Dear Salvation Army, 4 Warning Signs To Watch Out For In Ministry…

Ministry is rewarding, but it isn’t always easy. Along the way pastors, lay ministers, Salvation Army officers and soldiers face challenges both big and small. Is it our responsibility to produce larger and larger statistical successes? Dare I say the answer is “no”…but, it is our responsibility to be faithful to God as He provide the opportunities to us and we can help usher in souls through relevant, practical relationships and evangelism.

That being said, there are 4 warning signs that I would like to point out today that might help us in our ministries. These aren’t an exhaustive list of warning signs, merely four of them…there are probably many more to be mindful of.

4 Warning Signs to Watch Out For In Ministry:

1) Lack of commitment –
Small Group ministries, for example, can be very rewarding because it is ministry in an intimate setting, but sometimes small groups can be a notoriously uncommitted group. Whatever the ministry event, group or activity you embark on, if the commitment level isn’t there it will not be successful. Commitment has almost become this horrific word in our society today because there is so much attention demands for individuals and families. These demands include school activities, sports, extra-curricular activities, family time etc. Then comes the church pastor or officer/local officer who is asking for more of a commitment by this person or family as a small group or bible study begins. A corps member’s time is valuable to a lot of areas and sometimes the corps loses an element of commitment by its soldiery because it just can’t compete with other extra-curricular event.

This isn’t an excuse to just eliminate that ministry opportunity. Look for ways to adjust, incorporate and work around people’s crazy schedules. There should be possibly ways to compromise so that attendees are available for personally geared ministries. Be sensitive to the needs of families in your corps, study their schedules and make every possible attempt to provide times of ministry at the best times during the week. I am not saying cater to every corps’ member’s whims and needs but I am saying be sensitive to schedules and busy lives. If we can make every opportunity available to our soldiers to attend then committing to a personalized ministry opportunity will be easier.

Lastly, this doesn’t mean everyone will just rush in and commit to attend…some corps members (whether on the fringes or even active members) will only conveniently show up when it best suits them. Perhaps, at some time, when all of your efforts have not produced their commitment level, you may want to confront them on this lack of participation. But ensure first that your bible study or small group is something of which that person(s) will relate to or need in their lives.

2) “Hotdog” Leadership

Definition: A “hotdog“ leader – one who shows off, refuses to share, enjoys the lime-light, is a “ball” hog.

Moving away from commitment to, perhaps an extreme level of commitment, be mindful of the dangers of solo leadership. Jesus didn’t teach His disciples to become solely dependent on Him to do everything, and neither should we with our soldiers and corps members. I am not saying that you and I are Jesus, but we have been placed in people’s lives to display the example of Jesus to them. In so doing, we ought to be mindful that a proactive leader is one who produces ownership in its corps members and soldiers. Ministry should never be one sided. It wasn’t intended to be this way.

When I was a younger officer every Sunday was the “Scott Show”, meaning I didn’t fully trust those around me to be of much use in the Sunday morning holiness meetings. It was prideful I know. I micromanaged everything and wanted everything to be done my way. I was a control freak when it came to how I wanted our worship to be. Some of that isn’t all bad mind you. Some of that planning is necessary…but without the use of other leaders in corps we can become “Hotdogs” in the pulpit.

One might argue that many within our ministries are not equipped to lead anything. Maybe so, but hotdog leadership doesn’t provide any shared ownership opportunities either. Perhaps we can assign small tasks to some who are not able to lead. Perhaps we can assign larger tasks to those who are capable to lead. This warning sign within our ministries is crucial to heed. If we lead everything we could possibly stunt the spiritual growth of potential leaders of our corps.

3) Tunnel Vision
Tunnel Vision sometimes goes hand in hand with “hotdog” leadership. While other times tunnel vision can be a stand-alone problem of lack of vision while performing mundane ministry tasks by simply “going through the motions”.

News Flash: Just because a program worked twenty years ago doesn’t mean that it is still viable today. Sometimes we have to changes things up even if that change causes initial discomfort within the body. Remember that ministry programs are two-fold – for edification of the current body of believers as well as the opportunity of adding to that body via evangelism and welcoming newcomers.

I believe that can become quite easy to fall prey to tunnel vision in our ministries. To avoid the slippery slope of “the tunnel” here are a few remedies:

a) Have a healthy prayer and devotion life as a leader!
This will keep you in-tune with the Holy Spirit as He guides and directs
both your personal relationship as well as your role as leader in your
ministry.

b) Become (if you already aren’t) a reader!
Not just reading the Bible, which is vital, but read other spiritual authors
challenge yourself within the realms of Christian-living and practical
ministry ideas.

c) Listen to your people!
Engage them at where they are. Be mindful of where you want them to
go. Gauge their participation as well as their interests. From this vein,
research and mold your ministries around their needs and spiritual
challenges.

4) Lack of Trust/Un-confessed sins
This may seem to be a “two-fer” (my Minnesotan is coming through in that term), but it’s connected! Trusting someone with your deepest darkest sin is crucial for divulgence. If you or another leader isn’t trusted, a soldier or corps member will most likely refrain from sharing those burdens that they carry.

Be aware of this crucial component of ministry. Be a leader that is safe to be around. Be a leader who is trustworthy and capable of providing a safe, listening ear. It takes a concerted effort to merely listen instead of offering sage advice. Sometimes people need less Yoda and more of an ear. When one finds a safe place to confide, sins can be confessed.

I am not discounting the work of the Holy Spirit or trying to eliminate His power in any and every occasion, but we as leaders should be wise in presenting the gospel and His truths within a safe and loving environment which allows people to face their sins without the judgement of others muddying up the waters of forgiveness and grace.

