Leadership is Serving God, not the Sheep

Weekly Thought – December 10, 2024

Fred addressed a large group of pastors in the early 1980s on leadership, by their request. His talk became part of a chapter in his book, Learning to Lead. As you will see, it stimulated much conversation in an era when “servant leadership” held sway throughout church life.

Leadership is Serving God, not the Sheep

You invited me to talk with you about “Pastor as leader.” The right concept of leadership is vital. Some people distinguish between the theoretical and the practical as if theory is not practical. A friend cleared this up for me: “Nothing is as practical as a correct theory.”

Currently one of the most popular concepts is “servant leadership.” Properly understood, it’s a helpful concept, but it has been terribly abused. The Christian leader is primarily a servant of God, not of each sheep. You are a servant or God, given to absolute obedience to what He says. To extend that to say you are the servant of each and every sheep is a fallacy. Let me be clear, this doesn’t mean you aren’t the prayerful undershepherd, but the Chief Shepherd is God Himself.

Steve Brown said he nearly became neurotic when he thought he worked for the church because that meant he had five hundred bosses. When your boss calls in the middle of the night to tell your something, you’re supposed to do it. If everybody in the church is your boss and you’re their servant, you’ve got an absolutely intolerable situation.

If the pastor’s gift is leadership (as evidenced by having followers) then the major expression of their service is leading. Scripture tells us that those who receive it are to lead diligently.

This position is difficult for some pastors to accept because of their personality makeup. Some pastors prefer serving people. Leaders who say, “Anything you need, let me know. I’ll cut your lawn; I’ll drive your kids to school” are not serving God, nor are they offering the best to their people. They are failing to understand the doctrine of spiritual gifts. We are to carefully identify our gifts and then operate within them.

The gift of leadership, as all the others, comes with challenges. If you, as pastor, or organizational head define your comfort zone by being liked, respected, and appreciated, leadership is difficult. If the gifts of helps or mercy are foundational, then you serve a great, essential purpose, but the discomforts of leading are probably an indicator that leadership is not your primary gift.

This week think carefully about: 1) Do Fred’s words from the 1980s have relevance for me today? 2) How clearly have I defined my spiritual gifts? 3) Where has Fred challenged my thinking about servant leadership?

Words of Wisdom: “If the pastor’s gift is leadership (as evidenced by having followers) then the major expression of their service is leading.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Therefore, you shepherds, listen to the LORD’s message.” (Ezekiel 34:9 NET Bible)

The Discipline of Freedom

Weekly Thought – December 3, 2024

Fred recognized the relationship between strong leadership and character. His observation that when leaders fail it is most often the result of character flaws, not lack of competence. When discussing character, Fred always turned to the importance of discipline.

The Discipline of Freedom

In my experience many men and women feel trapped in their work. During a weekend with young, growing pastors I repeatedly heard, “I’m called by God to do this, but I don’t like certain aspects of the job, and I don’t feel free to change them. I feel like a slave to the church.”

Slavery comes with very few options. Viktor Frankl established a school of psychotherapy based on his belief: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” During this retreat I talked about emotional options which illustrate Frankl’s thought. Those who feel trapped can be dedicated, enthusiastic, willing to use their best talents, or they can drag their feet, be insolent and difficult.

When feeling trapped, the key is to recognize you’re serving the wrong master. “Pastor, you are called to be the “bond-servant of Jesus Christ,” as Paul says. Too many confuse fealty to the church for allegiance to Christ. The freedom to serve Christ alone, however, requires discipline. It comes with a price – all freedom does.

A lot of people try to lease freedom instead of buying it. Leasing is trying to find small ways you can please others without totally giving yourself away. Wanting to serve Christ alone suffers with this lease agreement. The price appears to be less, but the benefit is certainly diminished.

Freedom is not irresponsibility; it is an environment in which you discharge your responsibilities. The combination of political and religious freedom combined with the Puritan work ethic is the foundation of America’s productivity. They believed we each have a talent for which we are responsible. They taught that one day we would stand before God and be judged for the use of that talent.

The more total we can make our commitment to Christ, the freer we are. We discipline our desires. Our natural inclination for freedom without responsibility is tempered. We understand and operate within the environment of freedom applying the restraints which lead to maturity and growth.

