Wayne Hedlund

Category: LEADERSHIP

Leadership Articles prior to 2016

  • Top 10 Posts of December

    Here are the top 10 Posts on Transforming Leader in December, 2011.

    1. Demystifying Your Plans
      A short devotional about planning based on James, chapter 4.

    2. Reading in December, 2011
      What I’ve been reading this past month (and still reading).

    3. Sunday Morning Announcements
      Includes some great ideas to make morning announcements more effective as well as som great video announcement examples from EGC.

    4. Ten Church Systems: The Stewardship System
      Part of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ series.

    5. Thursday Quote: Good to Great Volunteers (Jim Collins)
      Contemplation about where and how volunteers really fit into ministry roles.

    6. Would You Rather?
      A critical, ‘Critical Thinking Skill’.

    7. Ten Church Systems: The Leadership System
      Part of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ series.

    8. Leaders are Readers
      Tips on getting a lot of reading done, even if you aren’t an avid reader.

    9. Andy Stanley’s Podcast (for the non-tech Christian leader)
      How to get access to some of the best leadership teaching available for free.

    10. Ten Church Systems: The Discipleship System
      Part of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ series.

    The most read post this month, “Demystifying Your Plans” was actually written about 2 years ago under the title “Presuming on the Future”. I re-posted it in August and this simple devotional thought has received a lot of attention lately. It’s also a great reminder as we start out the New Year!

    Happy New Years!

    Image from seruvenci on istockphoto.com

  • Robert Morris Tackles Gluttony Head On!

    2012 has arrived (well, almost). New Year resolutions may not be as popular as perhaps years ago, but they are still relevant. The new year is a great time to recommit ourselves to our personal goals. Of course, many new year resolutions will revolve around exercise and diet. Have you noticed how many programs on the networks focus on food, eating, dieting and exercise? Healthy living is one of this culture’s greatest challenges.

    What can be mildly disconcerting is how little us pastors actually talk about it. The topic of healthy living is right up there with sex and money. Uncomfortably absent in many pulpits.

    So imagine my surprise when my wife and I tuned in to an online service at Gateway Church and heard an outstanding and very personal message by Pastor Robert Morris about this very thing. He didn’t beat around the bush either. I was challenged and convicted so much, I thought I’d spread the wealth.

    Pastors and church leaders – I would love it if you would listen to this message this week and ask the Lord how it applies to you. I know the topic won’t necessary be relevant to everyone (I know of some very healthy pastors), but it will certainly be a challenge to many.

  • Ten Commandments of Leadership

     

    Sometimes leadership involves sacrifice. It can include having to make tough calls. Often, it’s a lonely place where character, values and beliefs drive unpopular decisions. Leaders need to know why they are doing what they are doing, or they won’t last as leaders. Check out these leadership commandments I ran across years ago. Unfortunately, I don’t know their source – if you do, please let me know so that I can site it. 

    The 10 Commandments of Leadership 
    1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self centered. Love them anyway. 
    2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. 
    3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. 
    4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. 
    5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. 
    6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest ideas. Think big anyway. 
    7. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
    8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. 
    9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway. 
    10. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

  • Ten Church Strategies: The Leadership Strategy

     

    A few years ago, Bill Hybels ‘REVEALED‘ to the church at large that they (and probably many others) had missed something important in running the church over the years. They discovered that church leaders and mature members tended to feel sidelined or unneeded in the church. That’s a very broad summary, but true nonetheless. Sometimes us pastors can focus so much on guests, new believers, and the hurting/needy in our community that everyone else could easily get bored and frustrated.

    In this installment of ‘The Ten Church Systems‘ I will discuss some ways pastors can ensure that leaders stay loyal to and integrally involved in the mission of the church. If you haven’t already, I recommend you first read my ‘Getting Started Thoughts and Disclaimers’, written in three parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

    Key Sub-Systems of the Leadership System
    Following are the key sub-systems I recommend every church to utilize to maintain unity and purpose among the core influencers within the church. It’s important to keep in mind that these systems should supplement ‘The Ministry Partner System (Volunteers)’.

    • Ministry DNA System
      Before you can release potential leaders to serve alongside you, it’s critical to affirm that they are ready for a place of increased influence and authority in the church. This is one of the main reasons why many pastors don’t release others into leadership – out of fear that by doing so, the results may one day lead to major conflict. This system will allow the pastoral leadership to evaluate prospective leaders through the lenses of the Four C’s, will provide DNA training about the church’s mission, vision, and values, and will require a commitment from the leaders to support that church mission and the direction of it’s key leaders. This system may also include standards/procedures on what to do if it is no longer appropriate for a current leader to continue in their ministry role. 
    • On-Ramp System
      Leaders won’t naturally glide towards places of influence; they need to be asked and given opportunities. This system will determine when a volunteer is ready to move to the next level of influence in their respective areas of responsibility and how they will be encouraged into that next step. It will also include a means through which he or she can serve as a ministry coach to other volunteers or potential volunteers (apprentices). 
    • Ownership System
      People want something to believe in; they want to make a difference. This is what motivates leaders to get involved and give of themselves extravagantly. Ownership is a key to developing committed leaders. This system will ensure that leaders have a voice in select church strategies and incentives (Note: that ‘voice’ will be based on their level of influence and will apply to their respective areas of involvement). It will also include regular leadership training and ongoing communication about new church strategies and vision adjustments.
    • Support System
      It can be so easy to allow productive and committed leaders to serve for months, even years, in the background with little to no support or encouragement. This system will provide consistent feedback, meaningful resources, and systematic encouragement, with the occasional public recognition thrown in for good measure. It will also provide a clear, easy way for leaders to get the help or assistance they need at any given time, should they need it. Ideally, every leader will have his own ministry coach/mentor who he/she can turn to for advice.
     
