Warnings From The Band

Well, this is going to drive me nuts. I heard an interview with Steve Mansfield yesterday, and I can't remember who the host was and thus, can't find what I wanted to reference. Alas... almost, like having writer's block.

Mansfield is the author of many books, among them, the book, Ten Signs of a Leadership Crash.

I can't wait to the book, where he outlines the signs of what to look for, when leadership might be in trouble. And if you are wondering how this relates to community; well, that's why I was trying to recall the interview. For in it, Mansfield talks about how many times the signs that trouble is on the horizon are large and noticeable, but the book talks about what may not be so noticeable; or at least circumstances and behaviors and other indicators that we may not link with foreseeable problem.

In case you're wonder, I'm pretty sure he was on Dave Ramsey's show, as I recall them discussing the need for a "band of brothers", which happens to be another Mansfield titled-book. In the conversation, Ramsey talks about how community creates a closeness in our relationships; that the power of preventing a crash lies in being able to call the person out, when they say everything is fine, but you can tell something is amiss.

If I tell you I'm fine and we hardly hang out, how would you know to question otherwise?
Conversely, if we talk daily or hang out with an considerable amount of frequency, you'll know pretty quick when it's time for someone to give up the gig and acknowledge the truth of their reality.

When I ask what's wrong, it means I'm expecting to hear a problem and want to help. If I wasn't interested in either, I wouldn't bother to ask or prod you to answer. That comes through community. It comes through caring. It also prompts us to be real and live real.

Life wasn't meant to be lived in a bubble. Nor is it all colored bubbles, as we talked recently. We can endure, survive and come out stronger than ever. By the hand of God. With the help of friends. For an eternal purpose.

Let's pray this #communitySaturday that we would build and foster great community and strong relationships. May we invest in the lives of those around us, both strangers and friends and allow people to positively invest in us; that we would be challenged to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ and allow the hand of God to lead, guide and direct us in the plans and purposes that He has ordained that we should walk and live. Pray people of faith would lead by example, that the community of Christ through the local church would change the world, by impacting their community with the love of God.

For His glory
And the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC