Motiv(ate)

        I have had the privilege to work on many ministry teams and to lead a few. I am by no means an expert or an authority on the subject, but over the next several posts, I want to share a few concepts I have learned along the way. Each post I will take what I call an (ate) word and talk about how it applies to your leadership and life. Each word that we will discuss ends with the suffix (ate).  The leadership guru, John Maxwell, says, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." I have found this to be very true in my own life. A good leader can make or break a department or organization. A good leader has the ability to figure out where your group or church is, where you need to go and chart a course to get you there. This post I am starting with the word:

          Motivate. This is where it all begins for a leader. Some synonyms of this word are- excite, stimulate, instigate, spark, provoke. This all starts with YOU! You have to get excited. You have to believe in your cause. You have to take action. Before you can motivate others, you must motivate yourself. One of the funniest passages of scripture is found in 2Sa 18, "v19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the Lord hath avenged him of his enemies. 20 And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead. 21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran. 22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready? 23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi."

        I love this guy, Ahimaaz! Talk about motivation. This man was so excited about what God was doing for His people. He just HAD to run and spread the good news. He did not even have any specific details to share. He just could not sit by idly. He was ready to run! This is how we must be as leaders. Full of passion and excitement for all of the great things God has done and that He is going to do. We need to get motivated and get ready to run! We might not have all the details figured out yet, but that will not stop us from running after the things of God. 

        There needs to be passion burning inside of you for what you are trying to accomplish. YOU must become the biggest cheerleader of your ministry/department. I am not saying you have to walk around singing and dancing like you are in a musical all the time (although your team would probably get a good kick out of it). I am talking about a God-given energy and enthusiasm. I know every person has a different personality and skill set, but in your own way, you must find the excitement and passion to lead. You must find your WHY. Why is this important? Why are we doing this? Why does it matter? This will help you develop a clear vision and purpose for WHAT you are doing and HOW you are going to get others to follow you. Be like a race horse itching with anticipation to hear the bell ring and signal the time for you to run!

        If you are full of fire and passion, there is a good chance that it will naturally overflow onto your team. If you are leading a ministry team, your entire team needs to catch that same purpose. You are the match that lights the fire of faith in your team! One of my favorite teams found in scripture can be discovered in 1Sa 14, "v4 And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah. 6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few. 7 And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart."
 

        Jonathan peaked between two rocks and got a glimpse of what was happening on the other side. He was filled with passion and excitement and it quickly bubbled out onto his armor bearer. Jonathan said, "It may be that the Lord will work for us!" Perhaps we will accomplish something great. Possibly we will see good results. Just maybe we will have victory. The size of their team did not define the size of their dream! Let God fill you with the excitement of possibilities. In prayer, peak through to the other side. Let God give you a glimpse of the great things He has in store. There could be great things that come out of your ministry. Perhaps someone will be saved because of your team's efforts. Possibly an incredible revival could start with you and your small team. It does not matter the size of your church. It does not matter the amount of money in the ministry account. The size of your team does not define the size of your dream! Your revival will not be contained by the size of your building. God can save by many or by few! All it starts with is one person getting motivated by the possibilities. That one small spark God puts in you can soon spread through your church and team like a wildfire. 

        You can do this! God has given you what you need to get started. For now, all you need to do is get up and get moving. Run after the things of God and motivate everyone else along the way! What could it be that God wants to do through you and your team?