Careful with those buckets!

“When did the future switch from being a promise to being a threat?”
― Chuck Palahniuk

Recently I spoke with one of my new pastors. My advice was…

(1) Listen a lot! Say little and let most of what you say be questions.

(2) Find your niche by adding value, not by replacing people who are already contributing even if you can do what they’re doing better. Your job is to help them get better.

(3) Just because I appointed you the pastor doesn’t mean that you are the leader. The people make that appointment, and only when it is earned. How to earn the right to lead? Be the best pastor you can be.

(4) Don’t make promises! Making promises too early without enough context and understanding will get you in trouble fast!

Following is one of my favorite bloggers. His blog “Getting better at bucket management” deals with #4 really well.