I got this note from my pastor today. He gave me permision to pass it along.
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Scott,
Thanks for the question....
My goal is not be controlling or legalistic. But to be empowering. A
leaders job, is actually leadership. To lead the way. To take people
farther than they can go on their own. No apologies here! The topics in
the AIM form are meant to allow the leader (himself/herself) to better
understand where he/she is leading the people under their care. They
should know how, why, when, who, to which they are leading people. If a
leader (accountable to God, not me) does not know this vital
information; then do they really have any business leading anybody? I
believe not! I personally would not follow such a person. I also would
encourage others not to follow such a person.
The Adventure merely empowers each potential leader to articulate a
ministry objective in written form to clarify three main things: AIM
Accurate: What and where and how and when and to whom.
Intentional: How will we do this. What did the Lord speak (see epistles)
Measureable: Did we accomplish what the Lord directed us to...
And yet, we do so much more than this. We volunteer our time with a team
(with varied giftings) to help "coach" this person through the process
of understanding (or discovering) what it is they are really trying to
do. Then we compare it to the vision, mission and purpose that God has
led us to as a church and proceed from there. This is called taking
resposibility for what God has mandated to us. Not control!
People are so afraid of being controlled. It is based in fear. Not fear
of the Lord. But fear of man. This is a snare. Yet, who really has the
time to control anybody elses life? Jodi and I and our team do no such
thing. Not have any interest in it. But we will not "release" leaders
who do not fit the 1 Tim, 2 Tim, Titus standards. We are just trying to
be obedient. I have enough going on in my own life to spend anytime
controlling or manipulating anybody else.
To me, people who are overly fearful of this, usually have had a bad
past experience with a controlling authority figure (they need healing)
and/or a they lack personal humility (Instruct a wise man and he will
grow wiser still). Confident leaders don't fear accountability! They
invite it! I want my leaders to ask me what and why I am doing things. I
want my wife to ask me the tough questions. I want my kids to ask
questions and challenge me, when I'm not reflecting Christ, etc...
Some folks, however, feel safer living on an island (so they can be in
control) so that they can lead people (usually only their own kids) with
no input and accountability. To me, this IS controlling.
Hope this helps clarify my thoughts and motives. Sure pass along the AIM
form...
