Learning from Obama?
I’ll admit, I’m a fan of Obama. At least I’m a fan of his leadership style. I didn’t vote for him in this last election, but I have to say I often find myself resonating with his leadership style. Now, I want to be clear that I’m not talking about politics, nor am I condoning or criticizing any of his policies. I’m just saying he has some great qualities as a leader.
Case in point: I read recently while Obama was on vacation he played golf with Sam Kass. Ever heard his name? Probably not because he’s the assistant chef at the White House. I love this. A day after playing golf with the chairman of the UBS banking giant, President Barack Obama hit the links with an assistant White House chef. Can Obama play golf with everyone in the kitchen? No way. Would anyone fault him if he never played golf with someone who worked in the kitchen? Probably not. However, I love the idea that he’s allowing himself to relate and interact with people at all levels of his staff.
This is what I’ve heard Andy Stanley refer to as symbolic leadership. Symbolic leadership says “just because you can’t do something for everyone doesn’t mean that you cant do it for one.” In his leadership podcast entitled “Mutual Submission” Stanley says, “I know I can’t do for al,l but what I can do for one I’ll do for one. The temptation is the higher up you go in the organization the more excuses you have not to do anything for anyone.”
As our church has grown I’ve had to learn symbolic leadership.
Can I provide counseling for all? Nope
Can I do everyone’s wedding? Nope
Can I go to lunch with every staff member? Nope
Can I have everyone in our church over to my house to hang out and play cards? Nope
But I can’t let not being able to do it for everyone keep me for doing it for the few that I can.
So I’ll do a few weddings as my schedule allows and I can take a few staff people to lunch and when I can provide counseling I’ll do exactly that.
Learning to lead in a growing church has had plenty of challenges along the way. I’ve got so much to learn but I love the idea of symbolic leadership. Trust me when I say what I’m able to do for a few I wish I could do for everyone as impossible as that has become.
What are you learning about leadership these days?
Serious question Pete: In symbolic leadership, how do you select the few and how do you do it without poisoning the rest with resentment? It almost seems to me like as many inroads you make with the few, you would stir up as many or more bad feelings amongst those left out.
I’m learning that the best leaders I’m running into at work and outside are the ones who are confident yet humble and not self-promoting.
If a leader is reaching out to someone for the sake of touching their lives, it is awesome- but just doing it for good PR is another story. I think alot of the style in leadership within the political and church realms is more geared toward public opinion polls.
Real leadership touches lives and doesn’t flaunt it in the face of the public.
The people who have most impacted my life, who I have been “following their lead”, have been those that I witnessed doing their good deeds when they thought no one was looking.
Mother Teresa comes to mind.
.-= sherri´s last blog ..WHEN FRIENDS STRUGGLE =-.
It is funny but I have heard leaders I respect give thoughts on both sides of this issue. I know that Jerry Falwell (Love him or hate him he was a great leader) had a leadership style that had him do weddings and funerals for orginal members of TRBC and their families and it was known in the church that they were the only ones he did that for so there was no problem from others. I heard Ed Young talk years ago about doing things only every once in a great while for close friends. This of which you talk is different because it seems much more random which then makes we wonder about it. I think Aaron asks a good question – does it have you tread water or do people appreciate it? I think that it could just be a matter of knowing that you will make some happy and some not but that everyone knows at some point it could be them. I also think it does go to the self -centeredness of us and our culture in people being jealous of what others have that they do not. Isn’t it sad when we cannot celebrate with others have have positive things happen to them without thinking why didn’t I get anything out of it.
Thanks for the post and causing me to think through this more.
.-= Jim F.´s last blog ..Passionate Ministry =-.
You brought up some great points, Pete!!!
.-= Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..Women of Faith! =-.
Good Post, individually our actions can be lost as there is always more need than we can specifically address. Not being overwhelmed by this need and still effectively leading and practicing our beliefs is essential.
Pete, I’m sooo not a leader but can I comment anyhoo?
