How Kilton O. McCracken Sr. Thinks About Building Sustainable, People-Centered Organizations
Sep 18, 2024
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Kilton O. McCracken Sr., founding pastor of One Nation Church and a real estate professional, shares his insights on balancing faith, work, and family. He emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries for a healthy work-life balance and trusting in divine guidance. Kilton discusses building sustainable, people-centered organizations, advocating for collaborative leadership within the church. He also explores the interplay between ambition and well-being, offering practical advice to leaders on when to push forward and when to pause.
Kilton emphasizes the importance of establishing healthy work-life boundaries to balance demanding leadership roles with family commitments.
The conversation highlights the value of community support in leadership, advocating shared responsibility to prevent reliance on a single individual.
Deep dives
Responsibility and Leadership
The conversation highlights the significant weight of responsibility that comes with leadership, especially in faith-based roles. The speaker reflects on the saying 'to whom much is given, much is required,' emphasizing that being a leader involves a commitment to serve others while acknowledging one's limits. He recognizes the importance of not centering the church’s foundation solely on a single individual, thereby ensuring its sustainability through a community of shared leadership. This approach alleviates the burden on any one person and creates an environment of collaboration, whereby each member contributes to the church's mission.
Building a Supportive Community
The speaker illustrates the importance of building a supportive community around the church, which prevents an overwhelming dependence on a single leader. During the planning stages of One Nation Church, he intentionally sought out collaboration and support to avoid the 'all on me' mentality he had experienced previously. This proactive approach involved meeting regularly with potential members, reflecting a willingness to embrace uncertainty while inviting others to join the journey. Such community involvement not only dilutes the pressure on individual leaders but also fosters ownership among members, enhancing the collective mission.
Embracing the Unknown
The discussion points to the intrinsic challenges of embarking on a new venture, particularly in launching a church without a clear roadmap. The speaker recounts how inviting community members into the uncertain process of church planting required immense faith and flexibility. He emphasized that many early supporters were participating in a leap of faith without a fully developed plan, showcasing their commitment and courage. This willingness to step into the unknown contributed positively to building a diverse and engaged congregation, where members could help shape the church's identity.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
The importance of establishing healthy boundaries between work and family life is underscored throughout the conversation. The speaker articulates how he intentionally carves out time for family activities, such as attending children's games, prioritizing these moments despite the demands of church leadership and real estate. This conscious effort to create space for family reinforces the idea of setting boundaries to maintain a fulfilling life, which includes both personal commitments and professional aspirations. By recognizing the need for balance, he illustrates how this approach not only enriches family life but also prevents burnout in the leadership role.
On today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Kilton O. McCracken Sr., founding pastor of One Nation Church and real estate professional, for an in-depth conversation on balancing faith, work, and family. In this compelling episode, they discuss the importance of setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance, trusting in God's plan for success, and the role of family support in leadership. Kilton shares his philosophy on allowing divine guidance to sustain missions and how to stay faithful to God's vision amidst challenges. With insights on balancing multiple demanding roles and the significance of being an active parent, Kilton offers practical advice for high-drive leaders striving for a balanced and fulfilling life. Tune in to discover how faith and leadership go hand-in-hand in transforming one's personal and professional journey.
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