These chapters are great practical applications of some important principles. The 3 C grid is important and a key to personal and corporate success. It is important to note the order Hybels uses. Take the C’s out of order and you get another couple of C’s—complications and chaos!
It is also important to examine our own lives with this grid—How’s my character? Note one of Hybels’ checkpoints for character—“one who credits the efforts of others when a victory is won.”
Is my competency staying ahead of my job or ministry demands? We should always be worth more than we are getting paid.
Last, how well do I click with those in my workplace? Would they want to sit next to me on an 8 hour plane flight or spend a week vacationing with me?
If we are exhibiting the 3 C’s in our lives, it is much easier to attract and keep people around us who excel in all 3 too.
Chapter 22 is a great lesson. Hybels words it better than most of us have heard it—“All they can say is no.” His version is much better—“Never say someone’s no for them.” He does a great job of describing our thought process—“This would be the best option. Now, let’s come up with a list of why we can never have that option!” Willow Creek has been built on expecting the best option to become available and then watching God make it happen. Kind of like expecting the impossible. That’s a principle everyone could benefit from.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Axiom Chapter 19 & 20
Chapter 19—Institutionalize Key Values
This chapter emphasizes the need to make sure you are always communicating the values that make our church who we are. Life-giving, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, Team Ministry, Excellence, and Have Fun. Do we communicate them in our lives, our actions, they way we lead our teams, the way we do life? Do those we lead not only know these values, do they know we know them?
We also think the idea of tying Christ-like values to certain calendar days is brilliant. Let’s think of some ways to utilize this idea in our church.
Chapter 20—This Is Church
These are the moments we have to be on our toes to catch. These type moments are the reason we exist and the reason we do what we do. This is why it is so important to walk slowly through the crowd. Make real connections and stay real with people. Be the type of person that, no matter how busy or “big” you become, people feel comfortable coming to you with a request like the grandfather at the baptism. Bill Hybels is about as big as it gets in the church world, yet this chapter highlights his desire and ability to be touched and touchable.
Real ministry is the anti-thesis to the rock star mentality that permeates our culture. Real church is about transformed lives. It is about finding the wonder in each other. God did church on purpose—He wants us to find Him in the midst of each other. Ever find yourself getting tired of “church”? Hybels gives us a key to making sure that doesn’t happen—go find “church” in the lives of those we serve.
This chapter emphasizes the need to make sure you are always communicating the values that make our church who we are. Life-giving, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, Team Ministry, Excellence, and Have Fun. Do we communicate them in our lives, our actions, they way we lead our teams, the way we do life? Do those we lead not only know these values, do they know we know them?
We also think the idea of tying Christ-like values to certain calendar days is brilliant. Let’s think of some ways to utilize this idea in our church.
Chapter 20—This Is Church
These are the moments we have to be on our toes to catch. These type moments are the reason we exist and the reason we do what we do. This is why it is so important to walk slowly through the crowd. Make real connections and stay real with people. Be the type of person that, no matter how busy or “big” you become, people feel comfortable coming to you with a request like the grandfather at the baptism. Bill Hybels is about as big as it gets in the church world, yet this chapter highlights his desire and ability to be touched and touchable.
Real ministry is the anti-thesis to the rock star mentality that permeates our culture. Real church is about transformed lives. It is about finding the wonder in each other. God did church on purpose—He wants us to find Him in the midst of each other. Ever find yourself getting tired of “church”? Hybels gives us a key to making sure that doesn’t happen—go find “church” in the lives of those we serve.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Chapter 17—Only God
This chapter does a great job of emphasizing our understanding that no matter how talented we think we are, how hard we think we are working, how smart we think we are, and how effectively our ideas are reaching our community, it is only God who makes it happen. What we do is important, and doing it in excellence is important. Doing it with a sold-out attitude of servanthood is important. But the most important fact to remember is that unless our God comes alongside us with His blessing, everything we do is in vain.
As long as we remember that without Him we can do nothing we will avoid the “rock-star” mentality of self-promotion that seems to be prevalent in our culture, even among Christians. Only God can save, heal, and deliver. Only God can take our music, our teaching, and our serving and use it to transform lives. There will always be people more talented than we are, smarter than we are, better speakers and musicians than we are—but when we give our best to our God for His purposes He will always amaze us with the results.
An “Only God” lifestyle will make sure you are always able to be blown away by our amazing God.
Chapter 18—Plus-side and Minus-side
Watch your reaction when you read this chapter. Don’t get defensive and reactionary. It is a challenging look at some practical issues that will help us not only in our church, but with our businesses and our households. Too often we fall into the trap of “doing our job” instead of “adding value.” We can do both—in fact, if we keep adding value at the forefront of our minds while doing our jobs, then our jobs will never become mundane or unfulfilling. Every task becomes an opportunity to be intentional, strategic, others-focused and Kingdom-minded (ISOK). So instead of an administrative task being something that just has to be done, we start to think like God thinks. Nothing He does is ordinary—no just get it done stuff. Everything means something and has a greater purpose.
Additionally, this chapter underscores the need to make sure, especially church staff members, that we are intentionally doing things to grow our church each day. We must build it into our daily calendar. One reason we do not have formal offices at CAML is we want staff members out in the community instead of sequestered in an office somewhere. Make it a habit to interact with your community every day. All of us--whether we are church staff, business owners, employees, or homemakers—are first and foremost ambassadors of Christ and His Kingdom. Keeping that mindset will make sure we are always Plus-side.
