From China:
Completing a series of meetings with religous officals in various cities inside Mainland China.
We are enjoying the benefits of 10 years of guanxi (relationships/connections). Much easier to sit down and talk with a leader here when their close friends and classmates have already vicariously introduced us to them. In fact this may be the absolute necessity for effective service in China.
In one city located in the central part of the country a top leader listened patienty as we shared what we would like to do someday. He then responded "why have you waited 10 years? You owe us a debt."
It was a cultural way of saying "what are we pussy footing around for? Time is wasting. Let's get busy." While not everyone is quite that quick and ready to begin partnerships it is becoming rather typical of the attitude we encounter.
Grace for Asia never and I mean NEVER had anyone say something like that 10 years ago, or 8 years ago, or even 6 years ago. Instead they would make speeches explaining the "realities" in China and then listen patiently to whatever we shared. Usually these hours were followed by a lengthy dinner. When we left we had no commitment from them except "hope you will come back and see our city again."
What changed? Most bascially 10 years. True China is changing (do not confuse that with "has changed." There is a greater openess and receptivity to foreign partnerships. More importantly 10 years of trust and relationship has occured.
I don't pretend to understand all the cultures of the world. But I suspect that people are pretty much the same. Trust takes time. We must learn before we serve. We must prove ourselves before we partner and certainly before we can lead.
So if you are thinking about a glocal partnership somewhere this may be one of the crucial secrets to learn. Start now. You'll make some mistakes. Become a student of the culture. Then settle down and keep going back. Build relationships. Be patient but keep moving forward.
In "Going Glocal" I talk about signature relationships. This means a partnership which has your finger prints all over it. It is unique to you and your ministry. No two are identical. One thing this will require is time. If groups are hopping all over the world they may have a great travel experience but it is unlikelly they will deepen relationships to the place where real significant ministry and partnerships can be formed.
Pehaps this trip I learned one more indication that guanxi has been acheived. You sit down with a total stranger overseeing 300,000 Christians and he looks at you saying "what took you so long to get here--you owe me a debt."
Talk later from California
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
It is a small world
Today I sit at the Sheraton in Urumqi. Never heard of it? Don't feel bad. It is the last major airport city in the NW part of China. It is pronounced WOO LU MU CHI. That is your trivia for today.
Flew in today to disucss partnering possibilities. The area was originally settled by the minority people, Wei Wu Er. Historically they have been predominantly Islamic. This makes the area especially sensitive to any foreign presence.
While visiting with a couple of leaders for the first time we found out how much we have in common. They are about the same age as myself. One is a seminary graduate. They have two children the same age as my older two.
The church they lead had 4000 in worship last Sunday. They are proud their son is actively involved in ministry to young people.
We discovered that we have at least two signfiicant mutual friendships. The man who challenged me to work openly in China was the same gentleman who lobbied hard for the pastors ordination years ago when attaining such was difficult to do in an Islamic area.
We both concluded that whatever we do in the future will be in memory of this great former leader, Dr. Han Winzao.
And most significantly at the end of dinner we all made our way enthusiastically to the ice cream buffet table.
Glocal reality. While a traveler from the West might feel they have reached the end of the world as they fly in to Urumqui there is no end of our world today. Not only is the globe we live upon round the cultural interaction and cross-pollinization of ideas os circular. We learned from one another today.
Meanwhile I look forward to viewing at least one more NBA game before heading home.
Before departing I had a chance to share our plans for the third annual Walk Through Bethelehem extravaganza (see www.grace-church.com) as we said our goodbyes in the lobby of the hotel here in China--- by the Santa's gift shop, 30 foot Christmas tree, and Silent Night playing over the speaker system. I felt at home.
Clipped a great article in the China Daily. "Think global, but read local for culture." Sounds glocal to me.
See you soon in California. Getting ready to speak there Sunday.
By the way to those of our USA friends who arrived home yesterday please take care of that
Flew in today to disucss partnering possibilities. The area was originally settled by the minority people, Wei Wu Er. Historically they have been predominantly Islamic. This makes the area especially sensitive to any foreign presence.
While visiting with a couple of leaders for the first time we found out how much we have in common. They are about the same age as myself. One is a seminary graduate. They have two children the same age as my older two.
The church they lead had 4000 in worship last Sunday. They are proud their son is actively involved in ministry to young people.
