SE District News

MN Annual Conference

Published monthly for the leadership of the United Methodist Churches in the

SE District

Read to Lead

One of my favorite radio programs is “The Business Guru.”  This program talks about trends in business and innovation ideas in leadership.  During a recent interview, a well-known leadership coach and author was asked, “What is the most important part of leadership?”  The coach/author quickly replied, “You have to read to lead.”

 

Reading is essential in any leadership role.  Reading is even more essential in the leadership of pastoral ministry.

 

Ideas are rarely formed in a vacuum.  Imagination is often times sparked by receiving insight from another person’s idea.  Reading helps us expand our thought process and our area of awareness.  Our minds have limited range if left to our own conscious level.  When we are challenged by the thoughts of another person, we can expand our world view beyond the boundaries of our own limited thoughts.

 

I attended a preaching workshop a number of years ago.  When the workshop leader was asked what the primary block to good preaching was, he quickly responded, “Not reading.”  Not having sources of good outside information that helps connect the preacher to the outside world will quickly exhaust our library of personal illustrations.  Not to mention the fact that unless we stay connected to the world beyond the local church, we soon become irrelevant to the very community we have been called to serve.

 

Given the fact that reading has so many different forms today, we can stay informed and relevant far easier than ever before.  If you have an mp3 player, you can download news articles, lectures, books, and endless information.  The Bible is even available on mp3.  Many articles are available for free at web sites.  Books and other media are available through the public library.  The great thing about mp3 players is you can listen to them anywhere.  Listen while your running, mowing the yard, or while you’re relaxing. Entire books are available on CD.  You can listen to a book while you drive, are in your office, or at home.

 

Newer cell phones will also play mp3 files and even video files.  While I have not explored the possibilities of this media, my daughters and their husbands watch TV on their cell phones.  Makes my wonder why we have a 27” TV at home.

 

In a changing world information is vital.  It keeps us connected to the trends in our society and to the needs in our communities.  Connecting to trends and meeting needs are always great opportunities for new ministries.

 

You have to read to lead.  When I left my previous appointment to come to the district office, I left behind about thirty boxes of books.  I thought they would better serve the good people of Hutchinson than sitting on my shelf.  Over the past seven years I think I have replaced most of those books I left behind with new books and new ideas.  I realize the importance of staying connected to God, my leadership role and my personal spiritual growth are always enhanced through reading or receiving information in the variety of formats in which it is now available.

When was the last time you read a good book or listened to a good book?  You have to read to lead.

 

Blessings,

Mike Wuehler

Make Disciples of Jesus Christ

March 2008