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The Complexity of Leadership

6/29/2015

As I begin my summer break -- I am on my sabbatical; this was written in advance, honestly! -- this is an opportunity to lay aside the burden of leadership, the day-to-day responsibilities of leading the church, even a small church. For a few weeks you have given me a break from preaching and teaching and all the administrative details that are involved in leading at Valley. I want to thank you for the gift of time and for your prayerful support during this season. Thank you as well for being a blessing to Pastor Henry as he comes among us.

As you look at leadership in the Old Testament, many of its leaders served as 'seers'. Leaders were first 'see-ers' -- discerning the way things are, hearing from God and responding with faith and courage; with confidence and strength as decisions were made; choices to honor God and follow His ways. Today, while the same principles of leadership remain, we have to recognize that we live in a very complex world; that leadership has and is changing.

In the late 1800's at the dawn of the Industrial Age leadership rested on the shoulders of great men. By the 1920's and 30's leadership had evolved; resting not only with strong individuals but being shared at different levels. In the 1940's and 50's the focus was on the characteristics of good leaders and managers and in the 60's and 70's men like Ken Blanchard began to talk about situational leadership. In the 80's and 90's you might remember the focus on excellence in leadership--how do we achieve greatness. Tom Peter's book 'In Search of Excellence' was a benchmark for this ear. We began to see a reworking of the Great Man leadership theory of the late 1800's with a mix of charismatic leadership.

Today, the talk is around adaptive leadership because of the complexity of leading in our day. We live in a world where the volume, momentum and complexity of change is at such a rate we live in a totally disruptive and uncertain world; a world marked by heightened levels of stress and anxiety. As we seek to find our way through there is a need to build trusting relationships as a platform for leadership; positional leadership is fading.

Donald Laurie in 'The Real Work of Leaders' argues that we need to think about leadership in different ways.
The real work of the leaders is to stand back and see; to communicate what is real (Peter Drucker has said, the first task of the leader is to define reality); to clarify competing values; focus on supporting values; promote dialogue, regulate distress and make everyone responsible. In 'Leadership Without Easy Answers' (1998), Heifetz writes: "Leadership is the mobilization of adaptive work--the challenge of getting people to pay attention to issues that require painful adjustments and that people are inclined to resist--it is walking the razor's edge".

For those of us who walk by faith, we come back to the example of the Lord Jesus; the example of servant leadership--a term that is gaining influence in our complex world. It is leadership committed to the growth of the people we are called to lead; not just getting people to do things for you / the organization. It involves listening, empathy and humility, awareness, persuasion, stewardship and community building.

As we take this summer to pause and reflect; to recalibrate and look ahead, may the example of the Lord Jesus guide as we seek to discern His leading for the future of Valley!

The greatest among you will be your servant. (Mathew 23;11)

Leadership is one of the most observed and least understand phenomena on the earth.
James Macgregor Burns (1978)

Never has so much been written on a subject that so few seem to really understand.
Warren Bennis

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Telling Stories, Dreaming Dreams

6/13/2015

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In the closing verses of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Colosse he lists several members of his team; his circle of friends and the circle of friends that had come together in the Colossian church.   As you read his list, the predominant feeing as he talks about these circles is one of gratitude and joy. As I look back on the past 8 years of serving together at Valley; as I think about the people in my circle, our team, there is that same sense of deep gratitude and abiding joy. (At the risk of unintentionally omitting someone from my list, I want to tell you about my circle of friends at Valley.)

Our first contact with Valley was Don Hargrave. I have served with Don for the past 8 years; his leadership and friendship has been a gift to me. The weekend we first came to Valley in 2007 we found ourselves sitting around the breakfast table with Don and Roberta and John and Katie talking about the church and dreaming of what might be at Valley. That breakfast was the beginning of a friendship with the Hargraves and Ungers that has blessed and continues to bless both Janice and me. Katie, thanks for being part of our worship team! Don and John, thank you for support and encouragement -- serving with you as been one of the great blessings of my life.

