Sometimes leaders lead, some times not. Sometimes the reality is leaders are followers. Other times they stand still and bog down. The proof of good leaders is an often misunderstood word, MOMENTUM. The essence of a united team is momentum. How do you move a team to critical mass and create velocity? When you “plan forward”, you always have the next thing in place before you finish the current action. If you want to grow and keep good people this must not be a delayed reaction. The words out of your mouth always need to be ... “This is what we do next.” So many times, I see wonderful people attracted to the ministry but no direction is prescribed by the leader and therefore, over time and without an immediate step, they lose interest and so the possibility of momentum fades. People often expend tremendous energy and resources to start something, but because of the leaders “one step up" mentality, it only goes one step and never proceeds to the next, and often times goes back to the starting point. The ideas and plans never make it past the first step on the ladder. Frustration and cynicism begin to fester in the leaders and transfer into the organization as a whole. Don’t always subscribe to the idea of the convenience of all. So many times I watch as the dates and times are changed for a specific meeting so as to accommodate those needing to attend. "Well, will Tuesday work or would it be better on Wednesday?" How about you; what is best for you? This weakens the organization and what we stand for. It is important to set day, time and meeting place and make the meeting important; set expectations high regarding the next meeting in your plans. Too many false starts make the organization or business look weak and ill prepared. Always bring value and people will want to be on time and attend because they don’t want to miss anything. Set high standards and speak of them often as you seek to reinforce them. Build from meeting to meeting your numbers and your committed and dedicated followers. Teach them how to invite others on this exciting adventure and watch as they catch the team Spirit. Start to include as many as you can in your meetings and build people who in turn will build the ministry. Always think in terms of building on the ministry rather than just building in it. Learn to delegate responsibility as well as leadership talents and gifts. Look for others to handle details and stay focused on the "MAIN THING.” When and if you become jaded or cynical, it is time to take a step back and always remember the power of one. One new contact, one new trainee. One new Good News Club, one new pastor or church member, one new board member.. one more child for Jesus. YOU are only one contact away from a explosion of growth in ministry. See every opportunity and intersection as an excellent adventure with God leading. God places the contacts at the intersections of your life for a reason. Never forget the Added Advantage every believer has in leadership..the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is divine leadership, discernment and directional guidance. This is only offered to Christians not worldly or secular leaders. We should recognize the leading of God Himself in our lives and unabashedly refer to it everywhere we assemble followers. Most Christians today suffer from an identity crisis and never thank God for the gift of Himself living in us, always ready when called upon. God blessed all of us who name Christ as our Savior with the Added Advantage that we can think and act much bigger than the world. Read John 14-17 and see for your self, then read the book "The God I Never Knew" by Morris or "The Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. Remember, it is just as easy to think Big as it is to think small. Try it and watch what happens. God is Bigger than the biggest. It has been said, 90% of success is showing up. Or in the words of Mary, Jesus' Mom, ”Just do it “.