Taking Responsibility
One of the challenges I have
been taking on lately is that of trying to find and help develop leaders who
are willing to be held accountable. Strong
commitment, consistency, reliability and responsibility are characteristics
that are found wanting in our society today.
These attributes are direly needed for the sustainability of the
programs we attempt.
Recently I was listening to
an online report, by a friend of mine, who is a well know psychologist. In his report, a book was
mentioned called Q.B.Q. (The Question Behind the Question). I found the above-mentioned report very
intriguing, because one of the areas of my interest and a part of the ministry
in which I am currently involved, is that of facilitating. That of course requires the ability to ask a
lot of questions. However, one of the demands
of a good facilitator is to come up with interesting, appropriate and effective
questions. Are the questions I ask
relevant or are they ineffective questions?
(IQ’s) The whole purpose of the
discussion, by this renowned psychologist had to do with
taking responsibility.
A while back, I was challenged with a question
directed to the point of responsibility.
It was one of the better questions I have been asked in some time. That is, are my questions motivated
properly? Do I raise a question with the
clear motivation and intention to spark interest in the conversation or study
in which I am involved, or does my questioning only stir up contention, and
possibly bring dissension among the listeners, over some emotionally charged
question.
A case in point is directed
to some of our Bible studies. Obviously
there are all sorts of doctrinal questions in scripture that can easily agitate
a group of believers, and get them off and running in the wrong direction on a
given issue. Therefore, if my questions
are not motivated properly, what starts out as being an effective, encouraging
and spirit filled discussion, could derail and turn into a disastrous discourse
of eschatological determinations on the end times, or predestinated supralapsarianism.
While
in the process of preparing this writing I received and e-mail from my psychologist friend that I thought was relevant for this
article.
I think we should all learn how to
ask better questions and the first one should always be: why am I asking
a question to begin with…. then be responsible for what comes out of our mouth.
Therefore, I think it wise
that I should prayerfully consider my motivation for questions during my planning
and preparation for the coming study or program. I should concentrate on questions that will be
edifying to our Master, and that will bring out the good spiritual qualities
among the audience of believers. If I am
effective in my questions, perhaps I can add too the spiritual growth and
accountability of the group, and therefore enable the sustainability of the
program. I challenge all of you with responsibility and
calling of being the leader God intended you to be, to do the same.
Dock Caton 7/02/12
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