From the Pulpit to the Fryer: Fail to plan, plan to fail and all that jazz

The third “C” to success is Coordination – I learned at a very young age the importance of planning and getting organized to be successful in just about everything.  I remember the life-changing statement we all have heard throughout, well, almost forever.  “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”  This has been the drumbeat in church administration since I can remember.  My denomination came up with “the church council” consisting of church department heads and pastor to plan calendars and committees, deacons, and the combination of both to plan direction and future for ministry, etc…back in the 70’s and 80’s.  Maybe it’s just me, but I never could get it to work effectively, and plans seemed to derail half the time. 

Of course, it’s a given, as you have guessed, I have relearned the concept of planning and coordination in my job at Zaxby’s.  I am a manager now, and it is especially important to be able to coordinate a plan that will produce the best results on the shift.  Sounds good, huh? Looks great on paper, huh?  I have seen and experienced writing down the lineup for a shift, placing the best possible people on stations, people that in normal circumstances are exceptional at their jobs, go haywire. Why? Was it because there was no plan in place? Maybe. Was it because the best people were not in the right places? Maybe.

There is one factor in this idea of planning and coordination to be successful. THAT IS FLEXIBILITY! 

 I learned that in over 30 years of ministry and now I’m reminded of it again that most days are not normal and people are ever changing and growing.  Coordination is not a static thing. It is dynamic (ever changing and moving). 

So!  Now what? How do we coordinate and plan?  Start out with a plan, and be prepared to adjust the plan along the way. Most importantly, and this is critical!  Involve people in the plan and help them to own it too.  All three "C"s must be in play at this juncture.  Communicate your plan, Encourage Cooperation and remember encouragement goes a long way!!

Besides, in the long run, God’s plan is ultimately the only great plan for our lives!

Trust Him today!

Charlie W.

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: "Together" is Not a Bad Word

We do indeed love our committees.  Years ago, I listened to arguments by committee members for over two hours to determine how much money the church should spend on flowers for funerals.  There was a motion to increase the amount by $10.00 early on in the meeting.  Needless to say the meeting was “mind numbing” with no real results other than hard feelings.  It’s no wonder people say and believe a committee of one gets more accomplished.  Hind sight is 20/20 and I have learned much through the years as I grew and matured in Christ. The basic problem in that particular meeting was there was no real mission statement to guide the actions of the committee to work together toward the same goal.  It was a meeting of several different opinions and trying to accommodate everyone’s preferences.

The second part to the “three Cs to success” is Cooperation.  Cooperation is critical to the work I do at Zaxby’s.  I am fortunate to work with some great people from different walks of life.  They all bring their own personality and experiences to the mix.  Do we all get along all the time? No.  Do we all agree on everything all the time? No. Does everyone like everyone at work? I would like to think so, but probably not.  So, what is it that brings about cooperation? I believe it is the continuous drum beat of the “ENCORE” culture within the Zaxby’s store. It is not something that is taught, but lived out daily. The mission statement for Zaxby’s is “Consistently Create ENCORE Experiences that Enrich Lives, One Person at a Time. 

At first glance, we assume the statement is totally directed to taking care of our customers, but that is only part of it.  There are so many opportunities to enrich lives of those we work with every day!  How does this work?  For me, it is consistently being an example to show others how it is done.  It is simple math 1+1=2; 2+2=4; 4+4=8, etc…We can teach others by being consistent ourselves.  Cooperation is working together toward the same goal – ENCORE Experiences that Enrich Lives…

It all connects for me in ministry, because is this not the way we share faith in Christ? BY EXAMPLE!

It is easy to cooperate with someone who is cooperative!

“Together” is not a bad word!

God is good all the time!

Charlie W.

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: HEARD

I have had so many experiences and have learned so much since March 31^st that it is difficult to know where to begin. 

Like many pastors and colleagues in ministry, I was privileged to further my education and complete college and seminary many years ago.  God has allowed me to pastor some wonderful churches, but through the years I had to relearn many things over and over again.  Early on in training to do my job at Zaxby’s, the General Manager shared with me three C’s to success: Communication, Cooperation, and Coordination.  Actually, there’s a sermon outline in there somewhere.  I’ll investigate that later…

This article will address the practice of communication.   There’s a practice in the kitchen at Zaxby’s that works really well when everyone is on board.  It is the practice of saying “heard.”  Here’s how it works: There are various stations where one person is assigned for a shift to complete a specific job. 

Example – George’s job for the day is to salt the pickles and he is on the “pickle station” and Susie is preparing the plates to be served to customers. A customer orders two dozen salted pickles.  Susie calls for the pickles and George says “HEARD.”  (Note: Zaxby’s at present does not serve salted pickles and there is no pickle station).

Since George heard what another has asked for and communicated that he heard the request, now he must act to fill the request. He then salts two dozen pickles and places that on the preparation table for Susie to fill the order. 

