LifeVesting » Principle of Increase

Come Stand by the Fire

Andy Wood — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:52:29 +0000

As long as people have searched for direction, worshipped their Creator, and looked for language to express their passion and warmth, we have returned again and again to stand by the fire.

The fire was an agent of God’s guidance and an ongoing expression of worship in the days of the tabernacle. And we kept returning to stand by the fire.

A refiner and cleansing agent of the hearts of men, the fire was a symbol of God’s hatred for sin and an affirmation for the prophets who spoke His truth. And again and again, we kept returning to stand by the fire.

The fire was a weapon of God’s voice, a light in the darkness, and an expression of hospitality and welcome. And from the dark places and lonely spaces, still we kept coming to stand by the fire.

The fire revealed a passion for God’s word in our bones, the baptism of the believer, the instrument of God’s testing, and the piercing gaze of the risen Christ. And out of desperation or terror, love or longing, still we kept coming to stand by the fire.

And even today the Spirit and Bride invite you to come. To be warmed and convicted and cleansed and restored and pure as you stand by the fire.

Come stand by the fire, and feel the sweet warmth of His presence and love as you call on His name. Good-bye isolation! No more shame and wandering. Let go of and run from the dark lie of loneliness – face and embrace the bright truth that wherever you are, there He is.

Come stand by the fire, and enjoy the delight of the simple things in life again – the warmth, and the wood, and the air that converge to make life-changing energy. The crackle of mystery, nature’s first symphony, beckons you back from a world of complexity. Be still. Breathe. Know He is God.

Come stand by the fire, and experience again the passion that flows from a heart’s first love. Let your heart come alive with a blazing and jealous desire many waters can’t quench. Turn away from the blasphemy of apathy and feel again, feel again, feel again what it’s like for your soul to be swept away.

Come stand by the fire, and dare to reveal your lost places to those who can help. Don’t run when they ask you to come a bit closer so they can see clearer just who you are. Just remember they’re gazing through fire that’s blazing away your transgressions and revealing those blind spots that all of us have.

Come stand by the fire, and send a loud signal to all who are lost and who need to be found – that this is the truth they are desperate for. “Light of the world” – that’s what Jesus declared you to be – you’re a city that’s set on a hill. And just as the lighthouse both serves as a warning and beacon of hope to the ships in the night, so you are the voice to the lost and the rudderless, pointing with boldness that Jesus is light.

Come stand by the fire, and rest in the safety that comes from His watch against the wolves in the dark. He is the door to the sheep who are helpless (and that’s you, just in case you’ve forgotten your need). Rest in his care for you. Trust in his love for you. Angels are guarding you. He’s the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the peace and protection of all who are His.

Come stand by the fire and receive the direction that calls to you in the dark nights of the soul. Sometimes the limits of faith will be tested. Sometimes the light will seem distant and flickering – just keep on following light you’ve been given. He’s faithful to know you, so faithful to lead you, so faithful to see you, so faithful to feed you. So follow the light and make darkness the liar – receive and believe and come stand by the fire.

Come stand by the fire, and follow the pull of the spellbinding gravity inside the flame. Just as we find ourselves lost in the wonder of watching the embers and coals in their burning, we also are yearning to witness His working and worship and fascinate – celebrate, fascinate – celebrate. Working and worship and fascinate – celebrate, fascinate – celebrate.

Come stand by the fire, and embrace the sweet fellowship, love and support of the friends of the flame. Though broken in places, we all know what grace is. And our declaration of faith isn’t based on self-righteousness, self-love or self-anything. We stand side-by-side because once we had Fallen and Jesus – Redeemer – descended as low as it took to lift all us out of the pit. And now with a heart set ablaze by His tenderness, we’re reaching out in His name to the weary, the broken, the hopeful, the wandering – Come from the darkness, get free from the danger, be still in His love –

Come stand by the fire.

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Who’s On Your SWOT Team?

Andy Wood — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:50:23 +0000

They called their hangout at Chip’s place the Land of O.Z. Not because there were witches, wizards, or munchkins there, but because whenever Chip, Blake and Tony got together, the ideas would start flying. And they were living in the Opportunity Zone.

The three friends met in the dorm at their university, and were all business majors. And they were dreamers. Entrepreneurial types, always looking for the next big idea or opportunity.

In the Land of O.Z., no idea was considered taboo. These friends would dream and scheme, design and research, test and toss away ideas before breakfast was done. They even tried one or two, mostly for fun. Not much happened.

Their big opportunity came when they anticipated the emergence of smart phones and the apps that drove them. This would be their surefire thing – what the Internet boom (and bust) had meant to the 1990s. They would establish a software design company that specialized in apps for iPhones.

A year later, Wizard of Apps was more or less history, and the friends-for-life had moved on.

Why?

Because they never could take their eyes off the Land of O.Z. long enough to focus on one idea. They never wanted to listen to anybody who asked the discouraging questions (“dream stealers” they called them). They never had the patience to actually learn app design or the money to hire somebody who could do it for them. And they never had the humility to take a sober look at what was missing in their ideas, habits, or skill sets.

Nothing wrong with the dream. Everything wrong with the team.

A Mirror and a Telescope

One of the most commonly-used techniques for planning or assessing an organization (or the idea for an organization) is the famous SWOT analysis. In case you never had to do one at school, work, or your church/nonprofit, here’s how it works:

“SWOT” stands for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.” Strengths and weaknesses are those factors within the organization or the idea. Opportunities and Threats are factors outside the organization – things like competitors, market factors, technology, government regulations, the economy, etc. All four are important for leaders and organizations to understand.

A well-done SWOT analysis serves as a good mirror for a team or organization. It helps us understand what we do well – what our genius is – and what we do poorly. That helps us decide how to approach those factors in future planning.

