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Are You a “What’s Next” Leader or a What’s Now Leader?

what’s now

Are you a “what’s next” oriented person? Boy oh boy, am I! For so long, I lived in the “what’s next” space that I constantly missed what’s now. It’s hard to stop and smell the roses when you are moving so fast that you barely notice there are roses to smell.

When I was working as the lead pastor of Woodstock City Church, a campus location of North Point Ministries, I asked a guy named Bob, “What’s next for a person like me here at North Point?” At the time, I’d been in my lead pastor position for a year or two. I’m brand new to this role and was already looking forward to what might be next.

Bob kindly and a bit sarcastically responded, “Well, you’re a lead pastor, so probably nothing!

I almost quit on the spot. And that’s not a joke. I’ve worked hard to tame this emotion. I’d love to share two observations on how to be a what’s now person that may be helpful for you.

How to be a What’s Now Leader

1. Be Present in the Present

Being is harder than doing. When we are doing something, we feel we are accomplishing something. Being is not as easy as doing, but it’s often more critical to our heart (and future).

2. You Don’t Need to Know What’s Next to Take the Next Step

I’ve been through several job and career transitions. As a next-step-focused guy, I like to know where I’m going before I leave where I’m at. Yet I’ve learned that’s not always possible. Moreover, it’s not always best.