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Five Ways to Spot a Potential Leader

The constant cry of leaders everywhere is, "Where do I find more leaders? We have the workers and volunteers, but no one willing to lead them."

Here are five ways to spot a potential leader:

1)   Holds the respect of his or her own family. This is often quickly dismissed but I think it is one of the greatest ways to spot a leader. A family's feelings toward another family member speak volumes. If he or she is not respected by their own family - the people who know them best - they, in the long run, will probably not make an effective leader.

2)  Do they have the attention and ears of others? When potential leaders speak, people listen. If a person already has a following of sorts, it may mean they have leadership potential.

3)  A willingness to assume responsibility. Leadership demands that we step up - step up into a leadership role, step up into responsibility, and step up into accountability. It is exacting and can be demanding, but the rewards are wonderful. The joy of leading a group of like-minded individuals to accomplish a great task - the feeling of adding value to other people - is what leadership is about.

4)  The capability to catch and create vision. Watch to see people's reactions when they are presented with a grand vision. Are they excited? Are they speaking in terms of "we" and "us" rather than "they" and "them"? Once a potential leader hears the vision, do they sense the thrill of the challenge? And can they communicate to others so that others also catch the same vision with like passion?

5)   Past leadership roles. Some of the best leaders I have ever found were because I discovered their past leadership roles. As you get to know a person, inquire about things they have done in the past. Have they led an organization? Did they have oversight of personnel? Did they maintain a volunteer position in a former organization? Reminder: it's been my experience that often, these people will try to fly "under the radar" for a time, especially if they are new to you or your organization. But leaders cannot hide themselves! The leadership flows of out them and they will be caught! Keep your antennae up, listen for verbal cues, observe how a person handles him/herself in a room. You can learn a lot just by observing.

I trust some of these hints may be helpful in your never ending search for quality leaders!

Bible Institute of the Lowcountry!

If you live in the lowcountry of South Carolina, and you desire to know the Word of God on a deeper level, I have great news! 

The Bible Institute of the Lowcountry is accepting registrations for its next semester (click on our name for further information).

While the majority of the study is done online, classes will be held Mondays, beginning on January 30 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at LowCountry Community Church in Bluffton, SC. The semester ends on May 14.  For the Spring Term we will be studying Old Testament Survey 2 (1 Kings to Song of Solomon).  You can begin anywhere in the process - it's okay if this is your first Bible Institute Class!

Pastors Jeff Cranston and Joe Friesen, in partnership with Liberty University online, will facilitate our classes. CLICK HERE for all the details or to register now. For more information, email Tiffany Coker.

Instead: How Jesus Communicated

He might have preached lengthy sermons on the dignity of labor, temptation, how to enjoy life, the immortality of the soul, the worth of children, and the fact that God answers prayer.

Instead, He worked in a carpenter's shop, He met and conquered temptation in the wilderness, He went to parties and laughed with other happy people, He raised the dead, He stopped to love little children, and after He prayed, the power of the Lord was present.

He might have talked long and loud about the need of man for human sympathy, the worth of womanhood, the blessing of humility, and the equal worth of all men.

Instead, He wept at the grave of a friend, He treated all women with deep respect, He took a towel and washed His disciples' feet, He gave His time to the poor and outcasts.

Instead of talking about how He could transform lives, He took a harlot and made her the first herald of the resurrection.

Instead of preaching that people need bread, He fed the multitude.

Instead of arguing the spirit is stronger than matter, He walked on water.

Instead of telling people how bad it is to be crippled, He said, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk.'

Instead of merely telling people they should forgive, while He was dying and being spit on He prayed, 'Father, forgive them.'

- Charles Allen

Image: Carl Bloch, Sermon On the Mount, 1890.

I'm Not Insecure, Am I?

Insecurity is prevalent and it's insidious. It effects everyone at some time or other - the rich and famous, and the poor and infamous. Even John Lennon once said, "I was feeling insecure you might not love me anymore."

And insecurity plays in the minds and emotions of more leaders than you and I ever want to imagine. (I have myself felt at times that I have an earned Ph.D. in insecurity...and I feel insecure telling you that!)

The "I-word" causes leaders to make decisions based upon pleasing people or pleasing God.  Motives change.  And it's at that point that every leader needs to step back, get honest, and say, "All I’m really doing here is seeking the approval of my father, or that lady, or the church boss."  THIS WILL ALWAYS LEAD A LEADER ASTRAY OVER TIME. 

Here’s the danger … I risk burnout due to impure motives and unrealistic expectations.

There's a vivid illustration of this in Luke 10.  Jesus visits the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.  Martha was committed to host a big soiree' and dinner for Jesus; but she had crossed the line from serving to performing.  She was in a compulsive, people-pleasing mood that night.  “Hey, look at me!  Clap for me!”

