Hugh and Tye are both in similar leadership situations - family, business, community, church and civic groups. Tye might read this book to gain a more secure footing at work. While Hugh can see that these principles apply in all relational situations. After several months have passed since reading the book... Tye wants to be like Hugh.

In other words, I pray that there is a multiplication effect after I receive a book from you. Not only do I recognize my need for growth in leadership praxis, but I will incorporate the practical wisdom to help families, especially fathers who want to properly and successfully lead. These fathers are often thrust into leadership roles with little to no preparation. They might be a successfully manager at work, but can't seem to transfer that success to their home.

Not only do I promise to read the book, I'll put it into practice and sow it again, making a difference.

Thanks for your consideration.

Fr. Wade+

Thanks for sharing this post.

My first thoughts were:
"This could be a book."
"Isn't this a Reality TV show on TBN or GODtv?"
"Where's the CNET or Macworld-like comparison review chart for churches?"
"Does AAA publish a Church Guide with ratings?"
"Maybe the Newspaper could publish a 'Church wanted' classified section."
"There is a post for the Orthodox Church: 'Twelve Things I Wished I'd Known Before I Visited an Orthodox Church." http://www.frederica.com/12-things/

But then I think I got a little more serious. I wondered:
"Who do I know that I've seen live a Christ-centered life so I can go to Church with them?"
"Did I call the United Way or the City Chamber of Commerce to find out which Churches are proactive in ministering to the homeless, the poor, the prisons, the elderly and orphans?"
"Did I bother to read the Church's Vision, Mission and Purpose Statements and compare their activity to their objectives?"

or

"Did I just go to find the next best Christian ministainment venue?"

Just some of my rambling thoughts.

Your mileage may vary.
Peace be with you!

Fr. Wade+
Lakeland, FL http://YouTube.com/FriarWade

and a final comment for the night...

Someone once told me, concerning submission & authority, that we are not in submission to someone who has authority over us, unless we think that they are wrong. Otherwise we are just in agreement with authority. But there's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning!

Thanks for your insightful posts!

Fr. Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Have I ever faced this predicament? YES
How did I respond? POORLY

I had just graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. I was working as an associate pastor in charge of the music, praise & worship, serving as youth pastor, and was just about to be made responsible for the finances of the church. (My undergraduate was in Financial Management & Computer Data Processing.)

There had been some questions raised by some of the elders as to the whereabouts of certain "designated" funds and other areas of concern. One Sunday night prior to the evening worship service, the pastor assembled the staff, elders and other leaders for a "question and answer" meeting. I really didn't want to be there and reminded myself to keep my mouth shut. But alas, that didn't happen.

After one elderly "elder," who was trying to hold back the tears as he was reading off a few questions for the pastor, was continually being interrupted by this much younger pastor. I spoke up. "Will you please just allow the man to read his questions?" I asked, feeling like a defender of the weak. But it just didn't stop there.

The pastor gave a spiel about Moses and Korah and how they were all in rebellion. I spoke again, "Well that's the trouble with this church. You're running it like it's in the Old Covenant!" I don't remember much after that, except that it was time to go "praise the Lord!" (Yeah, right!)

On Tuesday when I arrived for staff meeting, I was greeted with, "What are you doing here? Didn't you get the letter?" Fortunately, they just happened to have an extra copy on hand for me to read, informing me that I had been relieved of all administrative responsibilities..."

The church didn't survive. The pastor finally left and turned the "ministry" over to someone else.

But I was wounded. Looking back, I can only speculate as to what would have happened if I had just zipped the lip. But then maybe I would have been put in charge of the finances and open to suspicion. However, I believe that I should have opted for a more controlled response. So many times I've "gotten up on my high horse," feeling satisfied and justified because I stood for my principles, only later to discover that the manner in which I stood totally discredited my principles.

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Interesting. How about tasers & cattle prods?
:-)
Fr. Wade+
Lakeland, FL http://BlueKirk.org

Back in the day, I used to take three Bibles with me to Church: NIV, Greek-Interlinear and Amplified. Now I use my iPhone when I preach or I take notes with it. I've recorded, photographed and even sent out a tweet or two if so inspired. I've even sent a couple of text messages to someone instead of passing a written note. If a Church has a "no use of electronic devices durning service" sign, I simply look for the exit sign.

Hi Michael,
If Apple just 'happens' to grant you a few iPads to give away...
remember me! :-)
Have a great week!

w+

As St. Patrick's Day is quickly approaching, I have been reading about the lives of the 'Celtic Saints.' One jaw-dropping read is by Kathie Walters. Her short 96 page book, "Celtic Flames," highlights the lives of Ireland's pioneers in the faith – Brendan, Brigid, Columba, Comgall and Patrick. I see 'passion' written on every page!

I was captivated with Gary Vaynerchuk's powerful statement, "... we are living in a day and age ... where anybody in the world who has enough passion and skill set around that passion, can go out and buy a $200 flip cam and put that voice to the world and then build a business around that. It's staggering. It's game-changing." That type of passion immediately reminded me of a quote in "Celtic Flames:"

"One report of Patrick's says, 'On occasion, I would give presents to the kings, beside the hire that I gave to their sons who accompany me... Moreover, you know by proof how much I paid to those who were judges throughout all the districts which I frequented most... so that ye may enjoy me. Daily I expect either slaughter or to be defrauded, or reduced to slavery, or to an unfair attack of some kind."

I see that St. Patrick possessed enough passion and he utilized his 'skill set around that passion' – not just spiritual skill, but wisdom and resources (paying judges and kings) – to bring his voice to his world. He did this in spite of unfair policies and fierce 'competition.'

I have the passion and the skill set around that passion. I want to effectively harness both passion and skill set, using every applicable form of communication, to bring my voice to the world AND appropriately monetize it.

I would appreciate a copy of "Crush It!" to aid me in my mission.

Thanks & Peace!

Fr. Wade+
Lakeland, FL

"There is always a better way... " is the graphic message on my friend's mousepad. This inspiring quote - attributed to Thomas Alva Edison - has remained indelibly imprinted on my mind from the moment my friend shared it with me. (He wouldn't part with his mousepad.)

When I was in high school, feeling the call of God on my life, I was looking for a mentor - an experienced man of God to guide me. I even offered to volunteer my time to one minister, offering to carry his briefcase and shine his shoes. That approach, although ernest and sincere, didn't work.

Unfortunately, the minister didn't have an alternative suggestion for me.

Now, many years later, I have discovered 'Spiritual Direction,' 'Life Coaching,' 'Mastermind' and 'Band of Brothers' constructs. I'm actively working (and praying) on the development of a construct that combines the wisdom and disciplines of the Church Fathers in a 21st century North American culture.

"There is always a better way..." and from your notes, this book sounds like 'a better way.' If it has caused you to 're-think' everything. It should prove to be an essential tool for my work, both as a priest, father and coach.

Thank you for your consideration in sending me a free copy.

Fr. Wade+
Lakeland, FL
http://Twitter.com/FriarWade