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Being a Catalyst for Revival

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

Hardly a week goes by that I do not talk with a pastor whose heart is breaking for his people. These tenderhearted shepherds see their people languishing in spiritual lethargy and deadness. They watch their congregant’s children hastily depart their dead church as soon as an opportunity avails itself. They grieve as marriages crumble before their eyes. And, as if that weren’t enough, these pastors watch their congregations carrying on their anemic programming that makes little to no difference in their communities. The spiritual climate in their neighborhood grows increasingly dark while the church blissfully conducts its weekly schedule. Knowing that the Church was intended to be and to do far more, it is discouraging to watch its members remain content with so little.

The pressing question that haunts many pastors is this: Is there anything I can do to awaken my people?

Here is the short answer:

First, no, you cannot awaken your people. That is something only the Holy Spirit can do. You can preach the finest sermon series, you can teach solid, doctrinal, Bible teachings, and you can plead with your people to surrender their hearts fully to God, but unless the Holy Spirit works in people’s hearts, your efforts will be in vain.

Second, there are some things you can do that can become a catalyst for revival. The first, and most important, is to ensure that you are experiencing a fresh touch of God in your own life. Revival is generally caught more than taught. If you fan the flame of spiritual passion in your own heart, the sparks are more likely to begin igniting the dry kindling in the hearts of the people with whom you minister. The fact is, you cannot even orchestrate revival in your own life, but you can certainly choose to surrender yourself fully to God and His work so you are prepared for God to do a fresh work in you. You cannot give to others what you do not have yourself. So, if your own heart is not white-hot for God, then turn your focus away from your people and tend to your own wayward heart.

Third, watch for God’s activity. Sometimes we can be so focused on what we are doing to bring revival to our church, we miss what God is doing! God has innumerable means to revive His people. He rarely uses the same means twice. While you are scheduling another revival meeting, the Holy Spirit may be simultaneously stirring in the hearts of your congregation’s teenagers. You could be so focused on launching your next initiative that you miss the divine work occurring right under your nose.

Fourth, focus on the core. Too often leaders begin by attempting to “revive” the masses. That rarely works. Within the congregation are people whose hearts are hardened and in some cases, unregenerate. These people will not respond to your impassioned pleas for them to return to God. But there is almost always a remnant. Find that handful of people whose hearts are tender toward the Lord, and nurture their souls. Rather than growing frustrated because the average person occupying a pew each week remains unmoved, zero in on the few who are responsive. Meet with them to pray. Put challenging books in their hands to read. Disciple them and encourage their spiritual growth. A few members, on fire for God, can act as leaven.

Fifth, herald God’s activity. Revival has often spread on the wings of the testimony of revived people. As people experience spiritual breakthroughs, encourage them to share their experience publicly. Let people see and hear what you have been praying for. When people see someone who is truly revived, they may discern the contrast between the one testifying and their own spiritual condition. As long as we compare ourselves with other lukewarm members, we won’t feel a sense of urgency. But when we come face to face with someone who is passionate for Christ, we suddenly recognize how far we have fallen. Be quick to herald every good thing God does in your midst!

Sixth, don’t give up! It can be immensely frustrating to serve among a lethargic people. But we cannot give up. When a shepherd loses hope for his sheep, the situation truly is hopeless! When we give up or grow discouraged, we reveal the quality of our faith. There are some things that are simply too important for us to ever quit. You may need to regularly meet with other like-minded pastors or leaders to encourage one another. Remember the exhortation of Scripture: we will eventually reap, if we do not grow weary sowing.

Spiritual leaders are increasingly asking what they can do to see their people revived. These are some basic guidelines that can steer you in the right direction. We cannot “revive” people. But we can certainly become a powerful instrument in God’s hand, if we are willing.

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Removing Every Encumbrance

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

Over the years I have met many well-meaning leaders who were plagued with baggage. They meant well, but no matter how hard they worked or how boldly they dreamed, their efforts were always shackled by their personal limitations. These men and women experienced enormous frustration and disappointment. They sensed God wanted to do far more through them than He was, but nothing they tried could break free from mediocrity that continually plagued their efforts. Many of these people eventually quit trying and resigned themselves to living out their lives in the realm of the mundane.

One pastor is laid back and a poor administrator. He genuinely wants his church to grow and expand its outreach, but his casual approach to ministry continually frustrates the leaders in his congregation. The pastor knows his people are discontent but he views it as a spiritual issue among his people rather than a leadership problem of his own. A business leader lacks focus. She is continually dreaming of new projects to expand her business. But she has terrible follow through. Rather than bringing one vision to reality at a time, she juggles dozens of ideas but never brings any of them to the light of day. People have stopped taking her seriously, even though she continues to passionately herald her next great idea. Another leader has been careless with his health. He has put on a lot of weight that is causing him various health issues. His knees are in pain, causing him to walk awkwardly. He is short of breath, causing him to breath heavily and to speak in broken sentences. People have lost confidence in him, as it is clear he has failed to manage his own life properly.

These are all well-meaning people whose personal self-management has cost them in their leadership roles. Perhaps this is what the writer of Hebrews was touching upon when he said, “. . . let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).

Everyone has baggage. We all have weaknesses, harmful habits, and negative tendencies. These issues will continually limit us from achieving our potential unless we manage, by God’s life-transforming grace, to overcome them.

In many ways, this is what separates great leaders from mediocre ones. Superior leaders don’t necessarily rid themselves of weaknesses, but they learn to overcome them. They don’t deny them or dodge them or make excuses for them. They deal with them.

I have an issue common to many middle-aged men: I like food! And I don’t burn off the calories like I used to, so it seems I’m always carrying around extra, unnecessary weight. That tonnage doesn’t look attractive. In fact, it makes me look slovenly. When people see me standing in the pulpit when I am carrying that extra weight, I am sure there are those who legitimately wonder what I could possibly have to say about “overcoming” or “victory” or “self-control.” I know this hurts my overall effectiveness as a speaker and leader.

