Moving on from last week’s “Empowerment (Trust) Matrix quadrant “entrenched in bunkers”, this week we will briefly look at “caged eagles”.
Caged Eagles
The Empowerment (Trust) Matrix
Low trust Entrenched in Bunkers Caged Eagles
High trust Flying Blind Empowered Individuals
Low Enablement High Enablement
Let me be quite clear, I believe there are two types of caged eagles, firstly those who caged in by their mind set (ducks) and secondly there are those who are ready to learn and grow (eagles), however, they are caged in by attitudes, beliefs and opinions of others.
Opinions: A global preacher was relaying a story when a few of his close friends were camping and discussing various topics. He turned to his friend and asked for his opinion, what came back changed him. His friend said sorry I don’t have an opinion for if I share my opinion it leaves a gate open for others to criticise, I have learnt that when some people ask for your opinion they are possibly looking for you to agree with their views and if you don’t well the gate is left open, that’s why I don’t give opinions any more.
As with last week let’s look at the definition from the Oxford dictionary of the two words caged eagles.
Cage (caged) ~ noun
a structure of bars or wires in which birds or other animals are confined: she kept a canary in a cage figurative his cage of loneliness
Wow!! Even before we go further we have been presented with a visual image thrust at us that of a canary in a cage and the Oxford dictionary goes even further by calling is his cage of loneliness, how poignant. I am sure there are people within all churches, limited because no one has taken the step to engage them fully, or they do not think they have anything to offer, review last week’s leadership reflection blog, those entrenched in bunkers.
Eagle (eagles) ~ noun
a large bird of prey with a massive hooked bill and long broad wings , known for its keen sight and powerful soaring flight.
The eagle is not a bird that flies low e.g. a duck, no an eagle is a bird of the sky flying higher than any other bird.
Here’s something NEW for you. Do you know who are your ducks and eagles are? More importantly do you know how to lead/mentor both ducks and eagles.
Key to success:
Learn how to recognise the caged eagles, give of you most precious commodity TIME. As with last week it’s all about building relationships understanding a person finding out what inspires them, nurture, facilitate and develop the person to be who they can be in Christ.
It does not matter if they are a caged eagle through their mind set or through the opinions of others; we all have something to offer. God’s plan cannot be achieved by a few people (church leaders), He requires all of us to fulfil His individual plan. We are all like a quilted blanket each piece sown in a specific part so that together the end product is truly awe-inspiring.
Each time another person comes to know the Lord another piece is added, how brightly they shine is I believe dependent upon 1) their relationship with Him and 2) how the church relates to them, encourages them, cultivates them and helps to release their individual giftings and helps them to be who they can be in Christ.
As a leader one of your functions is to release the potential within helping individuals to Be Who You Can Be in Christ, enabling the person to understand who they are in Christ, to learn to walk then to fly, then to soar to new heights, to the glory of God.
Today make a commitment to recognise your caged eagles, nurture them and release your CAGED EAGLE’s it’s not about a person is all about our God, remember the words from John 21: 15-19, feed my lambs, care for my sheep and feed my sheep.
Removing Barriers Releasing Potential 