REQUEST IS MADE (communication)
REQUEST IS HEARD (communication)
REQUEST IS ACKNOWLEDGED (communication)
REQUEST IS ACTED ON (communication fulfilled)

If you are thinking at this point, this sure is silly, or you already know this stuff, you are probably right. However, I do have a point to make in this article.  Many people are crying out and making requests in our churches, our communities, and in our world.  Can we not say “HEARD” and either fill that need or point people to where their need can be met? 

Application: I have relearned how to really listen in the past several months!  HEARD!!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

Charlie W.

Note: I will be cautious in these articles as to not inadvertently give away any trade secrets so I will make up fictitious stations, etc… (It’s not as though I’m entrusted with the secret recipe or anything that affects the national chicken industry – I just have a very strong respect and support the Zaxby’s brand). 

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: Introduction

It’s been almost ten months since I stepped away from fulltime ministry as a Southern Baptist pastor of more than thirty years. The following articles, beginning with this one as a way of introduction, is intended to encourage and challenge all of us who accepted and pursued that “calling” from God whether it be recent, many years ago, or maybe you are at the very beginning of your journey in ministry.  In any case, my focus is to honor God by sharing how He has stirred in my life a deeper sense of “calling” to ministry that goes beyond and reaches farther than the modern day pulpit. Calm down, and take a deep breath!  I am not saying there is no power or effectiveness in today’s pulpit ministry.  There are many spirit led preachers who faithfully proclaim God’s word from the pulpit every Sunday.  The preaching ministry brings the message of salvation to the masses every week. I, too, still preach from a pulpit every Sunday as a bi-vocational pastor.  Remember, I am writing to share with you how God has moved in my life to transition from where I was to where I am now.

In March, 2014 I began a new career in the food industry. I became a brand new 52 year old employee of Zaxby’s.  When I began there, I was terribly overweight and out of shape.  Needless to say, my first few months there were very painful.  But I just knew in my heart that was where God placed me.  I still remember the day I learned how to cook chicken fingers, and the franchise owner called me the “poultry preacher.”  We still get a few laughs when the title finds its way into conversation today. 

Through the years there have been powerful, life changing testimonies by those in ministry who have come from “the world” to the “pulpit.”  Those wonderful preachers who have had a past of sin that would make a sailor blush and now proclaim the Word of God from the pulpits of great churches.  However, God has moved me from the pulpit to the fryer!  How strange!  Did God fire me?  Absolutely not! I believe He promoted me to a time of renewal and much needed change in me and my family.  His tool for change for this “burned out,” “washed up,” “heart broken,” “out of shape,” “dying preacher”? Zaxby’s! 

Stay tuned for my next articles as I share those nuggets of wisdom in my training as I have moved “FROM THE PULPIT TO THE FRYER!”

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME,

Charlie W.

CHEESE!!!

There's an old story about a man who inherited a million dollars.  However, the lawyers had to hire private investigators to find the man who had disappeared many years before only to discover he was homeless and living on the street.  When they found him to give him the good news, he refused to believe it and did not accept the inheritance.

This is my last installment of the "Who Moved My Cheese" blogs.  I end it by discussing the "Cheese" itself.  As I said in an earlier post, "cheese" is different for everyone, but everyone is searching for it. (That which makes them happy and fulfilled).

I have been on a journey for over six months now and have gone through a gamete of emotions from anger to joy and from  fear to peace!  I'm healthier now with much needed weight loss.  The "maze" was very difficult to navigate and through it all, I rediscovered the "cheese."  The fact is it never moved or was taken by anyone. It was me!!  I moved and lost sight of that which brings me much happiness and joy.  I was like the man in the story, I became destitute and homeless and refused the inheritance that has always been mine and lost my joy because I lost my way.

My friends, that which brings me true joy and happiness and peace is JESUS!  Oh, don't get me wrong, I never lost my salvation or even my calling to preach the gospel.  I just allowed the world and people to dictate to me who or what I should be.  I tried to please everyone, and took it to heart when someone disapproved.  It was a long and slow journey to get to that point of no joy, but by the grace and mercy of God, through hard work (physical labor), and being humbled and most importantly waiting on the Lord, He has truly strengthened me.  My "cheese," is not working at Zaxby's, nor is it the church I attend.  My cheese is a strengthened relationship with Jesus, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!!

Soon, I will begin a new series of blogs titled, "From the Pulpit to the Fryer." It promises to be a good series!!

Have a great day,

CW

The Maze!!

It's been quite awhile since I have posted on here.  I have been utilizing Spencer Johnson's, Who Moved My Cheese, as a spring board for my blogs and what has been going on in the world of me.  Well, suffice it to say, I have been in "The Maze" looking for new "cheese."  It truly has been an "amazing" experience. (No pun intended, well maybe a little).  The maze to say the least has been extremely difficult to navigate.  There are rules and regulations that were not there the last time I ventured out as a young man.  Many of the paths have been boarded up, and some even have disappeared completely.  In the past several weeks I have cried many tears in frustration and fear.  All of this because of looking for "new cheese."  (I will discuss "the cheese" in my next blog) For now, however, here are some lessons concerning the maze itself:

1.  Any direction you may take effects others (family, friends, colleagues, etc...)  Life is not a "lone ranger" journey.  There will always be others who depend on you, and care about you.  Going down the wrong path to find "the ALMIGHTY cheese" is selfish and self-seeking and not always healthy.

