Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Review of High Calling newsletter
Just a quick suggestion that you check out the High Calling newsletter each week - http://bit.ly/highcalling. The newsletter features a one minute audio/video message from Howard Butt, Jr, that challenges a person about the value of their daily work with an interesting story. They are short clips, yet positive and commendable! Various written articles are also available.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Leadership Lessons from the 2012 Toronto Argonauts
A couple years ago, nobody would have considered an such an article title... unless it was going to be a how NOT to discussion. Today, Leadership Lessons from the 2012 Toronto Argonauts - the Grey Cup Champions, no less, is an intriguing case study.
Before reading my leadership reflections, you may want to read Cam Cole's report: Argos Stole this Grey Cup last year.
1) You need stability at the top - Ricky Ray is not flashy, but he is solid, good and a veteran leader. The Argos "stole" Ray from the Edmonton Eskimos and he was an excellent quarterback for them all season long including the three playoff games. In the CFL, the quarterback is the key position and the Argos had a steady, stable and effective leader for their offense.
2) You need great co-leaders - Scott Milanovich did a great job as a first year head coach, yet GM Jim Barker probably made Milanovich look especially good when he hired defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones away from the Calgary Stampeders last summer. Jones' record as a defensive coach in Grey Cup appearances is stunning (three years with Montreal, two Grey Cup appearances, four years with Calgary leading to two Grey Cup appearances, and one more this year in Toronto). A great team needs great VP's.
3) Make the tough calls - about four weeks into the season, the Argos decided to part ways with RB Cory Boyd. Along with eventual league MVP Chad Owens, the Argos seemed to have a super tandem in the backfield, and yet for mysterious reasons, they let Boyd go (to Edmonton) and stuck with Chad Kackert. Who? At the time, the tank-sized Kackert looked like a good blocking back which would probably mean that Owens would be the pre-dominant ball carrier. Observers speculated there weren't enough footballs to go around for Ray, Owens & Boyd. However, Milanovich let people speculate and simply said, "We're comfortable with Owens and Kackert in the backfield. Milanovich looks brilliant as Owens won the league MVP setting a new record for all-purpose yardage and Kackert won the Grey Cup MVP. Sometimes a leader's gotta make the tough calls that will be misunderstood and doubted.
4) Be comfortable in the background - As I was thinking about these different factors even before the game yesterday, I began to wonder, who is the GM in Toronto. During the game, they showed Jim Barker's face and title and I went "Oh yeah. Right." The Jim Barker I remember, especially from his time in Calgary, was loud and not afraid to draw attention to himself. Perhaps the same was true in Toronto, but I don't recall hearing much about him during the days and months leading up to the Grey Cup (which is rather surprising in itself, considering Barker's "flair," Toronto being the centre of the universe, and having no hockey to dim the media spotlight in Toronto). Maybe, the "mastermind" behind this whole plan finally felt comfortable letting the coach's and players do the talking and let himself be comfortable behind the scenes as the conductor of the orchestra. ARRRRR-GOOOOOOOS never sounded better than it does today!
Before reading my leadership reflections, you may want to read Cam Cole's report: Argos Stole this Grey Cup last year.
1) You need stability at the top - Ricky Ray is not flashy, but he is solid, good and a veteran leader. The Argos "stole" Ray from the Edmonton Eskimos and he was an excellent quarterback for them all season long including the three playoff games. In the CFL, the quarterback is the key position and the Argos had a steady, stable and effective leader for their offense.
2) You need great co-leaders - Scott Milanovich did a great job as a first year head coach, yet GM Jim Barker probably made Milanovich look especially good when he hired defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones away from the Calgary Stampeders last summer. Jones' record as a defensive coach in Grey Cup appearances is stunning (three years with Montreal, two Grey Cup appearances, four years with Calgary leading to two Grey Cup appearances, and one more this year in Toronto). A great team needs great VP's.