This week carefully think about: 1) How do I define freedom? 2) What price have I paid for freedom? Financial, vocational, relational, spiritual? 3) What am I willing to change if I feel trapped?

Words of Wisdom: “Freedom to serve Christ alone comes with a price – all freedom does.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 NET Bible)

Learn the Value of Administration

Weekly Thought – November 26, 2024

Fred appreciated ideas. His idea of “great fun” was gathering with others who were intrigued with thinking about life as he was. A weekend of friends in Houston served as an impetus for “The Twenty-Five.” Those who gathered in Texas agreed to send an article, idea, or quote to each of the others once a month. A Dallas CEO had an entire file cabinet drawer dedicated to these offerings. One of the ideas which sparked conversation was the difference between management and leadership.

Learn the Value of Administration

Leadership and management are two different skill sets. Many times good leaders are not good administrators. Likewise, good managers are not always leaders.

Peter Drucker, the man known as the father of modern management, defined the difference as: “Managers focus on doing things right, while a leader focuses on doing the right things.” Another distinction by Peter Drucker is “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”

Our country had a President who was an exceptional manager. As an executive he was known to read 300 pages of reports before breakfast each morning. He was certainly the best-informed chief executive, but struggled to provide leadership by getting people to follow him.
Other Presidents demonstrated great leadership qualities, while failing to excel in the day to day details. Many of these had strong communication skills which amplified their acceptance as a leader the people chose to follow.

Even if a leader is not strong in administration, he/she must recognize the crucial value of these skills. Bringing top notch administrative skills to the team is critical, whether it is leading a country or an organization. If the leader delegates widely, the principal of “appreciate it, develop it, and then leave it alone.” Picking the right people with the right skills is the key.

Oversupervision is the great sin often committed against managers. The leader’s task is to say, “Here’s where we are, and there’s where we ought to go.” The administrator’s task is to determine how to get there.

A successful organization has leadership and management. You lead people but you manage work.

Carefully consider this week: 1) Am I more gifted in leadership or management? 2) How am I developing my skill and contributing to my organization? 3) Who could I help with the distinction between leadership and management?

Words of Wisdom: “You lead people and manage work.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Moses’ father-in-law said to him, ‘What you are doing is not good! You will surely wear out, both you and these people who are with you, for this is too heavy a burden for you, you are not able to do it by yourself.’” (Exodus 18:17,18 NET Bible)

Values or Virtues

Weekly Thought – November 19, 2024

Fred used a tape recorder to capture his observations and thoughts. As technology changed, his collection grew… all the way from a giant box housing a reel to reel to the last one which was a small handheld downloadable to a computer file. The familiar refrain “period – paragraph” let everyone in the family know he was in his office taping mini essays to be transcribed by his faithful secretary. This week features two examples.

Values or Virtues

Unless our values are rooted in scriptural virtues they may be moral or ethical, but they are not Christian. Our society is full of slogans, ads, and even sermons urging us to return to family values, historical models, and proper ethics. But rarely are we challenged to return to Biblical virtues.

We talk about values because subconsciously we are exercising control as we choose our standards and values. Biblical virtues, however, exert authority over us and come from revealed truth. They are in control not under our control.

Returning to even the best human values is not good enough – we must return to virtue, for in doing so we are returning to God.

(“MK, period, paragraph. New mini essay”)

What Are You Becoming?

Those around us judge us by our accomplishment. They know what we have done, built, titles we have worn, honors we have garnered, and who we are. But on the inside we continually ask ourselves: Am I content with who I am becoming or who I have become?

In East Texas we have the large pine beetle. When it dies it remains clinging to the bark of the pine tree. Its insides dry up, and thought the body of the insect appears to be alive. But an approach and touch reveals nothing but a hollow shell.

Occasionally I meet someone whose life has evaporated. He has become a walking hollow shell. His living has used up his life.

This week carefully consider: 1) What idea am I thinking about right now? 2) How can I assess my direction? 3) Who can help me evaluate my progress?

Words of Wisdom: “Am I content with who I am becoming?”

Wisdom from the Word: “And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.” (Colossians 3:14 NET Bible)

Maintain The Vision

Weekly Thought – November 12, 2024

Fred studied leaders. “Lifelong learner” is one personality category used by many personality experts. Fred epitomized that profile. In his book Learning To Lead he discussed principles applicable for both business and church. A fundamental task of leaders is setting direction.

