Tag: leadership

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AMERICA, IT’S TIME FOR #GUNCONTROL

#GUNCONTROL

I’m not sure if “America” will read this blog post, but I do know that there are regularly Americans who read this blog. So if that’s you, please pass it on to the rest of your country.

Whatever your opinion on the politics of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, his bold leadership on gun control in 1996 is an important legacy. In the wake of the Port Arthur massacre, when 35 people were killed, Howard brought in sweeping gun reforms. These reforms have changed Australia for the better.

It was good to hear that US President Barrack Obama mentioned Australia’s example in being tough on guns after another school shooting in the US. I’m saddened with every new report of more school shootings in the States and baffled by how easy it is to get a high powered gun. Just get rid of the Second Amendment from the Constitution, amend it out of there! I hope and pray Obama has the bullets to stand up and lead.

I’m not sure if you’ve seen these 3 videos, they were shared around via social media last year, but they are worth watching. John Oliver compiled them for The Daily Show, and they show how government-mandated gun control actually can work. He highlights the political leadership of Howard (as well as Tim Fischer and Rob Borbidge) in bringing about the changes.

See below for the 3 part series:
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7 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE PREACHING // FRANCIS CHAN

7 QUESTIONS

Are you a preacher? Below are some really useful questions to ask before each sermon from Francis Chan. They’re also helpful questions to ask for listeners. I’ve been encouraged by his preaching and his character and look forward to hearing him in Australia later this year. Here are my previous Francis Chan posts and here is his official website.

  1. Am I worried about what people think of my message or what God thinks? (Teach with FEAR)
  2. Do I genuinely love these people? (Teach with LOVE)
  3. Am I accurately presenting this passage? (Teach with ACCURACY)
  4. Am I depending on the Holy Spirit’s power or my ow cleverness? (Teach with POWER)
  5. Have I applied this message to my own life? (Teach with INTEGRITY)
  6. Will this message draw attention to me or to God? (Teach with HUMILITY)
  7. Do the people really need this message? (Teach with URGENCY)

Any other questions worth asking?

EDIT: One of my current sponsors – OXYGEN – will be hosting Francis Chan in Sydney during August 2014. Check out all conference website.

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5 THINGS CHURCH LEADERS CAN LEARN FROM APPLE KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS

Did you catch the Apple Keynote presentation this past week? The launch of the iPhone 5S, 5C and some other things? Maybe you don’t care! Regardless of whether you are an Apple Fanboy or an Apple Hater, Apple do an impressive job with keynote presentations and product launches. The late Steve Jobs set the standard for Apple in his style of presentation. I believe the current CEO Tim Cook and his team continue in similar style and quality.

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Church leaders have the opportunity week-by-week to cast vision in church gatherings, but perhaps particularly at Vision Nights, Launch Sundays, AGMs, etc.

Here are 5 things that church leaders can learn from Apple Keynote presentations:

A) Anticipate success

Throughout the product launch there is an air of anticipation and expectancy with what is to come. The presenters help to build this in how they shape the presentation and build towards the announcing of new products and an expectation that the company will continue to succeed.

Ephesians 3:20 says that “God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” God is able! It is right to expect that God will continue to work as his word goes out through local churches. William Carey famously said “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” Christian leaders need to help build this culture of anticipation and expectation for God to do the unimaginable.

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Simple and Obvious

Avril Lavigne once sang: ‘Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated!’ I don’t think she was singing about leadership, yet I think one of the things we often do in leadership is overly complicate things. Likewise in communication.

Check out this useful blog post from Steven Furtick: Simple and Obvious. This is applicable in many contexts, but none more important than the gospel of Jesus. Keep it simple, keep it obvious, keep repeating it. Check out this simple gospel outline.