lessons (1 of 5)

Here are more personal thoughts about some of the lessons I've learned in the past ten years. Get clarity on your vision, and stick to it. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. When we first started out, we began by meeting the needs we saw around us. Of course there were many, and we quickly found ourselves doing a whole lot. Actually, what we were doing was very little in a whole lot of areas. While this was borne out of compassion, we realized that by spreading ourselves to thinly, we were being neither strategic nor effective. Andy Stanley's book, Visioneering, helped us clearly define exactly what God was calling us to do as a ministry. That meant stopping programs we were running because they were not in line with that vision. It was a difficult but rewarding time of refinement in our ministry. At times, it's still not easy to say "no" to things that seem like they'd be great to be involved in. But knowing we are focusing our time, energy, and resources to accomplish what God's called us to certainly makes it easier.

Everyone should know the vision. Momentum in ministry only occurs when everyone’s clear where you’re headed. This is one we are still actively working on. We try to reinforce our vision and core values as often as we possibly can---as we lead staff meetings, as we talk strategy, as we bring correction. We share it with every team that comes through our ministry; we want them to see how their short-term trip ties in with the overarching vision to train Godly leaders. We also try to consistently convey the vision to our supporters and partners around the world. We've never wanted people to give to us because of an emotional pull; we want them to give because they know, believe in, and support the vision God's given us for reaching Southern Africa.

The right people make all the difference. A strong team multiplies ministry effectiveness. Like most of our lessons, we learned this one the hard way. On the mission field, and probably in any ministry, the needs are so great and there are never enough hands. That urgency and desperation led us to take on anybody and everybody who wanted to come and "do something" in Africa. We've gotten a lot more focused in our process of bringing on staff members; some people think we actually make it "too hard" for people to join our team. While our aim isn't to make it difficult, we want the process to be slow and thorough enough so both sides know clearly that it's truly a God-thing before someone makes a long-term move.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and input on all these. And if any questions pop into your mind, feel free to ask... Also---What lessons are you learning lately?

just to clarify

I recently blogged about some of the lessons I've learned in my first ten years of ministry. A friend asked me to share some of my personal history with those things, and I plan on writing a few posts in response to her comment. But I need to start off by clarifying that when I say "lessons learned" I certainly don't mean "lessons mastered". Every single thing I listed is something I still struggle with in some way or another. I'm often hesitant to share things I've learned because although my sharing always comes from a place of journeying, not of arriving, somehow there is the implication in those words that I've figured it out. Hear me: I haven't.

But the other side of that same coin is that I believe there is value in speaking from a point of brokenness. Being a missionary doesn't make my life unrelatable to yours. I face similar struggles and challenges, and I write from that place, not from the awkward, lofty pedestal people often put missionaries on.

I recently spoke with someone about helping her deal with some issues in her life. I told her, "You need to know that I don't have any training in counseling or any experience in dealing with things like this. But I'm willing to walk that road with you, to figure it out with God's help as we go along." Her response was wonderful. "I think that's actually what I need. I don't want someone just telling me how to fix my life; what I need is someone willing to walk alongside me in this. I think I will get more out of that kind of help than I would from some professional whom I write a check to at the end of our meeting."

Her words seemed to sum up my thoughts on the perspective I have when I write. I'm next to you on the road, not miles ahead simply because I'm a missionary.

I've discovered that the expectations I often feel from others are ones that many place on anyone in ministry. Yes, we are to "practice what we preach", "walk the talk", and not tell others to do what we ourselves aren't doing. But---and this is a big but---if we expect people to only share what they've mastered, there would be much silence in this world. We will never arrive. Never. Expecting that of anyone, especially those in ministry, only adds undue pressure and burden to their lives.

Remember the humanity of the missionaries, pastors, and leaders you know. Just like yours, our lives are filled with more grit than glory. And since I'm trying to develop more authenticity and transparency in my life, that means the more you get to know me, the more grit you'll see. While that thought makes me cringe, deep down I know it's a good thing.

four-minute friday: cereal

Go. I really enjoy a good bowl of cereal. And I eat a lot of it, but usually not for breakfast. It's my favorite after-dinner, late-night snack. If I'm still up at 2 AM, cereal's what I'm heading to the kitchen for.

Sometimes it seems like the perfect comfort food. Some people go for ice cream or chocolate, or even mac-n-cheese. Cereal does the trick for me. Don't underestimate the healing, soothing power of All Bran Honey Nut Crunch.

The only downside of my cereal-eatage is that I devour it ridiculously fast. In general, I'm a way-too-fast eater as it is. But I have an overwhelming need to eat cereal at an ungodly fast pace. I cannot stand when it gets soggy, so I tend to eat it as fast as I possibly can.

I just had a bowl of cereal-yumminess for lunch. And as I sat here trying to think of what to four-minute-friday about, I figured it was as good a time as ever to come out of the closet about my fast-paced love for eating cereal.

Done.

easier

I heard this the other day, and it's been running laps around my brain ever since:

"Sometimes it's easier to feel guilty than forgiven."

Sadly, that is all-too-often true in my own life. It seems easier to cling to my mistakes, my shortcomings, my depravity than it is to embrace the forgiveness and freedom that He has for me. Effort is required to make that exchange, and---honestly---sometimes I'd just rather not put in the effort. How pathetic is that? Especially since He already did the hard part.

God's power has no effect in my life if I don't choose to receive it and rely on it. That means not necessarily doing what is easier, but what is better. I don't want to nullify His power because of my apathy, laziness, or ignorance. Today I'm choosing to pull myself up by my imaginary bootstraps and embrace what God has already provided for me. Easier or not.

four-minute friday: dressed up

Go.

Last Friday night, Niel and I got dolled up and went to a cocktail reception at the Consul-General's palatial house. I dread those types of things (mingling with strangers?! mmm... no thanks), but ended up really enjoying it. I actually felt pretty all dressed up, rather than uncomfortable and self-conscious.

We connected with some great people and stood around talking while servers kept coming over with yummy appetizers on trays. Can't ever go wrong with tasty treats. Gimme food in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other, and I can tackle just about any social situation.

But my favorite part of the whole evening? The napkins.

Done.