The Bible says in Joshua 4:14 - " That day the Lord made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses."
Joshua became a great leader that day. The bible says... the Lord made Joshua that great leader.
I think this is awesome and God is looking for some great leaders. However, there were some prerequisites for Joshua before he was appointed and anointed leader by God.
Check out what Joshua did before God appointed him leader. Much of it started long before this time... but most of why God appointed Joshua is outlined in Chapter 3. Let me hear your thoughts on why God used Joshua as leader!
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Radical...
2008 has been incredible. Now we are looking into 2009. I have been thinking lots today about goals and dreams for 2009. None of what I am thinking will happen unless God allows it to and we labor like crazy to accomplish great things. I need great leaders around me to accomplish what I am dreaming about. I cannot do this alone.
I spent some time with my dying uncle yesterday and realized how I want to live the next 30 -40 years ... One word describes it! Radical! Real Radical. We will not hold anything back this coming year and I can't wait.
Who knows how long we have? Let's run after it harder than we ever have before!
I spent some time with my dying uncle yesterday and realized how I want to live the next 30 -40 years ... One word describes it! Radical! Real Radical. We will not hold anything back this coming year and I can't wait.
Who knows how long we have? Let's run after it harder than we ever have before!
Leadership Lesson...
This is a lesson I taught to some of our leadership team yesterday...
God has entrusted us with three things that we are to steward.
1) Resources to leverage for ministry.
2) Leadership ability to inspire and coach others to reach their potential.
3) People to do the work of the ministry.
Leaders... The God of the universe has given you the opportunity and responsibility to lead. I would love to hear how you steward these three things.
Fixing It...
How often as a leader do you see what is wrong, but delay this fix?
I do this all the time. If it is an emergency, I tend to jump in and have the "fix it NOW" attitude. If it is not, I don’t always fix it. Why?
1) If I fix everything, others don’t have the opportunity to grow.
2) If I fix everything, I don’t have the opportunity to see who else can lead that’s around me.
3) If I fix everything, people look at me for the answers, not the team or ultimately the God of the universe.
4) If I fix everything, I am great at nothing. I am Mr. fix it, not great at what God has for me to do.
5) If I fix everything, I become tired and worn out.
6) If I fix everything, then I can’t see if others on the team really care about leading in their area.
There is a time, after things get to a certain point, that I must lead. I must step in and fix things or have others fix and correct the challenge. Finding that balance is tough. If you are a leader, jumping in too quick, is not the answer. Jumping in too late is also not the answer. Timing is everything.
When do you jump in as a leader and get things back on track? I’d love to hear!
I do this all the time. If it is an emergency, I tend to jump in and have the "fix it NOW" attitude. If it is not, I don’t always fix it. Why?
1) If I fix everything, others don’t have the opportunity to grow.
2) If I fix everything, I don’t have the opportunity to see who else can lead that’s around me.
3) If I fix everything, people look at me for the answers, not the team or ultimately the God of the universe.
4) If I fix everything, I am great at nothing. I am Mr. fix it, not great at what God has for me to do.
5) If I fix everything, I become tired and worn out.
6) If I fix everything, then I can’t see if others on the team really care about leading in their area.
There is a time, after things get to a certain point, that I must lead. I must step in and fix things or have others fix and correct the challenge. Finding that balance is tough. If you are a leader, jumping in too quick, is not the answer. Jumping in too late is also not the answer. Timing is everything.
When do you jump in as a leader and get things back on track? I’d love to hear!
Eating Frogs
Today I was reading an excerpt from Brain Tracy's book "Eat That Frog" it reminded me that I have to go ahead and get the difficult things done 1st each day. When I do, I will have the energy and momentum to get everything else done that comes my way throughout the day.
I wonder how many opportunities we miss because we sit around and worry about the difficult decisions we have to make, instead of eating the frog.
I had a leader tell me this past week that the decisions we make will determine how we and others reach our potential. He also said, many of these decisions are hard to make, but go ahead and make them because it opens the door for opportunity for you and others.
Once you have prayed, processed, and sought counsel what keeps you from making the hard decisions? I think whatever that is stands in the way of us and others reaching our potential.
