10 Questions With Leader Ben Stroup – Generis

I love young leaders. I love the enthusiasm and energy they bring to organizations, which is one of the reasons at Grace Community Church we have surrounded ourselves with young leaders. Ben Stroup is another amazing young leader, but don’t confuse his age for his abilities.  Ben’s resume is packed full of experience.

Ben spent several years leading a major department at Lifeway Christian Resources and now is a full-time generosity strategist for Generis. Ben’s wisdom certainly exceeds his years. He has taken a specific interest in helping churches fully fund their vision. If your church is in need of a consultant in that area, I recommend Ben to you.

You can find Ben on Twitter. His book Church Giving Matters is available HERE.  Click on Ben’s LINK to find his new e-book “Push the Limits of Church Funding“.

Here are 10 questions with leader Ben Stoup:

When you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?

No. I wanted to be Superman first, then a policeman, teacher, and a preacher. By high school, I wanted to be a lawyer and politician.

What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?

Assistant to the Minister of Sports Evangelism. That meant I waxed the gym floor, organized the closet, and wiped the sweat off he weights in the weight room. It taught me that there is much more to church operations than what you see on stage on Sunday mornings. Details matter.

Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?

Dr. Ben Curtis, a professor at Belmont University. He taught me to listen not so much to what people say but what they aren’t saying.

Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?

The Brand You by Tom Peters. Seems like an odd choice, I know. It is irreverent at times but it taught me to see life and myself differently.

What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?

Intense. Focused. Driven.

What is your greatest strength in leadership?

My ability to assess the current situation, understand the desired end results, and build and execute a plan to produce or create the desired end result.

What is your greatest weakness in leadership?

I never see defeat or failure as an option. Sometimes you just have to “call it” and start over.

What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?

Watch people whom God has gifted to build up the Kingdom in special ways try to lead but are completely ineffective due to their interest in position, power, and prestige. Also, watch churches sit on the sidelines of ministry because they are paralyzed by the fear of the unknown.

What is one misconception about your position you think people in your church may have?

Stewardship and generosity are markers of spiritual growth, not financial obligations. What people do with their time, talent, and treasure is what they believe is worth investing in. There is a very spiritual dimension to dealing with money and ministry which is hard for some to reconcile.

If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?

Make sure you’re listening to the right voices.

Who are some young leaders you admire and/or are watching?