The business could have thrived but it didn’t, it died. Our trip included visiting museums, old houses, beautiful restaurants, the Empire State Building, Ground Zero and an old unique bookstore. I was prepared to spend the afternoon reviewing and buying classic leadership books. With the coordinates inputted into Maggie, our capable GPS, I knew this would be the best day of the trip for me.
We found the location and walked past two chained, yet very irritated pit bulls expressing their hatred. We carefully walked around the back and found a building filled floor to ceiling with books. We knocked on the door. No answer. I opened the door and walked into a gold mine for a lover of old books. The mother lode! Several thousand old hard cover books were piled on shelves and boxes. I was breathless. I had uncovered a treasure that could empty my wallet and keep me learning for months.
I was also aware that I had opened the door to someone else’s property, was trespassing and there was a wide lawn and two frustrated pit bulls. This was advertised as a quality book store. It had books, a building, a location and a history. It had everything it needed except someone to welcome me, show me around and advise me.
The Ethiopian wanted to understand the writings of Isaiah, “do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” (Acts 8:30-31 NIV) God ordained the moment, Philip was prepared and took the opportunity. Without Philip, the Queen’s Treasurer was lost.
Leaders influence every day. Our friends, neighbors and associates are like the Ethiopian. They want to learn and understand. Your church, like the bookstore has resources, a location and programs. But, without someone to demonstrate God’s love and answer questions, people will never come to faith. New customers keep a business alive and growing. New people keep a church alive and growing.
Leadership is welcoming new people so that your church is healthy and growing.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group