What’s worse, I know what it takes to lose that weight. At different points in my life, I have grown serious about weight loss and I have lost weight. My problem is that sometimes I know I should lose weight, and I’d really like to lose it, but I am just not serious enough to make it happen. I make excuses. “As soon as this busy stretch in my travel subsides, I am getting serious about my diet! . . . Once the holidays are over . . . once the last piece of my favorite pie is gone . . . then I’ll get serious!” I have a whole arsenal of explanations for why I am not in the shape I ought to be: “It is hard to eat right when you are on the road all the time . . . I was jet lagged . . . It would have been rude not to eat the twelve-layer chocolate cake they offered me . . . My metabolism has slowed . . .” And while my excuses sound reasonable enough to me at the time, my problem remains.

At some point I have to decide: Am I going to simply accept my current state, or am I going to tackle the issue in my life that is harming my effectiveness as a leader? We all have issues. The question is not: “Do you have issues in your life that are hindering your effectiveness?” The question is: “Are you finally prepared to do what is necessary to overcome the encumbrances in your life that are preventing you from becoming the leader God called you to be?”

The great reality of a new year is that we have the opportunity to make fresh, new decisions. Consider the habits or issues in your life that, if dealt with, would allow you to accomplish more than you ever have before.

Now, what have you decided to do?

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Left, Right and Christ by Lisa Sharon Harper and David C. Innes

[rating:3.0]

(Boise, Idaho: Russell Media, 2011)

263 pgs

This is a different kind of book but one that is certainly relevant for the time in which we live. Two authors, from different political perspectives spar off over controversial subjects such as same sex marriage, abortion, and the role of government in people’s lives. Lisa Harper comes from an African American, Native American, Jewish, and Puerto Rico background. She is a Democrat. Throughout the book, she argues from the “Left” on social issues. For many people today, it seems impossible to be a Christian, and be a Democrat. Harper strives to make the case that you can. David Innes grew up in Canada. He immigrated to the United States as a graduate student and never left. He also embraced the Republican Party and is a staunch conservative. He argues the case for the political Right.

In an age when American society is so polarized, this is an interesting book. It raises the question: “Is there a political party that American Christians should naturally embrace?” Innes will argue “Yes.” He believes that, while not perfect, the Republican Party embraces those values and positions that are most Christian. Harper argues that “Left” and “Right” are not Christian categories and we must be careful we do not use secular terms to identify ourselves. Hence “Christ” in the title of the book.

I have to say that, although I naturally identify with the “Right,” I was at times put off by Innes, and at the same time I was challenged by Harper to look at the other side of arguments than I am used to focusing on. I suppose that is the purpose of books like this. Innes at times seems like a starry-eyed Canadian immigrant who idolizes the American colossus. He comments that when he first visited Boston he said, “Wow. This is where it all happened. These are Americans, the people who transformed the world” (21). He also seems to idealize the Republican Party, claiming, “This respect for America as a country of noble liberty, of surprising innovation, and of unapologetic, world-transforming energy made the Republican Party, where those sentiments are the norm, a natural political home for me” (22).

He is not very complimentary of his Canadian roots. He compares them to “Gauls” coming to study the Romans (21). As someone who has lived a good part of his life in Canada myself, I was offended at the broad strokes he used to characterize the nation. He notes: “North of our border there is only the political correctness of the left, and everything else is thoughtcrime. If anyone expresses any doubts about the liberal social agenda, he is labeled a Nazi and other standard epithets” (28). I have always been suspicious of those who felt the need to overstate their case. As Innes makes Canada out to be an out of control socialist state, he also seems to idealize the USA. The truth is that Canada has actually managed its fiscal affairs far more prudently than has the US in recent years.

Lisa Harper shares her upbringing as being from a working class family of mixed race. She notes that there did not use to be a deep divide between political parties before 1964. It was at that time that the Democrats passed the Civil Rights Act and then the Voting Rights Act (32). From that watershed moment, the two parties began to follow different trajectories. Harper describes how her mother taught her that the Democratic Party was like Robin Hood, “they take back money from the rich and give it to the poor” (34). There is no doubt that both authors are sincere Christians. Their differences lie in their political perspective. Innes, as do his Republican friends, focus on freedom and lack of intervention by the government. Harper has a more compassionate focus on the poor and oppressed. Certainly a case can (and is) made that genuine Christians ought to be concerned with both issues. Throughout the remainder of the book, the authors strive to find the right balance.

The first major section deals with the role of government. Harper argues that, “The liberal/conservative polemic is a product of the modern era—an era shaped by the tyranny of ‘either/or’ constructs” (52). She also argues that, “Freedom is not for the sake of ‘me’ in Scripture. It is always for the sake of ‘we’ (52). She also points out that “People, not God, established our Constitution. Therefore, unlike the Ten Commandments, our Constitution is fallible, incomplete and expected to be amended as our nation matures” (54).

Innis makes a case that Scripture assigns government two primary tasks: to punish evil and to praise good. I am not as convinced with the second one. At times his argument can sound a little barren as he argues that if it isn’t in the Bible, then government shouldn’t do it!

The authors then take on the issue of government and poverty. Innes argues: “Just as we can cure diseases through understanding the way creation works, in the same way He has given us the means to alleviate poverty” (68). Innes argues that the government is not obligated to provide for everyone who is poor and, in fact, when it tries to, it only makes matters worse. He also criticizes the numerous government services such as school lunches or student loans and complains that only 10% of the population is actually paying for them (74).