Remember what she eventually said? “Lord, tell my sister to come in here and help me!  She’s leaving me here to do all the work!”  You know what I think Martha was really doing here?  I think she was looking for Jesus to say to her, “Oh my goodness, Martha, bless your heart.  I had no idea.  Everyone! Stop whatever it is you are doing – Peter, be quiet over there and listen!  Look at Martha.  Let’s give her a round of applause. She's doing all this ministry work alone. What a servant! She is our mentor and we should all strive to be just like her.  Martha, you’re the greatest!”  That’s the kind of Jesus Martha wanted in her home that evening.

I am floored by Jesus’ response to her.  He recognized it as a compulsive act that was not rooted in service or love.  “Martha, Martha. You are worried about so many things. There is really only one thing to be concerned about. Look at Mary; look at your sister.”  She was in a quiet repose, sitting at His feet ... a worshipper.

Jesus was saying, “You must first be served by me before you can serve me.”  Martha, relax.  It’s devotion, not duty.  Martha was a human doing before she was a human being. Do you recall Jesus' words from Matthew 11? "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest for your souls.  Take my yoke, learn from me."  Rest for your souls.

We can learn a number of lessons from Martha.  Here’s what happens when I become like Martha:

1.    I get distracted from “big picture” priorities, consumed by my own performance, constantly nagged by the thought of what others will think of me.

2.    I grow weary because I attempt to do too much–for the wrong reasons.

3.    I tend to become a perfectionist. And perfectionism can never last long.

In your push to make the team, earn the grade, attain the promotion, please the boss or client, make everyone in your church happy - remember that compulsive behaviour is a symptom of insecurity. It's devotion, not duty.

“By the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove to be vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I but the grace of God within me.” (I Corinthians 15:10)

TMI4LCC

Lots going on! Check it out...

DATE NIGHT - This Saturday

Can't remember the last time you had a night out with your spouse? Going broke paying for babysitters? No family close to help you out? Well, your LCC family is here to help you! 

Date Night gives parents a chance to have an evening out. We have a team of responsible babysitters to love your children, play with them and even feed them dinner.  Deadline for registration is January 5.  CLICK HERE to sign up.

 
OPEN HOUSE - This Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

Are you new to LCC?  Do you have questions?  If so, then join us this Sunday evening for our next Open House at 6:00 p.m. Meet Pastor Jeff and other LCC leaders in a casual environment and discover all that LCC has for you. Light refreshments will be served. Children are welcome.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY (FPU) - New Session starts January 9

Join in Dave Ramsey’s “Great Recovery” by taking our next FPU session which will be offered Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The first class entitled “Super Saving” is FREE. Those wishing to participate in the remaining 12 classes pay a membership fee which includes class materials and a lifetime membership to FPU. Visit: lowcountrycc.org to register. Child care is available for a small additional fee. For more information contact FPU Coordinator Brad at: brolen@hargray.com or 843.247.3947.

MEET & GREET LCC Missionary Marissa Hunsberger

Join us this Sunday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for an informal evening of desserts and tales of God’s power in Belgium and the surrounding area. We are meeting at the home of Pastor Joe Friesen. (87 Muirfield Dr. in Eagle’s Pointe, Bluffton). For information call Joe at 843.384.1994.

JACOBS BROTHERS GOSPEL MUSIC CONCERT - Friday, January 13, 7:00 p.m.

Join us Friday, January 13 for an outstanding evening of gospel music featuring the highly acclaimed Jacobs Brothers.  The Jacobs Brothers, who have been ministering through music continually since 1962 are sure bring joy to your heart, and a tear or two to your eye.  And Pastor Rob gets to be on stage and have a ball singing with his family. Don’t miss it.

CORE CLASSES - January 22, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 22 is the date for our next Core Classes. In our five discipleship classes, (Connect, Grow, Serve, Reach and Worship) we delve into God’s word and discover how to simplify and focus our lives in ways that give them greater meaning and significance.

If you are new to LCC, your next step is to attend the Connect class. There you will learn LCC’s story and how to become a member. You can register today by filling out our Connection Card and dropping it in the offering, or online at our website. Free dinner and childcare are provided for all classes.

CREATIVE ART WALL EXHIBIT AND RECEPTION - Calling Artists!

if you are an artist of any medium, please consider entering your hangable art for display in our soon to appear Creative Arts corridor.  The entry deadline for all art work is Thursday, January 22. Visit lowcountrycc.org for more information or contact Jan McKim.

GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP - Application Deadline is January 22

Our team will lodge in a beautiful Team House and will connect with a number ministries in Guatemala City.  We can only take 12 people, so early registration is critical! Registration deadline is 22 January. Visit LCCReach.com for all the details.

Five Options When Faced with Conflict

I have the privilege of training leaders world-wide and no matter where I go, there is one constant every leader faces on every continent: conflict!

The following are five ways leaders can deal with conflict. I teach these as part of my role as an Associate Trainer with Equip, an Atlanta-based, international leadership organization.

