Power...

You might have noticed that my Blog name is Life, Leadership and Lattes. Most of my postings will usually fall into one of those three categories. Today, I want to share what God has been teaching/reminding me about leadership.

Last week, Pastor Curtis and I flew into Atlanta for the Catalyst 2008 conference. Simply put – one of the most moving and powerful leadership conferences I have ever attended. The worship was unbelievable. If you were in church this past Sunday, you learned our new favorite song, “Glorious One.”

On Thursday of last week, Pastor Andy Stanley started the conference off with a solid teaching on leadership in general and power in particular. His premise was that we have unfortunately shied away from any notion of power because of its abuses in the past. So true. But Andy went on to say that a better approach would be for those of us in leadership to not necessarily shy away from the word “Power,” but instead understand it more deeply from the example of Jesus. Here are my notes – if you lead anything, I pray this will be food for your soul and practical insight for you and the people you lead:

Andy Stanley’s Teaching on Power...

There is a 4 letter word in leadership called POWER. For reasons of abuse, we tend to shy away from this word. In doing so, we deny a reality that is evident in most leadership circles. There is always one person who has the power in the room. There is always one person who has the authority, whether we like it or not. We can’t shy away from this reality - instead we have to figure out how to use Power in a way that honors God.

Key Question: If you are leading a church, business, a family, or whatever - what do you do when it dawns on you that you are the most powerful person in the room?

In John 13 we find Jesus giving us a shining example of power in the Christian realm.

Vs 1 – He showed them the FULL EXTENT OF HIS LOVE
Vs 2 – Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power! What is your first move when you realize you have the power? (Or authority)
Vs 4 – So, he got up from the meal, and wrapped a towel and served! They were stunned by His humility.
Vs 7 – Jesus said, “You do not understand but later you will.”

Key Point - Jesus moves from the from highest to lowest and then back to the highest! It is clear here that Jesus has set for us an example to follow! When it dawns on you that you are the most powerful person in the room, shed your leverage and serve. Follow His example.

I truly believe that most of us in leadership have no idea how much God wants to use us. Ponder this - you may be the choice candidate in the room to have God use you beyond imagination.

So newhopers, lead well! So pastors, lead well! So, leaders of leaders, lead well! And as you do, never forget that Godly leadership always means serving those you lead. I encourage you to take a moment today and read John 13 in its entirety.