#1 – The Butt Kisser – this is the person that will allow “the emperor to have no clothes.” They think EVERYTHING you say is a “great idea boss” and NEVER push back. (This person will kiss your butt until they have the opportunity to do it for someone who they feel is more important than you…then they will take their lips elsewhere!)

#2 – The Philosophical Expert – this is the person who has an “innovative philosophy” that will change the game…but has been unwilling to attempt it. Rather than actually do what they propose they usually write a book about it and challenge others to do it. (Such as…the dude who writes a book on how to plant a church but has never actually planted a church!)

#3 – The “Devil’s Advocate” – I’ve said it before, I will say it again…the devil doesn’t need a freakin’ advocate…and no one on your team should feel the need to serve him! If there is someone that ALWAYS finds a dark cloud on every bright day…beware. Becoming preoccupied with the pessimist will always drain your passion!

#4 – The Over Promiser – There are really great people in this world who just can’t say no…so they will over promise, not because they are evil but because they often feel guilty when they say no. If you see someone promising everyone they will do everything then I can promise that the quality of that work will probably amount to nothing…OR…they will do a great job and burn out in ministry.

#5 – The “People’s Advocate” – When the person approaches you and says, “Hey man, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SAYING…” BEWARE! Because…in reality a lot of people are probably NOT saying anything…he and two or three of his friends are saying! If a person isn’t willing to give names they should simply be ignored.

#6 – The “Guilt Trip Guide” – This is the person who always tries to make you feel horrible that you are not as passionate about their ministry as they are. Reality is that God allows different things to fire people up!

#7 – The Incomplete Information Guide – This is the person who shares what’s going on with you…but actually doesn’t know what is going on…so they make up the parts of the story they are unsure about as they go. Listening to this person will always get you to a place that isn’t good!

#8 – The “Gotta Know” Person – This is the person that always has to know everything…and if they don’t they sulk and pout. This person will often begin to invite themselves to meetings and literally suck the life right out of the room. Make sure the right people know the right information…but never feel obligated to invite people to be in a meeting because they just always want to be in the know.

#9 – The “Yeah, But…” Person – ALWAYS beware of the person who, when you or someone else is talking about what God is doing in another church or ministry ALWAYS says, “yeah…but I know someone who told me what is REALLY going on there…” The person who always has something negative to say about other people and ministries is saying negative things about you and your church behind your back! People who can’t celebrate what God is doing elsewhere can’t be trusted.

#10 – The Passionless Person – I told our staff recently that we can no longer afford to have passionless people in prominent positions. It’s not my job to fire people up…it’s my job to keep pouring gasoline on the fire that should already be there. The teams we serve with are either passion suckers or difference makers!

#11 –The “That’s Not My Job” Person – When a person replies in this manner when asked to do something then you can bet your last Bible that they are not fully sold out to the vision of your ministry!

….serves
1 -Am I a friend who serves my friends?
a. There’s always a giver\taker in every relationship – which are you?
2 – Do i help my friends accomplish their life mission?

….humbles himself
1 – Are you a friend who always has to be right?
2 – Are you a friend who can admit when you’re wrong?

….endures through tough times?
1 – How do you do when the going gets tough?
a. Will you stick with it or bail out at first chance?
2 – Who are your friends over a lifetime?

….reconciles
1 – Who do you need to makes things with?
2 – What friend are you holding a grudge against?

….comforts
1 – Do you have a friend who’s going through a difficult time?
2 – How do you comfort your friends?

….prays
1 – Do you have a prayer list with your friends names on it?
2 – When was the last time you prayed with\for your friends?

….is faithful
1 – In what ways have you given to your friends this week?

….is hospitable/authentic
1 – Do your friends really know who you are?
2 – How often are they in your home?

…encourages friends to keep serving
1 – Have asked your friends the tough questions lately?

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Who’s in your photo album of friends?
Are your friends:
– loyal
– honest
– compassionate
– good listener
– fun
– forgiving
– authentic
– have common interests
– unreal expectations

People you meet will come and go. There are some who will stay for a short while and move on; there are some who will stay longer, but will also move on, BUT there will be some that will become your friends and will make a lasting impression on you that you will NEVER FORGET. Those are the friends that you get to know really well and will be there for you, even after years of not being together.