RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

When I was in middle school I played basketball.  I was making some of the shots I took in the game, but I was missing a lot more than I made.

One day my coach asked if he could give me some advice on my shot.  I gladly listened to what he had to say.

He helped me identify what was holding me back from being a better shooter.  He told me I was holding my elbow out when I shot instead of bringing it into a straight line closer to my body.

I listened to his advice and started bringing my elbow in.  My shot percentage immediately went up and I was more effective.

That's what a coach does.  He or she helps you be more effective.  A coach helps you identify blind spots that are holding you back.  A coach helps you develop a growth plan so you will continue to grow as a leader.

Just like I needed a coach in basketball to improve, I have often needed a children's ministry coach who could help me improve as a leader.  I am thankful for the people God has brought across my path that have poured into me and helped me grow as a leader.  I will forever be grateful for what they have taught me and how they have inspired me to be a lifetime learner.

Do you need a coach to help you be a better you in children's ministry?  Do you need someone to help you grow as a leader?  Do you need someone who can help you identify your blind spots?  Do you need someone who can help your ministry grow?  Do you need someone who can help you develop a personal growth plan?

If that's you, then I'd like to invite you to join Advance Children's Ministry Leadership Coaching program.  It's a 6 month coaching experience that will help you get to the next level (or levels) in your ministry.

Dozens of leaders have been through the experience.  Here are a couple of stories from those who have participated.

"I am so thankful for the coaching experience I was able to have with Dale Hudson.   I have learned tools that will help me with leadership, growth and structure.  I know this information will help me today, tomorrow and many years to come.  I would highly recommend anyone in Children's Ministry to take part in this amazing coaching experience."
Michelle Carly - 5 Points Church

"I found the Advance program very helpful!  I'm convinced  everyone would get something out of it - both those with formal training and those without.  Dale was affirming of the role of children's ministry in the church, as well as provided encouragement to us as participants.  Having been in children's ministry he can relate to the challenges, but also shares his expertise and gives practical insight into building an awesome kids' ministry.  If you're a children's ministry, you'll be glad you were a part of it.  If you're a senior pastor, you should have your kids' pastor participate. 
Eric Gayer
Executive Pastor - Family Life
Lifegate Church

2020 is going to be a pivotal year.  Why not invest in yourself as you go into this new decade and make 2020 a great year?  The next session of coaching starts in January.  You can get more information and apply at this link - https://www.buildingchildrensministry.com/coaching.

Space is limited and the coaching spots are already filling up.  Register today and set yourself up for even greater success for your ministry.

I'm excited to announce my newest book entitled "Lead Well in Children's Ministry."

Drawing from over 30 years in full-time children's ministry, I wrote this book to help children's ministry leaders everywhere.

The title says what it's about...leading well in children's ministry.

Chapters include...

1. Lead Yourself Well

2. Lead Team Members Well

3. Lead the Ministry Well

4. Lead Parents Well

5. Lead Change Well

6. Lead Through Challenges Well

7. Lead Up Well

8. Lead Multi-Site Well

9. Lead the Next Generation Well

10. Lead Well for the Future

This book will help you take your leadership to a whole new level.  It's a must read for anyone who serves in children's ministry.

The book contains over 300 pages of children's ministry leadership help.  The book retails for $19, but I have a sweet deal for you.

Register today for the upcoming "Lead Well in Children's Ministry" Webinar and the book is yours for free. (plus free shipping)

The webinar is this Wednesday, July 24th from 3 to 5 pm EST.  You can see more info below. We have two of the best children's ministry leaders in the nation speaking.  Beth Cunningham, who leads the children's ministry at Church of the Highlands and Lori Bethran, who leads the children's ministry at Lakewood Church in Houston.

Both of these ladies are proven leaders who lead at a high level at two of the largest churches in the nation.

Below is more info. about the webinar.  There is still time to register, but you must do so now.

But what if you can't make it Wednesday?  The good news is the entire webinar will be recorded and you will have access to it on demand, so you can participate at your own schedule.

You can register at this link.  Look forward to seeing you there.

Great leaders never stop learning.  They are constantly reading, asking questions, observing and stretching for more knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

A few years ago, John Maxwell, who was one of the teaching pastors at the church I was a part of, shared an interesting story along those lines.

He shared that he had several filing cabinets at home that were filled with articles, stats, ideas, illustrations, etc.

Over the years, he had collected thousands of illustrations, stories, etc.  When speaking on a particular topic, he would go to that file and look for information to use in the sermon.  Having added all that information to the files, made it an extremely valuable tool when he was preparing a talk or sermon.

But he began to feel that he was relying too heavily on those files.  And God began dealing with him and asking him to do something radical that would help him continue learning in the days ahead.  So he called a moving company and had them send over a couple of men.

John told the men that he was going to leave for a couple hours.  The men were to take the files to a remote location and destroy them.  And when John returned, they were not to tell him the location, no matter how much he asked them.

So the men did what they had been hired to do.  They took all of the great speaking materials that were in those filing cabinets and destroyed it.

Why would John do something like that?  The answer is simple.  He didn't want to rely too heavily on the past.  Even in his 70's, he wanted to remain in a mode of learning, growing and stretching.  

That is challenging to me and I'm sure it is for you as well.  Great learners are constantly in a learning mode.  They seek to gain more knowledge all the time and from everyone they come in contact with.

How about you?  Are you daily learning, growing, pushing forward, etc.?  Do you have a personal growth plan that will help you learn new things?

Over the years, it's easy to slip into neutral and coast along.  Content.  Not concerned about growing as a leader.  Slouched down in your comfort zone because you don't want to hold yourself accountable for learning and growing.

Yes, it may be comfortable, but it's not where you want to be as a leader.

So, how can you continue to grow as a leader?

Here's a simple but strategic way you can be a lifelong learner.

Make it your goal to write down at least one thing new that you learned each day.  One thing.  It might be something you read in a book.  Or something God showed you in your time with Him.  Or something you heard someone else say.  Or a quote you saw.  Each day listen.  Be eager to learn.  Ask lots of questions.  Be in growth mode.   Just think.  If you do this for one year, in a year you will have taken 365 growth steps. 

Never stop learning.  Never stop growing.  Never stop becoming a better version of yourself. 

