Guilty.
I remember visiting a church for a VIP tour in North Carolina while on staff at Central. My hotel room was decked out in the church's gear / swag. We were assigned a host, a seat was even reserved with my name on it 5 rows back, center stage. I felt like I was a big deal.
A friend was one of the Worship Leaders at this church and he had set all of this up for us. We shadowed him in their rehearsal and watched them prepare for over an hour. There were conversations taking place all over the room with different teams and directors. I sat in a chair and watched, phone in hand (of course). Later, the doors opened and the experience happened.
It was incredible!
From start to finish, the entire experience showcased a culture most churches would do anything to build. The experience was top notch and the worship was off the charts. What do I have to show for it? Nothing.
Here's why.
My number one goal for the entire trip was my own Instagram account. Every moment was robbed of becoming a learning moment. Instead, I made them selfish opportunities to let people know I was important, too. I was too distracted by being on my phone and trying to take the right picture instead of asking the right question. I missed it. At any given time I could have listened in on a conversation, asked how and why questions. But, I didn't.
Put your mobile device down and get to asking the right questions, instead of worrying about taking the right photo. How often do you find yourself trying to get a photo that costs you learning about how in the world what's in the photo even came together?
The worst part, is I can't even remember who was standing beside me to even go ask what I missed. I was too concerned about texting my friends and staff about what I was getting to be a part of. As I built my social media engagement by letting everyone know where I was, I missed incredible opportunities to ask significant questions to better serve my church, my leadership, and the teams I led back home in Vegas. Let me leave you with this...
... quit caring about the things that do not matter.
John Gray is right! Focus on building yourself, not your brand. When God gives you something to say, He will provide the microphone and platform to deliver it.
Do you design your church lighting for Instagram likes or to help connect the church to Jesus. Do you post pictures of leading large crowds in worship to flex on small church friends? Is your selfie with the celebrity pastor of the month worth more than a quick conversation that could grow your influence and understanding? I know all those were true for me.
I missed it. But, you don't have to.