Don't Tell The Stamps

The Calgary Stampeders record fell to 1-2 since I declared them my new team. The Senesi football curse goes international! Poor Stamps. Don't tell them it is all my fault (Jonah Effect). They lost to the British Columbia Lions 42-9 this weekend. Before my adoption they had gone 4 weeks without a loss. Go figure.

Don't let me cheer for your team. A tailspin will follow. That is why I have adopted, as my new favorite team, none other than the Georgia Bulldogs. Go big hairy dawgs! Note: My Dawgs play my former favorite team, the Tennessee Vols, this week.

Michael Vick's Insane Behavior

All I ever needed to know, I learned from a bunch of drunks. The previous is one of ten perspective book titles I am considering. I spent the better part of ten years in New Orleans, sitting with them - the drunks - the hopelessly addicted. Walked in the door totally ignorant about the addicted community. How did it work? What were the rules? Why was their behavior so . . . stupid, or better put, insane? They helped me understand the nature and meaning of insane behavior.

If I had a insane detector maybe it would look like the metal detector at the airport. What if you could walk through and a loud buzz would indicate any insane behavior in your life? Stupid stuff. Mistakes you repeat. People you hurt, over and over. Priorities you neglect, over and over. Addictions you are committed to quit, over and over. Would my insane detector buzz when you walked through? Why?

Be careful when you judge the non-sensical, stupid, insane behavior of another person. Insanity is part of the human condition. Insanity is why I need outside intervention in my life . . . outside intervention from The Interventionist - Jesus (John 10:10). We all live it to some degree. If we all did what made sense . . . if we all made the right choices, all the time . . . the world would be a much different place. I am thinking out loud that the world would be heaven. Ah, yes. As I get older, I get more homesick.

Columbia yesterday. Enjoyed spending time with a group of prospective planters. Neal McGlohon and Chris Ruppe was there. Always enjoy being with those movement makers. Bryan and Jack from The River Church in Camden showed up. Always love hearing Bryan's story. Off today. Heading up to Northpoint in Travelers Rest Sunday. See you Monday.

Pig Pile!!!

I played the game many times, as a child, teenager, and adult. In all three phases the game looks a little different. You've played something like it. Some unsuspecting person comes in the room, and someone shouts, PIG PILE! The victim is tackled, and every able body in the room jumps on top of the pile, hard. Fun, lots of fun, and laughs . . . at the victim's expense. The only bad thing about Pig Pile was if you were on the bottom.

Do I sound like a bleeding heart today? So be it. Twenty-five years ago I sat in a prayer meeting in New Orleans with a small group of people. A lady was asking us to pray because someone had stolen her truck. What? Are you kidding me? Some idiot stole your truck! Poor thing. Let's get our pitch forks and torches out and find the scoundrel. She prayed a prayer, with sincere passion, I will never forget. Lord, please help the person that stole my truck. I know you love them. May they find the Bible I had, read it, and find you. Not exactly a scream of Pig Pile!

Pharisees love the game. I have heard it since yesterday, on ESPN radio, concerning Michael Vick. There is a feeling of superiority among participants. The real victims of Pig Pile are those who jump on. Why? You can fill in that blank. But remember, around the corner, maybe at work, maybe in church, maybe in your own home, there is a group of people waiting. There may be legitimate reason to believe you will be on the bottom of the pile soon. I have been there. It is very hard to breathe and it hurts places you did not know you had.

Great day yesterday. More of a numbers game. Hundreds of eager students at Anderson University being challenged by Andre to be a part of changing landscapes. Then, in Rock Hill, with a group of movement maker DoM's. I love those guys. Today, potential church planters and movement makers in Columbia.

Do You Have One?

You know . . . an ugly front door (see pic yesterday)? One that will not go away? Maybe it is a hurt, habit, or hangup. Or could it be a classic "thorn in the flesh?" The old, bald-headed, Apostle (Paul, not me) had one of those. No matter how hard you try to manipulate people, places, or things, including the Father, it will just not go away.

