If you feel stuck intellectually, read something—anything—interesting to you. Do not pick a book to impress someone else – instead, select something that piques your curiosity. It can be quirky, light, dense, or humorous. Just read.
Once your brain starts firing off again, you are on your way to creativity, fresh ideas, and perspectives that will benefit your entire person.
On what we call Presidents Day, our country celebrates George Washington, the father of our country. His wisdom guided the American experiment to a new world of individual liberties, in which billions have benefited.
“In Europe, all Americans knew, people bowed to kings. On his journey, Washington continually bowed to people as his way of acknowledging tributes and cheers. It endeared him to them.” — The Return of George Washington: Uniting the States, 1783-1789 by Edward J. Larson
The CIL staff initiated our first CIL Volunteer Appreciation Banquet earlier this month (February 3). It was well attended and so much fun! We recognized several leaders with a “Streamy” (our version of a Grammy). I am so thankful for the vision and leadership of Cori Fuller, who made this happen. Our theme was, “CIL Loves Me!” I already look forward to next year!
The Elders and I were pleased to present Ann Watson with a lifetime achievement award for her exceptional ministry. For decades, and since 2005 at CIL, she has been a minister of the gospel, serving in the spirit of a deacon and pastor. Thank you for serving and inspiring us, Ann!
Pat Robertson, an iconic evangelical leader, passed away at age 93 last week. He had a profound impact on American Christianity. CT summarized him well in 1996: “Robertson has shaped three major religious developments: the charismatic renewal, Christian TV, and evangelical politics.”
In my estimation, from 1960-2000, Robertson was one of the most innovative and impactful leaders in American Christianity. Around September 11, 2001, it became apparent that Pat did not understand the new generations, and the new generations did not get him. He pressed on with controversial statements in the last part of his ministry that were often poorly timed or executed.
Despite the awkward end to his ministry in the public eye, Pat Robertson was a giant. His life made an unbelievably positive impact on multiple sectors. The Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) is a reputable and helpful Christian network that was way ahead of its time. His love for Israel was critical to the current evangelical connection to Zionism. His academic vision led to the highly touted Regent University, including its well-respected law school. I have seen the humanitarian ministry Operation Blessing function effectively where there has been a natural disaster.. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is an influential legal group that defends family values, religious liberty, and pro-life causes. In the 1990s and 2000s, the Christian Coalition was a dominant force in American politics.
Pat Robertson started all of these!
I can’t defend all of Pat Robertson’s statements, especially the controversial ones when he was over the age of 75, but I can point to his fruitfulness. Pat Robertson accomplished incredible things and should be remembered fondly by the Christian community as an innovator, brilliant businessman, cultural architect, and impactful Christian leader.
Divisive leadership can be energizing, but it can also be unproductive. Impactful leadership moves adversaries to cooperate for the common good. While compromise is a dirty word to many people, it can often be a beautiful outcome. Sure, we need to be uncompromising against sin. However, in many sectors, compromising is the pathway to discovering and reaching shared goals that benefit people and glorify God. Think about it!
Leadership is an art, as different types of leaders are needed for various groups or situations. In my study of leadership, both formal research and personal observation, I see God use multiple styles of leadership.
The Sovereignty of God places leaders in positions, and sometimes this is a sign of divine blessing and other times an expression of judgment. Pray for our leaders.
Also, be the answer to prayer by leading with God’s heart in your orbit of influence.
What type of leader do you choose to follow? These choices reveal you.
In our modern world, we frequently choose our leader. Whether it is a job offer we accept, a pastor of a church we join, or a vote in a democratic republic, we make consequential determinations under the Providence of God. Selecting leaders to follow is not so much about determining the future, as that is God’s responsibility, but revealing who we are.
Choose who you follow with discernment, for the leaders you follow will impact your worldview and reputation. Let the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and the community lead you to healthy, life-giving leaders.
I had the privilege to be a reviewing member of the editorial team for the Fall 2022 edition of the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership, a publication of the Regent University School of Business and Leadership in Virginia. These scholars did great work emphasizing leadership principles from Biblical perspectives in the study of leadership.
I am thankful for this opportunity from my long-time friend, Dr. Carlo Serrano (Manna University).
If you want to read the journal, click below for the PDF.
Earlier this week, I had the great privilege of sharing at the leadership banquet for Launchpoint Church. Launchpoint has such a great community doing impactful ministry for Jesus in Lebanon, Tennessee.
My friends Jim and Angela Kubic are so genuine, loving, and pastoral. They love their people and city, so being part of their annual team celebration was an honor. This church may be hidden from notoriety now, but it will be known for its Kingdom impact as the years progress.
Do you feel stuck? There have been a lot of times in my life when I have felt no progress, which is discouraging.
What should you do when you feel stuck? Grow. Do something to help you grow today. Read something. Write something. Try something new. Pray. Think. Go for a walk.
Growth steps may be the last thing you feel like doing when you perceive stagnation, but a nudge of motion starts the momentum. You’ll be surprised how much God does when you are open to growth in the secret times.
Aaron's Angle 