When are you successful?
Over the last three weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak and learn in many different environments, including the Exponential Conference and the Q Conference.
- By the end of the process was clarity created?
- 6 months after the process was vision communicated?
- 12 month after the process was vision integrated?
- 18 months after the process were challenges eliminated?
- 36 months after the process was growth demonstrated?
Craig Groeschel: How Much Do You Believe the Gospel?
Craig challenged over 3000 church planters at Exponential by considering three levels of belief in the gospel:
1) I believe the gospel enough to benefit from it.
2) I believe the gospel enough to contribute comfortably.
3) I believe the gospel enough to give my life to it.
Then he brought the hammer. The clarity is not the identification of these three levels, but the realization that success in level 3 can lead you to cross back into level 2. Craig admitted his own struggle with this dynamic and challenged young leaders to be prepared for the temptation.
My Focus Journey
Over the last 12 months, I have experienced a dramatic increase of demand on my time. One of my mantras is “Focus expands.” Eight years ago I decided to focus my ministry on helping other leaders with vision and clarity. That work has expanded more than I ever planned or anticipated. Ironically, my own vision is being tested like never before. This challenge leads to a second mantra:“New levels bring new devils.” At each level of expansion, managing clarity and keeping focus is not just demanding, but ruthlessly so. Like an expedition up Everest, the air is thinner with every step you take.
I thought I would share some current learnings as I attempt to live out for myself what I do with clients. The next few posts will drill down on my recent fumbles and touchdown in the game of focus. Here is a summary of posts to come from my 2009 playbook:
#1: Apply the “Positive No”- this practice will lead to waves of return with a few drops of practice.
#2: Prioritize Values Even in the Core- most ministries never define their core. But when you do, there will be some level where you need to further hone how you think about the core.
#3: Get Outside Eyes on your Situation- Blind spots keep this basic practice out of reach for most leaders. Yet without outside eyes you will never leave “good” to get to “great.”
#4: Push “Combined Efforts”- Sometimes a leader is a near step away from a radically simpler solution. But you have got to think differently to find it.
#5: Map Attention Management- I can’t wait to share a 2 hour exercise that may dramatically change your life
#6: Find the Focus behind Greatness- By looking in the right place, you will find stories that increase your resolve for focus.
Resurrection Clarity
Two national church leaders spoke out on the need to be clear NOT clever this Easter. I thought the material was very helpful and excellent summaries related to 1) Preaching a clear resurrection message and 2) Keeping a clear perspective on the extra work of worship services this weekend.
If you want engaging material on defining the resurrection, go to Thoughts on Easter Preaching by Mark Driscoll. As a side note, please notice that Mark references a research ministry called The Docent Group led by a friend of mine, Glenn Lucke. This is a very strategic ministry that I have benefitted from first hand and would be highly recommended to pastors.
Easter Services Clarity
Beyond Wishful Thinking
Steve Bradley, one of Auxano’s navigators, posted a cool little story yesterday to illustrate the point that unique articulated vision is a powerfully attractive force. On the other hand, an unarticulated vision is simply wishful thinking.