An accurate SWOT is also a good telescope, helping leaders and team members peer into the future by anticipating changes in the world around them. Again, that helps us position ourselves.

Oh, and even if you never experience this in organizational life, SWOTs are good things to explore about yourself, your work, or your ideas.

What’s Your SWOT Personality?

Did you know you have a SWOT personality? I believe you do.

Here’s what I mean by that. At any given time, any of us could focus on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities or threats. But being the creatures of habit that we are, we tend to focus on the one or more things that energize us the most. This is usually based on our “real” personality, skill set, or sometimes even spiritual gifts.

Let me show you what I mean. The Land of O.Z. dudes mentioned above were obviously wired to search out Opportunities. People like this (and I consider myself to be one of them) can go through ideas like Sherman through Georgia. They get energized by ideas. Their ideas. Your ideas. Doesn’t matter. Want some ideas? Talk to one of these people and they can give you half a dozen before the conversation is done. These are the entrepreneurs, the consultants, the church planters, the inventors. They are the creative types who take pleasure in the beauty of their dreams, even if the dreams never materialize.

Other people are energized by excellence. These are the Strengths finders. They focus on performance – calling out genius in others and perfection in themselves. They are the trainers, the drill sergeants, the coaches, the motivators, who recognize and develop excellence in themselves and others. Then they take that excellence to the next level. They have no patience for working on weaknesses – their leadership mantra is, “Work in your strengths and staff to your weaknesses.” They have a bias for action and get-it-done focus when they’re operating in the zone of their genius and gifts.

Threats-oriented people are energized by security. They are vigilant for signs of danger – to themselves, to their organizations, even to their country. They live in a world of what-could-be, and with the right perspective can offer enormous protection. These are the people who stay awake all night making sure you sleep in safety. They are the actuaries, the analysts, the risk management people, the police officers, the professional worriers. On teams or in organizations, sometimes they come across like bad news bears because they always seem to be focused on what could go wrong. But the worst thing you could ever hear one of these people say is, “I told you so!”

And then some people – the Weakness-oriented people – are energized by improvement. They are uniquely gifted at pointing out what’s wrong or what’s missing from a situation. They tell you when the pastor should have said “Jeremiah” instead of “Elijah” three times in the sermon or why there’s a ping in your engine. They love to improve everything – marriages, people, organizations, contraptions. These are the fixers, the mechanics, the managers, and the marriage counselors. Sometimes misunderstood as being too critical, Improvers are simply using their expertise to make things or people or teams better. And doesn’t everybody want to hear how they can do something better?

Building a SWOT Team

Want to lead for the long haul? Better make sure the planners and doers on your team are wired differently than you.

The temptation in leadership is to surround ourselves with people who think, act, and choose just like us. That is a recipe for disaster. Each of the four SWOT perspectives – I call them the Performer, the Improver, the Dreamer, and the Protector – can offer tremendous value to your team or organization. But only when they are partnered and balanced by the other perspectives.

Put a bunch of dreamers-only together, and you’ll get our Wizards of Apps. Long on possibilities, short on execution and follow-through.

A team of nothing but performers becomes a team of specialists and lightning rods, with gaping holes in needed talent and an often reckless disregard for wisdom and safety.

A team composed of Improvers-only becomes a nitpick brigade, micromanaging everything, training themselves into obsolescence, and never actually doing anything.

A team composed only of Protectors lives in a mental bunker of their own making, where every decision is based on the least predictable calamity or disaster.

But something magical happens when opposites attract and choose to come together as a team. Ideas are generated, protected, executed, and improved upon. Valid concerns are anticipated with fresh ideas, relentless improvement, and excellent execution. Extraordinary talent becomes future focused, nimble to changes, and open to improvement. And cautious analysts are exposed to a world alive with possibility and fraught with danger – yet they are called to take action because they come to understand – it’s always easier to steer a car that’s moving than one that’s sitting still.

Learn your SWOT style. And surround yourself with people who are annoyingly different. When all is said and done, you may be the team that does exploits.

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Run to the Battle!

Andy Wood — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:23:06 +0000

If you intend to be successful in any area of life, sooner or later you are going to have to have to fight for it. I wish I could tell you that being intentional (a popular darling word) was enough. But it isn’t.

I wish I could prove to you that some simple formula – here a step, there a technique, everywhere a quick-and-easy procedure – would guarantee the fulfillment of your fondest hopes. Can’t do it.

I wish I could assure you that if it was really hard, or lonely, or dangerous, that the idea was certainly not God’s will. If that were true, the Almighty’s got some ‘slpainin’ to do with some people who are now in heaven.

But the truth is, sooner or later, you’re going to have to fight for your family. Or for your testimony. Or for your walk with God. Sooner or later you’re going to have to fight for answered prayer. Yes, answered prayer! Or the advancement of the gospel. Or the safety of one of the world’s most endangered species – American children.

Sometimes when you run to the battlefield you may discover that you are the only one standing there. You may find that you’re surrounded by taunting enemies, and for backup you have a bunch of gossips, critics and spectators – but nobody willing to draw a sword or raise a shield with you.

Still think that cause is worth the fight? David did.

In the familiar story of David and Goliath, the young man after God’s own heart – newly empowered and anointed by the Spirit of God – brought a giant to his knees while the army of the living God looked on in disbelief. What was the difference between David and the rest of the army of Israel? Didn’t they have the same power available to them? Yes. Didn’t they have the same God? Yes. So what did David have that they didn’t?

In the life of David, there was a difference in:

1. Company

When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear. (1 Samuel 17:24).

David hadn’t been surrounded with fear and discouragement for 40 days. Fear is contagious, and so is discouragement. If you are going to fight God’s battles with God’s power, you’d better pay careful attention to the company you keep. Not only should you avoid ungodly influences, I’m suggesting there are some Christians you shouldn’t hang out with.

