To all of our RMAI Family

While reading an article from Brad Lomenick titled, "Are you stuck in the middle?" so many chords were hit…with this article in mind I would like to Think Out Loud just for a moment...

Middle management, department heads or group leaders are crucial to the effectiveness of any ministry or church. Without us, little can be accomplished well. So for a moment I would like to speak to people, like me, who are not the head but yet play a vital
role.

What I have learned after decades of not being the head:

1) Tough lesson to learn but once learned it just makes my life easier:

I labor for another. This implies I go where they want me to go and I do what they want me to do. I have never felt "called" to any responsibility that I have ever been given. What I do know is that I am called to labor with Rhema. Therefore any assignment
given within that context is permissible. No longer do I consider 'moving on' just because my world gets shaken by a new and uncomfortable assignment.

2) Trustworthiness has been a huge issue - When I was offered my first teaching position, my response was there were better teachers out there than me. Their response was one I will never forget, "Yes there are, but we trust you." No amount of ability can override
being negligent, irresponsible or being unfaithful when given small tasks.

Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he the tis unjust in the least is unjust also in much"

3) Serve - The heart of a servant crosses all boundaries. A servant anticipates and understands how best to lighten responsibility from their leader's plate. My goal is to do my assignment so well that my leaders rarely think of me. A leaders mind will always
focus toward those who's performance is weak and inadequate.

"If you are creating more work for your boss instead of less work, that's a problem." Brad Lomenick

4) Be a learner - With every new responsibility comes a learning season. Not once have I ever felt equipped to do what I have been assigned.

a) Take some midnight walks around the assignment. Like Nehemiah, walk around the walls and observe the current state of the task at hand. This requires more observing than verbiage….(Nehemiah 2:11-17)

b) Own up to the conclusion that you are not smart enough to accomplish the task. This mindset will empower you to invite God into the undertaking. (Seeking mans wisdom through books, internet and seminars without first seeking God's wisdom will only take you
so far). There is one advantage of being a 'shop guy', I don't believe I am smart enough and good looking enough to obtain success, so I must look to Him to lead me and guide me.

James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

c) Allow each problem to become a learning lesson - Search your heart for His leadings, talk out the issue with a close friend (There are times when I just need to lay it out verbally in order to gain proper perspective). Many times I struggle simply because
I don't see the issue properly - if I lack clarity concerning the 'what' is the true problem I will never discover the 'how' to correct it. Focusing on problems is easy, creating solutions takes effort.

Life advancements are never the result of always doing what you are comfortable doing.

Brad Lomenick ended his article with this thought:

"Embrace the position you have. Don’t be bitter. Lean into it. Be the best in the world at your current role. Be present."

If you would like to read what sparked this line of thought visit: http://goo.gl/FfeKk