We all put off difficult decisions. It’s part of human nature. Churches and Christian organizations and leaders seem particularly prone to this failing. We want to appear loving. We want to be nice. But the consequences of delay may prove disastrous.
In the Leadership Labyrinth, Judson Edwards describes 21 paradoxes in ministry. He defines the “relationship paradox” in this way: the people who like you most will be the ones you try least to please. He writes that three kinds of people fill every church. Would you agree with his assessment?
If your team really hasn’t embraced an idea as their own, they aren’t prepared to put in the long hours and sacrifice it takes. You have to slow down to bring them with you, and perhaps let them shape the vision too.
To know how much of the fullness of Christ in us can sometimes be hard to see or measure. What if we could see that our response in the face of hardship and injustice can give us a better glimpse at where we are in the process?
Despite the team’s initial desire to keep the positive momentum, avoid further anxiety and move on, the dissenting voice forced us to slow down. It turned out to be a gift as we got to grips with heartfelt issues.
Much has been written on growing healthy leaders who can in turn grow healthy churches. It seems an obvious concern but in my experience many Christian leaders do not really see it as part of their brief; church growth is something for the specialist or the traveling evangelist. Too many appear called to maintenance rather than mission.
There’s a lie floating around out there that goes something like this: getting older will automatically make you closer to Jesus. Just the mere passing of days doesn’t do that. I sure wish it were that easy.
Don’t grow weary in doing good. Remember, the seeds we sow are powerful. Something good really is happening even if we suffer initially. Our seeds will bear fruit in God’s timing. We will reap a harvest in God’s perfect timing, in his “due season.”