Proven.
I am not a huge fan of thrusting people into positions too quickly. In fact, I believe the Bible encourages people to be proven individuals.
“There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a GRAVE MISTAKE when they give great authority to foolish people and low positions to people of proven worth” (Ecc. 10:5-6)
Here are a couple of core convictions:
- Not everyone should have a platform in our ministry. All too often we either place too quickly or we don’t vet people well enough. I have discovered that those who desire to jump in on “their terms” will always leave us frustrated. I believe we have to be selective in what we allow into our ministries.
- Only those proven should be positioned. “Lay hands on no man suddenly” (1 Tim 5:22). We have to see people’s growth and make sure that they have truly embraced our vision, mission and values.
- If you spend more time in selection you will spend less time in correction. I have an expression that we should be “patient in the process.” And that holds firm in enlisting more people.
- No title without a timeline. I think we would do better if we did not give people open-ending positions and platforms. This allows you to step back from releasing someone because we “talked about a 6 month commitment”.
- Correct/remove quickly. Don’t delay the inevitable. Bring correction and direction ASAP. Even if you committed to someone too early – own it – step back – and get on track.
Proven. First you have to ask, “Am I a proven leader?” Second, you ask, “How do I raise up proven leaders?”
1 Comment
PT-
You continue to PROVE that you are a man worth trusting. Thank you for being who you are. For taking steps that have been hard to take and for never “leaving a man behind.”. You’ve always been a man of integrity, honor and passion. I have always admired you as my pastor and pop! Thanks for being someone I could look up to, someone that is truly PROVEN! And thank you for inspiring me to become someone proven as I grow into who God has for me to be.