Continual Learning and Growth

by Greg Anderson

I love to learn. This was not always the case. As a younger minister, I was naïve enough to think I had most of it figured out and did not really need a bunch of other perspectives to influence the surety of my insights. How very wrong I was, and how I now mourn so much lost time and lack of understanding. 

Fortunately, and within the last 15 years, a deep love for learning awakened inside me which fueled the fire for an unquenchable desire to learn as much as I can about a great number of things. As a result, my library is more eclectic than ever. I read everything from scholarly works on the Immanent Frame to the latest Baldacci thriller. I listen to podcasts ranging from Unbelievable to the Fall of Civilizations. Even my music tastes have expanded to include classical music among other genres (ok – I still do not listen to rap or polka). 

If I had one piece of advice for faith community leaders of all ages, it would be to purposefully strive for continual learning and growth, particularly within the context of leadership.
If I had one piece of advice for faith community leaders of all ages, it would be to purposefully strive for continual learning and growth, particularly within the context of leadership. Within the context of faith community leadership, I highly recommend that ministers and shepherds consistently spend time in the Word together; reasoning and praying for the simple purpose of allowing the Word of God to do the transformative work it is designed to do. I also highly recommend working through a leadership resource together. For instance, consider taking Peter Steinke’s book, A Door Set Open, reading a chapter a week, and sharing key takeaways via an email conversation thread or even better – in person. 

As you process these key takeaways from time in the Word together and time in a resource written for church leaders, look for themes that begin to emerge that can do the following:

  • Contribute to the desired outcomes you believe God is moving you toward, and
  • Become actionable as you consider transformative experiences that require strong leadership.

Effective leaders spend time together. The longer one sits in his or her perspective alone, the deeper the rut in his or her seat becomes. Study, prayer, reflection, and iron sharpening iron demands consideration of other perspectives and movements of God’s Holy Spirit that can invigorate us as leaders while simultaneously leading our church to springs of fresh water. 

Here’s a simple way to put continual learning and growth into action:

  •  Quickly poll your leadership team:
    • Which scriptures are you diving deeply into at this time?
    • What leadership resources are transforming the way you lead in your various circles of influence?
    • What are other ministers and church leaders recommending as resources to consider?
    • As we think about the future, what is a reasonable amount of time for us to spend being in the Word together? Processing together a leadership resource designed for faith community leaders?
  • Process and identify 2-3 themes that rise to the top.
  • Create a plan of action to engage in iron sharpening iron.
  • Execute the plan of action

May God bless you richly as you commit to continual learning and growth and may God receive the glory as your leadership team becomes a place where continual learning and growth are the rule, not the exception. 



Comments

  1. Several years ago I started to study the word to understand it instead of validation of my Church of Christ upbringing. Greg we share several family members in our heritage. It was difficult to realize some of my beliefs were not scripture but opinions or just statements not commands.
    Still studying and learning.
    Your distant cousin.

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