The inspirational figures in my life:

The Lord has cautioned us that salvation is only in him.  Our testimonies cannot be wrapped up in another mortal and those who do put their trust in man are doomed to failure in matters of eternity.  However, in the way that Paul councils the saints in Philippians 3:17 to be “followers of him,” I also have figures in my life that give me inspiration.  Mentoring relationships are key and every Christ Centered man needs to first and foremost have a relationship with the Savior and with his spouse, but a close second is to have a mentor in Christ, a sponsor if you will.  Christ-like friendships and supports are a key element in a Christ Centered life.  I have a number of inspirational figures in my life, Three of them I wish to mention here are William Booth, My father William Burton Thomas, and H.C. (Joe) Raymond:

William Booth: 

William booth was the founder of the Salvation Army.  His story can be found in a number of places.  One good synopsis is found at http://www.salvationarmy.org/heritage

The General

I grew up in this organization and have found myself molded and fitted for the Lords service by Booth’s words and his story.  Some of the most famous words attributed to him are as follows:

While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while little children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!

William Burton Thomas:

Dad in his last year



My Father William Burton Thomas was a man of God who for all of his faults filled me with a love of the savior and of serving others.  When I think of my father I think of the Scripture II Corinthians 10:4.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 

 H.C. (Joe) Raymond:

At a time in my life when I had changed directions and was seeking a new life in a different field, I met a man who served as an internship supervisor.  I found the opportunities that I had to work with Joe and bounce ideas off of him and discuss my budding philosophy and understanding of the principles of life and organizational leadership, were some of the most profound of my life.  Joe became more than my internship supervisor, he became a friend and mentor.  Joe, like my father, is just a man but I found that the opportunity to work with another man who mentored me in Christ and leadership helped me be who I am.  I believe these kinds of relationships need to be fostered.  Joe’s current professional projects can be found at http://www.dkellynewhorizons.com

Christ Centered Organizational Leadership:

There are a number of works that offer great guidance in this regard.  My favorite texts are Steven Covey’s writings in this area - see www.stephencovey.com.  (I am in no way affiliated with the Covey Center and have no relationship with this organization).  I have worked in the private and non-profit human service field for more than twenty years and really my whole life.  I have also been in the restaurant business for much of my life.  In all of my experiences, I have had both successes and failures.  These experiences have brought me to boil these thoughts down to a number of organizational leadership principles that I adhere to and speak about. 

These are just some of my talking points in this regard.  They are fairly unorganized here but as time goes by I will expound on each of them and you are free to ask for an expanded discussion on any particular one:

Select, train, and sustain people to find meaning in their work and place them where this is most likely to occur. 

Leaders of systems need to have a proficient understanding of group dynamics

All roads – All programs – All activities BOTH lead to AND emanate from Values and Mission.

Leaders ensure effective planning and follow the process thru to implementation and accountability

Emotional attachment to an issue is a factor but is ultimately trumped by sound business principles when program planning.

Mission and Values are essential to agency practice.  Planning needs to emanate from the mission and values filtered through internal and external analysis

Leaders understand and orchestrate the energy in an organization in order to facilitate desired action and change. 

Leaders demand a well thought researched plan that includes all three goal/outcome levels before implementation is proposed. 

Organizations make service delivery and customer perception a key feature of program planning.

Leaders are effective conductors of mission and vision focused program planning efforts that motivate and inspire throughout the entire program development process.

Leaders ensure that the proverbial cart and horse are in the proper order when it comes to program development.

Leaders communicate destination and inspire action to get there. 

Leaders plan and strategize as a rule and then the organizational crisis becomes the exception.

Leaders take a long term outlook and steel themselves for long term efforts and challenges.

Leaders have vision and keep their eye on the mark.

Leaders utilize accountability mechanisms to ensure implementation.

Leaders train others to be leaders.

Ten things that a Christ Centered Man supports and seeks after:

A Christ Centered Man is benevolent and loving.

He sees himself as a servant of others

Stands up for truth, freedom, and personal responsibility

Accepts all people as children of God and harbors no prejudice

Is honest in his dealings with others

Treats all women and girls with the utmost respect, honor, and equality

Clean and plain in speech and lifestyle

Kind and charitable (tithes their time as well as their money).

Puts first things first

Seeks the spirit of the Lord through daily scripture study and unceasing prayer. 

Ten things that the Christ Centered Man shuns & abhors:

There are a number of things that are not conducive to a Christ centered life.  Some may be controversial but true nonetheless:

Abuse (emotional /physical)

Slavery

Unions and Secret Combinations

Unrighteous dominion in all its forms

Liberalism/Progressivism/Socialism and all other left wing politics

Hyphenated-Americanism

Intemperance and all other narcissistic sophistry and lifestyle

Vulgarity in speech and behavior

Unkindness

Licentiousness