Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The Top 30 Christian Leaders You Need To Follow On Twitter

The Top 30 Christian Leaders You Need To Follow On Twitter Part 2

June 30, 2013

15 Comments

Earlier this year, I posted The Top 20 Christian Blogs Leaders Need To Be Reading In 2012 and The Top 25 Christian Leaders You Should Follow On Twitter In 2012 Part 1. These posts became incredible resources for readers.
When speaking with Scott Williams last year, he advised me to do another list mid-year with new names. Because of his website www.BigIsTheNewSmall.com and extensive church consulting work, Scott is one of Christianity’s leading experts on social media. I have great respect for his opinion.
Therefore, following Scott’s advice, the following is Part 2 of The Top 30 Christian Leaders You Need To Follow On Twitter In 2013. Make sure you check out the two previous lists for additional names you need to know.

@KayArthur – I have met many Christian leaders in my life. The only person who ever intimidated me was the Founder of Precept Ministries. I’ve never met anyone who loves God and His Word more than Kay.
@SarahBessey – Hailing from Canada, Sarah is a Jesus lover, writer, blogger, Christian feminist, unrepentant hashtag abuser, joyful subversive, and recovering know-it-all.
@JeffBrodie – The Executive Director at Connexus Community Church has recently jumped head first into blogging. Trust me, his Twitter and blog posts contain can’t miss content.
@Chris_Broussard - In addition to covering the NBA for ESPN, Broussard gained national prominence for his Christian stand on marriage.
@CatalystLeader – Led by Brad Lomenick, Catalyst is the highly-influential convergence of next generation Christian leaders.
@ChristineCaine - As director of Equip and Empower Ministries, Christine is an avid believer in the hope-giving power of the local church and is passionate about the responsibility of the church to rise up and make a difference in the lives of hurting people around the world. She and her husband Nick are the founders of The A21 Campaign, an anti-human trafficking organization with the ambition of abolishing slavery in the 21st century.
@MattChandler74 – Matt is a self-described “grace addict”, husband to @laurenchandler, father of three, and Lead Pastor of The Village Church.
@PhilCooke – Through his company, http://cookepictures.com, Phil helps churches and nonprofits not suck at the media.
@PastorMark – Pastor Mark Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, and is one of the world’s most downloaded and quoted pastors. His audience, fans and critics alike, spans the theological and cultural left and right. He was named one of the 25 most influential pastors of the past 25 years by Preaching magazine in 2010.
@EricEchols - Eric serves as Pastor of Ministries at Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, GA and is one the most generous RTers on the internet.
@NaeemFazal – Naeem is Pakistani born, former Muslim who now pastors Mosaic Church in Huntersville, NC.
@StevenFurtick – Pastor Steven is the sensational pastor of Elevation Church and author of Sun Stand Still and GREATER.
@CraigGroeschel – For those of you who need an introduction, Craig is the sensational pastor of LifeChurch.tv.
@Brandon and @JenHatmaker – In addition to being tremendous authors, Brandon and Jen have planted Barefoot Church, a missional community located in Austin, TX.
@BrianCHouston – Brian pastors an Australian church called Hillsong. He is pretty passionate about his family, the Church, and helping people any way he can!
@MarkCHowell - Mark is Small Group Specialist at LifeWay as well as being on staff at Canyon Ridge Christian Church.
@JohnnyMHunt – Pastor Johnny is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock (GA) and former President of the Southern Baptist Convention.
@RobKetterling – Rob is one of my favorites. As the Lead Pastor of Lead Pastor of @river_valley_mn, Rob is just a Christ follower who wants to get to heaven and hear God say, “You overachieved! Well done!”
@Dhati – Dhait Lewis is the Lead Pastor of Blueprint Church and President of the Rebuild Initiative which helps plants theologically-sound churches in an urban context.
@PastorEMase - Dr. Mason is co-founder and lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, PA. In addition, to his role at Epiphany Fellowship he serves as President of Thriving. A ministry dedicated to aiding ethnic minorities to be resourced and trained for ministry to the urban context.
@MilesMcPherson – Miles is the wonderful pastor of The Rock Church in San Diego. He is also the President and founder of Miles Ahead, an outreach ministry focused on sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with teens and adults all over the world.
@Manny_Ohonme – Manny is the best-selling author of Sole Purpose and Founder & CEO of Samaritan’s Feet. You can join Manny in helping 10 million children around the globe receive 10 million pairs of shoes.
@MBrianOrme - Brian heads up what I feel is the best resource for Christian leaders on the internet www.ChurchLeaders.com.
@WondHerFul – Heather Polacios serves at Church By The Glades and is one of the most inspirational people on Twitter.
@LeadershipFreak – Dan Rockwell has a dream for when people see him they think that guy made my life better.
@TimAStevens – In addition to be an incredible church consultant, Tim has been on staff for more than 17 years with Granger Community Church. He has had the privilege of watching the church grow from a congregation of 350 meeting in a movie theater–to a world-impact ministry reaching more than 6,000 locally and tens of thousands around the world.
@CharlesStone – Charles help pastors, churches & ministries get UNSTUCK by applying neuroscience insight to spiritual leadership.
@RickWarren – Rick provides arguably the best content available on Twitter. For instance, the following is his latest tweet at the time of this writing – “Many wants Jesus to be a great teacher. Fewer want him to be who he claimed to be. Fewest want him as Lord over their lives”
@Lori_Wilhite – Lori is the Founder of @leadinglovingit while also serving God @centralonline with husband @JudWilhite.
@PWilson – Pete Wilson is the senior pastor of Crosspointe Church in Nashville and the author of the popular website Without Wax.

