GOVERNING BODIES 3

The phrase "all hands on deck" often is used to indicate a need for everyone involved in a circumstance or event, even if only tangentially, to be fully involved in assuming their respective roles and accomplishing their appointed tasks. All hands must be engaged, and all necessary actions taken so as to accomplish the jointly held goal. If one hand is otherwise engaged, the full and complete accomplishment of the assigned task within the available timeframe becomes difficult or near impossible. If an entire group or segment of those who should be focused on the goal is otherwise engaged, disaster will likely reign before the task is completed and the goal is achieved.

Sometimes getting all hands on deck and focused on a specific goal is an accomplishment in itself. It may require producing convincing evidence that the goal sought to be accomplished is in the best interests of all concerned parties. It also may require negating the contradictory evidence that is produced for the sole and singular purpose of creating a standstill. One negates the contradictory evidence merely by taking the current circumstances to their logical conclusion. The logical conclusion is never a miraculous turnaround that does not involve sustained effort; it always is a progressive worsening or deterioration of the negative circumstances.

Sometimes keeping all hands on deck and focused on accomplishing the goal is more difficult than the initial task of getting all hands on deck. In order to keep all hands on deck, one must reiterate the goal periodically (every day or every hour, if necessary), and receive recommitments from the parties engaged in seeking to accomplish the goal. One also must ensure that the actions and activities of everyone involved remain directed toward accomplishing the goal. This is a necessary and critical process of realignment which, if not done, can cause a profound misalignment. Ultimately, getting and keeping all hands on deck and focused on accomplishing the goal can be achieved only with the full approval and assistance of the Holy Spirit of God.