Scaling the steep learning curve!
I’m in my third week as General Secretary of The General Council of the Assemblies of God. The good news is – I finished the first two weeks – they didn’t finish me.
After thirty-two years of pastoring, this work is quite different. Pastoring New Life Assembly in Athens, the church Debbie and I co-planted, was similar to pastoring First Assembly, Des Moines, Iowa. The weekly schedule and responsibilities were similar.
The main difference between the two churches was the number of people involved. In a way it’s like the difference between small college and large college football. The field is the same size. The rules are exactly the same. The offensive and defensive plays are quite similar. The same number of players are on the field at any given time. The major differences are the speed and size of the players and the amount of people in the stands.
On the other hand — coming from the pastorate to this role is like going from football to cricket. I have a vague idea of cricket, but mostly I’m in the dark. How are goals made? How do you know who wins? Is there a clock or a certain amount of innings? The fellow that rolls the ball toward the batter – is he a pitcher or a roller? What is a cricket?
I have a lot to learn. Scaling this steep learning curve is going to take some time because of the technical aspects of this work. Having never dealt closely with the credentialing of ministers, I don’t know the finer points of the process. In time, I will. Today I don’t.
Perhaps you’re embarking on a new adventure – a different job – newly married – a recent transition – you are new parents – you name it! You’re facing an “Everest” learning curve.
Here’s what I’m doing. Perhaps you may want to do the same.
- Assess – Take some time to evaluate, view the lay of the land, and see where you are. Size up the situation. Determine your resources.
- Admit – Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know what I’m doing” or “I need help.” A great leader is honest about his/her strengths and weaknesses. People around you will appreciate you for not trying to fake it. Most people will help the person who doesn’t pretend to know it all.
- Ask – Ask God for wisdom. He has promised to give it to you (James 1:5). God is a fantastic coach. Ask others for their input. I’m depending on a committed and competent team who are experts in their field. I’m looking to Esther, my administrative assistant, for her wisdom and assistance. I’m asking for prayers – yours, too.
- Attack and ascend — Most of us would never have had children if we had waited until we were financially and emotionally prepared. We can’t win a race if we don’t take the first step. We must take the first class before we can ever hope to earn a college degree. To climb the mountain called “a steep learning curve,” we must take the first step and be committed to getting to the top.
God is with us. He has led us to this point and has no intention of bailing out now. No matter how steep the learning curve, we can learn to do what God has called us to do. We may start slow but we’re going to finish strong.
Finishing strong – John
p.s. I’d love to hear your “steep learning curve” story!
October 25th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Hey Uncle John! Love the new blog. And thanks for the good insight.
October 25th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
I was a pastor of a smallish church when I was elected to the position of Secretary-Treasurer for one of our largest districts. I felt like Joseph must have felt — one morning he woke up in his prison cell, wearing his prison rags, and that night he stood before the king, wearing luxurious robes! (I’m not saying that my church was a prison, I’m just saying that it was a huge jump!) Anyway, I felt honored and frightened at the same time.
You are right: Executive Officer roles are very different from Pastoral roles (and there are many things I miss about the pastorate, and some that I don’t!) But you’ll pick it up!