There can be many reasons why a ministry is not growing.  Here are a few of the barriers.

You are in a very small community.  You can reach some people, maybe even a couple of hundred, but you can't reach 10,000 people if there are only 700 people that live in your town and the surrounding area.

Your building is full. Once your building capacity reaches 85%, you will stop growing until you add more space or additional service times.

The members don't want to grow.  Usually this is caused by a few families who control the congregation.  They know if the church grows, they may lose their "power" and so they push new people away.

Unwillingness to change.  Change is resisted because the members are enamored by the "good old days."  They refuse to change and so they become irrelevant.

Complacency.  The church grows content with where they are and have no desire to grow.  They like things the way they are. 

These are all valid reasons why a ministry doesn't grow.   

But I believe the biggest reason a ministry doesn't grow is because of the leader.  As the leader of the ministry, if you are not personally growing, then it will be hard for the ministry to grow.

The most challenging person to lead in your ministry is the person you look at in the mirror every morning.  The person you have to spend the most energy growing is yourself.  The hardest person to motivate at times is yourself. 

Rick Warren talks about how he stopped focusing on the church growing and instead focused on growing himself.  As he grew, the ministry grew.

Yes, it can happen.  You can become the biggest barrier to your ministry growing.  You can become the lid.

If this is you, don't be discouraged.  We've all had times when we hit a personal slump.  The key is to take steps to start growing again as a leader.

Connect with some other leaders and ask for help.

What is a book I should read?

What conference should I attend?

Who do you know that I should connect with?

Who should I ask to come alongside me and invest in me?

Who has led a ministry larger than ours whom I could ask questions?

If you are a ministry of 100, then ask someone who is leading a ministry of 200 how they grew to that level.

If you are a ministry of 500, then ask someone who is leading a ministry of 1,000 what they had to personally stop or start doing to get there.

If you are a ministry of 1,000, then ask someone who is leading a ministry of 5,000 how they grew to that level. 

As you begin to grow, you will see the ministry begin to grow.

Keep growing so you don't become the greatest barrier to the ministry growing.  

Servant leadership.  Notice what comes first - servant. 

Servant leadership is the best way to lead.  How do I know?  Because that's how Jesus led.  It says in Matthew 20:28 that...

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Some leaders lead with fear.  They intimidate and display fits of anger when needed.  

Some leaders lead with force.  They push their agenda (which is usually an agenda of elevating themselves and pushing others down).  They are like Pharaoh, driving his army into the Red Sea.  Not caring who gets hurt or injured along the way.

Some leaders lead with their title.  They try to use their title as leadership leverage.  But people don't follow a title...at least not long-term.  Instead, they follow someone they love and respect.

Some leaders lead with finances.  They try to buy people's love and respect.  The problem?  Great team members don't make money their first determining factor if they are going to work for someone or not.  Instead, they are looking at how their potential boss leads and what the culture of the organization is. 

So many times, Jesus modeled servant leadership for us.  None more effectively than washing the disciples' feet. They arrive and go into an upper room of the house.  They anticipate a servant coming through the door to wash their feet.  That was expected in that culture.  A lowly servant of the house would come and wash the dirt and grime off of people's feet when they arrived. 

But not this time...no servant from the house appears.  There is no one to fulfill one of the lowliest tasks in the kingdom.  I can see the disciples awkwardly looking at each other...no one wanting to take the posture of a servant.  

While this is happening, Jesus goes and gets a basin, fills it with water and grabs a towel.  He then begins to wash the disciples' feet.  Showing them by example what it means to be a servant leader.  

When we use the term "servant leader," notice what word comes first.   I mentioned it at the beginning of this article.  It's the word word "servant."  The best kind of leadership starts in serving others.  As a servant leader, you are a servant first. 

A servant leader empowers others rather than trying to be powerful. 

A servant leader meets the needs of others before himself / herself.

A servant leader doesn't walk above others, he or she walks beside others. 

A servant leader creates stars rather than trying to be a star.

A servant leader motivates more than he / she manages. 

A servant leader demonstrates humility rather than hierarchy.

A servant leader demonstrates loyalty rather than by demanding it.  

A servant leader helps others grow rather than pushing others down.
 
A servant leader uses his / her ministry to build up others instead of using others to build the ministry. 

A servant leader listens more than they talk. 

A servant leader persuades people rather than pushing people.  

Can you imagine how the disciples must have felt that night when Jesus demonstrated what it means to being a servant leader?  I can, because there are times when I consider my own needs before the needs of others.  There have been times when I should have been listening instead of talking.  There have been times when I have pushed rather than persuaded.  There have been times when I led by pride rather than humility.

If you can identify, my prayer is we will be committed to leading like Jesus.  Servant leader.  It's the kind of leadership than can change the world.  

Remember when you first started serving in children's ministry?  You were hungry to learn and grow.  Whether it was last year or 20 years ago, you read books, attended conferences, subscribed to children's ministry magazines and reached out to other children's ministry leaders, so you could pick their brains.

You were very aware that you had a lot to learn, weren't you?  And that awareness kept you pursuing knowledge and experience. 

Fast forward to now...today.  Do you still have that same hunger to grow and become a better children's ministry leader?   Are you still aware that you have a lot to learn?  Are you still reaching out to other leaders and learning from them?  Are you still reading, listening and attending opps to grow? 

Hopefully the answer is "yes."  Why?  Because the best leaders are lifelong learners.  Instead of being totally focused on everything they do know, they are aware of what they don't know or have not discovered yet. 

Do you have your personal leadership in neutral?  Coasting along.  Content with your current leadership abilities?

I was meditating on this verse this morning.

^"Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment." 1 Peter 2:2

Which lead me to ask myself these questions. 

Do I still crave spiritual growth?

Do I realize I still have a lot to learn?

As a baby cries out to be fed, do I cry out to God to fill me with His wisdom and anointing? 

When we reach the point where we think we know it all, we become close-minded and disregard new ideas and insights.  And when that happens, our personal growth stalls. 

The fact that you are reading this, says you still want to grow.  To be honest, one of the reasons I am typing this right now, is because it is forcing me to grow and be stretched.  If you are going to grow and be a lifetime learner, then you must constantly be looking for opportunities to grow and become a better leader. 

When was the last time you read a book that helped you grow as a leader?

