Invisible Enemies

Today it’s pouring rain!

And I’m fine with that because I’ve got a nice day of watching football from the comfort of my couch ahead…

But I can’t help think back to sunnier days.

Like this summer at soccer practice...

I'm absolutely loving playing indoor soccer with people from our church.

I mentioned it from the pulpit so now a bunch of people joined the team and we have two full squads.

Anyways, our practice was actually outdoors at a really nice middle-school field in our area.

The sun was shining.

A cool breeze was blowing.

But something menacing was afoot...

Pollen.

Yep, the invisible menace!

Because here in the Willamette valley where I live is the grass seed capital of the world...

And every spring/summer we get a monster of an allergy season!

For the past 10+ years I've only been mildly impacted...

But this season something has really bothered me.

I spent last night sniffling, sneezing, and blinking my way through practice as the pollen ruthlessly attacked my sinuses!

But it wasn't just me.

Several other people were experiencing the same uncomfortable symptoms.

And it reminds me of an important lesson for leadership.

Invisible things can change the environment.

What are the invisible factors affecting the culture, presence, and atmosphere of your church?

On Sundays?

At groups?

In the kids program?

Among the volunteers?

The invisible "allergen" might be an unhealthy team member that spreads rumors and gossip.

It could be a person who isn't aligned with the vision.

It might be a low-capacity individual that you need to reassign to another team.

Or it could be something about the physical environment.

Carpet that hasn't been updated since the Carter administration.

Bathrooms that never get cleaned.

You might not see it but the effect is present.

In my coaching group for pastors we spend a lot of time dealing with these "invisible" factors.

Because just like last night...

What's unseen can have a very real impact on what's happening!

As a leader, you only win when your team wins.

That's why learning to recognize the environmental factors at your church is so valuable.

Well, that's all I've got for you today my friend, I hope it stirs a helpful thought!

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Talk soon,

Pastor Jake