Every time I talk about being a leader who learns, I get a variation of this question:
“There are so many resources and voices out there. How do I choose who to listen to?”
It’s an important question.
Whether we are talking about improving our skills, staying up-to-date on culture, and particularly growing in our spiritual life, we need to filter through the many voices that are available and chose the ones that will best serve us and the families God has called us to.
On Instagram this week, I talked about 3 filters I use when I’m choosing who and what to learn from.
1. Know what you believe – and look for resources that support that.
There are so many voices out there – voices that hold a variety of beliefs and viewpoints, even when it comes to faith.
Sometimes, we embrace resources – like books, Bible studies or even curriculums! – because they are popular, affordable or we’ve seen someone else using them.
What’s important for us to remember though – is we should be learning from people who share beliefs that we can honour and uphold as well.
That means ensuring the teachers and voices we listen to are orthodox and biblically sound.
It means that when we choose a resource to learn from – or to share with our families! – we ensure they line up with our personal beliefs and the beliefs of the church family we serve.
2. Check out the resources you’re interested in before you commit!
In the world we’re living in, it is SO easy to get access to reviews, free samples and previews!
If you’re making a big investment in your learning – for example a course, a Bible study you want to work through with a group or a conference you want to attend – check it out to see if it’s what you really want!
Talk to other people and ask them if they’ve done a course or conference – and what they thought!
Check out previews of books and Bible studies on websites, Google Books or Kindle.
Ask people you trust for their recommendations on resources about a particular topic!
Don’t commit blindly – do your research, ask people to help and find exactly what it is you’re looking for.
3. Invite God’s voice into the process!
So often when we start the process of growing and learning as a leader, we forget that it’s a spiritual process too!
I believe that our growth as a leader matters to God, and He can direct us to the right opportunities for us in diffferent seasons of our lives!
God can also open doors for learning opportunities that we may not have otherwise! I have heard stories and seen in my own life God provide resources for me to attend conferences and training I never thought possible.
So as you embark on this learning journey, start to ask God questions –
What should I be focusing on in this season?
What should I be learning about and growing in?
Can you lead me to the right learning opportunities for me in this season?
What opportunities will best serve me and my families?
I believe the Holy Spirit is faithful to guide us and direct us as we ask these questions!
If you’ve missed the other blog posts in these series, check them out:
How to Be a Leader Who Learns
3 Areas Every Leader Should Grow In
And, if you’re looking for a great learning opportunity, be sure to check out the Mighty Kidmin Conference for Small Churches THIS SATURDAY! I’m speaking, it’s free, and it’s going to be amazing. Register here!