Harper has far less confidence in the benevolence of the market. She concludes: “The market is not God. God is God” (86). She challenges that there is no biblical expectation that wealth will increase unbounded. Rather, there is always a social expectation that the wealthy will care for the poor. She points out that in ancient Israel, land could not be permanently sold. It reverted back to the original owners after a set number of years. This prevented generational poverty and it also prevented the development of enormous conglomerates.

The authors then take on health care. Harper highlights the 42% of Americans who are uninsured or underinsured. Many of these people cannot afford proper health care. She traces how various presidents, Democrat, as well as Republican, attempted to develop some form of basic health coverage. Yet it has always been vehemently opposed by the health care industry. She argues that proper health care ought to be a right for Americans.

Innes argues that God has not given the government the responsibility for providing medical services (99). He points out that in 2009, Americans on average paid 17.6% of their GDP on health care, the highest percentage of any industrialized nation (102). He believes this is because of government intervention. He argues that competition and peoples’ ability to shop around for their own plans would dramatically reduce costs. But anything the government runs is chronically inefficient and expensive. Innes argues that, “They try to shrink the sphere of private liberty by expanding the sphere of public action” (107). He claims that the more government does, the less people feel obligated to attempt. He argues: “As usual, what is best on every level is liberty, personal responsibility, and generous charity, three traditions that are uniquely Christian and historically American” (107). It is certainly true that private citizens can rise to the occasion to help others when called upon, yet it might be naïve to think that corporate America, on its own volition, will choose to care for the poor.

The authors then aim their sights at abortion. Innes claims that the “pro-life” position is “synonymous with being Evangelical” (113). He also charges that “Since 1973, Democrats have gone beyond a mere defense of a woman’s right to an abortion to supporting an ever-widening range of abortion options and opposing even the mildest restrictions” (116).

Harper challenges some of the presuppositions of Innes. She argues that government cannot function based on certain people’s religious beliefs (121). She argues: “Thus, the religious definition of the beginning of life cannot be the criteria used to decide at what point gestation becomes ‘life’” (121). She also claims it was not the abortion issue in 1973 that awakened Evangelicals, but the ability for institutions to practice race discrimination (125). Harper also argues that abortion is fundamentally a poverty issue (127). While she is certainly against abortion, Harper says, “I reject the manipulative and artificial dividing line between ‘Pro-life’ and ‘Pro-choice.’ As this is a line drawn by political strategists, not by Jesus” (129).

The authors then proceed to tackle the issues of same sex marriage, immigration, and national defense. Innes highlights the dangers of an increasing secularization of American society. Citing the removal of prayer from public schools, he notes: “ At stake was the secularization of six intensely instructive hours in every child’s weekday” (134). He claims that by redefining marriage, Christian foundations of society are continuing to crumble.

Harper admits that this is a tough issue for her to find the proper Christian position for. She does point out, however, that divorce is also frowned upon in Scripture, yet no one is introducing legislation to outlaw it from society (144). While she does not condone same sex marriage, Harper does appeal for love for people. She notes that there are 1,138 rights and protections that come with married couples that are unavailable to same sex relationships (146). She argues that society’s views on marriage have changed over the years. She notes that rape was legal within marriage until the first state outlawed it in 1973 (149). She suggests that modernizing our views on things like marriage is not always bad. In the end, she argues that Christians often strive to dehumanize homosexual people rather than to reach out to them.

Overall I found this book to be an interesting read. I also discovered that I did not always agree with either author, while at times I had to concede certain points to both. This type of book will not be easy for everyone to read. For many Americans today, we only read books that agree with our views. It can seem like heresy to even read what the other “side” is saying. But, as this book highlights, there are thoughtful believers in both camps. And, as they argue, perhaps Christians ought to be careful not to be categorized by secular, political terms. As in many cases, there is more than one way to look at an issue. Typically there is the law (The Bible condemns that behavior!) and there is grace (but God loves those people!).

The interesting thing about this book is that it is not a debate between a believer and an atheist. It is a thoughtful discussion between two believers. If you are interested in a survey of some of the most controversial political issues that are currently dividing believers, you might want to check this book out.

by Richard Blackaby

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The Seasons of God: How the Shifting Patterns of Your Life Reveal His Purposes for You by Richard Blackaby

[rating:4.0]

( Colorado Springs:Multnomah Press, 2012)

257 pgs

You understand that I will have to be careful how I review this book as my job could be in jeopardy! Nonetheless, after reading this book in two sittings, I feel an honest report of my reactions for this website would be helpful to the members. Please feel free to share your opinions as well when you have a chance.

First of all, looking at the title, I was not sure I was ready to read about how I should be winding down my ministry in the twilight years of my life, thinking that at 50, perhaps my best contributions may have already been made, and I was now heading into the slow decline of winter. But it quickly became clear that this book is not about four seasons in a person’s life (regardless of their vocation or age), it is about a constant cycle of seasons that are a natural part of our life at every level. There are seasons with our children, with our jobs, with our interests, in our marriage, and in our ministry. We may have worked at one job for several years, then find we have lost interest or need a new challenge – that job may have come full circle for us going through the excitement of new beginnings, growth, plateau, and stable predictability, and now it is time for a Spring time in a new job with a new challenge. Our children move from dependent toddlers to independent teenagers – another season in our life ends, and a new relationship with our children is now required.

The point that stood out most clearly to me was that many people are not aware that there are seasons in the various aspects of our life. Nor are they able to necessarily identify which season they may be in at the time. Thinking you are in a winter time of rest and recuperation when you really are in a summer time of growth and great expenditure of energy could be disastrous. I have worked with leaders over the years who took off for an extended vacation just at the wrong time every year and came back having to play catch up in ministry finding many frustrated people demanding their attention. They thought they needed the break just before the mayhem began, but the truth is they would not have had mayhem in the first place had they done better planning ahead of time and done the hard work necessary to have things running smoothly when they returned.

