Here’s a reality of leading a church, or a small group, or any other organization. God gives the people in that organization ideas about what it should look like (see 1 Corinthians 12). And, if they are Americans, they will not be shy about informing you of those ideas.

And there are two realities to be balanced. First, it’s the job of the leader to bless and encourage those ideas to grow, to empower people to fill out their part of the dream. But the other reality is that often people think that their part of the vision is the MAIN part of the vision. That’s totally understandable- God has put that passion in their heart. But the job of the leader is to keep the church healthy and balanced.

Depending on who I’m talking too, our church service is too long or not long enough. The sermons are too intellectual or too practical. We do too much or not enough social justice, outreach, prophesying, praying, eating, connecting, and on and on.

The temptation is always to become detached. When a person comes with a new, passionate idea, the inner alarm bells can say “Here we go again, someone else with all the answers for church.” But this must be guarded against. Because it is the God of the universe that deposit these dreams in people’s hearts. Detachment and cynicism are poison.

How do stay balanced but not detached?