The Law of Empowerment

  John Maxwell wrote a leadership classic in 1998 that has since sold millions and instructed at least as many. In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, he covers the basic truths about leadership and influence. Maxwell was a church pastor before he became a best-selling author and noted speaker and his leadership laws are played out in local congregations every week and every day. Epworth has seen a number of them on display this week.

  John Maxwell places the Law of Empowerment as number twelve in his list, but this week it has been number one in my mind. Interestingly, he opens his chapter on the power of empowering others with a “how-not-to” story. His example is that of Henry Ford who, after changing the landscape and culture of America with his mass-produced Model T car, prohibited anyone from taking the lead to create a second option or upgrade. He stifled anyone from asking, “Where Next?” He permitted no one to even consider, “What Now?” It was nearly twenty years before the Ford Motor Company offered the Model A. The reason was that its leader did not empower others to do that which they were already great - designing and assembling great cars.

  I can testify that Epworth has done the opposite. Debra Johnson is our volunteer layperson who helps vision and carry out our ministry with Children and Families. We call it Family1+ or Orange. Debra, along with Kelley Conkle and Frances Phillips, have pushed the ability to choose direction, design amazing moments and lead precious children to some of the world’s greatest VBS Workers ever. They are ours. Each night this week, they have been partnering with families of all sizes and shapes to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of children! That is what we do. 

  Maxwell wrote, “The people’s capacity to achieve is determined by their leader’s ability to empower.” This is directly from the story of Jesus. From day one the church has received the power and permission of God to go and serve and lead. Matthew 10 says, “Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority...” We take that to include authority over crafts, over 3-year olds, over menus, over skits, over experiments, over music and everything in between.

  So if it looks like Kelley, Debra and Frances are having fun this week, remember it is because they are leading by empowering. May we all have that kind of fun and touch as many lives.

Grace and Peace, Scott

Built to Last

   Henry Ford is famous for founding of the Ford Motor Company and for developing the assembly line process of mass-production.  His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry.  Ford is counted as one of the great visionary companies of all time, and is widely studied for its longevity and legacy.
   Did you know that Henry Ford did not start the company because he thought the Model T was a great idea?  In fact, he did not develop that model until 1908 - five year after the company was started.  First he rolled out Models A, B, C, F and K.  Ford Motor Company was actually one of 502 companies started between 1900 and 1908 to build automobiles!
   Jim Collins, best-selling author of great business and leadership books, has found that some of the most enduring companies were founded long before they figured out what their 'great idea' would be.  The great ideas often come later.
   None of us know exactly what was going through the minds of those few dozen who gathered on Rosemont Drive on September 25, 1960.  We have no records of grand visions, or elaborate strategies.  Probably because there were none.  They simply intended to start something that would help them, and help others.  They set out to start a Methodist church in this neighborhood, because that is how they were led.  I'm glad they did.  For this church has touched the lives of thousands, through our worship, our study, our service, and our presence.
   Despite the great 50 years we celebrate this week, I believe we are an example of an enduring organization that has not yet figured it all out yet.  We are impacting lives and doing great ministry, but we remain a work in progress.  I love that about this church.  We are willing to move forward, without all of the answers.
   Happy Birthday Epworth United Methodist Church.  May we all continue growing in God's grace.