    NEXT – ‘Ten Church Systems: The Discipleship System’ . . . Coming Soon

    Note: Inspiration for the Ten Church Systems comes from Nelson Searcy and the Eight Systems of the Local Church he proposed in his free e-book entitled, ‘Healthy Systems, Healthy Church‘.

  • Thursday Quote: Axiom – Language Matters

    Bill Hybels is one of the most respected Christian leaders in this generation. I know I am deeply indebted to his wisdom and insight. I’ve never met him in person, but have received so much from his teachings and books that I can honestly say that he is a mentor in my life.

    He’s written some outstanding books. One of the most meaningful to me was his book, “Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs: “. I don’t know if it was his intent or not, but Axiom is basically a download of Bill’s values. It’s a DNA transfer from him and the organizations he leads to the rest of us. I highly recommend you purchase a copy of this book. Every chapter is only 2-3 pages long, which makes it an easy read, especially if you’re a ‘bathroom reader‘!

    The following quote is from chapter 1 – Language Matters. Awesome.

    If someone had tried to tell me thirty-five years ago that my effectiveness as a leader would often hinge on something as ‘inconsequential’ as word choice, I’d have rolled my eyes and written them off. ‘As long as I can convey an idea in general terms that everyone can understand,’ I would have said, ‘I’ll do just fine.’ And I would have been dead wrong. The truth is, leaders rise and fall by the language they use. Sometimes whole visions live or die on the basis of the words the leader chooses for articulating that vision.

    When you put the right words to a vision or a principle, it becomes axiomatic. It begins to live! It becomes memorable and powerful. It becomes weight bearing, and eventually everyone around you champions it. They defend it with vigor. They give to it and pray for it…. 

    The very best leaders I know wrestle with words until they are able to communicate their big ideas in a way that captures the imagination, catalyzes action, and lifts spirits. They coin creeds and fashion slogans and create rallying cries, all because they understand that language matters….

    Add Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs to your library today!

    Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Reading in December, 2011

     

    If you’ve been following my blog for long, you know that I believe that Leaders are Readers. Harry Truman once said:

    “Not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader.”

    Reading can be challenging to do at times. It can get tedious and boring. It can be hard to find time to do it. If that describes you, then I recommend you check out my post, “Leaders are Readers” where I outline some ‘tips’ to be an effective reader (leader).

       
     
       

    How about you? What book or books are on your reading list for December?

    Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Top 10 Posts of November 2011

    Here are the Top 10 Posts for November 2011 on Transforming Leader.

    1. Sunday Morning Announcements
    2. Demystifying Our Plans
    3. Critical Thinking in a Nutshell
    4. Leaders are Readers
    5. Tactical Tip: Internet Passwords
    6. Are You Praying?
    7. Time Management 101 – The Weekly Schedule
    8. Tactical Tip: Moving to Eye Level
    9. Tactical Tip: Saying Thank You Systematically
    10. The Big Road Block

    I read the post that ranked #6 this month, “Are You Praying?” again today. The passage I quoted there, Colossians 4:2-4, is a great reminder to us to continue to submit our plans to the Lord every day. I pray this Christmas season God does, in fact, open a door for the message and mystery of Christ to reach the people in your community!

    “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”  Colossians 4:2-4

    Image from seruvenci on istockphoto.com



  • Get with YouVersion Today!

    YouVersion

    Hopefully, you’ve heard of this great website by now. I’ve blogged about it before but feel it’s worth bringing up again. www.youversion.com is a free website that offers a myriad of tools to help you and your congregation integrate the Word of God into daily life.

    It’s not just a Bible Website! It’s much, much more. It’s a place for people to gather to talk about Scripture – and what it means to them. It’s a place for accountability and encouragement. It’s a place to journal & remember what you are learning.  YouVersion is fast becoming the primary means by which this generation interfaces with God’s Word.

