Dr. Jonathan M. Sackier provides medical information to members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. In a recent article titled, "A Time to Say No: Ten Reasons Why Flying is a Bad Idea," Dr. Sackier identifies some issues that may lead to a decision not to fly. I think 2 of his 10 reasons provide good advice to clergy and lay leaders as they pilot our Disciples congregations.
The two reasons are: (1) You sense that something isn't right, and (2) You have "get-there-itis." Listen to Dr. Sakier's words to pilots:
Something Isn't Right
"Ever had a day where you just don't feel "right"? Maybe you are coming down with a cold; maybe a conversation you had with a loved one or colleague is troubling you. Maybe today is the anniversary of a sad life event? If you have any inkling you are not on top of your game, don't get on top of the clouds."
Get-There-Itis
"That most fatal aviation-related disease. If you must be somewhere at a given time, leave early or let someone else fly. Too many grieving families would rather their loved one had missed the birthday party; too many business colleagues would have forgiven you blowing off the meeting. Defer your flight. In my experience each time I have done that, and not pushed my personal envelope, I have caught up with a movie I wanted to watch or had a fascinating chat with some nice person in a hotel bar."
Congregational pastors and leaders, if you sense that something isn't right, it probably isn't right. Do not pretend that all is well when it is not. Trust your gut instinct. Go into the discernment mode and give thought to the dynamics at play. Lean on your Regional Executive for advice and help. As a congregational leader who provides care to the people: "If you have any inkling you are not on top of your game, don't get on top of the clouds." Metaphorically speaking, taking time for discernment might just save your life and your ministry.
Again, congregational pastors and leaders, if you are impatiently wanting to get somewhere or to take your congregation somewhere before building the needed consensus, chances are you have contracted that most fatal leadership-related disease, "get-there-itis." The more you push yourselves and your congregations to fly in new directions, without proper briefing, conversation, and consensus-building, the greater the chance is that you will stall. And when the stall alarms go off either you will push the yoke forward and steady the wings or ignore the alarms and fall from the sky. Every good leader needs to be prepared for the time when stall alarms sound and know how to provide corrective action. Wanting to get somewhere real fast, without putting in the time, attention, and preparation needed, jeopardizes everything you have been trying to accomplish.
The good doctor concludes his advice like this: "Fly well, fly often, but fly safe. Please." Such is the same advice I would offer those of us set apart and called to pilot congregational life.
Flyingly yours,