Other leaders wonder why their church or business is not growing like they think it should, but they have just come through a major growth spurt and the body needs time to regroup, retool, and refocus before moving ahead to another level. Constant growth without rejuvenation leads to instability and  burnout.

Another point that caught my attention is that things actually need to die, to rest, to have quiet, reflective times in order for there to be another Spring. Those who never do self-reflection and evaluation are doomed to burn out and struggle through life always fighting against themselves and their inadequacies rather than dealing with them, growing through them and moving on. Sometimes ministries need to die if they have served their purposes well and accomplished what they were designed to do. Those who keep certain programs year after year after year for the sake of tradition miss this point. Let the program die. Start up something new and exciting rather than flogging something old and past its time.

Richard also points out that not everyone is going to be at the same place in their life that you are, and particularly within a church body, there are those in every stage. The challenge is helping those in their Spring time looking for something new to respect and honor those who are in the winter of their life who need something familiar and comforting to hold on to.

Richard shares great perspectives from his many travels and interactions with leaders around the world. His insights are on target and his advice is sage to those who will listen. The writing is filled with anecdotes and stories as well as honest, clear observations of life the way God intended it to be.

The Seasons of God shows the natural order of things and is a book we should embrace and a tool we should use now so that we can truly enjoy the one life we were given. We do have the option to fight against God’s design, gnarl our teeth at the inevitable, or struggle to hold on to things that we should have let go of years before, and many do that, perhaps out of fear of the future. But others embrace the future, look to the new things with excitement and anticipation, and get the most out of what God has provided each day, not waiting for the “one day” that may never come.

Buy the book. Sit down with a cup of tea or coffee, kick off your shoes, relax, and enjoy a thoughtful read that will surely cause you to take pause and reflect, and offer perspectives on your own life and ministry that you may not have ever considered before.

by Tom Blackaby

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Grace and Truth

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

The world is divided into various divergent groups of people. There are the night owls and early birds, givers and takers, extroverts and introverts, cognitive and affective, men and women, visionary and pragmatic, and so on. But I’d like to suggest another category: truth tellers and grace givers.

Scripture tells us: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus may well have been the only person who ever walked the earth who was full of both! People have a tendency to gravitate to one or the other.

Truth tellers are people who like to tell it like it is. They shoot straight. The truth might bless you or crush you, but when you are with them, you’re going to get it! Of course, telling the truth is a good thing. Jesus said that when you knew the truth, it would set you free (John 8:32). But human frailty being what it is, some people can only handle it in manageable doses!

Over the years I have had to share the “truth” with numerous people. At times it was a reprimand I had to administer to a staff person. At other times it was an encouragement for a job well done. Since I am a cognitive person, I like to hear the facts. I hate it when people aren’t honest with me about what they think. I grew up thinking you should treat others in exactly the same way you wanted to be treated yourself. I found that didn’t work! At times I would tell someone some hard information about their sub par performance and, instead of thanking me for sharing the facts with them, they became hurt, or angry. All I was doing was being honest with them! But it hurt them. I have some painful regrets for times I shared more with people than they were prepared to receive. I should have demonstrated more grace.

Grace is the way God relates to people. Grace is kind. It builds people up and makes them like Jesus. It forgives. It is others-centered rather than self-centered. We live in a broken, hurting, and often, dysfunctional world. People need grace. That’s what Jesus showed the woman caught in adultery and Peter after he denied Him three times. There are times when people don’t need more truth hammered over their head; they need grace.

Of course, sometimes this can go too far. Some people are so “gracious” that they never confront behavior that is unChrist-like. These leaders allow sub par performances and lack of effort to continue even when it is damaging the organization. They give endless second chances even when it doesn’t appear to be improving performance.

The classic tale of this contrast occurred with history’s most famous missionary duo: Paul and Barnabas. These two men set out for the Church’s first missionary journey. They took the young man John Mark with them. However, their associate got cold feet and abandoned them for home (Acts 13:13). When it came time to go on their second missionary journey, these two spiritual giants had their first falling out (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance. Barnabas was your classic “grace” guy! After all, when no one would give Saul of Tarsus a chance, Barnabas had! But Paul refused. The truth of the matter was that he was unreliable. These men were going to face numerous challenges and dangers; they needed someone they could depend upon.

Who was right? They both were! Paul and Barnabas just looked at the situation from opposite ends of the truth-grace continuum. Paul saw the facts. Barnabas saw the hurting person. Did Paul need more grace? Yes. Did Barnabas need more truth? Probably. While Barnabas fades into the mist of history, Paul clearly learned to show grace to John Mark and as a result, came to greatly appreciate his ministry.

As leaders we will lean to one side of the spectrum or the other. Some of us tend to immediately lay out the facts without considering the pain threshold of the one we are speaking to. Others of us are too lenient and long-suffering. Sometimes we need to have the courage to speak the truth. To be a Christ-like leader, we need to exercise both grace and truth. On which side of the continuum do you lean? How does God want to bring more balance into your leadership?

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A Double Life: Superman at Work; At Home, Clark Kent with an Attitude

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

Secret identity, alter ego, split personality … the terms conjure images of Superman & Clark Kent or Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Whether it’s the ultimate do-gooder hiding supernatural abilities behind a business suit and a pair of eyeglasses, or a gentleman and a monster sharing the same body, people have always been intrigued by the idea of leading a double life.

Recently, God revealed a disturbing truth to me – I live a double life! I have two distinct personas, one at work and one at home. Perhaps I flatter myself, but I’ll use Superman rather than Dr. Jekyll to illustrate my point. At work I am a fearless leader and problem solver. In fact, at work there are no problems, only leadership challenges. But, inexplicably, during the ten minute drive home, I undergo a perplexing transformation. During that short commute, the leadership skills and winning attitudes that helped me succeed all day drain out of me as though my home were made of kryptonite. The closer I get, the weaker I feel. If I am Superman at the office, at home I’m Clark Kent with an attitude. I’m greeted by a barrage of needs from my family, and my leadership superpowers completely fail me. Why is it that I can efficiently administer an entire school, yet I struggle to lead a family of five?