This chapter does a great job of emphasizing our understanding that no matter how talented we think we are, how hard we think we are working, how smart we think we are, and how effectively our ideas are reaching our community, it is only God who makes it happen. What we do is important, and doing it in excellence is important. Doing it with a sold-out attitude of servanthood is important. But the most important fact to remember is that unless our God comes alongside us with His blessing, everything we do is in vain.
As long as we remember that without Him we can do nothing we will avoid the “rock-star” mentality of self-promotion that seems to be prevalent in our culture, even among Christians. Only God can save, heal, and deliver. Only God can take our music, our teaching, and our serving and use it to transform lives. There will always be people more talented than we are, smarter than we are, better speakers and musicians than we are—but when we give our best to our God for His purposes He will always amaze us with the results.
An “Only God” lifestyle will make sure you are always able to be blown away by our amazing God.
Chapter 18—Plus-side and Minus-side
Watch your reaction when you read this chapter. Don’t get defensive and reactionary. It is a challenging look at some practical issues that will help us not only in our church, but with our businesses and our households. Too often we fall into the trap of “doing our job” instead of “adding value.” We can do both—in fact, if we keep adding value at the forefront of our minds while doing our jobs, then our jobs will never become mundane or unfulfilling. Every task becomes an opportunity to be intentional, strategic, others-focused and Kingdom-minded (ISOK). So instead of an administrative task being something that just has to be done, we start to think like God thinks. Nothing He does is ordinary—no just get it done stuff. Everything means something and has a greater purpose.
Additionally, this chapter underscores the need to make sure, especially church staff members, that we are intentionally doing things to grow our church each day. We must build it into our daily calendar. One reason we do not have formal offices at CAML is we want staff members out in the community instead of sequestered in an office somewhere. Make it a habit to interact with your community every day. All of us--whether we are church staff, business owners, employees, or homemakers—are first and foremost ambassadors of Christ and His Kingdom. Keeping that mindset will make sure we are always Plus-side.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Axiom Chapter 16
Axiom—6 x 6
We’re going to do more blogging on this chapter in a few weeks because we are trying this as a staff right now. The concept is great—giving yourself “permission” to focus on some important projects for a concentrated amount of time. If we made this a regular habit we would become more effective and feel better about ourselves. Sometimes we get caught in “work” mode—working hard but not feeling like we have accomplished much. This axiom, if incorporated into our habits, assures that we regularly feel like we have accomplished or finished something.
One thing we are noticing in our experiment with this, is the constant encroachment of the “daily routine” seeking to divert our promised attention from the 6 to the daily. Once again, letting the urgent set our calendars for us. Staying focused may be the biggest challenge we face.
We’re going to do more blogging on this chapter in a few weeks because we are trying this as a staff right now. The concept is great—giving yourself “permission” to focus on some important projects for a concentrated amount of time. If we made this a regular habit we would become more effective and feel better about ourselves. Sometimes we get caught in “work” mode—working hard but not feeling like we have accomplished much. This axiom, if incorporated into our habits, assures that we regularly feel like we have accomplished or finished something.
One thing we are noticing in our experiment with this, is the constant encroachment of the “daily routine” seeking to divert our promised attention from the 6 to the daily. Once again, letting the urgent set our calendars for us. Staying focused may be the biggest challenge we face.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Axiom Chapter 15
Axiom Chapter 15—Incrementalism
Hybels once again does a great job of sharing a very important principle with us. It is almost a continuation from last week’s chapter about keeping the heat turned up. We are all challenged with the “ebb and flow” of passion. One week we are ready to change the world and tackle the toughest devils and the next week we just want to make sure our kids are doing well in school. Then the next week we just don’t understand how anyone has time to change the world. And we incrementally drift away from the very thing that made our lives so exciting and fulfilling. Soon we are able to discount the value of our time, talent and resources and our effectiveness and influence are shrinking.
Incrementalism turns growing vibrant churches into maintenance mode churches that are just trying to keep what they have instead of aggressively moving forward and taking more territory and touching more lives. As Hybels explains so accurately, that is the road to a dying church since natural attrition is about 10%. His explanation of that also makes it easier to not take it personally when someone doesn’t choose to make CAML their church or if someone leaves CAML. As Chris Hodges says, “Don’t focus on the few you will lose. Concentrate on the thousands you will change.”
Let’s hear your comments this week on ways you have found to overcome incrementalism and keep the passion for changing our city and our world alive.
Hybels once again does a great job of sharing a very important principle with us. It is almost a continuation from last week’s chapter about keeping the heat turned up. We are all challenged with the “ebb and flow” of passion. One week we are ready to change the world and tackle the toughest devils and the next week we just want to make sure our kids are doing well in school. Then the next week we just don’t understand how anyone has time to change the world. And we incrementally drift away from the very thing that made our lives so exciting and fulfilling. Soon we are able to discount the value of our time, talent and resources and our effectiveness and influence are shrinking.
Incrementalism turns growing vibrant churches into maintenance mode churches that are just trying to keep what they have instead of aggressively moving forward and taking more territory and touching more lives. As Hybels explains so accurately, that is the road to a dying church since natural attrition is about 10%. His explanation of that also makes it easier to not take it personally when someone doesn’t choose to make CAML their church or if someone leaves CAML. As Chris Hodges says, “Don’t focus on the few you will lose. Concentrate on the thousands you will change.”
Let’s hear your comments this week on ways you have found to overcome incrementalism and keep the passion for changing our city and our world alive.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Turn Up the Heat
Axiom Chapter 14
I really like the statement at the end of the 3rd paragraph: “Whatever the value, if its alive and well in a local church today, it is not by accident. Its only there because of intentional, committed, dedicated effort.”
