#1 - Do Not Neglect Your Personal Time With God
I have learned that I can either do ministry from memory or ministry from the overflow of what God is doing in me–the latter is ALWAYS the most fruitful.
#2 - People Will Hurt You–Love Them Anyway
One of the biggest temptations in life and ministry is to become bitter and angry at people who hurt you and then allowing those relationships to drive wedges into future relationships. LOVE PEOPLE–Jesus did. It’s not easy…but we’re called to do this.
#3 - Don’t Be Afraid To Make Mistakes
One of the biggest things that holds God’s kingdom back is His people, empowered by His Spirit, who are afraid to fail! I would rather make a mistake trying than make THE mistake mentioned in James 4:17.
#4 - Remember WHO You Are Serving
One day I will stand before Jesus…our goal in life should be to please HIM in all things…career, relationships, finances, parenting…
#5 - Think Big
Don’t limit God–Ephesians 3:20 is SO TRUE! Why do we make nickel and dime plans when God OWNS THE UNIVERSE?!?!?
#6 - Don’t Let Yourself Get Into A Rut
One of the biggest weapons the enemy uses is the one of familiarity…and in giving into this enemy we begin to desire to just…be…comfortable. We have PLENTY of time to be comfortable in heaven…while we are on the earth we must allow God to disturb us so that He can use us to disturb others.
#7 - Never Stop Learning
Always ask questions–from everyone. I seek advice from pastors who have churches larger than OAG…and also those who have churches smaller. If I ever get to be so prideful and arrogant & begin to think I can’t learn from others–I am convinced that God will kick my rear end!
#8 - Be Real
People are sick and tired of the leaders who pretends his/her poo doesn’t stink! Christians are KNOWN for being able to fake it through life because we’ve believed the lie that once we become Christians we NEVER have problems anymore!!! Don’t fall into that! Just be who you are.
#9 - Talk About Real Issues
Most people attending our church do not care about the measurements of the Temple–but they do want to know how they can hold a marriage together, how they can keep from going under financially and how to raise good kids.
#10 - Surround Yourself With “Yes” Men and Women!
Yep–surround yourself with people who say, “yes, Lord–whatever you want” and then they will passionately pursue HIS direction. If you have people around you that are scared of you then your leadership is in danger.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Pitfalls to Avoid
Here are few of the dangers and pitfalls that leaders can fall into, and areas that we need to be mindful of, because if we are being honest, we all have blind spots when it comes to how we live, what we do, and how we believe. I pray that this may make us aware of some of these that we may otherwise not see.
1. Extreme Zeal
Is this always bad? Not always, but it can lead to a stressed lifestyle where the church becomes a means to an end, i.e. building a successful church in youthful zeal makes you feel like a success. God builds His church with or without us. The goal is not success, it is faithfulness to the end.
2. Unrealistic Pace
Ministry is a marathon, but some leaders don’t understand that yet. They (we) treat it like a sprint, end up fatigued too early in the race to finish, and quit or disqualify themselves before the finish line.
3. Lack of Perspective
Leaders have yet to make all the mistakes, meet all the people, listen to all the conversations, read all the books, reflect on all the mess_ups, and pay attention to all the warnings that they eventually will. Only time (year stacked upon year of hard ministry) can bring this.
4. Sense of Invincibility
To quote Travis Tritt, leaders sometimes feel "10 foot tall and bullet proof" without realizing that it takes 5 seconds to destroy with it took 20 years to build. Each of us is susceptible to any and all temptations without the grace of God and the protection of our brothers and sisters.
5. Theological Ignorance
I have heard this one so many times…"Don’t bore me with theology, let’s get busy reaching people for Jesus!" Sure. Sounds cute and epic. But that is the fastest way to build a really big church fast, and then watch it fall apart even faster. All that we do is based on theological beliefs. We must be as deep as we are wide.
6. Isolation
Based on a fear of confrontation or being rejected by others, leaders sometimes seal themselves off from the voices and opinions of others. We don’t need a committee for every decision, but we need clarity and wisdom. Proverbs says these come from wise counsel. We do not get that when we roll solo.
7. Constant Comparison
With so many new churches sprouting up and so many nationally known pastors and ministries on the map, it becomes a struggle to not always look to them and ask why you are not as big, edgy, innovative, creative, post_modern, hip, or cool. This type of comparison can possibly be a result of insecurity or a result of being too busy to get a clear word from God about the direction HE wants you to take your ministry. Model, don’t copy.