The grace thing is hard for me sometimes - but as God told Joshua, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. Somehow this applies to the ugly front door. You see, there is no simple formula. Hurt, habit, or hang-up? I know what God wants there, don't you? Don't hold it, don't stop to admire it. Let it go. Thorn in the flesh? You will meet Him at that ugly door, in a new and deeper way. Don't understand it, but I know it is true. Blue Like Jazz (Donald Miller)thing.

On the road today, a quick rock star tour of Anderson and Rock Hill. Did about 10 minutes on the ugly front door yesterday. Great coaching conversation with my coach mentor.

Confessions of an Ugly Door

My front door is ugly. I think everyone knows . . . who visits our house on Silver Branch. The mail man, the paper man, the garbage man . . . and others. You can't help notice. But everyone including Yvette has been kind of quiet about it. She would prefer for it to have been the back door. I started a job that I really don't want to finish. I over promised on Friday's blog. I am ashamed.

If my front door could talk, he (my front door is male) would have some things to say about me. Abrasive, inconsistent, not very gifted when it comes to certain things. Prone to outbursts of temper, etc. Enough front door! Get out of my face. I have more important things.

My ugly front door would say my spiritual gift is procrastination. I have an unusual ability to save the worst to last. I have never brought this up to my therapist. My list is so long. I have other priorities right now. I think I am going to wait and talk to him about that later. Maybe never.

Eat The Frog First. I read part of that book. I need to read more of it. And I will . . . don't pressure me.

Try as I might, my ugly front door faces me every day. He will not go away. I am not sure I have the solution for my problem. Try harder has not worked in the past. To do lists have minimal influence . . . when I have time to make one.

Maybe today is one of those moments where I am asking for and granting permission to be human. Maybe I hope confession will be good for the soul. I mean . . . you have them don't you? Ugly front doors? Maybe confession will be good for my ugly front door. Or my marriage . . .

Great day yesterday. I discovered I am triple booked for tomorrow. Look forward to fixing all that today. Did work a little more on the ugly door BTW. Watched an ugly football game. I will keep you posted.

That Would Defeat The Purpose

I went to a bookstore and asked the sales woman, Where is the self-help section? She said if she told me that would defeat the purpose. The previous was a line from stand-up comedian Brian Kiley taken from Readers Digest, September 07 (Laugh Riot edition I recommended Friday).

Gary came to my office in New Orleans one day. He did not make a great first impression. Eye-contact was poor. He did not speak clearly. In a mumble he said, my professors told me I needed some experience and that I needed help. I was also told that you would be the best person to ask. Gary and his wife came to First Baptist and worked with us. I am not sure if I (or we) helped him or not. I don't remember much of the rest of the story. I will confess, however, I took the fact that someone sent him to me as a high compliment.

Self-help is somewhat of a oxymoron. I know, I know, there is the idea of personal responsibility, don't go Dr. Phil on me. My point is that you need, you must, you ought to help someone today. You need, you must, you ought, to get help today. You need more help than you think. Me too.

Is that Psalm 121:2? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. His help can come in human packages. You are one (a package of help), you need one.

Great weekend. I will talk about the door tomorrow. I did have fun. Sons of Italy. Willow with Neal. Football. Helped son-in-law with dog pen and watched a Bear thrashing with him. Flight Deck Restaurant. Weight Watchers. Abby's birthday party. Helped Yvette with a short trip to her school. More tomorrow.

Football Addiction Wanes

The Calgary Stampede, my new adopted football team (because of their three game winning streak and my other teams are losing badly), lost last night. Hamilton Tiger Cats beat them 24-20. Go figure. I am losing my football will to live. Maybe that is a good thing. No predictions this weekend, except I will be watching, through Monday night. Nice shirts, huh?