Whether it is our church, our personal lives or our business, we must be intentional about our values. For instance, in our church, if we are not intentional about thinking big church-big influence strategy we will quickly slip into doing good things that have little impact. We receive offerings very rarely for a couple of reasons—to remove the misperception of being all about money and to make our offerings have huge impact. If we begin asking people to constantly give to “good” projects, we will lesson the impact on the “God” projects that create lasting influence.
We must stay committed to those things we value. That means when other things are demanding our attention, time, talent and resources that we remain committed to the values and vision. Being dedicated means we do not have the option of letting our values or vision slide while we give our attention to other things (beware the squeaking wheel). At Lockheed, when we said a machine was dedicated to a certain process that meant the use of that machine was that process only. Even if someone had an extremely urgent project that needed to be done, we did not do it on the dedicated machines because, in the long run, the whole process would suffer. Don’t fall for the trap of letting urgency determine priority.
Lastly, it takes effort to keep our values and vision hot. I have noticed that being wild, barbarian church planters does not get easier. The challenges are different but they do not get easier. It takes effort, intentional effort, to make sure everything we are doing is infused with God’s presence and not just something we have become good at doing. It takes intentional prayer, Bible reading, being around like-minded people, and seeking God’s face. Otherwise, we slip into a program driven church with a maintenance mindset instead of being the Wild Barbarian Church Planters that were so attractive to those looking for a place to see their lives transformed.
Examine yourself. Are you still a wild barbarian or have you settled into just doing what you do? Be intentional, committed and dedicated to put some effort into turning up the heat this week!
I really like the statement at the end of the 3rd paragraph: “Whatever the value, if its alive and well in a local church today, it is not by accident. Its only there because of intentional, committed, dedicated effort.”
Whether it is our church, our personal lives or our business, we must be intentional about our values. For instance, in our church, if we are not intentional about thinking big church-big influence strategy we will quickly slip into doing good things that have little impact. We receive offerings very rarely for a couple of reasons—to remove the misperception of being all about money and to make our offerings have huge impact. If we begin asking people to constantly give to “good” projects, we will lesson the impact on the “God” projects that create lasting influence.
We must stay committed to those things we value. That means when other things are demanding our attention, time, talent and resources that we remain committed to the values and vision. Being dedicated means we do not have the option of letting our values or vision slide while we give our attention to other things (beware the squeaking wheel). At Lockheed, when we said a machine was dedicated to a certain process that meant the use of that machine was that process only. Even if someone had an extremely urgent project that needed to be done, we did not do it on the dedicated machines because, in the long run, the whole process would suffer. Don’t fall for the trap of letting urgency determine priority.
Lastly, it takes effort to keep our values and vision hot. I have noticed that being wild, barbarian church planters does not get easier. The challenges are different but they do not get easier. It takes effort, intentional effort, to make sure everything we are doing is infused with God’s presence and not just something we have become good at doing. It takes intentional prayer, Bible reading, being around like-minded people, and seeking God’s face. Otherwise, we slip into a program driven church with a maintenance mindset instead of being the Wild Barbarian Church Planters that were so attractive to those looking for a place to see their lives transformed.
Examine yourself. Are you still a wild barbarian or have you settled into just doing what you do? Be intentional, committed and dedicated to put some effort into turning up the heat this week!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Axiom Chapter 13
Vision Leaks
Nehemiah teaches us that vision should be re-visited every 25 days or so. If not, we get vision drift—thinking we are on target while we are actually moving further away from it. It is so important to know where we are going, in our marriage, our money, our business, and our ministry. The Word teaches us that we perish for a lack of knowledge. The word perish means several things in this application—languish, wander, flounder, or die—none of them good! Vision is knowledge, it is the defining of where we are going, the target, the goal. It starts with first steps—what we can see—and enlarges as we move forward. That is why it must be continually and consistently revisited and updated—it grows as we move toward it. If our vision is not growing, and does not require me to connect with others to accomplish it, then it is not a God vision. We keep ourselves, and those we are leading, from wandering when we make sure the vision is clear, consistent, and constantly updated.
I love the questions Hybels gives us in the last paragraph. What a powerful tool for leading in vision!
How full is your vision bucket these days?
Do you sense progress around here toward our vision?
Which part of our church’s vision is most meaningful to you?
Use these with yourself and your team and we will always be moving forward and defining new opportunities in our vision.
Nehemiah teaches us that vision should be re-visited every 25 days or so. If not, we get vision drift—thinking we are on target while we are actually moving further away from it. It is so important to know where we are going, in our marriage, our money, our business, and our ministry. The Word teaches us that we perish for a lack of knowledge. The word perish means several things in this application—languish, wander, flounder, or die—none of them good! Vision is knowledge, it is the defining of where we are going, the target, the goal. It starts with first steps—what we can see—and enlarges as we move forward. That is why it must be continually and consistently revisited and updated—it grows as we move toward it. If our vision is not growing, and does not require me to connect with others to accomplish it, then it is not a God vision. We keep ourselves, and those we are leading, from wandering when we make sure the vision is clear, consistent, and constantly updated.
I love the questions Hybels gives us in the last paragraph. What a powerful tool for leading in vision!
How full is your vision bucket these days?
Do you sense progress around here toward our vision?
Which part of our church’s vision is most meaningful to you?
