Thoughts Along the Way

Thinking About Leadership: Harbaugh, Hedgehogs, Movies, and Young Leaders

2012-02-23T11:27:00.001-06:00

Here are a few things I’ve read recently that have some great leadership information. If you’re a leader and are influencing younger leaders (and all of us lead in some realm, whether it be in a job, on a team, in our family, in our church or ministry), you will find some helpful insights among these stories. So read on …

Jim Harbaugh has proven himself to be a successful coach at both the NCAA and NFL level. I saw this story just today. I love the way that Tom Crean – his brother-in-law and head basketball coach at Indiana – summed it up:

"I think it goes to show why he's a very successful leader as a player and certainly now as a coach, because there's no job above him and there's no job beneath him and it's all about winning.”

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I was pointed to this post on organizational culture that develops young leaders by my friend Tim Casteel’s blog. Tim is the Director of Cru on our campus and a great leader. If you are in campus ministry, you need to be reading his blog.

So the question is: is your organization giving young leaders a chance to flourish? Or are you stuck in an organizational culture that keeps them bound – and frustrated?

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Jim Collins is one of the best business/organization/leadership writers of the past few years. In this post, Mark Howell does a great job of summarizing some of Collins’ main concepts. It will just take you a few minutes to read the post, but you should really spend several hours thinking through and implementing the ideas.

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Finally, Tim Elmore came up with this list of the greatest leadership movies. If I had to choose my top few from this list, the would be (in no particular order):

The Last Castle

Braveheart

Remember the Titans

Dead Poet’s Society

Miracle

Hoosiers

Twelve Angry Men

Apollo 13

What are your favorite leadership movies? Why?

John Wayne vs. Jesus

2012-02-21T08:23:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite John Wayne movies was his final one – The Shootist. In it he plays an aging gunman who is dying of cancer. In one scene, he’s asked how he came to kill so many men. In part of his response, he refers to a code he lived by:

“I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.”

That’s the American way. The way of John Wayne. Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson.

But it is not Christ’s way.

We’ve been teaching this semester on what life looks like when we live as citizens of the Kingdom of God. The more we study, the more we realize that this kind of life is counter-cultural to both our society and much of the religious (even Christian) world. This week’s passage included these verses:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

The response of a follower of Christ is the complete opposite of John Wayne’s character. Our response to those who hurt or injure us – or who are different – should be noticeably different than the attitudes of those around us.

For most of us, however, this is all theoretical. We may have people who hurt our feelings or treat us unfairly. But we don’t face much persecution and would be hard-pressed to find someone we could call an enemy.

But as I mentioned in my last post, that is not the case everywhere. David B. Barrett, Todd M. Johnson, and Peter F. Crossing, in a 2009 report in the International Bulletin of Missionary Research (Vol. 33, No. 1: 32), estimated that approximately 176,000 Christians would be martyred from mid-2008 to mid-2009. Though there isn’t a way to verify those numbers, even if they were less than half right, there are thousands of Christians who are learning to apply these verses in a very real way.

In a recent issue of Newsweek, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, writes:

Since 2003 more than 900 Iraqi Christians (most of them Assyrians) have been killed by terrorist violence in Baghdad alone, and 70 churches have been burned, according to the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA). Thousands of Iraqi Christians have fled as a result of violence directed specifically at them, reducing the number of Christians in the country to fewer than half a million from just over a million before 2003. AINA understandably describes this as an “incipient genocide or ethnic cleansing of Assyrians in Iraq.”

Recently, Michael has started worshiping with us. He is a grad student from Baghdad. He is also a Christian. On Sunday, he shared with our gathering about his experience as a Christian in Iraq. About not being able to leave his home at night because of the possibility of attack. About his family having to leave their home and move to another city where it was safer for Christians. About friends who were killed when their church was attacked by insurgents.

But he also talked about walking in faith and not in fear. He talked about the choice to respond in love. To forgive. To reach out to their attackers. To let their light shine before men so that they could give glory to God.

And their Muslim neighbors noticed. They saw the counter-cultural way of Jesus.

“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21

Being Aware of a Global War

2012-02-08T09:04:00.001-06:00

How easy it is for us in the US to slip into the comfort of the unaware. For the most part, our lives are comfortable and easy. We are indeed blessed – and not because of any special righteousness that we possess. Mostly, we enjoy these blessings because of where and to whom we were born and the sovereignty of God. Yes, we deal with our share of financial, physical, and personal struggles. And there are times when living as a Christian can be inconvenient. But for the most part, our lives are comfortable and easy and blissfully ignorant.

Rarely do we suffer as many in the world do. Few of us are starving. Few of us are homeless. And few of us ever suffer for being Christians. There may be some inconveniences on account of our faith. But not persecution.

But that is not the case in much of the world. The cover of this week’s Newsweek carries the banner: “The War on Christians.” In the issue is an article by Ayaan Hirsi Ali entitled “The Global War on Christians in the Muslim World.” After describing some of the persecution that Christians face in Muslim-majority countries, she says:

“It should be clear from this catalog of atrocities that anti-Christian violence is a major and underreported problem. No, the violence isn’t centrally planned or coordinated by some international Islamist agency. In that sense the global war on Christians isn’t a traditional war at all. It is, rather, a spontaneous expression of anti-Christian animus by Muslims that transcends cultures, regions, and ethnicities.”

What should be our response to this? I think it should involve at least two steps. The first is to respond as Jesus commands and not as our culture, or our human nature, would suggest. Jesus said:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

The second step is to pray for those who are facing this persecution. Pray for their safety. Pray that they will respond in a way that points their oppressors to Christ. In fact, I would encourage you to check out this website and take the challenge to pray regularly for those parts of our global Body who are suffering.