Laugh Riot

If you enjoy reading funny stuff, go to the grocery store, buy this month's (Sept.) Readers Digest. Then go to Starbucks or equivalent, buy your favorite cup and read . . . and laugh. Speakers will get material. Send me the receipt for RD and SB. I will pay you back out of my pocket (offer good for the first 10 who reply only - 190 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, 29210 - no cash value, don't ask for the money instead of the RD & SB smart guy, void were prohibited, I don't know what that means but it sounds like I need the protection). You have my permission to have fun!

Fun Friday

If you are not having fun, you are not doing a good job. I read this quote in Fast Company magazine almost 5 years ago. I remember it often. I speak to leaders multiple times, every day. Some are having fun. Most are not. When you eyeball them, they are all effective in some way. The ones who are miserable are no where near their potential.

Don't want to sound like a spoiled brat here. Ed Stetzer told me (I think it was 5 years ago, too) that no matter your assignment, there is rent to pay. I responded, yeah, but I did not realize I was moving to the high rent district. Point is, daily, there will be down sides to your assignment. No matter if you are in your dream job, there will be rent to pay. Accept it, don't get angry at it, that only makes it smell worse.

Point #2, IT'S FRIDAY! Give yourself permission to have fun. Watch college football without guilt. Go to your favorite kid friendly restaurant. You pick it, not the kids. Go to the zoo, pull weeds, read a book. Have your grandson pull your finger. Tell a joke, you enjoy telling, and that you have told 1000 times, to your family. Watch a movie you have seen 100 times that still makes you laugh. Don't make me create your fun! You do it. When you treat the whole man with something meaningless, you will be more effective.

This weekend I am going to watch football, watch a movie, paint my front door, help Neal preach a sermon at Willow Ridge, go to a Sons of Italy meeting, and probably end the Sunday night at Midtown if Sons of Italy finishes in time. I am going to see my daughter, grandson, and hero son-in-law (see pic) fresh home from basic training and tech school. I am going to hang with the family and watch for God. What a country!

Senesi Celebrations

Abigail Hope turned nine years old Tuesday. I missed it. She was the "sent one" from the Lord. What fun! Abby likes all the things little girls like. Hannah Montana, Disney Channel, her beloved Siamese kitty, Lilly, and special smoothies made by dad. Happy Birthday Abby. God has really big plans for you!

Airman David Mikusek returned home yesterday from tech school in San Antonio. We all missed him so much. Father-in-Law is so proud of the commitment, growth, and discipline of this young man. Father-in-Law is also so happy to have his friend home. We will be playing golf together soon. Cowboys, Saints, Hurricanes, and Vols games will be in our faces. God has really big plans for Airman Mikusek, too.

Great conversations yesterday. Great flights home from Calgary. Neal and I made our journey southward. Home to swim again. People are drowning. I really don't want to forget that. Yes, we need to be in a hurry.

From Calgary - Swimming in Big Small World

Sitting with Neal in Banff, Alberta enjoying the beautiful Canadian Rockies I made a comment - I have been talking too flippantly about the world, changing the world and reaching the world. Every time I travel this far I realize how big it is. The professor replied in typical fashion: Yeah, it's a dichotomy (division into two usually contradictory parts, had to look it up) it's big, but it's small.

John Piper helped in Let the Nations Be Glad. He gave the illustration of coming upon a shipwrecked ocean liner with 1000's of people frailing away in the water. What a dilemma! How do I decide whom to save?

When we decided to spend a week in Canada, we decided by default not to spend that week any place else. We picked a group of people to swim toward. The only way we could do that is swim away from others.

What is the solution? How can we make a big world small? Acts 1:8 complicates the matter further, when we get the directive, go everywhere in the world at once, as fast as you can.

The answer is multiplication. Swim toward a group, invest in the strongest to help them swim toward and rescue the people in their group. Then, Acts 1:8, swim quickly to another group. Help others see do the same thing.

As we sat with Canadian leaders on Monday we were overwhelmed with them. We could not be so arrogant to think we could help them solve every problem. For every limitation, leadership shortage, geographical challenge, cash shortage, the professor and I will figure out a way to help. Yeah, right.

