Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Leadership & Decision Making
Hey gang! I've had a lot of great comments regarding my sermon on the "Pilot Principles of Decision Making" last Sunday. Thank you all for that! In follow-up discussions, I've been impressed to share two other concepts about leadership and the decision making process. They are:
1. The level of responsibility impacts the challenge of decision making.
And,
2. The Peter Principle of decision making impacts how far you want to advance within an organization.
First, it may seem obvious, but the fact is--decision making gets tougher the higher you rise in authority/position within an organization. In religious circles, Baptists and Congregationalists have tried to minimize this by sharing virtually every decision via congregational votes. The premise they use is from Peter's first epistle where he writes, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation... (I Peter 2:9a NIV)." The problem is, they leave out the context and thus imply that there is no real authority in the church since everyone's a priest. This isn't far from Korah's argument during the rebellion in the wilderness when the people said to Moses, "...You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD's assembly (Num. 16:3 NIV)?"
A quick read of the rest of THAT story makes it clear that God rejects the premise. Why? Simply put--it doesn't work. Ultimately, someone has to take responsibility and make a choice--group dynamics won't resolve every issue or answer every question. Further, conflict and division often result from constant voting.
Bottom Line--there ARE leadership levels or different responsibilities in God's economy. And, with that, both secular and sacred positions, the challenge of decision making changes. Why? Because eventually, you rise to a point where the "buck stops" just short of God. For example, if you're a supervisor and you have a manager and VP above you, you can defer some things to them. Furthermore, you can and should always refer to the company manual. Still, what happens when you're the president or CEO? You have fewer people to refer to. The same is true of Senior Pastors or other leaders in the body.
We all lead at some level. The key is to know what the limits of that authority are and who/what to refer to when decisions need to be made. Everyone answers to God and his Word. But lower-to-mid-level managers also have human supervision to rest on and seek advice from. Again, this is obvious, yet, sometimes we get "freaked-out" by the suggestion that we're "a leader" as a parent or ministry leader or supervisor on the job. We shouldn't. God's people should always be able to do these things--especially when we understand the reality and limits of our authority under God.
That leads me to the next point. One of the dangers "on the job" is what's called "The Peter Principle." The basic idea is that people will always rise and be promoted to their "level of incompetence." Meaning, we promote people to the point where they can't really do the job. The classic example is a salesman who becomes a Regional Manager because he was such a good salesman. The problem is, he has limited leadership gifting and is frustrated by overseeing people instead of directly selling products. If the company isn't patient, they'll fire him instead of recognizing that it's their fault for putting him in that position.
One of the keys to successful living is knowing where the line is drawn for each of us re. the "Peter Principle." If I know what I'm called, talented, and gifted to do and I excel to that place, but don't try to exceed that gifting, the Peter Principle won't apply and I'll have joy. My decision making responsibilities won't exceed my SHAPE (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experience). Proverbs 3:5-6 promises guidance that can help us maintain that balance--maturing and taking on our full potential, but not rising to the point of being frustrated, etc.
If you need help with this journey, let us know. We'd love to pray and counsel with you re. finding your true leadership and decision making potential on the job, in the church, and in every aspect of life.
In His Love,
Pastor Joel
1. The level of responsibility impacts the challenge of decision making.
And,
2. The Peter Principle of decision making impacts how far you want to advance within an organization.
First, it may seem obvious, but the fact is--decision making gets tougher the higher you rise in authority/position within an organization. In religious circles, Baptists and Congregationalists have tried to minimize this by sharing virtually every decision via congregational votes. The premise they use is from Peter's first epistle where he writes, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation... (I Peter 2:9a NIV)." The problem is, they leave out the context and thus imply that there is no real authority in the church since everyone's a priest. This isn't far from Korah's argument during the rebellion in the wilderness when the people said to Moses, "...You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD's assembly (Num. 16:3 NIV)?"
A quick read of the rest of THAT story makes it clear that God rejects the premise. Why? Simply put--it doesn't work. Ultimately, someone has to take responsibility and make a choice--group dynamics won't resolve every issue or answer every question. Further, conflict and division often result from constant voting.
Bottom Line--there ARE leadership levels or different responsibilities in God's economy. And, with that, both secular and sacred positions, the challenge of decision making changes. Why? Because eventually, you rise to a point where the "buck stops" just short of God. For example, if you're a supervisor and you have a manager and VP above you, you can defer some things to them. Furthermore, you can and should always refer to the company manual. Still, what happens when you're the president or CEO? You have fewer people to refer to. The same is true of Senior Pastors or other leaders in the body.
