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hybels on leadership
The past few days I’ve been at the North American Christian Convention, the annual gathering of my tribe, participating in a couple of workshops and many great and exciting conversations about San Francisco! One of the sessions that I made my way into was a leadership lecture given by Bill Hybels of Willow Creek. I’ve long been intrigued by Hybels relationship with the Christian Church, especially after hiring Gene Appel and Mike Breaux both of whom hail from the brotherhood. Admittedly, Hybels doesn’t know much about us… but I think we have more in common than he realizes.
Hybels talk was entitled The Four Things I Would Tell Leaders on My Deathbed. And here are some notes I jotted down.
1) Vision –> Keep the Vision CLEAR!
There is some misunderstanding about the phrase “Where there is no vision the people perish”. The word perish actually refers not to a physical death, but a real atrophy of the church. The atrophy comes from people not doing anything, not exercising their spiritual gifts, because there is no direction and they are not sure how to proceed. There needs to be a clear vision in leadership and when there is, the local church will flourish as people jump on mission to make a difference not only in the church but in the surrounding community.
We’ve got to GET IT; COMMUNICATE IT; and DO IT!
2) Engagement –> Get the People Engaged!
Church should be an all-skate event. Everyone is involved and serving according to their gifting!
The 5 ways to get business leaders and high-capacity leaders involved
a) The Pastor must be TOTALLY committed to the future of that particular congregation. Not someone looking to move on in a couple of years— this is what short circuits many local congregations, perpetual turnover in leadership.
b) No small dreams! Low risk and tiny vision will never captivate the attention of business leaders and high capacity leaders who are continually risking a lot day-in and day-out in their jobs.
c) Personal Asks—repeatedly. You must be willing to sit down one on one with leaders and make the BIG ask. This is typically the only way they will get involved. They already have a lot on their plate and a sign-up sheet doesn’t communicate importance… a personal ask and a challenge does!
d) Feedback is the breakfast of champions! Leaders want feedback. They want to hear your thoughts, encouragements, challenges, etc.
e) A regular reminder that what is being done really matters! This goes hand in hand with feedback, but we must encourage leaders that what they are trading their lives for in pursuit of mission is totally worth it! They need to be reminded that they aren’t crazy, especially if they’re taking major risks for the Kingdom. There are people all around them that are probably telling them otherwise… therefore it’s our responsibility to make sure they know they matter and are making a difference!
3) Make your gatherings MEMORABLE!
In the book of Acts as it related to their gatherings, everyone had a sense of awe and a sense that the supernatural was taking place in their midst! People want more than a show. People want to be changed! They want to be different than when they came. We must be creating a place and space for God’s Spirit to truly work in different, mysterious and miraculous ways.
4) PACE –> Pace yourself for the long haul.
As pastors we must run for a marathon, not a mad dash. If we are not careful, when we attain a certain speed our soul will begin to wilt. It’s at these times that we must recognize that we need to reduce speed in order to restore our soul. We need to find the balance and run at an optimal level as opposed to a constant fluctuation of imbalance.
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