250101 ALR Plenary Script Topic 1, “Surviving Struggles as a Leader,” Draft v1, DCLM Global Leadership Strategy Congress 2025

Presented by Larry Ross, Founder & CEO

A. Larry Ross Communications

Deeper Life Christian Ministry (DCLM) Global Leadership Strategy Congress 2025

@The Deeper Life International Conference Center (DLICC)

Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria, December 30, 2024 – January 4, 2025

Plenary Session Description:

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him (turned away and deserted him/returned to their former way of life). Then said Jesus unto the twelve, ‘Will ye also go away?’

“Then Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life,’”

John 6: 66–68 (KJV).

There are moments in leadership when people abandon ship. Even Jesus experienced this dynamic, prompting Him to ask the twelve disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

Before one can influence and direct others one has to look within to ensure there is congruence between one’s life and leadership, including consistency in character worthy of following. But how does a leader deal with being abandoned or other disappointments that come with being out front or having the microphone?

Combining practical principles of Jesus from Scripture with anecdotal insights from a career spanning more than 49 years representing influential leaders such as evangelist Billy Graham, Pastor Rick Warren, Bishop T. D. Jakes, U.S. Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Tony Evans, Mel Gibson (“The Passion of The Christ”) and numerous other catalytic world changers, A. Larry Ross will provide practical insights into the underbelly of leadership and how one can remain an overcomer, rather than being overcome.

(INTRO SLIDE ) – ALRC LOGO

(SLIDE 1) – “SURVIVING STRUGGLES AS A LEADER”

· Good morning.

· I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr. W. F. Kumuyi, and the leadership of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry Global Leadership Strategy Congress 2025 for the invitation to share with you today as fellow pastors, evangelists and Christian leaders representing, I understand, 222 nations around the world.

· I thank the Lord for Dr. Kumuyi’s faithfulness to the Lord’s calling out of the Academy to pastoral teaching and preaching for more than 50 years more recently as an evangelist conducting monthly crusades, one of which I was privileged to attend in Ahouda, Nigeria, back in September.

· But it is his anointed vision of encouraging, engaging, equipping and empowering leaders of this movement that brings us together at this extraordinary DCLM Training Center that brings us together this week.

· I am honored to be with you and commend each of you in your critical role – not only in the church or ministry organization you serve – but also as “Brand Ambassadors” of Deeper Christian Life Ministries and Deeper Life Bible Churches and the Kingdom of God.

· Beyond teaching and preaching, no doubt you are often called upon to be the face or voice of both your church and the larger Deeper Christian Life association, and you have the privilege and responsibility to steward your story well.

(SLIDE 2) – ALR PHOTO AND ALRC LOGO

o My name is Larry Ross, founder and CEO of the eponymously named A. Larry Communications, which my wife and I started in 1994 to provide crossover communications emanating from or targeted to the Christian market.

o Following a career in secular corporate and agency public relations– with The General Motors Corporation and a large Madison Avenue firm in New York City – for nearly 45 years, I have been providing crossover communications and consultation at:

(Slide 3) – THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND CULTURE

o We are currently in the 30th Anniversary year since the founding of our Agency, our team of 15+ professionals based in Dallas, Nashville and Charlotte that has grown to be the oldest and one of the most respected firms in full-service Christian communications.

o In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands all of us to “…Go (ye) into all the world and preach the Gospel,” which for me has encompassed Marketplace Ministry, leveraging the power of story to extend the influence of Pastors/Christian leaders and the impact of the churches and organizations they lead to and through the media and direct via digital platforms.

(SLIDE 4) – OUR EXPERIENCE (ALRC CLIENT LOGOS)

o In some respects, our Agency is a metaphor for the integration of faith in the marketplace. We have a foot in both the ministry world as well as secular mainstream media and regularly interpret and transpose one to the other.

o Lately that has included a significant amount of crisis communications and reputation management.

(SLIDE 5) – BILLY GRAHAM HEAD SHOT

o For nearly 34 years, I was privileged to serve as personal media spokesperson for evangelist Billy Graham and have a front row seat on all God did through more than half of his ministry of global evangelism spanning six decades, including more than 70 crusades.

o During my tenure, in addition to Mr. Graham I have had opportunity to observe and work with many other leaders up close and personal, such:

Pastor Rick Warren,

Bishop T. D. Jakes,

Dr. Ben Carson (Communications Director for his 2016 Presidential Campaign),

Mel Gibson (and his release of “The Passion of The Christ,”) and others.

o I am forever grateful for and blessed by their exemplary leadership overall and toward me personally.

(SLIDE 6) – “SURVIVING STRUGGLES AS A LEADER”

o Most books and seminars on Leadership provide practical tools and tips to better encourage, inspire and motivate individuals whom they manage or lead. Titles like:

o “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”

o “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”

o “The 48 Laws of Power”

o “The Power of Positive Leadership”

o “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

o …to name a few.

o But my topic today is, “Surviving Struggles as a Leader” – what do we do with that?

o As a wordsmith, I want to clarify the meaning behind this question, which could imply:

(SLIDE 6.5) “SURVIVING STRUGGLES AS A LEADER”

o Surviving struggles in one’s leadership traits or abilities?

o Surviving personal struggles in a leader’s private life? (including health, marriage, family, tragedy or loss?)

o Surviving corporate struggles of the church or organization one leads? (such as losing your building due to a fire or weather incident; attacks from activist groups or critics, etc.)?

o Actually, it can be any – or all of the above.

o The key is to flip it…

o Perhaps it’s not about Surviving Struggles, but rather Surrendering to the Struggle?

(SLIDE 7) - SURVIVING STRUGGLES VS. SURRENDERING TO THE STRUGGLE?

Keeping in mind that all of us in ministry can always draw upon the wisdom and strength of the Lord. But:

o If we survive the struggle, we do so on our own;

o Many leaders feel lonely, but they should never be isolated;

o If they become lone wolves, they often revert to their weaknesses;

o But if we surrender, we can rally others around us.

(SLIDE 8) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

1. BURNOUT - new pastors only last five years before they feel burned out from:

o Stress

o Loneliness

o Political division/isolation

· (A Spring 2022 Barna Study determined that pastor burnout had risen from 29 – 42 percent of pastors in the previous year who had given serious consideration to quitting ministry – primarily due to one of these factors)

(SLIDE 9)

“We need sages who advise us, leaders to direct us or hold us accountable, peers to remind us we aren’t alone, healers to dress our wounds and companions who carry us when we can’t carry on.”

Dr. Glenn Packiam, Author, “The Resilient Pastor.”

(SLIDE 10) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

2. ABANDONMENT

o One of the things I have observed is that there are moments in leadership when people abandon ship.

o Let’s start with an example from Scripture - even Jesus experienced this dynamic:

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, ‘Will ye also go away?’”

