Gentlemen,

My natural tendency is to be task oriented. One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 14:4, “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue (increase) comes by the strength of the ox.” Mrs. Farr and I have often been called oxen because we tend to get the project done, but leave quite a mess behind; sometimes this includes broken relationships. However, God has been working in my life and heart to help me balance this with a proper perspective on people and leadership. I’d like to share some of these insights with you this month.

First, it’s all about people. This is one of the guiding principles of ALERT Cadet. If ALERT Cadet has the very best camps, literature, handbooks, and materials, but if we do not positively impact the father/son relationship we have failed. God is interested in people; they are one of two things that will last for eternity, the other being His Word. I must continually remind myself that people are the reason I am on this earth. Life is about people and their importance to God. I’m His hands and feet and I must be about His business with His people.

Second, my leadership effectiveness will be determined by my connectedness with people. If I am unable to connect with their hearts, they will not be a part of the team and I will be unable to influence them for good. Fathers and sons may believe in the vision of ALERT Cadet, but if the ALERT Cadet leadership team and I do not connect with them, we will be unable to fulfill the vision of “assisting fathers to win and keep the hearts of their 8 to 17-year-old sons.” John Maxwell says it this way, “you must first win the heart before asking for a hand.”

Third, a steward is required to be faithful, according to 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” I am to lead the ALERT Cadet ministry faithfully, as a steward of the time, money, and people, which God places in my charge. I must make my time as effective as possible; this is why I fly small airplanes to and from ALERT Cadet events. God has provided the financial resources to sustain and enlarge this ministry, if we use them faithfully. Lastly, I must be a good steward of the people God brings to work in this ministry. They are the backbone of what we do and what gets accomplished each day.

People. I’m still learning and growing in my leadership and development of them and I hope you are too. Lead your families well, connect with your children, and win their hearts as you ask for their obedience. Stay focused on the goal of raising them to be disciples of Christ. Don’t let anything get the way of doing that well.

In Christ,

Roger D. Farr

ALERT Cadet Commanding Officer