Saturday, September 6, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
Bibliotheca: A Bible I am excited about
Bibliotheca
My new book, Deep Influence: Unseen Practices That Will Revolutionize Your Leadership, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
The media and Christian ministries
I have watched with sadness the travails of a large church and famous pastor over the past year or so. It has been my desire that they would get their act together for the sake of the church as a whole. One of the interesting facets of the saga has been the charge that the media has been used to create undo attention to the charges against the senior pastor and that dirty laundry should not be aired in the secular media. Even I was chastised for suggesting on Facebook that I wished the parties involved would get their act together as indicated above.
We live in a connected world. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps what it does is increase our responsibility to handle issues within the church and in Christian organizations in ways that actually honor Jesus and don't need to be hidden from the world. If we have to hide our issues from the world there is either something wrong with our conduct or the way we handle conflict or differences together.
Further, why should ministries be exempt from the same transparency that we ask of other institutions in society whether government or other entities? If we have something to hide, if we engage in questionable practices, if we mistreat staff or muzzle opinions, is it wrong that we not be held accountable? We love the media when it helps us and use it for our purposes when we can. Is it a surprise that the media not pay attention when we allow our issues to become public as they have in the church above?
Paul suggested that our conduct be such that even the pagan world would look at us and not have cause to accuse us of any wrongdoing. If that were our standard we would not be afraid of scrutiny from the outside or the inside. My take.
Finally, when we allow our leaders to become public figures and treat them like rock stars - or draw attention to our ministries why would we expect anything other than media attention?
All of T.J. Addington's books including his latest, Deep Influence, are available from the author for the lowest prices and a $2.00 per book discount on orders of ten or more.
We live in a connected world. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps what it does is increase our responsibility to handle issues within the church and in Christian organizations in ways that actually honor Jesus and don't need to be hidden from the world. If we have to hide our issues from the world there is either something wrong with our conduct or the way we handle conflict or differences together.
Further, why should ministries be exempt from the same transparency that we ask of other institutions in society whether government or other entities? If we have something to hide, if we engage in questionable practices, if we mistreat staff or muzzle opinions, is it wrong that we not be held accountable? We love the media when it helps us and use it for our purposes when we can. Is it a surprise that the media not pay attention when we allow our issues to become public as they have in the church above?
Paul suggested that our conduct be such that even the pagan world would look at us and not have cause to accuse us of any wrongdoing. If that were our standard we would not be afraid of scrutiny from the outside or the inside. My take.
Finally, when we allow our leaders to become public figures and treat them like rock stars - or draw attention to our ministries why would we expect anything other than media attention?
All of T.J. Addington's books including his latest, Deep Influence, are available from the author for the lowest prices and a $2.00 per book discount on orders of ten or more.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Weather vane leaders
There are unfortunately too many of them: leaders whose direction is determined by which way the wind is blowing rather than from an internal conviction. It is a posture of fear (I don't want to go where others are not going) and of perceived popularity (If I go where others are going I will be considered a good leader). Whatever the motivation, both are deeply harmful and confusing to the organization and staff.
Many church leaders are weather vanes. They seek to perceive where the people are and then advocate for that position. Of course this ignores the fact that most people will opt for the comfortable rather than the missional. The word for church leaders is often Shepherd. Shepherds don't follow the flock, they lead the flock. If all you do is follow the flock of sheep you will wander forever without a destination - the fate of many churches.
Weather vane leaders lead out of insecurity rather than personal conviction. This creates chaos for staff as the direction can change without waning. Those changes of direction can also be caused by leaders who chase the latest trend or strategy in the ministry world. It all adds up to confusion and unstable leadership.
We often confuse representative government with church leadership. Now certainly church leaders cannot move in directions that people will not follow. The definition of a leader is that they have people following. However, church leaders are tasked with helping their people move in directions that will fulfill God's plan for the church rather than our plans or our comfort zones. This is not always the popular direction and it is usually not the comfortable direction. Weather vane leaders are unable to do the hard or uncomfortable thing even when it is in the best interests of their people.
