Leading through times of uncertainty...
The higher you move up in an organization the greater the complexity and the more the uncertainty.
“I carry the collective uncertainty of the whole organization.” AS
When the uncertainty goes away, leaders are no longer needed.
Uncertainty is job security.
The Bible is full of uncertainty.
The story of Jesus was full of uncertainty from man's perspective... But God knew exactly what was happening. The plan of redemption.
God gets maximum mileage out of uncertainty.
We don't learn anything when things are going well.
As Christians we don't think of time as cyclical, we see time as linear... We know God is up to something.
Now is the time for those of us in Christian leadership to step up with confidence to lead people!
We, of all people, should thrive in this environment.
About to talk about what to do when you don't know what to do.
Two words: Clarity & Flexibility
As a leader it is OK to be uncertain, it is NOT OK to be unclear.
There is a way to maintain clarity in the midst of uncertainty.
In times of uncertainty there is a way to be clear. Pull back to that thing that God called you to do/be from the beginning.
What was the original picture of what "could be"|
Talking about the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua...
Moses has mentored Joshua in the art of wandering.
You don't really look at your watch when you're wandering|
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Joshua 1:10-11
We are going to do everything that we know to do... and trust God to do everything we don't know about.
There will always be enough unanswered questions to stunt the vision.
The clearer you get the less the uncertainty you will feel.
Andy talking about the beginning of North Point
When it gets uncertain, retreat to the vision.
When you're running out of money, don't forget you have way more than you started with.
Flexibility - Plans change, vision stays the same.
Don't confuse the plan with the vision.
In times of uncertainty plans change alot!
We fall in love with our plans.
We mistakenly say, "God told me"...
It's bad leadership to blame the plan on God.
Many churches are dead because long ago they left the vision and fell in love with the plan.
There's no easier time to change, blame it on the economy.
Sacrifice the plan for the vision.
Sam Walton - No decision is sacred. It's all about the vision. (paraphrased)
Blame it on the economy and CHANGE things.
Be honest with your leaders and followers!
How to say it.
I don't know right now, but we're going to figure it out.
I don't know right now, but when the time comes to do something about it I confident that we'll have an answer
I don't know right now, but God has always been faithful to guide us in the past.
I could be wrong, but I believe that this is the best course of action.
BE HONEST and CONFIDENT
Leadership is not about makign decisions on your own, it's about owning them after they are made.
Pray like crazy for God's direction in your life.
"I don't want my lack of certainty to cloud the vision."
No greater need in a leader's life than "grace".
The church is the way God will continue to change the world, and accomplish His will. Don't back down!