2. Observation

Now the Israelites had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel….” David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel?” (v. 25-26).

David wasn’t intimidated by the size of his enemies. He had a difference in perspective. To everyone else, he was too big to hit. To David, he was too big to miss. Over and over again in the Bible, the people God used were those who were willing to see the situation from a different perspective.

3. Understanding

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? (v. 26).

David responded to a higher purpose. The army saw itself as Saul’s army. David saw them as the armies of the living God. The army saw a fight with Goliath as an opportunity to get wealth, prestige, and marriage in the king’s family. David saw it as a fight for God’s honor. Authentic victory requires a cause worth fighting for that reaches beyond personal gratification – something this generation has made an idol out of.

4. Reflection

Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (v. 36-37).

David had never been trained in battle. But he received encouragement from past victories as a shepherd. His army buddies had the same opportunity to be encouraged, but didn’t take advantage of it.

This was the army of the God who had parted the Red Sea, but you didn’t hear anybody here talking about the Red Sea.

This was the army of the God of Joshua, who marched around Jericho seven times. But nobody mentioned Jericho.

This was the army of the God of Samson, who killed a thousand Philistine with a donkey’s jawbone, but nobody was talking about Samson.

One thing I know about you – you are not winless! And God wants to use your past victories to encourage you to fight again!

5. Assurance

David wasn’t discouraged by personal criticism. And it’s a good thing because like anybody who is willing to lay it all on the line, he had his share of it. His brother attacked his motives. The king questioned his experience. The giant laughed at his appearance – so much that he never pulled out his sword. None of that discouraged David – not even his judgmental big brother. If anything, his critics only increased his zeal.

6. Goals

“and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” 1 Samuel 17:46-47

The reason the vast majority of God’s army stayed away from the battlefield was that they had impotent goals. The same is true for you. They were fighting for the king, or for what was in it for them. Nice ideas, but not enough to stand up to a giant anything. David, on the other hand, was fighting for God’s glory and the faith of Israel. His eye was on the battlefield, but his heart was as big as the world.

7. Expectation

Nine times in one episode, David used the word, will. I will. The Lord will. Then all the world will. David honestly expected to win, because his confidence was in the Lord.

In the kingdom, there is a tendency for you to receive not what you deserve, or what you wish for, but exactly what you expect. Remember those haunting words of Jesus? “According to your faith be it unto you.” Or of Job? “That which I feared greatly has come upon me.” Right now, for better or worse, you are in the process of reaping your faith-driven expectations, no matter who or what your faith is actually in.

Look back over that list again. What was it David had that no one else did? C.O.U.R.A.G.E.

And where does courage come from?

Company that encourages confidence in God.
Observation that gives a God-sized perspective on circumstances.
Understanding of Who it is you’re really fighting for.
Reflection on the past victories as models for future success.
Assurance in the face of personal criticism.
Goals that as great as God’s glory and His love for the world.
Expectation of ultimate victory.

Courage. Isn’t it time that you, in faith, dared to show a little? David had to start with a thick-headed, trash-talking giant. Who or what is defying you?

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31 Online Spiritual Growth Resources

Andy Wood — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:49:44 +0000

Looking for ways to kick-start your spiritual growth this year? Or perhaps gather ideas and resources for leading others in their spiritual growth? Check out some of the sites listed here.

I had some help with this one. Recently a group of students I was working with searched the Web to evaluate and identify their favorite websites for spiritual growth and discipleship. They evaluated the overall effectiveness of the sites they selected and considered how they could use the site in the future.

I was so delighted with the variety and enthusiasm they brought to the project, I thought I’d put together a master list and share it with you. The brief, edited comments about the sites are mostly from one or more of the students.

Okay, here’s the official disclaimer: I haven’t evaluated all these sites in detail.

Here’s official disclaimer #2: While these are presumed to be doctrinally sound, you won’t have to look far to find people from different traditions, theological stripes, or whatever on the same list. Use your Bible and your brain (in that order).

For lack of a better plan, I’m listing these in alphabetical order. Let me know what you think. And PLEASE let me know if you have other suggestions. All of these sites were the result of someone doing a web search for “Christian discipleship.” There are plenty more where these came from. But check these out first:

BibleGateway.com

A searchable Bible available in multiple versions in multiple languages, the site also has a tool that allows side-by-side comparisons of the versions of the user’s choice. It is searchable by keyword and by passage, and has a tool for studying the Bible topically as well. In addition, it has audio Bibles, reading plans and devotionals. It also has several commentaries, eBooks and Dictionaries to help in one’s study. The website also offers several different newsletters via email.

Bible Study CD

Has enough resources to keep you occupied for years. A vast collection of discipleship study texts, lessons, graphics and explanations. Presents a series of five ebooks, each coming in different languages. Also has an extensive resource and tools list that includes evangelism tools, interactive discipleship lessons, apologetics training, and a collection of online Christian books.

Biblical Foundations for Freedom

More than a Christian Discipleship training ground, this site also deals with marriage, parenting, and many other topics that it labels “Life Truths.” The website is full of free training materials with books and training manuals also available for purchase. Training is categorized by beginner, intermediate, and advanced discipling.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Contains many useful tools, videos, and resources evangelism and discipleship. Under the ministries link if you go under The Greatest Journey tab you will find information about their discipleship program. The resources are easily accessible through a variety of media types.

Christian Broadcasting Network

CBN’s website was created to be interactive with its viewers and thus further educate them and nurture them in a relationship with Christ. The discipleship section website contains many helpful links that would be appropriate for any adult or young adult reader. Also has interactive videos from past episodes of The 700 Club, blogs and other articles.