Maintain The Vision

David Rockefeller was once quoted: “The number one function of the top executive is to establish the purpose of the organization.” Max Depree expressed it like this: “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.”

Like the hub of a wheel everything grows out of the vision. Until it is clearly established the door is open to all kinds of trouble. The leader must define why the organization exists – what is its purpose.

Here are several keys:
1. Define it specifically. In my experience, nothing is properly defined until you write it down. When I worked for Maxey Jarman, anytime I was fuzzy in my thinking he would force me to write him a memo. Once I said, “I can’t write it.” “The only reason you can’t write it is because you don’t know it. When you know it, Fred, then you can write it.”
2. Express it so other people understand it. A good statement of purpose is straightforward. A purpose statement with too many categories splinters the vision. If you don’t focus confusion results. If an organization gets spread too widely it becomes difficult to effectively communicate it.
3. Get both organizational and personal acceptance of the vision. Organizational acceptance avoids dueling purposes up and down the org chart. But it has to go deeper. True leaders know how to establish within the people a personal commitment of the purpose. They understand and appreciate they are integral to the success of the organization… not just paid staff.
4. Repeat the purpose over and over. One very effective leader used this phrase in a vision setting meeting: “Say it simply, boldly, and repeat it often.” Any leader who doesn’t consistently (and constantly) repeat the essence of the vision will find the people straying. It doesn’t have to be a sing-song repetition, but a vital repetition through living it out. This produces intensity and direction.

An organization without a clear purpose can get side tracked and involved in tangential projects and activities. When you have a clear vision, you view everything in light of it. Every once in a while you sit down and say, “Let’s stack every activity in this organization up against our purpose.”

An effective leader has a firm grasp on self-understanding applying it effectively to the required responsibilities… first of all setting and maintaining direction, vision, and purpose.

This week think carefully about: 1) When I think of a strong leader who comes to mind? Why? 2) In my leadership experiences, how clear am I? 3) What is the most difficult part of growing as a leader?

Words of Wisdom: “The leader must establish the purpose of the organization – why it exists.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree together, to end your divisions, and to be united by the same mind and purpose.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NET Bible)

Leadership Is a Function, Not a Title

Weekly Thought – November 5, 2024

Fred wrote much about the multiple facets of leadership. He explored the topic from top to bottom often lifting up corners of the rug to find unexplored areas.

Leadership Is a Function, Not a Title

Some individuals think they are leaders when they really are not. One of my friends in industry was asked by his son, “Dad, what does it take to be a leader?” The man spent an hour struggling to reply and finally in desperation gave the best definition I had heard. “Son, all it takes to be a leader is to have somebody follow you.”

That’s all it takes: followers. If people are not following you, you are not a leader. You may have the title, but that is all. “Leader” is not a title, but a role. You only become a leader by functioning as one.

I remember sitting once in a city park at “Soapbox Corner” where the eccentrics assembled to do their public speaking. One fellow had attracted a large crowd with his harangue. I noticed another man walking around the back of the crowd obviously mad, and gesturing as he muttered to himself, “I came here to talk. I didn’t come here to listen.” He was mad because people weren’t listening to him. They moved away from him, drawn to the other speaker. He felt appointed a talked not a listener. But the crowd thought differently.

We communicate only when people listen. And unless people follow us, we’re not leaders.

Often leaders don’t have the title. In a manufacturing plant, I’ve known many leaders of employees who were not in management, nor did they have a union job. But by the very weight of their personality and experience, they had authority. They were natural leaders.

The major characteristic of a leader in an organization is the ability to turn subordinates into followers. People can be subordinates by definition – by placement on an organization chart, or membership roll. But they alone decide to be followers.

This week carefully consider: 1) How would I define leader? 2) What is my most satisfactory leadership experience? 3) Who would benefit from Fred’s words?

Words of Wisdom: “Unless people follow us, we are not leaders.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor.” (1 Timothy 5:17(a) NET Bible)

Am I the pump or the pipe?

