Spiritual fathers lead with core values as a way to mentor character.
Developing character is an important distinction from simply leading for results.
As I consider aspects of Fathering Leadership, my mind so often reflects back to the influence of Jack and Trisha Frost on my life. Their leadership was never simply about results and performance. They nurtured hearts, they mentored character.
Cyndi and I joined Shiloh Place Ministries in 2000. The joining process involved including my local pastor to assure he was on board. It also included reading a team manual. This clearly explained the values of this Father’s Love ministry and the discipleship process to be entrusted with higher levels of responsibility, from helping with resources, to praying at the altars, to one-on-one ministry, to speaking and teaching.
Shiloh had a clear mission statement and a core values document. You couldn’t have been a part of this organization and not know these things because they were well communicated.
As we became involved with the Shiloh team, we were in relationship with people who truly walked in love.
- Hugs were common as was encouragement.
- Gossip and competition were not present.
- Sonship and honor were important.
As a team member I didn’t just learn the skills to function in the various roles of responsibility, I learned values and integrity. It was a culture of growth, a culture where character mattered. This season of ministry changed my life.
Chick-Fil-A is another organization that values people with character and not simply skill. Here’s an article that talks about this. It explains:
- They are known for having the most caring teams members around.
- Leaders are viewed at only 10% skill, 90% conditions of the heart – humility, character, honesty, integrity, etc.
- Nothing is a mistake. Everything is an opportunity. Conviction is a part of the redemption process, condemnation is not.
I once had a sales job where the manager said in a meeting, “The person at the bottom of the sales board at the end of the month is fired.” Needless to say this type of motivation wasn’t all that inspiring, nor did it produce very good results. And there was no positive enduring core value communicated, only fear.
With the Shiloh team, I would do anything for Jack and Trisha, motivation to serve was never an issue. And as to how the sales job turned out, I quit not long after that meeting.
Let’s seek to mentor people, not just into skills, but into character.
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- The Primary Fathering Leadership Life Skill
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