Christian Discipleship

Lays down the foundation clarifying everything necessary to gain a vital understanding of what it means to become a disciple of Christ. Contains many links to extra tools and resources that can help better the discipleship process, including Bible study reference tools, devotionals, and book recommendations.

Christian Times Online

Contains a plethora of free useful tools. Page links include Bible Teachings, Christian Teen Scene, Articles, Ministries, News, Prayer, Christian Business and more. Most of the page links take you to useful articles with resources built into the writing. Beyond the page links the website offers links to other ministry pages and useful resources such as Bible Gateway, Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer.

Christianity Today International

The site functions as a hub connecting to devotionals, study materials, news, and more. Resources for leaders and new believers alike, including a vast array of Bible studies. CT also has devotional sites for men, women, married couples, and people in the workplace.

Coregroups.org

Addresses the principles of discipleship which are applicable to every candidate. Simple to navigate, easy to find the information or materials you need. Provides all resources free of charge. The free books found in the “Discipleship Resource” section are all inspired writings to promote discipleship. By clicking on “Discipleship must reads” at the bottom of that page you are directed off site to other well know authors on the subject of discipleship.

Crosswalk.com

Vast array of devotional materials from many of the most well-known pastors in the world. Also Bible reading plans with devotional components, news and commentary from a Christian perspective, movie and book reviews, and forums for idea exchanges and discussion.

Discipleshiptools.org

Numerous resources organized in a way in which you can have a definitive starting point. Useful for both the novice and the most seasoned Christian as well as having materials for both the teacher and student. Laid out to easily get to the materials you most need. It has a step-by-step, higher education style layout of curriculum from 101 through 901 and even an advanced section. Each curriculum step has a set of core subjects to learn before advancing to the next step. There are also topical subjects so that persons can quickly and easily find information that they may have questions or challenges with.

Engage

An online tool created by the Willow Creek Association. Users first take an online test (registration required), and then they receive tools and resources to help them grow in their journey. Once you join the website and complete your assessment, you complete a series of studies called “Reveal.” One unique feature is that if a church decides to purchase a license, then all the features are free to the congregation. Ultimately this site is most effective when used in conjunction with the church.

Got Questions?

The site includes answers to the most often asked questions concerning God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Christian life in general. If one is unable to find an answer to their particular question, there is a place to submit your question answerable via e-mail. In addition to the top frequently asked questions section, there are multiple links to other Christian based websites.

Growing in Christ

The site’s mission states, “We would like to provide you with a good set of tools to help you develop a firm foundation for your Christian faith. Each of these items is essential to help us develop a balanced Christian life.”

Jesus Walk: Beginning the Journey

An effective disciple training tool for new converts who understand the necessity of spiritual formation for a successful walk with Christ. The site also effectively meets the disciplinary needs of believers who have experienced some level of maturity in their walk but desire to go further.

Leadership Network

Provides training focused on three aspects, which are: connecting, innovating, and multiplying. Challenges leaders to take action in the place where God has called them. Offers three main categories: blog, programs, and resources. In each one of them the user can find a wide variety of tools and leadership programs for the ministry.

Lifeway

Offers a wide variety of low-cost biblically-based materials aimed at helping Christians grow. Also has free resources that are available to read or available on request.

Man in the Mirror

Resources for men and those in churches who minister to men. Contains small group studies, articles, and resources for building a men’s ministry in local churches.

Mars Hill

The Teaching Resources contains messages and resources by Pastor Rob Bell, study guides to various books for small group use, and instruction about various classic spiritual disciplines and practices. “Bearing Witness” allows you to share your testimony and read others’ testimonies on the site.

Ministry Tools Resource Center

A non-denominational website designed “for the purpose of equipping believers and followers of Jesus Christ for ministry.” Offers training materials on a very wide range of topics from Prayer to Shepherding to Worship. Also has well developed resources to assist individuals in determining their spiritual gifts. Most of the basic information on this website is free.

Monvee

Users must first take an online assessment and then they are given a unique spiritual roadmap to assist them on their journey. Expressly designed to help church leadership connect to their congregation and take someone from accepting Christ to becoming a deeply committed believer.

New Testament Christian

Has a lot to offer the user that wants to explore different articles on discipleship. They offer layer after layer of printed content, numerous videos and external content links to follow for more in-depth study of every topic. Offers study guides, daily devotionals and reading plan as well as links to other websites on topics such as Christian books and music.

Pastors Webpage

From Pastor Rick Warren, this site provides tools for leaders and pastors around the world. The pastor’s toolbox link helps the user connect with other ministries from all over the United States, and provides videos, a weekly free resource, depending on the season of the year, with a great amount of material.

Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) maintains an extremely comprehensive set of resources that cover global evangelism, apologetics, spiritual disciplines, and general training. Discipleship resources are largely free of charge. Resources are professionally produced and available in a variety of formats for appeal to the widest audience possible.

Renovare

Founded by Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline, “Renovare promotes a balanced vision and practical strategy of spiritual renewal to encourage individuals and churches to develop renewed, sustainable, and enriched spiritual lives.” The website contains a wealth of material, both for sale and free, related to corporate worship, renewal and discipling.

Sacred Charge

Requires registration to gain full access to the site. Once the reader accepts “the sacred charge,” which is a call to live a lifestyle of prayer, fasting and pursuit of the Lord, a whole world of discipleship tools are opened up. This includes links to resources, prayer gathering locations and times, articles, e-school curriculum, members, groups, forums, etc. The resource section is full of free sermons, lectures and a variety of teaching collections surrounding spiritual disciplines and Christian discipleship.

Sammy Tippit Ministries

In addition to information about Sammy Tippit’s various ministries, the site contains substantial devotionals, past broadcasts available via iTunes, and an area for encouragement which linked to a classics library, past revival messages, and information on prayer.

