Blind Ranger

Earlier this year I posted on Accountability.  In the repost from another website, it mentioned two things that I got thinking about today when it comes to how we do things here at Bean's Corner.  We have a team approach to leadership.  As shepherds, myself, Nate, Mac, Cliff, and the other deacons (elders) are accountable to each other.  I think this is vital to how we operate as a church.  As was mentioned in the earlier post, accountability reveals your blind spots.  In the picture above we have the Lone Ranger and he looks rather blind.  It is easy for me to say that I am going to keep an eye on my blind spots.  Of course, if I could see them, they wouldn't be blind spots!   Too often pastors go all lone-ranger and try to hide their blind spots.  The problem with blind spots is that only other people can see them.  The more you think you are hiding, the more the blind spots are likely to show up because it is hard to hide that which you can't see.

Better to be transparent, accountable.  When I allow others to talk to me about my blind spots, about weaknesses that I may not readily see  because either I'm not aware of them or I have allowed myself to become blinded, I allow myself to be strengthened by faithful friends who can tell me what I need to hear.  It probably won't be what I want to hear, unless I want honesty.

When it comes to people who want to be leaders, the very first requisite should be accountability.  If you are a lone ranger, you are also going to be a blind ranger and the Bible says that if the blind lead the blind, they both end up in the ditch.  We should also be careful who we chose to follow as leaders.  Those who are more interested in being in charge than in being accountable, in open, accountable relationships, should not be followed or placed in authority.  After all, I'm not going to ask a blind man to drive!

I'm thankful for the team here at Bean's Corner.  Its a great group of  people and we work to keep each other growing and dealing with our blind spots.