I gotta say as someone who only knows you online I’m amazed with the gift you have for relating to people. I believe it’s a gift but certainly as your circle of influence becomes BIG you could opt out of that gifting…so glad you’re intentionally not going to do that. Stay the course…
.-= Robin´s last blog ..My hair stylist is adding a “Menopause-Clause”… =-.
Aaron, that’s a great question but I’m not sure there is a good answer. Stanley said in his podcast that you will always have people scream “not fair”. He goes no to say “life in general is not fair.
To be fair (in my case) would mean you would just choose to do no weddings, no lunches, no…. But closing yourself off fromm interacting with certain situations and or people because you can’t do it for everyone doesn’t seem like a very good way to learn as a leader.
In my case it’s often a first come first serve basis. I have x number of weddings I’m allowed to do a year. I have Monday’s open for lunch with any staff member (regardless of position) on a first come first serve basis. I have a limited number of counseling appointments which are also first come first serve basis.
Don’t know if this is the best way to handle it but it’s how I’m taking a stab at this stuff these days.
@jim F, “I also think it does go to the self -centeredness of us and our culture in people being jealous of what others have that they do not. Isn’t it sad when we cannot celebrate with others have have positive things happen to them without thinking why didn’t I get anything out of it.”
You hit the nail on the head with that statement.
@Sherri, I totally agree but when you’re the President everything you do the public sees. It’s virtually impossible (so I don’t even try) to judge the motivations of certain leaders.
Interesting… I was reading about leadership this morning and studying Joshua. Because of Joshua’s leadership, he was able to lead people FINALLY into Canaan, the promised land. Because of Joshua’s FAITH in God for the unseen, people saw it and became addicted to it and were willing to follow after God.
Leadership can lead people into a more intimate relationship with the Lord. If they see Him working in our lives, they can’t help but run towards HIM! That’s leadership.
.-= Linnae Hoppe´s last blog ..LA Here We Come =-.
Sometimes people (without titles) are seen as leaders whether they realize it or not.
.-= Anita´s last blog ..See that Moutain? =-.
Pete- I’m just jaded when it comes to politics- I have a hard time believing any of it is real. Both sides- not just Obama. My problem- not his.
.-= sherri´s last blog ..WHEN FRIENDS STRUGGLE =-.
I just want to say that I think that you and the entire Cross Point really manage this well. While it could feel unfair, the other pastors/staff follow your lead and choose other members to interact with on a deeper level. My impression is that the whole church benefits from this.
.-= Lindsey Nobles´s last blog ..What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up? =-.
Not to mention that through your blog and Twitter we all feel like we are connecting with you more than we would if we just heard you speak on Sundays.
.-= Lindsey Nobles´s last blog ..What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up? =-.
The most amazing leaders I have known have not worn the title “leader.” They have not worried about numbers, goal setting, categories, classes, programs, or success.
They have been soaked in the glory of God. They have struggled with God. They delight in God like children jumping up and down in anticipation early Christmas morning. Their delight is palpable. Their belief that He is coming and will bring good things makes me believe too. To me, that’s leadership.
Pete, I think your approach makes a lot of sense. My husband is a gospel singer and there are always a lot of requests/demands on his time, so we have had to adopt a version of what you are describing. He simply cannot listen to every person’s demo and give them a critique, or have lunch with every person who comes thru town who would love to meet him, or answer every email or sing on everyone’s record who asks him, blah blah blah. But he CAN do some of that, and it does end up being a case of first come, first served in the time he has available. I think the intentionality is the issue that determines the integrity– is it the desire to ‘serve’ or the desire to appear like Mr. Nice Guy? And yes, there will always be people who feel disappointed and left out, but I think that kind of has to go under the category of ‘I can only do what I can do.’
Good topic!
.-= Babybloomr´s last blog ..Our Belinda =-.
Great post! Gave me new practical insight as a leader that I can really use. Thanks for sharing.
I believe I have been through this, of course, not in such a big scale.
I can tell you for sure that you cannot just close your door and say no to everything.
You can’t just put yourself away, nor behave as a “very busy person” all the time.
