leadership chaos

One of the most important tasks of a leader is to create chaos.  I know--that sounds funny.  But great leaders create chaos. Martin Luther created a lot of chaos.  Abe Lincoln created a lot of chaos.  Martin Luther King, Jr. created a lot of chaos.   Rick Warren and Bill Hybels created a lot of chaos.  In the creation account, notice that God created the chaos first.  Then from the chaos, He brought order.

Great leaders create chaos and then from the chaos bring a new order; a new way of doing things.  I was reminded of this principle recently as we were preparing to go into our third worship service.  Things were going so well.  We were growing.  All of our ministry positions were filled.  All of our systems were functioning well.  But I had a growing sense that we needed to shake things up--to create some chaos.  So that's what we're doing.  Beginning a third worship service on Sunday morning with quick turn-around times will definitely be chaotic.  I'm sure there will be some grumbling and complaining from a few who liked the old order.  But eventually, if I'm a good leader and God grants me favor, the new chaos will become the new order.  And for awhile, I'll be content with it . . . for awhile!

Bad leaders don't create chaos.  Bad leaders only create chaos.  Good leaders do both.  Chaos first, order second.  In the creation account, night was first, then the day.  Leading from the inside out begins with an inner turmoil, born out of a desire to do the best, be the best for God.  Be a great leader--go create some chaos!