Jonathan Herron

Tall Trees Attract Wind

As you begin to dream big this year, beware of dream-killers and vision vampires.

The greater the leap of faith, the greater the noise of opposition will come from every side to keep you on the ground.

Every great hero from Scripture encountered opposition.  Take Nehemiah for instance.  He dreamed of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.  Against all odds, he rallied a team to get to work and make the vision a reality.  That is when the dream-killers and vision vampires appeared:

When Sanballat heard that we were building the wall of Jerusalem, he was very angry and upset. He started making fun of the Jews.  (Nehemiah 4:1)

Remember, the loudest boo's come from the cheapest seats!

You don't have time to take your eyes off the prize for peripheral non-threats.  Ignore the haters.  After all, tall trees attract wind!

If you have critics that arise, good.  It means you're doing something revolutionary and the world needs more of it.

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You Can Do This, I Can Help

God's heart is to see you lead your church to growth.

You can do this.   I can help you GROW!

Let me personally coach you toward quickly reaching more people far from God.

 

🚀 LEARN MORE

 

 

 

Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New

 

‘Wisdom comes to the heart that is hungry for God.’ (A.W. Tozer)

 

Whenever I feel discouraged and want to quit something, I remember the words of my then 3-year-old after she puked carrots all over the living room floor: “I’m gonna need more carrots.”

 

‘As a leader, you will have to make decisions that those whom you lead and even spectators won’t understand for years.’

(Dr. Eric Mason)

 

Leaders are targets for the Enemy. If you’re leading out front, then of course you’re going to be on the receiving end of fiery darts. Expect it.

 

Misunderstandings and miscommunications will happen.

 

You cannot control other people’s perceptions. You can only control your own actions and reactions.

 

Be careful with what you hear about someone. You might be hearing it from the problem.

 

As soon as we step into condemnation instead of conversation, we can no longer see that person clearly.

 

/ / /

 

‘A perverse man sows strife and a whisperer separates the best of friends.’ (Proverbs 16:28)

 

People don’t own you when they hurt you. They own you when your entire life is defined by that hurt.

 

If you’ve been burned, heal. If someone has an issue with you and they’re telling everyone except you, they don’t have a real issue with you. They just enjoy the attention they get from talking about you.

 

/ / /

 

‘Love God and He will enable you to love others even when they disappoint you.’ (Francine Rivers)

 

The only way to handle ‘prodigals’ is to let them go, give them to God, and pray for their return with tears. And when you see them on the horizon with their head hung low, wrap your arms around them and welcome them home.

 

We are all rough drafts of the person we are becoming.

 

Don’t be afraid to start over. It’s a chance to build something better this time!

 

Sure, the winds feel strong and your team is small.

Stand firm.

If you set your anchor, you won’t drift.

 

-----------------------------------------------------

 

You Can Do This, I Can Help

God's heart is to see you lead your church to growth.

You can do this.   I can help you GROW!

Let me personally coach you toward quickly reaching more people far from God.

 

🚀 LEARN MORE

24 Tips from 24 Years of Ministry

Green-eared and fresh out of college, I stepped into the frenetic world of full-time ministry on November 15, 2000 while also pursuing my Master's Degree.

Today marks exactly 24 years as a pastor.

I wish I could say that I have it all figured out.

I don't.

In fact, the longer I'm in ministry, the more I realize how much I don't know.

But there's nothing else like it: serving people, sharing Christ's love, and turning the world upside-down.

For what it's worth, here's 24 Tips from Serving 24 Years as a Pastor:

1. Always Choose Grace > Guilt
   When your default is to believe the best about someone instead of jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst, God is honored and people are respected.
   
   
2. Complexity is the norm.
   Leadership decisions are not always black and white.  When you are working with people, there is so much more complexity in leading and solving problems.  Some days, the only thing a leader can pray is this: "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:21).
   
   
   
3. You'll never feel 100% certain before making a decision.  Never.
   Leadership is not about making the big decisions; it's about owning the decisions after they've been made!
   
   
4. Remember, it's always about People > Programs.
   If you're holed up in your office surfing the web, you are doing ministry wrong.
   
   
5.  Get a Mentor.
   Paul had a Timothy and Timothy had a Titus.  Learn from leaders who have gone before you.  Don't wait for them to give you advice; have a list of written questions ahead of time to ask them!  Always maintain a posture of humility. 
   I am so thankful for my mentors over these past 20 years: Jeff Miller, Perry Noble, and Bob Goff.
   