A third step would be to encourage your Senators and Congressional representatives to take this issue seriously and move the US government to speak up and act on behalf of those who are oppressed.

Thoughts on Thinking

2012-01-25T09:09:00.001-06:00

The Winter 2012 issue of Leadership Journal included this quote from Jon Dyer:

"As we cultivate the skill of scanning screens, many of us find it more difficult to read a book word by word and line by line. We seem to cultivate either the skill of deep reading or the skill of scanning ... but it is difficult to to maintain both skills.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt publicly worried about the effect of this kind of reading - and about the impact of the internet as a whole: 'I worry that the level of interrupt, the sort of overwhelming rapidity of information - and especially stressful information - is in fact affecting cognition.

A good portion of the Christian life requires the ability to concentrate and focus on ideas over long periods of time. Spiritual depth requires the ability to pray for more than a few minutes, to read and memorize Scripture - not to search for it online, and to love God with our hearts and our minds. This means that we must be careful to cultivate and retain the skill of deeply reading and deeply contemplating the things of God, something the internet and digital technologies do not seem to foster." Jon Dyer, From the Garden to the City: the Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology

l admit that I love technology. It can make life easier and more comfortable. And technology can provide a lot of entertainment. I also believe that my computer, iPhone, and iPad are useful tools professionally and even spiritually.

But they are also distractions.

Our first action in the morning or when we get home at night is to turn on the radio or television. Anything but silence. We get our news and form our political convictions based on fifteen second sound bites on a thirty minute newcast. Our authority becomes the "group think" of Wikipedia.

Technology doesn't promote meditation. It doesn't encourage deep thought. It doesn't provide for contemplation. Technology specializes in the quick and the shallow. It often provides surface answers that masquerade as wisdom.

We don't read deeply.

We don't think deeply.

We are content with shallow. But I don't know that I've ever heard shallow used in a positive context - especially when it refers to people or thoughts or opinions or faith.

Years ago, Richard Foster wrote:

"Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” Richard Foster, The Celebration of Discipline

Centuries ago, David wrote:

Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV)

Jesus told us:

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matthew 22:37, 38 NIV)

At the heart of our discipleship is to not just love God with our hearts and emotions, but with all of our mind and thought. One of the key factors for a life that is stable and productive and strong is meditation on the things of God and the Word of God.

But you are going to have to fight for that. It is not our natural bent. Our world will fight against it. Other people won't understand it. But it will be worth it. And we need people who read deeply, think deeply, and meditate deeply on the things of God and their application to the needs of our world and the Church.

Howard Hendricks once said, "The secret of concentration is elimination." So what will you eliminate so that you can concentrate? What will you do to make room in your life to read and think deeply?

One of the things I am going to try to do in 2012 to make room in my life is turn off the TV at 9:00. This will give me more time to read and write, helping me to go "Deeper" and "Wider". (Those are two of my words for 2012. You can read about them here.)

I don't always get it done. It is still a discipline I am learning. But it is one I need so that I can get out of the shallow waters and into the deeper and more enriching places.

Thoughts on Solitude

2012-01-13T09:50:00.001-06:00

During the first half of this week, I was able to get away for a time of quiet and solitude. It was a chance to spend some extended time in prayer and reflection. The television wasn’t on much (I did watch part of the LSU-Alabama game). There was no internet access. Just a quiet view of the lake and time to pray and think and read and plan. I could think back over the past few months and do some evaluation. I could think ahead to the coming months and do some dreaming and planning. I try to do that a couple of times a year.

I believe we all need some time of solitude and quiet. Maybe you can’t get away for a few days, but finding a few hours on a regular basis can keep you balanced and focused and in connection with God. I don’t think we can walk closely with God without some times of quiet. Maybe you just set some “quiet hours” at your house in the mornings or evenings when the TV goes off. Maybe you find some time each week to go walk in a park. Maybe you schedule a monthly day of solitude or a monthly hike. We all need times of quiet and solitude to talk to and hear from God.

These times won’t come by accident. They won’t just fall into your calendar. Our world and our lives will fight against them. So we need to become convinced of their importance and carve time in our lives to spend in solitude and quiet with God.

“Anyone who thinks that his time is too valuable to spend keeping quiet will eventually have no time for God and his brother, but only for himself and his follies.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“A public man, though he is necessarily available at many times, must learn to hide. If he is always available, he is not worth enough when he is available.” Elton Trueblood

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

Thoughts on Excellence

2012-01-04T14:20:00.001-06:00

"It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it." A.W. Tozer

“The quality of a man’s life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi

“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.” James A. Michener

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

Four Words for 2012

2011-12-31T16:06:00.001-06:00

A clock and a compass are both valuable tools, but serve two very different purposes. A clock measures where you are right now, without regard to the direction you are heading. A compass is all about direction. It's not so much about where you are at this moment, but about the direction in which you are heading.

The older I get, the more value I see in the compass. Destination and direction are vital. Destination and direction are more important than what is happening at any given time. A clear sense of destination and direction will help us focus on that to which God has called us, on what we really want our lives to be about. A compass makes sure you are heading in the right direction (or at least in the direction you want to go).

I need the focus that a compass gives. In a world ruled by full inboxes, crowded calendars, and over-flowing "to-do" lists, it is easy to lose sight of where I want to be and wander from the direction that will get me there.

The beginning of a new year is a good time to check your compass.

