I recently started a blog series called, GOALS. I have invited some of my friends, mentors, and flat out some of the GREATEST LEADERS IN THE COUNTRY to help me blog on this subject.

My next guest blogger is Anthony Milas, Lead Pastor at GraniteUnited.com. Pastor Anthony is my mentor and true friend. He has been like a father in the ministry, a brother in the trenches, and an amazing friend through every tough time in my life. I would take bullets for this great man of God. Seriously, he has modelled biblical love and leadership for over a decade in my life now. I am so grateful for him and Christy and their undying loyalty and support toward me, my wife, our children, and our wonderful community of Christ followers called The Dialogue Church. If you want to grow as a leader in this life then pray for a mentor like Anthony Milas!

Here is Anthony Milas on GOALS:

Why Goals? Is it really that big of a deal that we set goals? NOT REALLY, if you want to spend your life wondering WHAT IF! I mean the reason there are so many WOULDA, COULDA, SHOULDA people (who have heard all their lives about their “potential”) is that they actually never took the time to DREAM BIG then set clear, calculated, God-ordained goals in order to reach their dream.

Let me repeat: way to many “leaders” never take the time to establish clearly defined and measurable goals to use as check points along the journey to the ultimate dream of what God created them to be and to accomplish with the gift of life!

Funny thing about GOALS is there are a lot of people who set goals for us. Our employers set goals for us, school teachers set goals for their students, the government sets goals on every road we drive on, and if you’re married even our spouses set goals called HONEY-DO’S.

Why is it that so many CHRIST FOLLOWERS lack Goals in their spiritual walk?

I think there are a few reasons…

1. We forget what is really at stake…eternity in heaven or hell!

2. Fear of failure. Nobody likes to fall flat on their face, but if we are never attempting something so big that God has to step in then we aren’t practicing faith at all!

3. Fear of accountability. Let’s face it, none us like being told what to do. But if we don’t humble ourselves under the amazing power of accountability growth will never occur. Goals shared in public create an amazing accountability that propel us forward (even when we are failing).

4. We lack a community of “cheerleaders” to encourage us and challenge us to DREAM BIGGER! Teamwork makes the dream-work! No great work of God has been accomplished without a great team for God. Every great visionary leader has a team of great leaders carrying out the vision!

The truth is we should not fear setting goals but we should eagerly set them, strive for them, and show those watching that OUR GOD IS ABLE.

Recently, I had the privilege of learning from an amazing team from NorthwayChurch.tv just outside Albany, NY. Lead Pastor, Buddy Cremeans is an explosive leader, church planter, and biblical communicator. Pastor Buddy planted his church just over 6 years ago and now has close to 2,000 people gathering every Sunday.

Here is BuddyCremeans.com discussing the importance of creating a culture of honor:

HONOR THE HOUSE

I would love to lob some questions your way…

• How do you approach God’s House?

• What’s your attitude when you come to God’s House?

• What your attitude when you serve in The House?

I know for me, too often I can approach God’s House like I’m doing Him a favor. No, I don’t ever come out and say it like that…but it’s there subliminally. I may hide behind statements like…I’ve given my life for the church! I’ve started a church! I’ve sacrificed, C’mon I’m a Pastor….blah blah blah.

Can you hear it? It’s a subtle attitude.

Remember, we defined Honor as our attitude and approach.

When any of us approach the God of the Universe and His House like we are doing Him a favor….its the most arrogant thing we could do.

The Net effect? We dishonor The House.

God convicted me of this big time entering into 2009. I knew Northway Church had to radically change and it must start with me. What did that look like? Reader’s digest version is this.

First my attitude, then my approach. I stopped whining and started preaching! It didn’t matter who liked it or not…I just let it rip! Next, I had to release honor with those that I lead. (I’ll talk more about that in my upcoming post).

Then, I called out dishonor whenever I saw it in leaders whether staff or volunteers.

I had to reset the bar…then guard the bar. And I had to be ok that we may lose people.

Did we? We lost some. Ironically, we gained so much more. God sent us more people, but MORE than that, Together we brought back Honor to God’s House.

Consequently, God has honored us.

God Honors Honor.

Would you describe your church as a House of Honor?

How would you describe your team’s attitude? Is it one of honor?

Do you Honor your team?