   
   
6. Focus on Quality, not Quantity.
   It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be amazing!  Ruthlessly evaluate your weekend experiences and make it better.
   
   
   
7. However long you lead,
   keep dripping with Gratitude and Grace.
   
   
   
8. Get Used To Unfair Criticism.
   When you sign up to be a leader of an organization, it means sometimes you will give up the right to be treated right.
   
   (see: Moses in Numbers, King David in 1 Samuel, Jesus in the Gospels, Paul in Acts 16, etc).
   
   
   
9. Size Doesn't Matter.
   Do not despise the days of small beginnings (I remember when our church start-up could fit inside my living room!).  Appreciate the privilege of leading and the journey of growth.  Whether you're serving three people or three thousand people, always bring your A-Game and leave them wanting more!
   
   
   
   
10. Choose to Cheat 
    
    

    11. You're Going to Make Mistakes.
                 Take it from me.  You will blow it. 
                 When you do, own it.  The most powerful two words a leader can offer
                 to begin rebuilding trust are, "I'm Sorry."
    
    

    
    
    

            12.  Gossip is a Weak Man's Strength.
                      Tell your team and model these words always:
                      "I will never say anything about you that I would not first say to you." 
                     
                      Always choose to have a conversation over condemnation!
    
                     "Whoever overlooks an offense promotes love,
                        but whoever gossips about it separates friends."  (Proverbs 17:9)
    
    

        13. Always Take the High Road.
                    You will honor God plus there's less traffic!
    
    

            14. Never listen to criticism
                   from someone you would not turn to for wisdom.
    
    
    
    

            15.  Leaders are Readers.
                         The moment you stop reading is the moment you stop leading.
    

             16.  Integrity Matters.
                        King David wrote:"I will keep a protective eye on the godly,
                        so they may dwell with me in safety.
     Only those who are ABOVE REPROACH will be allowed to serve me." (Psalm 101:6-7)
    
                

    17.  The Friends You Have History With
                       Aren't Necessarily Who You Will Make History With.
    
    

            18.  Create Margin in Your Daily Schedule for Interruptions.

                            Read Matthew chapters 6 - 8 and count how many times Jesus gets interrupted by people.  He always made time for everyone.  Every person matters.  Your ministry will flow from the interruptions. 

                19.  Greatness Is Never On Sale.
                            Complacency is not an option. 

                            If your church does not evangelize, it will eventually fossilize! 
                            NEVER APOLOGIZE for attempting to fulfill the Great Commission. 

                            Stop making EXCUSES and start making a DIFFERENCE.

                            Hustle and make it happen!
    
    20.  Never Give Up.  Jesus is God, the Bible is true, Hell is hot and forever is a long time.  Your part in eternity matters, so don't throw in the towel!
    
    21.  Keep the Welcome Mat Out and the Front Door Open.  When people leave you, don't become bitter.  Don't burn bridges.  Keep the welcome mat out and the front door wide open to reconciliation!
    
    22.  Don't Be in Ministry for the Money.  If getting rich is your goal, find a new job.  You won't get rich and in fact you'll probably end up sacrificing a lot for your ministry.  That's normal and it is a privilege when it happens.
    
    23.  Limping is Normal.  The best leaders walk with a limp and the best football players play hurt.  No pity parties when this happens; pick yourself up and press forward in faith.

     

            24.  The Best Is ALWAYS Yet To Come!
                            Your best days are not behind you... they are AHEAD of you.  Don't build a museum to the past.  Instead forge a movement for the future. 

                            In the end, you get Jesus.  That means that no matter what trials you face, the best is always yet to come!
    
    
    
    

Advice for the Weary Leader

‘Wisdom comes to the heart that is hungry for God.’ (A.W. Tozer)

Whenever I feel discouraged and want to quit something, I remember the words of my then 3-year-old after she puked carrots all over the living room floor: “I’m gonna need more carrots.”

///

‘As a leader, you will have to make decisions that those whom you lead and even spectators won’t understand for years.’

(Dr. Eric Mason)

 

Leaders are targets for the Enemy. If you’re leading out front, then of course you’re going to be on the receiving end of fiery darts. Expect it.