8. Strained Family
When a leader does something, they do it full_tilt_boogie (all the way). This can many times put pressure on the wife and kids, especially if the lion is used to living a college lifestyle; up early, going hard all day, up late, making stuff happen, taking all the little jobs. In the early days of a ministry, the leader usually does everything, and the family may suffer.
9. No Margin
Everything is about building the new ministry, so exercise, reading, relaxing, dates with your spouse, close community with friends, and time with nothing planned become obsolete. Leaders like to have every day packed with productive things to do so we can end the day and say "…that was a good day, look at all I accomplished."
10. Losing The First Love
From personal experience, I can say that all of the creativity and energy that leaders have penned up inside their hearts and heads can distract them from the main thing; staying connected to the Vine. In John 15, Jesus made it clear that if we remain in Him, we will bear much fruit, but apart from Him, we can do nothing. NOTHING. Leaders must not forget that we are called first to Christ, not "success". He must always remain our first love.
1. Extreme Zeal
Is this always bad? Not always, but it can lead to a stressed lifestyle where the church becomes a means to an end, i.e. building a successful church in youthful zeal makes you feel like a success. God builds His church with or without us. The goal is not success, it is faithfulness to the end.
2. Unrealistic Pace
Ministry is a marathon, but some leaders don’t understand that yet. They (we) treat it like a sprint, end up fatigued too early in the race to finish, and quit or disqualify themselves before the finish line.
3. Lack of Perspective
Leaders have yet to make all the mistakes, meet all the people, listen to all the conversations, read all the books, reflect on all the mess_ups, and pay attention to all the warnings that they eventually will. Only time (year stacked upon year of hard ministry) can bring this.
4. Sense of Invincibility
To quote Travis Tritt, leaders sometimes feel "10 foot tall and bullet proof" without realizing that it takes 5 seconds to destroy with it took 20 years to build. Each of us is susceptible to any and all temptations without the grace of God and the protection of our brothers and sisters.
5. Theological Ignorance
I have heard this one so many times…"Don’t bore me with theology, let’s get busy reaching people for Jesus!" Sure. Sounds cute and epic. But that is the fastest way to build a really big church fast, and then watch it fall apart even faster. All that we do is based on theological beliefs. We must be as deep as we are wide.
6. Isolation
Based on a fear of confrontation or being rejected by others, leaders sometimes seal themselves off from the voices and opinions of others. We don’t need a committee for every decision, but we need clarity and wisdom. Proverbs says these come from wise counsel. We do not get that when we roll solo.
7. Constant Comparison
With so many new churches sprouting up and so many nationally known pastors and ministries on the map, it becomes a struggle to not always look to them and ask why you are not as big, edgy, innovative, creative, post_modern, hip, or cool. This type of comparison can possibly be a result of insecurity or a result of being too busy to get a clear word from God about the direction HE wants you to take your ministry. Model, don’t copy.
8. Strained Family
When a leader does something, they do it full_tilt_boogie (all the way). This can many times put pressure on the wife and kids, especially if the lion is used to living a college lifestyle; up early, going hard all day, up late, making stuff happen, taking all the little jobs. In the early days of a ministry, the leader usually does everything, and the family may suffer.
9. No Margin
Everything is about building the new ministry, so exercise, reading, relaxing, dates with your spouse, close community with friends, and time with nothing planned become obsolete. Leaders like to have every day packed with productive things to do so we can end the day and say "…that was a good day, look at all I accomplished."
10. Losing The First Love
From personal experience, I can say that all of the creativity and energy that leaders have penned up inside their hearts and heads can distract them from the main thing; staying connected to the Vine. In John 15, Jesus made it clear that if we remain in Him, we will bear much fruit, but apart from Him, we can do nothing. NOTHING. Leaders must not forget that we are called first to Christ, not "success". He must always remain our first love.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
4 Questions To The Leadership Team
1. How are you doing spiritually?
As a young pastor, I don’t remember many people taking an interest in my personal spiritual life. My pastor was phenomenal at teaching us the Bible (and for that I’m forever grateful). But most of my early mentors didn’t help me develop my own disciplines for spiritual growth.
When I meet with staff members, I want to know how they’re doing spiritually.
In ministry, it’s way too easy to substitute ministry for our time with God. Doing ministry without spending time with God is like trying to drive a car without refilling the tank. Eventually, it just won’t work anymore.
Bill Hybels once said, “The way I was doing the work of God was destroying the work of God in me.” I don’t want that to happen to those who serve with me.
