Hey Friends,

Why don’t leaders listen? Let’s start with another question: do you think leaders listen well? I know for me, the longer I lead the less I listen. This is a huge hole for leaders because listening makes our  jobs much easier. The longer you lead, and the more responsibility you have, and the more people that follow you, the easier it is to stop listening and just delegate and give orders.

The problem is, others love the church or organization just as much as I do and have great ideas for it. The organization you lead will be better off if you listen to those around you. If you have all the ideas, the organization will reflect your weaknesses and blind spots.

If you listen to those around you it will create trust in the followers. People want to be heard. You don’t have to always use their ideas but you validate them by listening. This is huge and is a must for a healthy organization.

When I listen to those around me it can stop problems in their tracks. If you have developed a good team then they will see the problems you miss. Listening to them can save you time, money and headaches.

I say I love to learn and listening is one of the best ways to learn. Everyone knows something I don’t, therefore everyone can be my teacher. Listening will help us become the best possible leaders we can grow to be.

Listening helps to create community! If you really want to enjoy the team you are working with, then listen to each other. The others will feel valued and give their best and you will become more than just a team. You will become friends making a difference in the world.

Just a thought – maybe I’m the only one who needs this post!

Love,

Pastor Chris

Hey Friends,

The year 2009 is almost history! For some of you that is good news because this wasn’t your best year. For others, ‘09 was great. No matter what camp you are in, it is quickly coming to a close. I want  to challenge us all to get ready for what God has planned in 2010. This is going to require us to listen and to focus. Both of these two disciplines are growing obsolete.

Since we live in the land of multi-tasking, we have lost the ability to focus. It is hard to hear the Voice of God when we are checking our e-mails, texts, and tweets during devotions. We have lost the ability to hear the “still small Voice of God.” During the next few days, spend some time listening so you know His plan for the new decade.

Listening can be a problem since we find it hard to unplug. I want to challenge you to “cut off the stuff!”  And you know what it is! Maybe it’s this blog, tweets, texts, e-mails and the like. The only way to real intimacy is for you to unplug. Jesus did it. No, He did not have an Internet connection, but He was wired into His Heavenly Father. Intimacy involves unplugging. Will you?

As you listen over these last few days of this year, write down your thoughts and plans for the new year and decade. Write down your spiritual growth plan. I would also challenge you to help your family develop a plan for the year.

This is the time to get with God. I believe He is waiting to hear from you.

Stop! Slow down! Be still!

Love,

Your Pastor