Lead Like Jesus: A Leadership Model Filled with Grace

As part of a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentoring Group, Deacon Loretta and I meet monthly with other clergy leaders who are part of Vital Church Initiative. Each month we are asked to read a book on leadership or spiritual practices. I recently finished the assigned reading Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard (author of The One Minute Manager) and Phil Hodges.

The authors suggest that in his life on earth, Jesus modeled effective leadership. The book is separated into four specific characteristics, The heart, head, hands and habits of servant leaders. While some of the conclusions of the authors, seem to simply tie Jesus' leadership style to leadership prescriptions popular today, there are some thought-provoking sections.

Blanchard and Hodges emphasize that Jesus put the interest of others over his own. They spend time helping readers to sort out whether their "EGO" is "edging God out" or "exalting God only". There is a difference between a self-serving leader and a servant leader. The servant leader accepts feedback graciously and seeks to grow with it. The servant leader assumes that there will be a successor and works to empower other leaders. The servant leader understands they have been entrusted with responsibility only for a season, and they hold leadership humbly.

I was especially interested in the authors' guide for the habits needed to lead like Jesus. The list of leadership habits are helpful for anyone in any sort of leadership role, in business, the church or at home:
      The Habit of Solitude - take time for quiet to rest in God.
      The Habit of Prayer - look to the Gospels, examine Jesus' prayer habits, practice them
      The Habit of Dwelling in the Word - use the Bible as a guide for daily living
      The Habit of Trusting in God's Unconditional Love - lead with trust and hope in God
      The Habit of Intimate Community - develop a circle of friends for support and accountability

At the end of the book, Blanchard and Hodges make a case for leading like Jesus. They suggest that their is spiritual benefit at servant leaders seek the reign of God, honor God and put the love of Jesus into action. Practical reasons for leading like Jesus include: providing better service and leadership and closing the gap we tend to create between success and significance. Leading like Jesus means to work for meaning in our lives.

I would recommend this book to leaders who are seeking to reflect Jesus in their leadership style, no matter the area in which they lead.

Lead Like Jesus: A Leadership Model Filled with Grace

As part of a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentoring Group, Deacon Loretta and I meet monthly with other clergy leaders who are part of Vital Church Initiative. Each month we are asked to read a book on leadership or spiritual practices. I recently finished the assigned reading Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard (author of The One Minute Manager) and Phil Hodges.

The authors suggest that in his life on earth, Jesus modeled effective leadership. The book is separated into four specific characteristics, The heart, head, hands and habits of servant leaders. While some of the conclusions of the authors, seem to simply tie Jesus' leadership style to leadership prescriptions popular today, there are some thought-provoking sections.

Blanchard and Hodges emphasize that Jesus put the interest of others over his own. They spend time helping readers to sort out whether their "EGO" is "edging God out" or "exalting God only". There is a difference between a self-serving leader and a servant leader. The servant leader accepts feedback graciously and seeks to grow with it. The servant leader assumes that there will be a successor and works to empower other leaders. The servant leader understands they have been entrusted with responsibility only for a season, and they hold leadership humbly.

I was especially interested in the authors' guide for the habits needed to lead like Jesus. The list of leadership habits are helpful for anyone in any sort of leadership role, in business, the church or at home:
      The Habit of Solitude - take time for quiet to rest in God.
      The Habit of Prayer - look to the Gospels, examine Jesus' prayer habits, practice them
      The Habit of Dwelling in the Word - use the Bible as a guide for daily living
      The Habit of Trusting in God's Unconditional Love - lead with trust and hope in God
      The Habit of Intimate Community - develop a circle of friends for support and accountability

At the end of the book, Blanchard and Hodges make a case for leading like Jesus. They suggest that their is spiritual benefit at servant leaders seek the reign of God, honor God and put the love of Jesus into action. Practical reasons for leading like Jesus include: providing better service and leadership and closing the gap we tend to create between success and significance. Leading like Jesus means to work for meaning in our lives.

I would recommend this book to leaders who are seeking to reflect Jesus in their leadership style, no matter the area in which they lead.

Worship Design Team Named for Brighton First, Leading for Excellence

Worship at Brighton First comes together by the efforts and dedication of many people. Musicians and readers, acolytes and ushers, communion stewards and clergy all contribute. For the past several years, worship planning has been done by clergy and lay staff of the church.

As part of the Vital Church Initiative, a Worship Design Team has been formed to be a guiding and creative force behind what happens in worship. The Worship Design Team will include clergy, church staff members and representatives from the congregation. The goal of the team will be to guide the "bigger picture" of worship, keeping us intent on the purpose of our church, to make disciples for Jesus Christ. The team will work to plan and create worship that is inspiring, excellent and reflects our vision for the church.

Members of the committee include:
Sherry Parker, Senior Pastor
Loretta Job, Deacon
Susan Snow, Music Director
Barb Terry, Hand Bell Director
Chris Attarian, Worship Media Coordinator
Alyssa Tumolo, Youth Director
Mitchell Swanson, Worship Technology Volunteer, Youth Representative
Sarah Klink, Youth Representative
Linda Victory, Visual Design
Sue Sanderson, Visual Design
Pauline Schaffer, Choir Member
Vic Labalister, Spiritual Insight

The committee will have its first meeting on Monday, May 18. The agenda includes refining the purpose of the Worship Design Team and create work concerning fall worship themes.