Watch Out!
These are just four warning signs to watch out for in our ministries. If we can circumnavigate these trappings, our ministries will be healthier for it. Allow His wisdom to guide you. Be diligent in your prayer life for those within you serve as leader. Take great effort to truly listen to your soldiers and corps members. Be aware of tunnel vision and its slippery slope. Take great effort as well to be a safe harbor for those seeking God’s grace, love and forgiveness.

Something more for this Army of Salvation to ponder today.
To God Be The Glory!

October 30, 2014 1

Dear Salvation Army, A Post-it-note Over The Problem?…

When I was in college my roommate told me about a friend of his who headed home for for the holidays. She was unaccustomed to car maintenance and while on the journey a “check engine” light came on. She wasn’t sure of what to do, but the light became an annoyance to her. Did she stop at a gas station and ask for help? No. She just kept on driving but the little “check engine” light still glowed and caught her eye and was more of a nuisance than a problem.

What was her solution?
Call home? No.
Finally stop? No.
Her solution: She placed a post-it-note over the glowing warning light.
Problem solved right? Out of sight, out of mind…wrong.

It may have been covered over by the post-it-note, but it was still there. The problem was still real. The inevitable was certain without appropriate action.
Sure enough, while on her journey home for the holidays, her car’s engine seized and became a pile of non-running junk.

Dear Salvation Army, is there maintenance, real spiritual maintenance that we are ignoring? Are we placing post-it-notes over the real problems, all the while pretending they don’t exist? They won’t go away if we just ignore them. These warning lights are real. Will it cause us some discomfort by actually looking at the cold hard truth of the situation? Yes. But what will the result be if we simply place a post-it-note over that glowing warning light?

Whatever that glowing light may be, we have to peel off the post-it-note and face the problems at hand head on. We cannot hide from these warning lights. We cannot shirk these responsibilities as an Army.

Dear Soldier, what are the warning lights in your life right now? Have you placed a post-it-note over them? Personal holiness is not easy. Personal holiness requires us to peel back that which we cover the vulnerabilities of our lives, the personal sins we do not want to let anyone see let alone God…and so we cover them over and refuse to acknowledge that they exist. We talk a good talk about holiness, but when it comes to truly allowing full surrender to happen we hold back, we refuse to allow God access to the areas in our lives that need the most work. How can we grow if we don’t surrender all? How can we mature and become like Christ if we simply ignore the warning lights?

I am right here with you, dear soldier. I do not claim that I have it all worked out in my life either. I too have ignored these warning lights on this spiritual journey. I too have withheld this full surrender while blatantly ignoring the warning lights.

Dear Salvation Army,
I don’t know if these post-it-notes are covering up unacknowledged sins, leadership failures, financial loopholes, unethical behaviors, policy standards, etc… How can we peel these post-it-notes off? How can we finally look at the problems, acknowledge them and finally move forward? What will it take? Will we have to wait for Christ’s return? Will we still be here by then if we have to wait? Are we missing out by not addressing these warning lights?

Dear Soldier,
I don’t know what your post-it-notes are covering either. It’s an extremely personal thing, I know. We all must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)…but we don’t do it alone. We have the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us and to lead us. He will help us to peel back these post-it-notes as we finally see the un-addressed issues for what they are – opportunities for God’s healing to cleanse us fully and for us to finally be healed completely.

Let’s peel back the post-it-notes together…let’s finally see the trouble, the sin, the issues for what they truly are. Let us be healed completely!

Something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

October 27, 2014 1

Dear Salvation Army – Motivational Leadership Vs. Coercive Leadership

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams

A long time ago…I was in a meeting with a particular leader and a discussion about the usage of funding came up. It had been a cordial meeting to begin with as a group of us gathered in the meeting room with this leader. One particular person spoke up about the allocations of funds and voiced concerns that we had little knowledge of where or why our funds were being cut and siphoned from our local programs. Further voices also chimed in until this particular leader cut the conversation off by pounding his fists on the table and declared “enough, you will do what you’re told. This isn’t up for discussion anymore.” This was my first experience with coercive leadership…and I’m sure it won’t be my last. I mean no disrespect, but I have served under some very capable leaders who didn’t have to “pull rank” in order to get the message of their leadership across. They led through conviction, encouragement and decisive, yet compassionate grace…dare I say at times, this “gem” of leadership is quite rare in any organization…yet so desperately needed!

There is a time and a place for everything…or so Ecclesiastes says (and often misquoted). We must recognize that there are times when the authoritative style of leadership is necessary. We do operate within an organizational system modeled after the military after all. That being said, let’s look at two very specific styles of leadership that is often represented in our army still today.

Motivational Leadership Vs. Coercive Leadership

“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” ― John C. Maxwell

Motivational Leadership:
When done correctly this style of leadership can be the most effective means of communicating mission and vision. Motivational leaders don’t have to go around declaring their authority and pulling rank. They are respected because they are right there in the trenches with those they lead. It takes real courage and energy to be a motivational leader. It is often the harder of the two because it can demand more of our effort and time. Leading in this manner, one engages in their subordinates by showing them the way to success through encouragement while still holding them accountable. There are still outcomes to be accomplished but striving for these outcomes becomes a team lead journey where all are important and often times the leader is in the back prodding their subordinates along through encouragement and praise…picture the “little train the could” as it declared “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can“. Only within the motivational leadership style it isn’t about leadership saying “I think I can” but rather “I know YOU can!”

