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Friday, 18 April 2008

CONVERSATIONS & SERVANT LEADERSHIP (episode 3)

It's been a while, but I am going to pick back up on my series on conversation habits and what they reveal about us. Let's recap:

Episode 1: We established the fact that as Christians we are called to be communicators and be stretched out of our comfort zones.

Episode 2: We created the term "humble conversationalist": a person more concerned with the glory of God and the interest of others above their own. This person is growing both in the grace of humility and the art of communication.

Now let's tackle what it looks like to be a servant leader in conversations. We have an opportunity to make our daily communication intentional, helpful and redemptive.

UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP
Every person is leading someone. Husbands lead wives, Mothers lead children, Teachers lead students, Bosses lead employees, Big brothers lead little brothers. Look behind you; there is probably someone following.

Christians ought to be a very specific kind of leadership. We have been called out of the world, saved from our sins and given the glorious task of adorning the gospel with our good works. As ambassadors of Christ we ought to be always leading, always being salt and light. A dying, confused world is looking for someone to show them the way. By God's grace, we can be that signpost directing them to the Cross.

But we don't lead by force or manipulation or eloquent wisdom. Godly leaders motivate with grace, lead by example and serve the people they influence. They do not seek to build their own glory, but desire to make much of Christ. They use their influence -- however small, meek or simple -- to help others see, live, serve, know and fulfill their ultimate purpose in life. What a task! I find this mandate both intimidating and exhilarating. It makes me freshly grateful that God works through me in HIS strength, for HIS purposes which bring HIM glory.

UNDERSTANDING GENDER ROLES
No discussion of servant leadership would be complete without broaching the subject of how men and women are to lead. Created equal in value but different in role, it is imperative to see how men and women are to work together as a team -- and not just inside the context of marriage. We won't go into an extensive study of gender roles now, but we must be on the same page before we can talk practicals of conversation.

Bibilical masculinity insists that men be humble and courageous as initiators, providers, protectors and servant leaders using the power of authority.
Biblical femininity insists that women be humble and courageous as responders, life-givers, supporters and servant leaders using the power of influence.

Equal in value, different in role. What a joy to complement one another for the glory of God!

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Based on study and personal experience, allow me to offer a few specific suggestions for how we can implement humble conversation as men and as women...

For the Gentlemen:

1) Pattern of Initiation -- Make it your regular effort to initiate conversation, plans and spiritual leadership. Don't always leave it to the girls to fill the silence in conversation, make plans for a group outing or ask someone to pray over lunch.

2) Ask Real Questions -- In conversation, be willing to ask people real questions about life, God, plans, opinions and current issues. You are not prying and you are not communicating romantic interest. Take the helm and direct the conversation somewhere intentional. Not everything has to be serious, just make it sincere.

3) Lead, Not Manipulate -- Humble leadership doesn't fill every space and opportunity with themselves but creates space for others to speak, share and shine. The true ladies in your midst will appreciate the the direction and the guys will learn from your example.

4) Take Opportunities -- Look for chances to lead in everyday conversation. Intimidated? Pray for God to strengthen you and then make it your goal to serve the people you know. With God's grace and the good of others as your motivation, just step out and lead in conversation!

5) Model What You Expect of Others -- You'll find that your own experience in conversation is more enjoyable when you speak to others how you would like them to speak to you. Be the leader and raise the bar for everyone you know. They are watching you for cues; model your expectations.

6) Set the Tone -- Your tone, attitude and words really set the tone for a group. Just by your laughter you can affirm or condemn a conversation. Even more, your disinterest can squelch the interests and efforts of others in your group to be humble conversationalists.

For the Ladies:

1) Be Patient -- As the guys in your midst are learning to lead, give them lots of grace. Between the fact that girls often mature more quickly than guys and the fact that women speak twice as many words in a day as men, we should be cultivating lots of patience! As the guys begin to step up, be ready serve and support them.

2) Speak with Content -- Nothing is more frustrating than a shallow girl who won't take the time to develop a genuine answer. Think about the question being asked and respond with substance. Don't be afraid of communicating honestly (where appropriate). If the guys are stepping out to ask real questions, we out to be ready with a real answer.

3) Encourage Leadership -- Whether it is a girl or a guy stepping out to be a servant leader/humble conversationalist, be ready to respond. Even if their question seems awkwardly timed, give them your attention and answer. Be easy to lead by responding to those making an effort. Reward those who are stepping out with your affirmation and support.

4) Leave Openings -- As a rule, have questions ready, look for common ground and be someone who can easily carry on a conversation. However, you need to be ready to leave openings for the guys to take their opportunities. Don't fill every silence and don't offer every suggestion. Let them ask you for input or let them start a new topic. Just be ready to engage in conversation when they do!

5) Model What You Expect of Others -- Not only do you set an example to other women by your conversational habits, but you can also set up the guys for success in theirs. Instead of saying "Let's go to Applebee's. Is everyone ok with that?" you can say, "I was thinking we could all go to Applebee's. James, would you be willing to take the reigns from here and see if that's ok with everyone?" Let them know you want them to lead. Be nearby to assist, but communicate in a way that lets others know what you expect.

