They Smell Like Sheep

I read a great book this week - They Smell Like Sheep, by Lynn Anderson.

It's about leadership.
Leading like a shepherd.
Leading like The Shepherd.

The shepherd metaphor is referenced more than 500 times in scripture. Throughout the Bible, the cause of Christ to rescue a fallen humanity is illustrated in terms of a shepherd rescuing his lost sheep. Isaiah used this metaphor by saying that, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way (Is 53:6)," clearly eluding to the coming Christ, the Good Shepherd, Who would love us so much as to lay down His life for us.

In Jesus' day, the concept of shepherding was widely understood. It was a familiar way of life for many of the people to whom Jesus spoke. It's easy to understand why the concept of shepherding is viewed, by many, as equally as totalitarian and dictatorial as the leadership encountered most in today's culture, as in, a shepherd mightily ruling over his sheep, however, that view of shepherding is improper and inaccurate. 

To the contrary, a shepherd is one who deeply loves and cares for his sheep. Anderson says that, "for the family of a shepherd, the food on their tables and the clothes on their backs, not to mention the family honor, was inexorably linked to the way they cared for their flocks." To that end, a shepherd is not one who lords his power over the flock; rather, he is one who intimately shares his life with his flock.

A shepherd knows each sheep by name; he nurtures the young, bandages the wounded, cares for the weak, and protects them all.

A shepherd smells like sheep. 

What's intriguing is that Jesus led in stark contrast to what's normally defined as leadership. His definition of leadership is one who is last and servant of all (Mark 9:35). Jesus' definition of leadership is servanthood. Try typing in servanthood once and you'll see that it isn't even a recognized word in our dictionary.

Jesus definition of leadership, and His revolutionary display of power through servant leadership, is apparently why many of the Jewish people did not recognize Him as Messiah. While they waited for a messiah who would physically restore Israel and lead them into a messianic age of global peace, Jesus, The Messiah, presented Himself as a suffering servant and not as the conquering king they were expecting.

It begs the question, have we embraced the wrong kind of leadership?

As the church of Jesus, rather than embracing shepherd-like leadership, have we somehow been drawn to, eerily attracted to an authoritarian, totalitarian form of leadership rather than the shepherding-style servant form of leadership modeled by Jesus?

Israel longed for a leader who would cast down their enemies and redeem their place in the world. They were looking for, in their leader, a physical display of strength, of power and of might. I have to ask, do we look for the same in our leaders? In our pastors? 

Have we embraced the wrong kind of leadership in the church? 

People long for pure leadership, an honest and caring shepherd. Servant leadership shines in stark contrast to the leadership of modern American culture, and quite frankly, the leadership of most modern day churches. 

Gene Edwards, in the preface of A Tale of Three Kings, speaks of what I believe we have come to not only embrace, but expect of our leaders, inside and outside of the church:

"I noted some years ago a growing number of letters from Christians devastated by the authoritarian movement that had become so popular with many evangelical groups. A reaction to this totalitarian concept eventually set in. A mass exodus was soon under way. The stories being told by these spiritual fugitives are often terrifying and sometimes unbelievable...I have never seen anything that has damaged so many believers so deeply. The wreckage appears to be universal, and recovery from it is almost nil."

So it was in Jesus' day, as it was in 1980 when Edwards wrote those powerful words, and it continues to be true even still today. Jesus modeled for us the purest and most powerful and effective form of leadership the world has ever known. It is the responsibility of the church to not only study Jesus' methods and model of leadership, but to adopt it and institute it.

The church should be known for its strength, but not the kind of strength that has created this mass exodus.

Jesus said they will know you are my disciples by your love.

Jesus smelled like sheep. His hands and feet were always dirty because of His lifestyle of engaging people, particularly those who were considered the least. He modeled leadership in the form of a humble servant and loving shepherd. He did not lord His power over people, rather, engaged them with a caring, gentle and loving spirit. Jesus met the needs of those to whom He ministered. Out of His deep love and compassion for people, He equipped others to do the work that He was physically unable to do Himself.

The message of Christ continues to this day. His healing and hope continues to bring light and life to a dark and broken world. Jesus modeled strength through servanthood, power through sacrifice. His selfless love, His willingness to be intimate and serve the least, and His enthusiasm for suffering loss for the sake of rescuing even one lost sheep, makes Jesus the perfect model of leadership, standing above all who have come before and whoever will follow.

You're Not Fit to Lead!

You're not fit to lead. There. I said it.

Did you think you ever were fit to lead? Really?

What is it with us who think we have something to offer? What is it with leaders who think that they are where they are because of something that they've done?

