On Leadership Without Ego
On Leadership Without Ego
The purest moments for contemplation come to me in the morning. If I can get out of that warm bed early enough, I can ride the silence of the morning right into prayer and meditation. There is a stillness that is very powerful. It is in that stillness that I can best experience the "I Am!"
As clergy members, we are all faced with issues of leadership. In the course of a busy day with the seminary, it is very helpful for me to pause and remember the "I Am" that is guiding my every step. I believe that staying in tune with the "I Am" is at the core of successful leadership.
The very fact that we are clergy means that we are viewed as leaders by students, congregation and community. However, when we view ourselves as a leader, it is essential to check the "ego" at the door, being careful not to let the ego drive our decisions. Successful leadership of a congregation is not egocentric nor ethnocentric. It cannot be built upon "I am right and you are wrong!" type thinking. We must be on constant watch for egotistical motives and behaviors. This is not an easy task.
To be successful, we must first identify what the ego is for us. Some refer to the ego as evil, the devil, darkness, the shadow self, etc. Whatever the name, the outcome is the same. Claiming our ego side is essential to establishing good leadership skills.
So, what would define behaviors that are of the ego? Simply put, they would be behaviors that promote separation. These would include thoughts such as the following:
"They all love me." (as if you are the only one who can be loved)
"I am granted a special power from God." (as if you are the only one that can connect with God)
"I alone can interpret God's word." (As if you are the only one who can think)
"They (the congregation) don't know anything and it is my job to teach them."
"I have the final word as I am the pastor."
So, how do we know what kind of structure to institute Everything needs some type of structure or it will collapse. A thought that came to me to contemplate in order to answer this question is found below and is the focus of my contemplation today:
Let the congregation lead. Listen to their concerns, their struggles, their issues and these things will guide you to lead as a servant of God rather than as a servant of the ego.
This thought brings to mind such words as: love, integrity, honoring, support, praise, equality, encouragement, example setting, non-judgment and focus.
And so this morning, I spent some time contemplating on the meaning of these words and how I can best express the "I Am" through the behaviors these words would elicit. And so I prayed:
Dear God,
Help me keep my ego in check. Remind me that I am doing your work, not mine. Let me hear your gentle guidance as found in listening to those whom you bring to my door. Their needs direct my decisions regarding leadership and service as they are one in the same. Let me lead by serving. Let me listen to your strength, power and direction as found in the "I Am" that speaks loudly to me in the silence. Help me to view my ministry as one that lifts all to your holy altar knowing we are all your children, united in your divine love. I ask this knowing I shall receive. Amen, and again I say, Amen.
Until the next time, be blessed!
PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE, THOUGHTS AND IDEAS REGARDING LEADERSHIP. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!
Posted by Rev. Barbara S. Eberle at 2/12/2010 6:54 AM 
Categories: Spiritual Contemplations
Tags: How to Lead a Church How to Build a Congregation
Categories: Spiritual Contemplations
Tags: How to Lead a Church How to Build a Congregation
In these trying times I have found myself put through many test. It is not a pass or fail trivial. The tests are to put each of us into perspective to what our goals and achievements are based on. Reverend Barbara has a fascinating goal to where I deeply appreciate. I however, spread the word to outlaw bikers,people in nursing homes,hospitals, and drug users to encourage the life and blood of Jesus Christ. Many have been saved and few have considered on becoming saved. I have been in the prison ministry also, to encourage great self esteem to build many violators to understand we are all are sinners but when we change our focus and values to assist others then we become ministers unto our Lord God almighty. We have free will to choose how we want to live. Our instructions are based on Eastern culture but living in a spoiled Western culture world. Many of us our spoiled and have a variety of goals. Basically stating we can be stronger in our faith but many politicians and government error has our cultures in doubt of our economy;therefore, we come together in one accord in pray for our nation along with world leaders. Faith is another thing I have been focusing on. It is not by my will but by our God through Jesus Christ we shall understand ALL things that we may or may not agree with but it is not our place to decide except to pray and fast. As the Holocaust to the Jews. It is a very fragile event that happened but without this happening in 1948 the Israel would not be a nation. We have to take the bad and understand the good in everything as well as giving Thanks to our God in ALL things. By faith we can achieve many goals to where obstacles shall be removed and our God to have his way. I am going through a great deal of disasters at this time but by my church family and other Christian believers My family and I shall be rejoiceful and holding our God on the throne. Through Jesus Christ we Shall not be liked by the world but we are not of the world, our mansions are in Heaven being prepared for when we graduate(die). May our God Bless each one of us in our walk to save those amongst us. By Faith,prayer, and fasting many obstacles shall be moved and many understanding shall be revealed to us. God Bless each and every one of my brothers and sisters in the name of Jesus Christ. Remember to wear your armor in Ephesians to protect and slay the demons that are on attack...Pastor Rob Hoover P.O. Box 84 new Waverly,TX 77358 or robrshoover on facebook...
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To reverened Barbara,
Thank you so very much for your ambition to improve our world today. By your knowledge and will power it makes many people honor you in so many ways. We are thankful to have a minister as yourself to encourage us to keep our heads high and be greatful for what we have. In these last days you are 8in our prayers. We have the burn-out syndrome at times but through our Christ family bloodline we shall overcome obstacles to march in God's Army to victory! Keep up the good work and God Bless you!
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Have you ever thought of adding video to your blog to keep the visitors more entertained?
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Good Day!
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