6) Set the Tone -- Your tone, attitude and words really set the tone for a group. Just by your laughter you can affirm or condemn a conversation. Even more, your disinterest can squelch the interests and efforts of others in your group to be humble conversationalists.

7) Don't Assume Interest! -- On behalf of the guys in your midst, let me remind you that just because a guy is drawing you out in conversation doesn't mean he is romantically interested in you. Assume he's not and just respond as a mature, godly woman would to her brother.

Perhaps all of this is a lot to process for you. I know that if it weren't for the men and women in my life who model this, I'm not even sure I would believe that it was possible. Look around and find the people who model servant leadership in communication. Make it your goal to not let idle chatter characterize your conversational habits.

Step out; be the leader.

Tuesday, 25 March 2008

Top 10 Reasons You Should See REILLY on April 25

One month from today REILLY will be packing out KingsWay Community Church in Richmond, VA. Already ticket sales are taking off as anticipation builds! I am personally working on this show, and I am excited to see good music and good art come to Richmond.

Still not convinced? Try one of these...

TOP 10 REASONS YOU SHOULD SEE REILLY ON APRIL 25

10. Because it's the best priced deal of the spring. (Come on, admit it. You've paid twice as much before.)

9. Because you'll one day brag that you saw mega-band REILLY just as they entered the national arena.

8. Because classical violins + indie rock = good music.

7. Because it's better than sitting at home on a Friday night.

6. Because you were looking for an excuse to road trip with your buddies anyway.

5. Because no matter how good the CD is, the live show is always better.

4. Because you want to support local photographers and artists by viewing their original art on display.

3. Because tickets are an easy, memorable gift to give your roommate/sibling/friend/child/fiance/spouse/parental unit.

2. Because your ticket money helps to save babies from abortion.

1. Because everyone else is doing it.

REILLY Benefit Concert
Friday, April 25 at 7:30pm
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
Order your tickets online at www.kingsway.cc/reilly.php

Saturday, 08 March 2008

taking a moment for gratitude

while there are many women who invest in my life regularly, today i am particularly grateful for a group of ladies who have had the grace (and guts) to serve me very specifically over the past few months. it has been a season of intense personal growth and one in which i still find myself.

so i hand out these awards (in no particular order) to some of the amazing women who have been a strategic means of grace in my life recently...

the PATIENCE award: bethany

thanks for always pursuing me and being available no matter how many times i sin, become busy or stick my foot in my mouth. your faithful friendship means the world to me and i am humbled by your unconditional love.

the PERSEVERANCE award: rebecca

your calls or texts each morning are a means of grace and a testament of your faithfulness. thanks for not giving up on me and for helping me change.

the TRUTH award: katie

thanks for loving me enough to encourage and confront, all in one conversation. your passion for the Lord and your desire to see me grow both continue to build my faith.

the SELFLESS award: riette

there are so many little things throughout the week that you do which communicate God's love to me. thanks for always going out of your way to check on and to serve me.

the COUNSEL award: gail

your loving, straightforward input has always borne fruit in my life. thank you for being available to hear my rambles and offer godly, wise, biblical counsel.

the SECURITY award: colleen

knowing that i have you as a friend as well as a mentor and covering is such a joy. i so appreciate your words of direction and the foundation you bring to my life.

the DAILY award: liz and sarah

both of you have been so kind to work alongside me every day as i sort through life, responsibilities and weaknesses. thanks for the laughs, hugs and backrubs.

the SISTER award: marybeth and stephanie

thanks for the ways you have drawn me out and encouraged me these past few months. i can't even imagine life without the two of you.

i stand amazed, humbled and grateful by you and so many others.
love to all you ladies!

Thursday, 28 February 2008

ALL IN A DAYS WORK: the episode where my car got rolled

when liz, sarah, tori and i walked out of the office yesterday to go to lunch i was not expecting to see my car wrapped in toilet paper...

after some sleuthing i learned that riette had conspired with my co-workers and then drove across town to roll my car while i was hard at work. what sneaky friends i have! but i laughed and agreed when someone said, "aw, you've been loved on."

Sunday, 20 January 2008

i am proud to introduce to you the fabulous 2008 TeenPact intern team...

after spending the last two weeks together, i can confidently say that this team is ready to work hard, play hard, serve well and live well. carrying the TeenPact banner means self-sacrifice and a commitment to excellence. i am proud to say that this team is ready for the challenge -- and the joys -- ahead of them.

program directors: jonathan morris (SC) and aaron tifft (TX)

intern guys: dominic desimone (AL), harrison lloyd (LA), jason bowman (RI), fuzz thomson (NM), asher bontreger (IN), erik sampson (ME)

intern girls: samantha adams (KY), elizabeth johnson (IA), abigail schmidt (GA), elise hall (OK), kirstin roseveare (CO)

please be praying for their safety, their ministry, their health and for me as i seek to serve them. it is an honor and a joy to serve alongside such godly men and women.

to my team: i love you guys and i am already so proud of you! i continue to pray...

"That you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
fully pleasing to him,
bearing fruit in every good work
and increasing in the knowledge of God.
May you be strengthened with all power,
according to his glorious might,
for all endurance and patience with joy,
giving thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you
to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness
and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

(Colossians 1:9-14)