Archive for Communication

Book Special – Living Between Generations

Rodney Agan / December 3, 2012 / No comments

Some years ago I wrote the book, “Living Between Generations”. This book was written at a time in my ministry where I realized that the “status quo” was killing our churches.  At the time, I was on a private journey of biblical awareness to understand what I really believed, not just what I had been told.

I recommend this book to churches and ministry leaders who are feeling “stuck” or questioning the reasons for your traditions.  This is written more to conservative, traditional ministries who are looking for a better understanding of how to get out-of-the-box, or even question “the box”, without denying the foundations of our faith.

Great teaching tool for your deacons, teachers, leadership, etc. to help them understand the need for change.

This book retails for $10 plus shipping, but I really want to get it in the hands of people who could benefit from it.

SPECIAL OFFER:

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Bulk orders:

10 BOOKS for $30 (FREE SHIPPING)*

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Book Promo:

As one looks over the landscape of churches in America, it seems clear that there are many who are satisfied with the “status quo”.  It seems that a disconnect has appeared between the things that birthed and built the church originally and what it will take to sustain future growth and success.

In this book, “Living Between Generations”, you will find an honest, hands-on approach to some of the more pertinent subjects facing churches today.  Many write-off the problems they are facing as being a breakdown between generations that cannot be repaired.  The author shows that this should not be the case.  This book will deal with subjects such as, Living Between: Baby Boomers and Generation X, Patience and Permission, Tradition and Tragedy, Crayons and Computers, Preservationists and Pioneers, Missions and a Mission, and others.

This book will challenge your thinking, but not try to make up your mind.  That is up to you!

 

 

Category: Change, Communication, Leadership, Personal Development, Teams / Tags: , , , ,

Leaves are like People!

Rodney Agan / November 28, 2012 / One comment

I recently took a few days alone at a cabin in the mountains of North Georgia to pray and study.  While sitting on the deck reading one day, I began to look at the leaves around me.  The fall season in Georgia is beautiful.  The leaves start changing colors then they turn loose and fall to the ground.  As I was sitting there, tree after tree was losing leaves.  Many were barren or getting close.  I began to think about this, and realized a truth about leaves that reminded me of people.

1-    They change as time goes by.  In Georgia, the leaves begin their change around October.  If you know what is happening, you can see it coming.  At first their color changes ever so slightly, then at a certain time and temperature they completely change.  People can be just like that.  You can see when they get complacent, agitated, angry, apathetic, etc.  If not dealt with soon, they will make complete changes, and not for the better.

2-    Many turn loose and go their way.  As I studied the leaves I realized many of the leaves evidently turned loose at the first gust of wind, but others were hanging on longer.  Eventually, I would see a lone leaf let go.  Soon another one and another.  It seems that people today want less commitment than ever before.  When they make a decision to “let go” you have to let them. 

3-    Most have no sense or control of their destination.  When the leaves let go of the tree branch they have no idea where they will end up. They have no steering wheel or motor. They are at the mercy of the wind to take them where it will.  People with no purpose or goal in life have no idea where they are going and therefore, they simply go with the circumstance of life.  They never do anything to take control of their own lives.

4-    They end up in a pile with no identity.  After blowing around untethered for a while, they eventually hit the ground. When they reach the ground, they usually never move again unless something or someone bigger than themselves comes by and moves them.  People with no purpose in life just “survive”.  They are unhappy, unsatisfied, but unmotivated enough to move.  These people live and die without making a real difference in the world or for those following them. 

5-    They never make it far.  When they make it to the pile, in reality they fell a long ways “down”, but not very far “away”.  They can always see where “used to be” but never where they “could be”.

You might want to check out a earlier blog I wrote about, “Some People.”

Category: Change, Communication, Personal Development, Relationships, Responsibility / Tags: , , , , ,

Come On, Give Yourself Some Credit

Rodney Agan / November 20, 2012 / No comments

We are inundated with self-help and leadership material that it is confusing.  It seems that each one suggests a different method. They all want to have a corner on the market.  By the time you sit through the entire seminar, read the book, or listen to all the podcasts, you feel less in control than when you started.  It is definitely true that we can all make improvements, but give yourself some credit.  You must have something already inside, or you would not have the thirst for more.  Give yourself credit; you have more potential than you think.

