I was given the opportunity to lead worship for our Sunday Night Service this past weekend! Being it was my first time leading on the main stage since arriving here at HGBC North, I was a little nervous. It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to more opportunities.
Set list was simple:
My wife and I sponsor a child named Maverick David Lanza Zelaya through Compassion International. We started sponsoring him in October 2008. Last year we went to Catalyst conference 09 in Atlanta Georgia and they showed us the power of Compassion.
Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.
I was inspired and encouraged from a blog post I read this morning. I’ve been at my new job here at HGBC North for about 7 months now. This position was certainly a step up in responsibility and opportunity from my previous volunteer church positions. One of the lessons I’ve learned in the past few months is stated perfectly in this post: “Going to a higher level requires a greater level of commitment at the new level.” I admit that when I first arrived in my new position I was excited and motivated, but I didn’t realize how important it was for me to raise my commitment level even higher than it was. That must happen when working under leaders who don’t except “good enough” type of work, they want excellence. Now that I’m here I’m forced to push myself, which is exactly where I want to be.
Here is the post from Larry Brey that I read this morning:
Several months ago my Lead Pastor, Pastor Steven Furtick, gave the staff an assignment of seeking out leaders in various lines of work to glean principles that could translate into our ministry.
I set my sights on trying to get a phone conference with Iowa’s legendary wrestling coach, Dan Gable.
During his 21 years at the helm as coach, the Hawkeyes won an astounding 15 national championships. As an amateur wrester he compiled a jaw-dropping record of 182-1 through high school and college. There is no other athlete or coach that has done more for the sport of wrestling than Dan Gable.
After a few attempts I was able to reach him on the phone. During the 20 minute phone call, he spoke of leadership principles that would rival any CEO’s best thoughts. Not only was he commanding, but he was as genuine as anyone I’ve ever met. His confident humility was obvious. He knew his accomplishments, yet his talent was only exceeded by his honest humility. Not a self deprecating “I was just lucky I guess”, but “I knew I wanted to be the best and worked as hard as I could to make it happen”.
Over the course of the conversation I was able to download a long list of principles. The one that stands out the most was his response to the question “why did some wrestlers not make it?” He is one of the best evaluators of talent in the world, yet not all of the wrestlers he recruited were able to be successful in the college ranks. His response was profound.
“Going to a higher level requires a greater level of commitment at the new level.”
As he unpacked the statement, the power behind it became clear. The problem with moving to a new level is in the interpretation of level of commitment it takes to be successful at that new level.
Dan Gable’s interpretation was not just to be good, but to be the absolute best wrestler in the history of the sport. That translated in an insanely driven training regime, an intense focus centered on that goal and a structuring of his entire life around that idea of excellence.
The difference for Dan Gable was that “being the best” wasn’t just a talking point, it was a lifestyle. Everything he did centered on being the best and if it did not add to the bottom line it was eliminated. The wrestlers at Iowa who did not make it were not committed to being the best at the collegiate level. What caused them to be successful in high school would not work in college. When faced with the reality of their unwillingness to strive for the new commitment level they fell by the wayside.
Apply that concept to the church for a second. At Iowa it was Dan Gable who set the bar for the commitment level. The best wrestlers that came out of Iowa rose above that level and exceeded the expectation.
Who’s setting the bar for commitment in your organization?
Is it a nebulous thing that individuals are left to determine on their own? An entity mired in mediocrity is probably diseased with commitment issues.
Secondly, every new level of responsibility in the church has to have an increased level of commitment to be the best. Moving from a volunteer to a volunteer leader is a new level of commitment. Going from a volunteer leader to a staff member is another huge jump.
Who is the one sitting down and clearly communicating what it takes to be the best and the level of commitment required? It is a much different conversation than asking someone to help. It’s giving someone an opportunity to be a part of the most amazing thing on earth, the church.
As commitment levels are clearly communicated, leaders will rise to the challenge. Look for the people who have an innate drive to be the best, to exceed, to excel. Those are the leaders that are waiting for an opportunity to flourish.
Larry Brey, Assimilation Pastor
The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.
Zac’s story is powerful. I’ve already had the privilege to share his story to someone with worries who needed to take a step back and re-focus their perspective…. just as I have.
Don’t hesitate to SHARE.
-Patrick
These past few months have been an exciting time for my wife Sarah and I. Our move up here to Charlotte, NC and my new position in the Worship Ministry department at Hickory Grove Baptist Church – North Campus have been smooth transitions. The love we’ve received from our new church family has made the move soo easy.
I get to work with a great pastoral staff here at North Campus. I’m an associate to our Worship Pastor – Gerald Malloy. Its been a blessing to learn and serve under his leadership along with the rest of the pastors. I never imagined an opportunity like this would come my way, but it has, and I’m grateful.
I can’t wait to see what else God has planned for me here!