A few years ago, I came across this blog post by Chris Brogan. He writes about a different way of thinking about a new year. He thinks in terms of words that set the direction for the year rather than specific resolutions about what you are or are not going to do. His idea resonated with me. So each year, I spend some time with God – seeking direction on priorities and choosing three or four words to give direction to the coming year. All of these will have specific tasks, because even if you know your destination you won’t get there unless you take some steps. But the words (which will be at the top of each day’s calendar) will help set the direction for the year.

Here are my words for 2012:

Deeper – This is about deepening my relationship with God through set and focused times in His Word, prayer, fasting, journaling, etc. But it will also happen as I learn to discern more clearly the Holy Spirit’s work in my life and follow His leading. Richard Foster begins his classic book, The Celebration of Discipline, with these words:

“Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.”

Wider – This is really about writing. I told my staff last month that I want to do more of that. There is no guarantee that anyone will want to read what I write. But I do want to be more purposeful in the discipline of writing.

Higher – This is about making other people better. This applies to my family, my staff, our students, my friends, folks in campus ministry, the people with whom I work in track and field, or others God brings across my path. I want to be purposeful in sharpening them.

Lower – This is about my weight. I told my wife last night that 2012 is a year no fried foods and no sweets. She was not excited about that idea. And I’m not sure that I can completely do that. But I do want to commit myself to a better diet – better foods, smaller portions, fewer calories – and more exercise.

So those are my words for 2012. What are yours?

Three Stories Calling Us to Better Lives

2011-12-28T12:39:00.001-06:00

I intentionally left the word “sport” out of the title of this post because, though each of these stories come from the world of sports, the issues highlighted go far beyond something as temporary as an athletic competition. They are stories about higher virtues than winning or losing. They are about things like valor, courage, generosity, compassion, and fairness. I found each of them moving and challenging. I believe each are worthy of your time and thought. Let me know what you think …

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Ashton Eaton is one of the greatest athlete’s in the world. He was a three-time NCAA decathlon champion outdoors, a two-time NCAA heptathlon champion indoors (where he holds the world record), the defending US national decathlon champion, and he won the silver medal at the 2011 World Championships in South Korea. I have had the chance to officiate Ashton on a number of occasions and he has always conducted himself with class. He is one of the US stars in track and field that you need to keep your eyes on in this Olympic year.

But he’s not necessarily the real hero in his family. Track and Field News shared a link to Ashton’s blog where he told the story of his brother, a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines who was recently awarded the Silver Star – the third highest combat medal than can be given. It is worth your time to read Ashton’s words. His brother is just one of thousands of men and women who have risked, and given, their lives to make our world a safer place. They have demonstrated valor and courage on behalf of people they have never met and, for the most part, will never know what they did. We will never know most of their names. It is nice to be able to put a face and a story with one.

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One of the football coaches on the hot seat in the SEC (at least at the start of the year) was Mark Richt, the head coach at Georgia. Fortunately, after on 0-2 start, the Bulldogs turned things around and had a great season – winning ten games in a row, the SEC East title, playing in the SEC Championship game, and earning a trip to the Outback Bowl. I say fortunately not because I’m a Georgia fan, but because the SEC (and all of the sports world) needs people like Mark Richt, who has a reputation of being a man of character. As this story also demonstrates, he is a man of generosity. I may not always cheer for Georgia, but I will be a Mark Richt fan.

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Finally, I came across this story today (again, thanks to Track and Field News). It resonated with me because for the past year we have been dealing with a student in our ministry who found himself in a similar situation as this young lady. One of the things that I have learned from this process is that it is easy to speak from a podium or to a TV camera and dictate policy until you know people who are personally affected and whose future’s are in the balance. Illegal immigration is an issue that needs to be faced and dealt with, but it has to be done (especially in the cases like Ayded’s and Jonathan’s, who were brought to the US as children, have been raised here, and are contributing to making our nation better) with a sense of fairness and compassion.

God con Carne, Part 2

2011-12-23T09:46:00.001-06:00

Yesterday’s post began to scratch the surface on the incarnation – of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. He did that to demonstrate his glory in a way we could comprehend – in grace and truth – and to go to the cross, taking our sins upon his sinless person.

But the incarnation is not just a piece of theology. It is a practical way for us to live, to manifest God to the world that we live in.

Jesus’ friend, John, wrote:

This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. I John 2:5-6

We are to be the physical, personal manifestations of God in our world. There are at least a couple of reasons for that. One is that we who are Christians have the Spirit of God dwelling inside of us. The other is that we are the Body of Christ to the world and each other.

And just as Jesus demonstrated the glory of God to the world through grace and truth, we are called to do the same.

But it does carry a cost

(Jesus), who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:6-8

Jesus is not an assistant to God. Jesus is not the Joe Biden of heaven. Jesus has never been a junior partner to God but equal with the Almighty Father in every way, shape, and form. But he did not regard that position of equality a thing to be held on to.

It is almost impossible to grasp the impact of that statement. Jesus, who experienced the worship and adoration of the universe, voluntarily relaxed his grip on those privileges to put on human flesh, live a life of grace and truth, and die on a Roman cross.

Incarnation is costly. It was for Jesus. It will be for us. If we are to demonstrate grace and truth to those in our world who most need to experience them, we are going to have to lay some things aside.

Our positions. Our privileges. Our preferences. Our prerogatives. Our comfort. Our fear. Our selfishness. Our possessions.

We won’t best demonstrate the glory of God by doing church with our friends, who all think and act and believe like we do.

We will best incarnate the glory of God – his grace and truth – when we engage the world as Jesus did. Hugging the diseased body of a leper. Showing acceptance and love in the home of a despised tax collector. Gently calling to repentance a shamed adulteress.

Incarnation isn’t just theology. It is a practical way to live and serve others. It is to be our posture before the world.