Use these with yourself and your team and we will always be moving forward and defining new opportunities in our vision.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Axiom-Take a Flyer
Tony and Sheryll: Some of the best results we have ever gotten in ministry happened when we “took a flyer.” The Revolve Campus is a great example—we didn’t bet the bank, but we took a chance that it would work and the result is teenagers giving their lives to Jesus and taking ownership of the church. Churches, businesses, and our lives stagnate, get in a rut, when we move into “maintenance mode”-maintaining what we are doing instead of looking for new opportunities. It is an easy trap because we find ourselves doing something well and getting results, so we spend our time, talent and resources on that instead of seeking God and sensing His Spirit for new opportunities. The result is a rut—we, and those we lead, lose focus, energy wanes and, instead of maintaining the level, we actually begin to fade.
Make it a leadership lifestyle to be continually seeking God for His ideas on new opportunities. Encourage those you lead to join you and make leading an adventure. God promised us he would lead us in finding creative ideas and witty inventions. (Proverbs 8:12) He says about himself, “Look, I am doing a new thing.” Let’s follow his example and take a flyer.
Here’s a couple of tips on making sure you are taking a flyer and not betting the farm. Make new ideas something you are trying for a short period. If it works, you just make it part of what you do. If not, it was something you were just trying and people don’t view it as a failure. Make sure it does not compromise the current level of ministry. For instance, trying Revolve did not lower the level of ministry at Pavilion. It was not an increase in cost because we were already paying for the property. If it failed, our members would have still thought it was cool that we tried to do something extra special for our students. It would not have been a failure, it would have been an idea that didn’t work.
Make it a leadership lifestyle to be continually seeking God for His ideas on new opportunities. Encourage those you lead to join you and make leading an adventure. God promised us he would lead us in finding creative ideas and witty inventions. (Proverbs 8:12) He says about himself, “Look, I am doing a new thing.” Let’s follow his example and take a flyer.
Here’s a couple of tips on making sure you are taking a flyer and not betting the farm. Make new ideas something you are trying for a short period. If it works, you just make it part of what you do. If not, it was something you were just trying and people don’t view it as a failure. Make sure it does not compromise the current level of ministry. For instance, trying Revolve did not lower the level of ministry at Pavilion. It was not an increase in cost because we were already paying for the property. If it failed, our members would have still thought it was cool that we tried to do something extra special for our students. It would not have been a failure, it would have been an idea that didn’t work.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Axiom Boiler Fund
Tony and Sheryll: This is an area too many people dismiss when thinking about ministry and life. If we don't handle the money part well, we won't get to do the other parts. Jesus taught the way you handle money is one of the determining factors in what else in His Kingdom you will get to handle. Handle the money well and we get more and more chances to handle the important things (people) well. This is not a side issue, it is at the heart of Kingdom business. Jesus said you can determine where someone's heart is by looking at their checkbook. As ministries, and as individuals, we must place a high priority on handling the money. Hybels is teaching a principle in this chapter that Chris Hodges has become famous for teaching--learn to live on margin. If you think about it, the whole tithing principle is one of the ways God teaches us a healthy, peaceful way to live--learn to live on less than you bring in. Too many of us see our income as what we have to live on and if it is not enough we seek raises, promotions, another job, more hours, side jobs, etc. Instead of looking for ways to live within a margin of what we make, say 80 to 85%, we are always looking for increase and always increasing the pressure and demands on our time and peace. Our goal is to see CAML live on less than 80% of what comes in. Think about the peace and the flexibility. Think about the peace, flexibility and giving power of a whole church living on less than 80% of what comes in to our personal homes. Now there is a worthwhile goal.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Axiom- Big Idea
Sheryll: sometimes what may seem like the smallest idea is the big idea that will change a job, a business, a ministry or a life forever. don't dismiss quirky ideas because sometimes they are what will get someone's attention.
Tony: I think it is so important to create & nurture a culture that encourages ideas. A yes environment doesn't mean every idea is used but that every idea is heard. Lay our ego aside & admit the obvious-sthere are sometimes better ideas than our own. make sure those we lead feel they can present their ideas. find ways to use them and they will bring even bigger & better ideas.
Tony: I think it is so important to create & nurture a culture that encourages ideas. A yes environment doesn't mean every idea is used but that every idea is heard. Lay our ego aside & admit the obvious-sthere are sometimes better ideas than our own. make sure those we lead feel they can present their ideas. find ways to use them and they will bring even bigger & better ideas.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Axiom Chapter 9
Tony and Sheryll:
This is a challenging chapter, especially if you are a business owner or leader of a non-profit. Everybody makes sacrifices to get things going—I had one restaurant owner tell me it was over 2 years into their business before he ever received a paycheck. As our business or ministry grows, it is important to re-evaluate on a regular basis to continue bringing loyal staff and employees up toward their market value. I don’t think there is a godly business or ministry leader out there who wouldn’t like to pay everyone more.
On the other hand, there is the tension as an employee/staff member to always be worth more than what you are being paid. This is a principle my dad taught me throughout my life. He said, “You have entered into a contract with someone—you will exchange your work for their money. Always make sure you give them more than they paid for.” Because of that training, I have always found success as an employee. Even when the company I was working for was in the middle of layoffs, they found a way to keep me.
For those of us who lead volunteers, we must practice the same fair value principle by acknowledging efforts, giving praise, and embracing ideas. Most studies show that recognition rivals money as a motivator. Don’t be stingy in giving it where it is due. Heap praise on those around you who are exceeding expectations. Find something to praise in those who are not meeting expectations. Look for something good and don’t let it go unnoticed.
