The past few years of LDI have given me an opportunity to confront a lot of my own interpersonal issues (usually centered around my pride of course).  And being in leadership, I also am on the receiving end of many of these same issues.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned:  Give your leaders the opportunity to respond (especially to say “no”).  I honestly have been terrible at this, which is bad because it is respectful and enables them to do their job without me bringing unnecessary social pressure.  Note that I am using “leader” generically, this person could be your manager, boss, teacher, pastor, parent, small group leader, etc.

What’s this look like?  A few examples with some guiding rules:

1)  I asked one of my leaders to do something through e-mail, CC’ing the person who would execute on that.  I then realize that there’s a process I need to go through that will take time.  Now that leader is put into a position to respond both to me and that other person.
Rule:  Do not CC other people when asking your leader something via e-mail.

2)  I wanted one of my leaders to change a scheduled item and asked others about the change before talking to my leader.  In effect, I was “gathering support”.  Again, this puts the leader in a hard place with everyone else I’ve talked to.
Rule:  Do not “lobby” for support for your ideas before running them by your leader.

3)  I put one of my leaders on the spot to make a decision during a class time.
Rule:  Bring things up in private!

4)  I responded to something my leader sent out via e-mail, pointing out that person’s error while CC’ing everyone else.  Turns out I overreacted and misunderstood that person’s heart behind the matter.
Rule:  Bring accusations, complaints, concerns directly to your leader, preferably in person and not in e-mail.

(Note, I am assuming a reasonable relationship and available communication with your leader. There are of course other circumstances that would affect the aforementioned rules)

We saw a bumper sticker today that said “If only closed minds came with closed mouths”.

First thing to point out, this statement is closed minded.  It is quite interesting how oppressive people are who tote “open mindedness”.

As a Bible-believing Christian, some would say that I am closed-minded.  But note that closed minded is “not being receptive to new ideas or information”.  I am open to hearing new ideas (although within reason of course, as we could spend all day every day listening to other people) but I do not believe in those that do not line up with the truthful authority I acknowledge: the Bible.  Rejecting falsehood is not closed minded, it is wise.

As you might have guessed from our total lack of posts, September hit us like a ton of bricks.  On top of starting LDI and ramping up ministry, we had a major bug infestation and a few bouts of sickness.  But God is good and He got us through it all (see the October letter).

September was a HUGE month for us raising support!  It was our biggest yet.  Thank you all who helped us out!  For anyone else interesting in supporting us please contact us as soon as possible!

(click on the icon to open the Newsletter in PDF)

September Update Letter - Info on what we'll be doing this year

October 2009 Updates - Updates on Luke plus how God has gotten us through some difficulties