Other elements of Motivational leaderships include – active participation along side those they lead, recognition and praise when missions and tasks are accomplished, and lastly (less used because of the prior elements) motivation through strictness (discipline). When all else fails, the last resort (not the first) is discipline and accountability. We should not begrudge this element of motivational leadership or even its existence. We all need prodding from time to time. When the other elements of this style of leadership is exhausted and there is no other recourse, this “last resort” must be employed.

When subordinates come to this outcome through one who is a motivational leaders, it can be hard to accept, though the respect of such a leader should motivate the subordinate to get back on track in the hopes of accomplishing the team effort and desired goal(s).

In comparison:
Coercive Leadership:
Coercive leadership is forceful, demanding and often times requires others to do that which the leader themselves would not do. This style of leadership may be more effective in the short term, but in the long term may cause dissension, bitterness, attrition of the “team”, and could ultimately result in loss of vision and mission.

The “iron fist” is much easier to employ. One leads with fear. It takes less time to lead in this manner. A coercive leader can simply declare “you will do what you’re told” but this isn’t motivational, rather it is leading through fear as the primer or surrogate for motivation. This style of leadership isn’t about positive reinforcement. Dare I say it isn’t about developing good leadership for the future either. It is about “having it your way” as a fast food chain has famously turned into a slogan.

What About Us, Dear Army?
What kind of leaders do we aspire to become in our ministries?
Perhaps this topic scratches the surface of some tender areas within us. We chafe at this. Perhaps we cough nervously and look to cast a blaming glance upon others…but it does come back to us too. Leadership requires soldiers and officers of all kinds. We guide the vessel, which is this army. We can implement change within our leadership. We can set the precedent and the need for change. We do not have to lead out of a coercive leadership model any longer. It might be the easy route but what is the trade off? The trade off is that we can and will lose people that we lead along the way.

Dear Army, in order to make more disciples…in order to make more soldiers and further equip future leaders in this army, we must become the kind of leaders that others aspire to emulate and become themselves. We must set the standard all the while motivating, encouraging and strengthening those we lead. Only then will we be able to look upon the generations coming after us and pass on the mantel of this great army of salvation!

Something more for our Army world to ponder today!
To God be the glory!

October 14, 2014 0

3 Warning Signs – When Leaders Are Out of Touch with Reality.

It happens from time to time in every organization.
Perhaps those appointed, elected, or assigned to the responsibilities of leadership forget what it was like to be led. Perhaps along the way of corporate or organizational “ladder climbing” they lost touch with true tangibles which are grounded in reality. It can be true even within the Christian world that power corrupts absolutely.

What are the warning signs as leaders that we ought to be aware of? What kinds of tools can we utilize in our leadership models in order to stay relevant and lead with passion and vision so that others will follow? I think it begs to be said but authoritative leadership cannot be respected or maintain just by brute force. The result of leading in such a way is a leadership of fear and not respect. Good leaders strive to make additional leaders along the way, not subjugation and “my way or the highway” philosophies.

3 Warning Signs – tools to help leaders stay in touch with reality:
1. Cultivate a spirit of authentic humility:

When the veneer and “polished” shine wears off of new leaders it is important to live within a spirit of authentic humility. Those with whom you are leading need to know you are human and that you do not place yourself above their needs. Humility within good leadership is usually developed not born. It is much easier to lord over followers barking out orders and playing favorites. It is easy to become a bad leader. It is much harder to be a good leader. Good leadership takes work and deep consideration of the needs of their followers. Becoming humble despite the potential privileges that leadership can offer speaks volumes to those being led. When we adopt a true spirit of humility within leadership, the paradigm of “top down” organizational structure is turned on its head…and this is a good thing!

Humility in leadership has the ability win advocates not just “followers”. What I mean by that is this – some followers will just follow out of obligation, but to cultivate productivity, respect and genuine leadership one must gain advocates within those you lead. Being humble while leading is absolutely one way to cultivate these kinds of relationships within your organizational base.

2. Listen to opposing arguments & perspectives

Good leaders aren’t afraid of criticism, in fact they willingly engage in productive ideas sharing. This doesn’t mean that the vision or mission of the organization should be sidetracked by opposing views but rather a good leader will listen to alternative methods to accomplishing the same mission and vision. All too often I think insecure leaders are unwilling to be challenged because they lack the confidence in their own leadership abilities. They see opposing or alternative views as threatening, even insubordination, when in fact others (even followers) are striving to accomplish the same goals and objectives. Suddenly, instead of listening to other people’s opinions and ideas, the insecure leader will shoot them down and reprimand because they feel their leadership abilities are in question. Lack of true listening as a leader is a warning sign for poor leadership and a polarized organizational vision.

A good leader desires to actively listen to those they lead and seeks to consistently improve the mission through innovation and ideas sharing. When a company or organization values the thoughts and ideas of others within the team, the mission can advance faster and more efficiently. Great leaders are willing to fight for the ideas and thoughts of those who are subordinate yet passionate about mission. Listening, really listening is crucial to great leaders. Without such an ability, common leaders (which far out number great leaders) will ignore, plod on, and become out of touch with reality.

3. Invest in People not the Product (or Mission):

Equipping, discipling, and developing future leaders must be a valued focus of great leaders. Yes the mission or product is important to the success of whatever organization but without the people doing the hard labor behind the mission or product the organization will eventually fail. All too often the mission (or product) gets placed above the people. Suddenly people are not treated like people but rather just another number or warm body to facilitate the desired outcomes. When this happens the company or organization can become a cold place to work. Those who work there might be begin to feel unimportant, morale might be low, vision can be misplaced for simply “survival”, and the passion for the mission might evaporate entirely.

In the vein of this warning sign, leaders might sense something is wrong with the organization or company, but because of their disconnectedness to the reality of those they serve in leadership, they may conclude that the remedy is another program or ‘relabeled’ slogan. Without the aforementioned characteristics of great leaders, (Authentic Humility and Active Listening) the common leader will strive to improve the company or organization through more program and success driven ideas without the inclusion of its followers. When this happens the common leader has decided that they will invest in the product or mission over the people. All too often, through this impersonal leadership method, common leaders will sacrifice the few (or the many) for the sake of marginal product/mission success.

These are the warning signs of leaders who are out of touch with reality. The reason I write this today is to help us decide what kind of leader that WE want to be both in life and in our places of employment. These are very common threats to any organization or company, and without corrective steps and measures, attrition rates within the organization or company will increase. Coupled with that loss, the mission and vision will become harder and harder to accomplish and the investment in people instead of product (programs and mission) will be abandoned.

I, for one do not want to become disconnected and out of touch…do you?

-Just something else to ponder today…be the kind of leader that you aspire others to be!!!

June 20, 2014 3

The Salvation Army – Women in Ministry…are we as Progressive as we think?

Please don’t misunderstand my question. I don’t mean to incite a riot or start a fight. It’s a genuine question that continually needs to be re-examined.

If the question was – “Is The Salvation Army more progressive than most churches?” The obvious answer would be “YES”. Absolutely we are progressing more rapidly than most churches, but we aren’t most churches are we? Our mission is slightly different than most churches. We adhere to communities of lost, need, poor, broken and we will use any and all available personnel in the trenches. We are certainly progressive in the utilization of women in ministry.

But…

if the question asked – “Is The Salvation Army as progressive as we can be?” I would have to say “no”.
Certainly we are absolutely heading in the right direction. Certainly we have made great strides in the egalitarian department (wait we don’t have that department yet at THQ?…sorry I couldn’t help myself).

But…

When it comes to leadership and the selection of leaders how progressive are we then?

One can make the argument that our last General was a Woman – and I couldn’t argue with that. One can also make the argument that more female leaders are being appointed to key leadership roles. However, there are still appointments that occur that make me scratch my head. Don’t take this the wrong way but sometimes gifts are seen in one of the married couple but the other partner in the marriage is appointed to some odd appointment or a place that they lack any gifting.

Perhaps it’s not always inequality in the sexes, perhaps its because of specific giftings that are seen in one of the married couples…let me just be frank here – not every female officer wants to be appointed to the women’s ministries department, or the community cares department or another department that didn’t exist until recently. As I say this it should also be noted that the same can be said of male officers who are appointed because of the giftings of their spouse. We as an Army are getting better at this but we still have quite a ways to go as well.

Breaking Old Molds

Old excuse: “This is the way we’ve always done it“
This excuse isn’t exclusive to corps deeply entrenched in traditions but is also evident in certain leadership models. Others would say it another way – “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”…but sometimes what that means is if it appears nothing is broken…sometimes we don’t see the fractures that have appeared over maintaining the “status quo”. Sometimes we gloss over these cracks with fresh enamel of “Salute and go”.

Officers are still people!
They have hurts, aspirations, ideas, gifts and abilities. Sometimes these gifts and abilities compliment the marriage team, and other times it is best to allow them to serve in separate appointments. Every person regardless of their marital status is unique and can operate in many different appointments. Their voice should matter in appointment decisions. I recognize that more than ever Officers are being listened to. I’m also not a fool in to thinking that Army politics “never” plays a part in some decisions that are made. But if The Army is truly interested in stopping the attrition rate in its Officership core then intently listening to its officers should be at the top of the list.

Humbly Serve!

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8).
We are, without a doubt, saved to save (and yes saved to serve)! Humility doesn’t mean that we don’t discuss our gifts. Humility doesn’t mean that we don’t sometimes disagree with decisions made. Humility doesn’t mean that we are “happy” all the time. But it does mean that where THE LORD leads we will go. That’s why it is imperative that both leadership, department officers, corps officers and other officers appointed else where serve the Lord first, seek His face, pray earnestly, do what He says, and from that right relationship – lead in whatever capacity is appointed to us.

Thoughts and Questions:
How progressive should we be when it comes appointments and gender?
Are we there yet?
What are the indicators that will be present when we have accomplished true egalitarian ministries?
Does “pigeon-holing” in the appointment process still take place today?
How can we change this? (Can this be changed?)

Here’s my purpose for writing this today.
Not to cause trouble…that’s not my intention at all. Not to ruffle feathers – sorry if I did.
Not to sound militant or rebellious – I will serve as the Lord leads me.
But…
Jesus had female disciples in a very male dominated world. He was progressive in ministry and egalitarian in his choice of followers. Shouldn’t we be as well? We have made great strides thus far in our Army…let’s not stop now!

-Just something else to ponder today.

June 6, 2014 2

Perspectives Day 4 – Featuring Dennis Strissel (Colonel) “Opinion8ed”

Opinion–8-ed

(A series of eight installments)

Number five – There’s a Welcome HERE!

“Hey, where did all the food go?” yelled my dad, gazing into the empty refrigerator. None of us would fess up to tell him that our friends had been there the night before and pigged-out, emptying the weeks supply of rations.

Have you seen the commercial sponsored by Daisy Sour Cream? If you haven’t I have included the link, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKWb8c1GBiw). The mother in the commercial has to remind young Steve that he is actually not a member of the family but lives next door. Well that is the way that it was at our home. Many of our friends were over so often, I’m sure our parents were concerned that they had forgotten their way back to their own home. Though our parents often complained about the missing groceries and the teens camped out all over the home, they were pleased that our home was one where people felt welcomed to come and stay awhile.