Let me explain:

Problem Solving: Leaders solve problems. They don’t make excuses; they make things better. I handle numerous challenges at the office, but on the way home that can-do attitude gets lost in the seat cushion of my car like so much pocket change. My daughter’s skates were supposed to be sharpened for today’s lesson. My son’s hockey helmet is broken; his practice is in an hour. “The engine warning light is still on in the van” my wife gently reminds me, “and now there’s a funny burning smell…” My oldest son needs help with a history paper…. What would I do at work? I would delegate. Seeing no staff hovering nearby, I do the next best thing – I plan a business trip.

Scheduling: Great leaders accomplish much. They don’t waste a moment. Like all great leaders, I live by my calendar. Appointments are tracked by computer. Every minute of my day is scheduled. No important meeting or event is overlooked. I even schedule “unscheduled time” in case of emergency. My computer prioritizes my tasks. I’d rather lose my right arm than my palm pilot. My calendar is synchronized with my staff’s computers. It’s all very sophisticated and effective. My schedule for my family is about as hi-tech as a stone tablet and a sundial. “Are you coming to my game tonight Dad? ” “Dad, you promised to shoot baskets with us today, remember?” “Are you all set for Carrie’s sixth grade field trip tomorrow?” Where is a phone booth when you need one?

Team Building: Leaders take people from all walks of life, from all levels of education, and from all socio-economic backgrounds and consolidate them into one unified group. This diverse, yet cohesive team can collectively overcome enormous challenges. Leaders constantly communicate with their followers. Leaders make every team member feel appreciated. I can lead faculty, staff, trustees, students and donors to achieve a common purpose, yet I struggle to organize a family outing on Saturday afternoon. My wife loves to shop, but loathes sports. My sons love sports, but despise shopping. My daughter loves everything, as long as it’s figure skating. Unless we go shopping for figure skates at a sporting goods store, we reach no consensus.

I suspect I’m not the lone sufferer of a double life. In fact, I’ve talked with dozens of men, many of them leaders in significant positions of authority, who confessed they knew they were not the husbands and fathers God wanted them to be. No amount of prestige or money could make up for their deep desire to be the family men they knew they should be, and could be. Their confessions echo the sentiments expressed in Proverbs 15:16: “Better a little with fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” The good news is, it is possible to be both an effective leader at work and a capable leader at home. With a little effort and creativity, men can take the leadership skills they employ at their workplace and use them at home to be the family leader God wants them to be. Let’s revisit the above three leadership skills:

1) Problem Solving: In your eyes, a corporate challenge at work may seem vastly more important than a plumbing glitch at home. But the issue is not the size of the problem; it’s the attitude you bring to it. Strive to be a champion problem solver in your home. If you have the charm and diplomacy to deal with disgruntled staff and arrogant customers, surely you can respond lovingly to your wife when she tells you the garbage disposal is broken again! Taking time to cheerfully teach your son how to fix his bike may pay you more dividends than successfully overcoming barriers to a corporate merger. And you will be doing much more than fixing a sink or a bike; you will be tangibly demonstrating your love to your family.

2) Scheduling: Use all the creativity and technology at your disposal to include your family’s important events in your life. Put special family occasions on your calendar so you can spot potential conflicts. Treat your family as you would your best clients and schedule regular time for them. One of the greatest regrets older men share is missing key moments in their families’ lives.

3) Team Building: Communicate with your family. Be a good listener. Treat each person as the vital, irreplaceable team member that he/she is. Lead your family to become a team that works together, plays together, prays together and stays together. As team leader, your most important task is to encourage your family to follow Christ. The Bible says “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress and for his children it will be a refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26).

Are you an office superhero but a frazzled Clark Kent at home? The only thing separating your two identities may be the decision to change. Strive to be the husband and father God wants you to be. Lois and the kids will love you for it.

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In the Mean Time

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

History books are filled with turning points. Those are key events that turned the tide of a calamity or changed history in some fashion. The Battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar changed the nature of Europe. The invention of the printing press, and later the Internet, revolutionized society. The dropping of the atomic bomb did more than end World War Two; it ushered in the atomic age. There are numerous books that do nothing more than examine key moments in history when someone rose up to make a supreme difference in a war, crisis, government, or business.

Thomas Carlisle famously proposed the “Great Man Theory” which postulated that history was the summation of the efforts of great men. For many, there is an innate desire to do something with one’s life that could be attributed by posterity as “great.” Horace Mann once intoned: “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” In 1832 Abraham Lincoln confessed: “Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition . . . I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to be developed.” Most historians would agree that the Illinois lawyer ultimately achieved his goal.

But here’s the rub. Most people, even “great” leaders, do not spend the bulk of their time doing “great” things. Even Julius Caesar, Admiral Nelson, and Churchill did not spend every waking hour turning the tide of history. They each experienced what we know as the “in between times.” That is, those mundane moments when we are engaged in ordinary affairs while waiting to undertake something of greater significance.

It could be argued that people who dramatically change their world are not necessarily the ones who are constantly fighting battles or inventing new technologies, but those who mine their “down time” most effectively. Since the bulk of our life is spent in ordinary pursuits, it is how we use those periods in our lives that may well determine the sum total of our accomplishments.

In recent years I have been struck by the large number of people I meet who tell me they are currently in a time of “transition.” They may have been laid off their job. They may sense God leading them to quit their current employment and to venture out into something new. Some have suffered the loss of a loved one. These people know they will not remain in that place in life for long, but they are there now.

