Deliberately Thankful

  I’m going to spend this week deliberately tuned in to something I’m very thankful for—the ministry team I lead. Sure, they wobble now and then; no one’s perfect. Especially me; I can be real wobbly.

Over the past couple years, one of the most common questions I hear from other leaders goes something like this: “What’s the most important thing a leader must do?” People we’ve hired in our ministry, directors of other ministries, and many people whose roles I don’t even know have asked this question. Some people might think the answer should be “vision cast” or “clarify and set direction.” I prefer a simpler response: Figure out why you love your people—and then do it.

I believe John Maxwell once wrote that people will continue to follow you as their leader, even when your vision is cloudy and your direction is unclear, when they believe in your heart. 

Even more importantly, Jesus said “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.” (John 13:34) Have you ever deeply considered that Jesus said those words to His ministry team? Join that fact with the age-old quip “Speed of the leader, speed of the team” and the need to love my team becomes extremely clear to me.

So this week, I’ve decided to love my team by deliberately reflecting on all the reasons I’m thankful for them. We recently re-organized our leadership structure, so I’m thankful for their ability to flex and embrace change. Discussions now take place about making some major overhauls to the ministry, so I’m thankful for a team that dares to dream big. We’ve battled low volunteer numbers this fall, so I’m thankful for a team willing to do heavy lifting when needed.

Most of all, I’m thankful for a team that’s easy to love. Because in a bazillion little ways, the love we share will affect the kids we reach out to every weekend. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

What about you? What reasons do you have for loving the team you lead, and have you discovered any strong ways to express your thanks?

For me—I sure hope my team reads this blog…because I love you all.

David Staal is the Director of Promiseland at Willow Creek Community Church.
Click here to check out his latest published resources.

Comments

[Linda Ebert]

For almost six years I have had the distinct pleasure of leading the Later Childhood Friday team. These wonderful servants are the behing-the-scene, absolutely necessary women who help make PL happen and run smoothly. Every week I marvel at the amount of work they accomplish in the 31/2 hours we meet. They really love giving the gift of their service to PL. One woman is one of the volunteers who has served the longest in PL. I thank them over and over again each Friday and they always respond that they are simply serving our Lord and don't even need to be thanked.
Each of these women has become a personal friend of mine,sisters in Christ.We pray together and support each other in time of need. We also celebrate together. I love these women from the bottom of my heart and I praise God for their devotion. As we all are, they are treasured children of our Most High God and my treasured friends. Thank you Jesus for the LC Friday Team.

[Marta]

A good leader inspires others with confidence in him; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves.

Proud and honored to be on YOUR team!!!