Twelve or thirteen years ago I was invited to a leadership conference for students who exemplified (there’s that word again!) the potential to be leaders of excellence.
You’d think after spending 48 hours at a leadership conference I would’ve taken away much more than I did.
You know what the main lesson I learned that week was?
“If someone asks you how this conference was answer them with “Incredible!” and see what they do. You see, “incredible” is a word that was made for the vocabulary of a leader. If you answer this way they will want more details, be intrigued, and think you are on to something. Or if you had a horrible time, they’ll never be able to tell.”
What in the world?!
I sat there stunned that this was the epic piece of leadership pie we were being served during our formative years.
I looked at my friend Dan, who attended the conference with me, and we both whispered, “How...incredible.”
It was our running joke for years.
You see, I think if we aren’t careful the way we lead can become nothing more than words.
Take a look at Isaiah 29:13: “And so the Lord says,“These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.”
Rote being “memorization by repetition”.
It is very possible to come before the Lord with words that lack heart; and if that is the case, well, why wouldn’t we do the same before the people we serve?
The repetition of leadership – the day in and day out – has the potential to erode our authenticity.
Simply because when you’ve been there done that a million times before it is way easier to offer up some lip service than to really serve with heart. You’re more likely to serve out of the “memorization of repetition” than to serve as if this is the first time you’re encountering such a challenge.
As we start out this series, I want to challenge us to take a hard look at the things we say and the things we really mean.
You don’t have to serve in ministry for this leadership series to benefit you.
- If you are a Mom, you lead your children.
- If you are in the workforce, chances are you lead somehow – even if just in the conversation tone set at the water-cooler.
- If you serve in ministry, well, you lead by example.
- If you organize a book club or a girl’s night out, you’re probably gifted to lead and thrive when you do!
Tune in these next 10 weeks as we uncover how to lead in all areas of life with a Godly purpose and passion.
This week’s challenge is to get before the Lord in prayer and ask Him to reveal any areas where you may be offering those you lead nothing more than the word “incredible”. Ask Him where you may be offering lip service as opposed to heartfelt and heart led leadership.
Let’s be a group of women who serve out of truth, authenticity and hearts connected to our Savior King.
I want to be a leader who is heartfelt in her quest to know Him more.
I pray the same for you.
To read the Lessons in Leadership Intro, click here.
I am so looking forward to this entire series, Kristen.
I do want to serve Him with truth, authenticity and heart until His return. I do not want to become someone who only serves with lips.
In Alicia Chole’s book, “Intimate Conversations” she writes this about a leadership conference she attended… perhaps one of the most helpful pieces of “understanding” I’ve ever received and incorporated into my daily service in the kingdom…
George Wood (on leadership):
“Focus your vision on what is small not big; what is near not far.” (pg. 150)
Small and near; not big and far. Isn’t that profound? Fits in with Christ’s “theology of the one.”
You can read about my small and near at the blog today: “a letter to a friend”.
peace~elaine
Sometimes it’s so easy to fall into the trap of doing things by rote – I’ve so been there! Thank you for this challenge, Kristen!
Andrea’s right that it is so easy to just find ourselves in the place of going through the motions, especially when the pace is full and fast. I pray that the Lord will help me to “hear myself,” as I talk to Him and as I serve others, so that I can filter through His perspective and keep my heart in check.
Amen Kristen!
Looking forward to reading more.
Blessings.
Girl, what a great place to begin this time in reflection and growth! Can’t wait to see what God’s got planned!
Incredible
What a fascinating beginning. That verse from Isaiah is powerful. I know at times I can get comfortable and become a rote Christian and even leader.
I look forward to spending time in prayer about this and learning more as this series progresses.
I am really excited about this, Kristen. I definitely want to be searched out for this answer. Thank you for entrusting us with such a challenge. I can’t wait for more.
Incredible start ;O (Sorry, I just couldn’t resist!)
My desire is to be a servant leader in every arena of my life.
I’m looking forward to this study.
I am so inspired by you and your abilities to not only lead, but to use God’s gifts for others to see His light. I want more than anything to serve HIM in all I say and do, but it has to be more than just words. I think as my main role of Mommy…I have to be their example in everything. Thank you for noting that. I can’t wait to follow this series.
Blessings,
Amy
So much of what we do is by “rote” rather than from the heart. If I see you do something and it works then I automatically think it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. We need to learn and to teach others to hear from the Source not man…then our walks will be incredible!
Thanks for sharing this, I’m looking forward to what follows
What a great study. I’m so busy right now, I can’t really do another study…but this sounds great. I’ve already taken some notes that I can use in my preparation for a study I’m leading on Worship…thanks so much! I’ll be checking back often.