on 6/18/2000 8:50 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> All,
>
> I have a question for the Sr. Commanders. What were
> some of the contributing factors or decisions that you
> made when becoming a Sr. Commander? How is it different
> from being an outpost Commander?
>
> Geno Plares
> O.P.#178 NCal/Nev.
> San Jose, CA.
At the time, three years ago, that I became Sr. Cdr., we were in the middle
of a church split, we had just lost the second Sr. Cdr. in 6 months and I
was the "logical" choice (read: no one else wanted it). I took it because
the alternative was to let the outpost die -NOT!!!
Well, let me rephrase that. My giving up the Pioneers and taking the Sr.
Cdr. position represented the least disruptive alternative. I had some
qualified individuals to take Pioneers who didn't feel that they had the
time or the anointing to take Sr.
God has blessed in spite of me.
Difference from Group Commander?
At our outpost, we are under the Children's ministry and we have no Outpost
Council. Our leaders are wearing a lot of hats. The first couple of years I
took on essentially ALL the Council positions to free the other leaders to
manage their groups. This last year, I've begun to delegate more
responsibilities to not only the leaders but also the Challengers.
I originally saw Sr. Cdr. as basically a paper pusher and facilitator and
liason between Church and Outpost.
And that's true.
But he is also a vision caster. I've tried to encourage the leaders, Adult
and Junior, to see the outpost as a discipleship center and an outreach
ministry.
I firmly believe that the Sr. Cdr. is like a Sr. Pastor, he needs to seek
the Lord for His purposes and then encourage and exhort the outpost
(congregation) to press into those purposes.
A couple of my commanders are on this list and I THINK they'd give me a C
(average) grade. I'd give me a C-, but I am learning. Organizational skills
are my weak point.
I'll tell you this. Many times I think I would love to be out with the boys
instead. Making deposits in their lives. Building up a bank account. God
gives me opportunities for this ( I was blessed to speak at Sunday school
for leaders and Challengers at the Sectional Pow Wow) but I do miss being
with the boys.
Let me close with this:
Our outpost Chaplain speaks of three levels of leadership:
1. Leadership by POSITION
The lowest level and most common - I'm the Commander and that's what I
want. People follow because they have to. There is low commitment and low
morale. Minimal influence. Focus is on rights and title. DOESN'T WORK WELL
WITH VOLUNTEERS OR YOUTH.
2. Leadership by PERMISSION
People follow volitionally. You gain their trust through relationship and
genuine caring
3. Leadership by PERSONAL IMPACT
You impact their lives by making "deposits" into their "accounts." These
deposits are positive, uplifting........CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, delegating
and facilitating, so that they have a personal stake in the overall success.
The focus is on reproduction with loyalty, creativity, and morale all high.
God is blessing this outpost. I'm about to send in the third batch of
charters to the district office. We've got three new leaders who will be
attending LTC in the Fall. The church is starting an HonorBound Ministry and
we already have a couple of men who are interested in being Councilmen. I
have two leaders committed to NTC in New Jersey in the Fall
I'm most excited that we have 5 Challengers/Trailblazers going to Junior
Training Camps this summer - 3 to JLTC and 2 to AJTC, and we could be
awarding our 10th through 12th GMAs this year.
All Glory to God. I'm just along for the ride. <G>
--
Gary Rothwell
Sr. Cdr. Outpost 59
Potomac District
USA
Lord, Help me BE a "dead man walking."
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