Don’t Stop Growing

I can’t lead if I don’t grow, especially considering the warp speed at which everything is traveling and the number of major changes coming my way on a daily basis. I must continue to develop and grow myself, especially spiritually, to stay vibrant and relevant in my living, thinking, and practices.

Be Teachable

Very much related to growing is being teachable. I am reminded of the person who said he wanted to learn, but didn’t want to be taught! No can do. Learning is synonymous with being taught. I am a committed life-long learner. I am ready to learn from any source, any person, and at any time. At times, I am humbled by the sources from which I receive needed insight and instruction. I once had a non-Christian make significant suggestions on how to change my gospel presentation. That was hard to take. Listening well is a good way to grow myself. Last year I talked with an extremely gifted and articulate woman responsible for the women’s ministry at a megachurch. She shared with me that the most important thing she was learning was to be a better listener by asking lots of questions rather than doing most of the talking. I am learning that as well. I don’t feel I have arrived in any area of my life, even though I have been a Christian for 41 years, married 33 years, in vocational Christian ministry for 33 years, and have four adult children. I am eager to learn even more about ministry, marriage, raising kids, and cultivating my intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Stagnation can be a fatal flaw. How are you making sure you continue to grow? To be continued. Preorder Pastor Dave's new book, Leaders Who Last.