God con Carne, Part 1

2011-12-22T14:41:00.001-06:00

I’m a carnivore and proud to admit it. If I get to choose a last meal, it’s going to be steak. I will occasionally order a salad, but it will be a salad with lots of meat on it!

Once a week, Gina and I have “cheese dip night” – dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. When we sit down, they don’t bring us a menu. They just bring our meal because it is the same thing every week: diet cokes, chips and salsa, a small cheese dip, and tacos carne asada. Steak tacos.

Every year, I make chili for our Christmas party. (I only make it once a year because it is too spicy for Gina, but most of our students seem to like it.) Of course, what most of us call chili is actually chili con carne – peppers with meat.

This is the time of year when we celebrate the incarnation – the reality of God in the flesh.

God “con carne.”

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. Colossians 1:19

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. Colossians 2:9

Christ is the self-miniaturization of God, the visible image of the invisible God. The omnipresent one was downsized to the confines of a human womb. The all-powerful one became a baby that had to be fed and nursed and burped. The omniscient one had to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic.

But here was the miracle: when he became human, he was no less God. 100 percent God and 100 percent man. I can’t explain it. I can only marvel at it.

In 1995, Joan Osborne recorded a song that asked the question, “What if God was one of us?” Christmas tells us that is exactly what happened.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,

Hail the incarnate Deity.

Pleased as man with man to dwell -

Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king!”

But it keeps getting better.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made…. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth…. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God andis in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. John 1:1-3, 14, 18

When Moses wanted to see the glory of God, the answer was , "No." When Moses begged, God hid him in a corner of a rock. He could only see the aftermath of God passing by. He could only handle a portion of the glory of God.

But John tells us that when God became flesh, we could see his glory. When you read through the biographies of Jesus, where do you see his glory? Maybe it is not what we tend to look for. Maybe it is:

… when Jesus kneels beside the woman caught in adultery and says, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”

… when Jesus puts his arm around a leper, both healing and loving him.

… when Jesus goes to the homes of Levi and Zaccheus, ostracized tax collectors, to demonstrate God’s forgiveness and acceptance.

… when Jesus weeps with Mary and Martha over the death of their brother. Or even more when he stands and says, "I am the resurrection and the life … Lazarus, come out."

Jesus' glory was full of grace and truth. Grace and truth. Grace that offered acceptance and forgiveness and entrance into God’s Kingdom. Truth that called to repentance and change and a life that sought first God’s Kingdom and righteousness.

Christmas should be the awe-filled celebration of God in the flesh, his glory in a body, grace and truth lived out among us. And alive in us.

Some Sports Highlights: Creative Traditions and Tebow Mic’d Up

2011-12-20T10:50:00.001-06:00

One of the great things about sports of all kinds are the traditions that surround them. For my high school in Kansas, it was the entire team leaving the stadium and jogging across the street to ring the Victory Bell in front of the high school after a home victory. (Unfortunately, we never got to ring the bell at our final home game of the season. We lost the state finals, quarter-finals, and semi-finals at home in my sophomore, junior,and senior years.)

Here are couple of traditions that I’ve recently seen that seem to be a lot of fun. The first is from Taylor University and has a Christmas theme to it.

I would love to know where they came up with this idea, but Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA has a great pre-game tradition.

They also are pretty cool with the post-game celebration.

Finally, most of America is aware of Tim Tebow and the way that he has led the Denver Bronco’s to some great comeback. Of course, a big part of Tebow is his faith and the way he lives his life. No matter what people think of his quarterbacking skills, they have little doubt about what he believe or the kind of person that he is. During Denver’s game against the Chicago Bears a couple of weeks ago, they had Tebow mic’d up. I found it interesting to listen to what he said to his teammates, coaches, opponents, self, and God during the game. At least three things are for sure: He desires God to be honored, he is a great competitor, and the dude cannot sing.

Miscellaneous Christmas Items: Christmas Music, Seryn, and a Provocative Christmas ad

2011-12-17T13:01:00.001-06:00

Christmas tends to feature some of our favorite music. My favorite songs have always been Joy to the Word and Silent Night, and I love listening to the Messiah. But there are so many that I love. But there is also some bad Christmas music. I know this is a matter of taste, but you can keep your Little Drummer Boy and Away in the Manger. So what songs are your favorites? And least favorites?

Here is a list of 11 Christmas songs that never took off. It won’t take you long to figure out why.

A few days ago I mentioned a new favorite band – Seryn. They have a new Christmas album. You can check it out here.

St. Matthews-in-the-City Church in Auckland, New Zealand has a history of putting up memorable billboards around Christmas time. Here is this year’s ad – not quite as provocative as some years, but still enough to make you stop and think. Of course, their stated goal is to move beyond the “sentimental and trite” and “spark thought and conversation.” What is your response to the ad? Does it accomplish their goal? Is it too much?

Items of Interest: The Coldest, the Most Stolen, a great UK Christmas ad, and Seryn

2011-12-07T17:24:00.001-06:00

A few items of interest from the past few weeks:

Here is a list of the 25 coldest cities in the US. Sympathies to my friends who live in these places!

Here is a list of the ten most frequently shoplifted items. Filet mignon? Axe? A razor? Really?

Here is a beautiful Christmas ad from Great Britain.

And, to top it off, a video from one of my favorite new bands – Seryn. Just today, Paste named them one of the top new bands of the year. Enjoy.

A Life Too Short

2011-11-22T11:35:00.001-06:00

Last night I attended a candle light vigil with about 2800 others in memory of Garrett Uekman. Many of you already know of Garrett’s death. He died in his University of Arkansas residence hall on Sunday morning. Garrett was a nineteen year old sophomore and a tight end on the Razorback football team.

