What Every Leader Needs #4: Admit It

*A blog series on what every leader needs to be effective in serving Jesus*

"I was wrong" is one of my least favorite responses. If you are like me, you dislike being told that you are wrong. Leaders make mistakes. As leaders we have a choice on whether we are going to live with pride or with humility when it comes to relationships. I would say that most arguments are usually petty problems that will not matter in eternity! We have a choice as leaders to win the argument or lose the relationship. Humility and the willingness to admit wrongs builds relationships and trust.

Why is this difficult? Human nature is competitive. We want to "one up" each other because one of Satan's tactics is to tempt us into the comparison trap. The attitude of pride builds and the focus is placed back on our abilities and not upon God's grace. When is the last time you admitted that you were wrong? The ironic fact is that some leaders will not even admit being wrong in the smallest of details. If the goal of leadership is to always be right, then there is no room for grace and ultimately the need for God's wisdom. God does not call perfect, all-knowing people to serve but those who are teachable and humble. The true nature of a leader will eventually come out when they are pressed (Matthew 7:15-27). A leader that is grounded in God's Word will not be shaken when crisis or confrontation occurs. Wisdom and character must be the bedrock of leadership for it to last and flourish.

What I am not saying is that we apologize every moment of the day when we make a mistake. Every leader needs a dose of humility and a willingness to admit when they are wrong. Leaders who model this create a safe place for relationships to form that will set the tone for the church. The important, essential truths of Christianity (salvation, virgin birth, resurrection, eternity) should be firmly defended at all costs.  I have had to say, "I was wrong, will you forgive me" a lot in my lifetime! The result of admitting wrongs will lead to closer relationships. Learning from mistakes and improving on future decisions is the most important part of growing as a leader. My prayer is that the petty disagreements that happen on a daily basis never take precedence over loving people and leading them into a growing relationship with Christ!

Happy Birthday Justin!

My youngest brother, Justin turns 21 today! Wow, it seems just yesterday we were playing basketball in the front yard as kids. Justin is passionate about life! He is my bestfriend (besides Jeff, my older brother) and I'm so thankful for his life. He uses his gifts and abilities from God to spread the gospel. He has gone on numerous international mission trips over the past few years with his limited time in college. I'm grateful for him because of his devotion to becoming a man after God's own heart. I'm grateful that he continues to persevere and press on in his journey with God.

A few things I have learned from Justin:

1. Make the most of every minute. Don't waste life. Go above and beyond what the culture says and live for God! I'm thankful for a little brother that inspires me to never become apathetic, but live everyday with passion.

2. Use creativity to engage people with the gospel. Justin uses videos and film-making to present the gospel and the truth of God's Word. God's hand is on his life and I look forward to how Justin will continue to reach multitudes of people through film.

3. Be a leader. Justin is passionate about truth being proclaimed and he is a leader. Justin usually has new friends each time I come to hang out. He is able to rally people together for movies, church or just to spend time together.

4. Do your best. Justin is a competitor. Growing up we (his 3 older brothers) were tough on him and taught him to play sports. He became tough as nails on the basketball court and wouldn't back down from players twice his size! Justin is a loyal and faithful brother to me, Jeff and Jordan. Justin loved Jordan as much as a person can. Jordan would be so proud of the man Justin has become.

If I could, I'd hire Justin to work with me and make amazing youth videos and films! If you need someone to do quality filming, he is your guy!

I love you Justin!

- Check out Justin's youtube channel and subscribe!

- Check out Justin's website (highlights his films).

What Every Leader Needs #3: Communication

*A blog series on what every leader needs to be effective in serving Christ. * Houston, we have a problem! Communication is crucial to what every leader needs to be effective. The task of leading people is lost without clearly explaining where the vision is being directed. In order to know what strategic plans to put in place, leaders must know what the distinct vision is and how to put it into practice. It is acting upon the goals of the organization in a way that is communicating in many ways. If a leader does not know where they are going, the people will definitely not know where they should go! Communicate with clear and exact wording so that people cannot make up in their minds what their interpretation of what you say. A good tip for communication is that it needs to be in writing. Many times leaders can have a shotgun approach to communication that ends up being spread thin and forgotten. In order to plan with a strategy and an aim is to be rifle focused and head straight for the end goal in mind. Too many times the process of communication becomes muddled with a lack of explanation. The process must include asking the question, “is what I'm communicating being understood like I want them to understand it?”  God calls leaders to be able to make decisions that affect the entire group and draw them closer to God. Explain as much information as possible and be willing to receive feedback on how it was received.

My goal is to communicate in the same way that a chef puts together a multi-layered cake. The approach is to communicate verbally, visually, and hands on. Each aspect is part of the cake of communication. Using every tool on the internet is wise as well to help people know the vision. I tend to use email, Facebook, twitter, text messaging, mail, monthly newsletter, and phone calls to communicate. We have more tools than ever before, so communication should have multiple layers to be effective.