Over the next few days I am going to share from my time in Cuba this month. I am still reeling from the joy and connection that this trip gave me. God provided. He set us with time with the FCA (sports ministry) leaders, and the outcome seems to be much deeper and longer than we might know.
These people are committed to making a difference in the lives of others because Jesus made a difference in their lives. One of the things I got to do on this trip was teach some leaders lessons as I encouraged them to go to the next level in the way they deal with each other, the way they lead others and the way they make themselves stronger leaders who are walking with Jesus.
Here are some notes from one of those sessions. These come from a session taught years ago by Bill Hybels about living with a legacy mindset. Read on!
Leaders are visionaries by nature. We see pictures of the future that produce passion. Great leaders understand that God treasures people more than strategies and vision.
The culture is always changing around us, but the fact is our culture will only be as healthy as the leader wants it to be. Everyone wins when a leader gets better. We are better when we are living healthy, strong lives that are making a difference where participants are joining in the work.
John 10:11-15 NLT
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Know who you are and who you are working with. These verses speak of hirelings and owners. Hirelings have a short-term with a ladder-climbing mindset who don’t sacrifice for long-term goals. Legacy leaders or owners address long-term culture with sustainability issues.
Praise God that He knows us and has infuses us with excellent sense of His calling as well as opportunities to bring others along. God has given you enormous freedom to choose what we do with our lives. Choose to lead small and safe – to be a hireling – or you can be a legacy leader who leaves something beautiful behind.
What do you want your legacy to be? That is a huge question that I challenge these Cuba FCA leaders with. Alex leads this ministry and regional leaders are Vladimir, Diocelis, Mykel, and Odievies. Their wives were with us too. They have chosen to make a difference, and one of the things that spoke volumes to me was their praying for each other, serving each other and choosing to walk together even through the hardest of days.
James 1:12
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
The price tag is high, but the outcome is worth the price. The grandest vision ever was the redemption of humanity, and it cost Jesus his life. The next level for these men and the ministry God has given them is incredible.
Pray for this ministry and the time ahead. Pray for the growth needed. Pray for the athletes who will hear and receive the Gospel that lives will be changed and discipleship will be taking place.
The outcome is worth the price. It is an honor to partner with these great people with a God given and big vision. They really want to leave a legacy!
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