Fatal Assumptions.
This morning (around 4:00am), I had the urge to look though one of my favorite books of all time, The E Myth Revisited. In my opinion, a must-read for every aspiring leader today.
In chapter one, the author (Michael Gerber) unveils the problem many leaders have today who aspire to become entrepreneurs in a specific area of business. He calls it The Entreprenurial Myth.
It’s a myth and a problem that not only business leaders have, but as I have had the opportunity to discover recently, ministry leaders have as well.
On page 12, Gerber discusses a fatal assumption that many leaders have when starting a new business. This fatal assumption is: if you understand the technical work of a business, you understand a business that does the technical work.
For example, if one knows how to cook well, the fatal assumption is that he or she will automatically have the skills necessary to create a restaurant.
Or if someone has experienced some level of success as a babysitter, the fatal assumption is that he or she will automatically have the skills to create a daycare.
While the examples above may seem simple for us to attribute their fallibility to, there may be no greater example of this fatal assumption in practice than with those today are aspiring to begin a vocation in ministry. One of the most unfortunate rites of passages that we have adopted in the church is that a call to serve is synonymous with a call to lead. Or worst, a call to preach.
Sometimes I wonder how many potentially great leaders we have ruined with this cooker-cutter approach to leadership. I am convinced that pre-mature microphone exposure is a very dangerous thing.
A very dangerous thing indeed.
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Category: Church & Ministry, Creative Leadership
Amen!Amen!Amen! This is a truth that really needs to be communicated and received in the church! I for one was on this path of assumption. I love God’s Word and how He shows me the power and understanding of it…years ago, I remember having a dream and then believing that I was called to preach or “Feed My Sheep” as in Peter’s restoration charge. I went to my Pastor to “advise” him of this (LOL) and he gently and correctively told me how to move forward. I am not standing on my “soap box” today but I truly believe I am “feeding God’s sheep” through how I live my life, the life I speak into those God gives me, and through serving at my wonderful church. I love God so much, He takes the time to clarify things to us…put things into His perspective…we just have to be patient, obedient, and in His order. Thank you Mr. Ford for being you!
Brother Ford,
Thanks for a great post. Your suggestion that the principles that Michael Gerber shares apply to the church, especially to leadership roles, makes good sense. Now, I must begin by acknowledging that I am an avid fan of Michael Gerber’s writings. But Gerber didn’t invent this work; he observed and found out what works. Then he put together a system to show people how to use things that complement one another when applied rather than canceling out each other’s effectiveness.
In Exodus 18: 13 – 27, the principles of using systems and not being overworked are shared with Moses by his father-in-law, Jethro. The Word says that Moses did everything his father-in-law said. vs 23 “If you do this and God so commands you, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” I like to say that Jethro was the first business coach.
Thank you for sharing this important thought from your “pulpit”.
Shallie Bey
Smarter Small Business Blog
“A river is a body of water that is in constant movement, capable of sustaining life because of a flow of fresh water. Isn’t it ironic that free flowing rivers are typically surrounding by a variety of boundaries.
Whether they consist of rocks or dry land, these boundaries help keep the water focused and flowing productively. However, whenever a river exists without any boundaries, it is no longer a river.”
This may have nothing to do with your blog entry, but I saw this on Streaming Faith and found it to be very thought provoking! Be blessed in all you do.
This a great piece. All too often we see CHurch members become leaders, and have never had any formal training and/or experience in leading others. And they they hold that position until they are called to glory. It is imperative that church folks be honest with each other and seek to do His will, instead of ours. Maybe it is one of the reasons we see so many new members join through the front door and leave out the back all too soon.
This blog rocks! I gotta say, that I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,
Hey very nice blog!!….I’m an instant fan, I have bookmarked you and I’ll be checking back on a regular….See ya