Thanksgiving, Managers Vs. Leaders

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We, along with the Osborn's, always host people who are far away from their families. And in Utah, that can be a long list! We've had as many as 44, although this year we only had 21.

The Hogs vs. LSU was a great game! For some reason LSU just has our number. Two bright spots: Darren McFadden & Felix Jones both had monster games (should make McFadden #2 in the Heisman voting) and we are still in the SEC Championship game with Florida. Arkansas has yet to win an SEC championship, so this could be the first!

Been reading "You Don't Need a Title To Be A Leader" by Mark Sandborn. I love his discussion of leaders versus managers:

Managers have employees. Leaders win followers
Managers react to change. Leaders create change
Mangagers have good ideas. Leaders implement them
Managers communicate. Leaders persuade.
Managers direct groups. Leaders create teams.
Managers take credit. Leaders take responsibility.

Another list is the difference between "others" and leaders:

Others tell. Leaders sell
Others impress. Leaders influence.
Others try to be heard. Leaders strive to be understood.
Others explain. Leaders energize.
Others inform. Leaders inspire.
Others relay only facts. Leaders tell stories.

Seems to me that, in the church anyway, we have more "managers" than leaders. The church today needs leadership!!! The church needs bold faithfilled leaders who are sold out to bringing in the reality of the kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Does your church have honest to goodness leaders? Are YOU a leader or a manager?

A Heisman? Headed to Atlanta?

Its good to see Darren McFadden, running back for the Arkansas Razorbacks, climbing the Heisman list. A Razorback has never won the Heisman. Right now, I believe that McFadden is third in the straw voting.

The Razorbacks look like a strong canditate for a BCS bowl, possibly in the Sugar Bowl. Gotta take care of business in Starkville, then face a tough game with LSU in the Rock (Little Rock). As they say, there is a lot of football left. We should beat Miss State and be the West Division Champs of the SEC! That would mean a date with Florida in Atlanta. I think Florida is beatable. LSU may be the toughest game of the three.

Is it possible that we could be in the national championship game? I don't think its impossible.

It is a great time to be a Razorback!

WPS! (Wooooooooo Pig Soooie!)

The Nativity Story

Just saw a screening of the upcoming movie "The Nativity Story". I went to the movie very skeptical; had my guard up. This is the first "Christian" movie to be produced and marketed by a major studio. Would they follow the text? While not completly faithful to the text. For example, they have the Magi coming to see the Messiah before his is born when Matthew clearly states, 'After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem . . ." However, having said that, you will enjoy the movie very much. Much of the story is faithful to the text.

It is very well done. The acting is excellent. Keisha Castle-Hughes does a beautiful job of portraying a strong, believable Mary. The scenery is breath taking.I had goose bumps in the birth scene.

An absolutely stunning and faith moving film. Invite a neighbor or co-worker to see it with you. Discuss the differences in the movie and the Bible.

Five stars!

God Hears Sermons!

More on Ted Haggard . . . . I gathered today with my monthly pastor's group. Greg Johnson played the CD of the Haggard's last sermon at New Life Church. Since they preach through the Bible verse by verse, Haggard , as fate would have it, was preaching on Saul being dethroned because of his sin. Haggard says, "God will dethrone you... he still loves you as a person, but he will take away your position."

God does listen to our sermons!! Now we can add a verse to our VBS song. "Be careful little preacher, what you preach. Be careful little preacher what you preach. There's a Father up above, and He' s looking down in love, so be careful little preacher what you preach."

We had a powerful time of prayer lifting up Ted Haggard, his family, the New Life Church, and all those who are now discouraged from pursuing a life with Christ.

Remember, Jesus reinstated Peter after a huge blunder. He could do it again. Are you okay with that?

Be Careful Little Mouth

Remember the old song (we sang at VBS) that went something like, "Be careful little mouth what you say, Be careful little mouth what you say. There's a Father up above; looking down in love, so be careful little mouth what you say." Good song.

There is another saying - be careful what you pray for; you just might get it.

The Sunday before the story of Ted Haggard's story broke, before his sermon, Haggard prayed this prayer from his pulpit at New Life Chruch, "Lord, we are a week before the election. Would you expose all the lies and deception." (The sermon has been pulled from their web site). When I read that, a chill went down my spine. Haggard had also written a book for his daughters a few years ago in which he wrote a chapter about living a life free of secrets. Again - we would all be better off if we lived out the advice we give others!

I also read his letter of repentance. Someone asked the question if he was sincere. Who are we to judge that? Some have said that it's a mega church thing. Don't think so - I know of ministers in small churches who have the same kind of struggles. So, that's not it.

Haggard said that he was not accountable to anyone for the last few years. There's the problem! I don't know about you - but I can rationalize anything left to myself. That is why I've been in a pastor's accountability group the last six or seven years. We all need to be accountable to someone.

Who are you accountable to? I mean, getting below the waterline accountability? After all, aren't we called to confess our sins one to another? When was the last time to had a heart to heart with someone about your "stuff"?

Well, it's a great question. Who are you accountable to?

Be careful little hands what you do . . . . .

Subscriptions

Right now I only subscribe to two periodicals - Leadership and Discipleship Journal. Ever now and then I pick up a copy of "Pray!" when I in the local Christian book store. Well, I guess I could also count "Christian Chronicle" as one I receive.

Here's my question: What magazines do you recommend? Have any that help you, encourage you, feed you, challenge you? Now is the time to renew or cancel. Maybe its time to add a new magazine to my list? BTW - I can read Christianity Today at the library, so I don't "pay" to read it.

As you can tell by reading this blog, most of my reading is now outside the "brotherhood" of churches of Christ. Any "c of C" books that anyone can recommend? Best non "c of C" book you've read lately? (Right now I'm reading "Doing Church as a Team" by Wayne Corderio).

I've found the best books are recommended by a friends. Pass on yours!