Misunderstandings and miscommunications will happen.

You cannot control other people’s perceptions. You can only control your own actions and reactions.

Be careful with what you hear about someone. You might be hearing it from the problem.

As soon as we step into condemnation instead of conversation, we can no longer see that person clearly.

/ / /

‘A perverse man sows strife and a whisperer separates the best of friends.’ (Proverbs 16:28)

People don’t own you when they hurt you. They own you when your entire life is defined by that hurt.

If you’ve been burned, heal. If someone has an issue with you and they’re telling everyone except you, they don’t have a real issue with you. They just enjoy the attention they get from talking about you.

/ / /

 

‘Love God and He will enable you to love others even when they disappoint you.’ (Francine Rivers)

The only way to handle ‘prodigals’ is to let them go, give them to God, and pray for their return with tears. And when you see them on the horizon with their head hung low, wrap your arms around them and welcome them home.

 

We are all rough drafts of the person we are becoming.

Don’t be afraid to start over. It’s a chance to build something better this time!

Sure, the winds feel strong and your team is small.

Stand firm.

If you set your anchor, you won’t drift.

 

3 Steps to Becoming a Better Servant-Leader

The heart behind leadership is serving others. It’s never about the title, it’s about the towel:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life a ransom for many.”

(Jesus in Mark 10:45)

For what it’s worth, here are 3 steps I’ve discovered toward becoming a better servant-leader.

1. Choose Trust

Believe the best about others, rather than assuming the worst. When in doubt, lead with the most generous explanation for someone’s behavior.

“Love never stops believing the best about others.” (1 Corinthians 13:7, TPT)

 

2. Stay Curious Longer

Everyone you meet in life has expertise. Some of the best mentors and friends are known as much by the quality of their questions as the answers they give. Don’t be interesting, be interested.

“Do you not understand these things?” (Jesus in John 3:10)

 

3. Take the Low Place

Push others into the spotlight. Ask how you can serve others, rather than seeking to be served.

“For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.” (Jesus in Luke 19:10, MSG)

Dealing with Church Factions That Rise Up

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

It’s hard to be meek when factions rise up within a church.  We get wrapped up in factions.

 

FACTIONS - When there is a pile-up of disgruntled people who build up a case that becomes a driving fantasy.  Driven by the “What If?”

 

Factions live their lives on something that has not happened.  It takes great skill to deal with factions, this is why we have Therapists!  Sometimes we can’t get resolution, just accept it.

• Give up the right to be treated right.

 

Anger is secondary to a Hurt.  Body is so hyped that it FEELS helpless, resentment, fear and anxiety.  This is Paranoia.

When there is trauma, the body becomes hypersensitive – Your body wants OUT of this!  You move from prudence to paranoia.

 

People will try to FOG you: Fear, Obligation, and Guilt.  You can’t drive forward when your windshield is fogged up!  If I can get you to feel one of these three feelings,  I can control and manipulate you.

 

Ex: Small children and parents

Students and substitute teachers

Elderly parents and adult children

Politicians and the public

 

To avoid being manipulated, practice DeFogging – Clarity is kindness.  “Now it’s clear.  Now I’m free.”

Clarity assigns responsibility so you can forgive.

If you can’t forgive, you’re stuck.

The goal is clarity – Learn to accept real expectations.  Live with it.  Sometimes you get validation, sometimes not.

 

Every feeling has a THOUGHT attached to it: “My right to be treated right is violated.”

This leads to Hostility and Harshness - the Law of the Jungle.

MEEKNESS is the opposite of Harshness.

Gentle and kind is not natural.  But it allows God’s supernatural work into your soul.

 

Philippians 2

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.

 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Jesus became MEEK rather than HOSTILE.

You have to give up your right to be treated right.

Rights are things you can’t control because you can’t control the other person.

REPLACE your right to be treated right with God’s Promises!

This leads to God’s power in your life – resurrection of good things out of factions.

 

Don’t fight for your natural rights and watch God bless through His supernatural economy.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Dealing with Church Splitting Factions When They Rise Up Within a Church

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

It’s hard to be meek when factions rise up within a church.  We get wrapped up in factions.

 

FACTIONS - When there is a pile-up of disgruntled people who build up a case that becomes a driving fantasy.  Driven by the “What If?”

