I received a blog post by Michael Hyatt today that was so good, I thought I would pass it on to those of you who don’t subscribe to his blog.  Over the past fifteen years of public speaking, I have incorporated the following practices into my preparation, which truly does make all the difference. Thanks to  my friend, Gary Beasley, this procedure was a must if I was to have any hope of being effective in public speaking. I agree with Mr. Hyatt (and Gary), the implementation of these disciplines in your preparation for public speaking will make you a better speaker. Take the challenge and give it a shot.

Here are the seven steps I took to make my practice effective:

1. Create a solid, easy-to-remember outline. This is the prerequisite. We spent a considerable amount of time on this at DCW. They teach you an entire methodology that works with both persuasive speeches and enabling ones. (You also learn the difference.) There’s nothing wrong with notes, but you don’t want the audience to be aware that you are using them.
2. Find a relatively private location. You want to be able to give your speech as though you were giving it live, without feeling like someone might be listening in. This was pretty easy while practicing at home. I just found an empty room, told my family what I was going to do, and shut the door. It’s tougher in a hotel room, but I did it anyway.
3. Set a timer with your assigned time. This was critical. I used the timer on my iPhone. I also found that my speeches ran about 10–15% longer when I gave them live. So set the timer for less time in practice than you have been allotted. Note: if you are going to use this when you speak live, put the phone in Airplane mode, so you don’t get a phone call or text message in the middle of your speech. Also, turn the screen saver off.
4. Stand up and give your speech out loud.This also makes a difference. Your physical posture affects your energy level and overall confidence. I put my outline on a podium, counter-top, or desktop, and then moved around as though I am presenting in front of a live audience. It’s also helpful to me to visualize two or three people I am speaking to in the practice audience.
5. Work on your facial expressions and gestures.This initially sounded inauthentic to me. But I think it was because I had forgotten that 70% of all communication is non-verbal. If that’s true, it is more important to practice this aspect of our communication than the actual words. In watching my video tape at DCW, I found that my face wasn’t always communicating what my heart intended! Overall, I found that I was more effective by being more expressive and with bigger gestures.
6. Practice pauses, inflections, and vocal dynamics. This is also something I did’t often think about. As a result, my overall speech pattern was predictable—and boring. My goal is not entertainment but communication. Regardless, you sometimes have to be entertaining in order to communicate. I am now working on more variation. The only way to keep this from sounding contrived and inauthentic is practice, practice, practice.
7. Nail your closing. I have traditionally worked really hard on the opening. This is important to be sure. But I think it is even more important to finish strong. The closing is the last thing people will remember. I want to go out with a bang not a whimper. I am now practicing my closing several times, all by itself.

There is a monumental difference between doing the right thing or doing things right (stop and think about it before reading further).  Although both are very important, the leader must make sure they don’t get caught in the trap of focusing all their energies on just doing things right. Often times we strive for excellence only to find out we scaling up the wrong wall. You might have climbed with great skill, yet it might have been  the wrong mountain your were climbing in the first place.

Peter Drucker teaches that within a few years of any organization, most leaders lose sight of their mission and essential role and become more focused on methods or efficiency, rather than staying focused on primary purpose. I have seen this with many churches who start with great growth over their first five years, only to hit a plateau, because they lost sight of the reaching and transferred all energies to caring for those who were already there. Don’t get me wrong, once again, both are important. But we can never comprise doing things right for doing the right things.

That is why leaders are so critical to the ongoing success of any organization. Leadership must stay focused on direction – making sure the rope is hung to the right wall. Management must then deal with how to get up the right wall. Leaders do vision, management does process.

Regardless of your role, it is imperative that you take time constantly to assess where you are going. I personally take time daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually to assess my direction. Take some time to block out strategic times to think and process your direction in your day planner. I highly suggest a small block each morning to make sure you are focusing your energies in the right direction for the day. Do the same for your weekly planning as well. You might carve out more time for your monthly and quarterly overview, and I would highly encourage a few days for your annual planning.