You'll have to admit that Paul was a model leader. If anyone could think something of himself, it'd have to be Paul. But listen to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians:

"God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, 'Let the ones who boast, boast in the Lord'" (1 Cor 1:27-31).

I got a message from someone today who was a part of a ministry I led a few years back. Here's what he wrote: 

"It's amazing to see how faithful I was and willing to give then, and where I have fallen now. I'm so sorry I disappointed all of you who put an investment in my faith with your time, energy and prayer."

Disappointed? Is that the message I've been sending? Is that what people think my response will be if they fail to measure up? Judgment? Who am I to judge? I'm not the measuring stick. Far from it, thank God!

What is the message we're sending as leaders? As Christians? Is the message that we've arrived? Is the message that we have it all together, all figured out? Is the message that we are where we are based on something we've done? Is the message one of a snub attitude toward people who don't measure up? And measure up to what? Us?

Look at what Paul says as to why God chose him to lead: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost sinner, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life (1 Timothy 1).

God sent His Son Jesus into the world to extend His mercy, grace and love on failed people. On top of that, the people God chooses to lead in His work, apparently, are the most failed and weak of all. Look back to 1 Corinthians as to what words God uses to describe those He chooses: foolish, weak, low, despised, things that are not... Why? So that none can boast of what we have done, but only of what God has done for us.

So, to the one who is feeling shame and guilt, who has fallen short and feels like you just can't measure up - perhaps you are a lot more like Paul than you think. Perhaps you are a lot more like every other great [insignificant] leader God has chosen to carry out His work! Get up, brush yourself off and breathe in the mercy, grace and love that is specifically for you...

And, to the leaders of the faith, you great [foolish] and mighty [weak] men and women so valiantly [only through the power of the Holy Spirit] carrying out the work of Christ, remember why you've been chosen. Remember Who it is you're working for. Remember Who it is that deserves all of the glory, honor and praise and every ounce of the credit...

A Church Re-Presenting

Groundbreaking research by the Barna Group several years ago revealed that, among 16 to 29-year-olds, the perception of Christianity is anti-homosexual, judgmental, hypocritical, too political, sheltered and proselytizing. Statistically, of the emerging generation of Americans, the percentage of people claiming the Christian faith is a mere 4%. Wondering about the drastic decline we're witnessing in the American church and these overwhelmingly negative perceptions, what should the church look like? How should people perceive us?

I think Jesus was painting a picture of what the church is supposed to look like when he was speaking to his disciples in John 6. Jesus said, 

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." 

What's he saying? He's saying that he came to show people the love and grace of God. And he's painting a picture of the church. The church exists to re-present Jesus to the world, to show people the love and grace of God. Why then, when people look at today's church, do they see judgment and hypocrisy? Abuse of power and arrogance? 

It's easy to say that it's not our problem, but theirs. It's much more difficult to listen to what Jesus says here,

"And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day."

He takes ownership for every single person who looks to him. He understands that the will of his Father is that anyone who looks to him would not be lost. And sure, the church isn't Jesus. But it is his establishment. It represents him. It re-presents him.

So what do we have to do to take on the mindset of Christ and be known for our compassion and love and grace instead of all of this other nonsense?

When Words Fall Short

In a well-meaning attempt to spread the gospel, often we've stockpiled for ourselves an arsenal of information and one-liners to combat anyone and anything that could possibly pose a threat to, or disagree with our core beliefs. What gives then, when two people can't agree. For instance, an atheist and a Christian trying to agree on the creation and purpose of creation for all of mankind. Any evidence provided by either side would be quickly discounted by the other. That's an argument going nowhere fast. Yet, both are loaded, heavily armed with facts and figures to prove their point and convert the other. But there's something terribly wrong with that, particularly on the part of the Christian.

I learned something, something that I actually already knew but hadn't quite yet learned, from a book I'm reading called The God Delusion, written by atheist and scientist Richard Dawkins. In his book, on page 130, he makes the following statement, 

"Believing is not something you can decide to do as a matter of policy. At least, it is not something I can decide to do as an act of will."

And there it is!

He says that in response to a very popular argument made by a man named Blaise Pascal, an argument I've heard used, and have used myself, on many occasions. The argument goes something like this:

However long the odds against God's existence might be, there is an even larger asymmetry in the penalty for guessing wrong. In other words, so what if God isn't real? What do you have to lose if you convert to Christianity, believe heart and soul in Jesus as God, and then find out there is no God? Not much apparently. But, on the other hand, if God is real, and your denial of Jesus as God means you'll be eternally punished for your disbelief, why not just believe?