Because of God’s greatness no list can ever be fully-complete with all the people He is working through. Who else would you add to this list?

8 Tips For Pastors Wanting To Grow A Great Church

July 2, 2013

1 Comment

The church can learn much from the business community about growing a great organization. Just to be clear, the church is not an organization, but rather an organism. However, the principles of growth are certainly transferable.
In the July/August edition of Inc. magazine, eight highly successful entrepreneurs shared how they built great companies. The applications to the church are profound.

Optimism and a Positive Focus - Pastors are church leaders of growing churches are optimists. Bert Jacobs, Co-Founder and “Chief Executive Optimist” of Life Is Good, says “Life Is Good focuses on what’s right in the world.”
Delightful Experiences – When is the last time someone described their experience at your church as “delightful”? People have enough hassle in life. They certainly do not need it at church. Cynthia Rowley, Founder of Cynthia Rowley, Inc, says, “The more people shop online, the more a brick-and-mortar shopping experience has to be something delightful.”
Continually Innovate – The needs of those in your community and church are constantly changing. Your ministry should as well. Jack Dangermond, Co-Founder of ESRI, says, “We concentrate on what our customers want…Customers notice that we are actually here to support them. And their needs help us innovate. We spend about a quarter of our annual revenue on innovation.” Pastors and church leaders, how much of your time, energy, and resources are focused on innovating for the purpose of better reaching your community?
Maximize Opportunity – For many unchurched people who finally visit a local church, they will only get one chance to impress them. Naomi Whittel, Founder of Reserveage Organics, had one chance to make a great first impression when she debuted on QVC. She said, “The pressure was intense. When yo go on, you have one shot – you either make it or you don’t.”
Have A Sense Of Humor – Alexa Von Tobel, CEO of LEARNVEST, learned much about leadership from meeting her idol Richard Branson. She said, “Something cool about meeting him was how playful he is. As a young entrepreneur, I’m always learning what kind of leader I want to be. Here was someone who had accomplished so much. And he wasn’t intimidating. He was hilarious.”
Make Hard Choices – After laying off 24 of his 66 employees, Ben Huh, Founder of Cheeseburger, noted, “When faced with a problem, you want to run in the other direction…I have to do what’s best for the company.” Pastors and church leaders, are you willing to make the hard choices and do what is best for your church?
Recognize Touch Points – When Andrew Berlin purchased the South Bend Silver Hawks Single-A baseball team, fans considered the experience of attending a game as a dismal experience. He immediately identified 36 touch points from the moment you arrive at the game until the time you leave. He improved each touch point. Attendance is now booming and people love attending games. How many touch points do people have from the time they arrive in the church parking until the time they leave your campus? Are you prepared to improve each one?
Relentless Commitment To Vision – Early on, David Tran, Founder of Huy Fong Foods, had many people telling him to change the recipes of his food. He says, “When running a business, people always have advice. An early customer told me the sauce was too hot, that I should change it. I refused.” He goes on to add, “People have told me, too, that I should make different flavored sauces, like a spicy ketchup. I said no. It’s best to keep it simple.” Pastors, can you relate?

