[ Read part one here ]
Ten of our staff and spouses journeyed to NewSpring for a day of coaching and leadership development. And Holy Wow. So much to process.
I am always blown away by the level of care by NewSpring Volunteers. During lunch I quietly timed it out in my head: a volunteer would pass by and check on us every 15 seconds. And these were church volunteers! The love and passion they have for their church's vision is inspiring.
Inspiring too was Perry's morning session - - he basically let us sit-in on a Come-to-Jesus NewSpring Staff Meeting. My biggest take-away was this nugget:
"A church on cruise-control = Israel in Hebrews 3:16-19."
I really appreciated the insights from Creative Arts Pastor Shane Duffey, who led a Senior Pastors Only coaching breakout in the afternoon. Although I didn't have the chance to get to know Shane deeply during my time at NewSpring years ago, I've always appreciated from afar his calm, collected steadiness as a leader and his genuine love of the Scriptures.
What spoke most to me was Shane's focus on Psalm 78:70-72. Lead Pastors must shepherd the souls of their staff team. Like David, our aim is to lead them with integrity of heart and skill of hand. You lead people and shepherd gifts.
How often am I quick to ask WHAT my staff is doing instead of asking HOW my staff is doing? Shane's encouragement was to invest in their souls more than their duties. The overflow of soul-investment creates healthy sheep.
Shane pivoted to visioneering by comparing your leadership with the basics of driving:
1. Aim High in Steering.
Look far down the road to keep yourself going where you need to go (vision). "Any sudden movement can get you out of your lane."
2. Keep Your Eyes Moving.
Be aware and pay attention to your church's ministries.
3. Leave Yourself an Out.
Driving on a three-lane highway? Take the middle lane in case you need an out. If it ain't working, let it go.
4. Make Sure They SEE You.
Blindspots are dangerous. Just like driving around truckers, people need to SEE you leading visibly. People do NOT do what you inspect; people do what they SEE YOU DO. "Modeling, not manipulation, motivates."
5. Back Up Only When Necessary.
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me a THIRD time, I should lose my job!" It is negligent to have repetitive mistakes.
6. Do NOT Swerve for Animals.
Critics are the squirrels that dart out in front of your car at the worst possible moment. You can slow down and invite them to join, but do not swerve. Shane was adament: "Do NOT make decisions based on criticism."