We discovered that we have at least two signfiicant mutual friendships. The man who challenged me to work openly in China was the same gentleman who lobbied hard for the pastors ordination years ago when attaining such was difficult to do in an Islamic area.
We both concluded that whatever we do in the future will be in memory of this great former leader, Dr. Han Winzao.
And most significantly at the end of dinner we all made our way enthusiastically to the ice cream buffet table.
Glocal reality. While a traveler from the West might feel they have reached the end of the world as they fly in to Urumqui there is no end of our world today. Not only is the globe we live upon round the cultural interaction and cross-pollinization of ideas os circular. We learned from one another today.
Meanwhile I look forward to viewing at least one more NBA game before heading home.
Before departing I had a chance to share our plans for the third annual Walk Through Bethelehem extravaganza (see www.grace-church.com) as we said our goodbyes in the lobby of the hotel here in China--- by the Santa's gift shop, 30 foot Christmas tree, and Silent Night playing over the speaker system. I felt at home.
Clipped a great article in the China Daily. "Think global, but read local for culture." Sounds glocal to me.
See you soon in California. Getting ready to speak there Sunday.
By the way to those of our USA friends who arrived home yesterday please take care of that
Friday, November 23, 2007
The Winning Team
Every leader desperately wants a team that can win. This is certainly true for profit ventures. It may be even more deeply coveted in non-profit endeavors. After all the desired outcome addresses our core values and convictions.
I can hardly remember the last conversation I had with a business owner, pastor of a large church or CEO of a non-profit organization which did not at some point surface the issue of staffing concerns. Where do we find the right people?
The current issue of INC. has a paragraph buried in the middle worth the price of the issue. A business owner shares they give quarterly reviews to all employees. Each employee is evaluated in four areas:
1) Attitude
2) Flexibility
3) Aptitude
4) Initiative
Each category can receive a high of 25 points. The employee is rewarded for any score over 75. Two quarters under 70 means dismissal.
I began to ponder these four selected check points according to the grid we use. The transferable ingredients were amazing.
1) Attitude-----speaks of Chemistry (does the person seem to fit? Are they happy? Do they make the people who must work with them happy?"
2) Flexibility---speaks of Configuration (do they fit the mix of gifts, personalities, strengths and weaknesses of the others on the team. Are they willing to bend a bit when called upon to make the human mosaic work?)
3) Aptitude----speaks of Competency (do they have the skills and training required to get the job done they were hired to do?)
4) Initiative----speaks of Competitiveness (once they grasp the vision and goals of the team are they willing to step up and do whatever is necessary to win?).
As I pondered these four essentials of an effective team member I realized there are at least two more that should be added to the list for the non-profit sector.
5) Communications skills. While not everyone is called upon to do public speaking all must be willing to communicate well. Willingness to share with other team members, let others know what they are doing and what they need to be effective is crucial. People who wish to function as an island are liabilities. This includes tech people. We must also consider the necessity of written skills. With computers front and center on every desk virtually everyone needs to learn how to write well.
6) Character. Lack in this area will eventually bring down any organization.
Some initial thoughts here. What do you think?
Would like to noodle a bit on the #4 item soon. Is the term "competitive" too strong? I think not. We want a team full of competitors--as long as we can remember who the enemy is.
I can hardly remember the last conversation I had with a business owner, pastor of a large church or CEO of a non-profit organization which did not at some point surface the issue of staffing concerns. Where do we find the right people?
The current issue of INC. has a paragraph buried in the middle worth the price of the issue. A business owner shares they give quarterly reviews to all employees. Each employee is evaluated in four areas:
1) Attitude
2) Flexibility
3) Aptitude
4) Initiative
Each category can receive a high of 25 points. The employee is rewarded for any score over 75. Two quarters under 70 means dismissal.
I began to ponder these four selected check points according to the grid we use. The transferable ingredients were amazing.
1) Attitude-----speaks of Chemistry (does the person seem to fit? Are they happy? Do they make the people who must work with them happy?"
2) Flexibility---speaks of Configuration (do they fit the mix of gifts, personalities, strengths and weaknesses of the others on the team. Are they willing to bend a bit when called upon to make the human mosaic work?)
3) Aptitude----speaks of Competency (do they have the skills and training required to get the job done they were hired to do?)
4) Initiative----speaks of Competitiveness (once they grasp the vision and goals of the team are they willing to step up and do whatever is necessary to win?).
