In the wake of recent international, national, and local events, I have taken some time to reflect on a topic that is of great importance: Compassion. Compassion is defined as a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow towards someone who has been stricken by misfortune and is accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. Compassion shines through like when the sun pierces the clouds on what seems to be a cloudy day.

One of the qualities of compassion is that it’s a reactive approach. Reactive in the sense that it shines after tragedy strikes. It is how we respond to a tragedy. Some people respond with assertive answers as if everything is black and white. For example, they would say a statement like: “This happened because we were careless.” Really?! Is that the best way to respond?

A beautiful compassionate response was that of our president Barack Obama when in front of the whole nation and the world he cried. He indicated that he was going to go home and hug his children like he had never hugged them before. You can see the video here: Barack Obama addresses the CT tragedy.

He went to Newtown, CT and grieved with the families and hugged the other children who had lost their siblings in the wake of tragedy.

As a leader, I admired his response and I took a page from his book of leadership.

Just yesterday, I had to implement the same principle our president did. It was not a time to try to find answers. It was not a time to try to showcase leadership by knowing it all. It was simply a time to weep.

Romans 12:15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.”

Ecclesiastes 3:4 says “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”

As a leader, let’s not try to solve the problem but rather let’s take a moment and exercise compassion with the people we lead. They don’t always need our counsel. Sometimes all they need is someone to cry with them and share in their pain.

How else can a leader be compassionate?

I am a NY Giants fan. I say that proudly. Even more because they are the reigning Superbowl champions. However, right now there is bigger news happening in NY other than the Giants or my beloved Yankees. Tim Tebow is now a NY Jet.

Last season, Tebow had a great season. Ok, maybe his numbers do not indicate it but he sure was exciting to watch. Despite all of the media frenzy, the fans, and the ones who did not like him, he did a great job with a not so great team.

This past week the Denver Broncos organization acquired future hall of fame quarterback, Peyton Manning. This move displaced Tebow as the starting quarterback. In my opinion, Tebow handled the move with grace and embraced being traded to a team to be a second-string quarterback.

A lot of people have doubted his ability to lead. I however, have learned from Tim Tebow a couple of things that I consider important to leadership.

1. Acknowledge God – The Bible says in the book of Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And he shall direct your paths.” This particular thing he did in a very public setting. We all know the term that has been coined: Tebowing. He used his position of influence to acknowledge God. Tim Tebow is what Bob Briner would have called a “Roaring Lamb.”
2. Value Your Team – After thanking his Savior, which is also mine, Jesus Christ, Tim Tebow would thank his teammates. As leaders, we must value our team. Too often we’re busy trying to blame the weakest link, that instead of creating a positive environment, we create a negative one. Words of encouragement is always the best motivator.
3. Play Hard – If there is one thing this former Heisman Trophy winner did was play hard. If no one was open, he ran the ball himself. If you’re a leader, there will be moments when you have to be willing to run the risk of getting hit. Try your best and give it your all!
4. Embrace Change – There is a huge difference between Florida, Denver, and New York. Some differences are weather, culture, and obviously location. In a span of just a few years, this young man has had to go through a lot of change. I admire the way he has handled it all. Great leaders embrace change. One thing is certain, change will always be a factor for every leader. It is up to us as leaders to embrace it and make the best of it.

As leaders we must do these things well, in order to be effective. There might be an area which we can improve on; however, in order to identify it we must evaluate how we currently handle ourselves.

Question: What area in your leadership can use a little reinforcement?

Today has been a great day. We had some amazing services at the church where I serve as a pastor. I had some fantastic pizza for a low price. (Dave Ramsey would be proud, as it was a part of the budget). I have spent some quality time with my wife and girls. And I have gotten a chance to watch golf. For the first time in about two and one half years the game of golf on television is interesting to me. I have been watching the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, FL and to my liking Tiger Woods was at the top of the leader-board.

The game of golf has many teachings that we can glean from. It teaches sportsmanship, discipline, it’s considered the gentlemen’s sport. Although the sport represents many good things, the man who was on top of the golf world was at the center of a high-profile moral failure. As a result of his bad decisions, he lost his marriage, his health declined, and his game suffered.

Just like golf, leadership also requires us to have good sportsmanship and discipline. Leaders are expected to have it all together; however, many find themselves battling in the dark against unhealthy urges and desires. Too often leaders are too prideful to seek out for help or admit their shortfalls.

If leaders are not careful they can succumb to the pressures of success. As of lately leaders such as church leaders, politicians, and company leaders have been at the center of similar moral failures.

Let me say this: No one is perfect.