No, we will pick out a few, the willing, and yes, the strongest. We will invest in their vision to partner with God to reach their nation and beyond. They, in turn, will do the same. Then, we will we swim to other places. We will invest in strong networks and let them rescue, and we will swim to other places. The heart of God is supernatural, grassroots, multiplication. He gets the credit, only He has the capacity. No other way makes any sense. The world is way too big.

We plan by God's grace to swim home today. Big homecoming at the Senesi house. Cynthia first, then Airman David Mikusek, and finally me, Lord willing. Can't wait.

From Calgary - Crazed Fans

Funny where you can find stuff. We were on the C-Train with a bunch of crazed Saskatchewan Roughrider fans Saturday. Dressed in green, face paint, men wearing green dresses. Even in the fan category . . . a bit nuts.

I learned the rest of the story about these fans. They love being fans so much that they show up at Canadian Football League games in which their beloved Roughriders do not play. All for the love of the game and of being a fan, dressed in green. Everybody loves them.

As we sat with Canadian Movement makers Rob Blackaby, Tim Williams, and Bo Neal yesterday, I wondered. Would they try and put a positive spin on the work to impress us? Would they explain away the tough spots because Canada is a hard place to reach people for Christ? Would they feel more like we were rivals?

In spite of recent progress and incredible barriers they asked questions. They wanted more and better for God. Because the work of the Lord and the souls of people are at stake, they held their work with an open hand. I am a big fan of movement makers in Canada.

Someone needs to hear a loud cheer from you today. Could it be someone outside your daily circles? Someone from your past? Maybe even someone you don't know? Get a little crazy. Give them a yell.

Seeing more of the beauty of Canada today. Will keep you posted.

From Calgary - Long vs. Short, Big vs. Small

It only makes sense (Ps 145). Anyone would agree regardless of spiritual background. No matter if you think like a business person, a doctor, a preacher, or a young mother. Invest the most in the greatest. Make long term investments. Beware of impulse, trends, and hunches.

In Calgary today I will be at the table with key Canadian movement makers, Rob Blackaby and Tim Williams. U.S. movement makers Larry Bateman (FBC Taylors) and Neal McGlohon (SCBC, Charlotte Network) will be there too. I'm thinking I'll need a yellow pad. Looking for the greatest and longest investment in God's kingdom. I will keep you "posted."

By the way, take action today. Get out your yellow pad and a pencil. Lay down the laptop. List the three major issues in your life that are slowing you down. Prayerfully choose one. Then take one action, solid, and concrete that will move you forward.

Lift Off - Southwinds Church

Great Day. Great Conversations. I love launch days. I compare them to Super Bowl Sunday. But today it was The Grey Cup (Calgary Stampeders whipped Saskatchewan Roughriders 44-22, Saturday) in the name of cultural relevance. The Grey Cup (Nov. 25, 2007 in Toronto) of the Canadian Football League http://www.cfl.ca/ is the equivalent to the Super Bowl of the NFL.

Everybody had fun. Do you think they had fun in Acts 2? More than Super Bowl and Grey Cup combined. When did being a Christ-follower stop being fun to you? Why? Go back and rediscover the fun of it all. I'll bet (wait I'm not supposed to do that), I think (wow, a little wishy washy), You will (I feel a high D rush here) be much more interesting to those far from God when the fun comes back.

The numbers I know were 14 people from the community. Core group was around 23 (37 for Southwinds future). The crowd, well wishers and South Carolina Team made the head count around 70.

One couple with two children told Pastor Rob they had been watching all Southwinds had doing in the community for two years. They did not participate in anything. First Sunday they wanted to see what Southwinds was all about. Home run! I mean, touchdown!

From Calgary - Six Guys Who Will Carry My Casket

Today is launch day. Larry introduced a provoking idea to us yesterday. The six guys, you know, who will carry my casket . . . What will they really know about me? How much of my life will I have poured in them? What kind of difference will they make in the world?

