HELP

We live in an unprecedented age of accessible

And incredibly helpful resources.

THE GAP

BURNOUT

We witness leader after leader fall

From grace or hit the wall.

The challenge before us is THE GAP.  How can we take this wealth of resources and weave the useful threads into the fabric of our personal ministry leadership journeys? We will be addressing this “Help to the left, Stats to the right” issue over several blog posts. But here are some initial thoughts in answer to the question at hand:

Jesus Christ

It starts with a dynamic, intimate and organic relationship between the ministry leader and Jesus Christ. Our ideal life is gained or lost at the base of our relationship with Christ. Everything else is merely mechanics.

Life Plan

Then it requires a life plan – a mechanism to help us achieve maximum expression of Jesus Christ in every life account.

Community

Then it requires an accountability network of relationships who care enough to hold the mirror up to our blind spots and lovingly nudge us forward.

Be on the lookout for future blog posts under the category called STRONG:OLOGY and with various tags such as #RelationshipToChrist, #LifePlan, #Community…

Want to brag on God today?

What is He doing in your journey lately?

My new friend, Seth Caddell, has a place to document your bragging and sharing. He’s asked us all to “comment with something God has been teaching you through your life… as experienced”.

Whaddayasay?

Hope on over to Seth’s place and share

“I remember as a kid we’d find out a big thunderstorm was on its way. That meant one thing: head to the garage! We weren’t, however seeking shelter from the raging thunder and lightning that was soon to descend. On the contrary, the show was about to begin! We would fling open the garage door, set up the lawn chairs, and…”

This is an excerpt of my guest post over at Lyn Smith’s place. Read the entire post here. Once you are there, check out all of Lyn’s great posts.

Warren Bird recently posted a piece over at Leadership network about the power of peer groups. Here’s are some excerpts:

Does peer group involvement makes a difference among pastoral leaders? Yes, according to a major study of several thousand clergy… In academic language: pastoral leaders in peer groups reflect and shape congregations that are participatory, missional, and support their continuing education. Such leaders are also active in their self-development and self-care and are self-differentiated…  (read the entire article here)

That’s what friends are for…

Tell us about your peer group.

photo by dragonflaiii

I’m gonna come right out and ask it:

Do you have an accountability partner?

If you don’t have at least one person who is helping you stay on course for personal growth, you are in real danger. Without the help of someone else you run the risk of…

• preaching the same things all the time
• growing in laziness
• jeopardizing your health
• neglecting your kids
• deteriorating your marriage
• committing a moral failure

photo by Eric Chan

We were not meant to serve on our own. God exists in relationship – just look at the Trinity. So, why do you think you can serve in a high burnout vocation like ministry leadership and NOT have someone holding you accountable?

It’s time we did away with the negative connotation that has unfortunately been attached to the word “accountability”. It’s actually a very beautiful expression of how God designed community to operate.

Your Assignment:

1. List 3 people you admire and respect.
2. Pray over them for 2 weeks.
3. At the direction of the Holy Spirit, approach the one you feel is a possible candidate to be your accountability partner.
4. Prayerfully ask them to commit until December 31, 2011.
5. Pick one or two things you want them to hold you accountable for (start small and work up from there).
6. Schedule a regular connection (over coffee, over the phone, or even email).

Now, take a breather and watch the funny side of accountability, by The Skit Guys…

Our kids grew up on a steady diet of Sesame Street. One of the songs that we got to know pretty well went like this:

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

In your neighborhood?

In your neighborhood?

Yes, who are the people in your neighborhood?

The people that you meet each day.

We serve best in community. Ministry leadership cannot be successfully executed lone-ranger style. There are too many pitfalls.  We need a network of others who we know well and meet each day (or on a regular basis). Call it our “Accountability Neighborhood“.

Here’s what my “neighborhood” looks like so far (it’s a work in process): I send a text every Friday to my “Accountability Neighbor” letting him know I’ve succeeded morally that week. I use Covenant Eyes* and the report goes to my wife for review each week. I tell my kids to ask me anytime whether I’ve texted while driving.

Who are the people in your Accountability Neighborhood? What do they help you do better? What do they help you avoid?

*If you’re interested in a special offer on Covenant Eyes, visit their website and enter promo code servingstrong.