It is my prayer that this type of situation does not continue to happen. If you are a leader and feeling the immense pressure and the attack of the enemy, please seek out help. Let me repeat that again, please seek out help. The help can be from a pastor, a mentor, or a counselor.

So what are the three things that I have learned?

1. We can recover from a fall.
2. We need to work harder than we have ever worked.
3. We will win again!

As I close out this post, much to my liking, Tiger Woods won his first PGA Tour event in over 900 days!

You too can win. It’s not over yet.

What other lessons do you see in this?

Aside from the spoken word, the written word is essential for communication. Pastors and business leaders alike need to effectively communicate in writing.

As I have perused the classified ads and surfed through job openings, I have noticed that writing is an essential component for leadership roles.

Why is writing essential for leadership? There are several reasons why, so let’s name a few:

1. It reinforces what you spoke.
2. It is a part of communication.
3. It is a point of reference for the people that you lead.
4. Not everyone needs to be in the same room to get the message.
5. You can reach a broader audience.

Even God knew that there was power in the written word. He enlightened about 40 men to write His inerrant word. We use that word as a guide to live by. Apparently He also knew that writing is beneficial to leaders. Look at what he says in his word.

“And then God answered: Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.” Habakkuk 2:2 (The Message Bible)

As a pastor, I have seen the benefits of writing. It helps people see the vision. It helps the congregation see your heart. The written word makes the vision seem more official.

Therefore, pastors and leaders, let’s write, let’s motivate and encourage our groups not just through the spoken word but through the written word.

What do you think, is writing essential for leadership? Why or why not?

When leaders are at a stand still their team is at a stand still. A recent study by Thom and Jess Rainer on this current generation “the millenials” show that this is the most entertained generation; however, this is the most bored generation.  We do not need leaders to start a group.

A group meets to sit down and discuss.  A group meets to watch a movie.  A group discusses theory but does not necessarily attempt to put into practice that theory.

Last night in Tampa, FL Bishop TD Jakes said a profound statement: “People cannot follow you if you are not moving.”  He then proceeded to encourage leaders to always be on the move.

When water is just a puddle and there is no movement bacteria begins to grow.  This statement can be true of groups.  If there is no movement then bacteria will begin to grow.  Bacteria brings infection and eventually can be the cause of death.

I have arrived at the conclusion that we need not to start new “groups” but rather begin a movement…

A movement has a goal in mind.  A movement works earnestly towards that goal.  A movement is exciting.  A movement is always recruiting people to come aboard and join for the cause.

As leaders we need to constantly be moving.  We must continue to recruit people to come along for the journey.

Recently, I was inspired by former pastor Shaun King.  He decided to see what it would be like if strangers would help each other.  He did a twitter campaign and utilized kickstarter to raise $125,000 to fund the project.  He called the project HopeMob.  People from all over began to invest in this project because they believe they can make a difference.

As leaders we need to know that what we do, does make a difference.  It can be good or it can be bad.  Let’s not have a group mentality.  Let’s start a movement.  Let’s not stand still.  Let’s move!

Are you leading a group or starting a movement? Please comment below, I would love to hear from you!

2. What type of skill-set do you have to perform your task? – What qualifies you to do what you do? Education? Prior experience? etc.

3. Do you have a plan for continuing education? – Since this world is constantly changing, are you keeping your mind sharp in your area of expertise?

The Effective Leader has many qualities; however we will only focus on three of them today.  We will look at these qualities through the life of Moses.  We will go over them briefly and in between discuss them as it pertains to each one of you.
The Effective Leader as Seen in Moses

1. Quality Time with God – In Exodus 24 God tells Moses to go up to the top of the mountain.  Every leader needs a time to be away from the team to connect with God.  Whether you’re leading a business or a church, it’s during this quality time with God where you really get to connect with Him at an intimate level. God gave Moses a blueprint for leading during this time.  He wants to do the same with you!

2. Skill Set - What skill-set did Moses have that qualified him to be the leader of Israel? He was not a natural-born leader, he complained of his speech.  He was insecure.  He did not want to do the job.  The truth is God insisted that Moses be a leader.  Moses had legal education, what better candidate to reveal the LAW to?! Can you relate to him? For too long I have seen leaders ignore their strengths due to their insecurities.  Make sure that today you give God all of your insecurities and allow him to help you in the development  of your skill-set.

3. Influence – If people are not following you then you should re-evaluate your strategy, plan, and work ethic.  Moses was able to have the people of Israel follow him into the desert on a 40 year journey.  It was not a group of 20 people, it was millions of people.  They had issues and were hard-headed but he still was able to lead them. How are you being influential?