Sharon and I can attest to the same experience, with young people in and out of our home and our weekly grocery bill much larger than we could afford. However, we would comment frequently about how nice it was that our children felt comfortable with inviting their friends over and their friends finding our home as a secondary lodging to their own.

This triggers a memory of our son’s college roommate spending an entire summer in our home while our son, Scott, was away in Moldova on summer service opportunity. Andy was a great house guest and we loved him like a son. We were pleased that he felt comfortable and welcomed in our home.

When visiting another home, it’s pretty easy to pick up on an atmosphere of our surroundings. Intuition often informs and protects us from environments that are not safe or risky when visiting but it can also help you detect places of comfort and safety, making one feel right at home. When you find such a place you don’t mind visiting frequently.

A few weekends ago, men from around the eastern half of Michigan met in conference under the teaching of a wise leader. Our praise band helped out by encouraging the men to lift their voices in praise, adoration and supplication. I don’t know about you but music moves my soul heavenward. Sometimes I am so caught up in the melody and message of the song/chorus that I simply cannot sing the words. God knows those times and His Spirit speaks so clearly to me. One of the choruses/songs has followed me since that weekend retreat. As I close my eyes in sleep and when I wake, this chorus is literally on my lips and is the genesis for this humble opinion article. I notice that the older I get the more I love the traditional hymns of the church but occasionally something new breaks through and blesses me. Here’s the song I cannot get out of my head…and maybe I don’t want it to leave.

“Holy Spirit” Lyrics	.
by Bryan & Katie Torwalt \| from the album Here On Earth

There’s nothing worth more
That will ever come close
Nothing can compare
You’re our Living Hope
Your Presence

I’ve tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone

Your presence Lord

Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence Lord

Your presence Lord

.Let us become more aware of Your presence
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness
(Repeat)

Lord
Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence Lord

I would encourage you to find the song on your favorite media site and give a long listen to these inspired words and music. However, and this is probably worth noting, that the message of the song penetrates the heart and reminds us that the most conducive dwelling place for the Holy Spirit is one where He is welcome and invited to dwell.

Some worshipers have a routine they may follow when preparing for a time of worship. Here is the way I approach most meeting where we spend time in worship. 1) I like to take in the room, looking for signs that the Savior has priority, (sermon title in the bulletin points me to Jesus and intrigues me, songs are well chosen to work in concert with the chosen theme, perhaps altar furniture features something of the theme of the meeting, etc.). 2) I like to spend some time in silence, focusing on the power of Christ in my life. 3) I search my heart for unconfessed sin that might contaminate my gift of worship to God. 4) I confess my sin through silent prayer and then ask the Holy Spirit to show up in every part of the meeting, being obvious that thought and prayer has come before the planning. 5) Then, in silence, I surrender all over again and welcome the presence of God through His Holy Spirit to have more of me as part of my gift of worship. It is all God-Centered. You know what happens? God never lets me down because my focus is on Him.

Perhaps the next time you find yourself in a time or place of worship you might try a couple of these steps and discover a new sense of His presence. Design your personal steps that direct your attention toward God, focusing totally on him, making his Holy Spirit welcome and just note the difference in that type of worship experience. God will show up!

May 29, 2014 1

Human Sacrifices…they still happen (A Lesson in leadership)

We would most likely all agree that mission and purpose in ministries as well as organizations are vital to its effectiveness and success. But is there a trade off to achieving certain goals along the pathway to fulfilling our missions? Are there casualties along the way? Do we become so mission focused that we lose, in some way, our compassion and care for individuals which includes team members?

The old adage “too much of a good thing is probably bad for you” could become true when all that we do, eat, sleep and breathe is our mission. I am not insinuating that we discard our mission and lose our focus, but sometimes we must check our motivations and ask ourselves some difficult questions in order to realign and correct possible missteps.

Mission is vital, but so are the people who embody the driving force behind the mission. Leaders aren’t leaders unless there are people who are willing to follow them. Whatever system is put in place, without the “fight force” (people) mission cannot be accomplished.

Are we sacrificing humans?

Truths: 1. There will be people who might not catch the vision. 2. There might be those who dissent and disagree.
But we, as leaders, must be mindful that we cannot simply continue to plow through our goal steps, chug along on the path that we have plotted without the “team” around us. If we choose to go this way and disregard those who disagree with us, we may not heed (at times) those who cry out with the voice of reason. Sometimes we as leaders have to acknowledge that we do not always have all of the right answers. Pride can enter in, and we may feel as if these decisions (which we have made) cannot be allowed to be discarded for to do so will reveal our inadequacies and/or human short-comings.

Good leaders should admit when they are wrong. Good leaders need to listen to the voice(s) of counsel, and in spite of the interpretations of others as the course is corrected; change that course.

Misguided (I wouldn’t use the term ‘bad’) leaders refuse to admit wrong doing. Misguided leaders only listen to the counsel of the ‘yes’ people and punish those who voice and/or question their authority.

Human sacrifices are still being made in organizations when mission and purpose moves at a pace which is faster than the followers can run. Mission is important, but without those who can carry out the mission, any attempt for success will be futile.

3 Preventive Steps:

1. Genuine Compassion:
In order to have followers, leaders must go to them. Leaders need to understand how their followers live, think and also what they are (and aren’t) capable of. Compassion goes a long way to ensuring the success of any mission plans. When we stop and care for the needs of those we lead we inevitably open the doors to not only obedience but healthy loyalty and love. Compassion oils the cogs of motivation and loyalty.

