Pace-Setting: And What Follows

An interesting occurrence yesterday morning, resulted in my spending a great deal of the afternoon thinking about pace-setting. When you consider the concept for a moment, there are really only three options in the matter.

You are setting the pace.
You are keeping the pace.
You are lagging the pace.

It is fairly obvious and usually, fairly easy to measure, who is keeping the pace, which more often than not, makes it even more obvious to notice who is lagging behind by comparison.

I'm all for goals and drive, ambition and hustle. A "can-do anything" attitude is a relatively healthy thing, most of the time. Where it becomes difficult, is when it moves into our approach, because it starts open doors to take risks and chances that may not be in one's best interest, whether it only be once or repeatedly, for the long-term.

Pace-setting becomes difficult, because if you are doing the wrong thing to achieve or accomplish that pace, then the only way people will be expected to keep up with it, is to do the same wrong things.

But now, an expectation has been set. There's a precedent. And it's unhealthy. The bar has been set that can't be reached unless, whoever follows, carries out the same actions as the pace-setter. Doing it the right way won't be good enough, because you won't be keeping pace so much as, you'll appear to be lagging.

Intentionally or not, a place of difficulty has been created and eventually, a decision will need to be made or a realization will need to be understood that will result in either the pace or the expectation of the pace will need to be adjusted.

Such as it is for organizations, of any kind and churches are exempt. Going about processes, plans and activities the wrong way continually set patterns that will be difficult to break and overcome long-term. Thus, it's imperative to work to do things the right way, consistently, from the onset to be effective in whatever it is an organization is looking to achieve.

So, join me this #deaconThursday, as we lift up deacons, advisors, and church administrators; that they will be careful to utilize the right tools and processes, systems and resources as they set out in their ministry endeavors. Pray for wisdom and insight to be faithful to the calling God has placed upon them, and anointed them to fulfill in the communities they serve. May they be unified and diligent; working in ways that are effective and efficient; setting and achieving goals and dreams... casting vision and working towards that end. Pray God would illuminate their paths and make their way straight as they commit their work unto the Lord; that they would accomplish the incredible, not from having cut corners, but by having been empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Setting the pace
For the work of the kingdom of God
In ways and means that bring glory and honor to Him
For the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC

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