TechShepherds.com

Pastor Gates

I have been away from the blogging world for a while as I experience some big changes in life.

As I have been pondering recent events in my personal life as well as the church world, I cannot help but think we could learn a lesson from Bill Gates and his announced leaving of Microsoft.

What if senior pastors and other staff were able to announce their leaving up to two years in advance.  I feel this would be great in facilitating a smooth transition in leadership.  Too many places where I have served have struggled with people worshiping the pastor more that God. 

What do you think?  Would an announcement like Gate's be good for the church, of would it create a lame duck scenario?

You are cheating!

That is a strong statement, but the fact is that you and I do cheat. 

This weekend I reread "Choosing to Cheat" by Andy Stanley.  One sentence in the book that really defines our problem is this:

The problem is there is not enough time to get everything done that you are convinced -- or others have convinced you -- needs to be done.

The question then becomes, "Who are you and I cheating:  work or family?"

If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it.

From the back cover:

In Choosing to Cheat, Andy Stanley challenges you to stop cheating at home.  As you are about to discover, there is a way to reverse the destructive pattern of giving to your companies and careers what indeed belongs to your families.  This little book presents a strategic plan for resolving the tension between work and home.  You'll find ways to deal with the busyness that wreaks havoc with the relationships you consider most important.  But be forewarned, you will have to cheat.

 

Little Dogs Can Lead Too

I recently had a situation in my career where a new level of management was brought in.  Naturally, that level was above me.  Now, I have been working on an ongoing vision for technology in ministry.   Being human, I was not excited about someone coming in to provide a new vision and direction that may or may not coincide with mine.

It has been an interesting transition, but I would like to share one lesson I have learned:  Leadership does not equal title or position.  In his book Courageous Leadership, Bill Hybels talks about leading in all directions.  I highly recommend reading this book if you have not done so.

We naturally think about leading those around us or those who report to us.  However, one can have a profound impact on those over them.  We have had some projects come up recently where I and a co-worker have been able to make suggestions that were well received by those in leadership.  The best part is they, not I, get to sit through the long meetings, etc., while I get to spend more time with my family than I would have otherwise.  Dog lovers, please pardon the reference to little dogs.  Just remember, that you, too, lead in a 360 radius around you.