Being in the service last night brought a lot of thoughts to mind. I’m in my thirtieth year of ministry to college students and I have set through or spoken at more of these services than one might think. Many faces passed through my thoughts. We have had student deaths that have been the result of disease or accident. Others have been the result of violence, either at their own hands or the hands of someone else. None have been easy and all are reminders that life is fragile and temporary and not to be taken for granted.

I also thought about these truths.

We need to live life thoughtfully. I love these words of Paul:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

The idea behind these words is not to live fearfully, but purposefully. The image is of a tightrope walker, making sure each step is precise – right where it should be. It is the image of intentionality, of purposefully making the most of every opportunity, not letting any slip by because we aren’t paying attention or are distracted by the lesser things around us.

We need to live life fully. Jesus told us:

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Jesus’ intent for us is not a life that is dull, boring, monotonous, and meaningless. Life as Christ intends it is to be full of joy, purpose, and meaning. It is to be a life that is lived in faith, that pushes the edges, that doesn’t settle in to the status quo of society or our religious culture.

We need to live life lovingly. Again, the words of Jesus:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

Ultimately, what we leave behind is what we have invested in the lives of others – the love we have shown to them. Money and success have their advantages, but the investment we make in the lives of others – the love we share, say, and demonstrate – is what will shape the lives of others.

We need to live life with a bigger perspective. One final thought from Jesus:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Invest yourself in the things of God, in the things that last. So much of what we value is temporal and won’t last the next ten years, let alone into eternity. Invest yourself in the things of God, in the lives of people, in the things that will leave a mark on eternity.

Ultimately, this kind of life can only be lived by being in a relationship with Christ and abiding in him on a daily basis. That is the starting point for the life that God desires for us, for the life that our hearts desire.

Track and Field Notes–Five Great Stories, All-time NCAA Cross Country Rankings & UK Envy

2011-11-11T15:24:00.001-06:00

A couple of interesting posts from the world of track and field …

Here is a collection of five great stories from the history of track and field – Bob Beamon, Al Oerter, Billy Mills, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Bob Seagren. They are all worth your time.

The Faster Than Forty website has ranked the top NCAA men’s cross country programs over the last fifty years. You can access their results here. Spoiler alert: Arkansas comes in at #2.

The IAAF (the world governing body for track and field) announced today that the 2017 World Championship meet will be in London. I (and many others) find it frustrating that the US doesn’t even bid on these meets and haven’t submitted a bid for the 2020 Olympic Games. I’m excited for my athletics official friends in the UK, but I would love the chance to officiate those meets before I reach retirement age.

An Example of Grace

2011-11-09T14:23:00.001-06:00

I have written before that grace is the most misunderstood, under-appreciated, and powerful truth of Christianity. It is what sets Christianity apart from every religious system, every way that men and women try to make themselves right with God and win His approval.

Here is a great example of grace applied to personal relationships.

Intentionally Developing Leaders

2011-11-07T13:31:00.001-06:00

One final post flowing from the 2011 Catalyst Conference in Atlanta.

In the final session of the conference, Andy Stanley challenged us with the question: “What is your strategy for developing leaders?” Most of us in leadership can talk a pretty good game on the importance of developing leaders. But the real question is: Do you have a strategy or plan for it? And are you working that strategy? For many, developing leaders is more talk than action. Stanley called those in attendance to “Intentional Apprenticing” – selecting, modeling, and coaching for the purpose of replacing yourself.

What Stanley described is just following the example of Jesus as he poured his life into the lives of his twelve apostles. Jesus began his public ministry with succession in mind. He didn’t ask for volunteers, but handpicked those with whom he would entrust his mission. He did ministry with them and sent them out to do ministry without him – but brought them back for a time of de-briefing and training. He was constantly preparing them to carry on his mission once he was gone from them physically. I would be remiss at this point if I didn’t point you to Robert Coleman’s classic book, The Master Plan of Evangelism, for a great study on Jesus’ strategy of preparing leaders.

As leaders, that is part of our call. But we are often held back by some common concerns. We are afraid that if we give special attention to a few rather than to the many, some will think it unfair. And they may. When Jesus chose the twelve in whom he would invest his life, there were probably some who had been following who felt he was unfair not to include them. But it was essential that he focus on a few if he was to adequately prepare them to carry on his mission.

At other times we feel inadequate for the task – we feel that we don’t know enough or that there are others who know more. The truth is that we will often feel inadequate, especially if we are working with younger, high-capacity leaders. But we are not responsible for passing on what we don’t know, but for passing on what we do know.

Our responsibility is to empty our cup - our life, knowledge, and experience - into the lives of others.

One of the measures of success as a leader is whether or not we leave our responsibilities in capable hands.

So leaders: Who are you intentionally apprenticing? Who are you raising up to replace yourself? How are doing in emptying your cup into their lives?

World Demographics–Largest, Fastest, and Dirtiest

2011-11-04T16:15:00.001-05:00

Here is some interesting information on the world we live in …

Here are lists of both the largest and fastest-growing cities in the world. Look them over carefully. You may not be familiar with many of the names – yet. But they are going to shape the future of our world in the years to come. We who are Christians need to be asking ourselves how our plans for ministry in the years to come take these demographics into consideration.

Here is a list of the ten cities in our world with the worst air pollution. It is interesting that four of the ten are in Iran and that Pakistan and India each have two. Pakistan shares borders with each of the other two.

Great By Choice

2011-10-21T12:28:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite authors on leadership and organization success spoke at the Catalyst Conference earlier this month. Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great, should be required reading for anyone leading an organization. In fact, I have gone back through it and reviewed my notes in it since I have returned from Atlanta.

