Falling Through The Cracks

In the church world there are two terms that no leader wants to hear. They are: A.) "people exiting out the back door of the church" & B.) "fell through or falling through the cracks". Basically these thoughts are dreadful to hear because it means the 'church' has done a bad job of not catching people who are walking through the front doors and are missing getting them to get involved in most cases. Most people respond best to a personal invite or a face to face conversation. When GUESTS arrive on campus they will only take 3 minutes to decide their 1st impressions. People who exit out the back door are those who have stuck around for a while trying to connect(and in some cases maybe not trying) and then leave because they feel no connection keeping them here. People exit out the back door for various reasons. There are a few ways to shut the back door and there are books that have ways to help avoid them. I think it is pretty simple though: The best way to shut the back door is for people to connect in relationship with those they may not know. I'm not talking about strangers walking in and trying to connect, I'm saying people who call the churh their home should be the one's reaching out connecting. The back door will be shut when people reach out and make people feel welcome, whether they know them or not. In the context of small groups it may come from a leader who follows up with an e-mail or personal phone call to someone who may be interested in joining a group. I've had some people say, I never heard from a small group. I interpret this two ways: I screwed up, or the small group leader I sent them too never made contact. Either way, it is bad news. For those that are guests, it may be just the way somebody connects with them as they walk through the door. I know this, some people exit out the back for all the wrong reasons and some because frankly-they have no desire to connect. But when I hear someone has exited it is a sad state of mind. So, that being said, what are you doing to help prevent the back door from being left open and people exiting? Are you being friendly? Starting conversations with people you may not know? Inviting people to connect in small groups circles. Let's work on stopping people from falling through the cracks. It is the best thing we can do as a family.

SUMMERTIME MEMORIES

Looking back in my life, summer's were the best season. (still are in my opinion-especially in the NW) Not just cause DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince put out a summertime anthem, but because as a kid, summer's ruled. I have vivid memories of family vacations to see the grandparents, playing with my friends all day, VBS, missions trips and summer camps with my church, cruising with my friends all over, and I even got to stay up late because I didn't have school the next day. Summer is my birthday, my anniversary and pretty much the best. Again, this is being spoken from a person who sees the sun only a few months a year. All this to say is that summer is about making memories. I am making them with my family now and with our friends. When you are living life with your friends and family you will be making many memories for the years to come. I encourage you to think about ways to make some fun memories and then go out and make them happen. Hopefully this can happen in the context of small group life. Doing life together in small groups is definitely one way to make lasting memories. SO, what are you going to do this summer that you'll remember 5-10-20 years from now.

Words that Describe YOUR Leadership

A few weeks ago, the world lost a coaching legend. John Wooden. This coach had one losing season in 40+ years of coaching (his first year). What was amazing about this leadership legend was that he set a precedent as a leader that is simply amazing. When former players are asked to describe John Wooden they roll out words like: "caring, driven, professional, organized, moral, gracious, honest, patient, loyal, demanding", and the list goes on and on-literally for a long while. When asked to describe words that would be complaints of this leader...you find few. These were players who didn't start, did not like the offense, and even then offered rare complaints. This is a mark of a true leader. YES-you will have critics. John Wooden did. You will also have those who don't agree with every opinion, suggestion, leadership move, or decision. However, to be able to have people you lead use the words that were used to describe John Wooden, would be quite the compliment. So, as you lead through life in different circles- PTA, city meetings, a church small group, your family, neighborhood association, business team, or employees think of the way you lead and the words described by the people you lead. The reason John Wooden is a legend and voted the Coach of the Century-wasn't all about winning, it was about principles, character, faith, and leadership. John Wooden may have been old school but his lessons and example of leadership principles lived out are legendary and should be re-ushered in to the environments we find ourlseves in. So, what are the words that describe your leadership abilities? You may not have these qualities now, but it is never too late to start on the road of being a legendary leader with the people in your circles. It starts today, get on with it already.