Thus, Dawkin's honest answer.

Which brings me to the point. It's never been about our facts and figures. It's never been about our eloquence or ability to persuade. It's not about us at all. It's about the Holy Spirit.

It doesn't matter how hard we try or how noble our attempt. It doesn't matter how persuasive our speech. It doesn't matter how impassioned our plea. Without the inner conviction of the Holy Spirit, Dawkins is right. One can not believe as an act of sheer will. That's when persuasion fails and words fall short.

Jesus said in John 14:26, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things..." In other words, it's not our job (completely), but His.

And in John 16, Jesus said, "When he comes, he (the Holy Spirit) will convict the world of guilt in regard to their sin and righteousness and judgment...But when the Spirit of Truth (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will guide into all truth."

That should be welcomed news to us all. When words fall short...

Life-Giving Church

This past week was quite the experience as I, along with 5 other church planters, attended Basic Training with ARC at New Life Church in Little Rock. Until my time spent at New Life, "Life-Giving" was just a trendy, over-used phrase thrown around by the ARC staff and emerging church plants. Was I ever wrong! 

It's amazing how I, along with so many others, even in the midst of planting churches, have become so disillusioned with "church" as to think that "Life-Giving" is more believable as a catchy slogan rather than a genuinely "authentic" descriptor. I suppose, there is always a bit of disillusionment for every entrepreneur. It is, in fact, what makes an entrepreneur entrepreneurial: there's a problem; we've got a solution; there is an urgency. And the problem, or in our case, the reason we feel such urgency to plant "Life-Giving" Churches can be seen in every nook and cranny in culture. We need churches. And more than that, we need "Life-Giving" Churches. Everywhere!

So what is a "Life-Giving" Church? What does it look like? Here are two things that I took away from the Basic Training that I believe must shape our church if we are going to be the "Life-Giving" Church God has called us to be:

1. A Life-Giving Church is Relational
   It's about people. It's about connecting people to God. It's about empowering people to be the church. What's the catch? It takes a secure leader to lead a Life-Giving Church. A Life-Giving Church multiplies. A Life-Giving Church promotes. A Life-Giving Church is relational to the core. Loving people. Empowering People. Promoting People to do the work for which they have been uniquely equipped by God to do.
   
   
2.  A Life-Giving Church is led by the Holy Spirit
   What does it look like to be a Spirit-led church? Is it possible to "do church" without the power and presence and constant leading of the Holy Spirit? I'd say so. Is it also possible to neglect the work and leading of the Holy Spirit by refusing to plan, promote, think creatively, innovate and organize? I'd say so. A Life-Giving Church is Spirit-led, completely reliant on the leading and creative inspiration that only the Holy Spirit can bring. That means, church can be creative and innovative, well-rehearsed and organized, all thanks to the Holy Spirit at work in every step of the process. It also means that church can be not only inspiring but powerful in a way that comes only by way of the Holy Spirit. He is, after all, our only hope, the One who leads all men to God.

A Life-Giving Church gives life. It is people driven and completely reliant on the work and leading of the Holy Spirit. 

And if you want to be a part of the launch of a Life-Giving Church in the Columbus area, we'd love to meet you. Email us and let's connect over coffee, on us!

Any Sheepwalkers Out There?

Imagine this.

You've been hired to do a job. Your boss gives you ideas on how to do your job better. You follow through with 2 out of 3 of those ideas, but after a few months, your boss reminds you of the 1 idea you didn't follow through with. You follow through with that idea too.

In the meantime, you start trying out a few ideas of your own. It seems like some of your ideas haven't quite worked out like you had hoped, but the fact that you tried them at all gives you a bit of a thrill, and you are more resolved than ever to be great at the job you were hired to do. Beyond that, you have a vision beyond just doing your job. You see opportunity to expand and create new processes and find it exhilarating to think about creating change and stepping outside what is now considered normal.

The next time your boss gives you an idea, you wonder if it's really just an idea or more of an expectation. You've tried many of your own original ideas but haven't seen a whole lot of success, so you start to think of more creative ideas. You're getting excited about some of your new and more creative ideas and several people have come along side of you that share in your optimism. You put the latest idea from your boss on the back burner. You want to see if he notices.

He does.

He calls you in for a meeting. Your boss explains to you that he's been around the block a few times. He's happy to know your idea-mill is spinning, but he quickly reminds you that there's a greater system of order to consider. After all, one big idea could wreak havoc on the whole system. And besides, the system has been around for quite a few years. He tells you that he's seen people come and go in your field. He's also experienced the ups and downs and has learned what works and what doesn't work from his experience in managing people in your field. He then reiterates the importance of recognizing that there's a greater system to consider, and anything too much outside of that system could be detrimental to the system that he's managed for so many years. And, of course, it's understood that there are consequences to disrupting the system.

