Outside the Box with David Christy: Humility, Hunger & People Smarts

Dear Fellow Ministers,

In his book The Ideal Team Player, Patrick Lencioni writes: For organizations seriously committed to making teamwork a cultural reality, I’m convinced that “the right people” are the ones who have (these) three virtues in common – humility, hunger, and people smarts. I refer to these as virtues because the word “virtue” is a synonym for the nouns “quality” and “asset,” but it also connotes the idea of integrity and morality (155). This is Lencioni’s take on the idea Jim Collins poses in his book, Good To Great, where he talks about “getting the right people on the bus.” And while that is so very important, Lencioni says that too many leaders hire mostly for competency and technical skills. Other than the reason that I love reading about leadership, why do I share all of this?

I share the idea because it gets at the heart of what makes Matthews United Methodist Church really shine: this church is about way more than competency and technical skills. I’ve been in countless churches where they claim to be “friendly” and “welcoming” yet not a single person talked to me! Creating atmosphere is about more than “doing” the right things, it is about HOW we do those things. I thank God every single day for the way MUMC loves, both within the walls of the church AND outside the walls of the church. I am grateful this church has the competency to live out its discipleship, but I am more grateful for the humility, hunger, and people smarts with which you do discipleship. That makes a Kingdom difference!

I am enjoying discovering, within the community, the impact this church has. For years, I have known the impact it has on the United Methodist connection. Thank you!

The primary way we get to celebrate that connection is through worship. I hope you will prayerfully prepare for worship this week as Pastor Susan preaches on Colossians 3:1-11. Please read through that scripture and come expecting to experience the power of the Holy Spirit. We are so blessed by Pastor Susan’s giftedness! Consider inviting someone to worship with you this week. I look forward to getting to serve with you this week as we continue to spread the love of Jesus outside the box as Matthews United Methodist Church!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that UM Insight published United Methodist Churches Journey in Many Directions to End Racism, an article featuring Matthews UMC’s racial bridge-building efforts? Get involved in Bridge Builders Fellowship and The Micah Connection and plan to attend the Hug-A-Cop on August 16 and the Racial Bridge Building Community Forum on August 19, both to be held at Mt. Moriah. Thank you to Howard Nussman, Amy DeVore and Kim Layton for their leadership!

Did you know that a group from Global Impact was joined by ladies from the Servant’s Heart Circle/United Women in Faith to cook and serve at Changed Choices? Dozens of their clients who recently completed certifications in their choice of studies, some while incarcerated were celebrated. These women look forward to the future as the love of God inspires them to celebrate their accomplishments and know that He has “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Link to our Celebration News