This year he spoke from his new book, Great By Choice. I have not had a chance to read it yet, but I am looking forward to doing so soon. But he did share the key points.

First, he emphasized the points that “good” is the enemy of “great” and that greatness is a matter of choice and discipline.

He then went on to identify three important practices (evidenced by nine years of research) of leaders who choose to be great. To illustrate, he used the story of two teams racing to Antarctica in 1911. One team was led by the British explorer Robert F. Scott and another team was led by the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. Amundsen beat Scott to the South Pole by practicing these three things:

Ruthless Discipline — Leaders who choose greatness practice an almost fanatical discipline. Amundsen decided to walk 17-20 miles a day. No more, no less. Come wind or snow. No matter what happened they stayed the course. Scott would sometimes not go far enough or push his team too hard. Collins said that the signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.

Empirical Creativity — Leaders who choose greatness do their “homework.” The majority of them are not pioneers, but they learn from those who are. And then they innovate. They don’t look to other’s practices and replicate; but look to the data for understanding and then become creative. It’s ok to say “I don’t know” and learn from those who do. This is how true innovation happens. They also look at the hard date and decide the best way to attack their challenges. One a side note, that is one thing I took away from the movie, Moneyball – rethinking the data, the goal, and the steps to reach it.

Productive Paranoia — Leaders who choose greatness know that you have to be prepared for what you cannot predict. They channel anxiety into productive action and reduce probability of failure.

So ….

How do you practice ruthless discipline in your leadership context? What is your plan, your “2o miles”? Are you and your organization disciplined and sticking to it, or does inconsistency seem to be more prevalent than discipline?

Who are the pioneers or entrepreneurs that you are learning from? Who is leading the way in your field? What does the “hard data” say about the direction you are heading and the way you or your organization are doing things?

Are you prepared for what you can’t predict? That sounds counter-intuitive, but it is an essential discipline to reduce the chances of catastrophic failure.

Losing Their Faith

2011-10-19T09:43:00.001-05:00

One of the constant issues over my 30 years in student ministry is the frequency with which young people who grew up in the church “lose their faith” once they get on a “secular” college campus. There have always been numbers floating around – 75 or 80 percent – that strike fear in the hearts of parents, grandparents, and pastors.

And from 30 years of experience, I can attest that there is a need to be concerned. David Kinnaman of the Barna Group has just released a new book entitled, You Lost Me. In it, he reports that there is a 43 percent drop-off between the teen and early adults years in terms of church engagement. He goes on to say:

“The research confirmed what we had already been piecing together from other data: 59 percent of young people with a Christian background report that they had or have ‘dropped out of attending church, after going regularly.’ A majority (57 percent) say they are less active in church today compared to when they were age fifteen. Nearly two-fifths (38 percent) say they have gone through a period when they significantly doubted their faith. Another one-third (32 percent) describe a period when they felt like rejecting their parents’ faith.”

However, I have long been convinced that the church has been looking in the wrong direction when it comes to this problem. The real issue isn’t just the “evil secular university.” Yes, students may be exposed to more worldviews and harder faith questions. And students will face increased availability and acceptance of the temptations they faced in high school. But there are thousands of Christian students who navigate their college careers and come out spiritually stronger than when they started.

The real issue is faith and commitment questions that are set before they ever arrive on campus. As Kinnaman puts it:

“The dropout problem is, at its core, a faith-development problem; to use religious language, it’s a disciple-making problem. The church is not adequately preparing the next generation to follow Christ faithfully in a rapidly changing culture.”

We find it easier to blame our culture or blame the university than to face the fact that we are not doing a good job of preparing our young people to spiritually thrive in a post-Christian culture.

Kinnaman’s book looks at why young people who grew up in the church are dropping out. You can read a more detailed summary on Catalystspace.com. But there are the broad reasons they give for dropping out. They find the church to be:

1. Overprotective. The impulses toward creativity and cultural engagement are some of the defining characteristics of this generation that are most obvious. They want to re-imagine, re-create, rethink, and they want to be entrepreneurs, innovators, starters. Creative expression is of inestimable value. The church is seen as a creativity killer where risk taking and being involved in culture are anathema.

2. Shallow. The most common perception of churches is that they are boring. Easy platitudes, proof texting, and formulaic slogans have anesthetized many young adults, leaving them with no idea of the gravity and power of following Christ. Few young Christians can coherently connect their faith with their gifts, abilities, and passions. In other words, the Christianity they received does not give them a sense of calling.

3. Antiscience. Many young Christians have come to the conclusion that faith and science are incompatible. Yet they see the mostly helpful role science plays in the world they inhabit – in medicine, personal technology, travel, care of the natural world, and other areas. What's more, science seems accessible in a way that the church does not; science appears to welcome questions and skepticism, while matters of faith seem impenetrable.

4. Repressive. Religious rules feel stifling to the individualist mindset of young adults. Consequently they perceive the church as repressive. Sexuality creates deep challenges for the faith development of young people.

5. Exclusive. Although there are limits to what this generation will accept and whom they will embrace, they have been shaped by a culture that esteems open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance. Thus Christianity's claims to exclusivity are a hard sell.

6. Doubtless. Young Christians (and former Christians too) say the church is not a place that allows them to express doubts. They do not feel safe admitting that faith doesn't always make sense. In addition, many feel that the church's response to doubt is trivial and fact focused, as if people can be talked out of doubting.

Some of these are caused by the wrong expression of Biblical principles. There is Scriptural truth regarding sexuality and exclusiveness of Christ. However, Christians have often been guilty of coming across as judgmental and close-minded, rather than willing to listen to concerns and discuss issues and differences in ways that enhance communication. Others of these are caused by wrong and shallow thinking by those in the church.

