Accountability of a leader (To account or to inform)
I chanced upon this article by Wayne Cordeirio. It was very helpful and good reminder for me as a leader. Am I an accountable leader? Am I open and honest and eager to seek advice with my leader and mentor? This article addresses what is accountability. In Hope church, we valued accountability very highly. It's a biblical value and it's not for just members but especially to leader especially leaders who pastor churches.
So if you are a leader in some way or another, or if you are a follower of Christ, I pray this article will bring truth in your mind and heart. Be blessed as you practice. :)
"At a recent meeting, the elders of a church were discussing what to do with a pastor of a local congregation. I remember him as a rigid leader who several times sent me letters of disapproval for how we were using the arts in worship.Hidden immorality in his life had surfaced. Somehow he had been rationalizing an affair over several years with a woman in his church. The elders came to the final conclusion and asked him to leave, and I wondered quietly to myself, "If he were able to lead himself before leading others, his future would be different today."We're good at evaluating others, but unless we can evaluate ourselves by the same standard, we will live inconsistently.Thomas Watson, former chairman of IBM, said: "The most convincing proof that a person is able to lead others will be expressed by what he does day to day to lead himself."We tend to judge others by their actions, but we evaluate ourselves by our intentions. In other words, if we can rationalize our intentions as not necessarily vicious our evil, then we excuse ourselves and feel innocent, regardless of other violations that may have occurred.The higher we rise in the authority structure, the more we need to seek accountability. We forget that we are fallible and susceptible to misjudgments, selfishness, and insecurity, and since the "eye cannot see the eye," we need to increase this priority. Accountability is not something that will be developed automatically. I'm sorry but there is no delivery service for this one. You have to go after it. In Proverbs 1:23, "Wisdom" warns us: "Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you." True accountability is something we must "turn to."Many might think that the extent of accountability is "being willing to explain your actions." That might be partially true, but most of the time, we do something and hope we never get asked "why!" We would rather take the risk.Accountability begins much sooner than that.Your willingness to get advice and ask for input prior to your action is the best indicator of how accountable you are.It begins with getting advice from others, especially those above you in the line of authority. Leadership is a trust, not a right, and not being accountable early enough causes most of the errors of leaders. The earlier the accountability, the better chances you have at being a great leader. Accountability is an act of humility, not a lack of confidence. It is a sign of those who chase after wisdom.How accountable are you as a leader?
Personal growth
I have not been writing for few weeks and one of the main reason is that I'm spending more time reading and learning on improving myself in few areas as a leader.
I'm spending time to increase my knowledge base so I can give new things to others and of course, I will have more truth to solve issues. I'm reading, reflecting more and talking with people to have more inputs on different matters. Hosea 4:6 "my people are destroyed from the lack of knowledge."
I'm spending time to grow in my heart attitudes. To grow a church is more than numbers, achievements or results. It's about relationship. What matters the most as what have already summed up in the Great commission and Great Commandment. It's about loving God and others. To love God is to love my neighbour. To fulfill the Great commission, is to love my neighbour. To love my friend is different from loving my neighbour. Friend is someone I choose, but neighbour is someone God choose to place in my life.
I'm spending time to grow in my skills. Last night, I fell asleep at 11pm and I woke up at 130am! I was woken my anixety of my 17th May evangelistic preaching! I told some of the sheep and leaders that I'm afraid that I can't deliever a touching sermon to the non believers. I think I meditate it day and night and it resulted of un able to sleep till 430am this morning. :) I talked to god about it and also refresh my memory of a article that Ps Jeff sent me about Prepration of Evangelistic sermon. I will add a few more good pointers into my sermon. This is one of the skill that I will work alot more these few weeks! :) God, help me, anoint me! Freshmen and recruits matters to you! :)
So a leader is a learner. The moment, you stop learning, you stop growing. The moment you stop growing, you stop leading.
So let's continue to learn and grow earnstly!
Laugh at yourself!
Check this out for a 8min presentation of the camp. I had a good laugh because I saw many leaders went up to dance (it was a spontaneous one). I like that we are not so serious about ourselves.
We can let loose and be relax and can be laugh by people! that's what fool for christ mean? ha! Check out 5:28 min onwards where you will see a lady dancing solo. diao! (I can't believe it's so ugly)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UsVT_0k_v4When we are not to conscious how people look at us, we can and dare to attempt bigger things for Jesus. When we do God's work, it requires courage and 'thick skin".
There is a Hope saying "To have thick skin (bold) and thin heart (not sensitive to ourselves)" I always remember that and it help me to pioneer the campus, shepherd people, speak in a crowd, do new things, lead more people, take up new projects, share the gospel to strangers, etc....
So start laughing at yourself!
Arete reflect!
It's been 5 days after the camp ended. Today is the Friday of the week where our camp started last Friday as well.
Thanks Arete Camp team - abigail and the rest! You have put all the elements together and it was awesome.
I love the RDMM team! The dance we had on the last night and changes we make for some programs.
The ULship is awesome! Many chaired the first time! I never you gals and guys looks so good looking during the theme night! :)
Of course, PolyDiNs rocks! Thanks Ps Jeff for imparting to us on the 2nd night about reproducing and of course the supper time together. You life inspired me and the rest to dream big for Jesus. The question that you have posted to us that night will be shared and discuss over the next few meetings and shepherding!
100 people campus, Poly service and Dubai - Hallelujah to it!
I remembered many memorable events in the camp. I can't find any reasons why people don't join us and come into a relationship with Jesus when they are in our community! Wah piang! It's not perfect but it's real!
*My favourite song now is : I love this family of God" I love the strings of love segment. I saw many teary eyes and glowing eyes. I'm encouraged by all the kind words spoken by sheep, leaders and you guys!
thanks and it helps me to know why we do what we do. Another harvest with you guys and Jesus!
