That's How God Made Me!

Anytime you have three kids in the house you get comic relief without having to turn on the television. We have tried to raise each of our kids with an understanding of who God is and why it is important to worship Him. One thing we make sure they know is we are all gifted and uniquely made. Each of our kids have a different skill set and each have their own little personality. There are some similarities though: hair color- check, porcelain skin- check; dad's little mini-me's- check (in their own way). One question we ask our kids from time to time is "Why are you so cute?" One time we asked Ella, our 5 year old that question, and here response was "that is how God made me!" We had a great laugh and since then-she answers that question the same way every time. She has a great point to underline. Each of us have been made by God, and each of us is designed with gifts. We are not all the same (thank goodness) in appearance, skill set, understanding, or response. As leaders each of us can develop skills, and some can take them to a very high level. I think what is important though, is that each of you are uniquely YOU! You may be great at one thing and not so great at another. But the fact is we still thank God for what gifts He has given us, and each of us try hard to become the best version of ourselves we can become. The mistake is when we try and become someone we are not, or not intended to be! Now of course God puts people in our loves to challenge us to grow, extend our skill set, and even people who give us a perspective of what or who we do not want to become. God made you, YOU. It is a great day when you can wake up, look in the mirror, and be satisfied with who you are, because that is how God made you! As a leader understand that you have a circle of influence for you to be you-that was God's design.

Leadership 101: Attitude

Over the years there have been some great movie quotes that have inspired me as I sit back and watch. Each one of my favorite movies have a memorable quote that gave me inspiration the moment I heard it, and still to this day, when I am watching one of these greats. A few years ago there was a movie based on the true story of T.C. Williams High School football team and their struggle for racial integration. The beauty of the story is that the team goes onto be successful and the underlying story of racism is completed because of leadership. Leadership is reflected in the movie from the coaching staff, but also from two leaders on the team- Julius Campbell & Gerry Bertier. These teammates go head to head all throughout the movie and it is a stunning scene that brings me to the point today, when they call each other out. Julius looks at Gerry and says, "attitude reflects leadership, captain." BAM! Right there is the honing point of this blog. For those in any type of leadership, it is our attitude that is reflective of our leadership. People will watch and see how we react or how we respond. This past week, I had to check myself as I displayed an attitude that was not reflective of my leadership. I walked away from a situation frustrated, but determined to make sure that I didn't let my attitude dictate my response. When it comes to leadership, people will follow you if they see an attitude that is worth following. As a leader of a small group, family unit, team at work, or any other cadre it is important to keep our attitude in check and be on our game all the time. YES-always. It is a principle of leadership that is taught at every level of competition from when you are a kid to the teams you are on as an adult. There are hundreds of quotes on attitude, and I won't give you any here, but know this- your attitude is important as a leader. How you respond will always be watched from others if you lead. If your attitude sucks (or stinks for those who prefer that word) then you will be taking a long walk by yourself, and not leading. Attitude is a game changer in leadership, is it a game changer for you right now.

Why Coaches Matter!

I can look back to every team I ever participated on and tell you the coach that led my teams. I could even tell you a little bit about them. The first team I played was over 27 years ago and it was the skills I learned as a Kindergartener that developed over time to make me the player I am today. The same is true for teachers and professors who spoke into my life in academics. The mistake most people make though in life, is they stop looking to grow because they thinkk they have reached their peak when they get to a certain point in time. This may be the top of their game, the top of their class, the top of their company, or insert your thought here! This is why COACHES MATTER! If we stop having someone push us to be better, grow in areas we don't see, or give us direction in areas where we can be the ebst God intended us to be, then we have missed the point. I have had a coach walking with me for 4 years now. This coach challenges me every time we talk and expands my potential. The accountability that he has gained in my life came over conversations and permissions that I granted him. I am grateful for a coach in my life and as I look to the future of small group life and its leaders, I hope you will let seasoned veterans of small groups come alongside you and help you expand your gifts as a small group leader, as I am challenging them to grow in areas of their lives too. Coaches matter because without them Kobe Bryant would not have succeeded as he did, pastors of the largest churches would not have many congregants, entrepreneuers and indsutry leaders would not have pushed themselves to carve out a specific niche. Coaches matter because without them we we may never realize the potential of greatness that each of us have. Soak in a coach coming alongside you, because you will be better because of it.

Phil Wilson
Community Life & Connections Pastor