If you do so, sooner o later people will change the way they see you, they will feel you apart and at some point, by feeling unidentified, not connected with you, they will loose loyalty, respect and, let me tell you, even appreciate you less. It is like saying “I don’t care”.
Of course you can’t be, attend, help, listen and do all we would like to do for everyone.
But, (excuse me if it bothers anyone) Jesus had some thousands following him, and He gives us the example. Disciples tell the people, get away, he is tired, he is busy. Jesus says, let him come, what do you want me to do for you?
Of course there are differences between Christian leaders and non Christian leaders, and one of them is God’s guidance. He can probably give us a hand while trying to choose who we pay attention.
So, is not about spending time with some people just to pay the fee. It has to have a purpose, otherwise, is just for fun, or just an requirement.
Now, we can consider Obama or any other political leader’s example, but, is not the same. There are kings, and there are pastors. God, didn’t call church leaders to behave as kings or CEOs, He called them to take care of His people, and look after them.
We might consider the different duties, and methods of Christian leadership.
@fireseal, for the ones I follow on twitter.
I have learned over the years that not everyone that leads, should. Meaning, they lack the care and giving as you spoke of shown by you and several others. I like what you said when refering to doing what you can for others that you can reach. So many just want you to hear what they have to say, but have little time to listen. Great post.
Jesus is three leaders: king, prophet and priest. In some way, we have one of these three leadership traits. Some have a mix.
I agree with you Pete on this one. More and more I look at Obama’s leadership style, the more and more I want to learn and apply it to my way of leadership.
Obama is not really caring about jealously or rumours. He is simply wanting to reach out to people.
I know many, many, MANY of the flock who feel like their wedding/time/counsel/funeral/etc. is super extra blessed because the lead pastor of the church was the one doing it. It is as though he has extra blessing to give.
*rubs the temples of his head
As a leader who loves to connect to people, I am going to connect regardless. Fortunately, God has given me a passion and desire for evangelizing and I get to connect with lost people as many as I want.
Ah, God is good.
.-= Joseph Louthan´s last blog ..The Weight of the Commandments, Exodus 20:7 =-.
A great week of blogging by you, Pete, on a true variety of observations. Watching your leadership over 7 years, 6 officially as a colleague, I have to say, you’ve learned and adjusted more than anyone else I’ve worked with or around in 40 years of serving churches. Glad you like Obama’s leadership style as I do, too, though you’ll get a few brickbats for saying that.
Wow… I can tell you that there is much to learn from Pete, Joseph and many others who visit this blog.
And from what Joseph says… Jesus was all these leadership models at the same time, but we are to behave as in the possition we are placed by God.
First, it’s crucial that I encourage, nurture, and clearly communicate with those I lead. Second, that I cut MY expectations in half.
great post, Pete. I am also a leadership fan of Obama..and You, too.
I love what Tom said.
Our leadership style is never perfect or well accepted by everyone, but I’ve admired the way you are always learning and growing and adjusting along the way.
.-= kc´s last blog ..Don’t let your pastor have all the fun =-.
Great post. Sometimes in the rush of politics it’s easy to forget there can be things in terms of style that are applicable to our lives even if we can’t stand the political positions of the person in question. There’s no doubt Obama has the people skills many leaders seem to be lacking. Honestly…how many pastors do you know that would just go play a round of golf with a lay person from their church who isn’t one of the “leadership” team (which is the equivalent to me of what Obama did.)
@JimF…”I also think it does go to the self -centeredness of us and our culture in people being jealous of what others have that they do not. Isn’t it sad when we cannot celebrate with others have have positive things happen to them without thinking why didn’t I get anything out of it.” That’s so profound I think I’m going to put that in my journal for the day.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..God’s ungrateful children =-.
1. Gobbs and gobbs of humility and genuine encouragement have won me more influence at work than I could not have otherwise gained. It continues to do so.
2. I like Obama’s optimism, regardless of his political view. It’s a key ingredient to how people you lead approach a problem, issue, goal whatever. Optimism can be the game changing element that some are missing. If you act as if it is possible, others will believe it.
I’m kinda with Sherri… I’m a bit jaded when it comes to politics and see that gesture as pure PR, as with most in politics on 98% of everything they do that is open to the cameras and public eye.