John 6: 66, 67 (KJV)

o In that moment, Jesus is asking the disciples a question that suggests they might be contemplating or could leave as well (many of his followers did turn away and returned to their former way of life. Eventually, even his disciples left him metaphorically – such as falling asleep in the Garden and Peter’s denial in the courtyard).

o But to be abandoned means that the followers were actually leading… (He tells them to deny themselves and take up their cross to follow Him…)

o If you think you are leading and now one is following, you are actually just taking a walk…

(SLIDE 11 - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP)

3. SEDITION

“So David and his men came to the city (Ziklag), and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters…”

I Samuel 30: 3,4, 6a (KJV)

o In his zeal to take his defeat the Amalkites, David committed a grievous mistake. Though they experienced a great victory in battle, he had left their families, including wives and children, unprotected in their home village of Ziklag.

o When they returned to the village of Ziklag, they found that the Amalkites had circled back and burned the village and taken captive all its inhabitants – their families.

o David was distraught at this tragedy, partially of his own making, rivaling that of Job but multiplied by 600 as it involved not just his family, but of each of his men as well. Each of them became embittered, and talked of stoning their leader.

(SLIDE 12) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

4) BEING CRITICIZED OR FALSELY ACCUSED

o Ex: Mel Gibson – “The Passion of The Christ”-

When the Hollywood veteran returned from to the States after 9 mos. on-set in Italy, he found he was being sued by an ad-hoc group of theologians convened on the Internet.

We were involved in Crisis Communications for the first four months before we could even focus on publicizing the film. He followed the

In our first meeting, I shared a quote with him a quote:

“The Word of God is like a lion; you don’t need to defend it, just turn it loose,”

Charles Spurgeon

Following the example of the lead character in the film, he never defended himself, rather let others – and the film – do so on his behalf.

(SLIDE 13) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

5. BEING DRIVEN, NOT CALLED

o When one is driven to things, often their calling is revealed in time of turmoil.

o Indeed, COVID demonstrated that leadership is often formed from catastrophe.

(SLIDE 14) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

6. IGNORING PROPER FAMILY/MINISTRY BALANCE

Ex: Bishop T. D. Jakes – Emergency Oxygen Mask

In time of emergency – put yours on first, then your child. It sounds counter-intuitive, but is the right thing to do - because while you can care for your child, they can’t take care of you.

(SLIDE 15) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

6. PURSUING POSITION OR POWER OVER OBEDIENCE

o Does a leader go all in, or do what is safe?

In John 3, we read about Jesus encounter with Nichodemas, a Pharisee and one of the 71 in the Sanhedrin (think Jewish Supreme Court.), who came to Him under the cover of darkness.

Pharisees in the Bible often get a bad rap, synonymous with hypocrite. But in Jesus’ day, they were theological rock stars, not self-righteous phonies, they knew the Scriptures and were at the top of the religious food chain.

Perhaps Nichodemas spent all day reading the Scriptures, and only got evenings off; or more likely, he didn’t want to be seen talking to Jesus.

Jesus refers to him as “Israel’s teacher” – the best of the best among the religious leaders, the Billy Graham or Pope of Judaism, if you will.

When he meets Jesus face-to-face, you would think Jesus would say, "Nichodemas, you’re the greatest, there is no doubt you are going to heaven. Instead he said, "Nichodemas, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again." Nichodemas thought he would have said unless you are a Jew. But Jesus said, "Unless you are born again."

Stunning, that Jesus would say this to a leader of his stature. But it applied even to him.

Jesus reprimands Nichodemas for not understanding to what he was saying. He knew his Old Testament:

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh,” (which is a description of being born again).

Ezekiel 36: 26

Nichodemas knew it applied to nations, but not individuals, which is why he missed it. In vs 7 of John 3, Jesus chastises him for missing it, as he was a teacher among teachers who knew the Scriptures.

Most interesting is the first question Nichodemas asks Jesus in their nocturnal encounter: “Rabbi, WE know you are a teacher who has come from God.” To whom is the WE referring? Jews? Everybody?

The clue is from the two other times Nicodemas is mentioned in Scripture (in John 7:45-53 and John 19:38).

When Nichodemas said WE, he was likely also speaking for his fellow senior Pharisee, Joseph of Arimethea. My former pastor in America once mused they likely held parking lot meetings. “I think He might be the one; let's talk to him. You go, no you go.”

Regardless, they became secret Jesus followers. All the other disciples were saying they would die with Jesus. But these two men were actually there. They chose this moment to come out of the closet. All of Jerusalem had to see them take him down off the Cross.

Two Jewish leaders, who may have been secret disciples, chose this time to come out of the closet, as it were, AND SAVED EASTER! People who were crucified weren't given a burial, rather thrown on the garbage heap. Easter could have been a little awkward if He was thrown out to the buzzards for three days where they could have eaten away at his flesh.

That is the way it is with many followers of Jesus - here in Nigeria, as you challenge your members how to be “all in” with their faith and become ”salt and light" in society.

I thank The Lord for Dr. Kumuyi, for setting an example of faithfulness to the Word of God and the Gospel of Salvation as well as the Gospel of the Kingdom in speaking truth to power in this nation.

The story of Nichodemas and Joseph is encouraging - you don't have to be a brash disciple. These two men grew into their faith quietly, then stepped into what God had at the right moment.

What about you? Whatever happened to what happened to you? How is God calling you:

to live out your faith?

to influence both your congregation and culture for His Kingdom?

to Impact your congregation and sphere of influence for His Kingdom?

to influence a lost and dying world desperately searching for purpose and meaning to life - with the light of the Gospel.

The Lord may not call you to "save Easter," but your bold witness where he plants or places you could make a transformational difference in the lives of others.

(SLIDE 16) - THE UNDERBELLY OF LEADERSHIP

7. INCONGRUENCE BETWEEN ONE’S LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

o Before one can influence and direct others one has to look within to ensure there is:

congruence between one’s life and leadership, including

consistency in character worthy of following.

accountability (to spouse, small group, leadership team).

OUTLINE ONE

Standing Firm in the Face of Doubts

Bible Passage: John 6:66–68, Mk 16:14–18, 1 Sa 30:1–6, Jn 3:1–36, Jn 8:30–36

Summary: In these passages, we see various responses to Jesus and His call, including skepticism and belief. Characters like Peter affirm their faith despite the hardness of the teachings, while others turn away. This provides a rich tapestry illustrating the struggle between doubt and faith.

Application: This sermon can help Christians face their doubts and reaffirm their faith in Jesus, encouraging them to trust in His words even when the world presents challenges. It speaks to those struggling with their belief and encourages them not to turn away but to seek deeper understanding and commitment.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes the nature of faith as a journey that often includes doubt and questioning, showcasing how some turned away from Jesus while others, like Peter, chose to remain and follow, recognizing Jesus as the source of eternal life.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ is depicted as the fulfillment of God’s promises, the one who provides for our needs, and the teacher of eternal truths. These passages collectively emphasize Jesus' authority and the need for personal faith in Him as the way to spiritual sustenance and life.

Big Idea: In a world full of uncertainties, we must choose to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in Jesus as the source of life, even when confronted with doubts and challenges.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, you might explore the socio-historical context surrounding each passage, particularly the Jewish understanding of belief in Jesus's time. Delve into the original Greek words used for faith and doubt; Logos can provide valuable resources for word studies that can enhance your sermon. Additionally, consider examining commentaries for insights into the reactions of Jesus' followers in these moments of crisis.

