Wanted: Leaders

You will notice the absence of pictures, here...but there are lots here if you need to look at some.

There is a passage in James (that is pretty harsh altogether in its context; chapter 4), that basically says "you have not because you ask not." Another golden nugget in this book (chapter 1) is: "he who doubts is like a wave of the sea..."

I have learned a lot about myself and leadership since I began the journey into ministry. One thing I always noticed is how we (in ministry) are always looking for high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in. It is a tall and great need, but, truth is, it's valid. Over the past 18mos, I have been fortunate to be a part of the leadership at ALC, and the story here is similar: we need high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in. Church wide, we have several key leadership positions that need to be filled. We have prayed, been irritated, confused, and hopeful. It has been a learning experience for me to watch and be a part of the process. And guess what, there seems to be some shreds of light regarding some leadership and buy in...maybe even some chemistry, too!

It seems like a no brainer, but one of the ways we actually began to attract and begin conversations with high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in (YES, I WILL CONTINUE TO USE THAT ENTIRE PHRASE THROUGHOUT), was the simple act of communicating the need to our community. Simple, huh? A blurb in the program, simple conversations, and job descriptions. And the words ring out in my head: you have to ask...you don't have because you don't ask. It's so simple. See, in my mind, I need to magically (because all my thinking usually begins with me) seek out the needles in the massive haystack of our community... the thought of simple communication may be too chaotic! (sarcasm, fyi)

So that is it: simple communication. Sure, there may be some conversations with people who aren't ideal for the job, but I remember that God used a stuttering senior citizen to negotiate and lead millions out of Egypt, an adulterer to hoist the title "man after God's heart", and a murdering religious leader to write most of the New Testament. I am confident that discernment and God conversations will help sort out the bad eggs (again, sarcasm).

There are many more leadership needs we have at ALC, especially in Creative Arts. And, until right now, I can't remember vocalizing those (Creative Arts) needs outside the conversations with a few trusted leaders. In a way, it kind of feels selfish. I wonder who may answer the call when it is made clear and public? It is kind of scary.

Here are three big picture leadership needs we have in Creative Arts. Pray about these, please. What would happen if you connect with one of these as you read the descriptions? Whether you are a part of our ALC community or not, would you just say a prayer for our needs? Like I said, Creative Arts isn't the only place where leaders are needed, but...we're asking.

1. Director of the Arts Community:
-The main expectation of this leader is to bring cohesiveness to the arts community in Creative Arts at ALC (this includes leading the direction of four main teams: set design/ concept artists, graphic designers, dancers, and drama teaml and each of these teams already have dedicated leaders). The responsibilities include: a bi-weekly Directors Meeting, lead a monthly team leaders meeting (for the team leads of the 4 arts teams above), drive creativity and edgy thinking in our brainstorming (MUST have an edge to your personality), and be able to hang out over coffee and have spiritual conversations (both in accountability and in pastoring others).
2. Video Design Director/ Associate Director of Production:
-The main expectation of this leader is to own and cast vision for video creation and editing for all of Creative Arts. We have a studio already designed for you with CS4, a tricked out iMac, audio mixer, and comfy couches (no flourescent lighting allowed). We also have 3 good cameras, one HD mini, a portable audio solution for shoots, and GBs galore for archiving. We want to put together a green screen, but we need a great reason (you). This person needs to come along side our Production Director and own projects. We will bail you out of jail occasionally should you become too enthusiastic with your filming (but don't tell anyone). For real, though...this position promises no money outright, lots of free coffee, as much training as you can stand, occasioanal meals, and the coolest office at the church campus. Ideally, we see a young adult (17-24) filling this role. If you are older or younger, that isn't necessarily bad...
3. Kenya Team Leader for Arts Team:
-We are taking 3 teams to Kenya in 2010: a team of medical professionals, a team for a documentary creation, and a team that will conduct a creative arts day camp in the middle of Mathare Valley. We need a leader for that last team. Main responsibilities include: keeping up with your team internationally (passports, airports, stuff like that...organization a must), the ability to be flexible in the African community, develop and lead a day camp for kids (ages 0-21), have meetings leading up to the trip (with the team leads), and pay for your own trip. As you can see, it is a glorious role...but it will be life changing. Also, we expect you to be involved with and invested in our Creative Arts community at ALC (whew...this one is a biggie). The trip is April 5-16, 2010.

There ya go...I am curious to know what youre thinking. Are you a high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in?

Interested? Email me and let's talk about it: ndrye@abundantlifechurch.us