Simple Discipleship

From the site: “a values-based simple church discipleship process that helps church leaders effectively design the disciple-making ministries of the church. Written from a cross-denominational perspective, the process serves as an overlay or matrix providing leaders with the tools to energize and improve discipleship.” In addition to products for sale, the site offers several blog sites managed by Dr. Tom Cocklereece.

Simply Youth Ministry Tools

As the name suggests, contains tools with good biblical content, aimed at a specific niche. Offers articles and video resources aimed as helping youth ministry leaders teach, disciple, and communicate with both students and volunteers.

Verve

Contains many discipleship tools such as the “Prayer Plan,” “Suggested Books,” and the “Bible Reading Plan.” No matter whether you are someone who does not know a thing about God or, a spiritually mature Christ follower who has been living out the way for many years, you can find resources that will improve you journey to be more like Christ.

Walk This Way

An “extreme discipleship web-zine” by Cody Smith. Contains articles, offers a daily email, and other resources. Challenges readers to a discipleship process, not just a destination or program.

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Dear Cason

Andy Wood — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:46:35 +0000

You entered our world today – January 5, 2012 – a little early, but with no shortage of anticipation, excitement and joy. We have known for some time that your big brother Cohen would be sharing playing time with a little brother. But that’s not the same as being able to see you, hold you, delight in you, and brag on you to the world.

Game on.

Let the seeing-holding-delighting-bragging begin!

The world you have been born into is a strange and beautiful place. Right now in places like New Hampshire and South Carolina, Republican presidential candidates are courting actual votes of real people in primaries, after spending a year courting poll results and press attention. All of that for the privilege of challenging President Barak Obama in this November’s election.

Meanwhile, it looks like another guy named Kennedy is running for Congress, another Arab former leader is headed for a hanging trial, and another proud University of Alabama football team is playing for a national championship in a rematch of this year’s version of the Game of the Century. I know all this is new to you, but these things happen a lot. You’ll get used to it.

If ever there was someone born to be a big brother, it’s yours. I know it takes years to make the man, but Cohen is off to a great start. He’s a wonderful combination of strong and tenderhearted. He will soon show you all the tricks of the trade – like Nerf Gun fights, throwing balls of any type, handling animals, and tiptoeing around sleeping parents.

Your Daddy is quite a guy – one of the most patient, relaxed, yet caring men I have ever known. As a man, you will look back and wonder how someone could be so patient and kind.

Your Mommy is one of the smartest people you will ever know, and it’s probably a good idea if you remember that when you’re tempted to argue. She also happens to believe that the whole world would be a better place if everybody would just sleep a little more. Master that and you’ll make her day.

Both of your parents decided long ago that following and serving Jesus was not some token thing, but a lifetime passionate pursuit. You will see that in their work, their worship, their leadership, and their love and care of you and your brother. Both of them have set out to change the world in their own unique ways, and only eternity will record the differences they have made in people’s lives. You will do well to follow their example.

We need to talk about your Grammy. Hmmm. I would say her reputation precedes her, but when it comes to grandchildren, she’s always a mile ahead of her reputation, and pulling away. She will spoil you, play with you, make lots of racket with you, fill the house with pictures of you, feed you, and anything else you may need or want. She will also pray for you more than you will ever know.

Soon enough you will meet cousins, aunts, uncles, other grandparents and great-grandparents. You’re going to discover soon enough that you have a remarkable heritage and a great family. You’ll hear stories, discover trails blazed by those who have gone before you, and have opportunities to grow that will span a lifetime.

Somewhere in all that you’ll meet someone amazing named Laura Kate. That’s all I know to say to prepare you for that.

Your name means “Shining on mankind.” Mission accomplished already. You are already lighting the world of every life you touch, and there is no reason to expect anything different anytime soon.

Another variation means “Brave, vigilent.” You’ll spend a lifetime learning what that means. But my prayer for you on this day is that already the Lord would begin building in you the perception to be a watcher, and the courage to take action wherever it is needed. I also pray for you that you that you will become one of those men who knows how to give courage away to others. God knows, we need it.

Your middle name – James – is one I have carried all my life, and one that has been part of my family for generations – including your great grandfather (Cohen calls him Pipaw). James was the name of one of the first disciples of Jesus and the first Christian martyr. It was also the name of the half-brother of Jesus, who was known for his diligent prayer life. That is a great heritage – both family and biblical – to stand on and a great example to follow.

In the meantime, there’s a lot of learning and growing and playing and laughing and crying and sleeping (don’t forget the sleeping) and oohs and aaahs and something called birthdays and Christmas.

Over time you will do many things to delight us or please us or disappoint us or even break our hearts. But you will do nothing to make us love you more or love you less. Already we have set our love upon you, and regardless of your performance, there is nothing you can do to change that.

So welcome, little Shining Brave. We’re beyond joyous that you’re finally here. Now let’s have some fun.

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How Does Your Leader Make You Feel?

Andy Wood — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:54:31 +0000

Okay I need your feedback. Now. Humor me, it’s easy. Scroll down to the comments section. Or click on the article title if you’re reading this on the feed or email, then scroll down to comments.

When you get there, give me your first response to this question.

Think of someone who is in a leadership position over your life – work, church, nonprofit, political. How does that leader most often make you feel?

One word answers are fine. Diatribes are fine. Rants are fine. Gushing is allowed, too. First names are OK. Give your answer, then click “submit” and come back to the top.

I’ll wait right here.

(This is me waiting.)

Okay. Back? Let’s talk.

Regardless of whether leaders are the “get-it-done,” task-oriented type or the “we-love-each-other,” relationship-oriented type, one of the things that matters most to their leadership success is credibility. A credible leader is somebody that others would willingly follow.

Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner have been writing about that for 30 years, based on their research. One of the things they have discovered is that there is a direct connection between a leader’s credibility and how they make people feel.

