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Last night I had a blast with some of our leaders for the youth team. We got away from the church and just spent some time having fellowship. One thing I noticed was that none of the conversations really revolved around LifeChurch.TV. Usually that’s all people talk about when we get together, but this was different. I got to hear about people’s families. I learned new things about many people, and I really got to experience their personalities.

Robert Orben said, “If you can laugh together, you can work together.” I think this is truly a crucial element of good leadership. Providing opportunities for people to step away from work and have a good time brings out their true colors. Find ways for your team to have fun. I believe a team should look forward to coming together, because they know this is a group of people with whom they have a good time. Ministry should be fun. Work should be fun. Leadership is fun. Life should be fun. As a leader make sure you are finding ways for your team to have a good time together, because if they can laugh together, they can work together.

Our staff recently discussed a book by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Father Nouwen taught at Yale, Notre Dame, and Harvard. So, you could say that he had a few accomplishments in his lifetime. However, he eventually moved to Daybreak, one of the L’Arche communities for mentally handicapped people, where he worked and lived with those who had developmental disabilities. His words struck me, and I think he so simply and eloquently sums up one of the most important leadership principles for anyone in both the spiritual and secular arenas.

“But I am also  getting in touch with the mystery that leadership, for a large part, means to be led.  I discover that I am learning many new things, not just about the pains and struggles of wounded people, but also about their unique gifts and graces. They teach me about joy and peace, love and care and prayer-what I could never have learned in any academy.”

Leadership, for a large part means to be led. What an outstanding viewpoint. Nouwen was open to learn from the community in which he lived. Even though he had taught at Ivy League institutions he viewed each day as an opportunity for learning. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you hit your leadership ceiling. There is no way to move forward when you feel you have reached the end of the road. Always be teachable, always know there is something more to learn, and you will find that your potential will always advance.

I had a pretty interesting encounter yesterday. My wife and I purchased some new furniture about a month ago and half of it was delivered on time, as for the rest of it… well that lead to an interesting encounter. We decided it was best to go to the store to further inquire about our missing furniture. We were informed that those items wouldn’t be available for at least another month.

Those of you who know me know that I am probably one of earths most easy-going people. That is, unless you tick me off (JaysonJohn.com does not in anyway endorse losing your cool in a crowded store, frankly I probably looked like a fool and ruined some teenagers day, see “In the Name of Jesus” )

The thing that struck me was that none of the people who dealt with me directly was responsible for my frustration. We tried to go and find another piece to switch with what we had bought, but they had nothing in stock. We found one that we liked, but they were only willing to pay a certain amount over what we paid in the first place. They had one available but it was ugly. On and on sales reps tried to help us, but nothing worked out. Again, none of it was their fault, but they were the ones dealing with our frustration.

As leaders we have a responsibility to those people who have chosen to work with us to provide everything they could possibly need. I imagine the frustration of these employees with their employers as they tried so hard to do their job, but can’t simply because nothing is in stock.

In any situation, as a leader do everything you can to ensure that your people lack nothing. Provide every recourse that gives additional knowledge in their field. Find conferences and events where they can learn new things and network with others who are doing different things. Provide an environment of constant learning. Most of all, ensure that they have the basic necessities to accomplish their goals.

Your people will be around much longer, and they will do much better. This was certainly a lesson I needed to learn.In case you’re wondering, yes we did get the hookup on some different furniture and it will be delivered today (free of charge). If you want some lessons in the art of bargaining, go shopping with an Indian.

My first car was a 93 Toyota Camry (not camera) named Shandamma. Here she makes her big screen debut. If you’re in the Yukon, Oklahoma area this weekend come check out the car show after each of the 4 services on Sunday and catch the last week of this great series, At the Movies.

One thing I remember from my trip to India is our day of shopping. Those of you who are Indian totally understand what I mean when I say that there are days devoted to nothing but shopping when you visit India. (Especially when you go there with women, wives, sisters, moms, grandmas….it’s all the same. They get to India and all of a sudden it’s confessions of a shop-a-holic.)

On one such day during my trip I went to a ton of stores. Every Hindu and Muslim we met treated us with the utmost respect. They took great care of us and were so kind and courteous. At the end of the day I figured it would be nice to pick up some books from the Christian book store for my dad. Of course, the only place all day where anyone was rude to us had to be the Christian book store. As we walked out my wife (who I think will show up in a lot of blog posts from now on) asked, “What was the guys name who helped…uh, didn’t help you?” I had no idea what his name was, the only thing I knew was that he was a Christian.

Often, unbelievers know what we believe, or more importantly, in whom we believe. People may not remember your name, what you do, or where you’re from. But, if you claim to be a Christ follower you better believe that they will remember that. There is an African Proverb that states, “When deeds speak, words mean nothing.” Christ called us to a commitment. We are called to walk a narrow path, the one that many do not choose.

Remember, you always represent Christ. You can invite people to church all day. You can even share the gospel with a person everyday, but you must know they are watching the kind of  person you truly are. May your words, thoughts, and actions reflect His character.

“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” – Mohandas Gandhi

Alright, so Christian Atheist came out a long long long time ago. I got out of the habit of blogging while getting ready for my wedding, and once out of the habit it was a done deal. I’m hoping to get back in the habit with this post explaining myself. I feel like I haven’t turned in my homework for 3 months, and everyone of you who reads this blog are like my angry teachers shaking your heads in disappointment. For now, here are some pics from my honeymoon in India.

My boss also happens to be my pastor, and he’s got a great book that came out this week. Pick it up at major bookstores or buy it on Amazon.com.

This video has almost 9 million views since March 1 (19 days ago at the time I’m posting it) so most of you have probably seen it. It was shot in one take and I think it’s absolutely insane!

When we talk about how culture is changing and how things are so different today(see yesterday’s post) some people tend to get a little worried. Take heart in knowing the victory has been won. Remember, Christ said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.” Martin Luther wrote this hymn around 1527, but the words ring true today and forever.

A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God’s truth abideth still;

His kingdom is forever!

Our culture has changed so much, even during my lifetime. I was thinking through schedules and extracurricular activities yesterday at local schools and noticed how things were much different from when I was in Jr. high and high school. Ten years ago there were rarely school activities on Wednesday evenings, and leagues didn’t play often on Sunday mornings. Even though no one came out and said it, those were known as church times. Nobody wanted to compete with that.

This generation is facing a very different culture. There are many things that are competing for their commitment and attention. Church is certainly not off-limits anymore.

I believe it’s crucial now more than ever that parents understand that they are called to raise children who love the Lord with all their heart soul and strength according to God’s word. The Bible does not talk about raising well-rounded children. Though it’s good for kids to be involved in activities don’t forget what parents are commanded to do in scripture.

It’s also time for the local church to understand that we must present an option in which students find value. They want to grow, in leadership, spiritually,and  in relationship. I believe they also desire truth which brings about progress in these areas.

We must understand that the culture has shifted, and we must shift to meet it head on.