The best thing I’ve learned from great leaders – let those you are leading do what they do best. Provide them the tools and atmosphere needed to be successful in implementing their talents, then get out of the way and let them do it and be ready to step in when needed, but not until then.
I’ve used this in building my business and it’s worked well. On the occasions that I try to do the work of those I contract to, it always ends up a mess and not as good as it should be – thus costing me time and money. Lesson learned.
Great post, Pete.
Sometimes people get so caught up in the politics that they almost demonize leaders and political figures they disagree with. Whether or not we agree with all of Obama’s policies, I think he has a lot of admirable traits–leadership being one.
I’ve worked for a couple of fairly big organizations. And whether or not I had a lot of personal interaction with the “top dawg,” the biggest thing to me was just them being around. At my last job, we saw the top guy about once a year–at the Christmas party–and he lived right down the road! At my current job, we see the owner/CEO all the time. Even if you can’t go to lunch with everyone, just being present and visible makes a big difference, I think.
.-= Robert´s last blog ..The Worst Golf Swing You’ve Ever Seen =-.
@Jonathan, “Gobbs and Gobbs of humility.” I LOVE that.
I am learning a valuable lesson in leadership right now.
That is sometimes you have to let go of those around you, even if they are friends, that carry a negative outlook. I say this only if course after approaching the negative and trying to work with those folks.
It is tough, especially when one of those friends is a great friend, to say “I have to separate from this…the negative is way too damaging to what we are trying to accomplish” “I will be glad to help move forward in the positive or I will have to move on”
.-= joseph´s last blog ..The Final Post =-.
So when am I coming over to play some full-contact spoons?
I don’t think you want to lose a table that way ..
.-= Tony York´s last blog ..Ready or Hoping? =-.
Pete,
I am a longtime reader, first time responder.
I have to be honest. This post seems kind of dangerous. I know it was well intended, but your words influence a lot of people.
Barack Obama, in my opinion, is far from a good leader. You cannot seperate a leader from his policies. It is illogical.
As a leader, Obama is very scripted and staged. His “leadership” qualities are publicized to promote an image. An idolist image. Obama, from his earliest days as a US Senator, has never acknowledge the opposition. His bipartisan rhetoric was used as a ploy to sway public opinion. He associates himself with advisors who, frankly, have dangerous intentions when it comes to the well-being of the average citizen.
I’m sorry, golfing with your assistant chef doesn’t qualify yourself as a successful leader.
Leadership comes in the form of progress and over the past year, our society has continued to regress…rapidly.
Sorry for the negative first post, but this is a dangerous topic.
.-= Ryan K´s last blog ..Perry: Day 1 =-.
@Ryan K, that’s ok bro. We’re totally free to disagree here.
I’m guessing you’re not an Obama fan?
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..Learning from Obama? =-.
Thank goodness for someone who speaks up in opposition. Ryan K, I agree with you wholeheartedly — dangerous post as far as people following you in your admiration of Obama.
@Ryan – Thanks for having the courage to speak up! There are people out here who agree with you.
@Pete – I’ve always wondered how you decided this. I’ve always felt like I could talk with you or get an appointment with you if I needed to. Right or wrong, if I thought this were not the case, I think I’d be looking for another church. I know you can’t be all things to all people, but I think it’s the difference between being our Pastor and just another speaker.
Whew!
I am with Ryan K here. But, I am biased. I think the true mark of a leader is an individual with a firm vision followed up by a plan (policies shaped by vision/world view).
Charisma and “likability” are admirable, but do not automatically translate to great leadership. Remember, during 2000 election, everyone cited G.W. Bush’s “likability” as his greatest trait. As a conservative, I was underwhelmed with his vision and grasp of conservative principles…and we all know what happened with his “likability” in the long run.
In short, I believe the foundation of leadership…is a leader’s “FOUNDATION”. The things you mentioned are the frosting that enable a leader to motivate and inspire. But, in the end, a leader ultimately motivates and inspires according to his or her world view/vision.