In conclusion the leader must continue on a life-long journey of learning.  Invest in yourself.  Believe in yourself.  Overall, dedicate yourself…to God and his work.

Exodus 32:34 “Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of…”

What other qualities do you think an effective leader has?

Recommended Resources to Read:

1. it by Craig Groeschel

2. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

3. www.ConsiderUp.com by Jonathan Iguina

Together Everyone Achieves More.  Let me say this: the concept is absolutely true.

While the concept is true, there is another side to this truth. Every individual plays an intricate role within the team.  Maturity is key for the overall success of the team.  A young Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during the 1980′s although they were becoming a better team they were nowhere near as good as the likes of the Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics or Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers or Isaiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons.  You get the point.  They were too inexperienced.  They were a group of individuals that still had yet to find their strength as a team.  They needed a leader and towards the end of the 80′s MJ began to flourish as such.

Once he knew his place and the rest of the team knew their positions this is what happened: in 1991, 1992, and 1993 the Chicago Bulls were the NBA Champions and then Michael Jordan retired.  They were still a team in 1994 and 1995; however, did not manage to win a championship during those years. Why did this happen? They no longer had a leader on the court.  Michael Jordan then came back out of retirement and they won the NBA Championship in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Trust me, I know Michael Jordan is in an elite status when it comes to basketball and that I might be stretching the topic a little to prove my point.  However, if he did not know his role in the team then they would not have been as successful as a whole.

In the body of Christ we all have a function.  1 Corinthians 12:27 says: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

While it is true that together everyone achieves more, we must be sure that individually we know our role and are pulling our weight.  Are you an asset or a liability to your team?

How do you suggest that individuals contribute to their respective teams, whether it is at work or at church?  What can they do to be effective?

Everything in life is a choice.  If you want a car, you have the right to go to a car lot and choose the car that you want.  If you need a new outfit, you have the right to go to a store and purchase a new outfit.  Essentially the same applies to a church.  People will go to a church just because but they will not stay just because.

There is no such thing as “the” local community church anymore.  Nowadays, most communities have several churches.  Sometimes there are even several churches in one facility.  This means there are plenty of churches for people to choose from, and guess what…people will shop around.

Let us look into a few things that might matter to people when “church shopping”:

1. Comfort Level – This is a multi-faceted portion.  Comfort can be described as a couple of different things so let’s name a few:

a. Smiling Faces – People are typically anxious when arriving at a new place, they would prefer to be greeted by someone who is smiling rather than someone who is “holier than thou.”  I have been to places where I have been ignored, my family has not been properly addressed…oh and did I forget to mention that I was going to be the … preacher!  Let’s greet people properly and make them feel welcomed.

b. Clothing – Some people like to wear Sunday’s best while others like to be a lot more casual.  Neither way is wrong.  However, let people know what the culture of your church is.  Don’t say “we accept you just as you are” and then look down at someone because they dressed different than the other 99 people there.  Let the community know.  I have seen some fantastic advertisements where churches let people know exactly what they are about and how they can dress.

2. Children’s Ministry – Mom and Dad want their son and/or daughter to have a safe, clean, and fun place that they too can worship in and learn about Jesus.  A good children’s ministry is a must.  I understand that some places do not have the facilities; however, on the days that you do minister to children…go all out! Cater to them and lead them to Jesus.

3. Worship Style – All Christ centered churches are good churches. They come in all different styles and sizes.  They vary in worship styles.  Please know that when I reference worship style, I am talking about music.  Some people prefer traditional services where they sing hymns and an organ is played while others prefer a more contemporary approach with a band.  Again, neither way is wrong as long as our focus is to exalt the name of Jesus.  The point is people will make a decision based on their style of preference.  Make it easy for people to sing along whether it is with a hymn book, a paper program, or a screen that shows the lyrics powered by software such as easyworship.  Not everyone will know the lyrics therefore, let’s provide them with the lyrics.

4. Preaching – People coming to church for the first time most likely are coming in brokenhearted and in need of a spiritual boost.  They are not necessarily thinking: “man, I cannot wait to hear a great revelation”, they are probably hoping that the pastor or preacher addresses something that is currently happening in their life.  Transformation occurs in what people can apply to their everyday life, not how much Greek or Hebrew you can tell them. Give them a good word on Sunday but make sure that they can apply it on Monday and throughout the rest of the week.

5. Organization – People will evaluate their experience as a whole.  Therefore, make sure that you’re as organized as you possibly can be.  As a leader, I know firsthand that things sometimes just do not turn out as planned therefore, always think quickly.  Value people’s time and start at the designated hour with those that are there.  If the person in charge of starting the service is yet to arrive, have someone else start the service.  Always have a back-up plan, because sometimes life just happens.