And just how do credible leaders make people feel? Our research of over a thousand case studies shows 10 descriptors used most often:

Valued

Motivated

Enthusiastic

Challenged

Inspired

Capable

Supported

Powerful

Respected

Proud.

Think through your own experiences with both really good and really poor leaders. Would you say you felt some or all of those things with the good ones? Is it a safe assumption that if you had someone in authority who made you feel otherwise, you wouldn’t willingly follow them?

Now. Put on your leader’s cap (or parent cap) and start with the obvious question: How do you make your constituents feel? More importantly, regardless of the honest answers to that question, What can you do to build credibility by influencing the trust of those you lead? Here are four places to start:

1. Work on congruence.

Did you ever have a boss who said all the right things but made you feel all creepy or insecure anyway? Doubtless, one of the things missing was congruence between words and actions. Or between verbal and nonverbal communication. If you’re in leadership or aspire to be, remember – your words are only influential to the degree that they line up with your nonverbal communication or your actions. And given the choice, people will believe your actions and nonverbal communication every time.

In the words of that great leadership guru, The Fonz, when he was teaching Richie Cunningham how to intimidate, “Just once you had to have hit somebody.”

2. Think ahead.

In some cases way ahead. It’s the number one howl of people against bad leaders: What were they THINKING? And in many cases the answer is, they weren’t.

Is this vision? Partly. But vision without a plan or careful consideration of the consequences is vaporware. The more clearly you can see into the future and act prepared for it when you get there, the more you can convince people to follow you as you approach it.

3. Serve the needs of your constituents.

The hardest lesson I have ever learned about motivating people is that the sincerity of my motives or the clarity of my vision is never enough. People may respond to your call to mobilize, but they won’t necessarily respond to your motives for doing so. Both consciously and unconsciously, people respond to the direction of a leader for reasons that serve them, not the leader.

Does that make them selfish? No. Just human. And if your leadership doesn’t make them feel supported or competent or respected or needed, don’t be surprised by their lukewarm response.

4. Pursue and reward lifelong learning and excellence.

In the circles and boxes I move in, the idea of self-improvement produces four kinds of flawed responses.

Some people get on a theological high-horse about all that’s wrong with the idea of self-improvement, then go back to their hours of study and work to improve themselves.
Some people are too busy climbing to the top of their hill to improve their ability to scale mountains. After all, they have their diploma or degree – isn’t that enough?
Some people get all dreamy-eyed and can’t wait to get to that next seminar or workshop, but have no strategy for implementing all those great ideas.
Some people spend an inordinate amount of time ignoring their genius and working on their weaknesses.

Here’s a thought. Become a lifelong student of the things that you are already considered an expert at, and lead your organization to do the same. Work to make your team excellent, and yes, that means spending money for training if necessary. Learn! Grow! Yesterday’s genius is only ordinary today; tomorrow it’s irrelevant.

Keep a list of those ten feelings visible somewhere at all times. Ask yourself and others continually, “What can I do to generate that kind of response in the people I lead?”

And remember – regardless of what your leadership picture looks like today, tomorrow you have the privilege and responsibility of rewriting it.

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How Mrs. Mays Got Her Four-Year-Olds to Listen

Andy Wood — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:02:23 +0000

Jackie Mays was a legend. Maybe not everywhere, but certainly in some of the circles we roamed in when our kids were small. And to a couple of four-year-old twin girls, Mrs. Mays was larger than life.

Sending your kids off to school for the first time is a big adjustment. Especially when they’re your oldest, and they’re the ripe old age of four. Enter Mrs. Mays. Not only was she a faithful member of our church in Birmingham, she was one of the K-4 teachers at Grace Christian School. And a legendary gift she was, to both parents and their little darlings.

“Daddy, Mrs. Mays says…”

“Daddy, that’s not how Mrs. Mays…”

In Mrs. Mays’ class they learned the basics of reading and writing and that other “r.” They learned the pledges and the Star-Spangled Banner. (Cassie used to come home with that wistful, “I just love America.”) They learned to love God’s word, and learned the gospel and about heaven and hell and the price Jesus paid to snatch us from the one to take us to the other. And they had fun learning it all.

There were no assistants, aides, or volunteers. Just one amazing woman and a room full of four-year-olds, who most days sat mesmerized or did what was expected.

I want to tell you one of her not-so-secret secrets. It’ s one of the things that made Jackie Mays a teaching artist who could capture and hold the attention of her students. It was revolutionary to me at the time.

If you were talking and nobody was paying attention, and what you had to say was important, what would you do? If you’re like most people, including every teacher I’d ever had, you’d raise the volume. Say it a little louder. Emphasize a little stronger. Start naming names. Yell if you must.

But even a four-year-old instinctively knows, as Seth Godin recently pointed out, “yelling is a waste of time, regardless of how urgent the issue is.”

When Jackie wanted her class to listen, she turned herself down. Quieter. Almost whispering. Not mumbling, mind you. Clearly, energetically, passionately… she got soft. And like clockwork, it worked. Kids leaned in. Got still. Listened. Seth Godin again:

Have you ever encountered a really stressed, undertrained gate agent at an airport? She starts yelling into the microphone, strangling her words and insisting, demanding and EMPHASIZING just how urgent it is that David Johnson come to the gate immediately…

It doesn’t work, because we shut her out. Like a toddler ignoring his ever more insistent parent, it’s so easy to turn off the yelling. Just as we ignore the all caps emails, the flashing banner ad and the sirens in New York.

On the other hand, Seth says, “Whispering piques our interest and demands our attention.” Jackie Mays was a genius at it.

And so is God.

Remember the time Elijah had just about had it? Burned out, given out, and called out by a woman who was a real Jezebel, he just wanted to die. Remember what God did to reset his bearings? Standing in the mouth of a cave, past an earthquake and a whirlwind, Elijah finally heard the voice of God again… whispering.

