The generation gap can be huge and sometimes disorienting in the workplace. With this challenge, my strategies are always derived from our understanding of leadership in the multi-generational situation. In other words, what would good leaders do to bridge this gap? Continue reading →
The art of leadership when working with multiple generations
“Leadership” to me is more than just one person, an individual leader—but beyond himself or herself to include the interactive influence between people for a particular goal. As you may know, Asians are quite hierarchical. And, in the context of Japan, there is a saying:
出る釘は打たれる。
"Deru kugi wa utareru." or... “The nail that sticks up gets hammered down.”
So in this particular society, we don't appreciate unique young people who especially stick out, and so these people tend to get pounded down. So that’s the context or milieu of our work.
However, this is not the way leaders need to treat people. There are three things to remember when leading in a multi-generational setting. Continue reading →
At an A2 session in a restricted country recently, I was astounded by the level of impact that investing in twelve key pastors has on a nation. After more than twelve years of investing in twelve choice leaders every two years, the leveraged influence was stunning to see. This was especially true knowing that, due to government pressure, we have needed to slow things down there the last few years.
All over the world the question is repeated: How can we multiply Christ-like servant leaders? And how can we encourage Christian leaders to work together, rather than in isolation or in competition? It takes only a brief time with an A3.business cohort to see that these leaders are discovering the answers. The components of effective leadership training can be found in a variety of current approaches, e.g. biblical foundations, experienced practitioners as teachers, individualized coaching, exposure to best practices, personal reflection exercises, discussion of case studies, written analysis, application to current ministry situations, time for rest and prayer and personal sharing, alternation of intensive learning times with opportunity for implementation in the field, etc. But what sets A2 apart is the way they are combined in a process of proven effectiveness. In my nearly 40 years of ministry and research, with special focus on leadership development, I haven't seen anything quite like it.
Supposedly, there are 1,200 organizations doing marketplace ministry. And now A3 makes it 1,201.
A3.business is a great new initiative. And here’s why:
First, it relates to A3's legacy and credibility over 56 years of ministry in Asia. A3 has trained thousands of leaders for their work in the Church. This is not to be underestimated. These leaders are bringing profound transformation into their spheres of leader, family, church, community, and even country.
Take it from Rob Martin, former director of a Christian foundation:
“If you want to change a country by strengthening the Church, look at A3. They do it right.”
A2 is a silver sponsor of the Eagles Leadership Conference, held at Singapore's Suntec Convention Centre from July 23-25, 2015. The theme of ELC 2015 is The Art of Partnership: Collaboration – Creativity – Community.
Our own Takeshi Takazawa is one of the speakers. Takeshi is the Vice President for Innovative Initiatives for A2. Takeshi was born, raised and lives in Tokyo. He helped pioneer and develop a Church Multiplication Network throughout Japan. He is involved in leadership training for pastors in eleven Asian countries. Currently, he is also involved in various special projects in Japan and Asia, including disaster relief and leadership renewal and development.
Continue reading →
I was astounded to hear, that there are 1,200 marketplace ministries in the U.S. alone. 1200! I am sure all these organizations have great purposes, missions, visions and focus. So it isn’t for lack of effort. Good organizations are really trying to minister to people in the marketplace. Each of these organizations may not necessarily be marketing focused to create a brand for its ministry or to be made aware for recognition sake, but, I was wondering whether their reach could be more broadly known to increase their visibility. Continue reading →
There are many people that I come across who are looking for meaning and purpose in their life. I meet them all the time.
This is why it’s critical that marketplace ministry exists.
Most people grow up thinking, if you study hard, you get into a good college, and then you get a good job. Unfortunately, life lessons end there.
But the reality is that life is so much more than “a job.” Everyone is looking for meaning and purpose in life. This is especially true where I live—Silicon Valley. I have come across so many young people in their 20’s and 30’s with great jobs, who end up asking themselves: Continue reading →
For the last 600 years, the Church has really done a poor job of understanding the biblical basis of work. And in that, when Christians think of a “calling,” it is still understood in the context of, “Am I called to be a missionary? …Am I called to be a pastor?” On the notion of “calling,” people don’t really think about am I called to be a doctor or a lawyer.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15
A viable interpretation of Genesis 2:15 is that we are called to work to glorify God and to serve others. If so, it would follow that this notion of calling is for all vocations—whether it’s as a homemaker or working outside the home. It’s not relegated just to the Church.
"One thing largely missing today is leaders with integrity, humility and transparency in all sectors of society. This is why developing leaders is so crucial. I am thrilled that A3 is leveraging its legacy, credibility and experience in training church leaders as it now enters the marketplace arena. A3 is uniquely positioned to train marketplace leaders well, because they understand the pastoral heart—encouraging and equipping them to produce effective leaders, who will in turn transform businesses and communities toward God’s ends. There are over 1200 business leader development models out there, but A3.business is a distinct one aimed at Asia that I can wholeheartedly endorse."
Continue reading →
""There are plenty of ministries to help Christian leaders develop their skills. What sets A3.business apart is a focus on the transformation of a leader’s soul. A3 holds an integrated vision of life and leadership that refuses to separate a person’s calling in the world from his or her communion with Christ. By targeting this deeper level of existence, A3.business equips leaders with a new vision of faithfulness and not merely new tools of effectiveness.""
The generation gap can be huge and sometimes disorienting in the workplace. With this challenge, my strategies are always derived from our understanding of leadership in the multi-generational situation. In other words, what would good leaders do to bridge this gap? Continue reading 
Everyone is looking for meaning
"One thing largely missing today is leaders with integrity, humility and transparency in all sectors of society. This is why developing leaders is so crucial. I am thrilled that A3 is leveraging its legacy, credibility and experience in training church leaders as it now enters the marketplace arena. A3 is uniquely positioned to train marketplace leaders well, because they understand the pastoral heart—encouraging and equipping them to produce effective leaders, who will in turn transform businesses and communities toward God’s ends. There are over 1200 business leader development models out there, but A3.business is a distinct one aimed at Asia that I can wholeheartedly endorse."
Continue reading 
""There are plenty of ministries to help Christian leaders develop their skills. What sets A3.business apart is a focus on the transformation of a leader’s soul. A3 holds an integrated vision of life and leadership that refuses to separate a person’s calling in the world from his or her communion with Christ. By targeting this deeper level of existence, A3.business equips leaders with a new vision of faithfulness and not merely new tools of effectiveness.""