When I left New Orleans after 17 years God convinced me that I needed to spend more time with less people if I really expected to change the world. I think there is an example of that in the Bible, right?

Mid afternoon launch update will come. We are two hours behind Eastern time

Snapshot from Calgary - Sunday's Coming!

Different flow to yesterday. My feet had a day off. Sunday's coming, as Campolo made famous. A lot of sitting around the table with Calgary leaders, talking about Sunday and beyond yesterday, too. Pray for the grand opening of Southwinds Church.

More and better conversations. I asked God for one deeper conversation yesterday. Wow, I had conversations Midgen, Jack, Trevor, a man from Asia, and a man from Sudan in the first 45 minutes on the ground. It may bug you to know that some of those conversations were just that, conversations (read Hybels, Just Walk Across the Room, and you will be bugged even more). But, until the first conversation happens there will never be a second. More tomorrow.

Personal Record Set in Calgary - My Feet are Mad at Me

No applause, please . . . our team went to roughly 6000 homes yesterday. We were on the pavement in Calgary for eight hours. We were hanging invites to Southwinds Church (www.southwindschurch.ca) launch service on Sunday.

First door I ever knocked on was at age 9 in East Tennessee. In New Orleans I served in many roles that provided opportunities to go door to door. Yesterday was not door to door. Yesterday was door to door to door to door to door. No doubt a personal record. My feet are mad at me.

Had some great conversations. Canadians are not easy to talk to. But, just like any place on the planet (I think, I have not been every place as of today), when the conversations went places they were passionate about, a dramatic turnaround took place.

Upon advice from locals my first feeble attempt to connect was through the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains. Beautiful mountains, I said to the first few people. To a person they looked at me like an over zealous salesman try to close a deal. So, I kept fishing.

On this day connecting points were beautiful yard, you must work hard . . . how bout those Calgary Stampeders? . . . the Calgary Flames open Sunday in Calgary and are sold out. Canadians take great pride in their small yards. The Calgary Stampede of the Canadian Football League beat their hated rivals, the Edmonton Eskimos, twice this year. The National Hockey League is a universal passion in Canada.

The first part of the day yesterday was cold. So were the first few conversations. But as conversations moved to passions, most everybody wanted to talk. I am not expert on Canadians, although I admit, I am jazzed at trying to understand them. Living here for years would be needed. Here is the learning of the day: Everyone we meet today wants to talk about something. Discovering that something is the key to a deeper relationship. A deeper relationship will be they greatest avenue to deeper conversations . . . about deeper things, like God, Jesus, and eternal life. Patience is needed for most. Keep moving forward!

From Calgary - Change is a Team Sport

Sjogren's quote - you know - partnership is the heart of God . . . Tony Stoltzfus said it in Leadership Coaching this way: No individual can fulfill the call of God on their life without other people.

Doing more reading with the travel. God reminded me yesterday through Reggie (Get a Life) and Blackaby (Experiencing the Cross) that I could be the answer to someone's prayer. That's not about my value to the world, it is about partnership and me listening to what God says. Who do you need to help today?

Southwinds Church,Calgary, Alberta - Launch

We arrived in a "much colder than South Carolina" environment today. God is doing some exciting stuff here in Calgary. Neal McGlohon and 9 people from FBC Taylors are on the team. We get to watch a launch, do footwork, and encourage. I can do encourage. A well-trained monkey can do encourage. Wonder why we don't do it more?

The launching pastor of Southwinds (http://www.southwindschurch.ca/) is Rob Blackaby. Famous names for 100? Yes, it is Henry's nephew and the president of the Canadian Baptist Seminary. Southwinds vision is to help communities by introducing neighbors to neighbors. I like it.

Taylors FBC has been sending teams for well over a year. Great partnership. Steve Sjogren said to me once "partnership is the heart of God." Simple, but profound. Plus he is famous in the Kingdom. Wanted you to know I know somebody beyond Stetzer and Reggie.

