Faith at Work Series - Chris Gaines

There is one silent question that all people you lead ask themselves. A child questions this of their father and mother. A congregation seeks this of their Pastor and staff. We all ask this not only of our leaders but also of our organizations, friends, family, and strangers. Even the disciples screamed it when they thought they were perishing. "He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke him up and said to him, Teacher! Don't you care that we're going to die" (Mark 4:38)? And like me, I know you have pondered this question more than once to our Heavenly Father. The question is simple and direct "Do you really care about me?"

You know as well as I do when someone asks how you are doing, they expect the answer, "Fine, how are you?" And move on. I see this all the time in leadership and even in my home. I do all the "right" things, the "right" amount of times; I have checked all the boxes, so why aren't they engaged? The truth is I am focused on the wrong areas. I'm too worried about goals, metrics, and measurables to invest in a person. Leadership is not a quantitative exercise, not even close. It is about genuinely investing in a relationship, not seeing a person as an object to get me where I want to go. Sit down, slow down, and listen. Show the qualities of a believer. "Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). When we build a foundation on caring, we invest in a person and see them as broken as we are. We learn their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations inside and outside work. We can begin to be transparent; open ourselves up to our mistakes, imperfections, and aspirations.

Transparent: Being transparent is more than opening up a few chosen messy areas of our life to share. It is about being humbled by thinking of others first and putting our pride aside by being grateful for the opportunity of a relationship that will allow us to grow and lead people.

Trust: Caring with a heart of humility breeds trust, another attribute we want from our leaders. Trust that you will support them through thick and thin. Trust that you will show up when you are needed. Trust that you are obedient and dependable to the vision and goals while being a person of high moral standing.

Transform: With caring, transparency, and trust, we can now be direct and honest. People will listen as long as you tell the truth in love which supports the rapport you built." But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). We can be transformational in developing their personal and professional goals.

Is the above much different than our discipleship training at Northstar? We learn to walk with Jesus in intimacy, humility, and obedience. By growing in Christ's likeness, we can live for Jesus and influence others, regardless of our title or status, whether at work, home, or anywhere.