The stuff of leaders

Just read a great chapter (15) from Leadership Gold by John Maxwell. He talks about leaders distinguishing themselves during tough times. Sometimes I think I’ve been on a great ride here at CrossRoads because God has blessed us all in so many ways. People are coming to Christ and lives are changing, the church growing. The finances required to meet the demands of ministry have been there. I have a great staff and generally, the people of CrossRoads are externally focused and all seems well.

Yet with all that said, the growth of the church is causing me to reflect on the sustainable nature of its state, asking the question as to whether or not we can we continue on with the current pace without some major paradigm shifts in how we think and do things. I am sensing that now is the time for me to really step up as a leader and earn my keep! As the challenges get deeper and more complex, it’s during these times that a good leader is most needed. Most people can lead on the front of a huge wave where everything is going well and rolling forward. But in challenging times, when tougher choices need to be made and the risks are higher, it takes an exceptional leader to move things forward. Am I such a leader?

Maxwell says that if you want to lead well in the tougher times, then you have to lead well in the smaller issues, making the tough calls when necessary. If you can do this, then no matter what kinds of storms come, or how far in over your head you may think you are, you can keep on leading well. I have a feeling there is a little more to it than just that, but I’ve found this is an important piece of the puzzle to leading well.

I’m most definitely in over my head most days and I’m glad I’m not doing this alone.

Over the next few blogs I’ll share some of my thoughts on how we need to think differently around here. The paradigm shifts I believe we need to make here at CrossRoads.

jp