Determination is dynamic. It keeps a worker away from plateau performance and prods him constantly to strive for greater efficiently that results in a greater soul-winning program. The dynamics of leadership (a preacher is a leader) are built around determination. It is found in the mind, which is the center of the will. When a denominational worker is determined to go beyond the attainments of the mediocre individual and reach the acme of success, this determination motivates him. Instead of coasting along on plateau performance, he is constantly climbing mountain peaks of success.
After having spent several years as a pastor in the same church or as an administration in the same conference or institution, some workers level off in their accomplishments and move along on a plateau. When this happens the worker no longer feels the thrill and excitement of new achievements. He gets into a routine that keeps him busy. Since he is busy he feels that he is discharging properly his responsibility and giving good service. Such an individual, because of a lack of the dynamics of leadership (which is determination), does not do the creative, constructive work that is required of a worker who wishes to grow constantly. Therefore, the results of his program do not show much progress.
A successful minister will create work for himself. He will master the fine art of self-discipline, and the result will be found in self-development and self improvement. As a by-product of this discipline, there will come into his work program new ideas, new techniques, and new concepts that immediately elevate him above the plateau on which the average worker is coasting.
The thrill of doing something new in the area of pastoral, evangelistic, church administration, or departmental leadership automatically causes the worker to be more active and more enthusiastic. His work becomes becomes more stimulating and challenging, and immediately steps out of the rut and off the plateau, leaves the comfort zone in his work program, and becomes a builder in his area of responsibility.
Some workers have been in the comfort zone too long, and this definitely shows up in their plateau performance. Remember, determination is the dynamic of leadership. Why not step out and step up in your particular area of activity regardless of what your responsibility may be, by more study, more self-determination, more self-improvement, and more application to the task that is yours?