Don’t fall into the trap of just doing things right, make sure you are doing the right thing!

It is evident that we are living in rapidly changing times. The effects of these changes have colossal impact on the generation in which we are attempting to reach. Acknowledging the issue of “Aloneness” cannot be minimized and we must look for solutions in which we connect people to true, Biblical, authentic, purpose-driven community. Anything short of this goal, will produce a nominal church at best. Relationships are the key.

I was taken back by a statement made in John Burke’s book, “No Perfect Persons Allowed.” This is a book on my must-read list for sure. He addresses the issue of aloneness and how we should be looking at this issue. Here it is:

“The waves of change that have swept through the generation have created a culture of  aloneness, of people longing for community, but afraid to get close – surrounded by friends, feeling ever more alone. In his book, Bowling Alone, Robert Putman notes this trends: ‘For the first two-thirds of the twentieth century,’ he writes, ‘a powerful tide bore Americans into ever deeper engagementin the life of their communities.’ But over the last three decades, ‘Without at first noticing, we have been pulled apart from one another and from our communities.’ ” (Two other books by Robert Putman, are worth picking up and reading, “Better Together: Restoring the American Community,” and “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us.”

“Think about it, half of all families break apart, often leaving children feeling abandoned and alone trying to sort our why Dad or Mom left. The other half live in a society fragmented and torn apart by the sheer velocity of twenty-first century life. No wonder people feel so disconnected and alone. My family has lived on our street for five years now and we have become friends with the people in the ten nearest houses, all of which have put a ‘For Sale’ sign in their yard!

We live in a highly fragmented, relationally isolated society. People move, change jobs, get divorced, commute hours each day, travel around the country weekly, then spend all their free time surfing the 1700 cable channels and millions of Internet sites, and all at the cost of relationships. We have increased our financial capital, but it has cost us relational capital. Add to it the other societal trends of the past half century, and you have a generation feeling painfully alone.

This provides a tremendous opportunity for the church. According to Scripture, the church is to function like family. We are to be that support community, that extended family to one another. we have a tremendous opportunity to teach people how to live in healing, life-giving relationships with one another. No one else in society can better meet this need. I thind it awe-inspiring to watch the Lord re-parent and grow people spiritually in the safe environment of the church family. I am convinced authentic community provides the context where the majority of spiritual growth and healing can take place.”

This is our opportunity to shine! We can be the answer to aloneness issues in our world today. Don’t be too busy yourself to connect with those God places in your paths.

What is more fascinating about these athletes is the disciplined training and diet they must follow in order to make sure that each muscle group is strengthened and prepared for each event. Their diet must consist of heavy amounts of liquid, complex carbohydrates and anything else to fuel their body for each training and the race itself.

Life is very similar to an Ironman race.  Each of us wake up every day with the great possibility of facing tests, trials, challenges and set backs. These pressure points hit at different levels of our being; body, soul and spirit. How we prepare each of these three areas of our lives will determine the outcome of our race.

You are a triathlete. Great skill and discipline is required to strengthen your body, your soul and your spirit. It is imperative that you understand the things that drain each of these areas of your life and what replenishes them.  Let’s consider the three.

BODY – What is it that drains your body? Lack of sleep, lack of exercise, or bad diet? Now ask yourself, “What is it that replenishes me?” How is your eating and exercise discipline? Are you taking care of the body God has entrusted to your care? You only get one body in this life, you ought to make taking care of it your utmost priority. No one can eat good for you or exercise for you. If you are feeling weary and tired, you might consider making some course adjustments to strengthen your body.