3) Make the tough calls - about four weeks into the season, the Argos decided to part ways with RB Cory Boyd. Along with eventual league MVP Chad Owens, the Argos seemed to have a super tandem in the backfield, and yet for mysterious reasons, they let Boyd go (to Edmonton) and stuck with Chad Kackert. Who? At the time, the tank-sized Kackert looked like a good blocking back which would probably mean that Owens would be the pre-dominant ball carrier. Observers speculated there weren't enough footballs to go around for Ray, Owens & Boyd. However, Milanovich let people speculate and simply said, "We're comfortable with Owens and Kackert in the backfield. Milanovich looks brilliant as Owens won the league MVP setting a new record for all-purpose yardage and Kackert won the Grey Cup MVP. Sometimes a leader's gotta make the tough calls that will be misunderstood and doubted.
4) Be comfortable in the background - As I was thinking about these different factors even before the game yesterday, I began to wonder, who is the GM in Toronto. During the game, they showed Jim Barker's face and title and I went "Oh yeah. Right." The Jim Barker I remember, especially from his time in Calgary, was loud and not afraid to draw attention to himself. Perhaps the same was true in Toronto, but I don't recall hearing much about him during the days and months leading up to the Grey Cup (which is rather surprising in itself, considering Barker's "flair," Toronto being the centre of the universe, and having no hockey to dim the media spotlight in Toronto). Maybe, the "mastermind" behind this whole plan finally felt comfortable letting the coach's and players do the talking and let himself be comfortable behind the scenes as the conductor of the orchestra. ARRRRR-GOOOOOOOS never sounded better than it does today!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Reflections on Charles & Andy Stanley reports
My friend, Pastor Tim Strickland (Waverly Road Baptist Church) had a facebook link to this article by John Blake of CNN. It is indeed a compelling read!
I found Andy Stanley's suggestion to his father to be so wise and gracious, even though as the article says, his father didn't hear it as such:
"Dad, you never asked me what I think you should do," Andy said.
His father smiled and asked him what he thought.
Walk into church the next Sunday morning and read a letter of resignation, Andy said.
Tell them that you want to continue as their pastor, and will preach as long as they want.
"Daddy, your church is not going to leave you," Andy said. "They need the opportunity to
choose to have you as pastor if you divorce. If you do this, it all ends. Let them choose."
Andy says his father didn't hear anything after the word "resign." All the rumors seemed to
be true. His son had joined the church faction trying to get rid of him.
His son had betrayed him.
Theologically, I don't agree with Andy's answer. But what a gracious way to help a bitter war stop and to honour your father.
That's just one of the many reflections on this article.
I can't wait to read Andy Stanley's forthcoming book Deep and Wide.
Your thoughts on this father-son story?
I found Andy Stanley's suggestion to his father to be so wise and gracious, even though as the article says, his father didn't hear it as such:
"Dad, you never asked me what I think you should do," Andy said.
His father smiled and asked him what he thought.
Walk into church the next Sunday morning and read a letter of resignation, Andy said.
Tell them that you want to continue as their pastor, and will preach as long as they want.
"Daddy, your church is not going to leave you," Andy said. "They need the opportunity to
choose to have you as pastor if you divorce. If you do this, it all ends. Let them choose."
Andy says his father didn't hear anything after the word "resign." All the rumors seemed to
be true. His son had joined the church faction trying to get rid of him.
His son had betrayed him.
Theologically, I don't agree with Andy's answer. But what a gracious way to help a bitter war stop and to honour your father.
That's just one of the many reflections on this article.
I can't wait to read Andy Stanley's forthcoming book Deep and Wide.
Your thoughts on this father-son story?
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Being Thankful for minimal employment
At the present time I am "minimally employed." What that really means is I am a sessional instructor - that sounds so much better than adjunct (add-junk) faculty - with Prairie College of Applied Arts & Technology. I am teaching one course, Interpersonal Communication (SS 150) which meets four days a week October 29-December 13. Otherwise, I have no formal employment with an organization.
