Canoeing the Mountains – Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory

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With minimal gear, an inflatable kayak and a can-do attitude like no other, Sutherland coolly embarked on epic thousand kilometer journeys along the remote north shore of Molokai and the coast of Alaska. Sutherland’s writing inspires, shatters perceived barriers and may make you question our dependence on GPS, Go-Pros and Gore-Tex gear. Whether you are looking for a quiet float along a rural stretch of flat water or an exciting paddle through Class IV rapids, this book will guide your way.

Most of us who have been asked to consider leadership have big cheering sections. We are used to applause, affirmation and feeling successful. But the minute we accept the call to adaptive leadership that brings transformation, we should expect most of the cheering to stop." (137) Bolsinger says people don’t dislike change nearly as much as they mourn loss. As youth pastors, we need to shepherd people through the grieving process as they lose programs and traditions that are dear to them. Meanwhile, expect some sabotage on this journey. Two illustrations: 1) We regularly use three words to talk about the people with whom we want to serve--character, chemistry and competency. Bolsinger uses the word capacity instead of competency. That subtle change is huge. It's the power of the right word. We use competency but that implies a set of skills. In our explanation we always say that we can teach what we want. Capacity captures that. 2) We're all familiar with Covey's "win-win" scenario. Bolsinger realistically and convincingly argues that win-win almost always causes us to maintain the status quo. If we are truly going to move people at a pace they can tolerate (paraphrase of his definition of leadership) then someone is going to lose something. How have you in your ministry done the following: “Encouraging...diversity in your leadership pool means greater diversity of thought, which, in turn, leads to improved problem solving?” (197) This may have been the most helpful leadership book I’ve read, particularly for a ministry context, since Andi Stanley’s “Visioneering”.It is not so much that God has a mission for his church in the world, but that God has a church for his mission in the world.” If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” What we are calling “shared values,” Paul terms as the “same mind.” And that same mind is more than thinking the same way; it is about common cause, common care and a shared commitment to look out for the others.” Most firms allow unguided canoes and kayaks to be hired from March to December (but only guided during the winter months). Don’t focus on whether your church is dying; keep your focus on being transformed into the leader God can use to transform his people for his mission.” If large crowds put you off then head upstream to Hay on Wye or book outside the July and August summer holidays.

Paddling Pacific Northwest Whitewater is the definitive guide to the best rivers and creeks for kayaking and rafting in Washington and Oregon—home to some of the most fun (and challenging) whitewater in the world. Including over 240 detailed run descriptions from local area paddlers who know these rivers and creeks better than anyone else, this is the only book you’ll ever need for a lifetime’s-worth of paddling in the Pacific Northwest. Canoeing is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities—more that 9 million people enjoy the experience each year. It allows you to socialize with friends and family while exploring new places as you relax and enjoy the outdoors. Canoeing not only provides you with the basic skills and knowledge you need to safely head out for adventures on a variety of water trails but also presents a strong foundational understanding of this recreational activity. An elegantly refurbished country pub in Tintern with locally sourced produce in their excellent dining spaces.

You don’t need to be able to swim, the bank of the river is never far away and you will be wearing a buoyancy aid. You just need 1 good swimmer for every non-swimmer. Even quite young kids are allowed. For each kid that would need help if the boat capsized, you need 1 adult. For older and more capable kids then 1 adult can canoe with two children. Bolsinger splits his wisdom into five parts. First, in “Understanding Uncharted Territory,” Bolsinger emphasizes that good leaders in this age recognize that the world in front of them is nothing like the world behind them. [2] For the church, the environment in which we pastors led churches in the past was to open a building and put out a sign; this is all it took for people to come. People were favorable to the church. But now, Bolsinger warns, we live in a post-Christian society, where people are suspicious of the church and unwilling to give up a good Sunday. His point? If we lead with the methods we used in the 1950s, we will be quite upset about the declining results. Bolsinger also notes that a large number of pastors are leaving ministry behind each year because they do not have the tools needed to lead in the church of the twenty-first century. Seminary did not train them to lead, but only focused on skills necessary to preach, serve in hospitals, lead weddings, etc. Many pastors were trained in a setting where they could assume people would come to hear and respect what they had to preach, but people in our society simply do not care anymore about our message. These changes in the world ahead are only more evident in a society marked by Coronavirus. Tod Bolsinger, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory (Westmont, IL: IVP Books, 2018), 19, 232. This special edition of No Barriers introduces kids to the incredible true story of Erik’s most terrifying journey: solo kayaking the thunderous whitewater of the Grand Canyon. Erik and his friends form a courageous crew to do battle with some of the harshest elements nature has to offer. Along the course of Erik’s journey, he meets other trailblazers: adventurers, scientists, artists, and activists who show Erik the way forward and teach him the meaning of No Barriers―“What’s Within You is Stronger Than What’s in Your Way.” For adventure, speed and feeling closer to the water then the kayak is a better option. For a relaxing social tour with the family then go with the canoe. WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?