SOUL – How are your emotions lately? Do you know what drains  you? Are you feeling stress, worry, fear, anxiety, discouragement, anger, unforgiveness? If this is the case, chances are you are focused on the wrong thing. These are all indicators that something is out of balance in your life. God uses this gauge to help you realize that there is a course adjustment needed. Find out what you need to do to replenish yourself. It might be a date with your spouse (or a just a date for your single folk), a night at the movies, sleeping in and enjoying a day, a round of golf or even sky diving. Whatever floats your boat, find it and practice it often.

SPIRIT – There are obvious ways in which to replenish your spirit. A daily diet of prayer, bible and worship is a great start. The greater the pressure the greater the intake.  If you are hitting your pillow and barely making it through the day, chances are it is time to dial up the spiritual diet.  And don’t forget active involvement and attendance in your local church family.

As you look forward to the days ahead, put together a strategy that will allow you to finish the race with joy. Paul  says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes’ race. Everyone runs; one wins. RUN TO WIN. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”

Run your race to win. Train hard, make it your aim to succeed not just survive!

Albert Mehrabian discovered that face-to-face communication can be broken down into three definable components (Click on link for more):

1. Words – What we say.

2. Tone of voice – How we say it.

3. Body language -  How we show it.

Studies have shown that as much as 90 percent of what we communicate has nothing to do with just what we say, but the combination of all factors.  I can ask my wife, “Honey, how are you doing?” If she pauses, looks down and whispers, “I’m fine.” I know that the words spoken are greatly altered by the tone of voice and her body language therefore giving me a signal that her true communication to me is, “I really need some love and encouragement.”

Whether you are a leader, pastor, or even college student, learning how to understand communication from others as well as how to communicate to others, may very well be some of the most important skills you will ever learn.

What you Say- Words are a very powerful tool to win the hearts of people, but can also be a very dangerous weapon that can destroy the hearts of many.  Great attention should be given as to what you say to ANYONE. If you are preparing for a message, take as much time to craft the words you will share as you do the content of what is to be shared. If you are going to chat with someone that has offended, take the time to write down what ‘should’ be said to bring restoration, not what ‘could’ be said to vent your feelings. If you are bringing correction to a child or co-worker, think through what words would be the best to identify the weakness, but also allow them to know that you are on their side. And remember, a few less selective words is better than a mouthful of vain babbling!

How you say it- The tone of your voice is perhaps the most influential part of communication. How something is said has a great bearing on the intent behind the words. That is why texting and email communication can have huge misunderstanding; you simply have to interpret what is being said, without the the emotion of the communicator. Side note, learn to pick up the phone instead of texting when sensitive communication issues are being discussed.  I have learned along the way, it is better to wait to communicate, until my emotions are in order. If I feel angry, frustrated, agitated or hurt in anyway, I would rather say nothing, wait, pray and get my head together and make sure I am communicating with the right spirit and attitude than spewing a sea of regretful words.  Take the time to get your head together, before you open your mouth.

How you show it – Body language is another critical part to your communication, and can really be the real indicator as to how you really feel.  How you stand or sit, cross your arms or legs, look down, up or away all will have a bearing on what people think you are trying to say.  If you are trying to reinforce your love for someone, lean in. If you are frustrated with someone, then lean back and get out of their space.  Maintain eye contact, and learn not to look away. Refrain from crossing your arms and set them in your lap instead. Use your body as a tool to reinforce your words, not breed confusion in the listener.

These simple yet important principles will make a difference in the receptivity of your listeners. Let’s all attempt to apply these principles in our daily lives and make our communication a major discipline. You never know, you just might get the message across!

One of the greatest challenges of building a great church is finding the right leaders for each ministry. The success of every ministry rises or falls on leadership. In most cases, there is always a surplus of needs and opportunities and a lack of leaders to fulfill them.  Often times, this need can create competition and recruitment challenges between vital departments, where a leader is being coerced to consider multiple ministry options.