Change can be traumatic. Some people who are downsized from their company fall apart. They are in shock and unable to think clearly. They become consumed with finding another job. They worry and fret and desperately scan the help wanted pages of the newspaper. In God’s perfect timing, another job eventually is found, but the “in between time” was entirely wasted. The weeks or months spent in transition could have been invested much more wisely. The temporarily unemployed person might have volunteered at his church. She could have read some helpful books or taken a class to upgrade her skills. He might have invested time in relationships or spent time developing his devotional life. Instead, they squandered their time, worrying about their next job.

Some people lose their spouse to illness or divorce. Rather than investing time growing personally, they worry about finding another mate. When they do, the new companion gets the same person as before, because they never grew.

Others experience failure. These individuals are so frustrated and embarrassed by what transpired that they desperately want to “move on.” But they don’t grow. They may have “moved on,” but they are the same person who failed previously. History-changers are not people who “move on” from their failures; they are people who grow from their mistakes.

The prophet Jeremiah ministered to people in the “in between” stage of life. He wrote to the Israelite captives who had been relocated to Babylon. These displaced people desperately wanted to know if they would ever return to their homeland and be able to truly “live” once again. How long would they be cruelly consigned to live in exile?

Jeremiah replied, “For thus says the Lord; After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place” (Jer. 29:10). Seventy years! That was a long time of transition! Can you imagine wasting seventy years of your life waiting for things to become “normal” again? Yet some of those people would have done just that!

That is why the prophet also instructed them: “Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace” (Jer. 29:5-7).

God was urging his people not to waste time waiting for their lives to be different! He was saying they should live in such a manner that they blessed the city where they lived and the family that they raised. They should conduct themselves so that, even while they lived in exile, their family “increased” and was not “diminished.” Sadly, many children suffer under parents in the “in between time.” Rather than having a mother or father who continues to grow and to bless, they have parents who are curled up in a fetal position awaiting a change in their circumstances.

The truth is that one of the best ways to work your way out of a transition time is to grow. When I have people who are unemployed talk to me about a job, the first thing I do is not to ask them under what unfair circumstances they were let go by their previous employer. What I ask them is how they have been investing the “gift” of additional time their former employer bestowed upon them. Are they reading, taking classes, reflecting, and working with a mentor? The way we handle our transitions says much about our character.

John Churchill suffered the adverse affects of political intrigue. For six years he was banished from royal favor. Even though he was his nation’s most skilled military leader, he was forced to wait in the wings while lesser men held the reins of power. Yet his biographer, Winston Churchill observed: “Few features in Marlborough’s long life are more remarkable than the manner in which he steadily grew in weight and influence through the whole of the six years when he was banished from favour and office.” When John Churchill was finally restored and given an opportunity to lead, he became England’s greatest general. He never lost a battle in a decade of conflict and would ultimately be elevated to become the Duke of Marlborough. How he handled his “in between times” determined his effectiveness once he returned to the stage.

We cannot always determine how our employer or others treats us. But we can choose our response to the situation in life in which we find ourselves. We can mope and worry and cast blame, or we can grow and seek to bless those around us. If you find yourself in a place in your career or personal life that appears to be temporary, don’t squander it! Life is too precious to waste a day of it. But more, capitalize on those moments. It could well be that your future success hinges on what you do, in the mean time.

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The Kingdom Matrix: Designing a Church for the Kingdom of God by Jeff Christopherson

[rating:4.0]

( Boise: Russell Media, 2012)

267 pgs

I have been looking forward to this book! I have known Jeff since we were both youth (In other words, a long time!). He has always been somewhat unconventional. As a church planter, I watched him mature. I listened as he evaluated the current way “church” was being done. I also saw him “take one for the team” when he had the courage to try things others wanted to do, but didn’t yet have the courage to do. This book is about being a kingdom minded Christian and about being a church that is kingdom-focused rather than self (or brand) focused.

Jeff lays out the problem up front: “Sure, we may now have more large churches than any other time in Christian history, but if you dig a little deeper you discover there are fewer people attending church today than before the church growth movement began discipling our leaders en masse thirty years ago. We are working hard. What is wrong?” (17). He asks: “What about the disciple? Maybe that’s the wrong descriptor. How about “church member” or “church attendee” or, perhaps, consumer?” (17).

Jeff was reared under men like my father and my father’s first mission pastor, Jack Conner. So it is not a surprise he stays God-focused. Throughout the book, Christopherson challenges the church growth movement assumptions. He claims: “He (God) assumes the entire responsibility for His kingdom plans” (18). In the first chapter, Jeff tells a marvelous story about his father Alan (19-23). The book is worth the purchase price for this story alone. He tells about an ordinary businessman who sought to invest in God’s kingdom. Yet it took him over 40 years before he learned about how much his investment had paid off.

The first section of the book addresses “Deconstructing Christian Mythology” (25ff). In the following pages Jeff challenges common assumptions by the church that have been crippling its effectiveness. These include: The myth of the third kingdom, the myth of church growth, and the myth of kingdom turf.

Jeff has never been very “wishy washy” in his opinions! Concerning the “third kingdom” he states: “At any given moment I am either expanding the Kingdom of God or the Dominion of Darkness. Period” (27) He adds: “Every decision we make is inspired by, and advances the agenda of one of these two Kingdoms. There is no neutral territory” (28).

Concerning the “myth of church growth,” he notes: “It is possible to participate in church expansion and unintentionally be an agent for shrinking the Kingdom of God” (43). He offers a devastating critique on those pastors, driven by ego, who focus on the numbers sitting in their pews, while they are actually harming God’s kingdom instead of expanding it. Jeff was the lead pastor at The Sanctuary, a church planting network in the Toronto area. In his first year, his team simultaneously planted four churches (49). They built it into their DNA to give themselves away. He understood that the local church was not meant to be the “goal” but the “tool” (50). He takes the customary swipe at Constantine and notes that “Hell’s solution to the problem of the Christian revolution was consolidation. In 313 A.D. we became a world-class religion. The movement was over in one edict of preservation” (64).