Weekly Thought – October 29, 2024

Fred tells the story of leading a men’s retreat near Fresno, California. It was scheduled from Friday evening through Sunday at noon. As he tells it “when I arrived I found out there was one speaker for the entire weekend – and I was it! That was the first time I knew. On the plane flying back to Dallas on Sunday I realized the exhaustion I expected wasn’t there.” This week’s post is about the lesson he learned.

Am I the pump or the pipe?

From that experience I learned with God’s presence permeating the meetings, he was the source: I was only the spokesman. In other words, God was the pump and I was the pipe. The pipe never gets tired. When I attempt to be the pump as well as the pipe, that takes more than I have. When I try to substitute my power for God’s I become powerless, dissatisfied, even frantic, and even defeated.

A few years back, Mary Alice and I were listening to a series of sermons by a well-known young preacher (who has since left his ministry). When she asked me what I thought of him I told her that I greatly admired his technical ability, his research, his eloquence, and delivery, but I never sensed spiritual power in his sermons. I felt he was spiritually impotent. I kept wanting to feel the presence of the Spirit, but I never dd. He later divorced his wife, and deserted the ministry. None of this was due to lack of talent, with which he was greatly blessed, but from lack of spiritual power. The Apostle Paul said, “I came not in excellence of words, but in power.”

In Jim May’s book he asks the question, “Are you working for God or is he working through you?” The times when I fully realize that God is using me, that what I am doing is his working through me rather than my working for him are special.

Those who become Christian celebrities must be careful that they don’t cross over the line from realizing that God is using them to thinking they are being recognized by God for their great potential contribution. We are not be volunteers, selectin our service for God, but dedicates, letting God select our service. When God selects, He sends power. When we volunteer, we keep control, even while attempting worthwhile work.

The pipe or the pump? A critical question for each of us.

This week carefully consider: 1) How do I keep my eye on my role as pipe, not pump? 2) What can I do to pray for my pastor? 3) Who do I know that would be helped by Fred’s words?

Words of Wisdom: “God is the pump and I am the pipe.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10 NET BIBLE)

Integrity in Motive

Weekly Thought- October 22, 2024

Fred valued his reputation as a man of integrity. Offers of financial gain, elevated status, and public acclaim were made during his life. He held to his credo – his statement of belief which he developed as a young man. He avoided traps by knowing the Rock upon which his life was built.

Integrity in Motive

Integrity starts with motive. I can’t ever be totally honest for I have a sin nature. But I can avoid being dishonest. Dishonesty is a decision.

Rationalization does more to pollute our integrity of motive than any other psychological tool. It attempts to excuse our lack of integrity. We repeatedly hear, “Everyone else is doing it.” Or, how many times do we hear “Times have changed – this is what works today.” Too often we hear “I had no choice if I wanted to win.” One of the saddest is, “I had to go along with the majority even though I knew they weren’t right.”

The argument that choosing even a wrong path which will ultimately produce good is a lie which is too often accepted. “The end justifies the means” is attributed to Machiavelli, the political theorist. In God’s economy this philosophy fails. He doesn’t support this thinking. He doesn’t find shortcuts which lead to a win. He is sovereign and the plan is His. He wants our motives to be reflections of His righteousness.

Our maturity in Christ is the goal. Picking the easy way, even when it opens the door to shady choices is counter productive. When our children were young Mary Alice and I reminded them “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

There is a process to rationalization. First, we convince ourselves that winning, succeeding, achieving, or even growing an organization may require a few steps off the straight and narrow, but the end result will benefit so many the decision makes sense. The next phase is convincing others of the plan, bringing them into the “in the end it will be the best” strategy. Finally, the Christian attempts to convince God of the choice. When the outcome is seen to be seriously flawed, the conversation with God changes confession into explanation.

This week carefully consider: 1) How do I evaluate my motives in making key decisions? 2) Who is my strong ally who speaks truth to me? 3) What red flags do I have established as measures of my motives?

Words of Wisdom: “He wants our motives to be reflections of His righteousness.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but the one who behaves perversely will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9 NET Bible)

Leading With Integrity

Weekly Thought – October 15, 2024

Fred wrote a book titled Leading With Integrity. It was a relevant topic in 1999 and even more so in 2024. Its audience was the pastoral community, but the ideas apply to all leadership. This week’s piece is excerpted from his introduction. His thoughts remind us of his words, “Principles never change – just the illustrations.”

