Yes, you read the title correctly and you have every right to think I’m nuts.

Our world is full of chaos and distractions that continually pull us away from what we should be focused on. As individuals we can easily let the everyday chaos pull us away from our time with God, family, the church, and our friends. As a church or organization we can let chaos dictate our vision, principles, and goals when it raises its ugly head. By putting out one fire after another in our personal life and organizations we turn our focus away from the vision and calling God has placed upon us. We eventually become centered on man’s desire instead of God’s.

So how can chaos be a good thing?

1. At some point you and your organization will have enough! You will come to the realization that if you let chaos be in control there will be no control.
2. Chaos can reveal the desire for simplicity. We all desire less choices and boundaries… even if we complain about it. Organizations also thrive with a specific and simplistic message that followers can grasp, relate to, and repeat.
3. Chaos can force you to release leadership and delegate. The more you have on your plate the quicker you realize you are not the Lone Ranger and you begin to equip those around you. The more an organization has on its agenda the quicker its employees/members burnout which leads you back to #2.
4. Chaos can force you and your organization to define itself. Will you and/or your organization be known as the catch all, professional plate spinners, and fire brigade? Or will you begin the painful process of simplicity and learning to say no.
5. Chaos can reveal great leaders. If you survive the painful process of simplification you will find yourself confident in who and what God has called you to be. If your organization survives the simplification process you will lose “leaders” that are content with keeping the peace, mediocrity, and a desire to be needed. It will gain sacrificial and courageous leaders that equip those around them, and are laser focused on a simplistic vision for the organization.

I’m sure this list is not complete and would love to hear your thoughts and additions.

1. Let God grow you.

The cruel fact of church leadership is this. You can never lead others to a place you have not yet arrived.  So the challenge will always be, not to learn the newest trend or process, but to become more intimate with God. You don’t want a crowd of babies, but a brigade of warriors begging for a fight!

2. Let God grow others.

One of the hardest lessons I had to learn, as a young leader was that God is the only one that can change someone, I cant! I know it would be super cool to have that power…ZAP> Thou art now a sacrificial giver! Cool, yeah, gonna happen? Not! You do what God has called you to do, and don’t take it personally if people don’t respond the way you expect.

3. Let God grow others through you.

Now, as a leader, it is our calling to hear from & follow God, and challenge others to do the same. So one aspect is this… ALWAYS look for opportunities to replace yourself! You MUST develop leaders around you, if not your church will implode. Not matter how lofty your thoughts are about yourself, you are not the next Rick Warren, or a spiritual machine that can never break down. There will be no greater honor for you as leader, than to replace yourself… Several times over!

4. Let God grow the church.

I remember one point of being so discouraged. I didn’t know why some people weren’t coming, why we weren’t growing as fast as “I thought” we should. God slapped me with these 2 back hands… Jesus said “I will build my church” & “the Lord added to their number daily.” I was quickly reminded this WAS NOT my church. This is Jesus’ church, and He will grow it as He sees fit. My job is to hear and follow Him, like this… “He has told you old man what is required of you, to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with Me.”

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Over the past several months I have had the pleasure of getting to know Artie Davis. Artie is the Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Orangeburg, SC. Under his leadership Cornerstone Community Church has exploded in the Orangeburg area revolutionizing the local church culture. He is also the founder of Pray2k, a passionate movement to plant Multi-Ethnic, culturally relevant churches in smaller communities & The Comb Network which equips Multi-Ethnic churches and leaders with tools and resources necessary to reach an ever changing culture.

Thanks Artie for sharing your insights on church growth with us! Make sure you follow him on Twitter for daily insights and to connect with Artie.

Cornerstone has experienced tremendous growth since its birth in 1995 with 35 people. Today the church baptizes between 30-40 people each month, and has an average worship attendance between 1500-1700 people.

Strong vision casting is absolutely essential for moving an organization toward the fulfillment of it’s mission.  That’s why leaders must be consistent in casting a convincing and compelling picture of the future. But sometimes when we actually open our mouths to cast vision we’re prone to some common mistakes.  Here are five to consider as you think about your next vision casting opportunity.

• MISTAKE #1  Too Much Information – While it’s important for you to know the details of the vision don’t feel like you have to share ALL the details with everyone.  When you share too much information you can actually dampen enthusiasm rather than inspire following.   Rule of thumb: The bigger the audience the fewer the details you need to share. You can let them know there is a strategic plan, just don’t feel like you have to share the step by step details with the large crowd.
• MISTAKE #2 Emotionless Presentation- There is nothing worse than casting vision in a monotone voice.  You may not have a charismatic personality but you can still find a way to enthusiastically express your vision through your personality.  You have to cast vision with passion or others wont be convinced that you’re convinced.
• MISTAKE #3 Credit Hog – it’s always tempting for a leader to take full credit for the vision.  But when we shine the light on ourselves we take the light off of the vision.  Rule of Thumb: When casting vision use the word “we” more than “I”. Show the listener(s) how they fit into the vision.
• MISTAKE #4  Trigger Happy – You may have a great vision but if you cast it at the wrong time you may do more damage than good.  For example if you’re new in the role remember this principle: People buy into the visionary before they buy into the vision.  Take the time to do the relational groundwork, build your credibility, demonstrate authenticity, give people time to know you as well as know your vision.  Take time to get key influencers behind and bought into the vision before casting it from a big platform.
• MISTAKE #5  Unbelievable – Sometimes leaders cast a vision that’s so big that the average person just can’t grasp it.  Rule of thumb: the more previous success you’ve had the bigger the vision you can cast. Our senior pastor Greg Surratt is one of the biggest visionaries I’ve known.  I always jokingly say he thinks with more zeros’ on the end than I do.  But his previous successes from years past allow him to cast a much bigger vision today.