When was the last time you attended a conference?

When was the last time you called another leader and asked them questions?

When was the last time you listened to a podcast for the purpose of getting better? 

When was the last time you changed your mind about something, because you became aware of a different approach?

When was the last time you listened and learned from a leader who has less experience than you?

Have you shifted into neutral?  If so, your momentum as a leader will soon slow down to a crawl and eventually stop moving forward all together.

I want to challenge you to shift back into drive.  God still has much for you to learn.  Your best days of ministry are ahead if you are willing to focus on improving as a leader.

The best leaders are lifelong learners.

Average leaders get a few things done through Iwork.  Great leaders get tons of things done through TEAMwork. 

If you are just starting out in children's ministry - remember this - the success of your ministry rises and falls on the strength of your volunteer team.

If you're a veteran, measure how much you're doing that someone else should be doing. Give it away.
If you want the ministry to go up,  then you've got to give up as much of the Iwork as possible. This will enable you to build up the TEAMwork. 

You can get more great ideas for your children's ministry from my book - If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry.  It's available in both ebook and paperback formats.

You can also get more great ideas for building up your TEAMwork in my book - "The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams."  It's available in both ebook and paperback formats.

Your turn. What are your thoughts on building volunteer teams?  What has helped you shift from Iwork to TEAMwork?  Share your insight with us in the comment section below. 

Do you have a mentor?  Someone you learn from?

If not, it's not because none are available.  In fact, they are all around you.  Let's look at an example that comes from Walt Disney.

One morning, while visiting the Disneyland Park before it opened, Walt invited some third-shift maintenance workers to stop what they were doing and join him for a chat.  When their manager found them talking with Walt, the manager asked Walt if he could have the workers back to finish their work before the park opened.  As they went back to their assignments, the manager felt compelled to ask Walt why he was spending his valuable time talking with third-shift workers.  That’s when Walt shared his philosophy with the manager:  


Walt Disney sought out advice from everyone on his team - from executives to those who swept main street.  He believed that everyone has the potential to contribute creatively to their organization's success by generating new and useful ideas.

That was a key part of Walt's excellent leadership.  He purposely learned from everyone.

Take that approach and you'll soon discover that everyone can be your mentor.  Everyone has something to contribute to your journey, if you'll just take the time to involve them.

Instead of just sitting in an office with "executive" leaders, get out and rub shoulders with everyone. Ask them their thoughts about a program.  Ask their opinion about the appearance of the rooms.  Ask them what they would change?  What they would drop?  What they would start?

When you see everyone as a mentor, you unlock the door to so many new conduits of ideas.

Want to improve your guest services area?  Insstead of just getting ideas from 2-3 people in an office, talk to the people who work on that team.

Want to improve your curriculum?  Instead of just debating about it with 2 other people, ask all the people who are actually using it.

Want to improve your VBS?  Do an evalution after it's over.  Don't just ask the people who taught, but also ask the helpers, the people who helped set up, the maintenance team and some parents.

You get the point.  The more mentors you get involved, the more ideas and insight you'll have to work with.

This doesn't mean you'll be able to implement all the ideas you receive.  But it will give you more advice and input to work with.  And tucked down inside the advice is an idea that is going to take your ministry to a whole new level.  

The idea is there, you're just not asking enough people to find it.  That's why everyone should be your mentor.  Walt took that approach and did pretty well.  I bet you can too!

p.s. If you want to see tons of ideas from Disney that you can apply to your ministry, then check out the book "If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry,"  You can get it at this link.

I  am proud of my wife.  She is currently in nursing school.

She loves learning and has developed a great study strategy.  She makes and uses hundreds of notecards to memorize the multitude of details nurses have to learn and know.  It's paying off.  She has one of the highest GPA's in her class of over 60 students.

It's been a great reminder for me that we should always be in learning mode.

The day we get a "know-it-all" attitude, is the day we stop growing and improving as leaders.

Leaders that want to grow and improve each year,  realize this and commit to being in school for the rest of their life.  That doesn't mean they'll be sitting in a classroom when they are 60.  But it does mean they are constantly learning from...

reading

listening to podcasts

attending conferences

asking for feedback

interacting with people who challenge them

looking for opportunities to get outside their comfort zone

spending time with people who are smarter and sharper than they are

listening to learn from people...people that are younger and older

watching videos like TED talks

What you've learned from yesterday is valuable, but can't replace what you need to learn today and tomorrow.  

If you want to be a life-long "Learn-It-All"  you must be...

Humble.  There's no room for pride in the mind of a "Learn It All."  Rather, the person has a humble attitude that admits there is so much more he or she can learn.

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  Proverbs 16:18

A humble spirit enables you to remain teachable.  And as long as you remain teachable, you can continue to grow.  You'll look at every person you encounter as a teacher that you can learn from.

There is something you can learn from every person you encounter.  In many situations, what you learn may be what not to do.

Look at every person you encounter as your teacher.  When you do this,  you will learn valuable lessons every day.

Hungry. 

"Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6

When you first start out in ministry, you are hungry to learn and grow.  You go to conferences and take pages of notes.  You read book after book after book.  You seek out mentors to teach you how to lead the ministry.  

But over time, if you are not intentional, you will default into a "been there, done that" attitude.  And that leads to complacency. 

We live in a new age of fast-paced information powered by technology.  The courses you took in college may be irrelevant today.  If you are going to survive and even thrive, you must be a learn-it-all.

"It doesn't matter what you learned - or the courses you took.  All of these things become less relevant over time.  Relying on formal learning is insufficient because every course is fixed at a point in time.  Even the best ones are, really, out-of-date as soon as they’re delivered.  Perhaps shockingly, all our skills have a shelf-life. If we’re not constantly learning, our knowledge and skills decline over time."  Anders Pink

Have a commitment to continous learning.

One reason I write these articles 5 days a week, is because it forces me to constantly be learning, reading and growing.  Let me ask you. 

Are you committed to being in a continous learning mode?  It's an attitude that can take you to a new altitude.

If you want to remain relevant, then make a decision right now that you will be a  "learn-it-all" rather than a "know it all."

God designed us with 2 ears and 1 mouth.  A "learn-it-all" listens twice as much as he/she talks.

A "learn-it-all" continually grows by...

