Proactive Leadership

This past Sunday night marked the final performance of our Christmas musical. Months of planning, preparations and ideas developed for our modest sized platform came to an effective conclusion. Souls were won to Christ, decisions made...praise God! But to digress for a moment. The road leading to an audience with guests in any musical is challenging...like climbing a mountain. Invariably, it's close to the peak where exhaustion sets in, clouding judgment. So remember, tired people say and do things they may not normally say or do. Or it may be (when you're exhausted), it's more difficult to deal with the normal things certain people say or do ....ha! For me, when I'm tired, it becomes difficult to articulate clearly - because of all the loose ends running around in my brain demanding attention. However, people problems are simply more important than loose ends in the long run. People problems can turn into big problems quickly if they're neglected. Oh the joy of musicals. Not to state the obvious, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important for the leadership team to be on the same page. Keep the team regularly updated as the plan develops on the timeline. Make sure you've stated your position and expectations more than once, to everyone, personally. Talk about it! Secondly, don't be fooled, under the stress of the climb, keep one eye on the correct focusing of ellipsoidal #5 and the other open to observing how people are treating each other. Don't allow disunity. Not that everyone with a problem needs your correction. Be perceptive enough to sense if it's an isolated issue or something more. Third, if there is a problem, deal with those involved only. If it's a problem that could be dealt with in a particular area... have a trusted leadership team member (over that area) deal with it. If it's bigger, stop what you are doing and lovingly, appropriately attend to the matter. Remember, the ultimate goal is larger than successfully climbing the mountain. Once we're at the peak, it's there we have an audience with people. I like the military saying... no one left behind. If it's within our ability...everyone makes it to the top. That way, God uses all of us to see souls saved. So "be not weary in well doing." Galatians 6:9. Finally, planning and prayer are essential to leading a successful climb. Without them, reaching the top will be too difficult. If there's multiple avalanches on the trip, how will everyone effectively minister when it's time? They'll be too exhausted. And some volunteers will not climb with you again. Proper planning can prevent those things. May your Christmas musical be blessed, volunteers strengthened and many souls added to the kingdom!
-Tim Covert

Tags: Christian, Christian Music, Musical, Seasonal Musicals