You and I want God to yell it out. We want loud answers, clarion calls, roaring solutions, handwriting in the sky. And what’s scary to me… how many of us would have been content with the noise and the outward displays, even though they lacked the true voice of God?

But the problem is, humans are uniquely talented to filter out the loudness. And you’re no exception.

So… when God really wants to get your attention, He lowers His volume. Silent. Holy. Calm. Still. Peaceful.

Manger stuff.

Have you wondered lately why God seems so quiet? I think there’s a reason. He has something to say, and He doesn’t intend to mumble. But He does intend to be heard. And noisy hearts can’t hear on that level. So He waits for you to get some things out of your system.

The exhaustion.

The discouragement.

The rants.

The busy.

The noise – even good noise. (Reminder: The angel armies shouted out in the fields where the shepherds were. But the real glory of God in the highest was resting back in town in a feeding trough.)

Even the miracles and big displays of power.

He waits for you to be still and know. To listen for the whisper.

In all her ways of pointing my children to an educated, Jesus-filled life, that may have been Mrs. Mays’ greatest legacy. She taught them to listen for the whisper.

In the past, God spoke to our people through the prophets. He spoke at many times. He spoke in different ways. But in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one whom God appointed to receive all things. God made everything through him. The Son is the gleaming brightness of God’s glory. He is the exact likeness of God’s being. He uses his powerful word to hold all things together. He provided the way for people to be made pure from sin. Then he sat down at the right hand of the King, the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 1:1-4, NIRV).

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What To Do When You Realize You Aren’t Going to Change the World

Andy Wood — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:20:52 +0000

Change your nation instead. Or your community. Or your neighborhood. Or in those really desperate cases, change yourself.

Changing the world has become a cliché.

“This generation will change the world.”

“You have the power to change the world.”

“That [insert role of another person] you [insert action you perform] may just change the world someday.”

Maybe they can. Maybe you will. And yes, it is possible.

And no, you probably won’t. The world is mighty stingy with who it allows to change everybody on it. It just doesn’t give up control that easily. And when it does, you’re likely to wind up dead in the process. Or hated by a lot of people. Turns out many people don’t really want to be changed. Imagine that.

I’m really concerned for a lot of people – maybe you – who have been told all their lives how awesome they are, and they have been led to believe that all they need to do is show up in their awesomeness, and universal forces begin to converge to produce galactic change.

Guess what? It probably ain’t gonna happen. And in other news, my son, who works at Sears, just told me that the Kardashian Kollection just was moved to the clearance aisle. Ouch.

Unless you’re one of the less-than-one-percent who has the gifts, platform, or patience to be a revolutionary, the world is not your oyster. So what do you do if you are one of the 99%? Well, I suppose you could band together with a bunch of other frustrated people and make a scene. Demand that the world changes to suit your preferences, or at least hand over some of that money. That’ll change something, for sure – most likely your mailing address.

But who said “changing the world” is the only measure of success? When did the only two choices become “world changer” and “nobody?” Maybe what the world needs is not somebody who can revolutionize it, but somebody who can train up and nurture its kids. Maybe what the world need is not somebody who can sell a new idea (much as I love ideas), but somebody who can execute the old ones brilliantly. Maybe what the world needs is not somebody who can innovate, but somebody who can stabilize. Maybe what the world needs is not somebody with a face and body for television, but somebody with a heart and soul for quietly adding value by sitting down to dinner a few times a week with the whole family.

Boring, I know. Decidedly nonglamorous. But dripping with character.

I hope you’re young enough (I’m 53 and I think I am) to learn from the unknown monk, who wrote somewhere around A.D. 1100:

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town, and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

Yeah, I know. I’ve quit preaching and gone to meddling. But what if changing the world really did start with changing yourself? What if that brick wall you keep running into isn’t really the rich and powerful or heterosexuals or men or women or the entertainment “industry” or the Bowel Championship Series or the Democrats or the Republicans or the Federal court system or white people or illegal aliens or drug cartels or Disney or Walmart or the Yankees?

What if the brick wall is insane belief that everybody and everything but you needs to change?

What if the brick wall is the smug complacency that somehow leads you to believe that you’re entitled to happiness as you define it – just because you’re, well, you?

Grow up. Please. We need you to show us the way. There’s still time.

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The Glassblower

Andy Wood — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:51:54 +0000

Guided by a clear vision of what could be, and wisdom and skill known only to master craftsmen, the glass blower takes raw, shapeless material and goes about his work.

Molding.

Forming.

Bending.

Shaping.

A beautiful form begins taking shape, made possible by the searing flame.

If the little glass cylinders were given a vote, they’d choose to remain cool.

Comfortable.

Unbent.

Unremarkable.

But masterpieces only materialize when the clay says to the potter, “Have your own way.”

Or when stiff glass (or stiffnecked people) submits in faith to the heat of the furnace and the heart of the Creator.

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Leading Your Organization Through Conflict

Andy Wood — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:20:33 +0000

The call or opportunity to lead is a call or opportunity for conflict. I doubt if I’m the first to tell you that, but if so, well, sorry. That’s certainly true on an interpersonal or team level. It’s also true organization-wide. Whether you’re leading a church or a business, a nonprofit or an institution, a state or a nation, the bigger they are, the harder they brawl. Or squall.

If your goal is to avoid conflict at all costs, let somebody else take the leadership roles, because what you’re saying is that you don’t want to influence anybody.

Assuming you’re still reading, let’s assume that the idea of conflict hasn’t scared you off – at least not yet. I have good news. Some of the greatest demonstrations of leadership in history took place when someone rose to face the challenge of seemingly impossible conflicts. So if your organization is facing competing values and visions, wise leadership can help make it stronger and more successful than ever. If it’s true that conflict is the moment of truth in any relationship (and I think it is), then the way you lead your organization to face those conflicts sets the course of the organization, sometimes for years.