• asking questions

• asking for feedback from experienced people

• learning by observing

• learning by practice

Hopefully this article has sparked a desire in you to be a life-long "learn-it-all."  One last note - remember - no one wants to be around a "know-it-all." 

Your turn.  How do you practice continual learning?  Share your ideas with us in the comment section below.

What would the volunteers in your ministry say if they were asked about your personality and leadership style?  I'm sure they'd have some good things to say.  And if we asked them to respond anonymously and to be brutally honest, I'm sure they'd again have good things to say, but they might feel more freedom to also mention some traits they think you could improve in.  If that's the case, don't worry.  All of us have weaknesses and blind spots in our personality that we need to improve.

But do realize this - your personality makes a difference in your leadership.  That's why it's important to find out the weaknesses and blind spots.  It will enable you to work on those traits and improve your personality, which will translate into you being a better leader.

Let's look at 10 personality traits that can hold people back from being a better leader. 

#1 - The Me Monster.  This trait can be found in leaders who make everything about them. You'll hear them use the word "I" a lot more than "we."  They make decisions based on what's best for them, rather than what's best for the team.  When he/she asks for ideas, everyone knows he/she will choose their own idea, even if it's not the best idea.  This person shows very little concern for others on the team.

The Me Monster makes sure he/she gets all the credit for the wins, while shifting the blame on someone else when there's a mistake or failure.

They also do not focus on developing other team members because they don't want anyone taking the spotlight off of them.

#2. Non-apologizer.  This is a leader who refuses to apologize when they make an error or mistreat someone.  Even if they know they were in the wrong, they're not about to admit it.  They don't want to appear "weak" so they don't say "I'm sorry."  They are full of pride and have a huge ego.  Admitting they were wrong, would threaten their self-esteem.

#3. Communication Shortfall.  This leader likes to keep important knowledge to himself/herself.  They feel it gives them the "upper hand" among the team members.  When they do communicate, it's last minute and causes confusion on the team.  Team members have to struggle to get the assignments done since they get them at the last minute.

#4. Gratitude Deficit.  This leader expresses little to no gratitude.  Even with volunteers, they hardly ever say "thank you."  Team members are not celebrated.  The team ends up feeling used and not valued.

#5. Not Here to Hear.  This leader is always too busy to listen to those who are serving on the front lines of the ministry.  He/she has their way of doing things and does not want to hear any ideas - even if it could make things more productive.  They never ask for feedback or have debriefs after events and programs are over.  When you do get this leader to slow down for a second to listen to you, he or she pretends to be listening, but you can see in his/her eyes that they are not engaged or really hearing what you are saying.  They are closed-minded.

#6. Micromanager.  This leader assigns work, but doesn't stop there.  They not only tell team members what to do, but how to do it.  Everything has to be done exactly the way this leader wants it or it's not good enough.  They leave no room for creativity or flexibility.  It's their way or the highway. They are so busy doing everyone else's job, that they cannot do their own job well.

#7. Distruster.   This leader creates a culture of distrust.  Everyone has to watch their back and there is little to no collaboration.  Fellow team members are looked at as foes rather than friends.  People will do whatever is needed to climb the ladder a few steps...even if it means damaging someone elses' reputation.  Any disagreement with the leader is seen as disloyalty.  The worst is always assumed when a team member is struggling.  There is no safe place where people can share about their struggles without judgment.

#8. No Funny Business.  This leader is all business.  There's no time for fun or team building. You never hear laughter in the hallways.  There are few, if any smiles to be found.  Birthdays are not celebrated.  Anniversaries are not remembered.  This leader expects everyone else on the team to have an unbalanced life like he/she does and work overtime all the time.  They burn people out - toss them to the side - and look for the next person to use.  When there is a win, there's no slowing down to celebrate it.  It's on to the next big thing.

#9. Low Integrity.  This leader stretches the truth when needed. They take shortcuts that shouldn't be taken.  They say one thing and then do another.  They gossip about team members.  The team has lost respect for this leader because of it.  There is no transparency.

#10. No Vision.  This leader is satisfied with the status quo.  He/she is afraid to take risks.  Team members who want to make a real impact don't stick around.  The future is dictated by the past, even if it's not working.  Team members have no idea where the ship is going.

As you read through these, did anything jump out at you?  I look at the list and see that I have made some of these mistakes as a leader.  I want to continue growing and molding my personality into one that people will follow enthusiastically.

If you would like to improve your personality as a leader, there are three steps I want to encourage you to take.

First - personally work through these questions and identify any weak areas you see in your personality based on your answers. 

1. Do I spend more time promoting myself than I do promoting others?

2. When I make a mistake or I am wrong about something, do I sincerely apologize to those involved?

3. Am I proactive in my communication with the team?

4. Am I intentional about expressing my appreciation to team members. Do I do this consistently?

5. Do I listen, really listen to team members when they are sharing their ideas and insight? Am I proactive in asking for feedback and ways to improve the ministry?

6. Do I have a tendency to micromanage?  Do I give people the big idea and let them run with it?

7. Do I trust the team members?  Do I give them the benefit of the doubt and assume the best when something is in question?

8. Do I take time to celebrate the victories?  Do team members have fun at work?  Would they say it's a fun team to be part of?

9. Do I lead with integrity?  Have I done or said anything that might cause the team to not trust me?

10. Do I have a clear vision for where God is leading us? Can the team members articulate the vision?

Secondly, ask your team members to answer the questions about your leadership.  If you want to get a completely honest result, make it anonymous so people will feel more freedom to share their thoughts.

Look at the results and determine if there are any weaknesses and blind spots in your personality that you can work on.
Thirdly, I'd like to invite you to apply for the Advance Children's MInistry Coaching program. For 6 months, with our help, you'll have the opportunity to look deeper at your leadership, find your blind spots and work to strengthen those areas of your leadership.

Space is limited, so if you'd like to see more information and apply to be part of the group, you can do it now at this link.  Registration deadline is June 22.  The next session runs from July to Dec.

We have leaders from all sizes of churches participate - from churches of 500 to churches of 10,000.  We can help you grow personally which will enable you to grow your ministry to the next level. Click on the link and check out more information about it. It will be a game-changer for you.

If you are reading this, it's because you are a leader.  The old saying is true...leaders are readers.