So, I agree that Obama is “cool” and I would likely give him a “fist bump” if he came to my neighborhood…but I am not ready to give him the title of “great leader” because I have deep concerns in regards to his foundation and principles.
Just my two cents…
@Ryan
Great leadership isn’t necessitated by ethics, morals, or character. Leadership is the quality of being able to get people to follow you.
Hitler was a great leader – his policies and agenda were catastrophic, reprehensible, and utterly devoid of humanity… but that doesn’t remove the fact that he was able to lead people.
Different GREAT leaders have used different methods to become the leaders that they are… we can agree or disagree with those methods but that doesn’t mean that they are not great leaders.
We would love to have a great leader who is also a person of great character, great compassion, great intellect… or any other number of great attributes. Unfortunately, it is very hard to find a person who has it ALL together.
While I did not vote for Obama and disagree with him on many policies, there is no denying that he is a great leader… he got a majority of the voting Americans to cast their ballots for him, after all.
We should pray for him because great leaders don’t always lead to great results…as witnessed by Hitler or any other number of infamous characters from history.
Now, another thing that we CAN do, is point out the positive aspects of his leadership which Pete has done here.
This is not meant to be argumentative. I am just trying to communicate that there is a difference in the ability to lead and other positive moral attributes.
I hope that helps.
.-= Tony York´s last blog ..Ready or Hoping? =-.
How about “effective leader” instead of “great leader”…
@Nate
Now you have picked something that we can use to measure… his ability to be effective… you just have to define in what areas.
See how tough this can be if we get particular.
.-= Tony York´s last blog ..Ready or Hoping? =-.
I think Tony really nailed it in his response to Ryan.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..God’s ungrateful children =-.
What am I learnign about leadership these days?
That it is not possible in my own strength.
.-= Pearl´s last blog ..What is God Preparing? =-.
That during uncertain times organizations need “focus” in order to survive & flourish. This year our organization is laser focused on becoming a values driven organization. Behavior, decisions & performance are measured against our core values. The result, we are having our best year ever.
BTW, my big takeaway from Pres Obama’s first 30 days was in the assembly of his team. He selected a diverse people with a diverse perspective. A great demonstration of his confidance to select people he knew would challenge him.
It sounds as if you truly are a great leader, and it was encouraging to hear that you desire to live life and be in community with others and be accessible. Of course, in a large church and perhaps even a small one it’s just not feasible to do for all what you can only do for some.
In the past I’ve been a part of churches where there truly did seem to be favoritism and it was often based on one’s wealth, social standing, leadership abilities, creative gifts, etc. As a person that has no such amazing attributes or skills yet desires to serve it can be hard to do so in such a church. I think that a great servant leader is one that sees and encourages the potential not only in those that already possess such gifts but in the “little people” that want to help out too.
I fully admit I am biased because I am one that isn’t great at much and that’s one of the reasons I feel drawn to church: A place where my worth isn’t measured by the world’s standards but by God’s standards. A place of grace and encouragement and acceptance simply because I’m a fellow believer.
As long as a servant leader doesn’t hold spots for lunch, counseling or weddings for those that are “better” by certain outside factors, I think it’s a great model and method.
.-= Torybee´s last blog ..WDJD: What Did Jesus Do? =-.
I guess this may seem off topic but here’s a post from a leader (who fell from grace) probably because his own words convicted him but in the midst of his post he points to the fact that we are followers of Jesus and honestly, I think the more we talk about being “leaders”, the less we talk about following Jesus’ lead and Obama followers and fans are looking at someone that can’t hold a candle to Jesus so, why emulate him (Obama) and anything he might do? It seems worldly, to me. Because this topic is about “us” and not “Him”. Read on – if you dare:
A real Christian life is one infused with the qualities of Christ himself. But we have replaced submission, service, and sacrifice with salesmanship, self-help, and success.
Here is an excerpt from a challenging article written by someone who may surprise you. Read it first, and I will tell you who wrote it after.
When Martin Luther lamented at the end of his life that he might not be justified, he must have seen something dark in himself in relation to the Scriptures, something that we in the modern church might be overlooking.
