Weekly Thought – May 17, 2016
Fred believed in the clarity of vision and mandate. He also believed not every open door required action. As a tonic for those who said “yes” too often he had a Fred Said: “opportunity is not mandate.” His disciplined view of mission helped many ministries to stay on task.
BWFLI plans for September and October are in active planning mode. Please pray for Asbury University and Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Working the Mandate
Establishing a mandate helps us to define the reality of our task and to lead with integrity. Leaders need to ask, “Why are we operating? What are we about? What are we dedicated to?” Once these questions have been addressed and consensus around the answers is developed, a leader has a mandate. This mandate will be the foundation upon which programs can be developed; recruitment of additional leaders can begin; an organizational culture can be established; and then an understanding of what to do and what not to do can occur.
One critical function of a mandate is separating loyalty to the leader from loyalty to the cause. The leader has to say, “I am subservient to the mandate.” A good leader knows that the organization isn’t there to make him or her happy, nor to serve him or her. It is there to fulfill the mandate. If the leader fails in doing that, firing should follow.
I once spoke with 10 pastors who have their doctorates. They are well-educated and highly qualified. One asked, “How can I get my church to do my program?”
I responded by asking him, “Did you found the church?” His answer was a clear “no.” I then asked him, “If you got a better offer, would you leave?” His answer again was a clear “yes,” “Then what right do you have to call it ‘my church?’ Pastor, the church isn’t a personal possession.”
While the leader is responsible for the initiation of the mandate, he or she has to build a consensus for it among the people. First, all must buy into the mandate; second, all must be willing to dedicate themselves to carrying it out.
Christ gave us His mandate and empowered His disciples to begin 2000 years of carrying it out.
This week think about: 1) What is the mandate for my work? My family? 2) How clear am I as a leader? 3) Who models leading with integrity in my life?
Words of Wisdom: “Establishing a mandate helps us to define the reality of our task and to lead with integrity.”
Wisdom from the Word: “How great are your works, O Lord! Your plans are very intricate!” (Psalm 92:5 NET Bible)