4 Voices - Dan Reiland

I get this regular email from Dan Reiland. He is awesome and he is a great coach.

Here is an edited version of something he emailed out recently - it's called "4 voices"

Have you ever noticed it's difficult to find quiet as a leader?
So many people are talking. The noise can be overwhelming.

We as church leaders must discern the voices and know what to do.

Tough times call for clarity and decisiveness, and there are a number of opinions in play.
What agendas should be pushed?
What ministries should get attention and resources?
Who should you help in the community?

And all the while you try to gain momentum for the primary vision and mission of your church - to seek and save the lost and raise up mature disciples of Christ. I suspect that if you are like most leaders, you've experienced that the mission can fall victim to the competing demands within a local church.

So what's a pastor to do?
How do you handle the voices that are competing for attention?
How do you decide who to listen to and understand what they are really saying?

Part of the answer is first in understanding the four big categories the "voices" generally fall into. This helps you to listen better.
Secondly, learning how to discern which voice is speaking makes a huge difference.
When life is easy, discerning is not so difficult. It's under pressure that it gets complicated.

Consider the following 4 as the big groups you hear from and then think about who is influencing you most.

1. God
2. Devil
3. Others
4. You

I found the bit on "others" interesting. Here is what Dan also wrote:

Sometimes creating a picture or categories will help you sort out what you are hearing as you listen and lead.
Conflict - Is it a problem to be solved or a tension to be managed?
Clamour - It is someone who just wants to take your time but doesn't want to change?
Collaboration - Is it a person who can be a positive partner to your ministry?
Counsel - Is it a person who needs help and you can provide that help?
Contribution - Is it a person who can truly join the team and help make a difference.

Thanks Dan!!

So, who are you listening to these days and how do you respond?