It is imperative that each person on the church leadership team recognizes that they are building the same vision and not in competition.  Learning how to work together in finding the best place for each person is a key to real maturity and true vision fulfillment. Over the past few years, we have developed a “Leadership Ethic Code” that has helped us in understanding the process in which we approach potential leaders. It has greatly reduced the conflict of leadership recruitment as well as allowed us to work closer together in building a great church. Take a moment and read through each of the points and consider applying them to your church situation:

Leadership Commitment to Working Together

 As leaders, we agree to conduct ourselves in an upright and professional manner, always reflecting the highest standard of biblical integrity in keeping with our calling. We are committed to honoring our fellow servants in God’s household. We will not seek to build our ministries at the expense of other ministries. We will communicate with the rest of the leadership team to encourage unity and the best use of resources for all areas of ministry.

1. Training new leaders will take precedence over recruiting new leaders. I will “know the state of my flock” and be constantly looking for potential leaders who are already in my department/ministry, or who are new to the church and not yet involved in any ministry.

 

2. Before I discuss a new leadership opportunity with a member of the congregation (whether they approach me or I approach them), I will determine what areas of leadership they are currently serving in, and consider their gifts and abilities. I will contact the Pastor, Ministry Leader or Department Head involved to let them know of possible interest.

 

3. I will be concerned with the overall welfare of any individual (i.e. marriage, family, career, health, calling, etc.) more so than the fulfillment of ministry goals. I understand God will provide the right person at the right time.

 

4. I will not accept a person to serve in any position of ministry within my department if there are unresolved issues with any leader in any other department. I will request the individual resolve any differences and contact the pastor or ministry leader to insure all issues have been resolved before allowing them to serve in my area of ministry.

 

5. When a decision is agreed upon to transfer a lay leader from one area of ministry to another, I will do my best to make the transition smooth and enjoyable for all parties involved.

 

6. I will enhance the dignity and image of every other ministry by speaking highly of each ministry.

One of the comments I have heard while traveling all over the world is, “I would love to have the opportunity to take some quality Bible College classes, but my current life circumstances will not allow it.” Boy, do we have some good news for you!

For the first time in PBC’s history, online classes will be available starting this week.  You can now grow and learn anywhere. Each of the online classes is designed to replicate a vibrant classroom experience. All of the elements necessary for a truly life-changing theological education are present in the new online format and now available at your fingertips.

If you are serious about taking the next step in your biblical education, it is worth clicking on a few of the links below and checking it out! If you know of anyone in your church, pass it on; it is a recommendation worth making.

Over the past few years I have posted some resource tools that are designed to help you in becoming a more effective leader. These items have been very popular and I have received many encouraging emails as to how they have helped others. I thought it would be good to put the list in front of you and allow you to download as many FREE resources as you want.

Let me know which ones have been a blessing to you!

FREE Downloadable Leadership Notes

Connecting to Community – Web Verison

Building a Thriving Team Culture – Web Version

Building a Leadership Pipeline – Web Version

Keys to a successful Volunteer Ministry- Web Version

Destroying Disabling Delusions of Discipleship – Web Version

2007_multi_site_survey

Combatting Perspectives of the Church – web

FREE Evangelism Resources

Irresistible Christianity Handbook

The Road Ahead Follow Up Booklet

Sharing the Gospel in the 21st Century – web version

FREE Pastoral Resources

Counseling in the Local Church

Water Baptism Booklet

FREE Self Assessment Tests

Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts

Defining Your Passions

Clarifying Your Talents and Abilities

Learning About Your Personal Makeup

Discerning Your Spiritual Maturity

Making Sense of Your Life Experiences

Making Priority Adjustments

FREE Downloadable Charts

Leader Development Chart BLANK

Leader Development Chart EXAMPLE

Growth Strategies Chart

Small Group Personal Growth and Development Chart

FREE Downloadable Miscellaneous Leadership Documents

Leadership Recruitment Code of Ethics

ENGAGEMENT READINESS EVALUATION

This is one fact that is for sure; life is filled with challenges and problems.  We all have a desired outcome to each day in which we live, but often times there are ‘surprises’ that come our way that may detour our desired plans and goals. Much of the outcome of a potential problem lies in our ability to discern, assess and resolve the situation promptly.  A leader is not measure by the challenges they face, but their respsonse to them!

