Last week I took a doctorate class called “Mission and Culture” from Dr. Earl Creps. Dr. Creps is the author of two books “Reverse Mentoring” and “Off Road Disciplines” and Pastor of 360church in Berkely, California.
I have seven core values in life. One of them is “Lifetime Learner”. This is why I commit the time and energy to reading, writing, learning and continuing education.
Here are the “Top 10″ insights from 32 hours of lecture and discussion.
#1: Find your voice.
Every leader has something burning inside. You have a message inside of you. Don’t copy someone’s “voice”. Find your own voice. The true test is “What do you talk all the time to your spouse about?” This may give you an indication of your voice.
#2: Humans want to be the center of the universe.
We need to crucify this nature. First, we have to be honest about our selfish nature. We need to consistently ask honest questions about who is receiving the glory here. Who is this about? You or Jesus?
#3: Every leader needs reverse mentors.
We need emerging leaders to mentors us. Watch any parent with a teenager and you will see reverse mentoring. Parents ask their teenagers all the time about technology.
#4: Ask the wife, she will always tells the truth.
If you really want to know what is happening at a church or some ministry–ask the wife. This is painfully true.
#5: Leaders are writers.
What a challenge for me personally. If you want to have influence you need to write.
#6: Tolerance is a poor substitute for love.
Love sent Jesus to the cross, not tolerance. So many thoughts spinning in my head on this thought.
#7: Read outside of your discipline.
#8: Laugh at yourself.
Humor diffuses all types of things. I am not sure if Dr. Creps ever stated this in these exact words. But all week he modeled how we can’t take ourselves to seriously. People in our culture need to see us laugh.
#9: Think like a North American missionary.
This is a mental shift for most pastors. How do I become a missionary in my community? Missional is more than a buzz word. It is easy to focus on the people inside the walls of the church. How about the ones who have never attended our gatherings or NEVER WILL? Missionaries learn the language, culture, assumptions and values of the people they are reaching.
#10: Don’t chase the standard, set the standard.
There is no silver bullet. Leaders listen to the voice of the Spirit! Leaders need to know their context, culture and gift mix–and SET the standard in the place God has put them.