The Scriptures say that we are to be known as followers of Christ by the evidence of our love for one another, but we’re not (see John 13:35).
The Scriptures say that we are not to boast about what we have or what we have done, but we do (see Jer. 9:23-24).
The Scriptures say that in the last days people will be lovers of themselves and lovers of money, and we are (see 2 Tim. 3:5, NKJV).
Very often we charismatics rejoice in the power of God, and rightly so. But we subject ourselves to ridicule when we boast that we are not among those “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5).
We claim that we have spiritual power and others don’t because of our openness to accept and operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
But our words fall short when our marriages don’t work, our children are wild and disobedient, and we refine the art of giving and receiving money to the point that we could qualify as the experts in greed that Peter warns about in his second letter (see 2 Pet. 2:14).
We have a credibility problem. We have some wonderful churches, but increasingly, people do not seek to be connected . . .
. . . Maybe we’re not Christians. Maybe we’re just the most popular religion of the day, using the power of persuasion, the force of our numbers, and the strength of our money to advance our ideology.
Maybe we just believe whatever makes sense to us by default, and we don’t truly—as individuals and as communities of Christians—seek to be genuine disciples and to do God’s work of caring for the fatherless and the widow of our day.
Could we be Pharisees? Our own books, television programs and prophecies should make us wonder.
I believe that we all know and love the Word, but we live in earthly vessels with a fallen nature. We feel and see the hopes of the Spirit within, but we also end up doing the very things we do not want to do.
When we preach, write, lobby, raise money, build, broadcast, threaten, sue and spin, we present conflicting images that don’t stand up very well against the tests of time and scrutiny. We are confusing the world, other Christians, and our families.
This isn’t something that can be changed with a list of practical exercises. This is something that has to be dealt with deep within us by exposing ourselves to the wisdom of the Scriptures, to one another, and to God.
“Maybe we’re not Christians.” Ouch.
He has a very real point. As long as our churches — religious, irreligious, and anti-religious — keep preaching Jesus as one who makes your life better rather than Jesus who makes dead people live, as long as we keep teaching Christianity as the gospel of personal fulfillment rather than the call to self-crucifixion — we are proclaiming Christianity as an unneeded cure for a mythical ailment.
The truth is not that we don’t like ourselves enough, have enough success, get happy enough, etc. The truth is that we are sinners in need of resurrection. If no less a giant than Martin Luther could acknowledge this, what makes us stumble over admitting it for ourselves? I think it is because we are prone to believe the problem is everyone and everything else — but not us. It is not safe or “nice” to talk about this stuff. Sin is a forbidden word in the American church. We don’t want people to be uncomfortable or feel judged.
But if we are not honest about the real problem facing us — inside of us — we cannot be truthful about salvation. And if we are not truthful about salvation, the people we are so fearful of offending or irritating will face a discomfort and a judgment that is eternally more uncomfortable and judgmental than some hurt feelings this side of the second coming.
Christianity is life or death stuff.
The writer of the above article excerpt is Ted Haggard. Three years after its publication, he would resign from the pastorate of his Colorado megachurch because he was cheating on his wife with a man. This is how he concludes his article:
We have to get this right. Even though the global church is stronger than we’ve ever been, we in the American church are showing early signs of impotence. We are in a global theatre now, which means that our words, actions, investments and thoughts have greater impact. Thus, we have the opportunity to do unprecedented good, but also the dangerous ability to do unparalleled damage.
Let’s make the right choice. If you are like me, you are conflicted. I don’t like this column. Granted, there is a part of me that does. But most of me likes the comforts of the church I serve, the way I travel, the way I’m treated by both the public and the body of Christ. I enjoy the political platform we Christians are given.
But at the same time, there is a dark cloud in the back of my mind woondering if God isn’t stirring another Martin Luther to nail his theses to our church doors.
I would rather have us return to our foundations of integrity by the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the illumination of the Scriptures, rather than have us defending our lifestyles, edifices and power to future generations as they read history books recounting our demise because of our own hypocrisy.