Please pray for this group as they begin their important ministry for Brighton First.

Worship Design Team Named for Brighton First, Leading for Excellence

Worship at Brighton First comes together by the efforts and dedication of many people. Musicians and readers, acolytes and ushers, communion stewards and clergy all contribute. For the past several years, worship planning has been done by clergy and lay staff of the church.

As part of the Vital Church Initiative, a Worship Design Team has been formed to be a guiding and creative force behind what happens in worship. The Worship Design Team will include clergy, church staff members and representatives from the congregation. The goal of the team will be to guide the "bigger picture" of worship, keeping us intent on the purpose of our church, to make disciples for Jesus Christ. The team will work to plan and create worship that is inspiring, excellent and reflects our vision for the church.

Members of the committee include:
Sherry Parker, Senior Pastor
Loretta Job, Deacon
Susan Snow, Music Director
Barb Terry, Hand Bell Director
Chris Attarian, Worship Media Coordinator
Alyssa Tumolo, Youth Director
Mitchell Swanson, Worship Technology Volunteer, Youth Representative
Sarah Klink, Youth Representative
Linda Victory, Visual Design
Sue Sanderson, Visual Design
Pauline Schaffer, Choir Member
Vic Labalister, Spiritual Insight

The committee will have its first meeting on Monday, May 18. The agenda includes refining the purpose of the Worship Design Team and create work concerning fall worship themes.

Please pray for this group as they begin their important ministry for Brighton First.

Intentional Spiritual Practices Lead Toward Trusting in God's Grace

This morning I was with a group of clergy who were challenged with this question, "Where do you struggle to trust God's love or goodness?" I'll admit that I did not have to ponder too long before coming up with places where I have not trusted God's gracious presence. In both my vocation as a United Methodist pastor and in my personal life, I have areas where I have forgotten (or even dismissed!) God's persistent love.

The question was posed to a group of clergy who are leading churches through the Vital Church Initiative. The group, which includes Deacon Loretta Job and me, meets monthly for learning and mutual support. This month we were reminded of the transforming power of intentional spiritual practices.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, considered spiritual practices like prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping with fellow believers and participating in the sacraments of baptism and communion "means of grace". In other words, when we take on holy practices, we open ourselves to perceiving and receiving God's grace.

We were asked to fill out a questionnaire (for our reflection only) that asked about the time we spend in Bible reading, prayer and quiet time listening for God. The last question on the page was "How would Jesus describe your spiritual journey?" My answer? "You have great potential. Follow me."

It's good to do a "spiritual inventory" every so often. I helps me to see what's working and what isn't. in my spiritual life. The important step that I often neglect, however, is doing anything purposeful to change what isn't working. At the end of the session today, we were asked to commit to one action we would take based on what we'd learned.

I decided that I needed to step up my game when it comes to trusting God's love and presence every day, so I've made this commitment: Before I leave my church office for the day, I will ask, "Where have I seen or experienced the presence of God today?"

After the meeting, I went to my office, took out a sharpie marker and wrote the question on a piece of paper. I slid the paper under the glass top of the desk where I'll see it daily. I'm committed to recognizing God and God's love. In the coming days, feel free to ask me what I'm noticing at Brighton First.

Intentional Spiritual Practices Lead Toward Trusting in God's Grace

This morning I was with a group of clergy who were challenged with this question, "Where do you struggle to trust God's love or goodness?" I'll admit that I did not have to ponder too long before coming up with places where I have not trusted God's gracious presence. In both my vocation as a United Methodist pastor and in my personal life, I have areas where I have forgotten (or even dismissed!) God's persistent love.

The question was posed to a group of clergy who are leading churches through the Vital Church Initiative. The group, which includes Deacon Loretta Job and me, meets monthly for learning and mutual support. This month we were reminded of the transforming power of intentional spiritual practices.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, considered spiritual practices like prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping with fellow believers and participating in the sacraments of baptism and communion "means of grace". In other words, when we take on holy practices, we open ourselves to perceiving and receiving God's grace.

We were asked to fill out a questionnaire (for our reflection only) that asked about the time we spend in Bible reading, prayer and quiet time listening for God. The last question on the page was "How would Jesus describe your spiritual journey?" My answer? "You have great potential. Follow me."

It's good to do a "spiritual inventory" every so often. I helps me to see what's working and what isn't. in my spiritual life. The important step that I often neglect, however, is doing anything purposeful to change what isn't working. At the end of the session today, we were asked to commit to one action we would take based on what we'd learned.

I decided that I needed to step up my game when it comes to trusting God's love and presence every day, so I've made this commitment: Before I leave my church office for the day, I will ask, "Where have I seen or experienced the presence of God today?"

After the meeting, I went to my office, took out a sharpie marker and wrote the question on a piece of paper. I slid the paper under the glass top of the desk where I'll see it daily. I'm committed to recognizing God and God's love. In the coming days, feel free to ask me what I'm noticing at Brighton First.