And as a leader, obviously you have people who are following your leadership.  But let me ask you a question.  Why are people following you?

People follow leadership for different reasons.  

Fear of the leader.  An example of this is a dictator, who people follow because if they don't, they will be put 6 feet under.

A common cause with the leader.  An example of this would be a group of people following a leader because they want to help the leader feed hungry people.

They can personally benefit from following the leader.  This would be someone following the boss at work because it's how they can get a promotion...which means more money for them.

The leader has earned their trust and respect.  The leader has strong moral character and integrity.  They see these character traits in the leader and follow out of trust and respect.

They have no other choice.  Perhaps they are just a few years from retirement in the company and don't want to jeopardize their future.

The leader has great qualities.  It might be a skill the leader has.  It might be the boss is extremely smart.  It might be the leader is looked up to as a "winner."   They follow because they want those sames skills in their life.

The leader offers hope.  Hope for their future.  Hope for not getting stuck.  Hope for supporting their family at a better level.

While these are good reasons for people to follow you (except the fear one), I believe the biggest one is not on the list above.

I offer this thought today:

If you want to lead people, you must first love people.

I believe this.  When someone knows you really care about them, it will result in the person caring about you and the vision you are asking them to pursue.

Jesus was such a great example of this.  He built close relationships with the disciples who followed Him.  Look what He says to them in John 15:15

No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

The disciples knew Jesus loved them.  He proved it time and time again.  He proved it by forgiving Peter when he denied Him.  He proved it by washing their feet.  He proved it by spending time with them.  He proved it by giving His life as a sacrifice for their sins.

Jesus took His leadership with the disciples to the ultimate way to lead well.  Love.  Check this verse out.  The scene is at the foot of the cross.  Jesus is talking with his disciple John. 

"Then when Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, 'woman, behold your son'."

Jesus' way of leadership stood in stark contrast with the way other people lead in his day.  

The Romans lead with fear.  Do what I say or you will be killed! 

The Pharisees led by offering no other choice.  Follow the rules or else.  Follow the Old Testament laws or we will not associate with you.

Look back again at what Jesus says in John 15.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

The ultimate leadership...the greatest leadership is empowered by love.  And Jesus proved this by dying on the cross.  That's ultimate love.  That's ultimate leadership.  The kind of leadership that changed the world.

I want to remind you that people don't follow a title.  An amazing office with a great window view won't cause people to follow you.  Throwing money at people with promotions won't cause people to follow you long-term.

The bottom line is this:  People are going to follow you when they know you really care about them.  When they know you love them, not for what they do, but rather for who they are, they will follow you anywhere. 

On this Monday morning, pause for a few minutes to ponder these questions...

Am I leading with love?

Am I showing people I love them by caring for them, being there for them and empowering them?

Do the people I lead know I've got their back?

When was the last time I showed my team that I love them by doing something for them?

Do I spend time with my team on a weekly basis?

Do I know the love languages of people on my team?

Jesus put a great big exclamation point on this leadership by saying this...

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13

If you want to lead people, then follow Jesus' example... 

Lay down your pride and love the people God has placed on your team.

Forget about your title and focus on loving people.

Focus on serving out of love instead of being served out of greed. 

Focus on making others better instead of promoting yourself.

Leading through fear, manipulation, money and title, will only take you so far.  If you want people to go the distance with you, then start loving them. 

Your turn.  What are your thoughts about leading with love?  How do you show your team you love them?  What have you learned about leading people?   Share your insight in the comment section below.

Leaders aren't automatically given respect.  It has to be earned.

So, if you're going to lead well, it's vital that you earn people's respect.  People won't follow someone they don't respect.  Oh, they might put up with you for awhile, but they won't go the distance with you if they don't respect you.

If you want to be effective as a children's ministry leader, then you've definitely got to earn the respect of volunteers, parents, staff, the pastor, deacons and elders.

I want to help you be a respected leader.  With that in mind, let's look at the word R.E.S.P.E.C.T.  Inside this word, are some of the key factors for being respected as a leader.  Each letter represents a factor.  Ready?  Let's start with the letter R.

RESPECT OTHERS

In the words of Justin Timberlake - "What goes around comes around."

If you want people to respect you, then it starts by showing others respect.

Respect others by being on time for meetings.

Respect others by returning their phone calls.

Respect others by letting them go first.

Respect others by listening without interrupting.

Respect others by saying "thank you."

Respect others by valuing their opinions.

Respect others by complimenting them on their success.

Respect others by following through on your promises.

EMOTIONS CONTROLLED

One of the fastest ways to not gain the respect of others (or lose the respect you had previously earned) is to let your emotions get out of control.  

You've probably seen the "stay calm and..." graphics on Facebook or on a t-shirt.  It's a good reminder that staying calm will earn people's respect.  Leaders who can bring calmness to chaos will be respected.

When you get angry, stay calm and count to 10 before you respond.

When someone else is shouting in anger, stay calm and bring the decibel level down.  The Bible says it like this in Proverbs 15:1 - "A soft answer turns away wrath."

When someone else is making a scene, bring peace to the scene.

Hardly any of us naturally know how to control our emotions.  The natural response is for our emotions to amp up when faced with conflict.  But the good news is controlling your emotions is a skill that can be learned.

And rest assured, those around you are watching to see how you handle your emotions.

Here's an example.  A parent gets upset because he forgot his pick-up tag and begins causing a major scene in the check-out line.  You are called over to talk with him and he is really, really upset...to the point that he is yelling.  Will you be able to control your emotions and stay calm?  Will you be able to deescalate the situation?  Those who follow you are watching to see how you will respond.

When you go into into a situation, knowing ahead of time how you will respond if emotions escalate, you will be able to navigate the situation well and earn the respect of those around you in the process.

SHOULDER THE BLAME

When things don't go as planned, don't shift the blame.  Shoulder the blame.

When you blow it, apologize.

When someone on your team makes a mistake that causes something to fail, accept the responsibility for it as their leader and let everyone know the buck stops with you.  Let the team know you have their back and the failure was ultimately due to your leadership.

A leader who fails and admits it will gain much more respect than a leader who fails and denies it is their fault.

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH

When you live a life of integrity, it earns people's respect.

When you lead by example first and then by words, it earns people's respect.