The implications of Kinnaman’s research deserve more thought and discussion than a blog post can provide. But these things come to my mind:

1. We need to lecture less and listen more to our young people. We need to hear their concerns and questions. They need to know that the church is a safe place to express their doubts and fears.

2. We need to help our young people learn to think and not just parrot religious answers. We need to help them learn to see the world – the arts, science, relationships, wealth, etc. – from a Christian perspective and in light of the God who created it all. Unfortunately, there are those who confuse this with indoctrination into such a narrow perspective that thinking is never really encouraged but seen as threatening.

3. We need to help our young people learn to hear the voice of God and discern the leading of the Holy Spirit and how to recognize his presence and work in our world. Our God is alive and active – even on the university campus. They don’t leave him when they come to the university or enter the military or join the workforce. God is already there and at work and calling them to join his mission to reconcile all things to himself.

Do For One

2011-10-11T17:51:00.001-05:00

Last week, our staff made it’s third trip to the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta. Catalyst is two days that pack your heart and mind with all kinds of truth, dreams, and lessons.

There are great times of worship, led by some creative and talented people. Last year I came back from Catalyst a new fan of Gungor and John Mark McMillan. This year, I came back a fan of Seryn. You need to check them out.

And there are always special guests. This year’s Catalyst included the Sh’Boss Boys and the Russian Bar Trio from America’s Got Talent. Jeff Foxworthy also made an appearance, but not to do comedy. He talked about the Bible study he leads at an Atlanta homeless shelter and introduced us to one of the men whose life has been changed.

But the best part of the conference (at least for me) are the great speakers that come in from around the world. These folks don’t just work in the church world, but in business, social justice, and other areas. In the next two or three posts, I’m going to share some of the highlights regarding leadership that I learned this year.

The one speaker who is there every year (and, in fact, speaks twice each year) is Andy Stanley, pastor of the North Point Community Church in the Atlanta area. This is fine with me because there are few that I enjoy hearing more than Andy Stanley.

Here are some thoughts from his first talk:

The more successful you are, the less accessible you become. Refuse to face this reality and face burn out by trying to be accessible to everyone. On the other hand, some use success as an excuse to be more inaccessible than necessary.

So the leader faces this dilemma: You can’t shut it all out. You can’t take it all in. What do we do?

Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.

We can’t do it all, but we need to do it for some. Otherwise, our hearts will grow hard.

To some, this won’t seem fair. But we don’t need to be fair. We need to be engaged. If we follow this principle, we can be engaged without being overwhelmed.

To do this, Stanley offered these tips:

* Go deep rather than wide.

* Go long-term rather than short-term.

* Go time, not just money.

When you do for one, you often end up doing for more than just one.

Music Videos–Daniel Martin Moore, Gungor, and Count Basie

2011-09-30T16:59:00.001-05:00

For your weekend enjoyment, here is an assortment of music videos that I enjoy. I hope you do, too.

Austin Brown shared this video with me after hearing Daniel Martin Moore sing this song on Parenthood this week. I wound up buying his album, “In the Cool of the Day”, and really enjoy it.

One of my favorite bands, Gungor, recently released a new album. In honor of that (and because I’ve not found enough video from the new album), here is one of my favorites of their last one.

I first fell in love with jazz by hearing a 1973 Count Basie album called “Basie Jam”. There aren’t any videos from that album, but here is a video from a couple of years later that has the same feel as the first album.

A Response to Pat Robertson

2011-09-19T17:05:00.002-05:00

I realize that for some, this is old news. Others, however, might not be aware of the small uproar created last Tuesday by television evangelist Pat Robertson. I would typically ignore what he said and encourage you to do so. However, there are a couple of things about last week’s comments that deserve some comment.

In case you missed it, Robertson was responding to a question about a man whose wife has Alzheimer’s. The man was bemoaning the unfairness of having to care for a wife who no longer knew him and he had began to see another woman. The writer wanted to know what she should say to the man.

Robertson said he wouldn't blame those who decide to divorce a spouse suffering from Alzheimer's, that divorce would be OK in a situation that involves something as terrible as Alzheimer's.

"I know it sounds cruel but if he's going to do something he should divorce her and start all over again," he said, "[and] make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her."

Robertson continued: "I hate Alzheimer's. It is one of the most awful things because here's the loved one, this is the woman or man that you have loved for 20, 30, 40 years and suddenly that person is gone. They're gone. They are gone!"

Co-host Terry Meeuwsen noted that when couples marry they vow "for better, for worse."

Robertson replied, "You said 'till death do us part;' this (suffering from Alzheimer's) is a kind of death. I certainly wouldn't put a guilt trip on you if you decided that you had to have companionship; you're lonely. I can't fault them for wanting some kind of companionship. If he says in a sense she is gone, he is right. It is like a walking death."

I just want to make a few quick points:

* To those who judge Jesus and the Christians around you by what Pat Robertson (or any television evangelist) says, please stop. Pat Robertson doesn’t speak for me. He never has, through his long history of saying things without thought or Scriptural backing. Don’t assume that because he wears the name of Christian that he speaks for all of us, or even many of us. And please don’t assume that he speaks for Jesus. The same thing is true of anyone you see preaching on television. They don’t speak for me. If you want to know what I think, ask me. It gets frustrating when all of those who follow Jesus are lumped in with those with the loudest voices or who can afford television time.