Some decisions are hard to make, but when we "eat the frog" we will be free to move forward in doing what we are created to do. Do you have a frog to eat? Eat it so that you and others can become all God created you to become.
I wonder how many opportunities we miss because we sit around and worry about the difficult decisions we have to make, instead of eating the frog.
I had a leader tell me this past week that the decisions we make will determine how we and others reach our potential. He also said, many of these decisions are hard to make, but go ahead and make them because it opens the door for opportunity for you and others.
Once you have prayed, processed, and sought counsel what keeps you from making the hard decisions? I think whatever that is stands in the way of us and others reaching our potential.
Some decisions are hard to make, but when we "eat the frog" we will be free to move forward in doing what we are created to do. Do you have a frog to eat? Eat it so that you and others can become all God created you to become.
Keeping Score...
Keeping score is a way for us to tell how we are doing.
When we don’t have measurements, we stop making forward progress. I keep score when I play a game, I keep score with my checkbook every single month, and I measure my weight when I am on a diet or on an exercise plan.
One of the key factors in becoming better and not go backwards in our progress and plan, is to keep score. Scoring things are a way to be accountable to what we are doing in life. Our spiritual life and the ministry that we are a part of should have a scorecard.
What are some ways you keep score in the ministry that God has given to you? I’d love to hear!
This survey is for all Christ followers, not just pastors.
When we don’t have measurements, we stop making forward progress. I keep score when I play a game, I keep score with my checkbook every single month, and I measure my weight when I am on a diet or on an exercise plan.
One of the key factors in becoming better and not go backwards in our progress and plan, is to keep score. Scoring things are a way to be accountable to what we are doing in life. Our spiritual life and the ministry that we are a part of should have a scorecard.
What are some ways you keep score in the ministry that God has given to you? I’d love to hear!
This survey is for all Christ followers, not just pastors.
Sunday Night Wrap Up moved to Monday Night Live Feed...
Today was awesome! Thanks to all who serve at Barefoot Church. We have some high capacity volunteers...I am amazed each week in seeing how many new faces are serving. Thanks to all of you!!!
We are not doing Sunday Night Wrap Up this week due to the live feed we are doing here tomorrow night. Join Nolan Knight and me, here, at claynesmith.com, tomorrow night at 7 p.m. with our live broadcast. We will be talking about our God given temperament. You will be able to chat with us as we discuss how we are wired. This should be an awesome tool in helping us learn how to live in our sweet spot and reach our full potential. Hope to see you here tomorrow night at 7p.m.
We are not doing Sunday Night Wrap Up this week due to the live feed we are doing here tomorrow night. Join Nolan Knight and me, here, at claynesmith.com, tomorrow night at 7 p.m. with our live broadcast. We will be talking about our God given temperament. You will be able to chat with us as we discuss how we are wired. This should be an awesome tool in helping us learn how to live in our sweet spot and reach our full potential. Hope to see you here tomorrow night at 7p.m.
Sunday Night Wrap Up
Clay NeSmith and Nolan Knight discuss leadership, management, processes, and creating an environment of sneezers.
Blown Away...
Some of our team just got back from a Flamingo Road Church learning trip. These guys blew us away. Generosity flows through their entire team. They gave us priceless information and tools to pull off a series that we will be doing a little later in the summer. Wait until you see this!!!
Also, as we are thinking of our sphere of influence with the Good News of Jesus, they helped us see how we can maximize our resources in having greater influence. Technology is a God given tool that we are going to leverage. More on this later!
However, more than the above two things, Flamingo helped us to see how God blesses those who run after what He has put into their heart. God wants to use each and every Church in the world to help people step towards Christ and with Christ… The question is… “Will the church step out in faith to accomplish the mission that God has given?”
Here are a few character traits that run deep through a church that is doing what God has called them to do and I observed these at Flamingo while we were there:
1) Leadership
2) Management
3) Loyalty
4) Generosity
5) Love
6) Vision
7) Values
8) Commitment
A church can have all the tools, bells, and whistles in the world, but without the above character traits it will not reach its full potential. I am so glad that we got to see the heart of a God honoring church, not just the tools they use to reach people!
