that gives me courage is focusing on the big picture. Our purpose in existing is to know Christ and to make Him known. True fullfilment in life comes from living out one's God given destiny. As leaders we have the responsibility of not only saying yes and finding personal fullfilment but creating opportunities for others to do the same. I liked Bill Hybel's comment: "People are honored by a wise and timely ask." I know it honors me when I get asked and I need to trust that it honors others when I ask of them. If anyone hears a loud screaching noise it's me streching! It's time to grow some more!
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ReplyDeleteHey guys I hope everyone has had a great week. I have really been thinking about week two the "BIG ASK"! It's a good idea too get to know people on a personal level it makes asking for help easier.
ReplyDeleteLike one great idea that I heard we are doing is dinner groups that is such a great idea these groups have potential to form friendships and partnerships that can last a lifetime. And the truth is that we can sharpen each other you know, "iron sharpens iron". through asking for help you are inviting others to share in the joy that you feel through serving, but when someone turns you down or for the next month Avoid you. It's not that they are rejecting you, there running from their true identity. So let's be honest for a minute are we trying to find a effective way to recruit more people to work around the church, or are we trying to bring to light a real heart changing awakening that causes people to want to get involved it's not hard to ask for a hand if you are leader, but can you ask them to trust you with their heart?
All very good points...The point about having a relationship with that person is a key point because without the relationship you could just be another person "asking" a question. When we have built that relationship then our asking becomes an opportunity and not just a "question". A "Yes" by asking promotes growth for the kingdom and a "NO" creates another opportunity to ask again the same person or a new person that God lays on your heart. Loved this chapter!
ReplyDeleteWhen listening to this chapter the thoughts came to me of the times I have received the "Big Ask". I would not be serving the Kingdom of God in the capacity that I am today without someone asking me to stretch. Knowing that others had the confidence in me was a great compliment and that they were there beside me all the way.Now it is my turn to ask others to move out of their comfort zone so, we can reach West Georgia and the World for God's Kingdom!
ReplyDeleteHybel makes a good point, the asking is not all we are required to do; it is also recognizing when and how to do the asking. Making sure the ground is tilled before laying the seed will ensure better growth, which in turn will reap a greater harvest. Therefore, proper timing and wisdom ensures that a good foundation is being laid to make a 'safe' place for the 'askers' to ask and the 'askees' (my word) to answer.
ReplyDeleteWe find that our reputation is built from our actions. There is a challenge that exists beyond asking somebody to help. That challenge is following through; having a clear vision, set plans, well defined goals, and an ability to convey that persons place in the effort. If you ask somebody to help but don't know where they fit in your effort, they will quickly lose interest and chances are, they wont be too excited about coming back to help the next time you ask.
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