What vision casting mistakes have you witnessed in the past?

Through twitter, conversations, a pizza, and a visit to Charleston I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mac Lake. I want to personally thank him for being a guest blogger and sharing his thoughts on casting a vision. For those who do not know Mac let me assure you he is the “Real Deal”! If you have any chance to connect with him I want to urge you to take advantage of it. Read more about my visit with Mac and Seacoast church here! You can also check out Mac at MacLakeOnline.com.

5 reasons chasing a rainbow can kill you

• You will never find the pot of gold! Searching for a man made gimmick will lead you and those whom follow you down countless dead ends. The Holy Spirit and desperation for the lost is what sparks a revival.

• Everyone else knows the gold isn’t there! Each pursuit will leave wounded along the journey. Soon word gets around that it’s just another wild goose chase. You’ll look over your shoulder to see less and less people following you.

• You start retaining baggage! Each time you return from a holy quest you bring back more for your camp to maintain. Each pursuit reveals programs, events, habits, and traditions that produced mediocre results. All of the additional items become a burden for someone else to bear. The more those you lead have to maintain the more frustrated, lethargic, and reluctant they become.

• You develop gold fever! Each adventure will also produce glimpses of progress and a false hope in man. But, something is better than nothing right? You become an addict of the chase and begin to depend on the next chase to bring you validation and a right to lead.

• You become blind! Finally, you realize that you are so accustom to chasing rainbows that you really don’t need a rainbow to begin the chase. If fact, your identity and self-worth no longer resides in Christ because it is consumed by results.  You have forgotten that at one time you were just like those you lead who simply admired the miracle and mystery of the Rainbow itself. It didn’t have to be explained just experienced.

As leaders we must realize that God gives us a specific vision when we are where He can use us, and we are spiritually hungry for it. Sometimes not having a clear vision for a leader can be detrimental. You have to come desperate and broken to God willing to do whatever He asks. No fear – No Questions – Just Obedience!

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This could be the craziest post I have ever written! Rainbows and pots of gold! Where’s the leprechaun?

If you are reading this then you should be scared! Why? You could be starting a dangerous journey away from God’s will down a path of desperation, fear, and/or selfish gain. I bet you saw the title of this post and expected it to reveal the next church growth fad that is going to create an unstoppable revival within your community. Let me be the first to tell you, STOP IT!! There is absolutely nothing man made that can create a revival. A revival happens only when God decides that YOU and the church are ready for an outpouring of His Holy Spirit.

Hey, don’t feel bad. We have all been in your shoes at some point. Maybe you’re frustrated because everything YOU have tried “just doesn’t work”, or maybe you’re desperate because leaders within your church are sneaking out the back door? Shopping around for gimmicks will never solve your problems, create a revival, or reveal a vision from God. The only way for your church to grow is for you as a leader to grow. Get real with Jesus! Release your burdens, sins, fear, and selfish ambitions. Become desperate for Him and what He would have you do, instead of what YOU think He wants you to do. Carve out time to be alone with the Holy Spirit. Invite Him in and ask Him to reveal His vision for you and your community. Get down in the trenches with those you lead by investing in their personal lives and sharing yours. Being 100% submissive to the Holy Spirit and 100% transparent with your followers will produce an authenticity that desires Kingdom growth.

Chasing rainbows, gimmicks, and fads is a scary and dangerous path for all leaders and those around them. Let me encourage you to stick to the basics. The greatest gift the local church can give to its community is a high quality, spirit filled, salvation oriented, Christ focused worship that is relevant and consistent. So, maybe it’s time to “do” less and become great at the first thing your community is looking for… a place to find Jesus, experience the Holy Spirit, and see lives changed!

Have you ever seen that guy before a basketball game do the quick stretches? You know, the ones that make him “look cool” but really doesn’t help. I use to think, “I’m here to play not stretch! Let’s go!” I quickly learned that if I don’t stretch today, then I can’t move tomorrow.

We stretch to improve our flexibility. Increasing our flexibility allows us to increase the range of motion without causing damage.

