
10 Top Turning Point Lessons (NLF)

Posted January 23rd, 2009 by Pete Scazzero

Last week we did an exercise listing our “Turning Point Lessons” out of our twenty-one year history. The following are my edits and summary out of that discussion.

Character is more important than gifting. Being is more important than doing. When we have overlooked issues of character because of anointing, effectiveness, leadership abilities, etc., we have always paid a price.
Don’t rush. When decisions were made quickly, without pausing to pray, think and process implications, we have had regrets. Seeing the Promised Land is one thing. The pillar of cloud and fire saying it is time to go in is another.
Leaders need to take responsibility for their growth and development. My journey, along with Geri’s, has had a profound impact on NLF. As we invest time in our personal growth and development, we are shaping all those who look to us for leadership.
A clear, differentiated vision results in a unified leadership and church.
Sabbatical rest for leaders releases new, life-giving initiatives from God and enables them to serve out of a cup that overflows.
Face the truth and act on it, even if it hurts. Great courage is needed to do this.
We must enforce our values and not skim. When we have not taken the time to discern if we are really practicing what we preach, we have paid a large price.
Structures must support the vision. Ones that do not need to be reworked. We are stewarding the tithes/offerings of our people, not our own.
Be faithful to our “charism”. In other words, learn from other streams and ministries, but be content in our particular grace and gift from God, our unique DNA.
Taking the time to reflect in order to capture insights, reflect theologically, record insights and develop new tools for discipleship has always taken us to a new level of maturity.

Tags: church, hard lessons, history, Leadership

7 Comments

Being in a 30-something church planting culture, I long to glean from those who have been going for the long haul. We too quickly forget the long term for the immediate “win” and we all ache for it later. Thanks for sharing such wisdom with us youngsters. Please continue to remind us.

Posted by: Chad Lewis // January 23rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm

Hi Chad,

Thanks fo the encouragement. Where are you serving?

And yes, I would like your generation to avoid our painful lessons!!

Pete

Posted by: Pete Scazzero // January 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 pm

Wow, this list is incredible. Thanks for posting this. I have especially appreciated how NLF has emphasized character before gifting. My internal growth has been integral to how I serve. I never knew how good it could be.

Posted by: cate // January 24th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Pete,

I am one of the pastors at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY (http://www.sojournchurch.com/). I am finding great encouragement from your resources. My wife and I are looking forward to the EHS conference and pre-conference so we can continue to learn and help others on our staff and in our body learn how to abide daily in Christ.

Posted by: Chad Lewis // January 24th, 2009 at 4:59 pm

[...] Peter Scazzero’s Blog | Great stuff. I really enjoyed his two most recent posts: “Top 10 Turning Point Lessons” and “Jesus the Lord of [...]

Posted by: Smooch the Blog » Blog Archive » Scazzero Describes Emotionally Healthy Spirituality // February 2nd, 2009 at 10:33 am

Great list. Lots to chew on!

Re: #2 (Don’t rush), which is one I need to remember — when I see something, I tend to want to get there immediately. I keep reminding myself of Proverbs 19.2 …

“Zeal without knowledge is not good. A person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way.” (NLT)

I’m working on a post for my blog trying to flesh out the difference between *urgency* and *impatience*. It may be a fine line, but I think it comes down to trusting God in the timing and the unfolding of the God-given vision.

Thanks again!

Posted by: Randy // February 10th, 2009 at 11:32 pm

Super post, Need to mark it on Digg
Have a nice day

Posted by: Robor // September 2nd, 2009 at 4:20 am