When I came to Christ Lutheran, Fort Dodge in January 2012 the congregational leadership had very definite ideas and goals for the congregation’s ministry. I soon found out that this was not a shared ministry with the congregation. I seemed that we soon moved through all of their ideas. We asked for synod help, both Bishop Michael Last, and Bishop Rodger Prois have had discussion with the church councils at the time. Soon all of the original congregational leadership had moved, or gave up and stopped being involved. Now the congregational leadership is in survival mode waiting for the doors to close. A transformation must take place, a transformation I can’t seem to initiate.
Leadership. It is something that everyone strives to achieve and is a trait that can affect every person in the smallest of ways. It is quite a unique feature, and one very hard to come by, with so many leaders nowadays in short supply. As I always like to say, “One million starts with one”. It only takes one person, only one idea, to revolutionize the way that one million people can think. A leader can open our minds and touch our hearts in ways we didn’t know possible. They can help shape the world with their ideas and the foundation of the people supporting them. Like I said before, true leaders today are in short supply. However, I can give this University a new type of leadership that has not been seen before.
Turnaround And Beyond consist of eight chapters that are intended to provide the reader with practical insights and principles from men and women who have led their congregations through renewal. Crandall stresses the importance of leadership right from the start. It is implied that a successful renewal is dependent on how well a congregation is led throughout the process. He analyzes principles from the business world, the Bible, and Church
“[The church] lost sight of its true mission and purpose to simply make more and better followers of Jesus Christ. [x]” Stetzer and Dodson agree that “churches desiring a comeback will need to make changes in order to start growing again. [27]” Grounded in scripture, each section intends to illuminate the actions necessary to facilitate a turnaround, determining the status, preparation, and change management.
Growing up, I realize the important leadership roles that should be recognized in every day life. Leadership is an important part of one's self character because when someone sees you as a leader they tend to grow more onto you so they can be like you. Part of this statement fits a powerful quote i've always lived by while being around others. "It is the men behind who make the man ahead," this quote by Merle Crowell, fits the man I've molded into, simply because I have realized in numerous ways on how my actions can impact other people's actions. My parents always raised me to believe that what you put in is what you get out. So of course, I believe that if I make the decisions to be a follower of the wrong path, then wrong will follow me as well. Instead, I choose to take the golden path and promote a better outcome for my future and hopefully other's also. Sticking to the routine of a leader builds you into an even better leader. Being a better leader, makes me a better man each day that I choose this route as the leader of my path.
When I think of a leader I look back on how many people in my life that have helped me to get where I am today. My parents are authority figures in the sense that they are the ones that showed me right from wrong. There are the administrators that helped me along my way with school and completing all of the work that I needed to in order to make my way in this long road called life. Finally there are the instructors that have shown me the ways on how to become a leader myself. When I think of the word leader I do not think of myself right away, but now that I have taken on different roles in my life I have realized that maybe just maybe that I could become my own leader.
A leader is someone who guides and motivates you. Leadership is a responsibility, and is very important. Without leaders what would the world look like? People need leaders to help, aid, and guide them through tough times and make important decisions. I play multiple sports, and they all have a captain to make sure everything goes right, and is there for the team when things do not. Leaders set an important example for others. Overall, leadership is putting others before yourself, and showing the world that anything is possible.
Among society, there is a common longing for success. Success, however it is defined, is only achieved through leadership in some form. Whether a person becomes a public leader in his church, in his country, or simply a leader in his own life, it takes a leader to put in the effort to achieve one's hopes and dreams of success. Leadership allows a person to acquire the means necessary to meet a personal goal and ultimately reach this idea of success. Utilizing leadership skills is how I will achieve my goal of becoming a surgeon.
1. I believe a true leader, leads from the front. A leader is the first in all, showing the way, sets an example to all. A leader is trustworthy, loyal and approachable. A leader will support policy and always do what is right. A leader is looked up to and promotes motivation. A leader will take care of his crew, from his most subordinate to his commander. A leader knows when to allow others help and looks for innovative ways to improve. I would follow this leader and I wish to be this leader.
My potential as a leader comes from my drive, my belief in myself, and my ability to inspire others to believe in themselves. From my experience as a competitive figure skater and a performer in a professional choir, I know how important it is to be tenacious and have faith in one's own abilities. I have lost track of the number of times I have heard people call themselves stupid because they did poorly on a test and or have given up on a goal because they lose faith in themselves. I find this heartbreaking and I strive to fix it. I have potential as a leader because I can help people build faith in their abilities and teach them new things, leading them to be successful. My own belief in myself and my tenacity allow me to achieve my goals
Replanting of a church is truly hard work and this is through experiencing this on a personal level by working for Woodville Church of Christ as from last year in the month of July trying to assists the church in growing and also in replanting. The bible states that “nothing shall become impossible when with God,” (Luke 1:37 NKJV). The task that lies in hand of replanting a new church is not practically impossible but it is usually very overwhelming to anyone trying to engage in it. The church in Woodville has a very conservative and traditional member base which is normally more than 50 members in total and is inclusive of a very young couple that attends the church services. To total number of children that attend the church services are only around 3 to 4 and are mainly the members’
“A Three-month plan for pastoral transition at Oak Grove Baptist Church which will strengthen unity and promote Church Growth”
I just finished reading the book “Leading Change” by John P Kotter. If you happen to be a part of a church or organization that is wanting to move forward, I highly recommend this read.
I can summarize my leadership in two words: adaptability and approachability. There exist infinite possible approaches to leadership, and there is not one single universal right. Throughout my career, I have encountered and taken note of the different leadership styles in my path and have come to realize that in order to be most effective, I must be adaptable to each unique circumstance. I have also formed my philosophy by taking into account what I consider to be toxic leadership styles. Toxicity leads to unapproachability and one cannot expect to successfully ensure the wellbeing of their subordinates if they do not feel comfortable discussing issues. It would be a feat to comprehensively cover every aspect of my leadership philosophy within
You asked the good questions! I think the idea of the Holy Spirit-led transformation has to be integrated at all levels in the community and personally modeled by the leaders. It becomes prevailing when people in the church observe the fruits of spiritual transformation in the lives of their leaders. The subject of spiritual discernment and transformation should be taught from the pulpit and through small groups. It has to be modeled by the leaders and the ministry teams. At the same time, it needs to be hands-on, and not just a theological concept. The leaders have to foster a safe and open environment for people to learn how to receive insights from God and practice the gifts of the Spirit.
A sentiment common to almost any organization is that the one fact that remains constant is change. As society changes, and human understanding grows, any organization that maintains a static posture, assures its demise. Churches and Christian organizations are no exception. The gospel may remain the same, but the method for communicating it must speak to the audience to assure understanding. The Christian leader must be prepared to meet this challenge by incorporating an effective model for change into his theology of leadership in order to keep the ministry relevant and effective. Searching for such a change agent can prove to be challenging as well. To aid in this search, four