2. Who is speaking into your life?
If it's just me, PC, then you need to expand that. That’s why I want to know, “Who is speaking into your life?” Who’s rattling your world? Who thinks so radically that they give you a headache? Who’s correcting you when you need it?
One of the reasons we want to give you books to read is so you have people speaking into your life. If you're not a reader, you're not a leader.
3. How is your family doing?
My family is a big part of ministry. Hopefully, I’ve raised future Christian leaders who will bring glory to God in the world. My kids are grown and working toward leaving the nest.
Churches and ministry can be harmful to families. We put such crazy scheduling demands on pastors and leaders that having a strong family is almost impossible. I believe a strong ministry is an overflow of a strong family.
If I haven't said this before, I'm saying it now: your family comes first. If you invite someone to church and they come - you have the "day off" of ministry responsibilities so you can focus on them. That's more important.
Guard family time. No one will do it for you. What about you? How is your family?
4. When is the last time you failed?
This may sound like an unusual question, but it’s one of my favorites to ask. I want to know, “When is the last time you failed?”
When you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Some of the most valuable lessons the disciples learned from Jesus immediately followed failure. Jesus allowed them to fail.
I’m glad to say that I’ve tried things that didn’t go so well (as most of you well know!). The good news is: When I fail, it gives me the chance to learn. When I fail, I increase my tolerance for failure, helping me not to become complacent. When I fail, I continue to inspire others to take faith risks.
What about you? When is the last time you’ve failed?
As a young pastor, I don’t remember many people taking an interest in my personal spiritual life. My pastor was phenomenal at teaching us the Bible (and for that I’m forever grateful). But most of my early mentors didn’t help me develop my own disciplines for spiritual growth.
When I meet with staff members, I want to know how they’re doing spiritually.
In ministry, it’s way too easy to substitute ministry for our time with God. Doing ministry without spending time with God is like trying to drive a car without refilling the tank. Eventually, it just won’t work anymore.
Bill Hybels once said, “The way I was doing the work of God was destroying the work of God in me.” I don’t want that to happen to those who serve with me.
2. Who is speaking into your life?
If it's just me, PC, then you need to expand that. That’s why I want to know, “Who is speaking into your life?” Who’s rattling your world? Who thinks so radically that they give you a headache? Who’s correcting you when you need it?
One of the reasons we want to give you books to read is so you have people speaking into your life. If you're not a reader, you're not a leader.
3. How is your family doing?
My family is a big part of ministry. Hopefully, I’ve raised future Christian leaders who will bring glory to God in the world. My kids are grown and working toward leaving the nest.
Churches and ministry can be harmful to families. We put such crazy scheduling demands on pastors and leaders that having a strong family is almost impossible. I believe a strong ministry is an overflow of a strong family.
If I haven't said this before, I'm saying it now: your family comes first. If you invite someone to church and they come - you have the "day off" of ministry responsibilities so you can focus on them. That's more important.
Guard family time. No one will do it for you. What about you? How is your family?
4. When is the last time you failed?
This may sound like an unusual question, but it’s one of my favorites to ask. I want to know, “When is the last time you failed?”
When you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Some of the most valuable lessons the disciples learned from Jesus immediately followed failure. Jesus allowed them to fail.
I’m glad to say that I’ve tried things that didn’t go so well (as most of you well know!). The good news is: When I fail, it gives me the chance to learn. When I fail, I increase my tolerance for failure, helping me not to become complacent. When I fail, I continue to inspire others to take faith risks.
What about you? When is the last time you’ve failed?
Random Reads
OAG Leadership Team: You're the best!
I read several blogs every week to keep up with what God is blessing, as well as to sharpen myself. Here are some tidbits from some blogs I've read this week:
Jim Wideman recently wrote a blog series highlighting four areas that ministry leaders should regularly evaluate. Here’s a summary:
Your Attitude
Do I have the heart of a servant?
Am I an asset or a liability to my pastor?
What is my attitude about others around me?
Am I grumbling and complaining?
Your Priorities
It’s one thing to know your priorities, it’s another thing all together to live according to those priorities.
Your Time Management
How am I spending my time?
Am I spending time daily with the Lord?
Is my family suffering while my ministry is flourishing?
Am I making time for personal growth and development?
Your Performance
Am I being a team builder or a one person show?
What am I doing that someone else can do?
Have I communicated clearly to all my workers what they are to do?
Can I be relied on to complete assignments and keep commitments?
3 leadership lessons I have learned from mistakes I’ve made:
Keep God before ministry.