1. Proclaiming Commitment Amidst Departure

John 6:66-68

Perhaps you could focus on Peter's declaration of faith in the face of others turning away. While many abandon Jesus, Peter recognizes Him as the sole provider of eternal life. This encourages believers to reaffirm their commitment to Christ, especially when societal pressures lead others to doubt. Highlight how Peter's faith serves as an example for us to answer life's challenges with resolve, knowing that true sustenance and hope are found only in Jesus.

2. Purposeful Correction Breeds Confidence

Mk 16:14-18

You could explore how Jesus' rebuke of the disciples' unbelief serves as a moment of teaching and strengthening their faith. Despite their initial doubt, Jesus commissions them with a powerful mission. This sermon point can inspire Christians struggling with doubt to receive correction with humility and see it as an opportunity for growth and transformation, understanding that their disbelief doesn't disqualify them from impactful ministry.

3. Persevering Strengthens Faith

1 Sa 30:1-6

Perhaps this passage could illustrate the response to despair and doubt through David's story at Ziklag, where he strengthens himself in the Lord despite overwhelming adversity. Christians can draw inspiration from David's example to turn to God for encouragement and reassurance when faced with doubt and despair, finding strength to continue their spiritual journey by leaning on God's promises and faithfulness.

4. Pursuing Truth Through Inquiry

Jn 3:1-21

You might focus on Nicodemus's journey from skepticism to curiosity about Jesus's teachings. This passage highlights the necessity of spiritual rebirth in understanding and trusting Jesus. Emphasize that coming to Jesus with questions and seeking answers is an important step in deepening one's faith, as it was for Nicodemus. Encourage listeners to embrace curiosity as a vehicle for truth and growth in their faith walk.

5. Promise of Freedom In Truth

Jn 8:30-36

Maybe this sermon point should emphasize Jesus's declaration of truth setting us free. Jesus clarifies that following Him leads to true freedom from the bondage of sin. Encourage believers to hold firm to Jesus's teachings, which promise truth and authentic liberty. Challenge them to live out their faith with confidence that Jesus's words are true, even when confronting doubts and cultural challenges opposing His truth.

OUTLINE TWO

Faithful in Trials: The Climax of Belief

Bible Passage: John 6:66–68, Mk 16:14–18, 1 Sa 30:1–6, Jn 3:1–36, Jn 8:30–36

Summary: These passages illustrate a profound tension between faith and doubt, showing the diverse responses of individuals when faced with Jesus's challenging teachings and the reality of their circumstances. From Peter's unwavering confession to David's crisis, believers are called to confront their fears and frustrations head-on, recognizing that trials can lead to a deeper commitment to God.

Application: This sermon provides a roadmap for Christians to navigate their trials and struggles by affirming their identity in Christ. It encourages listeners to bring their doubts to God and to remember that perseverance in faith leads to spiritual growth and greater understanding of God's purpose.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes the importance of resilience in one's faith journey, acknowledging that trials are often opportunities for growth. It champions the idea that confronting doubts is not only acceptable but also necessary for a robust faith and deeper intimacy with God.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ is presented as the one who enables us to overcome challenges and remains faithful to His promises. He embodies the solution to our doubts and fears, showcasing through His life how faith in action can lead to miraculous outcomes and transformation.

Big Idea: Embrace your trials as opportunities for faith development, for in the midst of uncertainty, God reveals His faithfulness and equips us to stand firm in our beliefs.

Recommended Study: You may want to conduct a thorough examination of how each passage illustrates the relationship between faith and action, particularly emphasizing Jesus's instructions to His disciples. Consider using Logos to analyze the cultural background influencing Peter and others during these pivotal moments. Dive into theological commentaries that address how hardships refine believers and develop character, particularly focusing on the themes of perseverance found in these texts.

1. Secure in the Savior

John 6:66–68

You could emphasize Peter's declaration, recognizing Jesus as the source of eternal life amidst abandonment and doubt by others. This passage invites believers to reaffirm their trust in Christ when confronted with the challenges of discipleship, suggesting that true satisfaction comes from His words and promises.

2. Commissioned in Crisis

Mk 16:14–18

Perhaps, highlight the disciples' transformation from doubt to agents of faith. Their journey shows that despite their initial unbelief, Jesus commissioned them to spread the gospel, demonstrating that even in our inadequacies, we are empowered by His authority to fulfill His mission.

3. Strengthened in Struggle

1 Sa 30:1–6

Maybe, focus on David's reaction to profound loss and distress, as he sought strength in the Lord. This moment offers believers the reassurance that during personal despair, turning to God can restore hope and direction, affirming that our trials are not the end but a start of God's work in us.

4. Born for Belief

Jn 3:1–36

You could explore Nicodemus's search for truth, emphasizing how Jesus guided him from confusion to understanding divine rebirth. This serves as a reminder that when grappling with spiritual uncertainties, Jesus provides clarity and renewal, inviting us to experience a transformative and living faith.

5. Liberated in Truth

Jn 8:30–36

Maybe highlight the liberation offered through truth in Christ, as He promises freedom from sin's bondage. This encourages believers to embrace the power of His truth, understanding that our trials refine our faith and that true freedom is found in following His teachings.

OUTLINE THREE

The Transformative Power of Faith

Bible Passage: John 6:66–68, Mk 16:14–18, 1 Sa 30:1–6, Jn 3:1–36, Jn 8:30–36

Summary: These passages explore the diverse experiences of individuals as they grapple with faith amidst fear, doubt, and expectation. From Peter affirming Jesus as the source of life to David finding strength in God amid despair, each story illustrates how personal crises can lead to profound transformations when one turns to God in faith.

Application: This sermon can empower Christians to recognize that their struggles—while difficult—are opportunities for God to transform their hearts and lives. By leaning into faith rather than away from it, believers can experience new strength and purpose, reminding them that God is present in every circumstance, guiding their growth.

Teaching: The teaching underscores the importance of responding to life's challenges with faith. It stresses that faithful response to doubts and struggles can unlock transformative experiences in one’s spiritual journey, leading to deeper intimacy with God and greater resilience.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus is the fulfillment of the longing for transformation, who through His life, death, and resurrection offers believers the opportunity for a new identity and strength in Him. Each passage points to the idea that through Christ, we can be reshaped, renewed, and invigorated in our faith journey.

Big Idea: Faith transforms our struggles into stepping stones for spiritual growth, enabling us to navigate adversity with confidence in God's unwavering presence and transformative power.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring how each passage reflects a theme of transformation through faith, especially focusing on the circumstances surrounding Peter and David's declarations. You may find it beneficial to use Logos to study the original language nuances in these texts that illuminate the characters' emotional states and responses. Investigate commentaries that detail the Old Testament's perspective on faith and its impact on life's trials to enrich your sermon.

1. Peter's Faithful Stand

John 6:66–68

Perhaps you could focus on Peter's confession as a moment of decision. When many disciples turned away, Peter recognized that Jesus holds the words of eternal life. This is an invitation for listeners to choose faith even when it costs them, believing that the path of faith leads to lasting spiritual fulfillment. Highlight how this decision shapes our spiritual journey, reinforcing that faith is transformative when anchored in Jesus.

2. From Doubt to Divine Mission

Mk 16:14–18

You could emphasize Jesus appearing to the disciples despite their initial disbelief. As Jesus commissions them, He transforms their understanding of His power and purpose. Encourage the congregation to see moments of doubt as opportunities for Jesus to reveal His might and commission them for His purposes. This passage assures believers that Jesus' plans for them persist through doubt, reaffirming faith's transformative potential.

3. Despair to Divine Strength

1 Sa 30:1–6

Maybe focus on David's despair at Ziklag. With everything lost, David sought strength in God and transformed a moment of utter loss into a victory. Encourage believers to seek divine strength in their darkest times, trusting that God can turn despair into divine deliverance. This reflects the transformative power of faith, which offers courage and hope amid life's deepest trials.

4. Nicodemus: Nighttime to New Birth

Jn 3:1–36

Highlight the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Perhaps explain how Jesus introduces the concept of being 'born again'—a key transformation. Nicodemus's journey from confusion to understanding exemplifies the profound impact of faith on one's life and direction. Encourage the congregation to embrace the transformative rebirth available in Christ, allowing them to find true identity and purpose.

5. Captivity to Christ's Freedom

Jn 8:30–36

Consider focusing on the freedom found in truth. As Jesus speaks to the Jews who believe, He offers freedom through knowing the truth. Challenge listeners to embrace the liberating power of Christ's truth, which transforms lives held captive by sin and fear into lives of freedom and peace. This transformation underscores faith’s ability to break spiritual chains, granting believers a renewed sense of identity and freedom.

(SLIDE 17) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

As Christian leaders, our job is not to be successful, but faithful – to allow God to work in and through us

It is not our ability, but rather our availability that will determine our Kingdom impact.

“Leadership is Not a Lofty Pillar but a Long Embrace of Knowing Who we are in the Love of God.”

(SLIDE 18) - LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

1) Burnout

o Know Who You Are

“You will Know the Truth and the Truth will Set You Free. In This Abiding You will Know the Truth about who you are, and That Knowing Will Be Your Freedom.”

John 8:32 (MIR)

Jesus offers freedom and liberating power when we embrace His truth, which transforms lives held captive by sin and fear into lives of freedom and peace, granting believers - and leaders - a renewed sense of identity and freedom.

o Know Whose You Are

God can use us far greater in our brokenness than our giftings and grandiosity.

o Pivot from living as a “Human Doing” to a Human Being”

Be a Mary, not a Martha

o Jesus was never in a hurry but he was always on-time.

(SLIDE 19 )- LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

2) Abandonment

Remember my reference to Jesus’ conversation with his disciples after seeing many followers turn back and no longer walk with him, when He said to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?”

o But that wasn’t the case with the disciples, as confirmed by Simon Peter in the next verse, when he answered:

Peter’s Reply to Jesus:

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”

John 6: 68 (KJV)

In a world full of uncertainties, we must choose to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in Jesus as the source of life, even when confronted with doubts and challenges.

(SLIDE 20)- LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

3) Sedition

After Ziklag, David discovers the antidote for his distress:

“…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

I Samuel 30: 6b (KJV)

Perseverance Strengthens Faith

In response to doubt and despair, David strengthened himself in the Lord despite overwhelming adversity, finding strength to get up and continue to lead by leaning on His promises and faithfulness.

As David turned to God, the Lord restored hope and direction; our trials do not signal and end to leadership, but are often the start of God being able to do a new work in us and through us.

From Despair to Divine Deliverance

In the midst of despair at his darkest hour, David sought strength and put his trust in God, who transformed a moment of utter loss into a victory.

(SLIDE 21)- LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

8. Being Criticized or Falsely Accused

o Ex: Mel Gibson – “The Passion of The Christ”-

When the Hollywood veteran returned from to the States after 9 mos. on-set in Italy, he found he was being sued by an ad-hoc group of theologians convened on the Internet.

We were involved in Crisis Communications for the first four months before we could even focus on publicizing the film. He followed the

In our first meeting, I shared a quote with him a quote:

“The Word of God is like a lion; you don’t need to defend it, just turn it loose,”

Charles Spurgeon

Following the example of the lead character in the film, he never defended himself, rather let others – and the film – do so on his behalf.

(SLIDE 22)- LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

4) Being Driven, Not Called

(Even if you are a Type-A personality)

Operate out of your calling and giftings rather than being driven out of your pathology by avoiding or running from past wounds.

Stop Posing, and Pursue Holiness

The Bible says, “Be holy,” not “Act holy, so that others may come to Christ.

(SLIDE 23)- LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

5) Ignoring Proper Family/Ministry Balance

Ex: Bishop T. D. Jakes – Emergency Oxygen Mask

In time of emergency – put yours on first, then your child. It sounds counter-intuitive, but is the right thing to do - because while you can care for your child, they can’t take care of you.

(SLIDE 24)- LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

6. Replacing Obedience With a Pursuit of Position of Power

Ex: John 3 – Nicodemus:

o Does a leader go all in, or do what is safe?

Nicodemus came to Jesus in the Night, and experienced transformative New Birth in being “born again.” His journey from confusion to understanding exemplifies the profound impact of faith on one's life and direction, in order to find true identity and purpose.

(SLIDE 25)- LEADERSHIP UNDERBELLY ANTIDOTES

7. Incongruence Between One’s Life and Leadership

o The Academy Within - Practice “Intrinsic Leadership”

Most leadership development programs focus on the “how-tos”:

how to lead a team,

how to influence others,

how to get others to follow you.

o While how-tos are important, they are secondary to Intrinsic Leadership – the inner practice of cultivating the essential, best and whole self through honing skills of becoming more aware, grounded, engaged and resilient, leaning into your anointing and trusting the Lord for your message and message.

o Before one can influence and direct others one has to look within to ensure there is congruence between one’s life and leadership, including consistency in character worthy of following.

o But it is not just a simple question of whether one has good character; leaders also need accountability.

o Recognize there is no such thing as a leader – we are all followers.

Ex: Bishop Ken Ulmer – “I am not a Servant Leader; I am a Servant Follower…”

Ask other to “Follow Me” (as you follow Jesus)

Doug Coe - “Have you ever asked anyone to follow you?” He encouraged him to do so at his next weekly Bible class – out of 30, a dozen raised their hands… It sounds pompous and presumptuous, but what he was saying is, “Follow me – as I follow Jesus…”

Develop a Personal Mission Statement

A. Larry Ross Personal Mission Statement

“Like David, I will continue to serve God’s purpose in my generation until He calls me home, by leveraging my vast experience and expertise as a senior statesman to provide strategic communications and crisis consultation for passion projects; mentoring next generation PR counselors in relational best practices; and growing into thought leadership through speaking and writing including Op-eds, blogs and books; while serving as a global ambassador of friendship, peace and reconciliation according to the Principles of Jesus.”

Double-down on Ministry Mission

Remain Purpose-Driven

(The Morning after Jesus had taught and healed huge crowds) “Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’

“And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, ‘If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. ‘And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, ‘I will; be thou clean.’”