We all lead at some level. The key is to know what the limits of that authority are and who/what to refer to when decisions need to be made. Everyone answers to God and his Word. But lower-to-mid-level managers also have human supervision to rest on and seek advice from. Again, this is obvious, yet, sometimes we get "freaked-out" by the suggestion that we're "a leader" as a parent or ministry leader or supervisor on the job. We shouldn't. God's people should always be able to do these things--especially when we understand the reality and limits of our authority under God.
That leads me to the next point. One of the dangers "on the job" is what's called "The Peter Principle." The basic idea is that people will always rise and be promoted to their "level of incompetence." Meaning, we promote people to the point where they can't really do the job. The classic example is a salesman who becomes a Regional Manager because he was such a good salesman. The problem is, he has limited leadership gifting and is frustrated by overseeing people instead of directly selling products. If the company isn't patient, they'll fire him instead of recognizing that it's their fault for putting him in that position.
One of the keys to successful living is knowing where the line is drawn for each of us re. the "Peter Principle." If I know what I'm called, talented, and gifted to do and I excel to that place, but don't try to exceed that gifting, the Peter Principle won't apply and I'll have joy. My decision making responsibilities won't exceed my SHAPE (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experience). Proverbs 3:5-6 promises guidance that can help us maintain that balance--maturing and taking on our full potential, but not rising to the point of being frustrated, etc.
If you need help with this journey, let us know. We'd love to pray and counsel with you re. finding your true leadership and decision making potential on the job, in the church, and in every aspect of life.
In His Love,
Pastor Joel
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Mentoring & Multiplying
In his second letter to Pastor Tim, (2 Timothy), Paul wrote, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Tim 2:1-3 NIV)." I would argue that Churches, businesses, and families have completely forgotten about or neglected this instruction! In fact, it's one of the most amazing ways to grow and help others do the same--yet, it's truly a lost art.
I'm talking about mentoring--the intentional building into someone else's life with the goal of multiplying our knowledge, techniques, skills, and results! How many of us were ever mentored for our job or ministry? Since few can say, "Yes I was," to this, is it any wonder most of us don't mentor others?
But what if we did?
Notice what this passage promises. According to Paul, this multiplication through mentoring approach would flow from but also cause us to be "strong" spiritually. Strong in grace--which may seem like an oxymoron, but is actually implying balance as well as the ability to act in grace when others are "blowing their tops." It's also the idea that we can live in the peace and joy of knowing that we're not under law or its penalty. It's the ability to be creative and function "full throttle" without fear...so much is built into the phrase.
Why is this true?
Because we're focused on the primary, main and plain (emphasized and clear) teachings of Christ and the Apostles. These are, "the things you have heard (Paul) say in the presence of many witnesses." These truths changes lives! They save people spiritually and change their daily physical lives too. God's way works--and when we're filled with it, our lives can't help but improve.
But it's not just for us is it...it's also to be passed on to reliable people who will also share it. As we share, as Paul did with Timothy, we're stronger and so are our "Tims." And, as an ever-expanding powerful witness, our Tims must also be required to pass it on to their own "Tims." I once heard a speaker at a Promise Keepers event say, "Everyone should have a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in his life." That is, a mentor, a friend, and a disciple/men tee. Do you? And do you encourage others to do the same?
This is how the truth spreads. It's also how we grow exponentially as spiritual followers of Christ. Let's commit ourselves to mentoring and multiplying.
Blessings,
Pastor Joel.
I'm talking about mentoring--the intentional building into someone else's life with the goal of multiplying our knowledge, techniques, skills, and results! How many of us were ever mentored for our job or ministry? Since few can say, "Yes I was," to this, is it any wonder most of us don't mentor others?
But what if we did?
Notice what this passage promises. According to Paul, this multiplication through mentoring approach would flow from but also cause us to be "strong" spiritually. Strong in grace--which may seem like an oxymoron, but is actually implying balance as well as the ability to act in grace when others are "blowing their tops." It's also the idea that we can live in the peace and joy of knowing that we're not under law or its penalty. It's the ability to be creative and function "full throttle" without fear...so much is built into the phrase.
Why is this true?
Because we're focused on the primary, main and plain (emphasized and clear) teachings of Christ and the Apostles. These are, "the things you have heard (Paul) say in the presence of many witnesses." These truths changes lives! They save people spiritually and change their daily physical lives too. God's way works--and when we're filled with it, our lives can't help but improve.
