Fwd: FW: Phase III Week 1 Relational Leadership Chapters 1&2

[Augustine Douglas]

1. Centering is getting our lives in perspective before God. It is
knowing that we are loved, kept and called by God. Out of this
identity, security and meaning comes a person of character, a person
who is believed, a person who can influence others and make a
difference in the world. Centering is also walking in the center of
God's will knowing as Dietrich Bonhoeffer states and this thought has
to do with centering. "when things around you were crashing in, he
grasped God's hand in faith, believing that after all [the trials,
troubles, torture and mayhem] nothing we do is of any avail, however
good a life we live; if God is not in the center of our total
existence. Bonhoeffer personal statement really should be an
adaptation of who is in total control "the more responsibility I take
on, the more I am conscious of my total dependence upon God and the
need for His presence at the center of my being. I had to segway into
a thought that popped up in my spirit, if we can bearly function on a
seemly day to day level by ourselves, how do we intend to live through
adverse issues, if God is not in the center.
Powerful, thought provoking, profound indeed, we will never get a
grasp on any situation that we face daily if there is not centered.
The story of the potter, the clay and the wheel, the clay has to be
placed in the center of the wheel to prevent deformity, we need
perfect formation in order to move in God's will, every sense in sinc
with the operation of our bodies.

It is my opinion that if we don't intentionally allow God to be the
center of our existence, we are playing Russian roulette with our
lives. For us to truly experience His magnificent power we must
endeavor to live our lives in the center of His will, that goes for
every person that walk the face of the earth. Sublimely we we all
know that there is a God who created this universe, strategically we
have to move knowing image to the relationship image, and that is for
every person whether they are leaders or followers; as our lives are
reckoned from one existence to the next through cohesiveness with
God. As stated by the author Walter C. Wright the shape of the future
leadership is determined by the quality of our centering; Colossians
1:1 the apostle Paul shows how a Christ centered life will benefit the
kingdom and he pronounced a blessing; blessing those who are faithful
to the cause of Christ "Grace and peace to you from God the Father."

2. I agree with Walter C. Wright "A Calling to Commitment" his
statement magnifies how our commitment to the cause of Christ is
wrapped up in forgiveness, and that effectively will be the standard
used to forge meaningful relationships with each other, because if the
truth should be told none of us has any claim on perfection, although
we sometimes elevate ourselves without recognizing through our speech
and actions. There is a quote that states "But for the grace of God,
there go I."
Colossians 4:5 - 6 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make
the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of
grace, seasoned with salt." My interpretation of that verse is that
in working with others, we should endeavor to treat everyone at their
level of understanding and not treat others less than, because we
think our that we have arrived. We can only extend ourselves by
virtue of how we are treated, and the point ion calling to commitment
teaches us that as servant leaders we are called to "be merciful" to
be a keeper of commitment in all leadership relationship. Treat
others with respect as we have been all a recipient of God's
faithfulness. In the book of Jude, he has asked that we continue to
commit to the relationships with the hope that the servant leader's
action will ultimately contribute to daily transformation, as making a
difference in the world should be our focus.

Finally when the servant leader commits to God the relationship of
those we serve, no matter what transpire during this tenure, should be
reflected in Jude's benediction Jude 24-25 "Now unto to Him who is
able to keep you from falling, and present you before His glorious
presence without fault and with great joy - to the only wise God our
Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ
our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen!!
3. How does mentoring coaching and team building gift in leadership?
Coaching deals with specific skills and tactics, mentoring is designed
to help people realize their full potential, team building is an
ability to identify and motivate individuals to work in teams and
will ultimately reach the defined goal. When one is trained through
coaching, the quality of the lives of those individuals will
absolutely bring exceptional results. These individuals who now
becomes the recipient of mentor ship are now geared to help another
set of individuals and the cycle goes on equipping every new
generation to utilize their talents and gifts.

My final take on the matter is that gifts and talents are designed to
serve other, not to elevate ourselves, as only God does the elevation.

4. Which of the thirteen elements of working on a team could help
improve your department.
The element of trust is a concrete element, as without trust the team
could become disjointed,. "Trust" is the lifeblood of any
relationship, when there is no trust then the link become broken and
cohesiveness will eventually be severed. When there is mutual trust
an harmonious relationship will become evident. Paul trusted the
fact that Onesimus now being changed would be an example of servant
hood and so he was able to recommend him to Philemon that he would be
re-instated in the normal sphere of life. Onesimus represents a team
member who was transformed and ready and willing to serve his new
master, and in so doing he served Jesus his Lord and Savior. Trust
factor is truly the element that links individuals and keep
relationship in check. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all
your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

In summary the apostle Paul trusted that Philemon would do more than
he requested for Onesimus on his behalf and Onesimus would serve to
the greater glory of the Kingdom of God. Trust will make covering of
each other a priority, just as without blood there is no life, without
trust teams can be obliterated without consideration of each other;
this my summary of Philemon 10, 11, 17 & 21



-------- Begin forwarded message --------
Subject: Phase III Week 1 Relational Leadership Chapters 1&2
Date: 6/6/11 9:53:37 PM
From: "New York Youth Leaders Association"
<youthlea...@gmail.com>
To: "New York Youth Leaders Association Level II" <new-york-youth-
leaders-associ...@googlegroups.com>


COMMENT:
1. “Leadership is about relationships that make a difference” What is
“Centering”
2. Do you agree with Walter Wright’s view on “A calling to commitment
“
3. How does Mentoring, Coaching and Team building fits in
leadership.
4. Which of the thirteen elements of working on a team could help
improve your department.