Mark 1: 36-38; 40, 41 (KJV)

Why did He run from crowds and yet wanted to help a leper (make him clean vs. heal)?

It became impossible for him to show his face in towns and so had to stay in lonely places. That was BG, and I assume it is the same for Dr. Kumuyi.

Follow the leadership example of Jesus, who:

o Emphasized RELATIONAL INTEGRITY over INTELLECTUAL ACCURACY

ex: made Judas treasurer and gave him the purse, even though He knew he would rip Him off and betray Him.

o Was Present in the Moment –

Jesus was never in a hurry but he was always on-time.

I used to have FOMO – Fear of Missing Out, but in studying the life of Jesus, I realized He didn’t strive to be where things were happening; rather He made things happen wherever He was…

o Went beyond “Servant Leadership” to “Servant Think-manship.”

Reframe the limitations of the social media prompt, “What are you doing today,” to letting followers know what you are thinking, that prompts thoughtful dialogue and discussion.

Jesus’ impact was less in the answers given than the questions asked (“Who do you say that I am?”)

SLIDE Words of Wisdom

o Consider the leadership example faithfully modeled by Billy Graham that I would summarize in four words:

A. Humility –

B. Integrity – Bristol

C. Authenticity

· first visit to his mountain home after his last crusade

· Everyone needs someone to love, something to do, something to anticipate or look forward to

· Priority was caring for Ruth

· But despite physical limitations, the heart of the evangelist continued to beat (Dreaming of a global telecast)

· Galatians 6:14 – May I never boast in the Cross of Jesus Christ”, and he planned to lay all his awards and rewards at His feet.

D. Transparency

· There wasn’t two Billy Grahams

· Billy never compromised the Gospel – was a paramedic, not a policeman for the Kingdom

· Maintained a proper balance of Grace and Truth

E. Leadership with Love

· Time Gala

Excerpts from Brad Bursma W.O.W. Factor Podcast Prep

THIS MORNING – FRESH BREAD

o Reading in Mark 1:25 – the morning after Jesus had taught and healed huge crowds, the Disciples came to Jesus, found him praying, and said, “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus replied, “Then we will go somewhere else to the neighboring towns so that I may give my message there – that is why I have come.”

o Vs 40 – a leper came to him and said, “I want you to make me clean,” and Jesus replied, “I want to.” Why did He run from crowds and yet wanted to help a leper (make him clean vs. heal). It became impossible for him to show his face in towns and so had to stay in lonely places. That was BG.

o Rev. 3:2 – “Wake up and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die, for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of my God.”

o Psalm 71: 17, 18 – O God, Thou has taught me from my youth; and I will declare your words and deeds and even when I am old and gray, don’t forsake me until I declare Thy strength to this generation, Thy power to all who are to come.”

o Amos 8:11 – Behold, the day is coming says the Lord, when I will send a famine on the land – not a famine for bread or water, but for hearing the words of the Lord.

o We have just come out – or are coming out of a year of COVID-19 famine, and are starting to find our new normal. The churches who strengthen or pivot to digital church are the ones that will not only survive but thrive during this season. Indeed, many of our clients – I am sure yours as well – have been seeing 3-4 times as many viewers online as attend physical services.

COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented opportunity for the message of the Cross – and an unprecedented search for purpose and meaning as individuals are vulnerable and looking to turn fear into faith.

o I have never been called to preach, but what we do is every bit as much ministry as core platforms as it takes the message beyond the church walls or base to reach audiences that would never attend the church or event or buy product.

§ Privileged to serve as Communications Director for the last five months of Ben Carson’s Presidential Campaign in 2016. He was a citizen-statesman, not a politician, who was on a mission for God and the Common Good, so messaging him was similar to representing Billy Graham or Rick Warren.

§ I went to visit him as a Cabinet Secretary several months after being appointed to head up HUD, and I learned an important crisis principle from his deputy press officer in the field.

§ “Every crisis has three players: Perpetrator/offender, victim and a hero. I can solve any problem if you allow me to change the role of my client in that scenario.

· A friend of mine from The Fellowship who is a longtime life coach and leadership consultant is building an innovative training program called “Academy Within,” through which they are developing a curriculum focused on “Intrinsic Leadership.”

o Most leadership development programs focus on the “how-tos: how to lead a team, how to influence others, how to get others to follow you.

o While how-tos are important, they are secondary to intra-leadership, or Intrinsic Leadership – the inner practice of cultivating the essential, best and whole self through honing skills of becoming more aware, grounded, engaged and resilient.

o Before one can influence and direct others one has to look within to ensure there is congruence between one’s life and leadership, including consistency in character worthy of following.

o But it is not just a simple question of whether one has good character; leaders also need accountability.

o But how does a leader deal with being abandoned or other disappointments that come with being out front or having the microphone, including burnout?

o Melany - Anything on Reputation Management

o Authenticity

o Transparency

o Consistency

1. Start with the Point of View

o If you are a leader, you can either be attacked for doing the right thing or because of mistakes you have made.

o Pastors now staring down the barrel of a possible recession – less giving and programs have to be furloughed. How do you explain that to your congregation?

o Examples of leaders who did things right as well as those who did things wrong.

o Focus on elevated impact you are making (or God is accomplishing through you) in terms of transformed lives.

o EX: Rick Marshall – everyone needs three things:

o Someone to love.

o Something to do.

o Something to look forward to

o Billy on the mountain in summer 2005 – first time he only had two out of three.

o Need for focus – don’t get distracted.

o Called vs. Driven.

From Phil Hicks:

LEADERSHIP

Leadership is a verb, not a noun (communicating direction and expectations). We have long known what “outputs” we want leaders to deliver. Here is Harvard Business School Professor John Kotter’s concise working summary of a leader’s duties:

Establish Direction: developing a vision of the future - often the distant future - and strategies for producing the changes needed to achieve that vision Aligning People: communicating direction and expectations in words and deeds to all those whose cooperation may be needed so as to influence the creation of teams and coalitions that understand the vision and strategies and that accept their validity Motivating/Inspiring: energizing people to overcome major political, bureaucratic, and resource barriers.

As a leader, It is not what you preach, it is what you tolerate.

When setting expectations, no matter what has been said or written, if substandard performance is accepted and no one is held accountable - if there are no consequences - that poor performance becomes the new standard. Leaders must enforce standards. But if you set standards and find that employees aren’t meeting expectations, one can’t ask “why aren’t they getting it?” That’s external. Instead, you need to look internally and ask, “What am I doing as a leader to empower them or not equip the team?” Unless you look interna, your search will be external.

o But how does a leader deal with being abandoned or other disappointments that come with being out front or having the microphone, including burnout?

WHEATON CHAPEL ADDRESS EXCERPT

· Since 1981, when God gave me a front row seat for what He was doing through various ministries around the world, my quest turned from success to significance. But unfortunately, most of my significance was based on externals – what I did, and who I did it for. I didn’t have any time to focus on who Iwas, or my personal relationship with God.

My intensity in doing everything I could to help clients use every media opportunity to make positive points for the Gospel became toxic, to me and my family.

· I became a slave to the tyranny of the urgent, rather than choosing to do the important. Running from my personal pain kept me from seeing the truth. I was living on airplanes, and put my family on the altar of ministry. So much of what I proclaimed in my work for God, wasn’t really true for me.

· I was addicted to caffeine and adrenalin, the positive stress and exhilaration of my job and the nobleness of my calling -- I wasn’t using my time and expertise to merely sell soap, our product was now changed lives.

· I went on the sheer stamina of youth, pushing myself to the limit. I was the classic workaholic, with no balance in my life. If I had been working 100 hours a week in a secular vocation, people would have said, “You’re crazy.” Instead, because it was for ministry and people were coming to Christ, they said, “Praise God.”

· I became known for what I did, rather than for who I was. “He’s Billy Graham’s P.R. man – tell us, what is Billy really like?”

· I was working with the White House, leaders in business and government, virtually every major media outlet in the U.S. and many overseas, traveling and setting up press operations all over the world (in 180 countries.)

· I was involved in challenging, varied and creative projects, getting incredible experience and seeing tremendous results. But I had no balance to my life. I was living the imposter syndrome… I was miserable.

· I HAD A DRIVE, BUT NO PURPOSE!

· I wasn’t doing God’s will; I was doing my will in His name.

· I was finding significance and self-worth in a job where I was:

- only as good as my last press conference

- only as capable as the coverage we received of our last crusade or media event

- only as important as what I could deliver on the next project

· I was the guy the prophet Isaiah spoke about in Chapter 50, when he wrote:

“Look, all you who kindle a fire,

Who encircle yourselves with sparks…

Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled –This youshall have from My hand:

Youshall lay down in torment.”

· I was walking in the light of my own fire. I was carrying my own torch and riding in on my white horse. Deep down, I hoped God realized how lucky He was to have such a conscientious, hard-working guy on his team.

· But God had a different idea. He wanted to put out my torch, shoot that horse out from under me and get me to trust in Him again, and Him alone. He knew I needed to put some margins – with Him in them – back into my life: (go to four points ->)

- He wasn’t impressed with my ability; He was concerned about my lack of availability.

- He wasn’t moved by my time inministry, but by my lack of time for Him.

- He didn’t care about how much I was trying, but how little I was trusting.

- God says in His Word, “Be holy, because I am holy,” not, “Act holy so that others may come to Christ.” And I was an imposter.

· I was more of a “human doing” than a human being. I had gotten to the point where I was so busy being caught up in what I was doing for the Lord, that I missed out on His blessing for my life.

· God’s Word speaks a lot about rest, balance and priorities. In Psalm 116:7-9, we read:

Return to your rest, oh my soul. For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For thou have rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the Land of the living.

· And so, five years ago next month, I had to take myself out of commission for a while and restructure my priorities. I turned myself in for work addiction and went away for a period of time to learn how to feel and to live in the moment again.

· When I started that process, I was “the Wizard of Oz” – the man behind the curtain, creating the smoke and mirrors. I was running scared. I sought clarity through intellectualization for the sake of control to give myself the illusion of security.

· But I got to the point where I couldn’t do it anymore. After working through my stuff (continuing in that Oz metaphor), I became the Tin Man -- who was able to think and feel with his heart.

· I learned to accept life as an unfolding series of gifts we cannot control, rather than a challenge to be met and manipulated.

· I realized that God could use me far more effectively in my brokenness, than He could in my giftingsor my grandiosity.

· I recognized that neither success nor significance brought fulfillment to my soul – only the Savior can bring true satisfaction.

That’s not something I didn’t hear a thousand times in Sunday School, and right here in this chapel. But I knew it in my head, not my heart.

· I learned that saving the world becomes academic if it comes at the expense of one’s family, and that the most important thing I could do was to be a better husband a father to my three boys.

· Before I was running so hard that I wasn’t able to feel, and for the first time in a long while I was able to experience joy – not just the happiness that comes from doing a great job on something. But true joy – the joy of my family, the joy of my faith, the joy found in moments of life itself.

· The scripture says, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Knowing that, I was able to be comfortable in my own skin, free at last to know and to love others and be known and loved by them.

9. Words of Wisdom

· As Christian leaders, our job is not to be successful, but faithful – to allow God to work in and through us.

· It is not our ability, but rather our availability that will determine our Kingdom impact.

· My mantra has always been to “SUIT UP, SHOW UP (AND IN RECENT YEARS) LIFT UP (THE NAME OF JESUS) AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

· The challenge for ministry leaders today, is how to present the Gospel in a culture that has already combusted. The answer is to balance Grace and Truth:

o Truth without Grace can be debilitating, but

o Grace without Truth can be deceptive.

· Follow the leadership example of Jesus, who:

o Emphasized RELATIONAL INTEGRITY over INTELLECTUAL ACCURACY (ex: made Judas treasurer and gave him the purse, even though He knew he would rip Him off and betray Him).

o Was Present in the Moment – (I used to have FOMO – Fear of Missing Out – but learned from a Fellowship colleague, who is a former MP from Norway, that “Jesus made things happen wherever He was…”)

o Go beyond “Servant Leadership” to “Servant Think-manship.” Reframe the limitations of the social media prompt, “What are you doing today,” to letting followers know what you are thinking, that prompts thoughtful dialogue and discussion. Jesus’ impact was less in the answers given than the questions asked (“Who do you say that I am…)

o Pivot from living as a “Human Doing to a Human Being.” I would encourage anyone who is a fellow Type-A personality to operate out of your calling and giftings, rather than being driven out of your pathology, avoiding or running from past wounds.

o Consider the leadership example faithfully modeled by Billy Graham that I would summarize in four words:

A. Humility –

B. Integrity – Bristol

C. Authenticity

· first visit to his mountain home after his last crusade

· Everyone needs someone to love, something to do, something to anticipate or look forward to

· Priority was caring for Ruth

· But despite physical limitations, the heart of the evangelist continued to beat (Dreaming of a global telecast)

· Galatians 6:14 – May I never boast in the Cross of Jesus Christ”, and he planned to lay all his awards and rewards at His feet.

D. Transparency

· There wasn’t two Billy Grahams

· Billy never compromised the Gospel – was a paramedic, not a policeman for the Kingdom

· Maintained a proper balance of Grace and Truth

E. Leadership with Love

· Time Gala

o Three Questions:

A. What do you know for Sure?

· For me, it is that “God will never call you where He can’t use you.”

B. Who do you Trust?

· Life is lived forward but learned backwards – our future is in God’s hands.

· Powerfully impressed on me in two epiphanies as I returned to two places I hadn’t been in 20 years that hadn’t changed, but enabled me to see how much I had:

o Deerfoot Lodge – Chastising letter from President of Wheaton College after walking across graduation stage to receive diploma with a flashing bowtie.

o Hotel across from my General Motors Century City office, before I took Billy Graham to meet DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg to preview their first animated feature, “Prince of Egypt.”

C. What Matters Most

· Several years ago, “Time” magazine had a back page essay by Roger Rosenblatt entitled, “What Should We Lead With?”:

“Journalists put the question in practical terms: What should we lead with? The rest of the population asks more generally: What matters most? They come to the same puzzle: Survey events in a given period of time and try to come up with the single moment, the headline, by which the world may be characterized, stopped in its spin. What should we lead with? What matters most?

What we confront in making such choices is not the events alone, but ourselves; and it is ourselves we are not able to place in order. The question is not what the press decrees is this week’s news. The question is us. What should we lead with, what matters most?”

· What matters most? For me, that was a difficult question that has been a lifelong struggle. I have had a performance orientation all of my life, often feeling valued for what I did, rather than who I was.

Early in my career, I was striving for significance, often measured by either the events in which I was involved, the resulting impact or extent to which we were able to influence public opinion.

As I shifted into the ministry arena, I became intense, doing everything I could to help clients use every media opportunity to make positive points for the Gospel.

· I was addicted to caffeine and adrenalin, the positive stress and exhilaration of my job and the nobleness of my calling -- I wasn’t using my time and expertise to merely sell soap, our product was now changed lives.

· I went on the sheer stamina of youth, pushing myself to the limit. I was the classic workaholic, with no balance in my life. If I had been working 100 hours a week selling vacuum cleaners people would have said, “You’re crazy.” Instead, because it was for ministry and people were coming to Christ, they said, “Praise God.”

· I became known not for who I was, but for what I did. “He’s Billy Graham’s P.R. man – tell us, what is Billy really like?”

· I was working with the White House, leaders in business and government, virtually every major media outlet in the U.S. and many overseas, traveling and setting up press operations all over the world (in 180 countries.)

· I was involved in challenging, varied and creative projects, getting incredible experience and seeing tremendous results. But I had no balance to my life. I was living the imposter syndrome. I was miserable.

· I HAD A DRIVE, BUT NO PURPOSE!

· I wasn’t doing God’s will, as Mike Warnke used to say, I was doing my will in His name.

· I was finding significance and self-worth in a job where I was:

- only as good as my last press conference

- only as capable as the coverage we received of our last crusade

- only as important as what I could deliver on the next project.

· I was the guy the prophet Isaiah spoke about in Chapter 50:

“Look, all you who kindle a fire,

Who encircle yourselves with sparks:

Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled –

This you shall have from My hand:

You shall lay down in torment.”

· I was walking in the light of my own fire. I was carrying my own torch and riding in on my white horse and just hoped God realized how lucky he was to have such a conscientious, hard-working guy on his team.

· But God had a different idea. He wanted to put out my torch and shoot that horse out from under me and get me to trust again in him, and him alone, and put some margins – with Him in them – back into my life:

- He wasn’t impressed with my ability; He was concerned about my lack of availability;

- He wasn’t moved by my time in ministry, but by my lack of time for Him;

- He didn’t care about how much I was trying, but how little I was trusting;

- God says in His Word, “Be holy, because I am holy,” not, “Act holy so that others may come to Christ.” And I was an imposter.

· I was more of a “human doing” than a human being. I had gotten to the point where I was so busy being caught up in what I was doing for the Lord, that I missed out on His blessing for my life.

· But I got to the point where I couldn’t do it anymore. After a series of events and people the Lord brought into my life to help me work through my stuff, I learned to accept life as an unfolding series of gifts we cannot control, rather than a challenge to be met and manipulated.

· And so, nearly 25 years ago, I had to take myself out of commission for a while and restructure my priorities. I turned myself in for work addiction and went away for five weeks to learn how to feel and to live in the moment again.

· (When I started that process, I was “the Wizard of Oz” – the man behind the curtain, working the smoke and mirrors. I was an imposter, running scared. I sought clarity through intellectualization for the sake of control to give myself the illusion of security.

· But I got to the point where I couldn’t do it anymore. After working through my stuff (continuing in that Oz metaphor), I became the Tin Man -- who was able to think and feel with his heart. I learned to accept life as an unfolding series of gifts we cannot control, rather than a challenge to be met and manipulated.)

· God’s Word speaks a lot about rest, balance and priorities. But I was more of a “human doing” rather than a human being. But I had gotten to the point where I was so busy being caught up in what I was doing for the Lord, that I missed out on His blessing for my life.

· I realized that God could use me far more effectively in my brokenness, than He can in my giftings or my grandiosity.

· I recognized that neither success nor significance brought fulfillment to my soul – only the savior can bring true satisfaction.

· How about you? What matters most in your life – as a person, a student, a homemaker or a professional?

· Do you know Jesus, or are you just doing Jesus?

· Are you merely going through the motions of cultural Christianity – where you know the lingo, can sing the latest praise songs without the words on the wall, and can pray a mean prayer in public – but don’t have a vital faith or resurrection power in your life?

· Is Jesus just a ticket to heaven, or do you allow His Holy Spirit to empower you to live for Him and compel others to know the Christ they see in you?

· Are you so overwhelmed by the pressures of school or maybe making enough money to pay for it you are not seizing the opportunity to trust Him?

· Are you going through life at “Mach Two with your hair on fire”, without a thought about rolling down the window or stopping to smell the roses?

· What matters most in your life – as a person, as a student, or a professional?

· Are you so overwhelmed by the pressures of life, school or vocation that you are not seizing the opportunity to trust Him?

What matters most to you – is it something temporal, or something that will never change?

Are you motivated by the opportunity we have to influence a hurting world with issues of eternal significance, especially in the recent cultural shift of the unprecedented pandemic over the past year ,when people are searching for answers, considering their own morality and more open to the Gospel than ever before?

· Former Senate Chaplain, Dick Halverson put it this way,

“You’ve got to treat yourself as a zero. If you stretch out many zeros in a row, you still have zero. But, if you put a one in front of it, there is no limit to what you can have – one million, one billion, one trillion. Jesus Christ is the one. He can multiply your power and efficiencies many times. He can give us meaning to the zero of our lives.”

· I am just learning about who God is, and in the process, He has shown me that every day is a gift from Him,

·

o assigned topic is “Developing Character in Leadership.

o I have been blessed to have been mentored by three great men in my life:

· My Father – a dedicated New Testament scholarwith an earned doctorate from the University of Chicago, who for many years was a professor at the Faith Seminary, The Wheaton College Graduate School and Moody Bible Institute, before becoming a dual vocation pastor and hospital chaplain in his later years before his retirement well into his eighties.

o On a personal note, it took my dad 17 years to obtain his doctorate, as he was rarely a full-time student. But it became his obsession and priority, and was something with which I competed my whole life,precluding him from ever coming to ball games or activity, which I came to resent as the eldest child, who often had to serve as surrogate father for my two brothers.

o It also became the foundation for our family becoming a “performance driven household,” whereby we were loved not for who we were, but for what we achieved – or how we made the family look. So, becoming Billy Graham’s PR guy, was actually a “set-up” for me, by which he would often ask me on phone calls, “How’s Billy,” to obtain bragging rights for his academic friends, but rarely inquire about me.

