LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS JUNE 2001

One of the lessons I've learned over the past six months is that when you're in the midst of a crisis there's only one thing to do: Let go and let God. Sounds like a cliche and maybe it is. But trying to control our way out of crises generally doesn't work. Prayer and trust do.This is especially true if the crisis is not one of your own making and over which you have absolutely no control. Carson Prue from Arrow Leadership gives us excellent principles for leaders in the midst of a storm. And how to avoid being an overly controlloing leader. The other lesson I'm learning is not to respond to criticisms that are without foundation. Sometimes it's hard to discern whether a particular criticism has any credence but in my experience of recent times mostt do not. The criticism is more a result of other things going on in that person's life than anything you have done or not done. Rod Benson has some useful thoughts about some of the myths of church life. Paul Arnott

SIX POPULAR MYTHS TO BE DISPELLED

Rod is pastor of Blakehurst Baptist Church, Sydney, Australia:

* It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere.

* God is unreasonable / unreliable / unconcerned / unpleasable.

* If I ignore my pain / problems, they will go away.

* I can make changes in my life quickly and painlessly.

* Other people cause my stress.

* I can control things by worrying about them.

Rod's series is heavily adapted (with permission) from a series preached by Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Valley Community Church, California http://www.saddleback.com.

Dealing effectively with Crises by Carson Prue

All leaders face times of crisis - you may be facing one now. Leaders know that we will usually survive, but we can choose today how to respond in guiding our organizations and lives back to stability.

Here are a few principles to encourage you when facing a crisis:

He modeled this with his own life - being there when people faced enormous crises. He promises to be with us.

Effective Leaders Are Willing to Pay the Price: Don't be surprised by crises. Expect physical suffering, subtle antagonism of non-believers, devastating attacks from other believers, and the heartache that comes from sharing other people's pain.

Effective Leaders are Servant Leaders: During a crisis is not the time to trumpet your credentials or compare degrees - rather follow the model of Jesus who took off his garment, took on the posture of a servant and washed feet. Who can you serve today?

Effective Leaders See the Big Picture: Look beyond today. God is in the business of developing people and this takes place over time through all kinds of difficult situations. Christian leaders can do one thing that the world cannot . . . we can extend grace. That's the big picture.

Effective Leaders Know the Source of Their Strength: Are you running on empty? When was the last time you got alone with the Lord? When was the last time you allowed God to fill you with His wonder

and grace? Have you been so "busy" that you're relying on your own strength to carry you through? You may feel that you "don't have time". You need to make time.

"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." Ps. 119:50 NIV

Controlling Leaders by Carson Prue

Do you think you are in control?

Here are some symptoms of an over controlling leader that are often a sign of insecurity:

- Telling people how to do things rather than what needs to be accomplished. - Telling more than asking or listening. - Doing it yourself because you think it will be faster. - Keeping your team uninformed on the information they need to succeed. - Tending to blame others for mistakes. - Sending directives with little chance for dialogue, let alone response. - Treating team morale as though it is optional. - Reorganizing in ways that increase supervision. - Gathering data to prove people wrong. - Seldom asking for input.

Healthy control in leadership can be maintained by increasing the ability of your team to succeed - even when you are absent from the office. Let me encourage you to lead with vision; mentor with respect and trust; encourage growth; and recognize others with honor. Make the outcomes clear and ask, "What can I provide in order to support you in your job?"

If you are insecure, it is good to remember that God is in control of our lives. And am I ever glad!

Psalm 37:23,24 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Paul Arnott