Optimism, Delightful Experiences, Continually Innovate, Maximize Opportunity, Have A Sense Of Humor but also Make The Hard Choices, Recognize Touch Points, and have a Relentless Commitment To Vision. If you do these eight things, you will better position yourself to have a growing, healthy organism.

Friday, June 28, 2013

4 Things Pastors And Church Leaders Do To Successfully Navigate Change

June 26, 2013

0 Comments

No one likes change but a baby. Change takes us out of our comfort zone. It causes us to stretch and grow. Change creates environments that are unpredictable. And few things resist change more than local churches.
However, successful pastors and church leaders know the methods churches use must constantly change. So how do we successfully navigate people during necessary changing times?
For the best resource I have read on churches needing to change, read 40 Leadership Quotes From Leading Change Without Losing It.
Also, Lisa Bettany, former figure skater and co-creator of the Camera+ app, was interviewed in the July/August edition of Fast Company magazine. As Lisa discussed the app’s development, it became clear she was an expert on the subject of change.
The following are four lessons we learn about change from Lisa’s interview. When Lisa says “app”, you think “church”.

Keep Things Simple – As pastors and church leaders, we often have a default mode of complexity. Change should bring simplicity to ministry rather than complexity. Lisa says, “As a photographer, you think you need lots of knobs and endless things to adjust each image. But we realized people just want to capture moments and share them.”
Meet The Needs Of Others – Christian leaders’ primary motivations for change should always be to reach more people for Christ and better meet the needs of those they serve. What are the issues they are dealing with? What are their concerns? What questions are they asking? Lisa said, “If you want to break through, think about what people need.”
Create Things That Are New And Improved – Your community probably doesn’t need another church. It most likely needs a different type or BETTER church. Lisa goes on, “If you’re creating a utility tool, then it has to either push the boundaries of what other apps are doing or introduce something brand new. Or it’s something that’s just better than everything else.”
Deliver Ministry With Ruthless Excellence – Pastors and church leaders must be ruthless about delivering ministry with excellence. Visitors no longer accept sub par performance in any area of their lives, especially church. Lisa concludes, “Create something that works – and works without bugs.” As Camera+ was developing its app, Lisa discovered “it looked cool, like an actual camera, but that extra step (intermediate screen) annoyed people.”

Keep Things Simple, Meet The Needs Of Others By Creating Things That Are New And Improved, and then Deliver Ministry With Ruthless Excellence.

28 Things To Look For When Acquiring Top Talent

June 27, 2013

0 Comments

Are you hoping to hire top talent for your church or organization? Is your organization looking to go to the next level? Are there problems that you are hoping to find solutions for?
The solution to any problem is a person. The reason is because the only thing that appreciates is people. As a result, churches and organizations know few things are as vital to future success as the acquisition of top talent.
That is why I am so excited to bring you these leadership lessons from the 2013 NBA Draft on acquiring top talent.
Before you read the following, you should also visit the leadership lessons from April’s NFL Draft. Click here for 32 Things Organizations Look For When Selecting A Leader.