Give yourself some credit:

1-    At least you SEE you have a problem; many others CAN’T. Usually the people who need the most help are the ones that already “know everything”.  If you don’t believe it, just ask them.  They are glad to point out your shortcomings but for the life of them, can’t see their own.

2-    You have learned your limitations; many others DON’T.  Many people are doing things in which they are unqualified to do.  If you don’t believe me, look at politics.  It is commendable that you realize where your limitations lie so you know where to start working.  If not, you will spend unnecessary time and money working on things you already know. 

3-    You are willing to make the necessary changes; many others WON’T.  Change is hard, especially the older you get.  Changing careers or ministries after you have been there a long time are most difficult.  You get in your comfort zone and change will surely throw you out of it. 

Just know this, in the society we live in today, most careers have a shelf-life. You are wise to recognize it before the inevitable happens.  You will be one step ahead.

Category: Communication, Personal Development, Relationships, Responsibility / Tags: , , , , , ,

When You Get Your Signals Crossed

Rodney Agan / September 26, 2012 / No comments

This year there is a lock-out of the Referees for the National Football League because of labor disputes.  Because of this, the NFL has hired replacement officials.  They have never officiated for a professional football game before (and it shows).  There are protests over almost every game they have called.

Recently, they made a game ending call that has stirred reaction from the fans in the stands all the way to the President of the United States.  The game ended with a play that was called “incomplete” by one referee and a “touchdown” by another.

Sometimes these kinds of things happen with our decision-making in life.  If you have your signals crossed about a major decision in life, you might want to consider the following thoughts.

1-    You may be out of your element.

2-    You may not have all the facts.

3-    Circumstances may be out of your control.

4-    You might want to get another opinion.

5-    Be confident about the decision before you make a definite call.

6-    Admit when you are wrong.

7-    Learn from your mistakes.

Category: Communication, Personal Development, Stress / Tags: , , , , , , ,

15 Minutes of Fame … Every Day

Rodney Agan / September 25, 2012 / No comments

We have all seen the news when a big event happens.  The news camera usually focusses on someone who doesn’t have a clue, and the reporter asks them questions.  This is their time to shine in the sun.  They were not expecting it nor were they prepared for it.  They say things on live television that will make them kick themselves later.  This was their 15 minutes of fame.

Think about it, 15 minutes is not much.  Having an “occasional win” just is not enough.  I want more in life and I believe you do to.  Why can’t we experience a “win” every day? It may be because we are not planning for it and certainly not ready for it.  Let me give you 7 things to do that will make you experience your “15 minutes of fame”, every day.

1-    Start the day with a priority and keep it.  If this were your last day on earth, what priority would you have? I know every day is not that drastic, so what about looking at all the things needing to be accomplished today, and start with the most important.

2-    Identify what energizes you most and do it.  “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” (Confucius.)  When you live and work in your strengths and not your stresses you will experience successes.

3-    Be consistent.  Noah didn’t build the ark in a day.  You may not change the world before sundown, but you can make a difference.  Consistent accomplishment is what brings completion and success.  Stay at it and don’t quit.

4-    Don’t allow less important things to distract you.  There will always be “rabbits” to chase.  When you start chasing them you will soon be lost and forget where you going originally.  Stay focused.

5-    Build off of yesterday.  Take what you have done and try to do it better.  Look at the things that you CAN do, and LIKE to do, and refine them.  Become the best at it you can be.

6-    Don’t miss an opportunity.  They say, “To make money you must have money.”  I might say, “To get opportunities you have to take advantage of opportunities”.  Success often moves by very quickly and you have to be aware or you might miss it.

7-    Learn to re-group.  Every day will not be a “win”.  Every day may not seem like a “headline day”.  Have no fear, learn from it, and re-group.  If God gives you another day, take it and use it to the best of your ability.  You will find that a new day brings new opportunities.  If you dwell on failures and missed opportunities you will miss some right in front of you today.

What is a “win” like for you?

Category: Communication, Leadership, Personal Development / Tags: , , , , , , ,

Leaders Can Be Choosers

Rodney Agan / September 20, 2012 / No comments

As a leader we often feel the obligation or compulsion to make everyone around us a leader.  I acknowledge that there may be leadership qualities in everyone but I am not talking about low-level leadership here. I am talking about developing people who have potential and desire to be a leader.

