Tag: Christian Leadership

How are Your “Systems”?

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photo credit: Paul Ealing 2011 DSCN8039c The Blue Planet Orchestra. Cadogan Hall. 1st July 2017 via photopin (license)

According to a popular story, a great orchestra gathered to rehearse with the celebrated conductor Sir Michael Costa. As the music reached a crescendo, every instrument played—except for one. Distracted, the piccolo player had momentarily lost his place on the page of music. He hoped his instrument wouldn’t be missed. Suddenly, Costa brought down his arm and silenced the orchestra. “Where’s the piccolo?” he inquired. To a skilled conductor—just like a skilled leader—every part of the system is crucial—even those that may seem less important.

For Week 44 of 2014, the NIV Leadership Bible focuses on the leadership skill of Systems Thinking. Examples of systems come from the Old Testament hero Jonah, the Church (Christ’s Body), and Jesus’ example of the Vine & Branches.

Click here to continue.

Patience: The Benefits of Waiting

Patience Pin

In my January 1st post this year, I chose “Patience” as the “fruit of the Spirit” from Galatians 5:22 as my developmental focus for 2014. As part of that development, I picked up Stephen Eyre’s Bible Study entitled Patience: The Benefits of Waiting.

Eyre starts the study by praying, “Lord, I want patience, and I want it right now!” Eyre explains that it’s often easier to joke about patience than to become patient.

So, how can you develop patience? God generally grows patience in you when you run into frustrating experiences; when others fail to meet your expectations; when people you depend on let you down; when the things you depend on keep breaking. Have you experienced any of those recently? Or how about this one? You call out to God for help, and he seems to be on vacation.

Click here to learn from Eyre’s Bible Study on this important Fruit of the Spirit.