2. Listen

I have found myself guilty of this one. I have plotted certain paths of mission and neglected to actually listen to those with whom I was given the charge to lead. Good leaders understand the great importance of active listening. When they gather their followers they not only engage in productive planning but also engage in active listening. These moments of active listening (it is ongoing) include concerns, desires, skills, and dreams. Once leaders listen, certain plans along the way of mission may need to be altered in order to further strengthen the foundation of the “team”. These aren’t necessarily always concessions but perhaps better solutions and alternatives which will help the group to arrive at the completion of goals within the mission.

3. Motivate

“It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men. Men respond to leadership in a most remarkable way and once you have won his heart, he will follow you anywhere.” -Vince Lombardi
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Good leaders understand how to lovingly challenge people, how to push them but not sacrifice them to the mission. What is in the hearts of those you lead? How can you motivate them to accept the mission and embrace the pathway towards achieving that mission? Motivation can be challenging because all people are different, but when we are actively engaged in listening to those we lead we will find the means to appropriately motivate them. These motivations shouldn't be seen as punishments or a negative thing either. Positive reinforcement, encouragement and guidance is crucial when challenging those you lead. Find the appropriate source(s) of motivation for your team and embark on helping them see how capable and valued they truly are. Don't neglect this step because the members of your team need your motivation to achieve the goals you are setting out to accomplish.

Caution & Completion:
If you find yourself leading only to turn around and find no one is following then perhaps you’ve sacrificed the humans on the altars of mission. Beware of the dangers of leadership. Leadership carries both a burden and a blessing if used correctly. The burden being people are seen as people, not just another number or group to lead. Compassion is vital; active listening is crucial and motivation is paramount to walking across the finish line with those you began it with. Don’t sacrifice the humans for the mission…we need each other and we cannot accomplish anything without every component and every person.

***Disclaimer, leaders carry a tremendous burden and those who follow must also try to recognize where leadership is coming from and as the old phrase says “the door swings both ways”. Much of what has been written here should also be applied in reverse. Those who follow should carefully consider their motivations and consider what may be best for all concerned. Mission cannot be accomplished unless both leader and follower can work together. ***

-Just something else to ponder today.

May 20, 2014 0

“Perspectives” Day 5 Featuring Dennis Strissel (Colonel) “Opinion8ed”

Opinion–8-ed

By Colonel Dennis Strissel

(A series of eight installments)

Number one – Jesus should have served fish & chips

That thought went through my mind as I stared down at a generous portion of golden brown, breaded cod and a fist-full of french-fries. This would have tasted a whole lot better than some dried-salted fish accompanied by an equally dried hunk of bread.

Don’t get me wrong; I love fish of any sort, prepared any way but most of all… I love fish & chips. Secretly, I rate the quality of fish & chips I have eaten all over the world. I guess you could call me a fish & chip critic of sorts. I have my favorites…like landing at a pub on a cool day riding in the Yorkshire Dales in northern England. The table, along with our quartet of fish & chip eaters, was seated squarely in front of a warm hearth as they served the tasteful treats. But my best F&C experience has to be from Hout Bay near Cape Town South Africa. It was a family excursion to the beach with lunch thrown in. There was just something special about those greasy, newspaper-bound, lookin-out-on-the-Atlantic Ocean, fish & chips! Perhaps, for me, it’s more about the taste connected to the current terra firma.

Its John’s version of the story that informs us that the two fish and five loaves was really a boy’s lunch (John 6:9) contributed as a result of Jesus’ instruction to his disciples to do something about the personal need of the thousands attending his impromptu hillside meeting. Its importance is measured by its inclusion in each of the Gospel’s, (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9 and John 6). Since this is opinion base, then let me share one…I think too many speakers spend time expounding on the peripherals, failing to get to the point of the narrative. One could argue that the peripherals actually enhance the point but why waste the precious time you have, fifteen to twenty minutes on a Sunday morning, with waffling about the wilderness and never getting to the promise land? Here are the promise land lessons for me…

1)    This is about servanthood – Jesus’s challenge was first to his disciples;   “Jesus replied, you give them something to eat.” (Matt 14:16), and this is echoed specifically through Mark and Luke (Mk. 6:37, Lk. 9:13) and in John it is implied in Jn. 6:5-6. Those of you who are spiritual leaders…the Spirit is speaking to you right now; “you give them something to eat.”

Jesus’ first words about the need of the people were to the heirs of the kingdom, his disciples. Here he is pointing them to the importance of spiritual responsibility, and the challenge of every heir-apparent, to discern and meet the need of the people. In this case it was for food to sustain them while they listened and learned. One of the roles of a leader is to identify the legitimate needs of the people he/she is leading and then to meet that need. Jesus tried to do this with his disciples and in the process gets the normal reaction; “let them go in the villages and fend for themselves” or “it would take eight months of wages to feed all these people.”

  In his book, Jesus on Leadership, C. Gene Wilkes gives us a clue as to what Jesus was attempting with his chosen; “You will never become a servant leader until you first become a servant to the leader.” If the excuses sound familiar to you, it just might be because you have used the same excuses to excuse yourself from personal responsibility just like the disciples did. How are you doing in the area of servanthood? Look for ways you can meet the need of your people.

2)   This is about satisfaction – “They all ate and were satisfied” Mark 6:42, (Matt. 14:20, Lk. 9:17, Jn. 6:12). For me, this may be the most critical need of every human being…the longing to be satisfied, fulfilled, to have a purpose to live for. Oh I know the context here…it was all about food you say? Nonsense! This is far deeper than a basket of bread…this is ultimately about the bread of life – Jesus and the search of the soul to live in relationship, finding its purpose.