    FOR YOUR CHURCH
    First, let me give you some examples of how this website can serve your church. With a little focused attention on your part and regular attention each week, you may discover that your congregation reads the Bible more than ever! Let me show you how:

    • Read a Bible plan together.YouVersion has over 150 different reading plans. Some are devotional plans from well known leaders like Rick Warren. Most are Bible reading plans that range from 7 day plans to year long plans. Some of the plans are even topical in nature and would go perfectly with a sermon series. Individual’s can subscribe to plans via many different methods. We encouraged our congregation to join the “New Thru 30” plan last year when we did a series on the New Testament. Check out the Bible Reading plans here.
    • Create a Group & Live Events
      You can create a group just for your church and encourage your congregation to join. Once your group has been created, it can be used for encouragement and unified activities. As an example, click on THIS LINK to see a Live Event I created for a group I created for my blog readers. Note: This Live Event is simply one example of what you might consider doing with your congregation. 
    • Encourage Accountability
      YouVersion recently released a new feature that allows individual users to pick another YouVersion user as an accountability partner with a Bible Reading Plan. YouVersion will send email updates to the accountability partner on the individual’s progress in the plan, including whether or not they are getting behind in their reading. You might consider challenging your congregation, Sunday School classes or small groups to partner together.
    • Advertise YouVersion RegularlyThis website is free to everyone, compliments of the people at lifechurch.tv. Your congregation can only benefit from it’s use. Find ways to regularly advertise the website to your church. Put links on your website, make announcements, place ads in your bulletin, maybe even add a link to the site on your email signature.


    FOR INDIVIDUALS
    There are many other great features in YouVersion that will help you and your congregation stay rooted in the Word. Here are a few of them.
    • My Notes & Community Notes
      You can attach as many personal or private notes to individual Scriptures as you want. This takes ‘writing in the margin of your Bible’ to a whole new level. Notes can be kept private so that only the user sees them, or they can be made public for everyone to view when they browse to that particular passage. 
    • Bookmarks & Labels
      You can bookmark as many verses as you want to allow for easy access later on. Additionally, YouVersion has announced a new feature that should be rolled out very soon. The new feature will allow you to create labels for each individual bookmark. So for instance, you will be able to bookmark James 1:19 and then create labels like ‘anger’, ‘listening’, ‘patience’. Over time, those labels will come in real handy when your trying to look up passages you’ve bookmarked as relating to ‘anger’!
    • Pick Your Version & Parallel Bibles
      YouVersion boasts more than 100 different versions of the Bible in multiple languages. Pretty much, it’s highly likely your favorite version exists. Additionally, the ‘Parallel’ button will let you view a particular passage in two different versions at the same time.
    • Audio Bible
      Have a few moments to spare while driving to work, taking a shower, or mowing the lawn? Listen to the Bible, again in several versions. You can even listen to your daily Bible reading plan! Personally, this feature alone has increased my diet of the Word of God.
    • Go Mobile
      YouVersion is available for just about every mobile option out there. I have YouVersion installed on my phone and enjoy almost all of the functionality of the website at the touch of my finger. You can create widgets for the verse of the day or even your Bible reading plan.
    • Twitter & FaceBook
      YouVersion makes it real easy to post a Scripture to Twitter or FaceBook. Did you read something profound? Let all your friends read it too!
    There’s more. Signup for YouVersion today and fall in love with God’s Word all over again!

  • A ‘Thankful’ Thought

    I have been overwhelmed this week how often the Bible exhorts us to be thankful. It seems like every time I flip (or swipe) a page in my Bible the Lord is prompting me to give thanks to Him. For example:

    Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20

    In this passage, Paul is saying that we should always give thanks. Taken literally, always means, well always. That’s a lot of times that we are supposed to be thankful. And then he also says to be thankful for everything. Well, it would have been easier if he had said “most things” or “some things”. Everything doesn’t give us very much wiggle room.

    So I’m being personally challenged to apply this in my life, always and in everything. How about you. Are your words, actions, attitudes ones that reflect a thankful heart?

  • The Tunnel of Chaos

     
    “When you did that, it really hurt me. I’ve been mad at you ever since.” That sentence is the culmination of a conversation a friend had with me a while back. It was over breakfast – one that he initiated. I was totally floored. I had no idea that I had said something that hurt my friend. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t even know he was mad at me.

    That conversation marked an important point in our friendship. I could have chosen to make a joke and take the event lightly. I could have gotten defensive and attacked my friend – pointing out that it was really his fault, not mine. I could have gotten mad back at him. OR, I could have spent time understanding what happened, acknowledging my mistake, and working towards building a deeper understanding about how I could ensure I don’t hurt my friend again.

    To his credit, my friend took the first, more difficult step. He chose to talk to me about it. I am so thankful for that. I know many would have just pushed it under the rug, leaving a big bulge, and spent weeks, months, or even years walking over it every day.

    The Tunnel of Chaos is that tunnel that leads from artificial to authentic relationships. It is a key to building trust with your family, friends, and coworkers. It is a critical component to your leadership team’s success and health. It is a foundational element of fostering and keeping a culture of trust.

    You enter the tunnel when you choose to engage in crucial confrontations with a solid commitment to hold steady until you’ve reached a positive resolution and a deeper friendship.

    Bill Hybels coined this phrase in his book, Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs – a book I highly recommend. You can read this very short excerpt from the book from the Willow Creek Global Summit website right here.

    When was the last time you entered the tunnel with an individual or your team?

    Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”