With the new year, our thoughts turn to resolutions. Bill Hybels, pastor at Willow Creek Church near Chicago, has noted that our toughest leadership challenge is always ourselves. Given our penchant for unkept New Year's resolutions, that certainly seems to be the case. We want to change and it's not that we don't know what change we'd like to occur; we just don't always know how to get there. In his book, Necessary Endings, Henry Cloud offers some clues that may give us hope that tomorrow can actually be different than today.

1. Verifiable involvement in a proven change process – For example, to lose those holiday pounds, you could plunk down the money for a gym membership, develop a personal exercise plan, enlist a friend who will exercise with you, etc. And, keep score of your progress! Bottom line, the pounds may, seemingly, go on overnight. But, they don't come off that quickly. It's a process.
2. Additional structure – Lasting change requires new structure. Relying on our own schedule or personal resolve probably won't be enough. According to Cloud, "Old patterns get reinforced unless a new discipline is introduced to override the old patterns." Again, our doctor may tell us to lose weight and we may want to do so. But, we're more apt to actually make progress if we "make an appointment" with ourselves to exercise.
3. Monitoring systems – We actually measure our progress toward change. Otherwise, we tend to drift away from something we find difficult or different.
4. New experiences and skills – "Information and insight are important to change, but experiences are crucial as well." Workshops, life coaching, group experiences, etc. help to internalize the desired change.
5. Self-sustaining motivation – An individual must really want the change. No amount of reminding, nagging, etc. from a spouse or friend will bring about change if the person sees no need to change.
6. Admission of need – "They must see that they have a problem and own the problem." Part of that may include admitting they can't trust themselves, that they need help and will search until they find it. For example, even if a broken down car is "motivated" to be fixed, it still needs a mechanic.
7. The presence of support – We will surround ourselves with people who support our desire for change and growth. For example, if you want to lose weight, you don't surround yourself with overweight people who are prone to eating binges. In a similar way, those who want to become high-level leaders shun mediocre leaders.
8. Skilled help – It's not enough that we simply have a life coach, personal trainer, mentor, etc. That individual must have the necessary expertise and experience. We need more than a cheerleader.
9. Some success – Lasting growth and change takes time. It seldom happens quickly. Progress may be measured in incremental steps. But, it's still progress! Adopt realistic expectations.

Network-Sponsored Events

John Leland Spring Courses Announced! Classes begin week of January 23, 2012 and conclude week of May 7, 2012 Spring Break (no classes) April 2–6, 2012 Tuition for college-level classes Tuition for Masters classes Credit: $405/class Credit: $730/class Audit: $202.50 Audit: $365     Tuition scholarships for college and Masters classes available for members of Baptist General Association of Virginia churches. For more information, download the Spring courses flyer or contact Gary Chapman, Director, Christian Leadership Network, at 540.977.2652 (toll-free 877.977.2652).

Other Virginia Baptist Events

	Tax and Compensation Planning Seminars February 13-March 15, 2012 Various locations across the state To help church staff and church lay leaders understand and comply with the tax laws a series of FREE seminars will be held across the state. These seminars are designed for church staff and lay leaders who handle taxes and compensation. Attendees will get help with financial support planning for church staff (including retirement and insurance), handling minister’s taxes, and federal reporting requirements for churches. Register by contacting Melody Fowler, VBMB, at 800.255.2428, ext. 5293.
	Empowering the Church to Connect with Children February 24-25, 2012 Bonsack Baptist Church, Roanoke Featuring Tommy Sanders, nationally known author and teacher and professor at Dallas Baptist Theological Seminary. For session information, costs, and registration, visit the conference webpage.
	The Leadership Gathering May 4-5, 2012 Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center, Lynchburg Save the date for the 2012 Leadership Gathering, VBMB's high-impact conference focusing on the growth of the spiritual leadership and direction in the local congregation. Get more information.

Visit the Christian Leadership Network website for a complete listing of events.

"Your leadership ability today is whatever it is. You can't change the past. However, you can change the future. You have a choice concerning your leadership ability from this day forward. If you learn to climb the Levels of Leadership, your leadership ability will improve. And that will positively impact your overall leadership capacity. However, if you choose not to grow as a leader, you better get used to being wherever you currently are, because your situation isn't likely to improve."

– John Maxwell in 5 Levels of Leadership

"Further, in most cases, I would encourage you to spend more time developing the people who are with you than engaging those who are against you. Momentum and excitement often silence opposition. So instead of spending a lot of time putting out fires, you might want to start one of your own."

– J.D. Greear, Summit Church, Raleigh

"Leadership is accepting people where they are, then taking them somewhere."

– Quaker leader C.W. Perry

"Don't chase success. Instead decide to make a difference and success will find you."

– Jon Gordon

"The church in North America has contributed to its own funding crisis by appealing to people as consumers of religious experience rather than as people in need of a savior and a cause."

– Ruben Swint, Ministry Colleague with The Columbia Partnership

Thinking Outside the Box

The following moral/ethical dilemma supposedly was included on an actual job application. You are driving down the road at night during a torrential downpour, when you pass by a bus stop.

Three people are waiting for the bus:

1. An elderly lady who looks as if she needs medical attention
2. A longtime friend who once saved your life
3. The man/woman of your dreams (assume you’re unmarried)

Which one would you offer a ride, knowing that only one additional passenger can fit in your tiny car? Explain your answer.

You could pick up the elderly lady, because she looks as if she needs to go to the hospital. However, you don’t know the lady, and this could be the perfect chance to pay back the friend who had saved your life. Then again, you may never be able to find the man/woman of your dreams again. Allegedly, the candidate who eventually was hired gave the following answer: "I would give the car keys to my friend and let him take the lady to the hospital while I stayed behind and waited for the bus with the woman of my dreams."

– John Maxwell in Leadership Wired

Notify Your Face

We all know a Scrooge or two. They are no fun to be around and really no fun during the holidays. I had a professor in Seminary, Dr. Tom Carruth, who was a great man and is in heaven now. He would often say to us: "Notify your face!" He would go on to explain that if we really believe that Jesus is who He says he is, and that salvation is real, and that He has prepared a place for us, that joy should show on our faces!"

– Dan Reiland

Click the links to read the articles.

• Timeless Answers for New Questions - I found this to be a thought-provoking piece!
• Ten Tips for Leading Under Pressure
• Live in a Glass House Without Cracking

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For Ministers' Wives

Afternoon Tea: A Blog for Ministers' Wives Follow Janie Chapman's blog, just for ministers' wives!

Though the Virginia Baptist Mission Board continues to generously invest in the Christian Leadership Network, program funds (student scholarships, instructor stipends, peer-learning groups, life coaching, and workshops) are provided exclusively by the generosity of Kingdom donors. The Network’s endowment is managed by the Virginia Baptist Foundation, Inc. All donor investments are tax-deductible.  

Any donor investments can be made by contacting:

Gwen Payne
Virginia Baptist Mission Board
2828 Emerywood Parkway
Richmond, VA 23294
800.255.2428 toll-free