Investing in People

Several years ago, I asked God to give me some clear direction as to where my priorities should lie in the remaining years of my time leading NICS/Oasis. Because of the reality that “our days are numbered,” I desire to see what’s left of my time here on earth have meaning and purpose. God made three priorities clear to me, which I’d like to share:

1. A permanent NICS facility: We had moved around from place-to-place like the “nomads” we are, but as we grew larger, constant moving was taking its toll on all of us. God miraculously provided within one short year!
2. Major funding for NICS’ SEED fund: This funding will allow the ministry of NICS to expand. We continue to wait upon His timing in this matter.
3. Investment in the lives of NICS’ emerging leaders: God clearly impressed on my heart the need to spend significant time investing myself in the lives of emerging leaders.

One of the corporate values we have defined as a ministry is “people over projects.” This is easy to state, but much more difficult to accomplish. It seems to me that most of us in ministry have so much on our minds to “accomplish” that we give very little time in actually developing people. My vision and passion is that NICS will become an agency known for investing in our own people…not what they do, but who they are! Doesn’t it make sense that if we are to accomplish a vision as large as the world that we must have the right people to do so?

In years past, God has brought us many wonderful people from “outside” our walls; I pray and believe He will continue to do that. But what about those staff members “within” our walls--home office staff, administrators, teachers, and yes, students.…those who have great potential for leadership, but simply need training and opportunities for development? It is that group that God has put on my heart as a primary focus. It is my heart’s desire that NICS will become known as the agency that puts a major priority on developing our own people. What greater contributor to longevity could there be than being a part of a “family” that loves taking care of its own and puts priority on investing in its people? That’s what I desire to see! I believe this will help achieve unsolicited loyalty and long-term commitment-- simply because there’s no place better to be. Clearly, we are not there yet. However, our leadership has determined clearly and emphatically that this is the direction we are going to head. It may take us a while to get where we want to go, but with God’s help, we WILL get there!

I long for the day when leaders are mentoring leaders (present and future), when our ministry family only feels successful when we see our people succeed, when younger, emerging leaders are identified and purposefully placed on a course of personal development, and given opportunities for God (and man) to teach them how to successfully lead. THIS WE MUST DO!

A few years ago I began working with several young men in a program I call DELTA (Developing Emerging Leaders to Achieve). We didn’t have much structure or written curriculum, but we started spending a lot of time together, sharing, growing, developing, learning from each other, and sharing experiences through which we all could learn important leadership lessons. What a stimulating experience it has been.

Why must we do this? There are many good, strong Biblical reasons. Relationships point us to the cross… often through humility, vulnerability, accountability, encouragement, and yes, even conflict. I Pet. 1:22-23 says, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.” This depth of love for one another is all about relationships! The Apostle Paul referred to those with whom he had the deepest of relationships in this way: “You are our epistles (letters)…written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” (2 Cor. 3:2,3) Paul’s impression on these folks became a part of their being, and it worked both ways! We are meant to “rub off” on one another, as iron sharpens iron. (Prov. 27:17)

One sign of good leadership is that the leader enables those around him/her to succeed and reach their potential. As individuals reach their potential, they become more fulfilled in their work, both individually and as a team. Fulfilled, happy team members make for strong teams, and strong teams are effective!

One thing I am sure of: investing in people is worth it! Let’s define “investing” as contributing something of eternal value to someone. This means intentionally and obediently devoting yourself to the development/growth of others, and loving others in an effort to point them to Christ-likeness while acknowledging your own struggles. Let’s start thinking now about the “who” for each of us. Family members? Friends? Peers and Co-Workers? Subordinates? Students?

At this time in our ministry, God has placed it on the hearts of all of our leadership team to make this whole matter of investing in our people more than just an emphasis; we truly desire for this to become part of our corporate DNA. Someday, maybe we will be known for starting and managing international Christian schools for the Kingdom AND investing in and building our people to the extent that effective ministry leadership is just a natural outcome of that investment. May God grant it… giving us the wisdom to do what is necessary to lay that groundwork! As you consider these thoughts, here are a few questions to ponder:

a) Who am I allowing to “coach” or “mentor” me, even when it is inconvenient or at times hurtful?
b) Who am I intentionally mentoring? Do I see myself as having something to offer others? If not, why?
c) Am I individually and intentionally mentoring my own children?
d) Do I ask more of my friends than I contribute to their lives?
e) Have I made it a point to get to know the parents of my students?
f) How do I serve those whose job is to serve me?
g) How do I relay respect, trust, and support to my authorities?
h) What is the last thing I’ve done to let my neighbors know I care about them?
i) Do I communicate my love to my parents and grandparents often? Thank them?
j) When did I last communicate my respect, love, and regard to my spouse?
k) What tangible thing have I done lately for one/some of my peers?
l) How often do I include cross-cultural friends in my activities?
m) Am I currently investing in my lost friends? What level of effort am I giving to these relationships?
n) How am I practically investing in others?