Charting New Paths

 

As a visionary person, planning, creating, or brainstorming new ideas or ventures comes with a great deal of excitement. There is likely a complex psychological answer as to why this is but, in my opinion, it is simply because I enjoy the process of building something from scratch and am fascinated with the new and exciting. Whether you share in this sentiment or not, every team or group will at some point be faced with change and new horizons. Knowing how to handle and address these types of endeavors is an important thing to understand as change can, and often will, put teams in a vulnerable place. To begin, we’ll look at key strategies for embracing new frontiers, biblical principles and examples for living these out effectively, and finally how to handle challenges that may be encountered.

            Whenever a ship is on the verge of charting new waters, there are some tools that are really helpful to have including a map, a compass, and a telescope. In an intriguing way, the types of traits needed on a team correlate to each of these things. First, a team that is creating new paths need telescope people, or visionaries, who can see beyond the here and now to what the future could hold. Without the innovation and creativity that these individuals can bring, a team could become stuck in the here and now and completely miss opportunities. In general, these individuals are also the catalysts for decision making as they will propel a team closer to reaching a conclusion rather than sitting on a verdict. The operational minded folks serve as the compass for the team, creating goals, objectives, and to-dos that keep the team focused and on track. They are also highly pertinent when it comes to getting things done as their logistical knowhow can help to create options that were previously off the table or rectify situations that seemed beyond impossible. From my experience though, these individuals are also the primary thermostats on the team, they set the temperature and others reflect their energy and positivity. Thus, more than anything, they control the team dynamics. I have been a part of teams where those working in ops were highly stressed and over controlling. Because of this, everyone else on the team seemed to struggle to have a high morale because they felt the pressure of those in operations. Finally, the map is represented by the marketing, or sales department. This group of people could also be coined as “those who get it done.” These individuals understand the culture, or current market, make everyone else aware of needs or concerns, and help to navigate obstacles. This group leads the collaboration effort on effective problem solving. Without each of these three groups of people within a team, efficiency and effectiveness will always be a question.

            Throughout the Bible there is so much wisdom about relationships and dealings with others, something that can help to inform our interactions with other team members. Moreover, there is also a great deal said about new things or making plans. James 4:13-16 is one such place and it says, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” This may seem like a very simple thing but how often do ministries engage in new projects, visions, or undertakings without much prayer or spiritual direction and automatically assume it will succeed because it’s “for the Lord”? I am guilty of this personally because there have certainly been times where I’ve looked a potential opportunity and just went ahead with it because it seemed good. Teams should be diligently seeking the Spirit’s leading, guidance, and approval as they explore new opportunities, chart new waters, and clear new paths. Additionally, there are a number of buzzwords when it comes to ministry initiatives such as servant hearted ministry, visionary leadership, and team work. While there are certainly biblical principles that relate to each of them that could be discussed, I think the verse that underlies each of them is Philippians 2:3-5 where it states, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Teams and groups in ministries aren’t built around a person or persons but rather the organization and ultimately the kingdom of God. Here are two questions that should be considered in light of these verses and the consideration of charting new paths. First, does the project’s success depend on me? Second, am I more interested in the project’s success based on how it will benefit me personally or the team as a whole? Answering these questions can help to shape an answer to what our motivations are and what is propelling us forward.

            The most difficult aspect to implementing change or taking advantage of new opportunities will likely be resistance. There are a variety of reasons why but many of them stem from a fear of the unknown. Within a ministry that could be related to one’s role, outcome, ability to maintain productivity, loss of routine or relationships, or a combination of similar things. One of the most important aspects of a leader in this situation is what kind of leader they are. There are three different types of leaders; charisma, transformational, and visionary. A charisma driven leader is someone who has exceptional sanctity, heroism, or exemplary character. A transformational leader is a person who moves and changes things “in a big way” by inspiring others to perform the extraordinary. The third type is a leader who influences others through an emotional or intellectual attraction to the leader’s dreams of what “can be.” It’s not uncommon for a leader to be a blend of these three styles and transformational leaders are sometimes referred to as visionary leaders. While there are some differences between these different types of leaders, what must propel them is character. A character driven leader is someone who leads based off of principles and ethics rather than emotions and the will of the majority. When push comes to shove, especially in situations where change is being implemented, a leader who is guided by feelings or the will of the majority will fail. There are numerous biblical examples of leaders who faced obstacles in their efforts to lead change including Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a transformative leader who led with character. He dealt with opposition accordingly, not being swayed by threats or discouragement, but instead met it with confidence and assurance that he was doing what God called him to do. In order to effectively navigate and lead change within a ministry setting, we too must be resolute in our convictions and methods for leading our team forward.

            Regardless of when and how new paths are developed, it will create new and unexpected challenges for any team. While it is great to look at studies, tactics, and opinions to form strategies for navigating these situations, it’s important to keep the main thing; the realization that this is all about God’s glory and when He places new opportunities in front of us, He will give us the grace and strength to lead through completion. Furthermore, we are ultimately working for His kingdom and it’s not about us, succeed or fail, He will and does get the glory.