Also, as we are thinking of our sphere of influence with the Good News of Jesus, they helped us see how we can maximize our resources in having greater influence. Technology is a God given tool that we are going to leverage. More on this later!
However, more than the above two things, Flamingo helped us to see how God blesses those who run after what He has put into their heart. God wants to use each and every Church in the world to help people step towards Christ and with Christ… The question is… “Will the church step out in faith to accomplish the mission that God has given?”
Here are a few character traits that run deep through a church that is doing what God has called them to do and I observed these at Flamingo while we were there:
1) Leadership
2) Management
3) Loyalty
4) Generosity
5) Love
6) Vision
7) Values
8) Commitment
A church can have all the tools, bells, and whistles in the world, but without the above character traits it will not reach its full potential. I am so glad that we got to see the heart of a God honoring church, not just the tools they use to reach people!
On the Journey...
My mom had a stroke about 3 months ago. She is doing lots better and she is working hard at rehab. Today, I was in her rehab session and I am amazed at the progress she has made since the last time I was with her.
The Therapist said something to me this morning that got me thinking. She said, “Your mother is amazing to work with. She wants to improve, she wants to become better, she tries as hard as any patient I have ever worked with.” Those were encouraging words to hear as a son. My mom is on a journey and she knows it. She also knows that she has to be dedicated and willing to get better. Her attitude is amazing!
I think about her physical condition and how it applies to all our spiritual condition. We are all on a journey and our Great God wants to help us in the therapy sessions…. The question is, “Are we willing, dedicated, and is our attitude amazing?
The Therapist said something to me this morning that got me thinking. She said, “Your mother is amazing to work with. She wants to improve, she wants to become better, she tries as hard as any patient I have ever worked with.” Those were encouraging words to hear as a son. My mom is on a journey and she knows it. She also knows that she has to be dedicated and willing to get better. Her attitude is amazing!
I think about her physical condition and how it applies to all our spiritual condition. We are all on a journey and our Great God wants to help us in the therapy sessions…. The question is, “Are we willing, dedicated, and is our attitude amazing?
?'S are Two Fold...
I had breakfast this morning with a very influential leader. There were about 25 of us in the room and we were all there to hear from this leader. In my amazement, he did not give a lecture… He asked a lot of questions. He led by asking questions.
I went to lunch a couple of weeks ago with a very influential leader. I was there to ask him questions, but he fired off three questions to my every one. I did not know how to answer a lot of them… However, they were questions that made me think. He led by asking questions.
Here’s the deal… Leaders asked tons of questions. Asking the right people, the right questions, will get you to the right place in your growth as a person.
Who are you learning from by asking questions? Who are you leading by asking questions? Leaders learn by asking questions and leaders lead by asking questions.
I went to lunch a couple of weeks ago with a very influential leader. I was there to ask him questions, but he fired off three questions to my every one. I did not know how to answer a lot of them… However, they were questions that made me think. He led by asking questions.
Here’s the deal… Leaders asked tons of questions. Asking the right people, the right questions, will get you to the right place in your growth as a person.
Who are you learning from by asking questions? Who are you leading by asking questions? Leaders learn by asking questions and leaders lead by asking questions.
9 Lessons from Abigail...
As I was reading 1 Samuel Chapter 25 this morning, God taught me 9 lessons from a homemaker's life. Wow! We can learn so much from everybody... I think we get caught in a trap sometimes and think we can only learn from those who hold degrees, those who are seasoned, and those who hold high positions. God has leaders placed all around us. Who are you learning from?
The 9 things I learned from Abigail:
1) Honor goes further than selfishness.
2) Keep your cool when the heat is on.
3) God is in control of vengeance, not us.
4) God can use you. Even if you are not the top dog.
5) Never try to reason with a drunk. Wait until they are sober.
6) Have faith, not fear.
7) Go above and beyond when you give.
8) When you talk to God’s people, they will listen.
9) When you honor the King, He will honor you.
The 9 things I learned from Abigail:
1) Honor goes further than selfishness.
2) Keep your cool when the heat is on.