Leading With Integrity

In a real sense leadership in industry is different from leadership in Christ’s church. Writer M. Scott Peck once asked me, “Why don’t you businessmen take over the church?” “Because we can’t lead a spiritual church successfully,” I said. “Secular principles that are not anointed by the Holy Spirit are not applicable to the church. In fact, they can pollute it by bypassing the Spirit.”

Some principles can be transferred when they are spiritually ordained, and over the years I have been associated with some fine leaders in industry as well as in Christian work. This book, however, grew out of my sense that today in the institutional church we’ve become almost too dependent on human leadership principles. We know a great deal about effective organization through extensive research.

My concern is that in the church we may be trying to do God’s work in man’s way.

If we are to do God’s work in God’s way we must start with character. Christian leaders must examine themselves, so that with the apostle Paul they can say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

Unfortunately, we are not as conscious of our character flaws as we perceive lacks in areas of knowledge, skill, and experience. In my sixty years in business nobody has said, “ I have a flawed character.” It is much easier to admit a training or skill deficiency than to admit a character weakness. Yet, from 75 to 80 percent of the failures I have seen are rooted in a failed character.

The church must be involved in character building, helping men and women grow into the maturity of Christ. Leaders are responsible for modeling an encouraging character and integrity.

I was interviewing a prospective corporate president and at the end of the interview I asked him, “What’s your ultimate aim?” He grew quiet. I sensed he was deciding to tell me the truth. “My ultimate aim,” he said, “is that when I face the Lord, he will say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” There is no finer aim.

Growing in the reality of the Christ-life and being awakened to the truth of Christlikeness in us is a worthy aim.

This week think about: 1) How would I answer Fred’s question about my ultimate aim? 2) What do I do to make sure I am not “doing God’s work in man’s way?” 3) When have I experienced a character failure?

Words of Wisdom: “If we are to do God’s work in God’s way we must start with character.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” (Psalm 26:1 NET Bible)

Overcoming Cynicism

Weekly Thought – October 8, 2024

Fred was known for his sense of humor. He looked at situations with an “out of the box” posture long before that was in vogue. His keen sense of discernment allowed him to cut right to the heart of situations. And although quick witted he worked hard to avoid unhealthy cynicism.

Overcoming Cynicism

Cynicism has no integrity. It often takes a viewpoint which evaluates the present, but has no hope for the future… Even when the evaluation is correct. As Christians we are not without hope; we believe in the great hope of future things. Therefore, our responsibility is to make a difference wherever we are, not drop out, hide, or run away.

Recently, a bright, young executive asked me to lunch. He opened the conversation by saying, “I serve on several Christian boards and have been invited to join two national ministry boards. But as a businessman I have become cynical at what I see. You have been doing this all your adult life, how do you avoid cynicism?”

I freely admit I have a certain amount of cynicism – the healthy amount, I hope. I doubt you can be involved in Christian organizations as long as I have without it. Nevertheless, I assured him there is an antidote which comes in two parts:

1) Maintain your sense of humor. I find any human activity, whether faith-based or not, contains the frailties of humankind. To me, healthy humor eases the tension between where we are and where we ought to be. Too often in the most serious business of the Kingdom we act like court jesters. We play games, indulge in politics, defend our errors, and deny our temptations. Actually, all of these deficiencies can be a robust source for humor. Sin garbed in ecclesiastical garments is ridiculous.

2) Look for the reality amid the counterfeit. Truth creates fertile ground for deception. Where there is great reality there is opportunity for corresponding unreality. The Father of lies operates with strategies and schemes – this we know. We also know there is greater light available to us in Christ which allows us to separate the knock-off tenets of faith which lead us down the wrong path. We must keep a sharp eye open to recognize the genuine and authentic, putting aside the fake knowing reality will win out.

I do not know how this young man fared in his journey of Christian leadership. Scripture warns the church to avoid offering leadership positions to those young in the faith for they are not seasoned and subject to discouragement (and thereby cynicism). Seeing the potholes and the pitfalls with maturity prepares those who accept leadership positions.

This week carefully consider: 1) How do I evaluate my own leadership qualities? 2) What tempts me to become cynical? 3) Where can I model reality and avoid the temptation of cynicism this week?

Words of Wisdom: “As Christians we are not without hope; we believe in the great hope of future things.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NET Bible)

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