After the meeting, you're sure of one thing: You don't want to rock the boat, or disrupt the system. You've thought about the people your boss referred to, the one's who have come and gone. You haven't been here long, so you decide you'd much rather keep your job than risk it.

You no longer view your boss's ideas as suggestions. It only took a few times being called to his office that you realize his ideas and suggestions are more like expectations. You give him what he asks for, even when you're sure there's a better way. Sometimes, right before you suggest a more creative approach, you pull back and decide not to make your suggestion after all. "It's easier this way", you tell yourself. No rocking the boat! Stay in line. Keep your job.

Have you been there?

I have. More than once.

Are you there now?

Seth Godin, in his book Tribes, says that "Many organizations go out of their way to hire people who color inside the lines, who demonstrate consistency and compliance. And then these organizations give these people jobs where they are managed via fear. Which leads to Sheepwalking."

What is Sheepwalking? Godin defines Sheepwalking as the outcome of hiring people who have been raised to be obedient and giving them just enough responsibility mixed with enough fear to keep them in line.

He continues by asking the question, "What happens when you build an organization that's flat and open and treats employees with respect? What happens when you expect a lot and trust the people you work with? At first, it seems crazy. There's too much overhead, too little predictability, and way too much noise. This isn't the top-down model of the factory, or the king and his court. It's chaos. It's easy to reject."

Can we blame them? It's much more difficult to embrace non-sheep behavior. So, rather than reward it and cherish it when it's seen, leaders will punish it, particularly when non-sheepish behavior happens outside of a leaders' control. When this happens, the Sheepwalkers (leaders) will insist that whatever is happening outside of normal is an exception to the rule and feverishly pull the reins on freedom and trust for the sake of predictability and safety, as well as for the protection and preservation of their own position and power.

But what happens, over and over, when fear is replaced by trust, when the king-on-top and factory-style leadership models are replaced with empowerment and freedom, people do amazing things.

When people are set free and given creative reign and control over their work, great things can happen. Terrible things can happen as well. Trust is a risky business. Holding on to control and maintaining the status quo is a lot safer.

So what gives? Usually, not much.

But what about the people who are sheepwalking? What about the people who feel stuck? What about the people who feel like the more they challenge the status quo and lead for change the greater resistance and overwhelming fear they face?

It's a choice.

What separates leaders from Sheepwalkers is how they respond to fear. Sheepwalkers allow fear to intimidate and seize their momentum. Leaders on the other hand use fear as a catalyst for momentum. It ignites an unquenchable passion of unbridled resolve that pushes them out of what is normal and propels them toward innovation and greatness.

If you're stuck, know this: It's your choice to remain stuck.

There is a whole world waiting for you to lead, to break outside of the status quo. Don't let fear and intimidation hold you back. Don't stay stuck.

Make a difference.
Create change.
Take risks.

Lead.

Anatomy of a Movement

Seth Godin, in his book Tribes, outlines three common elements that define a Movement.

    1. A narrative that tells a story about who we are and the future
        we're trying to build.

    2. A connection between and among the leader and the tribe.

    3. Something to do - the fewer limits, the better.

What I see when I look at those three elements is ministry done right. 

First, Christianity is built on the foundation of the greatest narrator who ever lived (Jesus) inviting us to be a apart of the greatest story the world has ever known. How we take it to the next level and reach people where they are is by connecting that story to the changed lives that make up our tribe. It's not just a story. It's life. The future is made up of imperfect people being spiritually transformed by Jesus.

Second, as Christian leaders, it's time we take off ours masks. Enough pretending already. How many pastors or Christian leaders do you know who could never admit a fault, a struggle, a sin? That's bogus. The way we connect people to the Savior is by authentically living the greatest story ever told from the inside out. Take off the mask. Live by example; not by insinuated perfection. I think Jesus would call it hypocrisy (again). A leader who leads with an authentic vulnerability isn't a sign of weakness but of confident strength. 

Third, we've not only been invited to be a part of the greatest story ever told, but we've been given a critical role. Christianity isn't about attending church and listening to a pastor tell stories from scripture and then waiting a whole week before the process repeats. No. Christianity is about following Christ. Living the story. Being the story. Christianity is about action. Movement. And movements get messy. I've seen this. I've lived it. Rules and limits kill movement. Throw aside boundaries and limitations and engage and enable the tribe to run and move and be and you'll have a movement uncontainable.