3) God is in control of vengeance, not us.
4) God can use you. Even if you are not the top dog.
5) Never try to reason with a drunk. Wait until they are sober.
6) Have faith, not fear.
7) Go above and beyond when you give.
8) When you talk to God’s people, they will listen.
9) When you honor the King, He will honor you.
Commitment
Last weekend I talked on commitment. This word is power packed... The more I reflect on it, the more God is teaching me. Do you ever get locked in on a word and ask God to teach you? I do all the time!
I noticed how Jesus and David both had a committed team. These people were wild and wooly before Jesus and David met them, but committed to what they were doing. How did David and Jesus get them to commit to the greatest cause ever? I mean, they were committed to what they were doing. Why would they ever walk away and be fully committed to something else?
Commitment is what I believe is the key to David and Jesus’ leadership. David and Jesus were both committed to:
1) Investing into committed people.
2) Empowering them to do something great with their life.
3) Unleashing them to do it.
Are you committed to seeing others become great? Are you committed to helping others reach their full God given potential?
I noticed how Jesus and David both had a committed team. These people were wild and wooly before Jesus and David met them, but committed to what they were doing. How did David and Jesus get them to commit to the greatest cause ever? I mean, they were committed to what they were doing. Why would they ever walk away and be fully committed to something else?
Commitment is what I believe is the key to David and Jesus’ leadership. David and Jesus were both committed to:
1) Investing into committed people.
2) Empowering them to do something great with their life.
3) Unleashing them to do it.
Are you committed to seeing others become great? Are you committed to helping others reach their full God given potential?
Learning as a Leader...
God has instructed me and lead me to camp out in the book of Titus for a while. I have been searching my heart deeply about leadership, life, and launching into uncharted waters... I have been brought back to the letter that Paul wrote to the young leader Titus. I say, "I have been brought back", because when we moved to North Myrtle Beach a few years ago to start Barefoot... This is the letter I spent tons of time reading.
I will be gleaning principles from these pages of God's Word over the next, however long it takes for me to take my next step as a leader.
Wow! This letter is packed with biblical leadership 101.
The 1st thing that jumped off the page this morning was the instruction Paul gave to Titus... In 1:5. Appoint leaders... Not vote for leaders.
Two things about this instruction...
1) Paul recognized that Titus could not change the Island of Crete with the Good News of Jesus by himself. Leaders need to surround themselves with other leaders if they want to change an island or a city. It's a team effort... not a one man show.
2) When selecting leaders, Character is huge... A leader must be for helping people reach their full God potential, not for themselves. Leaders don't hold their position for power, they hold it for potential.
I will be gleaning principles from these pages of God's Word over the next, however long it takes for me to take my next step as a leader.
Wow! This letter is packed with biblical leadership 101.
The 1st thing that jumped off the page this morning was the instruction Paul gave to Titus... In 1:5. Appoint leaders... Not vote for leaders.
Two things about this instruction...
1) Paul recognized that Titus could not change the Island of Crete with the Good News of Jesus by himself. Leaders need to surround themselves with other leaders if they want to change an island or a city. It's a team effort... not a one man show.
2) When selecting leaders, Character is huge... A leader must be for helping people reach their full God potential, not for themselves. Leaders don't hold their position for power, they hold it for potential.
Observation...
I have not preached for the past two weeks. Some people asked me, "have you enjoyed your time off." The reality of it is, I have been away from message preparation, but working harder than ever observing our church and it's leadership and ministry teams.
As a result you will see some changes! However, the changes are not what this post is about. This post is about the leadership lesson of observation.
What I do when I observe...
1) I get involved... At the ground level again. This is where our church started... If you are a business owner, this is where your company started. I want to see what the attitude and vibe of the people who work in the trenches every week looks like. What does this do? It helps me to see how deep our vision and values are being driven into our church. This is huge in any organization... If the team is not playing on the same sheet of music, it becomes pandemonium.
2) I ask questions. Like, how you doing? What do you feel? What do you need? What do you think we could do? How is your family doing? These question let me know where I need to start making changes. These questions also clue me in to what is coming down the pipe. I usually know that something is going to happen long before it happens. This is due to asking questions and a intuitive spirit God has given to me.
