I have personally enjoyed the leadership interview series I have done over the last six months. I am slowing down that series, but I want to recap them for you here in case you missed any of them. Combined, these posts could almost be a leadership book. The wisdom in these interviews, from these great leaders, are like gold when read together. See for yourself!
Here are the 10 question interview posts I did in the order they appeared on my blog. You can click on the name to read their interview.
Ben Arment – Story Conference
Pete Wilson – Cross Point Church
Tim Stevens – Granger Church
Jarrett Stevens – Soul City Church
Wayne Elsey – Soles4Souls
Carlos Whitaker – Worship Leader
Mac Lake – The Launch Network
Geoff Surratt – Seacoast Church
Scott Williams – LifeChurch.tv
Jenni Catron – Cross Point Church
Scott Hodge – Orchard Church
Dave Ferguson – Community Christian Church
Ben Stroup – Generis Group
Jon Acuff – Stuff Christians Like
Kent Shaffer – Church Relevance
Cheryl Smith – Consultant
Steve Keating – LeadToday
Chris Walker
Susan Bordewyk
Eldon Kelley
James Castellano
Patricia Zell
Dave Baldwin
Lantz Howard
Chad Rowland – Grace Community Church
Bob Fryling – InterVarsity Press
Gerry True – Oak Hills Church
Richard Westley
John Maxwell
Michael Hyatt – Thomas Nelson Publishers
Charles Stone – Ginger Creek Community Church
Brad Lomenick – Catalyst
I may throw in some good interviews occasionally, but this will be the end of this series as a regular Tuesday feature.
Did you learn from any of these? Is there someone else I should consider interviewing?
6. What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Jesus As Man: I know nothing. I was a servant and depended on my Father to “lead.”
Jesus As God: I know everything and created everything.
7. What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Jesus As Man: NONE – I was a “Servant.” My Father lead, taught, and revealed “Truth” from heaven.
Jesus As God: NONE – I do everything perfectly out of love.
8. What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Jesus As Man: To NOT receive honor from man. People flatter you all the time. They think they’re doing something nice but it’s a trap. To NOT seek my own glory. You know, he who speaks of himself seeks his own glory. All that “Title” and “Position” stuff that is highly esteemed among men. Have to reject it over and over. Have to remember, as man, I came in the form of a “Servant” NOT a “Leader.”
Jesus As God: The hardest thing is watching “My sheep” being “Spiritually Abused” by those mere humans who have assumed “Positions” of “Authority / Leadership” and “Lord it over my heritage.“ Those I spoke about in 1st Chronicles 7:14. “My people,” who are called by “My name.” “MasterLeader,” Rabbi/Teacher,” "Shepherd.” They are calling themselves by “My Name” and they should humble themselves and pray. They should forsake “All” in order to become a “Disciple of Christ.” Forsake “All” Titles and Positions.
That’s one way to humble themselves, isn't it?
9. What is one misconception about your position you think people in your church may have?
Jesus As Man:
I didn’t come to start another new religion, new denomination, build buildings, or make people rich.
I was about My Fathers business. NOT my business. I demonstrated what “Disciples of Christ will do.
Hear God’s Voice, preach the kingdom of God, the rule, reign, and dominion of God in one’s heart,
heal the sick and cast out demons. Freely you have received freely give.
Jesus As God:
I really am the “Head” of the body, the Church. Only “ONE” head of “My Church.” Everyone else – Brethren, servants, loving one another, hearing my voice and following me. NOT following a man.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Jesus As Man:
Refuse “All’ “Titles” and “Positions.” It’s a trap. Along with the “Title” comes something “A Little Bit Extra,” Power, Profit, Prestige, Glory, Honor, Reputation, etc. which become “Idols of the heart,” in Ezek 14:1-7. Your “Title” becomes an “Idol.” When they came to make me a “Leader of the people,” a king, I refused.
Jesus As God:
Let me be the “Master /Leader.” You, and your family, will pay a horrible price for that “Position.”
Leader of “My people.” There will be much pain, tears, depression and separation from my body.
“My Church.”
I like these. A lot. Thanks
Ron – How about interviewing Jesus, both, Son of Man, and Son of God.
Maybe it would go like this.
1. When you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally?
If not, what did you want to do?
Jesus As Man:
Thought I’d be a carpenter like my father. They even called me the carpenters son. As a child, I some how knew, the grace of God was upon me. I was pretty young, 2 or 3, and I remember some wise men bringing gifts, strange gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Jesus As God:
By the time I was twelve, I knew my real Father was God and I was God, the Son, being about my Fathers business. Enjoyed confounding “the Religious Leaders” of the day. Never could quite get away from that. Still enjoy it today when someone thinks more highly of themselves then they ought and are called by
“My Name.”
2. 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?
Jesus As Man:
Training those first twelve to be servants. To take the low and humble place. They all really thought they were something special. They learned a lot from “The Religious Leaders” who wanted the best seats, and to have their titles proclaimed for all to hear. Tried to tell them – it wasn’t me doing the miracles but the Father who dwelled in me. Depend on Him and NOT man. They started to catch on when I sent them out by twos with very little instruction. They had to depend on an indwelling God to lead them and guide them.
Jesus As God:
Now, I live in my ekklesia, my body, my called out one’s, “My Church.” I lead them and guide them from within. I cringe when I hear those, who claim to talk for me, a mere human, call it, my church, their church, our church, your church, modern church, house church, etc.. Nope. It’s “My Church.”
It is called “The Church of God” isn’t it? Seems every other day there’s a new “man made” type of church, a new movement. If they need a new movement let them eat prunes. That’s why I created prunes.
3. Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
Jesus As Man:
Satan, he kept me on my toes and humble. Always trying to get me to be someone special and do something special. Had to stay as a “Servant” and leave the “leading” to Father God. Had to depend on my Father for everything. Trust and obey NOT think and decide I always say. Of my own self I could do nothing.
Jesus As God:
All of Humanity, Helped me to pour out my love and pour out my blood.
4. Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
Jesus As Man:
The Book of the Law. Got people to realize they couldn’t obey the Law and needed a savior.
Jesus As God:
Really enjoy “The Book of Remembrance” of Malachi 3:16. I just love those who think upon my name.
I’ll read it over and over again.
5. What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Jesus As Man: Others would say, He loves me, He loves me, He loves me.
Jesus As God: Others would say, He loves me, He loves me, He loves me.
Ron, I love what you've been doing with your blog. Can't wait to see what's next!
Thanks Cheryl
Ron,
I've enjoyed the series. I'd like to see an interview with someone in military leadership. I think that would be attractive given your location.
That's a great idea. I may have missed this while I was in Africa.