Richard Parrott shares a portion of a message given by an extraordinary Methodist preacher named Albert Edward Day in his book, My Soul Purpose;

“But God is present in reality no matter what unreality our practices and our ponderings imply. He is forever trying to establish communication; forever aware of the wrong directions we are taking and wishing to warn us; forever offering solutions for the problems that baffle us; forever standing at the door of our loneliness, eager to bring us such comradeship as the most intelligent living mortal could not supply; forever clinging to our indifference in the hope that someday our needs, or at least our tragedies, will waken us to respond to his advances. The Real Presence is just that, real and life-transforming”

That day on the hill-side as thousands filled their hungry stomachs with bread that does not sustain forever, the Gospel writer John links this experience in the same chapter with the words of Jesus as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in the Message; “I’m telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life. Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread — living Bread! — who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live — and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self.” (John 6:47-51). This is the bread will satisfy the longing soul for purpose and fulfillment. I hope you are sharing this bread frequently and faithfully with your people.

3)   This is about making something out of nothing – Jesus specialized in the impossible. How is it possible that two fish and five barely loaves could feed over five thousand people and still have more than enough left over? I wish I knew. Here’s what I do know; God can make something out of nothing! Now make it personal…that’s right…it’s for you too. He can take your humblest offering, transforming it into a gift fit for a king, making it pleasing in his sight. By the way, your humblest offering is you! That’s right…he wants you first, foremost and entirely. He wants to stretch you. Yes, it can be uncomfortable and may become difficult at times but it is also rewarding and fulfilling. Through this wonderful, life-changing relationship, he will accomplish things never thought possible. Remember, he specializes in making something out of nothing. He can make new, something that was old; clean, something that was dirty; alive, something that was dead. Nothing is impossible with him. That’s not good news…that’s great news!

Well that’s my take on it anyhow. I am certain you can work out other lessons the Spirit reveals as important to your walk…but I still think fish & chips sound a whole lot better than fish & bread. And well….at least that’s my opinion!

Dennis L.R. Strissel

Reference

Parrott, R.L. (2009). My soul purpose. Nashville, TN: The Woodland Press.

Wilkes, C.G. (1998). Jesus on leadership. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers Inc.

January 31, 2014 1

An Army of the walking dead? Mentoring…How do we get out of the ‘Dry Bones’ valley?

I admit it, the photo is for shock value only…but I want to convey a point with it, so bare with me and please don’t be offended.

Have you ever been burned out, running low, on empty fumes and feel all support has ebbed away from you? If you haven’t yet experienced that in ministry then perhaps you’re a better person than I or you haven’t truly been in ministry yet.

Let me pick a scab for a moment when I say this: what is the Army doing for mentoring and encouraging its Officers? All too often I feel (perhaps it’s my fault, but perhaps not) as if I’m crawling to Officers’ Councils on an empty tank. This is most certainly not an accusation by any means on my divisional leaders, truth be told I love my divisional leaders…but I’m not a hybrid car that can run for hundreds of miles without a refuel…and going to officer’s councils to recharge just doesn’t cut it for me. One of the biggest problems I see is that as a top down organization we simply do not take the time to encourage our officers on the field as we should. It goes beyond a card, phone call, or e-mail…it’s personal contact we want. It’s trust we want, it’s knowing that what we’re doing makes a difference, that we aren’t just another statistical number on the field of officers. My biggest issue is that we are devoid of mentors, challengers, encouragers and supporters in the Army. It’s not that people aren’t trying to do this but we’ve become so busy with stuff, so busy with deadlines, so busy with meetings that we forget to find the time for our Officers.

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way…I’m just probably stupid enough to voice this concern. I don’t mean to pick scabs but we can’t just salute and go when where we’re going we find we don’t have divisional or territorial support or encouragement. Not to say that it isn’t unspoken, and I don’t want some sort of pat on the back accompanied by a handshake and an ‘atta boy’. We have lost the discipleship component in our Army…this isn’t divisionally this is nationally from what I see. I understand there’s a pastoral care department at territorial headquarters but it’s insufficient for the total forces we have on the field.

I was told a long time ago, if you have any kind of criticism you better have some sort of solution or suggestions don’t just be a negative but reinforce the positive.

Here’s a list of the positives:

1) We care about people

2) We love God and wish to serve and save those people

3) We are nationally and internationally recognized as one of the most trusted organizations.

4) We have sound doctrine and sound ministries

5) We provide and care for financially for our officers and families

These are vital to our ministries and to our families and I will never begrudge the good we do in Jesus’ name.

My desire for the Army is this:

That we stop being an Army of the living dead. By that I mean we have expectations, regulations, procedures in place for everything under the Sun which is a great thing! But what we don’t have in place is Leader to Officer mentoring/discipleship in place. We have phone numbers to call when we’re discouraged, we have a team of “outside” counselors we can talk to but unlike other churches or denominations we do not have a spiritual support system in place by which we can be challenged, encouraged and mentored on a weekly even daily basis.

Some might argue that one needs to find outside mentors to talk with and outside disciplers to challenge us…but who on the outside knows the life of an Officer on the field? Who knows the challenges we face daily and the criticisms we face from corps members or from the public? Sometimes, if we’re honest with ourselves, we feel more like the dry bones in the valley with Ezekiel than we’d care to admit. There has to be something that can be done when we get to this point. Some of us have privately mentioned feelings of unfulfillment or lack of challenge. Some would never say this on the record but some don’t feel connected to leadership because we aren’t challenged positively by them.

