Just To Be Clear

I have read many books on leadership. Most have been helpful. Many have been redundant. Several have been fresh. Of all the leadership books under my belt, I believe Axiom to be one of, if not the best I have ever read. Bar none.

It is full of practical advice gleaned from many years of ministry and leadeship. Bill Hybels could have been a CEO in virtually any corporation in America, but he was called to lead the most challenging of all organizations- the local church. The book is written in brief chapters focusing on a phrase that is easily remembered. I want to share this book with my staff and with any leader. It's just that good. I will read and reread this one.

I have been reading a chapter a day since I got the book from a friend who gave me a gift certificate for Christmas. (Thanks, Kathy!) Today's chapter is entitled "Just To Be Clear." I share a couple of salient points that preachers need to hear:

"One of the most consistent cries I hear from church attendees all over the world is the cry for clarity from their pastors. It's the cry for a certain trumpet sound from their church leaders. It's the cry that says, `Look, there are a dozen things we could be doing on Sunday mornings, but we choose to be part of God's church. We get the kids up. We make the drive. We sit here, all suited up, ready to run this way or that. Tell us to charge, tell us to retreat... just tell us! And please make it clear!'"

"Great leaders know they must be crystal clear with their trumpet sounds."

"At this stage in my life and leadership I now know I have to go back yet again and add the `just to be clear` step."

Get the book and read it. And sound the trumpet clearly.

Just to be clear.