It’s important to remember that the people in your organization have brains, hearts, and feelings, just as you do. Resistance to your or the organization’s direction is a way of saying you haven’t communicated the vision clearly. Or maybe you haven’t anticipated their objections or their priorities. Maybe you have yet to earn the trust of the people. Or maybe they are insecure in the roles in which you are asking them to perform.

Here are five ways to work with – not against – the members of your organization to turn conflicts into jumping off points.

1. Harness the power of shared vision.

Everybody loves vision. Vision is exotic – romantic, in a leading kind of way. Vision is the mind’s version of the grand adventure. People want to be part of something bigger than they are. Vision is where that first happens.

Just one problem. If the leader’s vision isn’t accompanied by buy-in from constituents, then it won’t take the organization very far. In fact, if you don’t get them to buy into your vision, then you already have a conflict, even if nobody’s admitting it yet.

I think it’s time to admit a dirty little organizational secret. Vision is not the exclusive property of leaders alone. Nearly everybody has an idea of how tomorrow can be better than today in your organization. I wonder what would happen if leaders actually had a few meaningful conversations and listened to someone else’s ideas.

One of my favorite quotes of all time came from a full page ad in the Wall Street Journal back in the 80s, when Shearson-Lehman merged with American Express. The ad read,

Vision is having an acute sense of the possible. It is seeing what others cannot see. And when those with similar vision are drawn together, something extraordinary occurs.

It certainly does. When in the earliest movements of an organization’s life you can get hearts and minds together on the same vision, then the only thing left to disagree on is how to fulfill the vision.

2. Plan to avoid conflict… by planning… to have conflict.

One sure way to be undermined by conflict is to let it blow you out of the water when it happens. Far better to plan ahead. Make the conflict happen in the planning room rather than in the field. Conflicts on paper or in planning sessions may cost some time; conflict in the field or the church or the community can destroy your organization.

Ask the hard questions – heck, pay somebody to ask you the hard questions that may affect your business or church 5-10 years from now. Work out the answers between all the groups that will be affected by these potential problems. If you don’t have some conflict – at least on paper – in a strategic planning meeting, then you aren’t planning very well.

When you plan, create a process where bad ideas can crash and burn in the planning environment rather than in the real world. Once you identify what the organization is trying to accomplish, develop strategies for how you are going to get there with the least amount of conflict or danger for the organization. Identify the possible danger zones, then figure out the best way to deal with these issues. A healthy organization creates the freedom for members to voice their concerns or objections without fear of punishment or backlash.

3. Build strong teams by putting the “right people on the right seats of the bus.”

Having the right people in the right place at the right time is very important to the leader’s and the organization’s success. Organizational conflict may well be the result of good people in bad places in your organization. Sometimes it’s the result of having poisonous people in the organization at all. Then sometimes it’s just that team members aren’t functioning as a team.

Sometimes you have existing people that just need to be moved into the right area for them to excel for you or the organization. Sometimes, as my friend Steve likes to say, it’s time to “free them to explore new opportunities elsewhere.”

Always, however, the leader’s job is to make sure teams function as teams, where everyone has his role to fill, his voice to find, and his battle to fight (motivation). No one person has the perfect answer to anything. The best answers usually come from engagement, listening, constructive feedback, and looking at each negotiation as a chance to help others as well as yourself come up with positive solutions. The opposite of “team” is when a couple of people do the work and everybody else rubber-stamps their efforts and takes credit for them. Or when team members aren’t given a real say in the functioning or development of the group.

4. Build a high-trust culture that deals with problems and conflicts in a spirit of trust and community.

As mentioned in a previous post, this involves integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Integrity is when the leader lives by – and leads by – the values espoused by the organization.

Transparency means creating an open environment where your financial records and decisions are on display, and others can see through your organization and the decisions you make. An open environment that people fill they can approach leaders without fear. When your employees start whispering at the water cooler and wondering what’s next, you don’t have transparency, and you don’t have trust.

Accountability involves leaders who accept responsibility for the organization and its actions. They publicly disclose their actions, beliefs and decisions to those they lead. They explain what they are doing and why.

People won’t always agree with your leadership decisions. But they will willingly follow and do their part when they know they can trust you and the organization.

5. Fight the good fight.

Every organization has adversaries and competitors… and it’s not always who you assume it to be. Every organization should also have causes and a vision worth fighting or standing for. But there are effective and ineffective ways of doing that.

Do you know who your organization’s real competition is? Who its adversaries are? In Church World, for example, it’s a huge mistake to think of other churches as the competition. The real adversaries are whatever interferes with the faithfulness of the people. Usually that has something to do with entertainment or recreation. Southwest Airlines may advertise their free baggage handling as a poke at other air carriers. But their real competition is driving.

Does your organization have a cause? A galvanizing vision that would rally “warriors” in the organization to fight for the cause and not with each other? If your vision doesn’t awaken the warrior instinct among your “troops” because it isn’t important enough or challenging enough, then go back to step one and start over.

But assuming that is in place, then it’s incumbent on you, the leader, to have a strategy for effectively dealing with internal conflicts when they occur – especially when the conflict is with you. And if your only answer to that question uses the words “my way” and “highway,” you may be the boss, but you are no leader.

It’s an old definition of friendship – the friend is the one who walks in when everybody else is walking out. That’s true, not just of friends of people, but friends of the organization as well. And I think it’s a good defining moment for leadership. Leaders are the ones who, when organizations are at a standstill and people are bailing because of conflict, can actually walk in and make a difference. And your organization’s impossible-looking situation may well be the breeding ground for fresh leadership to emerge.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if you were that leader?