Greatness - “If there is greatness in you, now is the time to find it.” – Magic Johnson
Overcoming Adversity – “For the top half of the draft it’s about overcoming adversity.” – Jalen Rose
Talent – “He is the most talented player in this draft. Now there are questions about his assertiveness.” – Jay Bilas on Ben McLemore
Relentless/Finds A Way – “He is the kind of player you can go to war with.” – Bill Simmons on Victor Oladipo
Helps Build Your Identity – “The draft is about finding players to help Orlando find a new identity.” – Orlando Magic GM Rob Hennigan
Makes An Impact – “There are no impact players in this draft but we are looking for a player who can make an immediate impact. We are also looking for someone to compliment John Wall.” – Washington Wizards GM Ernie Grunfield
Success – “Oladipo is the one player in this draft who will not fail.” – Bilas
Long-Term Potential – “The next 10 years matter, not the next 10 weeks.” – ESPN analyst Tom Penn
Size Matters – “You cannot have enough active big guys.” – Rose
Options – “If Oklahoma City would have kept James Hardin they could have made a run at the title and then traded the Godfather for the first pick.” – Simmons
Patience – “He’s still young. Give him time to develop and he is the most talented player in the draft.” – Bilas on McLemore
Partnerships – “Whose going to be your partner in a bad draft?” – Bilas
Trust Your Preparation – “I thought it was a bizarre pick.” – Simmons on Cleveland’s pick of Anthony Bennett as the #1 pick in the draft.
Hard Work – “Victor Oladipo is a worker.” – Bilas
Improves Culture – “He (Oladipo) improves their culture right away. It will be a culture of work. He will shame his teammates into working harder.” – Bilas
Willing To Improve – “All young players need to improve.” – Rose
Versatility – “Otto Porter Jr. is the most versatile person in this draft…He is the most complete player at both ends of the court.” – Bilas
Low Maintenance – “He is not only low-maintenance. He is no maintenance.” – Bilas
Self-Confidence – “2nd and 3rd pick in the draft were not in the Top 100 high school players as Juniors.” – Bilas
Familiarity – “People start looking for reasons to not like people they continually see. They get bored.” – Simmons
Luck – Nerlens Noels falling to New Orleans at the 7th pick to pair with Anthony Davis is a tremendous blessing for this franchise.
Personality – “The only question about him is his personality.” – Bilas on McLemore
Willing To Earn Respect – “Veterans will never call him all of that. Get ready to be called KC.” – Rose on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Proper Fit – “It’s not who picks you but are you going to get to play your game.” – Rose
Prudence - “New GMs don’t usually swing for the fences.” – Simmons
Appreciation – “I’m surprised the 76ers would give up on Jrue Holiday like that. An All-Star point guard.” – Rose
Alpha Male - “Point guard is an alpha-dog position and I’m not sure he’s an alpha-dog.” – Simmons on Michael Carter-Williams
Do What It Takes To Acquire Top Talent – “Houston and Dallas are in an arms race to get Dwight Howard.” – Simmons

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

7 Reasons You Are Not Attracting Or Retaining Leaders

June 24, 2013

0 Comments

5 Turkeys Huddled Together

“Turkeys travel in packs. You have to find eagles one at a time.” – John Maxwell
Earlier today I was driving to the office and noticed five turkeys along the road huddled together. I pulled over and took the above picture to illustrate a leadership truth. It is difficult to attract and retain leaders. John is right when he says you find them one at a time. On the other hand, it is easy to find turkeys. They are everywhere.
As a leader, you are either an eagle magnet or a turkey magnet. Let me explain.
If you are having difficulty attracting or retaining leaders, the problem may be found in one or more of the following seven reasons:

Lack Of Vision – Leaders are attracted to vision. More specifically, they are attracted to BIG vision. For a leader to leave where they are and follow you, you must point them to a brighter tomorrow.
Lack Of Accomplishment – Leaders, by definition, are going somewhere and doing something. They will not be reduced to a level of mediocrity by environments of maintenance.
Lack Of Generosity – Yes, financial compensation is very important. Leaders have options so don’t be cheap. However, organizational generosity is important as well. Are you serving the poor? Are you involved in your community? Do you treat those on your team generously? Does your church or organization have a culture of generosity?
Lack Of Effort – Leaders are in high demand. You must make the effort to go and get them. They are not just going to show up at your door. More importantly, you must work even harder to keep them.
Lack Of Gratefulness – Excellence can seem average when it is all you have. Do not take your leaders and high performers for granted. Someone else is always telling them they look pretty.
Lack Of Trust – Leaders will not follow those who have a history of broken promises.
Lack Of Opportunity – Leaders want to lead. They want to leave their mark, create, risk, mobilize people and resources, and take the organization to a higher level. What is interesting is that opportunity finds leaders. Make sure you have opportunities for the leaders within your church or organization.
Lack Of Relationships – Leaders want to accomplish great things in the context of community. Leaders want to advance mission and vision with people they like.
Lack Of Proven History – Leaders are pioneers and risk-takers, but they also like predictable environments. Team president Pat Riley being a proven winner was a primary reason why LeBron James went to the Miami Heat. If a leader lacks the confidence you can take them, the church, or the organization to the next level, they will seek greener pastures elsewhere. Think of it this way – on a scale of 1 to 10, a 9 leader will only work for a 6 leader or organization for so long.
Lack Of Emotional Health – Leaders with options will not thrust themselves into dysfunctional environments.

