Been looking for a new blogging theme…so I thought I would share some ideas I have run across recently that have challenged me.

“Preach against sin, people nod in agreement and smile. Talk about change, you’ll tick them off every time.” -Jonathan Falwell

This quote came my way via Twitter. I think it is so incredible that Christians love hear sermons on sin (which I think they believe are for other people and not them), yet many church cultures are built against and preventative regarding change. I really do think change is probably the most unpopular subject in churches today. Why? Look for another quote below.

“The issue in any church struggle is always control.”
-john ortberg

This quote came via an article by Ortberg from Leadership Journal regarding generation gaps and change in the church. I love how we mask our concerns for self-preservation and control with “spiritual” explanations. I have a VERY low tolerance for over-spiritualized crap that acts as a smokescreen for other issues.

“Leaders who refuse to listen to others (around them) will eventually be surrounded by people with nothing to say.”
-Andy Stanley

My typical reaction to this is to look to assign the quote to the person(s) that are not listening to my ideas in the moment. Then, I have a moment like occurred last night when my wife pushed back on me for being closed to something that I encourage others to be open to and pursue themselves. When the chance comes my way, I was reacting the same as them. It was a hard word (“it sounds like you are talking out of both sides of your mouth” or “you are reacting out of fear” are not easy things to hear), but it was true and I needed to make the right decision. I realize that when we stop listening and taking seriously these words from those we trust, who know us or the situations we are involved in best, the truth-tellers in our lives shut up or go somewhere else. This happens a lot in the church as well as other organizations.

“If you want to fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
-African proverb

I am currently struggling with the challenge of putting a team together to tackle some problems and needs (which I see as opportunities) versus just tackling them myself. But, as I procrastinate, I am realizing the quality of focus and attention I could give this work would be sub-par and inefficient. I really need to rally some people, cast the vision, and empower and resource them to start seeking solutions. I am not the smartest nor the best qualified. But I am in charge and responsible for leading. How interesting…

Just some stuff I am chewing on that you might find interesting. Thanks for reading.
-Savage