I am hoping this employment situation changes soon and am sending out resumes/curriculum vitaes as I see possible openings. I am also trying to network in various ways for offer my speaking/preaching abilities for pulpit supply, youth or other church retreats, etc. In preparation for these I am trying to work on a some shorter (and longer) sermon series, often based on class preparation from courses I have taught. I'm also considering how some of the shorter messages could be used for free e-books available through my blog (pdf files). Needless to say, I am not very good at sitting still and I very much feel like I need to "go to the office" each weekday, even though the class does not meet until 2:50 pm and there is minimal preparation needed as I have taught the course recently.
Nonetheless, I am trying to make the most of the current "minimally employed" situation and can already see God using these circumstances to help me see blessings instead of frustration. Today, Sarah had a meeting so I was able to stay home with the girls (Caleb was at pre-school). Likewise, we had extended family around last week and so since I did not have a pressing responsibility on Friday morning, we had them over for morning tea and I just enjoyed hanging out with the family. Last Tuesday, Sarah wanted to get the 10% Tuesday shopping done at IGA, and so it worked best for her to complete that before going with the children to our church's Mom's Time Out, so I stayed home while she did that from 8:30-9:30 am and then headed to the office. So, while I am not happy or enjoying the situation, I will take this is a blessing from God's hand and (try to) continue to trust Him and His good will. Sola Deo Gloria!
I am hoping this employment situation changes soon and am sending out resumes/curriculum vitaes as I see possible openings. I am also trying to network in various ways for offer my speaking/preaching abilities for pulpit supply, youth or other church retreats, etc. In preparation for these I am trying to work on a some shorter (and longer) sermon series, often based on class preparation from courses I have taught. I'm also considering how some of the shorter messages could be used for free e-books available through my blog (pdf files). Needless to say, I am not very good at sitting still and I very much feel like I need to "go to the office" each weekday, even though the class does not meet until 2:50 pm and there is minimal preparation needed as I have taught the course recently.
Nonetheless, I am trying to make the most of the current "minimally employed" situation and can already see God using these circumstances to help me see blessings instead of frustration. Today, Sarah had a meeting so I was able to stay home with the girls (Caleb was at pre-school). Likewise, we had extended family around last week and so since I did not have a pressing responsibility on Friday morning, we had them over for morning tea and I just enjoyed hanging out with the family. Last Tuesday, Sarah wanted to get the 10% Tuesday shopping done at IGA, and so it worked best for her to complete that before going with the children to our church's Mom's Time Out, so I stayed home while she did that from 8:30-9:30 am and then headed to the office. So, while I am not happy or enjoying the situation, I will take this is a blessing from God's hand and (try to) continue to trust Him and His good will. Sola Deo Gloria!
Monday, November 05, 2012
What are the names of the other guys?
Do you remember Shammua? Shaphat? Igal? How about Palti or Gaddiel or Gaddi or Ammiel? Okay, lets try Sethur? Nahbi? Geuel? Certainly you must recognize one of those men?
Numbers 13:16 reports, "These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land." Oh... I missed the other two names: Joshua and Caleb. As our children have been learning the song, Twelve men went to spy on Canaan, we talked about the names of the two men who "saw God was in it all" and they naturally asked, "what were the names of the other guys?"
I admit, I had to go back to Numbers 13 to look up their names. Why? Because we don't remember the names of the naysayers or the pessimists. We remember the names of those who become the leaders - the ones who see the challenges as opportunities. Leaders see what God can do and trust Him to go before them to win any battles.
Numbers 13:16 reports, "These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land." Oh... I missed the other two names: Joshua and Caleb. As our children have been learning the song, Twelve men went to spy on Canaan, we talked about the names of the two men who "saw God was in it all" and they naturally asked, "what were the names of the other guys?"
I admit, I had to go back to Numbers 13 to look up their names. Why? Because we don't remember the names of the naysayers or the pessimists. We remember the names of those who become the leaders - the ones who see the challenges as opportunities. Leaders see what God can do and trust Him to go before them to win any battles.
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