As I pondered these four essentials of an effective team member I realized there are at least two more that should be added to the list for the non-profit sector.
5) Communications skills. While not everyone is called upon to do public speaking all must be willing to communicate well. Willingness to share with other team members, let others know what they are doing and what they need to be effective is crucial. People who wish to function as an island are liabilities. This includes tech people. We must also consider the necessity of written skills. With computers front and center on every desk virtually everyone needs to learn how to write well.
6) Character. Lack in this area will eventually bring down any organization.
Some initial thoughts here. What do you think?
Would like to noodle a bit on the #4 item soon. Is the term "competitive" too strong? I think not. We want a team full of competitors--as long as we can remember who the enemy is.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Those little kids
James 1:27 suggests that pure religion, untainted by the world, will focus on the plight of orphans and widows.
Don't have to travel much to have your heart touched by them.
My son and daughter-in-law are camping out with us for a few days while they wait for their house to open up. Great couple. Love having them. The package also includes the little 1 year old grandson. This complicates things a bit.
My wife has been pestering me for years to get a hearing aid. Finally I did it as a present to her. Bad timing. Every time I put it in here at home that child is screaming. No way I would have survived raising three kids of my own if I had heard well! Had no idea the decibel level emanating from those little vocal cavities.
All which brings me to this point. Kids require massive amounts of attention. My wife and I are dumbfounded at the energy, patience, and hours our children put into their little one. And they seem to be ok. In fact so ok--they are having ANOTHER one.
Kids require attention. Lots of it. And tomorrow they need more. And the next day. And the next day. Love is spelled time. Time is life. Kids need to have others pour their lives into them to survive and thrive.
But--what about the kids in our world without those parents. They are called orphans. There are lots of them. One source suggests a new one every 14 seconds.
I spent a little time yesterday tracing through the references in the Old Testament to orphans. Found at least 35. One thing is very clear. God loves orphans. He promised to be their father, to avenge/defend their mistreatment and provide for them.
They are every where we travel today. In many countries we stop at the signal and they are tapping on the window selling--whatever. One lady told me as we sat with a group in a restaurant watching those children her own story.
Her father was long gone (the bible often refers to the fatherless). Her mother was a prostitute. She and her sisters were required to go out and sell garlic or flowers. If they returned before midnight without selling enough they were spanked and sent back out. Leaves a scar for life.
In India when the psunami hit the government was left to care for many orhpans. Probably meaning well they offered $1150 to anyone who would come and take these children from the camps. You can imagine what happened to many of them. Exploitation and abuse is the common lot of little ones with no one to love, care for, and give them attention.
Question. How does God parent, defend and provide for the orphans? The answer is simple. Through His people. In the Old Testament He specifically scripted how this would take place. Each year the tithe was set aside for them. Grain was carefully "forgotten" during the harvest and left for them laying in the field.
How does God care for them today? The answer is simple also. Through His people. You and me. I know we cannot solve all the problems. But we can solve some. We cannot do everything but we can each do something. God wants us to give them some attention. This is the evidence of true religion.
Was at the beautiful campus of Mount Vernon College--outside of Columbus this week. On the bulletin board in the commons building was a flyer. It showed the picture of a little girl. The words said it all. "I can be bought for $300. I can be saved for $3.00 per day."
She needs our attention. Who can we help?
Don't have to travel much to have your heart touched by them.
My son and daughter-in-law are camping out with us for a few days while they wait for their house to open up. Great couple. Love having them. The package also includes the little 1 year old grandson. This complicates things a bit.
My wife has been pestering me for years to get a hearing aid. Finally I did it as a present to her. Bad timing. Every time I put it in here at home that child is screaming. No way I would have survived raising three kids of my own if I had heard well! Had no idea the decibel level emanating from those little vocal cavities.
All which brings me to this point. Kids require massive amounts of attention. My wife and I are dumbfounded at the energy, patience, and hours our children put into their little one. And they seem to be ok. In fact so ok--they are having ANOTHER one.
Kids require attention. Lots of it. And tomorrow they need more. And the next day. And the next day. Love is spelled time. Time is life. Kids need to have others pour their lives into them to survive and thrive.
But--what about the kids in our world without those parents. They are called orphans. There are lots of them. One source suggests a new one every 14 seconds.
I spent a little time yesterday tracing through the references in the Old Testament to orphans. Found at least 35. One thing is very clear. God loves orphans. He promised to be their father, to avenge/defend their mistreatment and provide for them.
