Building a Christian Institution Strategically – Nu Leadership Series
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Corinthians 3: 9
As I scramble to meet the next church deadline, I understand that organizations can get sidetracked while dealing with todays problems. Therefore, leaders need to constantly stay focus and think strategically. Some leaders make decisions for short-term results. However, good planning doesnt always equate to strategic planning.
Strategic thinking involves recognizing and focusing on issues and events that are significant in decision-making. If you work a day job and build your dreams at night, you are more than a moonlighter. You are operating in duality. Wacker, Taylor, and Means, management experts, maintain that successful companies exist in duality while maneuvering in the present and future.
Likewise, if you want to be a different breed of religious leader, you must focus on the long-term objectives, not short-term gains. I hope that this knowledge brings me closer to my God-given calling. The Apostle Paul existed in duality. However, Paul had his priorities in order. Corinthians 3:9 explains, For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
From Pauls background, he could have excelled as a scholar, a master debater, or even a highly skilled tentmaker. Yet, Paul wasnt deceived by these earthly recognitions. Similarly, we shouldnt be either. Therefore, a church leader should operate in duality, therefore receiving a place not made by earthly hands.
References:
Mitchell, R. (2005). Strategic Thinking. Received on June 6, 2006 from http://www.csun.edu/~hfmgt001/st-thinking.htm.
Wacker, W., Taylor, J., & Means, H. (2000). New York: HarperBusiness.
© 2006 by Daryl D. Green