When you are the same backstage as you are front stage, respect is earned.

EXCELLENCE

When you are committed to excellence, it will show in everything you do and people will take notice. 

Excellence happens when you pay attention to the little details.  Here's an example.  How do you keep your office?  If it is messy, people will mentally make note of it.  Or if a church member gets in your car and has to move a pile of old McDonald's food bags and empty soda cans just to be able sit down, it says to them you are not committed to excellence.

Excellence is not perfection, but it is an attitude that says "I will give my very best to everything I am doing."

Think about the companies that you respect.  It's the ones that provide excellent service and products, right?  It's the same with us as leaders in ministry.  As we provide excellent services, programs, strategies and events, we will earn people's trust.  People will begin to say, "He or she does everything with excellence."  And people only say that about people they respect.

Live by the motto - first class or no class.

CARE 

When people know you really care about them, they will respect you.

When you remember a person's name, it shows you care about them and starts the respect earning process.

When you look at someone instead of past them, it shows you care and helps builds respect.

When you remember a volunteer or church member on their birthday, it shows you care and helps build respect.

When you show up at the hospital to pray with someone,  it shows you care and helps build respect.

When you sit and cry with a volunteer who is broken, it shows you care and helps build respect.

When you recognize someone not just for what they do, but for their character and heart, it shows you care and helps build respect.

When you invest in people and help them grow in their gifts and abilities, it shows you care and helps build respect.

TRACK RECORD

The longer you do the things above, the deeper people's respect for you will grow.

Just last week, Billy Graham passed away.  He was one of the most respected leaders in history.  Why?  Because of decades and decades of faithfulness, integrity and honesty. 

Respect is compounded by time.  Deep respect is earned, not in a year or two, but in decades.

You will see people respect you at the ultimate level when you can look back like Paul and say "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

Conclusion

Perhaps you're reading this and you've blown it.  You have lost the respect of those around you.  Take heart.  Start today doing the things above and you can eventually earn it back.

If you feel like you have earned the respect of those around you, continue to work at it.  Respect is not one and done.  It is earned daily.

Think through the following questions and create some action steps that can help you continue to earn the respect of those around you.

Do I respect others?  What are some ways I can show more respect for others?  In the past, what are some ways I have displayed disrespect toward others?  How can I improve in those areas and not continue those patterns of disrespect? 

How well do I control my emotions?  Do I act rather than react in tense situations?  What emotions do I need to work on controlling more effectively?  What situations do I need to be better in with my emotions?

Do I shoulder the blame or try to pass the blame?  Do I accept the ultimate responsibility when my team fails?  Do my team members know I have their back?

Do I practice what I preach?  Do I lead by example?  What are some areas I need to do a better job of leading by example in?

Am I committed to excellence?  Does it show in how I conduct my personal life and responsibilities?  Does it show in the ministries I lead?  Am I committed to doing the small things well?  How can I increase my excellence factor?  

Do the people I lead and serve with know that I care about them?  How do I show them I care?  How can I increase my demonstration of care?

How is my track record?  What safeguards, guidelines and accountability steps do I have in place to protect my track record?

Have you ever worked for a control freak?  I have.

Have you ever been a control freak?  I have.

And it's taught me that there's a big difference between being a leader and being a controller.

Here's the bottom line...a leader tells people what needs to be done and lets them do it.  A control freak tells people what needs to be done.  But they don't stop there.  They then go on and tell people exactly how they are to do it.  

Leaders produce leaders.  Control freaks produce followers.

And the problem with being a control freak is you become the lid and personally limit the growth of the ministry.  

Let's talk about how you can lead without being a control freak.

1. Drop your ego.  You are good at what you do, but so are others.  Shine the spotlight on them and let them use their gifts.  There is more than one way to get things done and it doesn't always have to be your way.

I remember I was speaking at a church a few years ago.  While I was there, I watched the interactions between the children's ministry director and her staff team.  It was obvious, that it was all about her.  She barked out orders left and right.  She controlled every single aspect of the event.  And her staff was miserable.  I could see it in their face and actions.  No one likes to work with a control freak.

Control freaks are stars.  Leaders create stars.
 
2. Delegate.  You simply can't do everything and you shouldn't.  Begin to rely on other people.  Give them the big picture and let them run with it.  You don't have to know every detail.  You don't have to approve every single step.  You don't have to make every single decision.

Hand over a task and let the person run with it.  Just go along for the ride and enjoy it.

3. Don't think you have to hit 100% every single time.  I know...they can't do it as well as you.  But that's okay.  Sometimes 85% is good enough.  Excellence doesn't necessarily mean perfection.  Often you will hear a control freak say "I guess I'm just a perfectionist."

4. Decide your sense of worth and accomplishment will come from empowering others.  Often we like to control things because it gives us a sense of worth and accomplishment.  We become addicted to that "I'm in control" feeling and so we crave the power that comes from control.  We long for the satisfaction that comes from knowing, "I did this all by myself."

But we must remember this: Control freaks are powerful....but leaders are empowering.  And empowering leaders accomplish much more by helping others lead and succeed.  Empowering leaders get their joy and satisfaction from watching others rise. 

The only thing we need to control is our control freak tendencies.  Working with others is so much more productive than working to control others.

5. De-stress.  Being a control freak causes a lot of stress.  First for you.  When you think the world revolves around you and everything has to go your way, things get very complicated and stressful.  Why?  Because it's simply not realistic.  We are not the creator and sustainer of the universe.  That job has already been taken.  When we realize this and stop trying to control everyone and everything around us, we can live peacefully.

Secondly, it causes stress for those around you.  No one likes to be controlled.  No one wants to have to run every single decision by someone else.  No one likes their creativity stifled and their input ignored.  The truth is, if you are a control freak, you won't keep gifted people around for very long.  They will leave.

I know a Pastor who is a control freak.  He is a good man.  A solid Bible teacher.  But he can't keep a children's pastor.  It seems they come and go every year.  Why?  Because he tries to control them.  Even down to telling them what color of paper to run the take home papers on.  After a short while, they get tired of it and move on.  It's not surprising his church is currently on the search for another children's pastor...again.

Are you a control freak?  Think through these questions and make the decision to start leading rather than controlling.

How often does my ego push it's way to the front when I am leading?  