Reminder. My new book, Deep Influence: Unseen Practices That Will Revolutionize Your Leadership, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
Many church leaders are weather vanes. They seek to perceive where the people are and then advocate for that position. Of course this ignores the fact that most people will opt for the comfortable rather than the missional. The word for church leaders is often Shepherd. Shepherds don't follow the flock, they lead the flock. If all you do is follow the flock of sheep you will wander forever without a destination - the fate of many churches.
Weather vane leaders lead out of insecurity rather than personal conviction. This creates chaos for staff as the direction can change without waning. Those changes of direction can also be caused by leaders who chase the latest trend or strategy in the ministry world. It all adds up to confusion and unstable leadership.
We often confuse representative government with church leadership. Now certainly church leaders cannot move in directions that people will not follow. The definition of a leader is that they have people following. However, church leaders are tasked with helping their people move in directions that will fulfill God's plan for the church rather than our plans or our comfort zones. This is not always the popular direction and it is usually not the comfortable direction. Weather vane leaders are unable to do the hard or uncomfortable thing even when it is in the best interests of their people.
Reminder. My new book, Deep Influence: Unseen Practices That Will Revolutionize Your Leadership, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Four kinds of people that are helpful in meetings
Think about meetings that are highly effective. They probably have four kinds of people in them which make for robust dialogue, getting to solutions, clarifying issues and developing strategy. Here are four kinds of people that it is helpful to have in a productive meeting.
The Clarifier.
Much of what is discussed in senior meetings is complex. The individual with a clarity gift is able to quickly synthesize the question at hand as well as potential solutions. They simplify complexity and clarify issues and solutions. Having a member with the gift of clarity can push through confusion and save significant meeting time.
The Questioner.
This individual asks a lot of questions. Not obnoxiously but they do so to get to the heart of the issue and ensure that everyone understands the nature of the issues under discussion. They may also ask contrarian questions - questioning conventional wisdom that is always conventional and often not wisdom.
The Processor.
This is the individual who has the ability to develop processes for potential solutions. It is one thing to know what you want to do, it is a different thing to know how to go about it. Those with the gift of process help the group quickly identify the necessary steps toward implementation.
The Strategist.
This individual has the gift of developing an overall strategy to achieve a certain goal. This is the gift of taking complexity and developing a workable strategy. This is the macro level plan while the processor helps develop the micro level process.
Meetings that seem to go nowhere, circle back to the same issues repeatedly, have trouble coming to decisions and are generally ineffective are probably lacking these four individuals necessary to move forward.
All of T.J. Addington's books including his latest, Deep Influence, are available from the author for the lowest prices and a $2.00 per book discount on orders of ten or more.
The Clarifier.
Much of what is discussed in senior meetings is complex. The individual with a clarity gift is able to quickly synthesize the question at hand as well as potential solutions. They simplify complexity and clarify issues and solutions. Having a member with the gift of clarity can push through confusion and save significant meeting time.
The Questioner.
This individual asks a lot of questions. Not obnoxiously but they do so to get to the heart of the issue and ensure that everyone understands the nature of the issues under discussion. They may also ask contrarian questions - questioning conventional wisdom that is always conventional and often not wisdom.
The Processor.
This is the individual who has the ability to develop processes for potential solutions. It is one thing to know what you want to do, it is a different thing to know how to go about it. Those with the gift of process help the group quickly identify the necessary steps toward implementation.
The Strategist.
This individual has the gift of developing an overall strategy to achieve a certain goal. This is the gift of taking complexity and developing a workable strategy. This is the macro level plan while the processor helps develop the micro level process.
Meetings that seem to go nowhere, circle back to the same issues repeatedly, have trouble coming to decisions and are generally ineffective are probably lacking these four individuals necessary to move forward.
All of T.J. Addington's books including his latest, Deep Influence, are available from the author for the lowest prices and a $2.00 per book discount on orders of ten or more.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Ebola update
Ebola has struck fear in the hearts of many in Africa leaving many victims helpless. But like the early church when outbreaks of the plague came, it is Christians who are often the ones caring for the sick, ministering to the families of those impacted and burying the dead. This includes partners of ReachGlobal and members of ReachAfrica who minister in Ebola infected regions.