As a leader in any organization you must consistently stretch yourself. Stretching yourself creates flexibility and demonstrates to God, and those around you, of your willingness to change for His greater vision. Being flexible says that you’re a team player and willing to get uncomfortable for the team to win. No organization can survive if its leaders, and those it hires, are not flexible to the vision God has placed in the heart of its primary leader. God’s plans are always challenging, scary, exciting, full of risks, and require you to be flexible. Inflexibility assumes your plans, vision, model, leadership style, and personal perception of ministry is 100% accurate, which is dangerous! It also produces a self-absorbed individual that is irrelevant to his/her culture, its needs, and the moving of the Holy Spirit. However, continually stretching yourself and being flexible increases your sensitivity toward the Holy Spirit, creates more ministry opportunities, and produces authentic followers of Christ that live to glorify God.

There are 3 major characteristics that every leader must have to influence others and gain trust.

1) You must engage…

People need to know that you’re “with” them. Your speech and actions must be an investment into the lives of those you lead. No one will follow a leader that is not sharing life (the good, bad, and ugly) alongside them. All people want to identify with a leader, therefore you must give them the opportunities to share in your life as well.

2) You must equip…

Are you the person others lean toward for the primary vision, resources, challenges, and questions that produce positive change? If not, then you’re probably not the leader.  When people are sinking they need a leader to throw them a life saver not a cement block. If you are going to equip others you must know where the gaps are and how to fill them in the organization and the person. You must be visible, knowledgeable, accessible, and in rhythm within your organization and its people.

3) You must encourage…

You really never know what someone is personally going through. A true leader has invested personal time into those he/she leads and can read there emotions. Great leaders can see the best in people and bring it to the surface even when a person is at there worst. They can inspire people with words, attitudes, and actions. When all hope is lost people turn to those who can find and create it. Be the person who provides hope in a crisis and when all the odds are against your people!

Extra: As governor, Nehemiah says that he didn’t take advantage of food and land allotments that were allowed him due to his office, because there was already such a great burden on the people of his province. (Nehemiah 5:14–19) In the face of Jerusalem’s destruction Nehemiah (one of the shortest men recorded in the bible) brought hope to his people by leading them to rebuild the walls in just 52 days. Each family repaired/guarded the wall that was in front of their home. Nehemiah, on the other hand, rolled up his sleeves and repaired some of the nastiest areas of the walls himself. The unclean areas others would not have ever touched.  May we all strive to learn from great sacrificial leaders like Nehemiah.

Are you looking for a 5 Star volunteer/leader, how to recruit, and retain them? Here are some characteristics you might want to consider.

A 5 Star volunteer/leader should be:

1. Committed to Christ.
2. Committed to the vision of the church.
3. Willing to surrender individual gain, popularity, and agendas to the churches vision.
4. Loyal beyond measure.
5. Willing to take on responsibility and difficult tasks.
6. Have a desire to “take things off the leaders plate”.
7. Honest, even when it hurts.
8. Be willing to give their talent, time, and treasure to the vision.

To recruit a 5Star volunteer/leader you should:

1. Communicate the vision of the organization with passion and clarity.
2. Give clear guidelines of the job, its time requirements, and your expectations.
3. Provide a trial time for both parties to discover if the job matches the volunteer.
4. Never give the title away until there is 100% agreement, passion, commitment, and competency.
5. Ask a ton of questions. Get to know them, their family, likes, and dislikes.

To retain a 5Star volunteer/leader you should:

1. Consistently communicate the vision, direction, and immediate goals of the organization.
2. Consistently say “Thank You”, encourage them, and highlight their accomplishments.
3. Brag on them to others. Word gets around!
4. Meet with them on a regular basis.
5. Provide an open environment for them to express concerns, ideas, and passion.
6. Don’t delegate, use, and abuse them. Empower them to take initiative and risks.
7. Be personal and have a genuine concern for their happiness and their family.
8. Let them in and trust them. Share your struggles and BE REAL!
9. Never look at the them as a number or person to complete tasks. They are partners for the vision.

Did you see a common theme in the three lists? The first, and most important, priority of a leader is to have a clear vision and direction for the organization. If you can’t provide the finish line then how can you expect someone to start the race? Before anyone of quality will buy into and commit to any organization they must first know where it’s heading.

These lists are just the beginning! I would love to hear any additions or corrections you would like to make. Just leave a comment below.

“Every generation refreshes the world!”

That is the closing statement made in last year’s Super Bowl “Pepsi Anthem” commercial featuring a mash up of Bob Dylan’s 1974 song “Forever Young” and Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas. There are a few leadership, church growth, and funny insights that can be taken from this commercial.

Each generation expresses themselves creatively.

Clothing and hair styles usually cycle back around.

Many times a common goal or purpose is shared.

Speedos are not cool, EVER!

Clear communication to one generation may look silly to the other.

Technology and methods consistently change and improve.

Great communication reflects the culture without changing the message.

Every generation has needs, wants to be heard, and will find creative ways to impact culture.

Our military protects, even when we are not appreciative.

Kids are our legacy!

People want to change the world and be a part of something bigger than life.

No one will ever be as fast as Bruce Lee! EVER!

Gumby was weird but really cool.

I will never, EVER, dance on camera!

There is usually one great American leader/communicator within each generation.

People will always find joy in the simple things in life!

Lyrics for Forever Young

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.