Throughout the book, Jeff uses charts and systems (hence the term “Matrix”). For some like me, who like ideas, the charts can at times seem a bit much. But Jeff balances those with his sardonic wit and withering critique of the status quo. He has a number of thought-provoking comments such as; “Prayer is a channel, not a source. I don’t believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the power of our omnipotent God who spoke a universe into existence” (97). Jeff also challenges the simplistic “sinner’s prayer.” He notes: “In all of our evangelical fervor, we have made a costly error in our theology; for many, we have reduced the cost of discipleship to a mere rehearsing of a magical prayer” (99).

Once Christopherson deconstructs current church practices, he seeks to construct it in a more biblical model. He uses four quadrants for his “kingdom matrix (109 ff). He lists two kingdoms: The Dominion of Darkness, and The Kingdom of God. He then has two additional categories of “Sacred” and “Secular.” He then shows how these four categories intersect. He discusses what a “Kingdom Seeker” is (118). He also claims that the church needs both “orthodoxy” as well as “orthopraxy” (124-125). I also naturally appreciated his references to my father, Jack Conner, and Experiencing God (150-151). Jeff witnessed Henry Blackaby and Jack Conner freely giving themselves and their resources away, and dramatically impacting God’s kingdom in the process!

Jeff tells some great stories throughout the book. His story of his church giving its last $5,000 to another church, even though they could not make their own payroll, will challenge readers to consider how “radical” they are about giving themselves away (158). He argues: “Individualism is much too self-centered of an aspiration to be fanned by a Kingdom Source” (193).

Once Christopherson has presented a better way, he notes: “Like emaciated prisoners of war, our churches too often lack spiritual fortitude to be a healing agent to its own constituency let alone a preserving force to the communities it claims to serve” (230-231). But then he concludes: “How can we experience the Power of this Truth?” (231). He offers several suggestions including: “We must toss our plans in order to know God’s plan” (231). “We must resist the dark temptation of Good Stewardship” (231). “We must cooperate with the spiritual reality of death ushering life” (232).

Jeff offers a number of suggestions on healthy, kingdom focused, churches. He notes that there are four marks of a “Kingdomcentric church” (264). These are: New believers, new disciple-makers, new communities of faith, and transforming communities.”

This is a great read. If you have grown up in the traditional “church culture” of the Bible belt, you will feel pushed and pulled throughout the book. You might even be offended by this Yankee meddling in your church affairs! If you have been functioning in a more post-church culture, then you will find that his comments resonate with your experience and you will be grateful that someone has stated what you have experienced so clearly and compellingly. But for every Christian who is legitimately concerned with the expansion of God’s kingdom, this is a book you need to read!

by Richard Blackaby

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Electoral Leadership

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

Many evangelical Christians have not been happy with the state of the nation over the last few years. There is a plethora of indicators that conservative Christians, and their values, are being marginalized. Moral standards appear to be in free fall. Whenever a presidential election looms, numerous Christians pull out their long list of complaints about how the country is in deplorable condition.

There is a troubling problem, however. Estimates suggest there are roughly 60 million Evangelical Christians in America. In the last presidential election, only about half of those were registered to vote. Of those registered, roughly half showed up at a ballot box. In America, Evangelicals represent a sizable bloc of conservative, morals-based citizens. Their vote certainly could exert an impact on society. Yet many choose to forego that fundamental right, and obligation.

There are various reasons why Christians choose not to exercise their franchise. Some do the math. They look at the millions of voters and assume their lone vote won’t make enough difference to justify waiting in a long line on election day. Others believe voting is nothing more than choosing your poison. The public approval rating of members of Congress is at a historic low. One popular bumper sticker encapsulates this sentiment by saying: “Don’t vote. It only encourages them.” A third reason some Christians don’t vote is that they perceive participation in the election process as attempting to accomplish spiritual ends with secular means. Such people assume that they should focus on building the kingdom of God, not getting politicians elected. They realize that in the long run, the focus of the Democrats and Republicans is not to populate heaven but to gain and hold on to temporal power. As a result, these individuals leave the electoral process to the “secular” minded while they focus their attention on eternal matters.

Of course there is some truth to these concerns. If you live in a strongly “red” or “blue” state, your vote for president might not tip the scales one way or another. Likewise, the political process has certainly provided ample fodder for cynicism. And, the truth of the matter is that despite the billions of dollars spent on election campaigns, very little of eternal consequence results.

Nevertheless, the key to any healthy democracy is active participation by its grass roots. Apathy can be more deadly to a free people than anarchy. But there is a further matter that is vividly highlighted during national elections. That is the desire by ordinary people to make a difference. Apathy essentially shrugs its shoulders and proclaims, “Why vote? My vote won’t make a difference anyway.” When large numbers of Christians choose not to vote, they are declaring that their life cannot make a difference. So why bother?

This attitude ought to be deeply troubling to Christian leaders. Jesus commanded His followers to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16). He was saying that the preservation of moral society and the dispelling of evil hinged on His people doing everything within their power to make a difference.

I like salt too much. It seems to bring out the flavor in my food. I especially like to grind my salt and pepper so it’s fresh. But I have never looked at the individual granules of salt to see if each one was doing its job. I just trust that, when each particle does what it can, the cumulative effect is delicious! There are some individuals who seem to single-handedly change the course of history. I have a large biography section in my library devoted to such people. But there are far more people we will never know and for whom no biographical sketch will ever be written, who have changed our world for good. It might not have been spectacular, but over time, doing what they could, they made a difference.