 

Factions live their lives on something that has not happened.  It takes great skill to deal with factions, this is why we have Therapists!  Sometimes we can’t get resolution, just accept it.

• Give up the right to be treated right.

 

Anger is secondary to a Hurt.  Body is so hyped that it FEELS helpless, resentment, fear and anxiety.  This is Paranoia.

When there is trauma, the body becomes hypersensitive – Your body wants OUT of this!  You move from prudence to paranoia.

 

People will try to FOG you: Fear, Obligation, and Guilt.  You can’t drive forward when your windshield is fogged up!  If I can get you to feel one of these three feelings,  I can control and manipulate you.

 

Ex: Small children and parents

Students and substitute teachers

Elderly parents and adult children

Politicians and the public

To avoid being manipulated, practice DeFogging – Clarity is kindness.  “Now it’s clear.  Now I’m free.”

Clarity assigns responsibility so you can forgive.

If you can’t forgive, you’re stuck.

The goal is clarity – Learn to accept real expectations.  Live with it.  Sometimes you get validation, sometimes not.

 

Every feeling has a THOUGHT attached to it: “My right to be treated right is violated.”

This leads to Hostility and Harshness - the Law of the Jungle.

MEEKNESS is the opposite of Harshness.

Gentle and kind is not natural.  But it allows God’s supernatural work into your soul.

 

Philippians 2

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.

 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Jesus became MEEK rather than HOSTILE.

You have to give up your right to be treated right.

Rights are things you can’t control because you can’t control the other person.

REPLACE your right to be treated right with God’s Promises!

This leads to God’s power in your life – resurrection of good things out of factions.

 

Don’t fight for your natural rights and watch God bless through His supernatural economy.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

You've Gotta FAIL If You Want To SUCCEED

Did you know that the average small business owner fails 2.7 times before finally reaching success? That means they have to publicly fall flat on their faces and lose everything over two times before they learn all the secrets necessary for full-time success! The term “Overnight Success” is an oxymoron.

I believe the same is true in ministry: you’ve gotta FAIL if you want to SUCCEED!

In failure:

• You learn how not to treat the people you lead

• Discoveries are made in scheduling and planning for major events

• Emotional IQ is enhanced and increased

• Persistence is stirred up for later reliance

• WHO you can trust and count on during tough times is revealed

• Humility is accepted as the pathway to greatness.

Every crisis is an opportunity.

Dream Again.  Dream Bigger.  Dream Better.

The Dream is the Distance: Everything looks different from a distance.

Even though you see empty seats, there is an opportunity for growth.

Genesis 41 tells us the following:

• The dark room is where he develops the negatives.

• The more God uses you, the more He humbles you.

• Purpose Over Position -- Believe this and you will never get offended!

• No Mess, No Ministry

• No Drama, No Dream

God did not say this would be easy; He said He would be with you.

If you are currently experiencing or feeling failure, GREAT! It’s a necessary prerequisite to achieving greater ground for Kingdom expansion! Keep your chin up, your head low, and your posture as a servant-leader. In Christ, the best is yet to come!

 

YOU'VE GOTTA FAIL IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED

Did you know that the average small business owner fails 2.7 times before finally reaching success? That means they have to publicly fall flat on their faces and lose everything over two times before they learn all the secrets necessary for full-time success! The term “Overnight Success” is an oxymoron.

I believe the same is true in ministry: you’ve gotta FAIL if you want to SUCCEED!

In failure:

• You learn how not to treat the people you lead

• Discoveries are made in scheduling and planning for major events

• Emotional IQ is enhanced and increased

• Persistence is stirred up for later reliance

• WHO you can trust and count on during tough times is revealed

• Humility is accepted as the pathway to greatness.

If you are currently experiencing or feeling failure, GREAT! It’s a necessary prerequisite to achieving greater ground for Kingdom expansion! Keep your chin up, your head low, and your posture as a servant-leader. In Christ, the best is yet to come!

 

Perfect is Overrated

You tinker and tinker and tinker until... what?  Until its perfect?

Sometimes you just gotta pull the trigger and do it.

Don't wait until its perfect (because it never will be).

Give it your best shot, throw it out there, and see what happens.

 

If you get feedback that it stinks, fix it.  If its celebrated, hooray!

But it will never be perfect.  

Perfect is overrated.

As Tina Fey says, "Perfect is boring on live tv."