We need to ensure that we are not the whitewashed tombs and snakes of our day (see Matt. 23:27, 33). We need to be sure.
Are we willing to embrace this sort of Christian integrity? Haggard’s words here are piercing, penetrating. They are also chilling in retrospect. This is obviously a man wrestling with sin, a sin that, as the Bible promises, “found him out.”
Can we be honest with ourselves and about ourselves? Are we willing to trade in the gospel of personal fulfillment for the gospel of Jesus Christ, who was pummeled and pierced for our brokenness? Will we trade our right to happiness for real joy? Will we trade in our desire for conflict-free lives for real peace? Will we trade in our selfish optimism for real hope?
Will we trade our Christianity for Jesus’?
That is God’s call upon the life of the follower of Jesus. That is God’s call upon the life of His churches.
Dr. Nate VZ (I love addressing you as doctor), For the record I didn’t call him a great leader. I said he had some “great qualities” of a leader.
Great leaders have more than “some” great qualities. They usually embody most if not all.
I’m only speaking to the aspect of “symbolic leadership” which I think he does well. And while I think there are probably a few other leadership aspects he lives out I agree that we could in no way call him a “great leader” yet.
p.s have you caught any fish lately?
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..Learning from Obama? =-.
@JOhn Q. Public, You take a blost post and get off topic???? No way.
Just kidding man. You made a couple good points bro. It’s something we certainly need to constantly evaluate.
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..Learning from Obama? =-.
@Ryan, Thanks for writing what I will not. See, I don’t want my liberal friends to think that I am judging the President because I dont’t believe him. TonyYork is right, good leaders are judged “on earth” by getting people to follow them. I didn’t believe Bush often times, but he obviously got people to follow him for 8 years. I believe the politicians in America are closer to the political corruption that Jesus had to deal with than every before.
@JQP, Great article, thanks. In my opinion, we are all Ted Haggard’s! The question is whether we are condescending towards other like he seemed to be in a lot of interviews. Cross Point’s “Everybody is Welcome” philosphy is starting to grow on me. Does Pete teach enough about actual sin? Maybe, not, but if I had to choose between a church where everyone was welcome and one that was comprised of rules made by men, I would choose the former because 2000 years ago I believe that Christ would be hanging out there. Every once in a while He would probably visit the “ultra religious” with their rules, only to question them.
I love your comments, JQP, remind me of a lot and while I agree Christianity is a life and death issue, your delivery often times sounds like it is comin from the synagogue.
Peace!
.-= Jody´s last blog ..Term limits are the answer! =-.
@JQP…you took almost all of that post verbatim from Jared Wilson’s site http://www.gospeldrivenchurch.blogspot.com/
At least give the guy who originally wrote it some credit, man.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..God’s ungrateful children =-.
Ouch – touchy subject – broaching politics with leadership as typically all politicians have their agenda ahead of the public good whether or not they have “great” leadership qualities.
Here are my two cents – and I’ll admit that I’m very jaded and cynical towards Obama – his rhetoric does not match reality and he has not or ever has impressed me. I could go on and on and provide many examples, but this post is not meant to be about Obama, despite the title, but about leadership qualities.
In my humble opinion – you are 100x the leader that he will ever be. You are not perfect – and you freely admit that. You are honest, human, fallen, full of integrity, and don’t push your agenda over your principles or rely on your “PR” department to interpret your meaning and give you glowing reports. You make mistakes and try to learn from them. You can’t be everything to everyone, but no one would doubt the love and compassion that fills Crosspoint halls not just on Sundays, but everyday. You and so many others at Crosspoint are leading others to Christ – the ultimate leader – and that is a wonderful thing!
Keep up the good work!
(However, like Obama, you are a bit overexposed – enough with the twitter updates!!!! We don’t need to know about your toilet! Put the phone down for a while!! j/k )
.-= Holly´s last blog ..New Again!! =-.
Golfing with staff, vacationing regularly, now spending the week in Martha’s Vineyard… sorry, the guy makes my blood boil. And sorry, Pete, I do have a hard time giving him credit on any of the slightest things he may be considered to do “right”. There are FAR BETTER examples of leadership out there – and if you want to address political leaders, perhaps we look elsewhere…
Jason,
I surely did not mean to slight Jared Wilson. I frequent a lot of blogs and share content I find and I found that particular post to be of value.
Jared apparently borrowed and credited Ted Haggards words to make his point and I figured that since that was mentioned in the post, itself, it wasn’t necessary to credit Jared, since it was about Ted Haggard and seemed to suggest, in part, that symbolic leadership is covered and available through the following of the leading of Christ and really not much point in to emulating world(ly) leaders.
I suppose I could have attached the link, instead of copying the content. But I didn’t take credit for anything and knowing Jared personally, I believe he would take no offense, at least not like you seem to have taken.
One question… how do you know I’m a man, dude?
The part of your post starting with “”Maybe we’re not Christians.” Ouch. He has a very real point” was Jared’s great analysis and not part of the article.
Didn’t take offense. Just thought if you’re going to cut and paste from someone’s blog…who put the effort in to create it…that common courtesy is to credit the person who did the work.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..God’s ungrateful children =-.
@Jody, I know you know this but we address sin every week at Cross Point. I’ve always found it funny that people think if we don’t “yell” and “scream” at people we’re not addressing sin. The American church always seems to be known for what’s it’s against instead of what it’s for.
Instead of always giving people an assessment of what they’re doing wrong (which they already know by the way) we like to help paint the vision for the kind of life God’s created them to live.
This is an incredible subject as we are continually interfacing with leadership, regardless of whether we are following or serving as a leader in a given subject. Given the supreme quality of the comments from the scholars above, I believe we have blanketed the virtue here. My real question is, can a leader (i.e. a Pastor) go out trout fishing with one of his volunteer staff (i.e a Greeter / Small Group Leader)? Just food for thought
-Troutnducks
I have been learning (only about myself) that I suck at multi-tasking when I am with other people…so now when I am with them, I try my very hardest to be with them. I pay attention to what they are saying and make sure to look them in the eye rather then having my phone on the ready or doing other unnecessaries when we hang out.
I also have been re-evaluating my whole role here as a missionary…and although there are certain tasks that need to get done, I’ve been realizing that I am way stronger (better, more equipped) to back up my husband and support him then to be in a leadership position on my own. What I mean to say is, naturally we work together as a team – but we also have other individual tasks…but if I am able to delegate those and focus on supporting him and helping him accomplish his goals then I can also make our home a home so we are both happy. We don’t both have to be “super stars” in this family and for so long I thought we did to make “this” work. What was I thinking? 16 hour days were killing us. No thank you. So now I am backing off and taking some of the load off of him. I think he likes it (a bit)that I submit more and have less of a loud over opinionated whatever. Seriously…why do I act like that? Probably because I like to hear myself talk. Dang it. Okay. So its 9:00 pm and I think I’m rambling. Time for sleep.
.-= kristiapplesauce´s last blog ..Marriage. =-.
@troutnducks, I think it’s one of the most spiritual things he could possibly do. We need to make sure that happens.
I’m thinking a little fall camping trip with a group of guys sounds good to me.
=-.
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..My Wife Turns 25 Today
@Pete and TroutnDucks-I think a fall Man Camp should be in order. I know that I miss that.
Pete, you defended yourself well and are forgiven…
I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t caught any fish lately…unfortunately, that is because I haven’t been fishing since you and I nearly drowned/froze in the river in January!!
We only have 5 month remaining in St. Louis, then move to Wisconsin. I believe the Lord would like for me to have some gents up there to fish, hunt, etc. Although, probably too cold for Tennesseans….
You just had to be divisive and get that comment in there about how you didn’t vote for Obama.
@Daisy, Just trying to be honest. Also trying to show we can learn from people we don’t always agree with.
I truly don’t understand why anyone would disagree with that. I think that sounds like it is something to look a lot more closely at. I really feel sometimes alot of individuals could be fairly narrow minded when it arrives that. Nicely thats all for now, appear forward to more post and information.. Talk to you guys later. “As in life, Chill for best results”