Inside North Point

By Casey Ross, Director of Ministry Services, Browns Bridge Community Church

I have a long way to go as a husband, dad, leader, coworker, boss, friend . . . you name it. That’s why I have to take my development seriously. Over the years, I’ve used different methods to try to become better. I’ve read books and blogs and articles, attended conferences, met with others, taken classes, and listened to podcasts (and even cassette tapes back in the day). All of those can be very valuable.

For the most part, though, those things involved hearing, writing, memorizing, thinking, and/or discussing. While all were worthwhile, something was missing. In my case, my development was usually slower and did not stick long-term when I was lacking this one piece.

Several years ago, I learned a valuable lesson when it comes to accomplishing lasting development. As I noticed some growth and received feedback from others about areas of my life in which I was becoming consistently better, I realized it was in those areas that I had added this missing piece.

So, for the last few years I’ve read less, attended fewer conferences, met with fewer people, and listened to fewer podcasts (and zero cassette tapes). It’s not that I’ve stopped doing these things; I’m just doing less of them. It helps me focus.

What have I started doing more of?

Raising my hand. Signing up. Taking risks. Attempting more. Bottom line: I’m doing more. I’m experiencing more—all in an effort to grow. And it’s working. No, I haven’t reached the finish line. I never will. So I will keep raising my hand and doing more.

Look around. What can you raise your hand to do that will cause you to grow?