When we arrived in September of 2007, Brent and Shannon Ashe were the first ones to arrive at our door, bringing a wonderful meal to welcome us! We developed an instantaneous friendship with them and have continued to enjoy friendship with Shannon through the changes in her life these past five years. Shannon, it has been a joy to work with you in worship; thank you for being a good friend to Janice and for all the kindness you have extended to us as a family. I will never forget the night we laid hold of God in prayer for you in June of 2010 -- you are a testimony to His grace.

We were not long in our new home when Corrie stopped by with fresh fruit and vegetables; despite the vegetables, Corrie and Gerard become more than neighbors; they were friends who allowed us to enter into their story.  We were privileged to walk with Corrie through her battle with cancer and with Gerard through a season of declining health; saying 'good-bye' to these friends was not easy--we still think of them often. We have been blessed to do life together with the Zandee / Pinske family; developing a friendship with Bob and Lia; another gift we celebrate, but Lia we have to talk about your obsession with the Canucks!

Similarly we have been blessed as we have served together with Bill and Edna; thank you for all your kindness and for you faithful support of Valley. Thank you for letting us share your story.   Edna, your commitment to the Leadership Team and as our Treasurer is appreciated by all. Bill, I'm grateful for the invitation to share the opening prayer and the Legislature; there they called you Mr. Speaker, I'm blessed to call you a friend--despite the fact you cheer for the wrong team!

I think of some many friends who have passed from death to life eternal: Irma Becker who worshipped with us just days before her death, Faye Matthews, Rita, Hazel and Margaret Adams, a Godly woman and prayer warrior; Guy, who's faith came alive in the year before he was called home -- so many friends who finished well.

When I think of finishing well Herb Shultz comes to mind; I'm grateful that our paths crossed; Eileen, thank you for you faithfulness to Valley. I think too of Nick Dikur, his quiet, confident faith; Velma you continue to be an example of grace and devotion. I think of the courage of Helen Douglas with the sudden passing of Chico. Beulah Andrews is another Godly lady who is now with our Lord.

Ted and Dorothy Sutcliffe came to the valley about the same time as we did and became our friends; it was a privilege to be at her side when she was called home in death and to continue that friendship with Ted during this season in which his health has declined. It's a joy each time we are able to connect with Kay Chobotar and to remember Bill, whose last words to me were "I look forward to seeing you" -- one day we will meet again.

And I think of my friend Bob McKay, a fellow Elder and servant; I miss his friendship and wisdom around the leadership table. Chris, you continue to encourage us as you lead and serve with us and among us. We are so blessed to have these friendships in the Lord that do not end at the grave but will one day be renewed in heaven.

I look around Valley and I see the courage of Joan Hall, the commitment of Diena and Audrey to the care of their mom and dad, Yde and Ann, and the faithfulness of Jack and Hetty. I remember the Sunday we talked about 'the bridge'; Jack and Hetty were the first to cross that bridge. That day was a defining moment for many at Valley. I think too of the quiet, humble servants like Andy and Lorraine and the faithfulness of Bill Melnyk and John Kobylnik.

I celebrate the faithfulness of Jack and Ina, who now model grace in the changing season in which they find themselves; I admire Jack's quiet strength and Ina's gracious spirit. I think too of Paul and Cora who find themselves in a similar season of transition -- we wish for them to be together but understand the need for extra care and continue to pray for much grace for these friends. I have been blessed to share in David and Alida’s wedding and to meet all the Rottier boys as well as many family and friends of Valley as they have come to visit and have worshipped with us.

As I reflect on our circle, I am mindful of so many that have faithfully served together. I think of Trudy and Ruth and Wynn, Angela and Donna Kelso. Trudy, you have allowed us to be part of your family and to share the journey together. We are so blessed to have Shirley among us and we remember the courage and beauty of Chloe. Trudy, thanks for introducing us to the Hospice Society. Ruth you have been a fellow servant and friend. Wynn, I think we share a kindred spirit, you have been a blessing to Janice and me. Angela, you continue to ‘make me look good’ with the card ministry; who could have imagined the impact of your vision to do this; it’s been a joy to work with you. Donna, you encourage me.

