Mentors

I am continually humbled as I witness leadership on a level above where I am currently operating. Like it or not, there is always a level above. Maybe there's something to be said about the ability to recognize this. Good leadership demands of the leader the ability to see yourself honestly, accurately and clearly. Recently I went fishing on one of Michigan's pristine rivers. April is a great month for steelhead fishing and this became my focus with my very good friend Mark. We did something a little different this spring. We hired... a guide. Since we already know how to catch these fish, our objective for the day was not to catch great numbers, but to learn how to more effectively catch fish. And we learned some valuable lessons. So it is in leadership and ministry. There's an art to effectively encouraging and leading God's people. It is learned over time and requires power of observation and the utmost patience with yourself and others. There is much to learn from valuable guides. As a music pastor the position of facilitating someone elses vision has always intrigued me. For those with the alpha male complex, always having to be out front, the man with the answer, you will expend alot of energy. Your life in ministry will become wearisome over time. Watch and learn. James tells us we must be "...quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19-20 Things happen more effectively when the load is distributed, Jethro taught us that in Exodus. His words ring in our ears when he said (with great concern for Moses), "Why are you trying to do all this alone ?..." If your response is "because I'm the only one with a good answer" look out! I have spent the last 10 years building a team simply for worship and drama. Wow have 10 years really slipped by? But as I look over the landscape, much has been accomplished glory to God! The valuable input of those I trust litters the landscape and has helped develop the place we stand in today. We have a long way to go as well. But in all of it, I carefully view my life in terms of God's word, His call, and wonderful examples I see around me. Keep your eyes open and lead on!

Tim Covert

Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship