CREATING URGENCY

HOW IMPORTANT IS URGENCY IN LEADERSHIP?

Luke 12:16–19 NLT

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’

WHAT IS URGENCY?

DEFINITION: Urgency is the opposite of complacency

POINT 1: We always tend towards complacency rather than urgency

POINT 2: The greatest threat to future success is current success

POINT 3: Success leads to pride and pride leads to complacency

POINT 4: Declare war on complacency

POINT 5: If you urgently do the right things, you will consistently be successful at most everything

If you urgently do the right things, you will consistently be successful at everything

Nothing kills urgency like success

The greatest threat to future success is current success

Complacency is difficult to see in the mirror

Declare war on complacency

You cannot transform what you always tolerate

HOW TO MAINTAIN URGENCY

Matthew 10:16 ESV

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Psalm 90:12 NIV

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

FORMULA: Outside Opposition + Divine Calling + Limited Time = Sustained Urgency

I am not guaranteed success

1 Peter 5:8–9 NLT

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

2) Divine Calling

I’m part of something bigger than myself

Matthew 18:19–20 ESV

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

3) Limited Time

Whatever I avoid the enemy invades

Ephesians 5:15–16 NIV

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

1) Be Skeptical

PROBLEM: What works today may not work tomorrow

EX: The creative movement within the church

SOLUTION: Methods will change but mission will not

2) Be Active

PROBLEM: Experience often leads to discussion rather than action

EX: Starting a new church program

SOLUTION: Err on the side of doing not resisting

3) Be Uncomfortable

PROBLEM: Comfort hinders progress

EX: Writing new worship songs

SOLUTION: Create challenges in order to create change

4) Be Emotional

PROBLEM: Facts inform us but do not transform us

EX: Becoming a missionary

SOLUTION: Tell better stories

APPLICATION

Opposition + Calling + Limitation = Sustained Urgency

1 Samuel 14:6–7 ESV

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”

HOW TO KILL ATMOSPHERE

1) Wait until the beginning of service

TIP: Expectancy must start from the parking lot

2) Leave the front row empty

TIP: Leaders carry the atmosphere from the front

3) Don’t take the planning seriously

TIP: Organization leads to openness

CONCLUSION