2.  Expect signs in the maze that will deter you from selfish pursuits.  Eg. "You're too old," "You're too young," "You're over-qualified, etc...

3.  Life is hard and can be cold - But know there is also joy and real happiness.

4.  Never ever compromise your convictions for a piece of "cheese."

Well, my list could go on.  Suffice it to say it is an adventure and attitude is everything.  The most important thing I have been reminded of again and again.  DO NOT LOSE FAITH IN GOD!!  No matter how bad it may get, no matter how much I wanted to give up and sit down, God has been and is today the source of my strength and life.  YES, God is also in the "maze."

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  Psalm 119:105

Have a great day!  Happy Easter!

CW

"Yes, there is NEW CHEESE to be found"

Spencer Johnson, MD, Who Moved My Cheese, says "Imagining myself eating new cheese even before I find it, leads me to it."  A good friend of mine once told me that the best way to catch fish is to go fishing.  I know, I know...it sounds shallow, but there is truth in the statement.

Many times it is just easier to give up than to go through the trouble.  I think the biggest tragedy is to live out our lives unfulfilled.

The secret is this and it's no secret at all.  Jesus said, "I am the way..." (John 14:6).  My discovery as of late is this one fact...The "Cheese" (that which makes me fulfilled and happy) is not new or different.  It's the same, JESUS. Jesus never moved or disappeared.  It was me who allowed myself to take my eyes off "The Way."  I do not have to imagine myself eating "new cheese" even before I find it.  I have found Him.  And more importantly, Jesus has found me.

I now feast at the banquet table of the Lord everyday!  My "job" or "career" does not define me.  It is the fact there is a personal relationship, and I am getting stronger every single day.

Trust in the Lord always,

Have a great day,

CW

FREEDOM

The bible teaches us not to worry!  Worry can in fact slow us down.  I have preached many sermons on the subject.  The thing about preachers (unfortunately, most will not admit it) is fear is and continues to be a plague of unlimited proportions.  And it is easy not to practice what you preach, and it is especially true of the subject of worry.
Personally, worry has been a major problem for me and still is at times.  The fear of people not liking me has been a driving force for many years.  It's no wonder I have crashed on occasion.  The bible is very clear we are not to be "men" pleasers, but to please God in all we do.  God is teaching me much during my "sabbatical" and I certainly do feel blessed.  I am spending much more time with God and am so thankful for this time in my life.

Those of you who know me know I am a big sci-fi nut.  (Some would say I'm a big nerd).  I'm reminded of the Star Wars movies at this point.  Yoda said this: Fear is the path to the dark side.  Fear leads to anger.  Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Spencer Johnson, M.D., Who Moved My Cheese? says "When you move beyond your fear you feel free."

So I adhere to the following promises from God's Word.  If God is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31) and The Lord is for me.  I will not fear: What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6)

Guess what?  I am feeling more and more free every single day!!  How awesome is that for living life? God is working a marvelous work.  You just wait and see!!

Have a great day!!

CW

New Direction to Find "Cheese"

You have heard the statement and I have made it too, "Change for the sake of change is never a good idea."  Guess what?  I don't believe that anymore.  There are times, I believe, change for the sake of change may be good for the soul. 

Not too many years ago there was a movie about making "bucket lists."  Wow!  Just about everyone was making their list of things they wanted to do before they "kicked the bucket."  It was a popular trend for a few years after the release of the movie.  However, I never made one at the time.  I surmise that many who did were unfulfilled in their lives and found strength to accomplish things they have always dreamed of doing.  In some ways I guess it's selfish, but I don't think it is completely.  As I said earlier, I believe change can be good for the soul.  Henry Blackaby, in his book Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, says, you cannot go with God and stay where you are.  It means more than just physically - it means there must be a transformation or as Paul states, renewing of the mind.

I have found my running shoes and fixing to head down those paths in the maze.  Oh, I know I will not be by myself.  God is leading me to fulfillment and joy.

On my mark, get set......I'll keep you informed...

Have a great day,

CW

"Smell the Cheese Often"

"Smell the cheese often so you know when it's getting old."  I had always thought of myself as innovative and open to knew and "cutting edge" ideas.  Wow, when did I get old? Not in years, but ideas and methodology.  I never saw it coming because my "cheese" was gradually shrinking and getting old and one day it was gone.  What was left was the smell of "moldy," "old," and "rotting" "cheese." 

Sometimes in life many of us, myself included, become comfortable with the status quo and accept things the way they are and always have been.  I took my eyes off that which has always brought me joy and everything changed when I looked again.  I should have saw the signs a long time ago.  Oh, I'm not beating myself up over this change, I am looking for my running shoes to get back out into the maze of life and begin searching for that which will bring me joy and I can make a difference.  Mazes are filled with many dead ends, but there are those pathways that go forever.  I'm glad I have Christ in my life because God's word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Ps. 119:105. 

2013 was a year of change - 2014 will be a year of discovery. 

Have a great day,

CW