Pastor: Keep Moving Forward!

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels:


I am heavily influenced by the leadership, innovation and imagination of Walt Disney. Sometimes I wonder if Walt Disney were a church planter, what would his congregation look like today? If it were anything like the Disney company is now, it would be a radical world changer!

Clearly his legacy continues today, and to a certain degree, continues to be ahead of his time. One of my favorite Walt Disney quotes is:

“There’s really no secret about our approach. We keep moving forward – opening up new doors and doing new things – because we are curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. We’re always exploring and experimenting. At WED, we call it Imagineering, the blending of creative imagination with technical know-how.”

Leaders and pastors, we must continue to keep moving forward. Regardless of any obstacles we may face, we are called and empowered by God. We should not live in fear. Scripture teaches us in Isaiah 43: 18-19,

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

God is doing a new thing! God is making a way! So pastor/leader, keep moving forward!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 | 0 Comments

Leading Leaders

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels: ,


I find it is important for leaders to set goals not only for themselves, but also their
leadership team, regardless if they are paid staff or volunteers. As a new church planter,
there’s only one direction I am interested in going: forward! And I can measure how our
group is moving forward and keep accountability by setting goals. Here is a simple
method that I use to help me set goals for a group:

1) Assess group members. Every group I have ever been in has its own identity,
strengths, and gifts. While there can be certain traits that are consistently found in various
groups, there are also certain traits that make each group unique. Take time to identify
them, and use them as strengths.

2) Assess group leadership development. I need to also assess how my leaders can
continue to develop themselves. So while I am also assessing their strengths and gifts, I
am also identifying weaknesses and areas of improvement. This is where you can become
their coach, mentor, teacher, etc. Be strategic about this, and challenge your leaders with
love.

3) Promote teamwork. No one should be taking on heavy tasks alone. Delegate tasks
appropriately, but also create ways that people can work together and collaborate. It not
only enriches the project at hand, but it also builds the group cohesion. This is a
wonderful opportunity for people to learn from each other and can be a very rewarding
moment.

4) Celebrate! When your group accomplishes a goal, take time to celebrate. Humbly pat
yourself on the back, and take time to pat your leadership on the back. Tell your team
"job well done." Be sure to reward your leadership and let them know that you appreciate
them for their hard work and time.

5) Acknowledge God. And above all, thank God, and celebrate His goodness, because
without Him, none of this is possible!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 | 0 Comments

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