Jul 1
How do I get into THAT circle?
Wednesday July 1st, 2009 – Permalink
A fellow young pastor asked me this recently. He was sincere. Really wanted to know how he could get meetings with those he perceived to be big name pastors. And while I’m (pretty) sure his heart was in the right place, his approach couldn’t have been more off the mark. And I told him so.
It’s natural to want to learn from the best, and to associate personally with the leaders you admire. And you may get that opportunity-in God’s timing. In the meantime, the worst thing you can do is become a ministerial skirt chaser. You don’t want to be that guy. Trust me. You don’t. That guy gets avoided.
Now, pursue relationships with people you want to learn from. Be proactive about asking for meetings with those who are beyond you in experience and wisdom. But don’t do it to be part of that circle. Do it because you want to add to and receive value from the relationship. And because you really want to learn.
When someone contacts Elevation wanting to meet with me, they’re typically directed to the staff member who could most effectively serve them. Because 99 times out of 100, I’m not the most appropriate person to answer their question, meet their need, or fulfill their request. Usually they’re grateful. Other times they’re highly offended.
And when they treat the staff member trying to assist them like dirt, stepping on top of them in an effort to get to me, it tells me so much about their character and motivation:
They don’t want what’s in my heart, they want what’s in my hand.
Don’t meet with people so you can tweet that you met with them. In fact, a lot of the people we’re dying to meet with have probably answered all the questions we plan to ask them in a book, on a blog, or in a sermon.
God will open doors of relationship and friendship that will blow your mind. He’s done it for me beyond my wildest imagination. While you’re waiting for those doors to open, maximize the relationships he’s already provided, and seek to give more than receive. If you’re faithful with little, He’ll give you more.
