Leadership

Leaders are central to producing great communities.

Listen and look at the life of someone who has grown up under the leadership of a great dad or mum.When life gets rocky I notice they have an ability to fall back on their parents proven journeys.This journey carried pressure,loved through difficulties and trusted in simple and proven principles like faith,hope and love.

Listen and look at the journeys of people who have influenced the way you lead in the work place.In my case as a church leader I look at Barney Coombs from Canada , an apostle,friend and spiritual father who for 30 yrs has cared for me and my family.He has never missed a trip in 30 yrs,has financially cared for me in seasons of difficulty,has growled at my carnal behaviour,has believed in me when just a young man.The leadership he has modelled carries into my life to this day a security,faithfullness and confidence that overshadows my own journey as a leader.

Listen and look at the price leaders pay to produce lasting legacies.They all have paid a big price,have stood strong in opposition,experienced and walked daily in their own vulnerability,have failed,doubted yet have kept believing,kept trusting in others and in a simple belief that their life can make a difference.

This spot is dedicated to such leaders.To all of those great people let me say thank you.

Because my life is spent with leaders [church,business,parents]I get to listen and look at their lives and hear their stories.The challenge,pressure,joy and cost are never far from their conversations.Often they hear little of appreciation from those they serve and wonder if they really are making a difference.
Because of this I want to dedicate this spot to leaders who have influenced our lives and suggest this week we find ways to 'encourage and inspire' that person.Why not ring and thank them for the part they have played in your life,send them out to dinner,send a card,flowers,pray for them,send a movie pass or go all the way and buy them a new BMW ! Whatever the gift be, the 'thankyou' and 'gratitude' behind it will inspire them to keep on doing what is so vital-leadership!

We need great leaders so lets do our part in raising up their profile and place in our communities.

Proverbs 25:11.A word [gift]aptly spoken [given] is like apples of gold in settings of silver.