As a leader to leaders, I believe that we must be honest with people (and ourselves).  We cannot, nor should not, feel it is our calling from God to transform people into something that they are not wired to be.  So with that out-of-the-way, I believe as a leader, we should be more “choosy” about who we spend our resources and time to develop.

1-    Some people DON’T HAVE what it takes to be a real leader.  You can spend all of your life trying to develop someone who will never go beyond the norm.  They are not hard-wired to become who you are trying to make them.

2-    Some people WON’T DO what it takes to be a real leader.  You can spend all of your mental resources trying to train someone who is lazy and will never reach their potential, because they do not want to reach it.

3-    Some people DON’T KNOW they have what it takes to be a real leader.  They have been suppressed or never developed.  They do not see the potential.  They have never been exposed to success.

So what should a leader do?

1-    When they DON’T HAVE what it takes, find out where their strengths lie, and strengthen them.  Give them a goal to reach for.  Show them their worth and what “success” can actually look like for them.  Just because they are not a leader, does not mean they cannot be successful.

2-    If someone WON’T DO what it takes to be a real leader, make an attempt to show them the consequences of the life they are facing.  Help them see what they are missing and all that they could enjoy.  If they still do not want to do what it takes, move on.  There are others waiting for you to pour into their lives.

3-    When you find someone who DOESN’T KNOW they have what it takes to be a real leader, you have found the right person.  Their mind is not already polluted with pre-conceived ideas or baggage.  Use the clean slate to help them learn themselves and begin the incredible road to leadership.

Do you know people who fall into these categories? What have you done? What are other ideas we could use?

Category: Communication, Leadership, Personal Development, Teams / Tags: , , , , , ,

Jack Schaap Charged, Paul Chappell Speaks Out, and The Independent Fundamental Baptist Movement’s Next Steps

Rodney Agan / September 19, 2012 / No comments

Today, I recommend you read a blog written by Ed Stetzer. I have had the privilege to meet Ed on a couple of occasions and appreciate his candor and knowledge. In his blog, he joins with Dr. Paul Chappell from Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, CA. to discuss the response to a tragic situation involving Dr. Jack Schaap.

I have never been a fan of Jack Schaap, nor am I a follower of First Baptist Hammond. I do pray for his family and for the church that God would help them get through this. I applaud the church and it’s leadership for transparency in dealing with this matter.

Ed Stetzer and Pastor Chappell deal with this issue honestly and directly.

To that I say, “Thank you.”

Check it out here:

Jack Schaap Charged, Paul Chappell Speaks Out, and The Independent Fundamental Baptist Movement’s Next Steps

 

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Category: Communication, Leadership, Responsibility / Tags: , , , ,

Mental Weight Loss

Rodney Agan / September 17, 2012 / No comments

We are all on mental overload.  We carry smart phones that work for us, but it takes work to get them to work.  Technology is promoted to make us smarter, yet it dumbs us down.  We are all connected to events around the world instantaneously.  Generations that preceded us heard the local news and not much else.  Most of their mental capacity was focused on their faith, family, friends, and work.

Today, we are on mental overload and it is causing people to have mental breakdowns.  We have loaded our minds to capacity. As a result, we cannot sleep soundly or think rationally.  We need to go on a “Mental Weight-Loss Program”.  I would like to share some ways we can accomplish this kind of weight loss.

1-    Cut back on social media. 

There is no need to know the status of every friend on Facebook in “real time”.  Emails and voice mails can wait.  Untie the invisible tether from your phone and give your mind a break.

2-    Don’t feel the need to know everything.

Because of technology we can know everything about everybody around world at the touch of a button.  News travels around the world at almost the speed of thought.  Back away now and then and give your mind a break.

3-    De-clutter the junk.

Not only is good information abundant, so is bad information. Don’t waste your mental capacity with non-essential information.  It just takes up valuable space.

4-    Give up trying to please everyone.

How much time do you spend worrying or contemplating how to do things for other people?  Trying to please everyone will leave you frustrated and with feelings of inadequacy.

5-    Let go of past failures.

If it is in the past, it is behind you.  If there is something you can do about it, do it.  If not, let it go.  Don’t waste mental space beating yourself up or tearing yourself down.  Let it go.

6-    Exercise your right to forgive.

Forgiveness is your right.  When you don’t forgive someone, it is allowing them to live “rent free” in your mind.  Don’t give away this kind of valuable space to someone.  Forgive and move on.  You will be glad you did.