The Los Angeles Times ran a quote that stated, “If you can smile whenever something goes wrong, you are either a nitwit, or a repair man.” I prefer the second option.  Realizing the only problem you really have is the one you allow to be a problem due to the wrong response to the issue at hand. Problems are really opportunities in the making. If God is truly in control of all things, He must have caused or allowed the situation to evolve and has a purpose in it.  The list of reasons could be endless.

Here would be a few thoughts that might help you next time an ‘opportunity’ comes your way:

1.   Intuition: You must sense it before you actually see it – There are a variety of factors that will allow you to sense that a potential challenge is on the horizon.  Slow down long enough to recognize unusual changes unfolding right in front of you.

2.  Discernment:  Ask yourself some honest questions – Believing the best in every situation is a noble position to take, but it can also end up in disaster. Face the brutal facts, don’t ignore or minimize the challenge at hand. Look at it objectively and discern what is unfolding and where it might potentially end up. Look at your options.

3.  Investigate: Gather important information – You will never make an intelligent decision without intelligent information. Get the facts and write them down.

4.  Evaluate: List all of the potential outcomes and all the potential choices and solutions you might choose. Look to God’s Word for scriptures that apply to your situation.

5. Feedback: Present the options to those you respect – Get outside input; there is wisdom in a multitude of counsel.

6.  Process: Develop a written action plan – Sit down and take the time to list the process for change. Include the who, when, what and where to insure that you are making the changing in a strategic manner.

7. Lead: Activate the plan – Don’t be wishy-washy in implementing that which you know is best. Procrastination is the devil’s workshop.

The next time you are faced with a problem that has the potential of ruining you day, head it off at the pass!

Respect is defined simply as, “The state of being regarded with honor or esteem. Respect is an unassuming resounding force, the stuff that equity and justice are made of.” It means being treated with consideration and esteem and to be willing to treat people similarly. It means to have a regard for other peoples’ feelings, listening to people and hearing them, i.e. giving them one’s full attention. Even more importantly, respect means treating one with dignity. Respect is the opposite of humiliation and contempt. So where the latter can be a cause of conflict, the former and its opposite can help transform it.

There are five “C’s” that you will find that will be necessary in order to develop a team culture where people will respect you as their leader. Try applying these simple, yet crucial principles to your leadership style and watch the respect level rise in your team.

1. Be Consistent – Say what you mean, do what you say, and always be true to your word. Be prompt, professional, and proficient in everything you do.  Model the attributes you desire others to live and remain consistent in your vision, values and philosophy.

 

2. Be Caring – Take the time to find out what is going on in the life of your team members. When you find out that someone is hurting help them. If they are discouraged, lift them up. If they are tired, give them a break. If they make a mistake, send them some grace.

 

3. Be Clear – Learn to be honest even if it hurts. Don’t hold back a concern or frustration and share it with everyone but the person that needs to hear it most. Build a reputation that is honest, up front, real, caring and to the point. Once you share a concern, help them with the solution. Their success is your success.

 

4. Be Courageous – Always be a few steps ahead of your team. Be willing to go where you ask others to go. Stand for your morals and values even if it costs you something… even if it costs you much. Don’t be a reed in the wind, or be double-minded. Have some back bone and stand strong.

 

5. Be Courteous – Model what a polite leader looks like. Give people the respect they deserve. Allow people to share their thoughts even if they don’t seem important to you. Give people your undivided attention. Walk down the hallway and give them the time instead of sending them a text or email if it is a big issue.

 

Respect will be your great ally or a lack of it, will be  your worst nightmare. Maybe today you could take a few steps down the ladder and climb off the platform and give people a little more respect. You never know, you just might benefit from it!