Catalyst Track: The Unreasonable Leader // Day One
Craig Groeschel
This track comes from an article written by Craig Groeschel entitled, The Unreasonable Leader.
Not long ago I was having a conversation with Jerry Hurley, one of our key staff members. I was asking Jerry if he could pull off something that, although extremely challenging, could potentially make a huge difference in our church. Knowing I was asking a lot, I apologized. “I’m sorry if I’m being unreasonable.”
“Don’t apologize!” he said, practically interrupting me. Grinning ear to ear, he said, “I love it when you’re unreasonable. That’s what makes our church great!”
Obviously, no one wants to work for a leader who is always unreasonable. But the best leaders know when to push limits, dream bigger dreams, demand more, and pursue results most people believe aren't possible.
There’s a time to be an unreasonable leader.
Have you tended to take the easy road in your leadership? In this 3-day track, Craig encourages you to think about how big you’re willing to dream, what risks you’re willing to take and what adventures you want to embark on. Over the next few days, Craig will outline four mindset shifts to help transition from a leader who plays it safe, to one who is willing to step out in unreasonable faith.
Ready?
DAY 1 – Unreasonable Faith
Jesus told a guy with a withered hand to stretch it out. He ordered a lame man to get up and walk. He invited Peter to walk on water. From the beginning of his ministry until now, Jesus asks us to have unreasonable faith and to obey fully, even when we don’t understand completely.
Why Be Unreasonable?
Why should you consider occasionally being unreasonable as a leader? Because reasonable leaders produce reasonable results. And unreasonable leaders produce unreasonable results. If you ask people for what you think they can do, you’ll get what you asked for—and usually no more. But if you ask people to do more than they think they can, you’re likely to get more than most leaders.
Why does being reasonable have such a strong gravitational pull? It’s not because being reasonable is bad; it’s because it’s easy. Think about it. Reasonable is not controversial. It doesn’t require risk. It never rocks the boat. People rarely criticize a reasonable leader. Reasonable is the path of least resistance.
When it comes to making a big difference, being reasonable is what stops many people. Reasonable people don’t attempt unreasonable things.
REFLECT: Answer the poll below.
What prevents you from being “unreasonable” in your faith and leadership?
- Fear of criticism from others
- Fear of failure
- I want to keep doing this that are comfortable & easy
- Other – share below
Login to join the conversation!