3) I listen carefully. When someone tells me something, I am not always listening to just what they are telling me. I am listening to why they are telling me what they are telling me. There is always a motive behind peoples speech. This is huge in the art of listening. I believe great leaders are born out of great listeners. Leaders listen more than they talk.
4) I process and start making the changes... Sometimes radical ones happen. Sometimes I just tweak some things. I usually talk to some people I trust before I make the radical changes. Wise council leads to great moves.
How do you back off in the midst of leading? How do you stay connected enough to what is going on, not to letting the organization drift? I'd love to hear!
As a result you will see some changes! However, the changes are not what this post is about. This post is about the leadership lesson of observation.
What I do when I observe...
1) I get involved... At the ground level again. This is where our church started... If you are a business owner, this is where your company started. I want to see what the attitude and vibe of the people who work in the trenches every week looks like. What does this do? It helps me to see how deep our vision and values are being driven into our church. This is huge in any organization... If the team is not playing on the same sheet of music, it becomes pandemonium.
2) I ask questions. Like, how you doing? What do you feel? What do you need? What do you think we could do? How is your family doing? These question let me know where I need to start making changes. These questions also clue me in to what is coming down the pipe. I usually know that something is going to happen long before it happens. This is due to asking questions and a intuitive spirit God has given to me.
3) I listen carefully. When someone tells me something, I am not always listening to just what they are telling me. I am listening to why they are telling me what they are telling me. There is always a motive behind peoples speech. This is huge in the art of listening. I believe great leaders are born out of great listeners. Leaders listen more than they talk.
4) I process and start making the changes... Sometimes radical ones happen. Sometimes I just tweak some things. I usually talk to some people I trust before I make the radical changes. Wise council leads to great moves.
How do you back off in the midst of leading? How do you stay connected enough to what is going on, not to letting the organization drift? I'd love to hear!
C3 Challenge
We had an incredible weekend... And I want to say thank you to all who were involved. We are committed at Barefoot to help people reach their potential by putting Christ in the center of everything they do.
We were so grateful to have Ed and Lisa Young with us this past weekend and on Monday for giving us some dynamic leadership lessons at the c3 conference. I was challenged in my leadership and have many thoughts that I am processing.
If you were at the c3 conference yesterday I would love to hear what you were challenged with. What are some things you want to do as a result of what you've heard? Are you going make any changes? What was your one big take away? Let's talk about it... leave a comment.
We were so grateful to have Ed and Lisa Young with us this past weekend and on Monday for giving us some dynamic leadership lessons at the c3 conference. I was challenged in my leadership and have many thoughts that I am processing.
If you were at the c3 conference yesterday I would love to hear what you were challenged with. What are some things you want to do as a result of what you've heard? Are you going make any changes? What was your one big take away? Let's talk about it... leave a comment.
God Smiles...
Tears of joy fill my eyes as I make my way back into my office here at the church today.
I just walked through our building and there is about 50 people working and volunteering and it is Tuesday morning. What an encouragement to me as a pastor and what encouragement it is to the heart of God to see such a passionate people.
This has got to be one of the greatest places on the planet to pastor a church... The people here just flat out rock!!!
Thanks to all of you who believe God and give of your money, time, and energy... I think He has a big honkin' smile one His face as He looks down on this place and sees His children so passionate about His kingdom... Let's keep the petal to the metal!
Pastors, release your people to do the work of the ministry... It is absolutely amazing to see what God does through them.
I just walked through our building and there is about 50 people working and volunteering and it is Tuesday morning. What an encouragement to me as a pastor and what encouragement it is to the heart of God to see such a passionate people.
This has got to be one of the greatest places on the planet to pastor a church... The people here just flat out rock!!!
Thanks to all of you who believe God and give of your money, time, and energy... I think He has a big honkin' smile one His face as He looks down on this place and sees His children so passionate about His kingdom... Let's keep the petal to the metal!
Pastors, release your people to do the work of the ministry... It is absolutely amazing to see what God does through them.
Hourglass Leadership...