A wise officer once suggested a type of supporting ministry idea in which Officers were assigned/appointed together for accountability and for growth of each other. Why not?

Another suggestion was to work within the system to create mentor groups that actually would meet, pray together, share with one another and challenge each other. But the danger at times can be that it would be viewed as just another program or mundane task that is “assigned” to certain Officers.

So what is the solution to this ‘walking dead’ syndrome? I know that I am not the only one who has felt this way…there are many who do. And solutions have to go beyond just assigning prayer groups at Officer’s Councils…these are wonderful but we’re all so busy to keep it up. Solutions also have to go beyond the minimalist’s suggestions of “just pray about it” or “maybe you need to read/study more of God’s word”. Let me just say that this last answer is an insult to all who serve as Officers. Because honestly even the Apostle Paul had supporters and encouragers who remained faithful to him in his ministry.

I don’t believe this is something that we have to ‘grin and bare’. This isn’t certainly isolated nor is it healthy. But I do believe there to be worthy solutions out there that the Army could implement in order to “water the bones” so to speak. As I mentioned before we need too, as individuals must be committed to sharing and being challenged as Officers as well. None of us, hopefully, signed our Officer’s Covenant form wishing for a mundane “cushy” lifestyle without challenge both physically/Mentally and Spiritually. If we are to grow as an army and to water the ‘dry bones’ then we have to make our Officers a priority and not assume that they learned it all at training college and they don’t need help, encouragement and support.

Again there has to be more than just ‘yearly reviews’ and other such program offers. I know our leadership cares for us, but we as Officers need mentors, disciplers and those who will challenge us to continue to grow instead of drying out and become an ‘army of the walking dead’. If feel that if we were to explore some of the reasons for attrition in the Army, we would find this concern to be rather high on the list.

-Just a thought…but let’s keep this conversation going.

Some mentoring sources:

http://www.mennoniteusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/MentoringProgramForBeginningPastors.pdf

http://www.ctsfw.edu/document.doc?id=62

http://dunamisinstitute.org/academics/faculty/detail/5-ec4-advanced-and-specialized-ministry/13-mentoring-program-for-pastors-

September 18, 2013 1

Keys to Failure ‘We Can’t Do that, We’ve never done it that way before!’

They say that Apple Innovator and Pixar founder Steve Jobs would only become more emboldened when people told him that something couldn’t be done. This excuse is very common in churches and in church leadership today. I’ve mentioned it before and I will mention it again but churches are dying at an unprecedented rate. Why are people leaving the church? Could it be that church is no longer meeting the needs of people they serve?

I understand that church is what you make of it, but there is also a mentality within denominations and within leadership of these denominations that needs to change. This mentality is this: ‘We can’t do that‘. Why? What happened to the early church when they had nothing to lose but to be faithful to God and display His love to all they met? They grew! What has happened to the Church today? We’ve settled. We’ve stopped risking. We’ve resorted to excuses like “We can’t do that” or “we’ve never done it that way before”.

Our churches have played it safe for far too long! It is understood that no one likes to change but what are we risking if we don’t modernize and if we don’t adapt and change? We risk a slow agonizing death in the pews. Time and time again we’ve heard the same spiel from leadership…our stats are down, it’s your fault, it’s your job to get those stats up. I agree we need to increase our church attendances and our biblical instructional programs for adults and youth…but what if it’s not necessarily that our stats are down but rather the programs that we’re employing that are to blame? Many churches have specific mandated programs that the local chapters are required to do. But no one is asking the right question. So let me risk something here and ask it anyway.

THE QUESTION:

Are the programs we are required to do still relevant or are they the same tired revamped programs we’ve been doing for nearly eighty years?

These programs get dressed up from time to time but it’s the same thing…the cover or design may have changed but IT’S THE SAME OLD TIRED THING!

Don’t get me wrong I’m not railing against doing what we’re told and especially not about ministering to adults and youth, these are vital to our survival. What I am saying is that if we want to see statistical and numerical growth in our churches then we ought to have the flexibility to try new innovative ministries without being labeled ‘the rebels’ or called obstinate. If we are truly interested in getting people saved and into our churches then we have got to stop focusing so much on indicators and start focusing on the people and their needs and the needs of their families. When we can serve the needs of the families in our communities and connected with them with relevant programs and ministries then we will have succeeded in both the cause and the indicator.

If we are to finally crest that hill of “we can’t do that” and see the other side of “we can do that” we have to take risks on the journey up the hill. It won’t be easy, it never is. But if we continue only to look at the indicators to guide us instead of tackling the causes; and if we keep using the same antiquated recycled program ideas we will not stave off the terminal prognosis for our churches. I don’t know about you but I would rather risk much, fail often, face criticism from leadership than watch the continued dwindling of church goers to the point where we simply die and fade away. I would rather not be responsible for the continued death of the church. I don’t want this to happen on my watch. Better yet I won’t let it happen on my watch!!!

We cannot settle any longer. We cannot do ‘programs’ simply because that’s the way they’ve always been done. It is simply not working. If we are to find life again, stop transposing blue prints from other churches. Discover the needs of your own community. Explore the demographics. Do the research and get to know your community…then pray. Pray for the right leaders, the right ministries, and the right opportunities. God will provide us what we need if we are serving Him and loving His people! Then get to work and stop worrying what the nay sayers are telling you!

If we are to serve and love the generations in our communities and save our church it’s time to reconsider how we minister and serve them!

-Just a thought.

August 12, 2013 0