We as a church have been blessed by friends who worship among us and have become part of us and serve when and where they can: Dick Mayer, Nani, Gaye, Louise (thanks for sharing your sacred place), Evelyn, Bonnie and Rose-Marie. Our fellowship of friends is enriched by the willing spirit of friends like Norris and Myrna and Innis and Judy. I’m grateful for Fiona and Irv and Dave, as well as Carolyn, (I’m glad my path crossed with Stuart).

The courage of Donna Glen has inspired me, as has the gracious spirit of her mom, Ruth Profit and I’m grateful for Vern's kindness. Mel and Jean, thanks for sharing the journey with us; we were blessed to have Jean’s mom among us for a season (Margaret Munro). And I’m thankful to have met Bill and Gail Kidd. Gail, I smile each time I see the golf ball and remember Bill.

We have had some new friend come among us and serve alongside us; Jacob and Lydia (our small group hosts), Art and Beverly and Gordon and Betty, Beverly and John and Fern and Beverly -- all who bring a spirit of joy to our circle! Angie thanks for introducing your friends to Valley; you too have been a blessing to me as you faithfully serve among us. Wayne and Daylyn, you are fellow workers at Valley but more than that you are our friends; we thank God for you. We are so blessed to have Terry and Evelyn and Denise as part of church family. Evelyn thanks for faithfully mailing our bulletins to friends who cannot worship with us regularly.

Friends like John and Carol left for a season and have come among us again! Other friends have moved out of the valley and are missed; John and Peggy, Shirley, Elmer and Lockie. Remember the day Lockie was baptized in the lake! I would be amiss if I did not recognize Janice’s mom, Evelyn, who came to live in the valley in 2010 and has been a faithful worshipper at Valley.

When I think of baptisms, Sandra comes to mind; you have been a wonderful addition to our Leadership Team—thank you for challenging my thinking and encouraging us to try new things. We celebrate your recent wedding to Trevor; I’m grateful for his friendship and the support and encouragement you have both been to me.

I also think of our friends from Heritage House; Norman and Vivien (who played the organ at Heritage House well into her 90’s – her work is now done and she is home with our Lord), Edna Kirby and Peter and Margaret—one of my favourite wedding stories!

Bruce and Melba are fellow servants, and Cliff and Sue enrich our worship times. Bruce, I so enjoy the reading of God's Word each time you lead us. I was pleased to share in Bob and Helen’s wedding and we are grateful to have them with us at Valley – we pray for the safe and healthy arrival of your little one later this summer!

I also think of our ‘snowbirds’, Jim and Annette (we missed you last winter!), Nick and June (thank you for letting us enter your story), Ferdy and Lois and Dave and Lorraine, Roelof and Shirley and Richard and Elaine. Lorraine, we continue to keep you close in our hearts – Dave is missed. Shirley, you encourage my heart and I am thankful for the example of the quiet faith of Roelof, a true Christian gentleman, now with our Lord. As well we have many friends who regularly visit us when they are in the valley – enriching our worships and sharing in the fellowship of Valley.

How blessed we are by the circle of friends and fellow servants who call Valley home! We are blessed to be part of the family of God at Valley; it is my joy to serve as your pastor. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy summer sabbatical this year; I am grateful for the opportunity to lay aside leadership responsibilities for a short season of rest and renewal. I look forward to reconnecting in September and pray that God will richly bless us as we continue to do life together at Valley.

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Disappointment and Joy

6/5/2015

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It's a picture that will be etched in my mind for a long time. Janice embraced Andrea as we connected for lunch; tears were welling up in Andrea's eyes...we had missed her graduation ceremony. The feeling can only be described as a deep sense of sadness and disappointment.