South Carolina planters, a great potential project for you (you know the Acts 1:8 deal). The late Keith Green said: If God has not called you to stay then you have already been told to go (he did not say that to me, personally, but at a concert). Where are you going?

Blogging Canada for awhile. We will be here 7 days. More Learning from Leaders later. Pray for us, please, and the lauch of Southwinds Church.

Leaders V - Find a Way or Make a Way

I am amazed at the ability of leaders to "self-coach" while others sit around and deconstruct. Leaders' minds work quickly to solutions or action plans.

The Mike Ditka head coaching era of the New Orleans Saints was short (1997-99) but interesting. I lived in New Orleans part of that time. Ditka called those years "the three worst years of his life." As a Saints fan, me too, Iron Mike. The ill-fated, often ineffective, rally t-shirt was introduced in training camp one of those years. The t-shirt read, Find a Way or Make a Way.

We waste a lot of time in supposed leadership meetings deconstructing. People don't, churches won't (be careful here with the Bride), things never. Floating obstacles are common place in the pond in which we swim. Anyone can point out obstacles (deconstructionists). Leaders find a way or make a way.

What obstacles are floating in your pond today? Ask God to help you find a way. Don't waste time trying to show how smart you are by saying, hey, look, an obstacle! Get a coach. Find people who have faced similar obstacles. Pray it through. Study great leaders. Search scripture. Make a plan. If it does not work, start the process again, and make another plan.

Yesterday was awesome at Spartanburg Community Church. Check out Glenn Smith at http://www.nciglobal.org/. Calgary today. I will do my best to stay current on the blog, but I may slow down a bit.

Leaders IV - Was the Sky Really Falling?

Those who have most powerfully and permanently influenced their generation have been "seers" -- people who have seen more and farther than others -- persons of faith, for faith is vision (Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership).

I declared to a group of movement makers in a meeting one day, "we are underachieving!" As I heard me I thought "Am I whining? Will it cause the team to feel like they are being manipulated? Will my rants make them grow callused? Was the sky really falling?" On that day, I don't know for sure.

One thing I admire in other leaders is their lack of contentment with the way things are. Visionary by nature, they always press toward "the way things ought to be." Leaders see things most people don't.

What separates a visionary leader from a day dreamer prone to wild fantasies? Great question. Here is my shot at some answers: A God connection, friendship with other visionaries, lifelong learning, and the ability to move people . . . Pick one that needs cultivation in your life. Take action to move to a higher level. More tomorrow.

Greenville, Tryon, and Spartanburg yesterday. Larry Bateman, Chris Ruppe, Neal McGlohon, Kermit Morris, and Glen Smith were among many "seers" I was with. Today I will another day l I will be around more seers than I can name. Tough assignment, but you know, someone has . . .

Learning from Leaders III - The Crazies

My journey of watching leaders lead went to a new level in 1998. After 12 years as a pastor, with all of the good and bad, I got a chance take a step back. I have been out now for 9 years.

Someone told me that my first 18 months of not being a pastor would be a time of incredible learning. The day-to-day intensity of pastoral leadership in the local church is insane. Did you ever play organized football? I compare it to an eternal football game. No rest, lots of hits and hurts, a few touchdowns. No timeouts. No off season. No real days off. In the middle of all that you are supposed to learn, grow, and be current.

From the sidelines it became easier to see. Who was winning at this thing called leadership? The most courageous. Crazy courage. Sometimes the courage was so much that it seemed reckless and inconsiderate. Others counted the cost of their right decisions . . . and counted . . . and counted more. Did the crazies make mistakes? Yes. Absolutely. But they got things done for God on a higher level. Were the crazies misunderstood? All the time. Criticised. Kicked in the teeth. And much more.

Joshua said:

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

Hybels said:

Behind the scenes of every prevailing ministry I discovered courageous, servant oriented leaders . . . The local church is the hope of the world and its futurerests primarily in the hands of its leaders (Courageous Leadership).

