I recently had a Sunday off.
If you're in full-time ministry, you know that doesn't happen a lot.
My bride and I were visiting some family members in the greater Cincinnati area, and I wondered where we would worship.
...we could go to the church I grew up in. But COVID-19 meant my my couldn't go. Nah.
...we could go to one of the prevailing large churches in the area. There are several. Nah.
...we could go to a little local church where we didn't now anyone. Nah.
...we could go to a very small church in the middle of nowhere, about 30 minutes away.
YES! THAT ONE!
Why? Because my friend David was preaching there. I know and love my buddy David. His heart is Christ-like. His mind is sharp. His disposition is for people. And he's my friend.
I got to thinking a little more about why that was my decision. And I got all challenged.
Would the folks I lead every week--and remember, I'm not the preacher--would they come to my church instead of the church they grew up in, a prevailing large church in our area, or a little church near their house because I'm the one leading them in worship?
Honestly, I sort of doubt it. But I'd sure like to be that guy.
Here are some things that may help me get there:
1) Connect with the people more than the music, or the scripture, or the song story, or the technology.
2) Connect with people more when I'm off the stage than when I'm on it.
3) Don't worry about whether they like me or not. Just like them! (Who are the 5 people you most like to be around? Be yourself, but more like that.)
4) From the wisdom of Louie Giglio, "Lead from love and acceptance, not for love and acceptance." Chances are, people won't want to follow a needy leader.
5) Be authentic. Don't whine. Don't brag. But be real. As Craig Groeschel says at the end of all of his podcasts, "People would rather follow a leader who is always real than one who is always right."
6) Be you. God made you a masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10) One more influencer, Ian Morgan Cron, always closes his podcast with the words of Oscar Wilde: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
7) Love them well. Always. Unconditionally.
What would you add to my list?