· Evangelist Billy Graham – who over more than three decades became a close colleague, mentor and friend, whom I was able to observe up close and personal, during which time I observed he was the same person in private as he was in public.

o My Pastor defines success as “When the people who know you best, love you most,” and that would apply to Mr. Graham

o People have asked me to describe him in one word, and I have to use four: Integrity, Authenticity, Humility and Vision, by which he was able to exemplify “Leadership with Love.” And, of course, he was a man of prayer.

o Mr. Graham would often speak about Leadership when he traveled for crusades, and in addition to the traits of integrity and vision I already mentioned, he would add two more:

o A sense of priority – being able to separate the important from the urgent or unimportant, triage required of virtually every busy graduate candidate.

o Personal Security – to know who you are, where you are going and to find fulfillment in something other than your career, which for him was spiritual. That is something that many graduate students lack in their drive for success in their field.

o I would also add that Mr. Graham was used by God less for his considerable ability, than his availability. I have often heard people say, “I can’t do that, I’m not Billy Graham.” But the evangelist I observed, particularly at the end of his ministry, often struggled with health and physical limitations, sometimes so ill or weak he could hardly walk without assistance. But when it came time to speak, he would be filled with a power, anointing and strength that could only come from the Lord, only to collapse at the end of his sermon.

· Doug Coe – longtime leader of the Fellowship and National Prayer Breakfast, whom the Lord took home on the same day as Billy Graham one year prior. I was privileged to write an obituary for both men in TIME magazine.

· As I shared in the tribute to Mr. Coe, I wrote that I never understood Billy Graham until I met Doug. Prior to that, I assumed that Mr. Graham was uniquely wired to boldly preach the Gospel in stadiums around the world, often feeling the weight and responsibility of the eternal destiny of the huge crowds was dependent on the words he spoke.

· But Doug helped me realize that was intentional, not intuitive, and an agreement they made together. As a result, whenever Mr. Graham was one-on-one with a President, world leader or famous celebrity, he never preached, was sometimes pastoral, but usually just loved them.

§ Buddy Hackett story (If time).

· That Trojan Horse approach to evangelism and faith, is something I learned from the Fellowship

§ Other thoughts on Leadership

§ Bold Witness –

.

· Stress relational leadership. Jesus emphasized relational integrity over intellectual honesty – Judas – gave him the purse.

· Mother Teresa – don’t judge people just because you don’t have time to love them.

· A fellowship colleague, former Minister of Finance for Kosovo, a Muslim, who is a follower of Jesus, once told me, “God will judge us not only for what we have done, but how much we love.

· I had lunch recently with a Dallas Pastor, who had a crisis of faith, and after a week alone with God, he realized that whomever he meets, he can only know two things for sure:

· That individual carries with them characteristics of God (we are made in His image); and

· God loves them as much as he loves me (so I can’t go “one up” on them, because of my faith.

· Focus on the Individual – Don’t be so enamored with who is onstage(and I am not talking about tonight), that you overlook a dozen people sitting in your row, who may go on to greatness and may be lifelong colleagues.

o In closing, as far as leadership goes, all of us are called to be ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, and can allow the love of God to shine through us.

o As such, we need to exhibit character even in the small things, and exhibit:

o Presence in the moment;

o Prayer in the moment; and for those who are parents,

o Patriarch of our families to the next generation

o Closing story – 26-year-old Millennial Stage manager at NBC affiliate in Jax – did something I had never seen anyone do with B.G. – tell story.

o Everyone needs prayer, they need a touch, and that can be all of our personal ministries.

o That day I committed I would never leave a meeting or phone call with Mr. Graham, when I didn’t ask how I could pray for him – and did it, recognizing that very few, if any people were doing so.

o God bless you.

A GLOBAL WITNESS

People often ask me what one word describes Billy Graham’s witness, but I have to use three: faithfulness (to his calling), authenticity (the same person on-on-one as in the pulpit), and integrity (doing the right thing, beyond doing things right).

I was reminded of that parallel paradigm by Dr. Jim Pleuddemann ’65, M.A. ’71, in his challenge to Wheaton Associates during my 35th class reunion in May 2011.

“The number one problem today is the disconnect between truth and life,” he said. “Knowing the truth is necessary, but not sufficient; neither is being able to discern culture.”

Recognizing Wheaton College exists to help build the church and serve society worldwide, Dr. Pleuddemann likened that mission to a split-rail fence, with the top bar representing the truth of theological orthodoxy and the bottom symbolizing cultural relevancy (to which I would add a middle rail of intellectual integrity, based on conversation with President Philip Ryken ’88). Since a fence must be joined by posts, he concluded a Wheaton education provides that connection between truth and life, preparing students to be whole and effective Christians in today’s world.

I immediately realized this as the legacy of Billy Graham, a man consistently reported to preach with a “Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other.” For him, the fence post that connects truth and cultural relevancy is the Word of God. Throughout his ministry, he has invoked his signature phrase, “The Bible says,” to emphasize and demonstrate how Scripture speaks to personal problems and societal issues.

Like the Apostle Paul at the Areopagus in Athens, for decades Billy Graham faithfully traveled to the Areopagi of our day—the world’s arenas and stadiums. At each crusade he temporarily turned these temples to the gods of entertainment and sport into cathedrals, to make the previously unknown true God known to crowds seeking to quench a spiritual thirst far beyond my physical craving for something to drink at Soldier Field years ago.

A COMMITMENT TO THE GOSPEL

Mr. Graham considered every moment an opportunity to serve the Lord and share His gospel. One of my early encounters with his strength of character and commitment was in connection with the first network television interview I arranged for him on NBC’s Today. Assuming he would want to have a word of prayer before he went on the air, when we arrived, I informed his long-time traveling associate, Dr. T. W. Wilson, that I had pre-arranged a private area off the greenroom for us to commit the interview to the Lord.

“The first thing Billy did when he got up this morning was to start praying in his room,” Dr. Wilson replied graciously in what became an important teaching moment for me. “He prayed during breakfast and in the car on the way over from the hotel. He is praying right now and will continue to pray his way through this interview. Let’s just say Billy tries to keep himself prayed up all the time.”

I learned many such exemplary lessons about the responsibility and opportunities we have as followers of Christ to live lives pleasing to and effective for the Lord before a watching world. Another of these was Mr. Graham’s bold gospel witness through both word and deed whenever possible—including in every media situation—for which God honored his faithfulness.

While it is standard procedure for an interview subject to count to ten or recite what he had for breakfast during a microphone check before a broadcast, Mr. Graham would always quote John 3:16 from the New Testament. When I asked him why, he replied, “Every time I do an interview, I try to work the gospel into the conversation; but if for some reason I don’t have that opportunity, at least I know that the cameraman heard it.”

A PARTING CHALLENGE

On my last visit with Mr. Graham to the Wheaton campus for his 50th class reunion in 1993, he gave a special challenge to graduating seniors in his commencement address. “Your generation will bear the brunt of the future’s uncertainties,” he said. “You can count your days, but with Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you can make your days count.”

Billy Graham—Wheaton’s favored son, America’s pastor, evangelist to the world and my mentor and friend—made his days count; and he finished well, remaining faithful to his calling to preach the transformational message of the gospel throughout his public ministry.

His influence was so broad and his impact so far-reaching, we won’t know this side of heaven the extent of his legacy, no matter how clearly defined. And it is not likely we will see another like him in our generation.