Sheryll and I look forward to the day when we, and those who work with us, are paid more in line with the market. But until then, we all have our eyes set on the bigger prize—transformed lives. I have yet to be able to put a price on that!
This is a challenging chapter, especially if you are a business owner or leader of a non-profit. Everybody makes sacrifices to get things going—I had one restaurant owner tell me it was over 2 years into their business before he ever received a paycheck. As our business or ministry grows, it is important to re-evaluate on a regular basis to continue bringing loyal staff and employees up toward their market value. I don’t think there is a godly business or ministry leader out there who wouldn’t like to pay everyone more.
On the other hand, there is the tension as an employee/staff member to always be worth more than what you are being paid. This is a principle my dad taught me throughout my life. He said, “You have entered into a contract with someone—you will exchange your work for their money. Always make sure you give them more than they paid for.” Because of that training, I have always found success as an employee. Even when the company I was working for was in the middle of layoffs, they found a way to keep me.
For those of us who lead volunteers, we must practice the same fair value principle by acknowledging efforts, giving praise, and embracing ideas. Most studies show that recognition rivals money as a motivator. Don’t be stingy in giving it where it is due. Heap praise on those around you who are exceeding expectations. Find something to praise in those who are not meeting expectations. Look for something good and don’t let it go unnoticed.
Sheryll and I look forward to the day when we, and those who work with us, are paid more in line with the market. But until then, we all have our eyes set on the bigger prize—transformed lives. I have yet to be able to put a price on that!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Axiom Chapter 8--Hire Tens
Sheryll:
Two things really jump out at me on this:
1) We, as individuals, must never be satisfied with our level of leadership. We must continually be improving our skills. This can be done by reading books, attending seminars, online searches, connecting strategically with people who are better leaders than we are, watching people lead and learning both what to do and what not to do. I think we sometimes forget that the reason for being the best leader we can be is because lives hang in the balance every day. Our goal should always be to reach as many of those people as we can. In order to have continuing influence and connection with those who have developed their skills to the 10 level, we need to be a 10! Let’s go for it!
2) Don’t be intimidated by people who seem smarter. It is sometimes human nature to back away and even get jealous of those who may have skills we don’t think we have. Look for the best for your teams and allow them to use their gifts. Of course, we will always have people at lower levels of leadership skills and that’s perfectly okay. Our job is to put people where they are best suited to serve. But look for those who are 8, 9 or 10 levels and find out what their gifts are. Always encourage everyone on your team to develop their skills. Give them ideas for books to read, share leadership tips with them on a regular basis, celebrate with them when you catch them doing their job well, encourage them to attend ARC conferences with us, etc.
Excellence draws people!!! God loves people and wants to change their eternal destiny. That’s what this is all about. Let’s go for it! Never settle for what we are not-there is always more.
Tony:
This chapter highlights that great leaders are not born, they are made. No matter what level of leadership ability we see ourselves as having, we can always become stronger. It is so important to read, to listen to teaching, and to have mentors that continually move us forward. Hybels lets us know that when we settle for less than the best in our own leadership, we are negatively affecting the whole local church. With all the excellent materials available to us today there is no excuse for settling for less than an 8 to 10 level in our leadership. Maxwell says everything rises and falls on leadership. I don’t know if that is completely true, but I do know that when it comes to teams and those around us it is definitely true. CAML will only be its strongest and best when its leaders are focused on being the best and attracting the best. The best leader in the history of the world is Jesus and He lives inside of us. Be intentional about tapping into His leadership expertise.
Let’s hear your comments.
Two things really jump out at me on this:
1) We, as individuals, must never be satisfied with our level of leadership. We must continually be improving our skills. This can be done by reading books, attending seminars, online searches, connecting strategically with people who are better leaders than we are, watching people lead and learning both what to do and what not to do. I think we sometimes forget that the reason for being the best leader we can be is because lives hang in the balance every day. Our goal should always be to reach as many of those people as we can. In order to have continuing influence and connection with those who have developed their skills to the 10 level, we need to be a 10! Let’s go for it!
2) Don’t be intimidated by people who seem smarter. It is sometimes human nature to back away and even get jealous of those who may have skills we don’t think we have. Look for the best for your teams and allow them to use their gifts. Of course, we will always have people at lower levels of leadership skills and that’s perfectly okay. Our job is to put people where they are best suited to serve. But look for those who are 8, 9 or 10 levels and find out what their gifts are. Always encourage everyone on your team to develop their skills. Give them ideas for books to read, share leadership tips with them on a regular basis, celebrate with them when you catch them doing their job well, encourage them to attend ARC conferences with us, etc.
Excellence draws people!!! God loves people and wants to change their eternal destiny. That’s what this is all about. Let’s go for it! Never settle for what we are not-there is always more.
Tony:
This chapter highlights that great leaders are not born, they are made. No matter what level of leadership ability we see ourselves as having, we can always become stronger. It is so important to read, to listen to teaching, and to have mentors that continually move us forward. Hybels lets us know that when we settle for less than the best in our own leadership, we are negatively affecting the whole local church. With all the excellent materials available to us today there is no excuse for settling for less than an 8 to 10 level in our leadership. Maxwell says everything rises and falls on leadership. I don’t know if that is completely true, but I do know that when it comes to teams and those around us it is definitely true. CAML will only be its strongest and best when its leaders are focused on being the best and attracting the best. The best leader in the history of the world is Jesus and He lives inside of us. Be intentional about tapping into His leadership expertise.