Do I make decisions based on what is best for me or what is best for the team?

Do I feel threatened when someone suggests another approach?

Are there duties and responsibilities I am holding onto that I shouldn't be doing, simply because I don't want to give them up? 

Am I okay with someone else doing it at 85%?

Where am I getting my self worth and sense of accomplishment from?  What I accomplish or what I help others accomplish?  

How much stress is in my life right now due to trying to control everything?  How can I let it go along with the stress it brings?

Would the people I work with say I am a control freak?  If so, how can I change that?

I have served with some great leaders and watched how they lead.  I have also served with some lousy leaders and watched how they lead.

I would like to think I have been a decent leader at times.  And I know there have been times when I was severely lacking as a leader.  Looking back, I can see what I did that helped me lead well and I can also see the things that hurt my leadership.

No matter your past experiences, the important thing as a leader is to learn from what you have observed in others (and yourself) and try to become a better leader through it.

Today, I was reflecting back on some of the things I have observed through the years and thought I'd put some of them in writing.  My prayer is that we will be become better leaders as we take a few minutes to contemplate these.

Let's start with 20 things great leaders do:

1.  Great leaders lead by example.

2.  Great leaders shoulder the blame when things go wrong.

3.  Great leaders give away the credit for the wins.

4.  Great leaders lead by serving.

5.  Great leaders keep their word.

6.  Great leaders keep a positive attitude in the midst of adversity.

7.  Great leaders never stop growing and learning.

8.  Great leaders remember to say "thank you."

9.  Great leaders have a clear vision and lead people to it.

10.  Great leaders ask great questions.

11.  Great leaders spend as much time listening as they do talking.

12.  Great leaders have a passion that attracts others.

13.  Great leaders are confident in God's call on their life.

14.  Great leaders make those around them better.

15.  Great leaders are loyal.

16.  Great leaders lead by encouragement.

17.  Great leaders make themselves accountable to others.

18.  Great leaders aren't satisfied with the status quo.

19.  Great leaders find the best idea whether it's theirs or not.

20.  Great leaders know how to lead change well.

Now let's look at 20 things lousy leaders do:

1.  Lousy leaders try to lead by position rather than relationship.

2.  Lousy leaders have a "my way or the highway" attitude.

3.  Lousy leaders look past you rather than at you.

4.  Lousy leaders don't express gratitude.

5.  Lousy leaders put policies before people.

6.  Lousy leaders sit in the green room instead of connecting with people.

7.  Lousy leaders use people to build the ministry rather than using the ministry to build people.

8.  Lousy leaders play favorites.

9.  Lousy leaders put themselves in the spotlight.

10.  Lousy leaders go with their own ideas all the time...even when there are better ideas on the table.

11.  Lousy leaders try to make themselves bigger by making others smaller.

12.  Lousy leaders don't take a personal interest in their team members.

13.  Lousy leaders are always negative.

14.  Lousy leaders don't offer encouragement.

15.  Lousy leaders micromanage.

16.  Lousy leaders hate change and won't take risks.

17.  Lousy leaders surround themselves with people who think just like they do to ensure control.

18.  Lousy leaders have to protect their control at all times.

19.  Lousy leaders point fingers.

20.  Lousy leaders don't provide feedback to team members that will help them grow.

Your turn.  What are some other things you've observed or experienced that great and lousy leaders do?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

2018 is just a few days away.  Time to enter a new year of ministry.

2018 is going to be a year of great challenges.  Challenges that we didn't face 10 years ago or even 5 years ago.  

Isn't it nice to have navigation when you are going somewhere you've never been before?  What would we do without GPS?  I guess we'd still be using big, bulky maps, wouldn't we?

I personally like an app called Waze.  It not only gives me accurate directions, but it also alerts me to hazards, wrecks and other dangers that are ahead.  How does it do this?  Other drivers who are using the app make an alert when they encounter these things.  This enables the drivers who are behind them to know what's coming and prepare accordingly.  Because other drivers, who have been farther down the road, let me know what's coming, I am able to drive safer and navigate the road more effectively.

When it comes to ministry, it's great to have help navigating the challenges ahead, isn't it?  I'm thankful for friends, leaders, co-workers and mentors who have helped me navigate ministry over the years.  They helped me avoid some pitfalls.  They challenged me to try new routes.  They pushed me out of my comfort zone.  They provided insight and wisdom when I didn't know what to do.  They helped me grow to places I couldn't have reached alone.

As you enter 2018, do you have someone to help you navigate the challenges you will face?  Do you have someone who will help you grow as a leader?  Do you have someone who will challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone?  Do you have someone you can bounce ideas off of and ask questions?  Do you have someone who will ask you the right questions?  Do you have someone who can help you take your ministry to a new level...to a place you've never been before?

If not, I'd like to be the person to help you.  I recently started a new coaching program for children's ministry leaders.  For the first 6 months of 2018, you can journey with me and other kidmin leaders.  Here are some of the ways I can help you navigate 2018 in children's ministry.

• Monthly group coaching call.  Live, one hour sessions on the important topics listed below.  Each session includes teaching and group discussions.  You will have the opportunity to discuss these topics with Dale and the other leaders in the group.  Sessions are also recorded so you have access to them later. 

• January - Self Leadership
• Feburary - Leading Staff & Volunteers
• March - Leading Through Change & Challenges
• April - Keys to Growing a Ministry
• May - Creating a Dynamic Children's Ministry Culture
• June - Staying Relevant in Children's Ministry

• Personalized growth plan.  I will help you identify areas of growth development.  From this, I will help you create a one-year growth plan in those areas. Includes identifying your personality traits, strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. Also includes developing a personal mission statement, key books to read, guided growth conversations to have with key people in your life, action steps, setting goals and help measuring progress. There is also an one hour follow-up phone session at the end of the program to access and celebrate your growth. 

• Copy of my books. 

• Online support. Each member of Advance has access to a special online forum and discussions where they can ask questions about children's ministry directly to Dale and other members.  You have access to this forum even after your 6 months has ended.

• Access to the notes from the KidMin GIG round table.  In 2016, I founded a gathering of the leaders of the 30 largest children's ministries in the country.  Each year, we meet for two days to discuss their latest ideas, insights, ministry wins and challenges.  As part of the Advance group, you will receive a copy of the latest discussions from this gathering.