As I was growing up, my father would challenge his children with the famous mantra of the 60s, “If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.” He urged us to not sit on the sidelines complaining about what others were doing. He also admonished us that we had no right to criticize any elected leader for whom we had not voted (for or against) and for whom we were not praying. Even then, I don’t recall my father spending his time criticizing what others were doing. He was generally too busy making a difference himself.

As spiritual leaders, we must convey to our people the critical importance of striving to make a positive difference in whatever forum they find themselves. If they work on a shop floor, they must strive to be positive and to produce the best product possible. If they belong to a church, they should make every effort to produce a positive contribution. One thing is certain, those who assume their life won’t make a difference are usually correct!

Leaders today must work against apathy in their people. But, as with most things, you cannot produce in others what you do not have yourself. If you want your people to be passionate about making a difference, however small, then you must have that same passion burning within you. If your people care so little about the state of their nation that they cannot be bothered to head down to the nearby polling booth to cast their vote, you may want to encourage them to grasp a larger vision for their life, and their country.

Scripture teaches that if you cannot be faithful in a little thing, you cannot be trusted with anything great. Becoming an informed, intentional citizen may seem like only a small thing, but it reflects our attitude about the difference one person can make.

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Leadership Matters: The CEO Survival Manual. What It Takes to Reach the C-Suite and Stay There by Mike Myatt

[rating:2.0]

( Denver: Outskirts Press, 2008)

199 pgs

First of all, I had difficulty keeping this author separate in my mind from Michael Hyatt! But that aside, this book is primarily about business leadership. Mike Myatt runs his own consulting company and previously served as an officer in the military as well as an executive in corporate America. He writes, not as an academic (whom he critiques), but as a practitioner. He directs this book to CEOs and those who aspire to one day become one. He seeks to offer practical advice he has learned from years of successful leadership himself.

This book is not an exhaustive treatise on business leadership, but key truths Myatt has found to be crucial for executive leadership. As a result, the book does not always flow systematically from one topic to the next, but rather it highlights issues the author considers most important. Perhaps as a result, there is some repetition. The author also writes as a practitioner rather than a detached observer. As a result, there are plenty of personal observations and opinions. Perhaps because of the nature of the book, there are not as many business examples as you might expect. There are some, but often Myatt defaults to his own experience. At times when he does cite another example, it is imprecise. In one case he attributes to Peter Drucker a quote by Warren Bennis (Though when in doubt on a leadership quote, it is never a bad move to guess Drucker). There are times when Myatt “guesses” at the author of a quote, such as Shakespeare, rather than having done the research to make sure.

That said, Myatt does have some helpful observations. Myatt notes that there is no tougher job than that of CEO, yet there are surprisingly few resources for them (8). I am not sure of the veracity of this statement but it certainly is convenient for someone writing a helpful book for CEOs! Myatt does note that every action by a CEO is a “cultural statement” (11). He challenges leaders to strive to devote at least 50% of their time in areas of their greatest productivity (18). He contends that if you do, you will be in the top 10% of CEOs.

Myatt gives a list of 15 characteristics that define top CEOs (25ff). These could generally describe any effective leader. He does make a strong point that “There is no perfect leader only the right leader for a given situation” (34). He argues that leaders must “think contextually” (39). In this regard, he takes on Jim Collins and his book Good to Great where Collins describes the “Level 5 Leader.” Myatt argues that there is no complete profile of what an effective leader is like. He argues that leadership is always done in context. It is impossible to garner an exhaustive list of leadership traits and then insist that CEOs must have them.

Myatt also dislikes the term “try.” He argues that using “try” simply reflects an avoidance of doing what is necessary to accomplish your goal (47). Myatt also wades into the strengths versus weakness debate. He notes that while it is important for leaders to be constantly working on personal growth and development, often leaders find themselves focusing on the wrong things at the wrong time (51). He does note, as so many leadership authors do that “Great leaders are almost always great story tellers” (55). He also repeatedly emphasizes that leaders have a “bias” toward action. He notes that speed is crucial (71). Often great opportunities are lost due to an inability to respond quickly to fleeting opportunities. He quotes Will Rogers who observed: ‘Chaotic action is preferable to orderly inaction” (64).

Myatt also discusses the importance of passion in a leader. He suggests, “Passion is the essence of being a great leader” (94). He notes that no great leader lacked passion. He also offers practical advice such as: “Hire slow, fire fast” (98). He also takes on several popular practices such as team building. He believes that team building is not about equality, but about every member clearly understanding his or her role (108). Myatt also has a helpful discussion on branding, a subject that is becoming increasingly prominent these days (117). He argues that developing the brand is one of the crucial roles of a CEO.

Myatt also has some good advice on conducting meetings. He recommends never holding them in “prime time” but in off hours so you do not pull your key people away from their work at the most productive time of the day (179). He also recommends not inviting people to meetings who do not have something specific to contribute. Warm bodies are unnecessary. He also suggests rescheduling meetings so key contributors can be present.

Myatt is not afraid to tackle sacred cows such as “Best Practices” which he believes are a fallacy (183). Because leadership is contextual, it is ludicrous to assume that a behavior that worked for one company can be copied, wholesale by another. He therefore warns against following after trends (188). He also has some very politically incorrect opinions about striving to be politically correct! (193).

There were moments when Myatt’s experience-based advice rang true and would be helpful, particularly for business leaders. However, at other times he seemed to be self-promoting. At one point he claimed that he gets more accomplished in a day than some get done in a month (175). There were times when it seemed his primary objective was to promote his company’s services more than to enlighten his readers. His writing style at times is also a little weak. He repeats his points at times. He uses himself and his company as an example a little too often. At times his writing style seems just a little too “homespun.” As a result I would only rate this book at a 2. While this book has some good things to say, there are probably other books you should read first.

by Richard Blackaby