Next step? Different for all of us. The best leaders are bungee jumpers. They are nuts. Joshua, Hybels, and others. I've over-analyzed and jumped. Jumping hurts more, but is more fun and has greater Kingdom payoff. Be careful. Make sure the cord is tied to you and the other end. Jump!

Greenville today. Glen Smith, New Church Initiatives, tonight and tomorrow. Movement makers for days ahead! Calgary Wednesday this week.

Elmo Makes Saturday Fun!

Elmo Makes Music for Pappi, Owen, Abigail and Krista.

Big Deal for Small Worlds!

Learning from Leaders II - My First Accusation

The first time I remember someone referring to me as a leader was either in the 6th or 7th grade. Before you hurl, let me apologize by saying, just because someone thinks you're one, it does not make you one. Whew, I hope that principle applies to more than just leadership. Often times those of us who are loud, opinionated, and arrogant get called "leader." That was likely influencing the Valley Forge (TN) Elementary school teacher, who called me a one in the early 70's.

Jim Collins, in Good to Great (old news I know), listed personal humility as one of two essential qualities of great leaders. Notice not false humility. I have often joked (I think it is a joke) that I have no humility at all, including false humility.

My learning from observation, remember that is what this is about, is that the best leaders model true humility. If God has selected any of us to influence others, we must keep selection process in perspective. He has simply searched His toolbox, as a patient carpenter often does, and made a choice. We are no more the focal point of this miracle of grace than the hammer is when we drive by a beautiful home. I have never driven by an awesome new home and said to Yvette, wow, what a hammer that made that home!

Another powerful image in a quote, from Samuel Brengle, via Spiritual Leadership:

The ax cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. It could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it, and he used it. The moment he throws it aside; it becomes only old iron. O that I may never lose sight of this.

More Monday.

Ever gone into a room thinking every one else was the problem and left the room with a sick feeling in your stomach because you discovered you were. I think that happened to me yesterday in Columbia. I hate it when that happens.

Baywatch and Learning from Leaders I

New topic starting today. Would you help by posting comments? The question is, beyond the most holy book of Maxwell, what have you learned by watching leaders lead?

I am a bit cynical (ya think?) about this leaders movement that was birthed by Maxwell. I have benefited from the books and quoted JM even when I though I was quoting myself. He has influenced the conversation of an entire generation of leaders.

I am going to wax a bit old school on you here. No wonder, Kermit and I were there the day they started "old school." Much of our infatuation with leadership culture is flesh and ego. In fact, there is more flesh in our leadership culture than an old Baywatch episode (at least that is what they tell me).

We are often guilty of flattering ourselves when we call ourselves leaders. It is an empty assumption on our search for significance. Did Jesus consider himself a leader? Would he have read books and attended seminars? Was leading simply Jesus being Jesus?

Don't read another leadership book until you let this one lay the foundation and create a filter: Spiritual Leadership - Oswald Sanders. I have read and re-read -- Sanders quotes A.W. Tozer: a true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of circumstances. Wow, think about that one today. I will. More tomorrow.

Columbia yesterday sitting in a bunch of meetings. Meetings matter, by the way. The old me thought it was more noble to "play the game" instead of practicing, preparing, or helping more people play the game. Truth is there are no cheerleaders at meetings. No cameras or newspapers. The old me preferred to work "in the work" instead of "on the work." Some of that was ego and small thinking. Wish I had some of those years back. Talk about that more later too.

Movement III - Hanging Out By My Casket

Moves are painful. The last one (S.C. 2002) was the most excruciating. With every move, however, I become wealthier and deeper. As my car moves quickly through life I realize that two things last forever, people and God's will (Matt. 24:35). In my review mirror: New Jersey, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Ohio, along with a cast of incredible characters I would never have known had God not moved me on.

In Bob Logan's book, Coaching 101, Bob talks about an important lesson he learned from his father. Bob's father told him success was to find out what God wants you to do, and do it!

