Everyone Has Something to Offer

Nearly 40 years ago my good friend and mentor, Dr Gary Sallquist, gave me a book. It was one of several he gave me and encouraged me to read. Gary may not remember giving me the book or that I still have it held together by a rubber band.

The book titled, Excellence, by John W. Gardner was first published in 1961; and my paperback version was printed in 1971. By the way, the price on the book is $.95.

One of my favorite stories of understanding leadership and identifying leaders comes from the tattered pages of this old book.

“There are many varieties of excellence. This is one of those absurdly obvious truths of which we must continually remind ourselves. The Duke of Wellington, in a famous incident, revealed an enviable understanding of it. The government was considering a dispatch of an expedition to Burma to take Rangoon. The Cabinet summoned Wellington and asked him who would be the ablest general to head such an undertaking. He said, “Send Lord Combermere.” The government official protested: “but we have always understood that your Grace thought Lord Combermere a fool.” The Duke’s response was vigorous and to the point. “So he is a fool, and a damned fool, but he can take Rangoon.”

All too often, many of us miss talent and gifting in people because we cannot get by their appearance or personality to see what they have to offer. This is certainly true when it comes to trying to achieve an intergenerational community, whether at church or the workplace.

It is not limited to older looking at younger. It also prevents younger from seeing the value of a more seasoned age-group. In addition, this disease can keep those in the middle from wanting to be around older or younger.

Many churches and organizations are failing to connect with incredible young men and women, as well as phenomenal older men and women who have so much to offer “The Body” because we think we have to like someone for them to be a contributor. The “talent drain” in most churches is one of the most destructive inhibitors to growth.

Gardner makes the following statement in his chapter, The Great Talent Hunt”:

“…all who care about excellence in a society must be vigilant concerning the waste of talent. Teachers, curators, deans, critics, art dealers, editors, foundation officers, publishers—in short, all who are in a position to encourage talent—should continuously ask themselves whether the society is providing sufficient opportunities for its varied resources of talent. If important kinds of talent are withering on the vine, they had better know why.”

We could easily exchange the “church” for the word “society” in Gardner’s statement.

Are our churches missing a wealth of talent in all age groups because we cannot get past personality and appearance to see that everyone has something to offer?

I believe that one of the characteristics of great intergenerational churches will be that everyone gets to serve and be served. We all bring something to the table that is valuable and needed.


Leaders need to know who can “take Rangoon” regardless of their personality or appearance.

Paraphrasing the previous words of John Gardner, “If important kinds of talent and leadership in all age groups are withering on the vine in our churches or just leaving because they do not feel they have a place to grow, leaders had better know why and be willing to change.”


Gardner, John W., Excellence, Perennial Library, Harper & Row, Publishers, 1971, p. 151, 52

A Post/Response by Chad Stecker

This entry was posted by Chad Stecker after my last blog entry. Chad, Tanya and Makayla have now moved officially to Branson, MO where Chad is the Manager of Music City Centre.

Chad is also on Facebook and Twitter. One of the most important things I want my children to remember is that while I am proud of what they do, I am incredibly proud of who they are.

Chad's entry from a few days ago.

Chad Stecker just took a break from a hectic day at work to read dads blog on "Needing more than Rest". I remember reading this when he first wrote it and liking it very much so, but after the recent events of moving to Branson I was enlightened by this reading in a whole new light. My parents and mother in law went to Kansas to ...do the entire move with my wife and daughter so that I could begin working at my new job. They packed boxes and loaded them and everything we owned on a 26 ft trailer and 3 cars. They worked their tails off for about a week so that Tanya and I could make a better life for us and our family. As they all pulled into the driveway here in Branson and then proceeded to to work hard to unload and unpack. I noticed that I have never seen any of them more tired than I did right then. They didn't just need rest, but even more so, they needed restoration. My parents (including my mother in law) are in need of restoration because of what they have done for me and my family. As a parent now I see what my parents do for me and give up for me in a brand new light. I have begun to see my father God in a whole new light through the actions of my own parents. I can remember so many times in my life that my parents became weary doing whatever it took to take care of me, but this time was different. During my devotion today my Father God helped me realize that it is my job as their child, who has benefited from what they have given to me and given up for me, to be an acting part of the restoration God wants to bring them. As children we can and should take an active roll in being a part of Gods plan to give physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual restoration to our parents. Stand up and give back to those who have given so much to you already. Thank you Mom, Dad, Dory and Pops!


