Session IV: The Leadership Challenge
When Jud started at Central they were an older, declining congregation. So the leadership…
1) Reevaluated their vision
2) Tweaked programs to strengthen and reach anew
3) Reviewed/Reworked strategies
4) Rewired for growth

Old Core vs. New Core– at about year 3 there were roughly two groups. The (smaller) old core of people who were stuck on doing things the old ways (memorial/monument) and a new core of people who had caught the vision. This caused a bit of stress and problems as the old core fought to retain power and it did a number on the overall health of the church.

During this time Jud learned some things about leadership.

1) Lead yourself because no one else will. Jud was at lunch with one of his mentors and he was complaining and stressing over the situations surrounding him. the mentor stopped eating looked at him and said, “Grow up! If you can’t learn to lead yourself than you don’t deserve to lead.” Boom.

Question: Are you leading yourself well?

2) Lead with a Team– know your strengths; know your weaknesses. Have the humility to discern between the two.
Don’t lead with jealousy

3) Structure for growth more than control– as a program grows it becomes harder for one person to control it

4) Structure for effectiveness more than excellence

5) Don’t overestimate the event; don’t underestimate the process
God’s method of accountability:
Event thinking- “Wow! The event was awesome! We made all sorst of contacts, the numbers were out the roof!” Then the next week your numbers are lower. Nothing lasting happens.

Process thinking– The process of connecting, leading, challenging is long term
The event is a good short term opportunity but don’t overestimate its effectiveness

6) The Blessing of Financial Constraint
Constraint is a blessing. It causes you to simplify, trust, build faith
Houdini principle- When his life was on the line he absolutely had to figure a way out

7) The Summit is a State of Mind- “There is no there there.”
If we could just reach _____________ then we will have arrived. You get there and feel like you still haven’t arrived. There is no there there.

The Leadership Challenge Q&A
As you become larger your small groups become more important. Identify the next step —> ask for a commitment

Move beyond using the word “Volunteer”- Disney: Cast Member Starbucks: Partners
use language like “make an impact” “make a difference”