7 Commandments of Current Reality

“How’s it going?”

This simple question is a nice way to start a conversation and most of us ask it routinely. The truth is, we don’t often intend to receive an actual, in-depth response.

However, for the leader who is intentional about the health and effectiveness of their organization, this question is as critical as it is purposed.

For the pastor, staff and team leaders of the local church, this question along with the real answers, is even more so.

Why? Because, what’s at stake matters eternally.

So, how does a leader and lead team go about staying in touch with current reality? 

Pastor Andy Stanley (Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast) has given some great advice when it comes to staying grounded and in touch with the current reality of your organizational culture. It’s called The 7 Commandments of Current Reality…

1. Thou shalt not pretend.
2. Thou shalt not turn a blind eye.
3. Thou shalt not exaggerate.
4. Thou shalt not shoot the bearer of bad news.
5. Thou shalt not hide behind the numbers.
6. Thou shalt not ignore constructive criticism.
7. Thou shalt not isolate thyself.

These 7 Commandments need little explanation but merit a lot of exploration. (Check out more at Andy Stanley – Next Generation Leader – 5 Essentials for Those Who Will Shape the Future)

I know I’ve been guilty of breaking every one of them to some degree. Most leaders can get very focussed on their own responsibilities and lose sight of the “big picture.” Again, guilty as charged on my part! How about you? Are you bending, if not breaking, any of these?

I recommend you take these 7 Commandments for a “test drive” soon.

Carve out time for your team to process your current reality well with much prayer throughout. It may take several sessions to get you all on the same page. Send these 7 Commandments ahead of time along with what specific area of your ministry you are addressing or, perhaps, if you are hoping to gauge the overall health of your team and church.

You won’t regret it in the long run, though it may be painful for a while. Becoming not only self-aware, but organizationally-aware can only lead to greater clarity of vision, values and God’s unique will for the ministry you love if all hearts have a “seek first the kingdom” attitude.

Need some help coming to terms with your current reality and developing a plan to address it? Let me know! Email us at peakpastors@gmail.com and let’s talk about how we can partner to change your current reality into the unique vision the Lord has for you and your ministry.

Let us help you ask, answer and address the critical question, “How’s it going?”