When I am dead, and you guys are hanging out by my casket talking about how good I look, I hope for only one really nice thing to be said about me. What God said, what God did, and what God wanted was Dino's obsession. Over a lifetime that will include some chipped teeth, embedded concrete, a stabbed hand or maybe two, a few blenders, and even worse. But it will also include knowing when to move, like Paul, like Jesus. Moving and investing in the right people and places.

Not included: trying to impress you guys by being a hero. Don't get me wrong, I love Gatorade baths. I want to be a hero. But if that's what drives me then my lack of influence is all but guaranteed. One voice, one passion, one audience, and do it! Nuff said. Learning from Leaders starts tomorrow.

Meeting with the Church Multiplication Group www.scmultiply.org in Columbia yesterday. I love those people. So focused. Much passion. Much hope. I think about the unusual way all of them ended up in the same room. No smart guy pushing the buttons. The God of the Universe making the calls. Things work so much better that way.

Movement II: Dino Makes a Bad First Impression

Learning from leaders (what to do, what not to do) I have discovered a common what not to do. What people think matters too much in determining an God's assignment. Should we consult a multitude of counselors? Yeah, I think that is somewhere in the Bible (Prov. 11:14 for those keeping score at home).

My bias, however, can skew Bible advice. Be sure you ask enough people, when pondering your next assignment, not just the ones you know will agree with you. Notice God's advice in Proverbs does not necessarily suggest you take a popular vote. Yes, I see that hand, God is calling me to Hawaii. More accurately, the advice is to get a variety of perspectives. Oh, I get it now. Bummer!

People gain security in numbers. I don't. I never had the luxury. The popular vote for me to pastor my church in Marrero, La. was 87%. In preacher terms, that is low. In fact, so low, I said no to them, multiple times. I then accepted the call and during the first year the numbers got even lower. For Cincinnati, the executive board voted a whopping 73% in favor of me coming to lead. My former pastor, Ron Herrod once told me, Dino, you really don't make a great first impression. Oh yeah, well, I don't care . . . anyways . . . more tomorrow.

Home yesterday for a day off, in honor of expectant mothers, Labor Day. Shopped a little. Abigail got two new frogs, Molly and Cyrus. Much needed respite for the Senesi family. First full week of school was too much drama for us. Week #1 included broken bones, bloodshed, and worst of all a Vols' loss. No real positive spin on the Cal loss for me because of the hard schedule. More loses coming (3-4). I don't care (<<< that was a lie).

A Theology of Movement

When did we get the impression a Christ follower should never quit, move to another place, or accept a new assignment? I fear we are so starved for recognition and affirmation that we will put our hand in a blender (or stab it with a knife 8/30) to get it. Too often I watch men grind their face and that of their families into the concrete for what they think is the cause of the Gospel. The question: Is that always the thing to do?

No secret blog messages here. Today, I am where God wants me. No question. Today. Yet, I have always been intrigued by what criteria people use to stay or go. Some value staying. Others value going. God values both.

When I wrote my personal mission, vision, values thing back in the late 90's at an Ohio retreat, I remember the words I wrote: God assigns and reassigns His people over the course of a lifetime. Nothing is more important than hearing and obeying His assignments.

Jesus, keynote speaker at the disciples' commissioning service, said, "And whoever will not receive nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet (Matt. 10:14)." Jesus was rejected at Nazareth, and he left (Matt. 13:58). The ministries of Paul and Jesus were all about coming and going. Movement. Hello and goodbye. More on this important subject tomorrow.

Carl Martin (carl@crosspointclemson.org) was at Willow yesterday. Carl asked the question: Where are your spiritual hands? Carl is a movement maker. A movement maker is someone who creates environments for God's will to be done and His Kingdom to prosper. Carl always lifts me to a higher level. God uses him to bring value to any room. Enjoyed Dustin Willis (talktodustin@gmail.com) and Midtown Sunday, too. Dustin asked the question: What tables does Jesus want to turn over in your heart?" Ouch. Nothing like being around movement makers.