They are every where we travel today. In many countries we stop at the signal and they are tapping on the window selling--whatever. One lady told me as we sat with a group in a restaurant watching those children her own story.
Her father was long gone (the bible often refers to the fatherless). Her mother was a prostitute. She and her sisters were required to go out and sell garlic or flowers. If they returned before midnight without selling enough they were spanked and sent back out. Leaves a scar for life.
In India when the psunami hit the government was left to care for many orhpans. Probably meaning well they offered $1150 to anyone who would come and take these children from the camps. You can imagine what happened to many of them. Exploitation and abuse is the common lot of little ones with no one to love, care for, and give them attention.
Question. How does God parent, defend and provide for the orphans? The answer is simple. Through His people. In the Old Testament He specifically scripted how this would take place. Each year the tithe was set aside for them. Grain was carefully "forgotten" during the harvest and left for them laying in the field.
How does God care for them today? The answer is simple also. Through His people. You and me. I know we cannot solve all the problems. But we can solve some. We cannot do everything but we can each do something. God wants us to give them some attention. This is the evidence of true religion.
Was at the beautiful campus of Mount Vernon College--outside of Columbus this week. On the bulletin board in the commons building was a flyer. It showed the picture of a little girl. The words said it all. "I can be bought for $300. I can be saved for $3.00 per day."
She needs our attention. Who can we help?
Monday, November 12, 2007
NO BUFFALO JUMPING ALLOWED
What you can expect here is a series of articles written from wherever I am involved in ministry at any given time. The best way to introduce myself to you is to refer you to a series of websites. This is the simplest way to introduce the rationale driving the themes.
http://www.grace-church.com/
http://www.graceforasia.org/
http://www.glocalpartners.com/
http://www.leading-turnaround.org/
A quick purusal of these sites will help you understand most postings here will deal with church leadership strategies. Whether in the USA or overseas makes little difference in this glocal age.
I missed the airplane last week in Great Falls, Montana. Missing planes is not ususally a big deal--just catch the next one. But this was Great Falls. It was 7:00 a.m. and groaned when the UA clerk informed me the next flight out was 4:10 that afternoon. I fully intended to be back in Glendora in the office by noon that day. "Oh no, I'm stuck in Great Falls all day!" He responded sympathetically "I know how you feel. I've been stuck here for 11 years."
With no other choice I determined to grab a car and at least enjoy the wide-open spaces. Usually I speed by those little road signs indicating "historic site." But with nowhere in particular to go I actually followed them. I eventually found myself on a gravel road for a distance of 15 miles. At 8:30 a.m. there was no one in site. I followed it to the Uhlm State Park. I turned left, crossed the cattle gaurd and followed the road to the top of the hill.
There were signs posted regarding the prarie dog cities. Quite educational Organized little guys. Then a path. I followed it to what was simply labeled "buffalo jumping site." As you walked through the meadow of grass it seemed as if you could walk over the rolling hills for miles without interuption. But it was deceptive.
Without warning there was a precipice. I mean without warning! If you were running at full speed you would likely be unable to stop before plummeting over the edge. And that is the essence of the buffalo jump.
The natives would stampede a herd of buffalo. They were in the direction of the cliffs by young men in buffalo hides. At the end those brave hunters would find a ledge about 3 feet over the cliff, dive onto it, and crouch as these monstrous animals hurled over their heads to their death below. To assure the harvest less courageous hunters waited with speers and arrows.
As I drove away I reflected on a question I am asked often by church leaders. When is it time to leave?
I'll save the full answer to this for my sequel to "Leading Turnaround Churches." But, I have a new chapter for that book. "NO BUFFALO JUMPING ALLOWED." An ethical shepherd leader cannot lead the congregation towards a cliff with a personal escape plan in place. That places us in the catetgory of shepherds referred to in Ezekiel 34.
If we believe the church we lead must go through major change in order to assure long term effectiveness and health the so be it. Lead the charge. This may involve style of music, preaching, times of services, moving to small groups, or any number of other matters.
The one thing the congregation must believe however is that the one leading the charge is willing to go with them to the end no matter what that might be.
Once a church has been burned by a leader who led them in a change of direction and then deserted them when things did not turn out to be easy or pleasant the buffalo (sheep) which remain will probably never ben inclined to follow a leader again.