So... You can post a comment if you like or better yet, go to the Music City Centre in Branson, MO and tell him yourself.

Needing More Than Rest

I posted this blog in 2008. Today I re-read for myself as I am very tired as a result of the pace and helping move Chad, Tanya and Makayla. Felt it might be appropriate for others.

Several years ago good friends gave Billie and I their cottage to stay in and rest. When I say cottage that is not doing justice to La Casita. Al and Marta have been friends for several years and whenever our family could get south of Tampa to Venice, FL we had a place to hide out and rest.

The trip several years ago taught me a good lesson. Remember that a lesson once learned for me does not mean that I will not have to learn that lesson again.

Billie and I arrived at La Casita absolutely exhausted. On Sunday we went to church followed by dinner with friends and then back to the hideout we went and crashed. after an afternoon nap and walk we had a light dinner and sitting in the chair reading I felt myself getting ready to doze off. I distinctly remember thinking that if I fall asleep now I will not be able to sleep tonight. not to be swayed by common sense I was out for over an hour. Yet that night I slept like a rock. when I woke up on Monday I thought now that I am rested I can have a normal day. Not so.... I napped in the mid morning, the afternoon and again after dinner and slept that night again like a rock.

Tuesday was a new day and now revived I was ready for what the world had to offer. I was a new man and rested. Yet Tuesday was repeat of Monday and by the way so was Wednesday.

When Thursday came around I was more than rested I felt restored.

In my reading and quiet time it was as if the Lord spoke and said "When you are tired, you need rest. But when you are weary, your need restoration."

That was significant for me. There is a major difference between tired and weary and thus the need for rest and restoration. Whe I am tired a good nights rest usually takes care of it. But, when I am weary, a couple of nights sleep and I still get tired and run-down by the afternoon.

Why do I share this with you now.... Billie and I have again left town. Not really for vacation but for restoration. This business of living and trying to live to the fullest takes a toll....physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. We both found ourselves more than tired but again weary. So we are hiding out and sleeping late, reading and probably eating too much. We are with some great friends who allow us to rest.

Then I am brought back to very familier Scripture that I need to read regularly.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me besides still waters,
He restores my soul.

And that is it....He restores my soul.

This has become a major issue for me. I must realize the difference between tired and weary and thus the need for rest or restoration.

My Reading List for 2010 - At Least a Start

Since my last blog several have asked about my current reading list. Here is a look at what is on the list for the start of the year. The easiest way to get a chapter to download is to “google” the title.

Holy Bible – I have the NIV (new one for Christmas) and NKJV at my reading morning place.

Devotional – Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman, edited by Jim Reimann. The Exec Leadership team of Seismic Publishing Group decided that we would each use this devotional in 2009. I am continuing with the same one this year.

Books

Men of Honor Women of Virtue, Chuck Stecker, 2010, Seismic Publishing Group. I am re-reading what I wrote. It is not an ego trip but I did a lot of research for this book and I am refreshing to keep myself fresh – if that makes sense. One of the changes in the book is that we have moved the study guides from the end of the book to having them follow each chapter. Should be available at the end of January @ www.achosengeneration.org

Master Leaders, George Barna, 2009, Barna Books (an imprint of Tyndale House) – This is really a great book and one that needs to be processed. A very good book for small group study as well. You may download a chapter at:

Leadership as an Identity, by Crawford W. Loritts, Jr, 2009, Moody Publishers – Crawford Loritts has long been one of my favorite speakers at men’s events. His messages are always worth the time and hit me right between the eyes. This book is no different. He identifies four traits that leaders have; 1) Brokenness 2) Uncommon Communion 3) Servanthood as an Identity and 4) Radical, Immediate Obedience. Filled with “Notes on Leadership.”

What Americans Really Want…Really, Dr. Frank I. Luntz, 2009, Hyperion Books. This book helps us understand and then develop strategies to reach this generation. “No one in America has done more observing of more people than Dr. Frank I. Luntz. From Bill O'Reilly to Bill Maher, America's leading pundits, prognosticators, and CEOs turn to Luntz to explain the present and to predict the future. With all the upheavals of recent events, the plans and priorities of the American people have undergone a seismic shift. Businesses everywhere are trying to market products and services during this turbulent time, but only one man really understands the needs and desires of the New America.”

