Inspirational: Chad Jones

This is an amazing story. Take 6 minutes, watch this and then if you agree, share it with someone who needs encouragement to keep going in a tough spot.

A description of Baptism

I agree with this description of baptism. What do you think?

Lists and Leaders

I have often been known to hand down lists. The kind of list I'm referring to is a collection of actions to take; maybe even a check-list to accomplish. This works well with my kids. My daughter gets so overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning her room that a list of what steps to take -- and often in which order -- becomes very helpful to her. She has no vision for a clean room, only a mandate by me that she achieve one.

I make lists for myself because I forget things if I don't. I have no milk at the office kitchen currently because I haven't added it to a grocery list yet.

Unfortunately, as useful as lists are in many situations, they can be harmful if I use them in the wrong place. I have the luxury of serving with many leaders on the various teams I oversee. Leaders are people with vision for what is to be accomplished. Leaders want to accomplish what you want to accomplish as badly as you do. (re-read that... I swear it makes sense!) Leaders have to be treated differently than workers… not that they are any more important. They are just two different roles.

If I hand a leader a list of things to do, I’m removing the title of Leader and relabeling them a worker… someone who simply does tasks. Leaders don’t need lists to follow; they need to have the vision clarified and then be released to accomplish it. It’s fine to have expectations regarding the finished product. If you are a director over an area, the results need to meet with your expectations.

And actually, that’s the hardest part. Hashing out the vision for the finished product is hard work, but it’s the most important thing you can do for a leader. Make sure you’re clear on what you’re shooting for and then get out the way. Save your lists for your kids and for shopping trips.

I hope this is helpful,

Corbett