As you hear Ebola updates I would encourage you to pray first that a treatment would be found, for the sick who are struggling for their lives and for the believers and medical staff who are faithfully ministering to the sick. Pray also for a receptiveness to the gospel by those being ministered to. Nothing happens in our world, good or bad, that does not first pass by the hand of God and which He does not use to build His church.
The following video update is instructive on the challenges of dealing with Ebola.
As you hear Ebola updates I would encourage you to pray first that a treatment would be found, for the sick who are struggling for their lives and for the believers and medical staff who are faithfully ministering to the sick. Pray also for a receptiveness to the gospel by those being ministered to. Nothing happens in our world, good or bad, that does not first pass by the hand of God and which He does not use to build His church.
The following video update is instructive on the challenges of dealing with Ebola.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Deep Influence is now available for pre-ordering on Amazon
My new book, Deep Influence: Unseen Practices that will Revolutionize Your Leadership, published by NavPress is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
Too much attention is paid to leadership techniques and far too little to the kind of heart and mind from which the best leadership emanates. The path to truly influential leadership is found in the discipline of practices hidden from the public eye that deeply inform our public leadership. Our convictions, our call, our understanding of ourselves and heart commitments are where it all begins. Character, courage, wisdom, integrity, humility, spiritual depth, endurance, perseverance, kindness, and vision all come from a place deep inside our hearts and souls—the hidden interior and recesses of our lives, whose channels lead to deep veins of God’s work and molding.
From Chapter One of Deep Influence
"I've been a fan of TJ Addington for a long time.
I'm a wiser and better leader because of his writings. But Deep
Influence is his most important contribution yet. Every young leader
will gain decades of leadership wisdom forged in the painful trenches of
reality. Veteran leaders will be inspired to finish strong."
Gene Appel, Senior Pastor
Eastside Christian Church
Anaheim, CA
"We get formed from the outside-in, but we lead from
the inside-out. Tim Addington explains this process with clarity and
conviction. In a age of superficiality, he'll will guide you to the
deeper places of influence and change."
John Ortberg, Senior Pastor
Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
Menlo Park, CA
“My friend T.J. Addington is a wise leadership guru and Deep
Influence is his profoundest book on the subject! A seasoned
reflective-practitioner, TJ masterfully tackles the most challenging terrain
of leadership – the inner life of the leader – along with the empowering
practices he or she must cultivate. Few books effectively deal with leadership
from the inside out. This is one of the best!”
Edmund Chan
Leadership Mentor,
Covenant EFC
Founder, Global
Alliance of Intentional Disciplemaking Churches
"Deep
Influence draws an effective map for exploring the inner life so often
neglected by today’s image conscious leader. TJ’s emphasis on personal
integrity, authenticity and emotional intelligence offers a healthy antidote to
the toxic influence of every leader’s shadow side. His practical, personal
counsel encourages, challenges and inspires every leader to pursue the slower,
more intentional, inside-out path to deeper, lasting impact in ministry."
Russ Kinkade, Psy.D., Psychologist, Executive VP
Shepherds Ministries
"If you
are not yet convinced that the most difficult challenge you will face as a
leader is in “self-leadership,” then read Deep
Influence. My dear friend, T.J. Addington sharpened his ministry leadership
out of the depths of life-experience
even God granted and grew him into a major leadership role for the global
church. Deepened by a vital spiritual relationship with God, he enriches
fellow-leaders with practical wisdom towards deep influence for God’s purposes."
Ramesh
Richard Th.D., Ph.D.,
President,
RREACH/Professor, Dallas Seminary
Founder, Trainers of Pastors International
"Deep Influence, every chapter, was a
deep dive into my motives, methods, mind, mission calling, leadership style and
relationships which brought me to a place of unexpected unconventional light,
revealing a clear fresh exciting perspective to press forward. T.J. humbly said
it well, “Depth matters” as he carefully and biblically aimed at my life through
the person of Jesus Christ and hit my inner target - the sanctum of my heart. This book is a transparent transformational leadership
mirror which leads to intentional joy and freedom, where Ephesians 2:10 came
alive - in me - and it will in you."
Doug
Fagerstrom, D.Min, Senior Vice President of Converge and author of The Ministry Staff Member (Zondervan)
and The Volunteer (BMH)
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