So, are you an eagle magnet or a turkey magnet? If you are surrounded by turkeys, do you have the courage to make the necessary changes needed to begin attracting eagles?

Monday, June 24, 2013

10 Lessons On Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders

June 23, 2013

0 Comments

Greenhouse

Fellowship Bible Church has a Sunday evening ministry it calls Greenhouse. This ministry was created by our Pastor of Worship and Arts Tim Beard. Greenhouse places special emphasis on developing leaders and ministry to “Go And Grow”.
This ministry provides the perfect incubator for the next generation of Christian leaders to improve their platform skills, work on their craft, develop their gifts, make mistakes, and allow God to grow their ministry before launching them to their next assignment, hopefully a much larger platform or church plant.
Tim affectionately refers to the incredibly talented worship band and vocalists as “The Minions”. These college-age artists have embraced this term as has our entire church. Tonight, The Minions recorded their first live worship cd. See the picture above.
As I experienced the worship set and spoke with Tim afterwards, I gleaned 10 Lessons On Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders. I am glad to share them with you.

The Most Important Thing In Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders Is To Point Them To God – Tim opened the evening by telling all in attendance that this was not about a cd but rather to place our focus on God.
Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders Takes Intentionality - Next Generation Ministry must be a primary focus. Tim has dedicated the majority of his last year of ministry to developing Greenhouse and the Minions.
To Invest In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders You Must Be In It For The Long Haul – Young Christian leaders are developed in crock pots, not microwaves. They also have a deep desire for authentic, long-lasting relationships.
Allow For Mistakes When Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders - Young Christian leaders make plenty of mistakes. I certainly did (and still do). It takes people like Tim who stay with them through the good-and-bad to one day proudly watch God do great things through their lives.
Teach The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders About Structure And Orderliness – Between songs the musicians would all tune their instruments. Tim said, “God likes things in tune.” That statement is true with our lives as well.
Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders Takes A Team – It takes a churchwide commitment to serving the next generation. Tim is also helped by a number of talented people including Dennis and Verna Law.
Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders Requires You To Help Make Their Dreams Come True – I have been moved over the last year watching Tim create multiple opportunities for the Minions to meet other artists and perform.
Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders Requires Financial Investment – It was announced that this Wednesday evening one of the young ladies will be doing a benefit concert to help pay for her college. The entire team of Minions and others are donating their time and efforts to help her put on this fundraiser. They are attached to her heart.
Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders Requires Hard Work – Tim and The Minions have put in countless hours to be able to minister with the excellence they do.
Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders Requires You One Day Giving Up Your Spot – Tim said, “Our staff is always trying to replace themselves.” For all of us in Christian leadership, there will come a day that we must step aside and allow the next generation to take the baton. Have you prepared for that day?

When I read this list of 10 Lessons On Investing In The Next Generation Of Christian Leaders, few people do it as well as Tim Beard.
Thank you Tim. Oh yeah, there is a young girl in high school named Anna who might make a good Minion one day! I’m just saying…

Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Top 10 Leadership Posts I Read The Week Of June 17th

June 22, 2013

0 Comments

The following are the Top 10 Leadership Posts I Read The Week Of June 17th. This is a great collection of practical tips and ideas that will make any Christian leader better.
Check them out and tell me what you think.

Four Rewards Of Becoming A Competent Leader by Dan Black
The Seasons Of Leadership by Jenni Catron
The 4 Ways Of Exceptionally Creative Leaders by Charles Day at www.Fastcompany.com
5 Godly Ways To Be A Good Dad by Mark Driscoll
7 Things that Keep a Pastor from Leading Well by Ron Edmondson
Steve Gleason On His Life With ALS by Peter King
11 Leadership Lessons From Jazz Musicians by Josh Linkner at www.Inc.com
5 Transitions Great Leaders Make That Average Leaders Don’t by Mike Myatt
5 Signs You Lack Integrity by Carey Nieuwhof
Tornado = Boots On The Ground by Lyn Smith

That is my Top 10 for the week. What other great posts did you read?