* What Robertson is espousing is what he and too many others have been teaching for years – a “prosperity” gospel that teaches, at its core, that following Jesus is the way to make sure your life is always full and happy – that your happiness is the greatest good and greatest goal. Whether it is through having all of your material wants or a marriage that is always satisfying.

But the Scriptures don’t teach that. God’s highest will for you isn’t your happiness. It is your character, that you mature into the fullness of Christ. God knows that it is in being like Jesus that you will find peace and joy. And it will be the way that God is most glorified.

Yes, there is blessing and fullness of life that comes from a relationship with Christ. But it is a blessing and fullness that often comes in the midst of struggle and sorrow and disappointment. Jesus said that we would face difficulties. What we find as those who walk with Christ is that we can experience fullness and peace in the midst of conflict and difficulty and pain as we become more and more like Jesus.

* The New Testament describes marriage as an image of Christ’s relationship with his Bride – the Church. The relationship between a Christian husband and wife is to be a picture of what our relationship with Christ is like. The Apostle Paul tells us that Christ

“… loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:25-28)

The truth is that Christ’s love for us isn’t dependent on how beautiful or useful we are. He loves us because that is his nature. And his love is one that always seeks to give. Too often, we have chased a “love” that is more concerned with what we can gain than what we can give, with what’s in it for us rather than what we can do for another.

* There is no more beautiful image of a life well-lived than that of a husband or wife faithfully, lovingly, and sacrificially caring for the one they have committed to love – even if it isn’t recognized or appreciated. Years ago, I read a letter from Robertson McQuilkin, former president of Columbia Bible College, whose wife, Muriel, suffered from advanced stages of Alzheimer's. In announcing his resignation, he said:

“The decision was made, in a way, 42 years ago when I promised to care for Muriel ‘in sickness and in health...till death us do part.’ So, as a man of my word, integrity has something to do with it. But so does fairness. She has cared for me fully and sacrificially all these years; if I cared for her for the next 40 years I would not be out of debt. Duty, however, can be grim and stoic. But there is more; I love Muriel…. I do not have to care for her, I get to! It is a high honor to care for so wonderful a person.”

Gina and I both have family members who have modeled the same kind of deep, sacrificial, beautiful love as they have cared for their wives and husbands through the struggles of dementia. My admiration and respect for them goes far beyond what I could ever give some television evangelist, sports hero, or entertainment star. They have been people of character and integrity who have modeled the love and faithfulness of Christ in very real and tangible ways.

Russell Moore put it this way:

“Jesus tells us he is present in the weak, the vulnerable, the useless. He is there in the least of these (Matt. 25:31-46). Somewhere out there right now, a man is wiping the drool from an 85 year-old woman who flinches because she think he’s a stranger. No television cameras are around. No politicians are seeking a meeting with them. But the gospel is there. Jesus is there.”

Items of Interest from Around the World

2011-09-12T17:17:00.001-05:00

Cleaning out some odds and ends that I had found interesting. Hopefully you will enjoy at least one of them!

* A very cool video from Tahiti. It brings to mind this quote from Phil Edwards, champion surfer:

“There is a need in all of us for controlled danger. That is, there is a need for activity that puts us on the edge of life. There are uncounted millions of people right now who are going through life without any sort of real, vibrant kick. I call them ‘the legions of the unjazzed.’”

* One of the joys of working the World Masters’ Meet this summer was getting to visit with Olga Kotelko, a 92-year-old athlete from Canada. You will enjoy reading about her in this piece from the New York Times Magazine.

* Some other track related news …

I have known Jesse Williams since he was a freshman at North Carolina State. He went on to be a four-time NCAA high jump champion at USC and he is now the World Champion. You can watch him win that championship here.

Here is a nice piece regarding Alan Bell, a friend of mine from England who just happened to be the starter when Usain Bolt false-started at the World Championships.

Track athletes – make sure your hair is cut, or at least put up. Long hair may have cost this woman a medal and a lot of money.

* Finally, a couple of general interest items …

A man sues White Castle because their booths aren’t big enough for him.

This man posted a video of him counting to 100,000 – very slowly. It took 77 hours! No, I haven’t watched it all. I’m just taking their word for it. But you can watch it if you want!

The Transforming Power of Grace

2011-09-06T12:51:00.001-05:00

I have long believed that grace is maybe the most misunderstood and under-appreciated truth of Christianity. It is what sets Christianity apart from every religious system, every way that men and women try to make themselves right with God and win His approval.

In a post entitled “The Most Transformational Word”, Paul Tripp talks about grace far more eloquently that I could, so I wanted to share part of that with you. Thank you, Paul, for this great reminder of the truth that transforms us.

“Grace is the most transformational word in Scripture. The entire Bible is a narrative of God’s grace, a story of undeserved redemption. By the transformational power of his grace, God unilaterally reaches into the muck of this fallen world, through the presence of his Son, and radically transforms his children from what we are (sinners) into what we are becoming by his power (Christ-like). The famous John Newton hymn uses the best word possible for that grace: amazing.

So grace is a story, and grace is a gift. It is God’s character, and it is your hope. Grace is a transforming tool and a state of relationship. Grace is a theology and an invitation. Grace is an experience and a calling. Grace will turn your life upside down while giving you a rest you have never known. Grace will convince you of your unworthiness without ever making you feel unloved.

Grace will make you acknowledge that you cannot earn God’s favor, and it will remove your fear of not measuring up to his standards. Grace will confront you with the fact that you are much less than you thought you were, even as it assures you that you can be far more than you had ever imagined. Grace will put you in your place without ever putting you down….

Grace enters your life in a moment and will occupy you for eternity. You simply cannot live a productive life or have a productive ministry in this broken-down world unless you have a practical grasp of the grace you have been given.”