6. A Reason to Come Back – Whether at a store or a restaurant, when a person has a positive experience, they want to come back.  And guess what?! They will invite others to come with them as well.  An experience at your church should keep people wanting to come back and to bring their friends.  As a small church pastor I know that this is easier said than done; however, do your best with what you have.  Try different things and see what works best for the people that you serve in your community.  Effective churches and businesses will continue to try different things until they finally begin to achieve their vision and mission.

These are just a few things that people will evaluate when looking for a church to join with their family.  I will not discount the fact that God has certain places for certain people, as was the case for me and my family.  However, the reality is that most people choose where they will attend and they have a strategy on how to choose.

I am interested to hear your strategy.  How did you choose to attend your church?

The aforementioned attributes are generic to standard leadership.  The world’s perception is that the leader is a soldier.  The truth is that a lot of leaders are wounded soldiers.  They are experiencing pain, brokenness, anxiety…and nobody knows or cares enough to acknowledge it.

Joshua chapter 1 is the perfect story of leading through pain.  There are a couple of strategies that God gave Joshua to deal with the pain that he was experiencing:

1. Acknowledge the situation –   We cannot ignore what is happening!  Too often leaders think that being strong is ignoring the situation.  That is not being strong; it is actually a sign of weakness.  God said “My servant Moses is dead (Joshua 1:2).”  He made Joshua face the reality.  As leaders we must also face the reality of painful situations.

2. Get ready – He encouraged him to acknowledge the situation but not to dwell on it.  Too often leaders are dwelling on their hurts not realizing that there is a task at hand.  Joshua 1:2 says “My servant Moses is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready…”

3. Notice the promise – God knows that you are hurting and that is why he will let you know that he is with you.  In your pain he will be there to protect you and guide you along the way. He told Joshua: “I will give you every place you set your foot…no one will be able to stand against you…as I was with Moses I will be with you…I will never leave you (Joshua 1:3-5).”

4. You must be Strong, Courageous, and Lead – In order to lead through pain you will need strength and courage.  Leading was not an option during that time.  Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people…”

5. Meditate on the Word – This was probably the best advice he gave Joshua.  Joshua 1:7-8 talks about obeying the Law in order to be successful and prosperous.  In this book there definitely is healing balm for those painful moments that life tosses our way.

As leaders, God does not require us to have it all figured out.  Rather he requires us to trust him even in the most difficult of times.  We must learn that we are not called to be superheroes but rather we are ordinary people who can do extraordinary things because of an extraordinary God.  Leading through pain is not easy but with God it is definitely possible!

As a leader of a business, church, or your household, how do you lead through pain?

Which way should I go?!

When at a crossroad we have the option of making a u-turn and heading back, make a right or left turn, or be courageous enough to move forward.  People who are paralyzed by fear will decide to turn around and head back.  People who are easily sidetracked will make a right or left turn.  And people who are focused will continue to move forward.

What should I do?!

During the initial post, two strategies were expanded upon:

1. Meditate

2. Seek for Help

Decisions should never be taken lightly, no matter how big or small they may be.  In addition to the aforementioned strategies, we should also consider the following:

3. Write it Out – After you’re done meditating and talking it out, I recommend that you sit down and write a list of pros and cons.  Writing a list of pros and cons allows you to see your thoughts on paper.  Let me warn you, it is easy to skew the list in your favor.  During this exercise you must be honest and impartial.  Do not skew the list in your favor.

4. Pray – After you’ve cleared your mind through meditation, sought after help, and written it out, be sure to pray.  Let God guide you in this discernment process.  Prayer allows us to communicate with God and through our devotional time he will communicate with us.  Do not just ramble on and on about your situation to him, take a moment to let him speak to you.  After all, our Father knows best.

5. Look at the Map – The map that I am referring to is the Bible.  If you do not have one, there are some great resources out there such as YouVersion, which is completely free.  Psalm 119:105 states “your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path (NLT).”  He provides enough light for us to see our next three steps.

And there you have it folks.  These are the five strategies that I personally use when at the crossroads in life and need to make decisions.  Decision-Making is hard work.  It takes a step of faith and that is why I personally include my faith in the process.

Personally, I like to stay focused and move forward.  This decision takes lots of faith and therefore I heavily rely on the strategies I mentioned, not just in ministry but also in everyday life.

I do not pretend to have all of the answers but do believe that these strategies can be useful for everyone. I would love to hear from you. When at the crossroads, how do you make decisions?