In 28 years of ministry, I have navigated many of the challenges you will face in 2018.  I have led children's ministries in churches of a few hundred to churches of over 26,000 people.  I have navigated through rapid growth and led ministries through major change.  I have walked with families who were experiencing heartache.  I have seen thousands of kids and families follow Jesus and be baptized.  I have led through multiple building campaigns...some of them involving millions of dollars.  And I've also made lots of mistakes that I can help you avoid.  

You can get more information and apply to be part of the Advance Coaching program at this link.  The deadline to get in is December 31.  We have leaders from churches that range from 500 in attendance to 10,000 in attendance in the group.  There are only a few spots remaining, so check it out today if you'd like to join us.

Yes, 2018 is going to be a year of challenges...but it is also going to be a year of great opportunity.  I believe 2018 can be your greatest year of ministry ever.  I'd like to partner with you to help you achieve the dreams and goals God has placed in your heart...and even the ones you haven't even discovered or realized yet.

Let's guide our ministries well in 2018 and see God do amazing things.

One of my favorite movies is Gladiator.  It has lots of great leadership lessons.

In the opening scene, the Romans are preparing to enter battle against the Germanic tribes.  Maximus, the general, is talking with his men, whom he is leading into battle.

There are several great leadership lessons in his words.  The most famous is the quote "What we do in life, echoes in eternity."  It reminded the men of the impact their mission was having and took them to the "why" of the battle.

There is another quote from his words to the men that I want us to look at.  It's these words...

"Hold the line.  STAY WITH ME.  If you find yourself alone, riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled; for you are in Elysium, and you're already dead!"

The words that stand out are "Stay with Me!"

Then, as you see him leading the men down the hill and into battle, you hear him yelling the words again in the midst of the battle..."Stay With Me!"

He doesn't say these words while he is observing the battle from a hillside.  He doesn't say these words from the back of the troop.  He doesn't say these words through a captain he has appointed to lead the charge.  He doesn't say these words from the safety of a fortress wall.

He says it from the front of the line.  He says it while he is leading the charge.

This is a great reminder that leaders lead the way by example.  If you are leading a ministry, then you have a responsibility to your team to lead the way by example.

If you want your team to invite people to join them and start volunteering, then you should be the first one out there asking people to volunteer.

If you want your team to show appreciation, then you should say "thank you" more than anyone else.

If you want your team to be passionate about the ministry vision, then you must be passionate about the vision.

If you want your team to be balanced by attending adult worship, then they must see you attending adult worship.

If you want your team to go the second mile, then you must first go the second mile yourself.

If you want your team to follow up with guests, then you should be the first one calling guests.

If you want your team to be part of a small group, then you should lead a small group.

If you want your team to be givers, then you must first be a giver.

If you want your team to personally connect with parents, then they must first see you connecting with parents. 

Effective leaders know that their team looks to them for inspiration and guidance.  And so, they first and foremost lead with their own actions.  They show the way by leading the way.

Talk will only take you so far as a leader.  Walking the talk is what enables you to lead effectively.  When you do this, your team will follow you anywhere. 

Do you think Maximus' soldiers would have fought so hard for him if he had sent them into battle and not went with them into battle?  Probably not.

When you lead by example, it builds trust.  And trust is what enables a leader to lead effectively.

Think about it with me...

If you ask a team member to do something, make sure you're willing to do it yourself as well.

If you have guidelines you've ask the team to follow, make sure you are following them.

Make sure your attitude and behaviors are an example of the attitude and behavior you want to see in your team.

If you ask people to stay and work extra hours, set the example by staying late with them.

With leadership comes the responsibility to set a good example.  Be committed to "stay with me" leadership and you'll see your team follow you for the distance.  

Do you want to take your leadership to a new level this year?  Join the Advance Children's Ministry Coaching program.  It's a 6 month program that will help you become a better leader.  We still have a few openings, but you must register now to be part of it.  You can get more information at this link.  

There is a degree that every effective leader has.  What is it?  It's an MBA degree.  What's an MBA degree? 

Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy's hamburgers, coined the MBA degree phrase.  It stands for "Mop Bucket Attitude."

Here's what he said.

I got my MBA long before my GED.  I even have a photograph of me in my MBA graduation outfit; a knee length work apron.  I guarantee you that I’m the only founder among America’s big companies whose picture in the corporate annual report shows him wielding a mop and a plastic bucket.  That wasn’t a gag; it was a case of leading by example.  At Wendy’s, MBA doesn’t mean Master of Business Administration.  It means Mop Bucket Attitude.  It’s how we define satisfying the customer through cleanliness, quality food, friendly service, and atmosphere.

Having an MBA degree is about leading by being a servant first.  It's about grabbing a mop bucket and mopping before mandating...caring before commanding...jumping into the messiness before jumping onto the podium...doing before demanding...lifting up rather than being lifted up.

Every effective leader has learned the power of being a servant leader.  Servant and leader together?  Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?  But it's not.  In fact, it's the secret to the kind of leadership people will follow. 

Dave Thomas wasn't the first leader to model this.  Jesus, the ultimate leader, had an MBA leadership degree. His disciples thought that leadership was about how many people served you.  And they got it honest.  It's all they knew.  The leadership they had seen modeled by those who ruled over them, the Romans and Jewish religious leaders, was leadership that led by force, taking, putting others down and lording over people.

This is evident in Matthew 20, where you see the disciples arguing about who would have the greatest title and authority when Jesus established His kingdom.  This is when Jesus shared with them what an MBA leadership degree is.  

“You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  But among you it will be different.  Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Remember the night when Jesus and the disciples arrived at the upper room?  In that culture, when you arrived somewhere, the servants in the house would wash everyone's feet.  Washing guests' feet was something only done by servants.  It was the lowest position in the kingdom.  The disciples weren't about to "lower themselves" to do such a task. 

Jesus decided to model for them what an MBA degree is.  As the disciples sat around talking about who would be the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus quietly got a towel and basin, and began washing their dirty feet.  He showed them that effective leadership doesn't lead with a title.  It leads with a towel of serving others. 

If you want to be an effective leader, then make sure you have your MBA degree.  At the end of the day, it's not about how many people serve you, it's about how many people you serve.