Let’s hear your comments.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Chapter 7 AXIOM
Chapter Seven Axiom
Sheryll:
I love that it never occurred to Paul not to go to Jerusalem. He had heard clearly from God and what else was there? Paul was totally sold out to God’s vision for His people and there were no other options. I want to be like that. It seems to me as though Paul was able to do that because he had taken sole ownership of the vision. It didn’t matter to him who agreed with him, who was with him. He was an owner and he must go. We can be totally in love with God and still not be an owner. Loving God is step one, but loving what He loves, taking ownership of it, is what will take us from a hireling to an owner. Let’s always find out what He loves and go for it.
Tony:
Each of us has probably already been at the crossroads Hybels talks about on page 37. And, as leaders, we will come to it again. However, we get to decide how often we come to that crossroad. If we are not sold out to the vision God has given us and those we are doing life with, those crossroads will come often. If we will make the decision that we are in this for the long haul, even life, then the crossroads will occur less in our lives. The more variables we allow to effect our commitment to the vision, the more we move toward hireling. Variables like recognition, work required, team members who quit, etc.
There are also indicators to tell us when we are drifting toward hireling and away from owner: walking past a piece of trash instead of picking it up, arriving late and leaving early, looking for ways to avoid continually connecting with new people, or becoming so absorbed in “my team” I lose touch with what is going on with the church.
Dana pointed out how important it is to treat the people we lead like owners and not hirelings. Take ownership of God's vision for our church and your life. Encourage those you lead to move from hireling to owner. Let’s be finishers.
Let’s hear your comments.
Sheryll:
I love that it never occurred to Paul not to go to Jerusalem. He had heard clearly from God and what else was there? Paul was totally sold out to God’s vision for His people and there were no other options. I want to be like that. It seems to me as though Paul was able to do that because he had taken sole ownership of the vision. It didn’t matter to him who agreed with him, who was with him. He was an owner and he must go. We can be totally in love with God and still not be an owner. Loving God is step one, but loving what He loves, taking ownership of it, is what will take us from a hireling to an owner. Let’s always find out what He loves and go for it.
Tony:
Each of us has probably already been at the crossroads Hybels talks about on page 37. And, as leaders, we will come to it again. However, we get to decide how often we come to that crossroad. If we are not sold out to the vision God has given us and those we are doing life with, those crossroads will come often. If we will make the decision that we are in this for the long haul, even life, then the crossroads will occur less in our lives. The more variables we allow to effect our commitment to the vision, the more we move toward hireling. Variables like recognition, work required, team members who quit, etc.
There are also indicators to tell us when we are drifting toward hireling and away from owner: walking past a piece of trash instead of picking it up, arriving late and leaving early, looking for ways to avoid continually connecting with new people, or becoming so absorbed in “my team” I lose touch with what is going on with the church.
Dana pointed out how important it is to treat the people we lead like owners and not hirelings. Take ownership of God's vision for our church and your life. Encourage those you lead to move from hireling to owner. Let’s be finishers.
Let’s hear your comments.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Bold Move
Axiom—Chapter 6: Bold Move
Sheryll:
The difference between maintaining and exploding-it takes bold moves to go where God wants to take us. In our human minds, we may not see the big picture. God has huge plans that taking baby steps will never lead us to. We must be willing to make bold moves, in spite of the obstacles, to be able to celebrate the victories God has in store.
We have seen so many bold moves in our daily Bible readings-it is a bold move for a few men to go up against thousands; it is a bold move for a little girl to agree to give birth to the Savior of the world; it was an incredibly bold move for one Man to say He would die on a cross, descend to Hell and come back with the keys to life and victory. Bold moves change the world forever. Let’s be a people who are always listening to God as He tells us what our next bold move will be.
Tony:
I remember hearing a teacher years ago say, “Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.” As leaders, we must always be assessing the effectiveness of what we are doing. Jesus put it this way, “You can tell a tree by the fruit.” Are the things we are doing producing the right kind of fruit? Are we getting the kind of harvest we believe God wants? If not, we must be willing to make some bold moves or we end up in a rut or becoming stale. It is easier to just keep doing what we are doing, especially if it has seen some success. But our God is a bold, audacious, dynamic God, always on the move. If we are going to lead effectively, we must keep pace with Him. Learn to continually challenge your processes and you’ll find out that it is a lot more fun to lead than maintain.
Let's hear your comments.
Sheryll:
The difference between maintaining and exploding-it takes bold moves to go where God wants to take us. In our human minds, we may not see the big picture. God has huge plans that taking baby steps will never lead us to. We must be willing to make bold moves, in spite of the obstacles, to be able to celebrate the victories God has in store.
We have seen so many bold moves in our daily Bible readings-it is a bold move for a few men to go up against thousands; it is a bold move for a little girl to agree to give birth to the Savior of the world; it was an incredibly bold move for one Man to say He would die on a cross, descend to Hell and come back with the keys to life and victory. Bold moves change the world forever. Let’s be a people who are always listening to God as He tells us what our next bold move will be.
Tony:
I remember hearing a teacher years ago say, “Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.” As leaders, we must always be assessing the effectiveness of what we are doing. Jesus put it this way, “You can tell a tree by the fruit.” Are the things we are doing producing the right kind of fruit? Are we getting the kind of harvest we believe God wants? If not, we must be willing to make some bold moves or we end up in a rut or becoming stale. It is easier to just keep doing what we are doing, especially if it has seen some success. But our God is a bold, audacious, dynamic God, always on the move. If we are going to lead effectively, we must keep pace with Him. Learn to continually challenge your processes and you’ll find out that it is a lot more fun to lead than maintain.