Life and leadership are a lot like an hourglass.
I started my journey just knowing that God was nudging me towards Himself. Then, as I came to Him, He started nudging me towards serving and being a part of what He is doing in the world. As I have continued to serve and play on His playing field, He has continually narrowed my focus and position on His team.
I am starting to understand the meaning of "doing less gets more done."
As I have been on this journey, it seems that now I am more focused in a specific calling. I feel as though the journey started broad and as I continue to seek God and follow Him in serving, He has funneled me or shaped me to be like the center of an hourglass. Now that I have a tighter focus on who I am and what I am called to do, He is able to pour through me and broaden my influence.
Narrowing the focus, broadens the influence!!!
How about you? What is God shaping you to be? Don't know? keep on seeking and keep on serving. He will continue to narrow your focus and show you.
I started my journey just knowing that God was nudging me towards Himself. Then, as I came to Him, He started nudging me towards serving and being a part of what He is doing in the world. As I have continued to serve and play on His playing field, He has continually narrowed my focus and position on His team.
I am starting to understand the meaning of "doing less gets more done."
As I have been on this journey, it seems that now I am more focused in a specific calling. I feel as though the journey started broad and as I continue to seek God and follow Him in serving, He has funneled me or shaped me to be like the center of an hourglass. Now that I have a tighter focus on who I am and what I am called to do, He is able to pour through me and broaden my influence.
Narrowing the focus, broadens the influence!!!
How about you? What is God shaping you to be? Don't know? keep on seeking and keep on serving. He will continue to narrow your focus and show you.
Learn to Lead...
We have had a blast at the C3 conference! Not only have we had fun, we have learned lots and been encouraged by many. We have met many great leaders over the past few days and they have spoken into our lives.
The day you stop learning is the day you stop leading. Here are a few things I have found helpful in learning from others.
The day you stop learning is the day you stop leading. Here are a few things I have found helpful in learning from others.
- Get around leaders and LISTEN to them talk to each other. You will learn lots by just listening.
- Watch and take notes. Having open eyes is very important in learning. I take the meat of what I see and spit out the bones. I know I cannot have or produce everything I see, but I can take ideas from what I see and put them to work in my environment.
- I always talk to those who work under the leader... I learn from those who the leader has poured their life and vision into. If you talk with these people, you will learn what is important to the leader. This is a huge principle for all of us to learn. Many times we only want to talk to the person in charge, but lots can be gleaned from those who are in the workings of the vision. They have great insight!
- Ask questions... I do like to share what God is doing in my life, we all do. However, when I get around leaders I go into the question asking mode. I don't learn by talking about me, I learn by asking questions about what they do.
Influence...
The Power of influence is huge if you think about it.
Influence = the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others:
What allows one force to be greater than the other in my life is the amount of time and energy I put into something.
I have found that the people I hang with, can effect my attitude, actions, and abilities... It is so important that I choose my friends wisely.
I have determined that the places I go, can change the way I think. I try to expose myself to diverse places... It tends to change my world view.
What I am reading has a huge impact on my life. I read every day. I read God's Word, books, blogs, and articles... What get's into my head, moves to my heart, and comes out in my actions!
How I take care of my body influences my energy level. The food, rest, and exercise I get each week really determine the speed I can run at... Without the proper fuel, I tend to fall apart.
How about you, what are some things that influence you? What do you do to keep the negative out and let the positive in? I'd love to hear!
Influence = the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others:
What allows one force to be greater than the other in my life is the amount of time and energy I put into something.
I have found that the people I hang with, can effect my attitude, actions, and abilities... It is so important that I choose my friends wisely.
I have determined that the places I go, can change the way I think. I try to expose myself to diverse places... It tends to change my world view.
What I am reading has a huge impact on my life. I read every day. I read God's Word, books, blogs, and articles... What get's into my head, moves to my heart, and comes out in my actions!
How I take care of my body influences my energy level. The food, rest, and exercise I get each week really determine the speed I can run at... Without the proper fuel, I tend to fall apart.
How about you, what are some things that influence you? What do you do to keep the negative out and let the positive in? I'd love to hear!
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