challenge the process

was reading a back issue of ministry today magazine and came across this article by andy stanley

here are some highlights:

• there's something in every leader that yearns to try things in new ways, to test the status quo–to challenge the process
• it's human nature to gravitate toward the familiar. And left to
  themselves, virtually every person and organization is in a
  subconscious pursuit of the status quo
• the world needs leaders to venture boldly into the unfamiliar and to
  embrace the uncomfortable–because the best solutions are often
  found in unfamiliar, uncomfortable places
• When God created leaders, he equipped them with an unsettling urge to
  unpack, undo and unearth methods. This explains your tendency to
  question everything around you
• your zeal for improvement isn't always appreciated out in the real world
• Effective leadership means learning to challenge the process without
  challenging the organization. There's a fine line between the two. But
  it's a crucial line
• The first line of resistance the leader faces is the organization
  itself. As we've already mentioned, organizations don't like new ideas.
• The second line of resistance you face is from other leaders. You might
  think you'd find an advocate in this group. But, by nature, when you
  challenge a concept, you challenge the conceiver.
• When you stop challenging the process, you cease to be a leader and you become a manager.
  

here are some of my thoughts:

1. i've been the one that's challenged the process...unfortunately, i didn't always count the cost or realize that when i did i was challenging the organization and the conceivers...bad move!
2. in ministry, it's all about ministry (another word for serving) - so, i have to constantly remind myself that it's not about me
3. when you are a leader, and you cease to challenge the process, or look for other ways to lead, and resolve yourself to management, you become frustrated and burned out - quickly!
   
4. not only that, but you loose your passion to lead
5. this is a process that God allows us to go through so that we're constantly "in Him" - for out of Him is where life flows! actually, it may not be a process that everyone goes through...but i've been through it...
   

This article appeared in the May/Jun 2006 issue.