The day began with the promise of joy and celebration; our youngest was graduating university! She had worked hard for the past four years to earn her degree in nursing (Bachelor of Science, Nursing from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan) and we left from Oliver to share in the graduation ceremony and celebrate with her. As we approached Peachland traffic came to a stand still and word came down the line of a fatal crash. An hour into our wait, we knew we'd miss the ceremony. Bob and Lia were ahead of in line; they too missed the ceremony, but were able to catch up with Bryenna on campus afterwards.

It's a moment in time, a wonderful moment that we can never re-capture. My mind kept telling me, there is nothing you can do, it was just 'one of those things'. I also realized in a heartbeat a life had ended unexpectedly; that today a family is in mourning--a truth that seemed only to add to the sense of sadness. I know what my theology teaches but in the moment each of has to wrestle through what it means to walk by faith in the face of disappointment. In life, our joy often comes in spite of disappointment and sadness. No wonder there is within us a longing for that day when God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4) No more disappointment!

The good news is we were able to connect with Andrea over lunch to celebrate her accomplishment. In the end, I held her close and reminded her of just how very proud we are of her. We shared the gift that friends at Valley had given her; I can't tell you how much that raised her spirits and blessed us as parents. In the midst of our disappointment we still found a way to celebrate and enter in the joy of the day. (In this I thought about our Lord who enters into our joy, even amidst our sadness and pain.) And, there is another gathering tomorrow for the nursing class; another opportunity to celebrate!

We all have stories of disappointment; may God meet you in those times and provide strength and grace to see you through the sense of sadness and loneliness and fear, and bring you to a place of rest and joy in Him.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

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Heaven on Earth

6/3/2015

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We saw in the last posting that there is, in the Hebrew way of thinking, a realm of God’s rule and authority that we must align ourselves with and there is a real of authority given to man, which, when exercised in cooperation with God’s rule and authority is a beautiful thing.

Jesus picked up on this truth as He taught about prayer in the Sermon on the Mount. In the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day there were 18 prayers or benedictions (Amedah); a righteous Jewish man / woman would recite these prayers all day long as a reflection of a heart that wanted to live according to God’s will, God’s way.

There were prayers for provision (food), for relationships, for enemies, for deliverance and forgiveness; prayers for the body and prayers of worship. These prayers would remind you that every decision is an opportunity to reflect God’s will and ways in this world; to bring a little bit of heaven to earth.

Jesus, taking the teaching of the Amedah, (this is the kind of thing Rabbi’s would do – take teaching of others and build upon it / prioritize it – because their followers wanted know, what does my Rabbi think about these matters?), Jesus sums it up this way in Matthew 6:9-13:

This, then, is how you should pray:
            Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
            Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
            And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)    Jesus said to pray / live in such a way that you reflect God’s rule and authority, His will and His ways here on earth. By our actions / choices – as individuals and as a corporate body, we can bring heaven to earth. This is God’s dream for His community. To Abraham He said, I want you to be a light to the nations. Jesus said, Let your light so shine before men (Matthew 5:16) -- let them see heaven on earth, so they will turn to God and glorify Him.

This is Jesus’ dream for the church! As the church explodes on the scene in the early chapters of the Book of Acts, we see a wonderful picture of the church in action; we see them bringing a little bit of heaven to earth.

Again, this is fundamental to who we are as a local church. We have to figure out what it means for Valley to be ‘the church’ in our world today; to bring heaven to earth. Healthy churches have always looked outside their own walls. Is there some way we can step into the front lines and make a difference?

We’ve got to figure it out. We have to get this one right.   Our mandate is clear; it’s not about us, it’s about what God is doing in the world and aligning ourselves with His plans and purposes -- we get to be part of it!

May God help us to be the kind of church / people tThat brings a little more heaven to earth!

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The Complexity of Leadership

Telling Stories, Dreaming Dreams

Disappointment and Joy

Heaven on Earth

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