These principles aid us in seeing how we choose to deal with conflict. Jesus was speaking about conflict when He said, “You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven… For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)

Here are five options we can choose from when we are faced with conflict:

1.  I'll get them! (Retaliation)

I will strike back. This is often our default setting; our first feeling. Shoot first, ask questions later.

2.  I'll get out! (Escape and avoidance)

This is perhaps the most socially acceptable option, especially in the church.  I’ll go to the first worship service, they can go to the third worship service.  I won't have to see her; she won't see me. We don’t and won't hit the issue that's bugging us head-on, we'll avoid it.

3. I'll give in! (Surrender)

At this option, I basically throw in the towel. I give up because I want so much to avoid dealing with the conflict. "Let him win, then. I don't care." It's avoidance to the extreme. And nothing is ever resolved.

4. I'll go half! (Compromise)

This, at least, is movement in a positive direction.  It's a little bit better than our previous options. We'll meet halfway. But are we really happy now? No. There is still a sense of unsettledness. Why? Because nothing has really been settled.

5. I'll DEAL with it! (Address the issue)

This is the best of the five options. I will address the issue with courage and forthrightness.  CHOOSE THIS OPTION!!!  Learn the art of healthy confrontation.  Don’t run and hide.

Soli Deo Gloria

First, a word of thanks to LowCountry Community Church. You see the vision, catch the dream, and play your part. You invited your friends, family members, and co-workers. You brought your classmates and your neighbors. And they showed up! Our Christmas Eve services were some of the largest we've ever experienced in our church's history! One-thousand, seven-hundred and seventy-four worshippers came to proclaim glory to the newborn King over two days.

Which leads me to my most heartfelt word of thanks. Thanks be to God who brought men, women, boys, and girls into His kingdom over those same two days.  We know of at least 63 people who made decisions to follow Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour! God's Spirit worked in their hearts and they have been brought from darkness into the Light ... from everlasting death to everlasting life! This is why we do what we do! And it never grows old!

So...
- if you directed cars in the parking lots
- if you cradled a child 
- if you held a door or shook a hand
- if you poured a cup of coffee
- if you tweaked a sound-board
- if you tuned an instrument
- if you raised your voice in song
- if you cleaned a room
- if you pointed a camera
- if you prayed
- if you cleaned up candle wax
- if you checked in volunteers
- if you translated from English into Spanish
- if you invited a friend, neighbor, co-worker, schoolmate, or family member...

You were a part of God's great plan!

Soli Deo Gloria.

The Christmas Story

A Letter From Pastor Jeff to LCC

Hello, everyone. As we speed head-long into the Christmas weekend, I wanted to remind you of a  few exciting events awaiting us...

#1 - But first, how has the truth about Jesus' first coming affected your life this week?  "He (Jesus) didn't just come for a visit. He brought his toothbrush, and his razor, and his pajamas. He came to stay!" (Lewis Smedes). "Every man finds in Jesus exactly what he most needs. That is the essence of His Christmas story; and that is the essence of the everlasting gospel." (FW Boreham). Jesus, born of a virgin, took on our humanity. God came all the way downstairs, to where Jesus died - at the cross. No more 'Upstairs, Downstairs' any longer!

#2 - Christmas Eve Candlelight services are going to be incredible! These services are among the most favorite things we do all year. It's a wonderful way to end the year together as a church family and to celebrate the Reason for the season in worship.

                                                                    Friday, Dec. 23: 6 p.m. 
                                                            Saturday, Dec. 24: 4, & 6 p.m.

#3 - And because we place such a high value on our Christmas Eve services at LCC, we will not be holding our regular Sunday services on December 25th. This allows our staff and volunteers a weekend off after working through an intense week of Christmas services. Enjoy your Sunday worshiping the newborn King with family and friends, or perhaps visit another local church.

#4 - The following was on Jonathon Herron's blog ...Top Five Times People are Open to Considering Matters of Faith:
          #5 - After the birth of a baby (28%)
          #4 - After a natural disaster (34%)
          #3 - After a major national crisis (38%)
          #2 - During the Easter season (38%)
          #1 - During the Christmas season (47%)

LCCers, I am praying that every one of us will invite someone to one of our three Christmas Eve services. God is already working in their hearts; let's partner with Him on reaching those without Jesus!  Research indicates time and again that the number one way a person will receive information about a church is through the personal invitation from a friend. Let's go all out!!

#5 - We will begin a new series on Sunday, January 8th called, "Lose the Weight." I can't wait to share it with you!

#6 - In need of a last minute stocking stuffer? My book on the Beatitudes, Happily Ever After, is a great idea! They are available through the Church Office , the Cafe', or the Info Window for only $10. You can also order on-line here and have the book shipped anywhere you would like. All proceeds go toward training Christian leaders around the world. Thanks for your support!

#7 - I hope to see you this weekend with someone you have invited. It's going to be another great time of worship at LowCountry!!

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

My dear friends at Longton Community Church in England created this video for part of their recent Carols service. Enjoy!