But it's not just for us is it...it's also to be passed on to reliable people who will also share it. As we share, as Paul did with Timothy, we're stronger and so are our "Tims." And, as an ever-expanding powerful witness, our Tims must also be required to pass it on to their own "Tims." I once heard a speaker at a Promise Keepers event say, "Everyone should have a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in his life." That is, a mentor, a friend, and a disciple/men tee. Do you? And do you encourage others to do the same?
This is how the truth spreads. It's also how we grow exponentially as spiritual followers of Christ. Let's commit ourselves to mentoring and multiplying.
Blessings,
Pastor Joel.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
When All Seems Lost...
Ever find yourself in a situation that seems hopeless? Think God isn't listening? Maybe you wonder whether or not God even cares. You're down...discouraged...depressed and wondering if there's any hope of positive change. If this describes how you're feeling, you're not alone...in fact you're in pretty good company.
Let me explain. Great men and women of the Bible all felt dejected and hopeless at times. In Matthew chapter 11, John the Baptist faced discouragement as he was in prison for telling the truth. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether or not He REALLY was the Messiah. Doubt often follows setbacks and discouragement--even in the most faithful people. King David wrote, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning (Ps 22:1, NIV)?" In fact Jesus himself would later quote these words as he hung on the cross, gasping for his last breath (See Matt. 27:46).
I tell you all this because it may help you prevent another, more dangerous malady. I call it DABDS--"Depressed About Being Depressed Syndrome." You see it's bad enough to be discouraged or down, but when you get down about THAT, it becomes a spiral into the abyss...sort-of a mood black hole that swallows you up. Of course the Enemy loves to fan this into flames--making it move all the faster in a negative direction.
The cure is, in part, to recognize that it's pretty normal to get discouraged at times. You're not hopeless, weird, odd or whatever--you're NORMAL. Having said that, you are still down, but you'll get up again. By the grace of God, with the presence of His Spirit in you, based on the promises of His Word, with the aid of His people (the Church), and under the gentle balm of time which even the world understands, "heals all wounds," YOU'LL BE OK CHRISTIAN--REALLY! Pray. Reach out for help. Here at MPC, we're blessed to have people like Gail Peloquin who are trained to counsel and support you. We have the benefit of programs like "Steps to Freedom in Christ," etc., to give you needed relief. The bottom line is, you've got to ask and take advantage of these--all the while refusing to get caught up in DABDS....
Here's to a brighter day!
In Jesus,
Pastor Joel
Let me explain. Great men and women of the Bible all felt dejected and hopeless at times. In Matthew chapter 11, John the Baptist faced discouragement as he was in prison for telling the truth. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether or not He REALLY was the Messiah. Doubt often follows setbacks and discouragement--even in the most faithful people. King David wrote, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning (Ps 22:1, NIV)?" In fact Jesus himself would later quote these words as he hung on the cross, gasping for his last breath (See Matt. 27:46).
I tell you all this because it may help you prevent another, more dangerous malady. I call it DABDS--"Depressed About Being Depressed Syndrome." You see it's bad enough to be discouraged or down, but when you get down about THAT, it becomes a spiral into the abyss...sort-of a mood black hole that swallows you up. Of course the Enemy loves to fan this into flames--making it move all the faster in a negative direction.
The cure is, in part, to recognize that it's pretty normal to get discouraged at times. You're not hopeless, weird, odd or whatever--you're NORMAL. Having said that, you are still down, but you'll get up again. By the grace of God, with the presence of His Spirit in you, based on the promises of His Word, with the aid of His people (the Church), and under the gentle balm of time which even the world understands, "heals all wounds," YOU'LL BE OK CHRISTIAN--REALLY! Pray. Reach out for help. Here at MPC, we're blessed to have people like Gail Peloquin who are trained to counsel and support you. We have the benefit of programs like "Steps to Freedom in Christ," etc., to give you needed relief. The bottom line is, you've got to ask and take advantage of these--all the while refusing to get caught up in DABDS....
Here's to a brighter day!
In Jesus,
Pastor Joel
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday Morning Services (NEW TIME)
Sunday morning services at the Newington, CT Worship Site have moved to 9:30 AM. An hour earlier, at the same location, the Newington Saengerbund German Club, right behind our 705 N. Mountain Road Office Building. We hope to see you there!
Our Statement of Faith
What We Believe
• In essential beliefs — we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” Eph. 4:4-6
• In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4,12,22
• In all our beliefs — we show charity.
“...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)
• In essential beliefs — we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” Eph. 4:4-6
• In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4,12,22
• In all our beliefs — we show charity.
“...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)
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