Bus Rides & Their Riders

Not everybody can do every thing.

Gifts, talents, personalities and abilities all  come together and often, don't play well. Other times they do and it's for the best.

The wisdom and discernment necessary in any organizations' leadership team or decision-making process is crucial when they consider the purpose and plan they set to pursue.

Certain tasks require an experience, an understanding, a maturity (especially of faith, in the church arena), sometimes there's even an age factor... it's what learning is all about.

As I reflected on this yesterday, I was reminded of the now famous quote by auther Jim Collins, in his book, Good To Great.

"They start by getting the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats. And they stick with that discipline—first the people, then the direction—no matter how dire the circumstances."

It's uncomfortable in the church, to talk about getting the "wrong people" of the bus, as we are all members of the body of Christ. Nobody is suggesting, someone not being welcome in the church, not by an stretch of the imagination. That said, not everyone is made for church leadership roles and influence either. Like any organization, problems and difficulties arise as conflicts come to light... for whatever reason.

It's not a fun prospect, but as churches evaluate their levels of effectiveness and efficiency for the cause of Christ, change can be difficult but necessary.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday for churches struggling to make progress in their ministry efforts. May God grant to pastors and leaders wisdom and discernment. Though the conversations may be difficult as they work the process of analyzing who is where, doing what and if that's the best place for them and their giftings, may God grant them a covering of grace. As people of faith come together, may their be a spirit of understanding; that personalities and egos would not rise above as matters of greater importance than the work of the Lord. Pray the spirit of offense would be kept at bay; that the church would resist the temptation to get frustrated and bothered by personal agendas and motives.

May God's work continue to advance,
Despite humanities flaws that come to light and stand in the way
God help us to walk true to the calling placed upon us
To glorify you in all things
And work as unto the Lord
For the advancement of the gospel of Christ.

- PNC

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