truth-telling!

I met with a long time friend today. He recently was asked to meet with some church leaders at another church. They were seeking discernment in confronting and leading their Pastor who was controlling and manipulating the church.

This was a déjà vu experience for him. Many years earlier he worked to love and befriend another pastor who was controlling the church he was leading in. He spoke truth to his friend, but unfortunately he was alone. In his situation, those closest to the pastor were unwilling to be honest. They would talk behind his back, but lacked the courage to speak truth in love to him. Because of this, it made it appear that my friend was a problem leader rather than addressing the out-of-control actions of the pastor.

This situation further convinced my friend of the importance of honesty. This church eldership was asking my friend for advice. His advice was that they all had to commit to honesty with the pastor, no matter how difficult that experience is. His disappointment was that while he had the experience, it lacked the positive outcome he had prayed for because he stood alone in truth-telling. His hope for today is that this would be a positive outcome for this other church.

As my friend and I discussed, leadership is hard. Yes, at times it really sucks. But Jesus Christ leads us to be the right person in the midst of hard and that my friends, makes it worth it.

Can you share a story of how you shared truth with a leader or how you regret not doing so?

Leading through hard

Yes, leadership is hard. At times, I like many don't want to do this anymore. Sometimes, I can become so overwhelmed that I begin to wonder if I will make it. I don't this is unusual for leaders. I look at Moses, King David and even Solomon. They all were at times overwhelmed to the point of giving up. Even Jesus Christ got to the place where He wanted to give up. He pleaded with Father God to take this from Him.

How do we navigate hard? Ephesians 4 gives us some clarity.

1- Stand Steady and Focus on Unity – Ephesians 4:3

2- Engage hard with Grace – Ephesians 4:7

3- Walk hard out in the fullness of Christ – Ephesians 4:12-16, 22+
(pray, speak well, ask questions, speak the truth, encourage one another)

How have you walked through hard times in leadership?

Current Issue: Catalyst Leadership Digital Magazine

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I don't want to do this anymore

This statement "I don't want to do this anymore," is made many times by leaders. It is made because leadership is hard. After conversations with many types of leaders, in differing settings and situations, whether it is volunteer leadership, not-for-profit leadership, organizational leadership, or for-profit leadership, we would all agree it is hard.

What are the challenges for you and for the leadership you face?