So, leaders, next time you begin a stampede please ask yourself. "Do I have an exit strategy in the back of my mind?" If you answer yes then you probably should not lead the charge.
NO BUFFALO JUMPING ALLOWED.
http://www.grace-church.com/
http://www.graceforasia.org/
http://www.glocalpartners.com/
http://www.leading-turnaround.org/
A quick purusal of these sites will help you understand most postings here will deal with church leadership strategies. Whether in the USA or overseas makes little difference in this glocal age.
I missed the airplane last week in Great Falls, Montana. Missing planes is not ususally a big deal--just catch the next one. But this was Great Falls. It was 7:00 a.m. and groaned when the UA clerk informed me the next flight out was 4:10 that afternoon. I fully intended to be back in Glendora in the office by noon that day. "Oh no, I'm stuck in Great Falls all day!" He responded sympathetically "I know how you feel. I've been stuck here for 11 years."
With no other choice I determined to grab a car and at least enjoy the wide-open spaces. Usually I speed by those little road signs indicating "historic site." But with nowhere in particular to go I actually followed them. I eventually found myself on a gravel road for a distance of 15 miles. At 8:30 a.m. there was no one in site. I followed it to the Uhlm State Park. I turned left, crossed the cattle gaurd and followed the road to the top of the hill.
There were signs posted regarding the prarie dog cities. Quite educational Organized little guys. Then a path. I followed it to what was simply labeled "buffalo jumping site." As you walked through the meadow of grass it seemed as if you could walk over the rolling hills for miles without interuption. But it was deceptive.
Without warning there was a precipice. I mean without warning! If you were running at full speed you would likely be unable to stop before plummeting over the edge. And that is the essence of the buffalo jump.
The natives would stampede a herd of buffalo. They were in the direction of the cliffs by young men in buffalo hides. At the end those brave hunters would find a ledge about 3 feet over the cliff, dive onto it, and crouch as these monstrous animals hurled over their heads to their death below. To assure the harvest less courageous hunters waited with speers and arrows.
As I drove away I reflected on a question I am asked often by church leaders. When is it time to leave?
I'll save the full answer to this for my sequel to "Leading Turnaround Churches." But, I have a new chapter for that book. "NO BUFFALO JUMPING ALLOWED." An ethical shepherd leader cannot lead the congregation towards a cliff with a personal escape plan in place. That places us in the catetgory of shepherds referred to in Ezekiel 34.
If we believe the church we lead must go through major change in order to assure long term effectiveness and health the so be it. Lead the charge. This may involve style of music, preaching, times of services, moving to small groups, or any number of other matters.
The one thing the congregation must believe however is that the one leading the charge is willing to go with them to the end no matter what that might be.
Once a church has been burned by a leader who led them in a change of direction and then deserted them when things did not turn out to be easy or pleasant the buffalo (sheep) which remain will probably never ben inclined to follow a leader again.
So, leaders, next time you begin a stampede please ask yourself. "Do I have an exit strategy in the back of my mind?" If you answer yes then you probably should not lead the charge.
NO BUFFALO JUMPING ALLOWED.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Glocal Reality
The world is shrinking due to technological advances, the break-down of travel barriers and the ever increasing usage of English as an international language. Today, we have opportunities which were almost unimaginable a few short years ago. This is what I've come to term the "Glocal Reality"
The Glocal reality lays before us an incredible new journey... the journey of partnership. Because of the glocal realities mentioned above the need for expensive agencies and long standing missionary accounts is no longer a prerequisite for global influence.
Today the church can influence the farthest reachest of the world simply by partnering with like minded bodies of other regions. Finances are liquid, philosophies shared, and impact exponential as churches combine their specialties in sharing the truth of Jesus Christ.
I'd encourage you to check out our website http://www.graceforasia.org/, read a few pages of our book Going Glocal, or send me your thoughts as we begin this journey together....
The Glocal reality lays before us an incredible new journey... the journey of partnership. Because of the glocal realities mentioned above the need for expensive agencies and long standing missionary accounts is no longer a prerequisite for global influence.
Today the church can influence the farthest reachest of the world simply by partnering with like minded bodies of other regions. Finances are liquid, philosophies shared, and impact exponential as churches combine their specialties in sharing the truth of Jesus Christ.
I'd encourage you to check out our website http://www.graceforasia.org/, read a few pages of our book Going Glocal, or send me your thoughts as we begin this journey together....
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