Let's hear your comments.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Casting Vision
Axiom-Chapter 5
Tony and Sheryll:
This is a great chapter. Our favorite line in the whole book is “Cancel your career…”. The Bible makes it very clear how important vision is and how important it is to cast vision with clarity and passion. If we are not passionate about the vision, those we are leading will not be either. And the vision of the local church is the most powerful and exciting vision possible. How could we not be excited about it? It is God’s plan for the world and He has given us the privilege of partnering with Him in it.
Our job as leaders is to make sure the passion we feel for what we are doing is transferred to those we are leading. When I arrived at our campus early Sunday morning and it was already buzzing with volunteers who were happily giving up their off day morning, it was obvious we are doing a good job of casting the vision with passion and excitement. They were there because they believe they are changing the world with what they do. Make sure your team members never minimize their gifts and talents as they serve the Lord. Everything counts and everything moves us forward toward God’s dream.
Let's hear your comments.
Tony and Sheryll:
This is a great chapter. Our favorite line in the whole book is “Cancel your career…”. The Bible makes it very clear how important vision is and how important it is to cast vision with clarity and passion. If we are not passionate about the vision, those we are leading will not be either. And the vision of the local church is the most powerful and exciting vision possible. How could we not be excited about it? It is God’s plan for the world and He has given us the privilege of partnering with Him in it.
Our job as leaders is to make sure the passion we feel for what we are doing is transferred to those we are leading. When I arrived at our campus early Sunday morning and it was already buzzing with volunteers who were happily giving up their off day morning, it was obvious we are doing a good job of casting the vision with passion and excitement. They were there because they believe they are changing the world with what they do. Make sure your team members never minimize their gifts and talents as they serve the Lord. Everything counts and everything moves us forward toward God’s dream.
Let's hear your comments.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Axiom Chapter 4
Axiom—Chapter 4
Sheryll:
Once again, this chapter reinforces being a proactive rather than reactive ministry. For example, team leaders need to be expanding their teams NOW for the fall growth season.
The Church needs to be a shining example of the love of Jesus. When we aren’t prepared for those He sends through our doors, we do damage to His people. We, as leaders, need to always be thinking of not only this week and month, but next month and next year. We should:
Be:
God-oriented
People-oriented
Detail-oriented
Tony:
Chapter 4 is about being strategic. Being finishers and big picture people who get excited about lives being transformed and sustaining that transformation by being prepared.
Jesus teaches 4 laws of harvest:
1: See the harvest
2: Go into the harvest
3: Have the right tools for the harvest
4: Have a safe place to bring the harvest
This chapter is all about making sure we have #4 right. If we do the first 3 right and blow it on #4, we blow it and make all the hard work of no avail. It is not enough to be a great place to invite our friends, family and associates. We must make sure we are a great place for them to stay. That’s why the details are so important.
2 Corinthians 6:1 Message—“…Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details…”
Let’s hear your comments.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Axiom-Week 3
We were unable to post last week due to a wonderful vacation in a place with very limited phone or internet access. So here is our post for Chapter 3. Hope you are enjoying the book.
Sheryll: This is proactive instead of reactive. Proactive leaders make their teams feel safe by defining the seasons. If a leader is able to correctly identify the current season, that leader will be able to identify the next season and help equip the team for that season. Knowing the seasons empowers the leader to be strategic. For example, recognizing the summer months for a church as an opportunity to strengthen your existing core and identify new team members prepares us for the multiplication season that comes with the end of summer and fall. This also provides stability and gives no place to fear and worry. We recognize that attendance will be more sporadic during the vacation months, yet we still will grow, and prepare for the visible growth months coming soon.
Tony: Think about taking a group on a trip but not knowing where you were going or how to get there. The group would not be very comfortable, and you probably wouldn’t be very confident in your leadership. When we seek God’s wisdom on the seasons we are in and those coming, we are able to provide the information needed to put those we lead at ease and to make us more confident in our decision making process. Never assume that just because you recognize the season, that others will too. I have found that many times people are waiting on the leaders to identify what is going on, just like they would wait on the group leader to provide directions for a journey. Expect God to reveal the seasons to you as you seek Him. He wants us to lead effectively, not wander around. For us as a church, we are in a season of "core strengthening." During the summer months we need to focus on making the core of our teams stronger. This is a great time to have some team parties, read a book or listen to a teaching series together, etc. Toward the end of August and the start of September, the pace will quicken and you will be glad you spent the summer strengthening your team.
Sheryll: This is proactive instead of reactive. Proactive leaders make their teams feel safe by defining the seasons. If a leader is able to correctly identify the current season, that leader will be able to identify the next season and help equip the team for that season. Knowing the seasons empowers the leader to be strategic. For example, recognizing the summer months for a church as an opportunity to strengthen your existing core and identify new team members prepares us for the multiplication season that comes with the end of summer and fall. This also provides stability and gives no place to fear and worry. We recognize that attendance will be more sporadic during the vacation months, yet we still will grow, and prepare for the visible growth months coming soon.
Tony: Think about taking a group on a trip but not knowing where you were going or how to get there. The group would not be very comfortable, and you probably wouldn’t be very confident in your leadership. When we seek God’s wisdom on the seasons we are in and those coming, we are able to provide the information needed to put those we lead at ease and to make us more confident in our decision making process. Never assume that just because you recognize the season, that others will too. I have found that many times people are waiting on the leaders to identify what is going on, just like they would wait on the group leader to provide directions for a journey. Expect God to reveal the seasons to you as you seek Him. He wants us to lead effectively, not wander around. For us as a church, we are in a season of "core strengthening." During the summer months we need to focus on making the core of our teams stronger. This is a great time to have some team parties, read a book or listen to a teaching series together, etc. Toward the end of August and the start of September, the pace will quicken and you will be glad you spent the summer strengthening your team.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Axiom--week 2
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?”
Let's hear your comments. When you post one, take the time to send a tweet so we can all know to come here and check it out.
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?”
Let's hear your comments. When you post one, take the time to send a tweet so we can all know to come here and check it out.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Language Matters
(Tony)
Good chapter to start a book on leadership axioms. As leaders, our tools are ideas and visions. We must learn to convey those ideas in ways that attract and empower the most people, whether I am trying to put together a softball team or a multi-national corporation. Sometimes I will be trying to explain something to Sheryll and I know she is not getting it because I can’t come up with the right words. I’ll jokingly say, “I understand what I am saying.” There’s our biggest task as leaders, taking the idea from our understanding and translating it in a way that will reach the biggest percentage of those listening. Right now, we are working on Dream Team 401 for our Growth Track. Team leaders are having it define their teams. If we define them effectively, we will empower more people to join our teams and find fulfillment in pursuing their God-given ministries. As a result, our church will be more effective and God’s dreams for West Georgia will move closer to reality. For instance, if I was a new member with computer skills but just felt drawn to the Prayer Team. I’m not comfortable with praying, but just seem to be attracted to that team. When Shonna takes the time to use language that clearly defines the tasks of her team she identifies an opportunity for someone to create powerpoint presentations for the Prayer Explosions. I see a place for me on the team, join, learn how to pray, and the world is changed. All because a leader took the time to use language to open a door as wide as possible.
(Sheryll)
I think an important point Hybels makes is the need to use our words to effectively lead others, even when challenging or correcting. Sometimes we shy away from this, but it is one of the most important things we can do for those we lead. We are not serving them when we watch them live below their potential. They have asked us to lead them when they join our teams. We are not being nice or doing them any favors when we refuse to lead them if it means challenging or correcting. They have placed their destiny, their gifts, in our hands. When we learn to effectively use life-giving language to challenge and correct, we are empowering those we lead to experience real satisfaction and fulfillment. When our leadership language helps others excel, it will affect every area of their life—from home to career to leisure. Let’s be leaders who craft our words to take others to higher levels. One of the greatest joys of leadership is seeing those you serve experience a richer and more satisfying life because you were not afraid to lead them.
Let's hear your comments.
Good chapter to start a book on leadership axioms. As leaders, our tools are ideas and visions. We must learn to convey those ideas in ways that attract and empower the most people, whether I am trying to put together a softball team or a multi-national corporation. Sometimes I will be trying to explain something to Sheryll and I know she is not getting it because I can’t come up with the right words. I’ll jokingly say, “I understand what I am saying.” There’s our biggest task as leaders, taking the idea from our understanding and translating it in a way that will reach the biggest percentage of those listening. Right now, we are working on Dream Team 401 for our Growth Track. Team leaders are having it define their teams. If we define them effectively, we will empower more people to join our teams and find fulfillment in pursuing their God-given ministries. As a result, our church will be more effective and God’s dreams for West Georgia will move closer to reality. For instance, if I was a new member with computer skills but just felt drawn to the Prayer Team. I’m not comfortable with praying, but just seem to be attracted to that team. When Shonna takes the time to use language that clearly defines the tasks of her team she identifies an opportunity for someone to create powerpoint presentations for the Prayer Explosions. I see a place for me on the team, join, learn how to pray, and the world is changed. All because a leader took the time to use language to open a door as wide as possible.
(Sheryll)
I think an important point Hybels makes is the need to use our words to effectively lead others, even when challenging or correcting. Sometimes we shy away from this, but it is one of the most important things we can do for those we lead. We are not serving them when we watch them live below their potential. They have asked us to lead them when they join our teams. We are not being nice or doing them any favors when we refuse to lead them if it means challenging or correcting. They have placed their destiny, their gifts, in our hands. When we learn to effectively use life-giving language to challenge and correct, we are empowering those we lead to experience real satisfaction and fulfillment. When our leadership language helps others excel, it will affect every area of their life—from home to career to leisure. Let’s be leaders who craft our words to take others to higher levels. One of the greatest joys of leadership is seeing those you serve experience a richer and more satisfying life because you were not afraid to lead them.
Let's hear your comments.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Welcome
Hi everyone, Sheryll and I will be blogging each week especially for leaders. Our hope is this will prove an easy and beneficial way for you to hear our heart as together we lead the best church in the world. You don't have to comment on each blog, but we would love your to hear your thoughts and ideas each week as we discuss different aspects of being great servants who have been given an opportunity to lead. Starting next week, we will be discussing a chapter a week from Bill Hybels book "Axiom". If you don't have it yet, get a copy this week and let's read through it together. It is an easy read with some great leadership stuff in it. I encourage you to resist the temptation to read it all the way through and let's read it together one chapter a week and share our thoughts here. Also, if you have not registered for our leadership connect group that will meet on Sunday nights in June at 7 PM, we encourage you to do so. This will be a 4 week small group, with childcare provided, that will meet in the Cafe Seating Area for about an hour. We will be sharing what we believe to be the most important things we have learned about leadership. Hope to see you there and welcome to our blogosphere.
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