7-    Take an occasional mental “sabbatical”.

The Bible teaches us to take a rest every seven days.  That is good advice for your mind.  Occasionally, find a place to “dis-connect”.  Turn off the television, computer, phone, and radio.  Allow your mind to “think” on its own.  The renewing of your mind will help it rejuvenate.

What are other ways to have “mental weight loss”?

Category: Communication, Personal Development, Stress / Tags: , , , , ,

Do You Feel Misunderstood?

Rodney Agan / September 7, 2012 / No comments

Do you feel misunderstood? Well, do you?  Do people misunderstand how you really feel or what you are going through?  Often when we feel misunderstood it is because we think our life is much different from other people’s life. Face reality.  We are ALL under pressure.  We ALL have our good days and bad days.  The problem is when you start to feel misunderstood all the time.  When this happens, you have some things you may need to consider.

I want to name seven of them.  You may have more.

If you are feeling misunderstood:

1-    You may be lying to yourself. Are you trying to portray yourself as someone different from who you really are?  Look at yourself in an honest light.  If you do not like yourself, no one else will either.

2-    Lower your level of stress.  Sure, that is easier than it sounds, right?  Not entirely.  There are things in your life that you have no control over, but there are other things that you have complete control over.  You can change things like negative thinking, a bad attitude, speaking your mind, etc.

3-    Listen to the tone of your voice.  Do you sound accusatory or demeaning?  We usually do not realize how we sound to other people.  They take the tone of our voice and apply it to what they think we are saying.  Listen to a recording of yourself talk. That will wake you up.

4-    Are you cynical by nature?  When you have a cynical attitude, people simply hate to see you coming.  Without realizing it, you may have become critical of everything and everyone around you.  You may not realize it, but the people listening to you sure do.

5-    Do you come across as condescending?  No one likes being around people who act, or think they are, better than them.  It is easy to begin thinking you are the only one right.  When this happens, you begin to “talk down” to people, as though you are the authority.  This is a definite “turn off”.

6-    Ask yourself if you are hiding behind bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness? One of the reasons you may come across as having a bad attitude is because you might have one!  I’m not trying to hurt your feelings.  I am simply attempting to get you to deal with the inner problems you may have.  When you work through the things destroying you personally, it will be start rebuilding how people see you publicly.

7-    Don’t take yourself so seriously.  It is all right to laugh at yourself.  If you have faults…join the club.  Just get over them and jump in the pool and enjoy the day!

Do you have some thoughts to add?

Category: Communication, Personal Development, Stress / Tags: , , , , , , ,

Pessimist, Optimist, or Realist? Pt 3

Rodney Agan / September 5, 2012 / No comments

A Realist

In the first post we looked at a PESSIMIST.  In the second post we looked at an OPTIMIST.  In the last post we will look at a REALIST!

William Ward described it this way: “A Pessimist complains about the wind.  The Optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts the sails.”

It is dangerous to be a full-fledged optimist or pessimist.  I think of them as being a ditch on either side of the road.  The balance is found in taking the best of optimism and the best of pessimism, and blending the two.  You then have a realist!

According to www.dictionary.com, a realist is, “a person who tends to view things as they really are.”  Anything can be taken to the extreme, but I view a realist as a person who acknowledges the facts, analyzes them, and accepts the results.

1-    A realist needs to catch the excitement of the Optimist.  If you listen to an optimist you believe you can conquer the world.  You don’t know how yet, you are not sure when it should be done, or what it will take; but you do know it should be done.  The forward-thinking attitude of an optimist convinces you that whatever needs to be done, CAN be done.  You need that spirit.  It will move you beyond mediocrity.  A realist tends to continually plan, but is slow to move forward.  When realism collides with optimism something happens.

 2-    A realist needs to accept the honesty of the pessimist.  A realist wants to know the truth.  The pessimist will give truth but without love.  A pessimist will often look through the hype and see the heart of the matter.  This is good for a realist to see.  It allows the excitement of vision to be tempered by reality.

 3-    A realist can bring a pessimist and an optimist together.  Left alone, a pessimist or optimist will destroy each other.  When a realist holds the hand of the pessimist and an optimist, it brings the best of both worlds.

Are you a PESSIMIST, OPTIMIST, or REALIST? Leave a comment…

Category: Change, Communication, Personal Development / Tags: , , , ,
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