Think Orange, Reggie Joiner, 2009, David C. Cook. An amazing book that speaks to the very issue of “InterGenerational Ministry” in youth ministry. It is a book that needs to be read by every pastor, youth leader and parent. What Joiner advocates is the power of church and family combined in a young person’s life.

Lost and Found, Ed Stetzer, 2009, B&H Publishing Group. The sub-title is “The Younger Unchurched and the Churches That Reach Them.” Stetzer and the co-authors have researched and share some very good insights, not the least of which is the power of “intergenerational” relationships. This is a very important book for church leaders.

The Intergenerational Church, Peter Menconi, 2008, Mt. Sage Publishing. Pete has done a great job in analyzing the generations within this current generation. Pete has been doing “Intergenerational” ministry for many years and his book is a foundational look at the world we live in today. You can get this book from www.achosengeneration.org.

Good Day! The Paul Harvey Story, Paul J. Batura, 2009, Regnery Publishing. Billie and I listened to the author at a local book store several months ago and after hearing the author, we both wanted to read the book.

In addition to the books listed, I have several books from Search Institute. This organization primarily targets schools, but has some great materials for teens and pre-teens. I am reviewing a few of the books including; Parenting Preteens with a Purpose, Empowering Youth, Launching Your Teen into Adulthood and Engage Every Parent. Find them at: http://www.search-institute.org/

This is a start for 2010. There are so many good books and resources. As the year progresses, I will share other books and resources that find their way to my reading table. Happy reading. Have a great year!

What Are You Going to Read in 2010?

What Are You Going to Read in 2010?
Perhaps the first question should be, "Are you going to read anything in 2010?" I think your answer to that question will be foundational to your decision to grow or just "tread water" in this New Year.

Late in 2009, there was a statistic floating around that stated many men do not read another book after finishing high school. Wow!! I did not know we had to read any in High School. Frankly, I am not sure whether or not the statement is with or without any valid authentication. I do know this--It is virtually impossible to grow if you do not intentionally read.

Three questions deal with the real issue:

1. Do you want to grow in 2010?

2. If you want to grow, have you decided to read for that growth?

3. If you want to grow and have decided to read--What will you read?

I have a few suggestions and these apply first and foremost to me.

1. Daily read God's Word. It does not have to be a set amount of chapters or verses. It must be a daily decision that becomes as natural as eating. People do not decide to eat every day. That is a given! In fact, we must make a deliberate decision "not to eat." Eating is natural. Therefore, reading God's word must become the natural thing to do each day.

2. Read for Growth. Women do this so much better than us guys. Yet, as men, we are not excused from this requirement. We must be deliberate and set time aside for this area of our lives.

3. Read something for pleasure. Several years ago my younger brother, who is a staff pastor in Omaha, NE, challenged me to read for pleasure. It was a good call. In fact, he sent me a book to start the process. I read it and he sent me a second one.

Now comes the critical question.... How do you actually do this?

Here are some of the steps that have been helpful to me. First, I want you to know that I was not a "reader" growing up in my early to mid-years. I read what was necessary. I made a decision to change.

1. Place to read. This has been significant. I have a chair with books all around. It is my place and I love it. I start my mornings in my chair.

2. Time to read: When it comes to my devotional time and reading the Bible, I do best in the morning. Then I read at other times as well. Think about this: the amount of TV that we Americans watch is staggering. If you made a decision to skip one show and read, your reading skills and amount you read would make a quantum leap.

3. What to read. Do not wait until you are ready to read before you decide what to read. I created a reading list, acquired several of the books which are then readily available for reading. Some books are for pleasure, others for personal growth and still others research for ministry issues.

4. Be accountable with others. It is great to read books with others. It creates an atmosphere of accountability; and men especially do much better if they know that on a given day, a group is going to be discussing the first 4 chapters of any given book. I have read several books this way and even with my sons who live in different states.

My good friend and author, Ken Larson, is the go-to guy when it comes to LifeWalking. He is always quick to ask men, "Are you going to learn to dance or just move with the music?" That statement really speaks to the issues of life.

Are we just going to slide through life and let things happen to us or did God create us to make things happen?

I think my ability to make things happen may be directly tied to reading and growing.

Finally in the words of my friend and leadership development pastor, Mac Lake--"Leaders are readers and readers are leaders."