A Wheelchair Container

I have been a champion of  Free Wheelchair Mission since 2008 when I saw the video at a Barnabas Group meeting. I showed that video to my Convene members back then. Things were very tight in the economy, and I had lost a fair share of members. One of our members was very moved and decided if he ever had a chance again, he would make a donation, but as it was, he couldn’t even stay in the group. Fast-forward four years…we have been in touch, and my wife and I were even invited to his son’s wedding (his son has been employed at the company of one of my members for a couple of years). The member who had left the group has had his best year in company history, and while on a Christmas ski vacation, he felt moved by the Lord to make a contribution. Finally the timing was right. Driving home, he and his wife decided what to do.

“Hello, Jeff, Happy New Year!” He shouted into his cell phone with his wife listening. “How are you doing? Have you been on another trip yet to South America? Did you take a container of wheelchairs? How does that work? How many do you take? How many are in one container? How much does a container cost? OK! I’m gonna buy one of those! Come down to my office and we’ll work out the details!” Of course I was blown away and told him how grateful I was that he would think of such a thing to do.

“You know, it really blesses me to see you taking teams down to Ecuador and doing this for the people, and I can’t think of a better person to give the check. When you showed us the video way back then, I saw a man walking on his elbows. This should never be. That image was burned into my mind, and all this time I have never been able to escape it. I told the Lord I want to give Jeff some money for his work way back then but I couldn’t. Now it’s different. We’ve had our best year ever.”

I thanked him and went down to receive the check…$40,000. “Just rounded it up to 40,” he said. I delivered it to FWM a couple weeks ago, and of course they were thrilled.

Sometimes the benefits of being a Convene Chair are direct…you can see them. Other times, the Chair battles through disappointment and discouragement over a member leaving his group and so on. It is meaningful to me that the Lord would encourage me through this, not that I got some money in my account (though that is a great encouragement), but that a member learned to be generous and faithful, and associated his giving with a lesson that I had taught him years ago. It is my prayer that all of my Convene members would be touched in some way where they decide to take significant steps of faith and stewardship, not just with their money, but with their lives. Delayed gratification…the life of the Convene Chair.

Management, Theology and the Marketplace

The intersection of Management, Theology and the Marketplace is the place where you as a Christian leader/manager spend most of your vocational time. As such, you experience regularly the dynamics and relationships between them. Very few other people, including most spiritual counselors, really understand the intersection. Listen to what Peter Drucker, the renowned management leader said about that intersection: "I have learned more theology as a practicing management consultant than when I taught religion."

That is an amazing statement!

He goes on to elaborate.

"...because the object of management is a human community held together by the work bond for a common purpose, management always deals with the nature of Man (as all of us with any practical experience have learned), and with Good and Evil, as well."

That illustrates the unique challenges that Christian business leaders face and experience on a daily basis. Because it is a unique intersection, useful resources are difficult to find. Hence the positive advantages of groups of fellow Christian leaders who understand both the challenge of being a CEO/Leader and of committing to do so from a biblical viewpoint. God is a part of the equation, and a community of like-minded individuals can provide guidance and support.

Developing People with a Kingdom Purpose

Do you want to build something that keeps bearing fruit long after you’re gone? Discipleship is the process of pouring ourselves into the lives of others, of modeling wisdom, humility and a walk with God. It’s what we’re commanded to do, and it’s at the heart of our relationship with God.

Encourage your team to participate in things that are close to the heart of Jesus. They'll learn by doing and experience Him in fresh ways. Let’s say you feel God leading you to support of a local abused children’s shelter through your business. If you take a few team member volunteers along as you serve the kids and people running the shelter, the team members will feel good about helping and some will catch a vision that may exceed yours. Acts of love and kindness are contagious.

It’s exciting to develop people who want to live the abundant life and get in on the adventure of building a God-honoring company. The challenges can be big—the rewards are even bigger! We have our marching orders:

“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age'” (Matthew 28:18-20).

As you consider developing people with a Kingdom purpose, who comes to mind? What’s one thing you could do to help them in their journey?

Recognizing and Eliminating the Isolation Factor

One entrepreneur summed up the feeling of many, “The people who are safe (like my Bible study group) can’t help me grow my business. The people who can help me grow my business (and have mixed motives) aren’t safe.” Most entrepreneurs relate to the saying: “It’s lonely at the top.” We’re responsible for leading the company to short- and long-term success, and for making decisions that will affect people’s ability to provide for their families. We’re typically operating in uncharted waters and wondering how to avoid the next big threat or exploit the next opportunity. There aren’t many people who can relate to what we’re facing.

Isolation breeds fear, insecurity and distrust, which can result in poor decisions, negative thinking and low team morale. Being isolated in business can also result in negative emotions spilling over into our family lives, so they end up paying a high price too. Without a doubt, isolation can derail our lives, our leadership and our businesses.

Many entrepreneurs have discovered developed safe relationships with successful Christian peers, and regularly building into each other’s lives and businesses is an effective way to eliminate isolation. When the isolation in a leader’s life dissipates, they'll have more confidence and a broader base of resources, which results in wiser decisions, better relationships and greater progress toward goals.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

2013 CEO Summit

One of the truly unique things about Convene is the power of community.

Whether it’s a Forum Day, team dinner with spouses, or special event, the opportunity to engage and interact with one another brings special value to our relationships. The Convene CEO Summit is community at the highest level!

The theme for 2013 is Unlimiting God! With a power-packed lineup of renowned speakers,informative breakout sessions, and peer interaction, participants are sure to multiply their influence, build more profitable companies, and increase their leadership success — all for God’s Kingdom!

You’ll enjoy time together with peers who share your values, while learning to:

• Discover or refine your dream

• Create a high-performing culture through servant leadership

• Take your vision to the next level, so it better engages your team and improves results

• Use social media to get noticed in a fast-paced world

It’s never too early to mark your calendar! Click here for details