In Chapter 4 Blackaby says,
The only vision some leaders have is for their organizations to conquer the obstacles immediately in front of them. They do not reflect on why they are doing what they are doing. They do not consider the long-term ramification to them personally or to the organizations they lead. They hardly consider their alternatives. They value action over reflection. They assume that moving forward is always better than standing still…
How do you identify leaders who subscribe to this reactionary approach to vision? A leader may launch into a new building program without considering its long-term const or effect. Once the expense of the building project escalates and the people begin to grumble, these leaders find themselves halfway up a mountain without resources to complete the climb. They may also begin new programs or hire more staff simply because opportunities arise. Christians often call these opportunities open doors. Because an opportunity presents itself, the leader assumes it must be God’s will to move forward. This is an undiscerning approach to leadership. There is much more to determining God’s will than merely assuming that every “open door” is an invitation from God.
This is worth thinking through.
Blackaby shoots down
- Borrowing visions from success in the past
- Imitating fads
- Goals that will bring the leader fame
- Goals that will give people what they think they need.
- Goals based on available resources
And advocates God’s revelation.
This should spur us on to walk close to God, and frequently ask for his help and guidance.
Application
Blackaby defines leadership as "moving people onto God's agenda."
Are you a leader? Is there anyone in your life right now that you should be influencing -- moving to God's agenda?
How do we seperate God's agenda from fads?
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4 comments:
Hey Paul, Shawnyouthguy here. I gave a copy of this book to the elders here. I really enjoyed it as well. Other great books on leadership are; Rethinking the successful church by Samuel D. Rima, Dynamic Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders, The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanly, The Book on Leadership by John Macarthur, Leaders on Leadership by George Barna, and one of my absolute favorites is Leadership is an Art by Max Depree (ignore the praise by Bill Clinton it is still a good book)
I'm sorry I'm so late to the game. I've been reading along and am convicted by chapter 5 that I need to take advantage of this opportunity to think and discuss.
Regarding chapter 4:
I appreciate the distinction made between vision and revelation, seeking God's agenda instead of my own and acknowleding my dreams are puny next to his. Also, that my job is not to sell or prove the revelation, but to live in such a way that people move closer to God, and so hear from him directly.
I am curious about the idea of a promise for our church. This sounds different than our goal of being missional. Is there a specific promise God has given for Alathia?
Shawn, thanks for your comments. I've read Sanders and Macarthur as well. Good stuff.
Amy,
I have no doubt that God wants a church in Issaquah that serves him, loves Jesus, and is on mission.
I believe then the promise is that if we join him on mission in Issaquah then he will bless others through us.
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