Difficult Decisions

“The worst problem of the 21^st century is that many people want positions of leadership, but they don't want to make difficult decisions.”

—Carlos Ghosn, President & CEO of Renault/Nissan, in an interview to Veja on the difficult decisions he had to make in order to save Nissan from bankruptcy

Keith Drury's take on Dr. Jo Anne Lyon for GS

"Why NOT elect JoAnne Lyon GS?

I’ve heard some of the reasons NOT to elect JoAnne Lyon to the highest elected office in The Wesleyan Church at our General Conference this June. Here are the three biggest ones and how I see the rationale. ;-)

1. She thinks globally. JoAnne Lyon is always thinking about the whole world. If she takes the highest job in our church, she might make us all think more about the entire world.

2. She’s a woman. If our daughters and granddaughters see an ordained woman in the highest office in the denomination, they might entertain the thought that they too might be called into ministry.

3. World Hope might collapse. Maybe the succession plan World Hope has agreed on for this summer won’t work, because over the last 12 years she founded such a weak organization that it will collapse whenever she retires, leaves to become GS, or dies.

4. She’s successful where she is. We shouldn’t elect people to be GS who are doing a great job where they are now. Instead, we should look for someone easily replaceable in their present job.

On second thought, Why not elect JoAnne Lyon a GS?

That’s what I think….

So, what do you think?"

Keith Drury, 4/26.08

Craig Groeschel's Leadership Tips

Outreach magazine online (Jan/Feb 2008) published these 40 tips from Craig Groeschel (lifechurch.tv) that are on point for pastors under (and over) 40:

Yesterday I turned 40 years old. This week, I’ll share 40 things I wish someone would have told me when I was 20. (They probably did, but I wasn’t paying attention.)

1. Life is short. Make every day count for God’s glory.
2. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
3. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.
4. Jesus cares more about the church than you do.
5. You can’t please everyone…so why try?
6. People will criticize you. Quit whining. Get used to it.
7. Three months from now, you won’t even remember most of the things that are bothering you today.
8. You can’t do it all. Stop trying.
9. God called you because He is good, not because you are.
10. If you blame yourself for the bad results in ministry, you’ll likely also take credit for the good results.
11. Become close friends with other pastors in your town (as many as you can).
12. Your kids will be grown before you know it. Don’t sacrifice them on the altar of ministry.
13. Your ministry isn’t your god. God is your God.
14. You know how to give and how to minister to others. If you don’t learn how to receive, you’ll burn out and/or die.
15. Studying for sermons doesn’t replace your personal time with God and in His Word.
16. Err on the side of generosity.
17. Believe in people that others overlook.
18. If you’re going to reach people that others aren’t, you’ll have to do things that others won’t.
19. Your integrity matters more than you can imagine.
20. Hire staff members that you like.
21. When you have a tough decision to make, but you know it’s right, make it immediately. (Like pulling off a Band-Aid: do it fast, and all at once.)
22. Hire slowly. Fire quickly.
23. You can’t change people. Only God can.
24. Don’t criticize others’ ministries. Yours isn’t nearly as perfect as you think it is.
25. Take care of yourself. Eat right. Rest. Exercise. Take time off. No one else can do that for you.
26. If you don’t take much time off, it’s because you’re proud, and you think you’re more necessary than you really are.
27. Don’t just delegate responsibility. Delegate authority.
28. Laugh frequently.
29. People will leave your church. People you love and trust will leave your church. Don’t take it personally.
30. When you suffer and hurt because of ministry, worship Jesus all the more.
31. Talk about Jesus every time you preach.
32. Be careful what you say. You’re being watched (and recorded).
33. Don’t return emails when you’re angry.
34. Check to make sure your microphone is turned off before you use the bathroom. Double-check.
35. Check to make sure your zipper is zipped every time before you preach. Double-check.
36. Love your wife more than you love the church. The church is Jesus’ bride, not yours.
37. Always be caught speaking well of others.
38. Compliment, encourage, and build up your staff and volunteers.
39. Hand write thank you notes.
40. Smile and look people in the eyes when you talk to them.

-Outreach magazine, "Web Exclusives," January/February 2008