There have been times in my life when I have put too much of my focus on doing ministry and not enough focus on my personal relationship with God. It is a dangerous habit to develop because our personal relationship with God gives us the spiritual strength needed to pursue our ministry calling to its full potential.
Be a custom leader.
When I began leading my first team of several volunteers, I interacted with each worker the same way. The problem with this is that people are very different and very unique. Different personalities interpret the same leadership differently. What works well for leading one person may be less effective for leading another. Over the years, I have tried to improve my ability to recognize different personalities and know how to best lead each one. I’m still far from perfect, but whenever I have the opportunity to lead someone one-on-one, I try to customize my approach for the best results.
Know your limits.
The first ministry I worked for never tested my limits. The work was tough, but we had a great team and always met our deadlines. The second ministry I worked for was understaffed and underresourced. It quickly taught me my limitations. Even with extended work hours and extra manpower, it was impossible to do what needed to be done. I made the mistake of assuming that I could achieve unrealistic goals because I always made tough deadlines before. Understand that you are human and have limitations. Know your limitations. Plan realistically. Otherwise, you will burn yourself out.
Leading Through Change
1. Pray and get clear direction from God.
2. Consider the needs of the people you are leading.
3. Find out what is best for the organization.
4. Get input and wisdom from your key leaders.
5. Make sure your key leaders are unified and understand why the change is occurring.
6. Get wisdom and counsel from mentors and friends.
7. Communicate the vision and direction clearly at all phases of the organization.
8. Be confident and positive about the new direction.
9. Lead strong. Don't be a wishy washy leader. LEAD WITH BOLDNESS AND HUMILITY, MY FRIEND!
Early Christmas Advice
1. Don't go into debt because of Christmas. When January rolls around, you will regret it.
2. Forgive family members of past hurts so that you can enjoy Christmas together.
3. Be generous to others. Click here right now to nominate a needy family for our $10,000
Holiday Giveaway.
4. Don't envy other people's blessings.
5. Be truly thankful for what you have.
6. Establish a budget of what you can afford to spend on Christmas gifts and don't go over it.
7. Have your kids give away some toys to kids who are less fortunate than them.
8. Remember the reason for the season; the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!
Be Generous Because
1. Your heavenly Father is generous
2. It's more blessed to give than receive
3. You could be the answer to somebody's prayer
4. God will bless you
5. It's the biblical thing to do
6. It advances the Kingdom of God
7. It provides for those who are less fortunate
8. It destroys greed and materialism
I read several blogs every week to keep up with what God is blessing, as well as to sharpen myself. Here are some tidbits from some blogs I've read this week:
Jim Wideman recently wrote a blog series highlighting four areas that ministry leaders should regularly evaluate. Here’s a summary:
Your Attitude
Do I have the heart of a servant?
Am I an asset or a liability to my pastor?
What is my attitude about others around me?
Am I grumbling and complaining?
Your Priorities
It’s one thing to know your priorities, it’s another thing all together to live according to those priorities.
Your Time Management
How am I spending my time?
Am I spending time daily with the Lord?
Is my family suffering while my ministry is flourishing?
Am I making time for personal growth and development?
Your Performance
Am I being a team builder or a one person show?
What am I doing that someone else can do?
Have I communicated clearly to all my workers what they are to do?
Can I be relied on to complete assignments and keep commitments?
3 leadership lessons I have learned from mistakes I’ve made:
Keep God before ministry.
There have been times in my life when I have put too much of my focus on doing ministry and not enough focus on my personal relationship with God. It is a dangerous habit to develop because our personal relationship with God gives us the spiritual strength needed to pursue our ministry calling to its full potential.
Be a custom leader.
When I began leading my first team of several volunteers, I interacted with each worker the same way. The problem with this is that people are very different and very unique. Different personalities interpret the same leadership differently. What works well for leading one person may be less effective for leading another. Over the years, I have tried to improve my ability to recognize different personalities and know how to best lead each one. I’m still far from perfect, but whenever I have the opportunity to lead someone one-on-one, I try to customize my approach for the best results.
Know your limits.
The first ministry I worked for never tested my limits. The work was tough, but we had a great team and always met our deadlines. The second ministry I worked for was understaffed and underresourced. It quickly taught me my limitations. Even with extended work hours and extra manpower, it was impossible to do what needed to be done. I made the mistake of assuming that I could achieve unrealistic goals because I always made tough deadlines before. Understand that you are human and have limitations. Know your limitations. Plan realistically. Otherwise, you will burn yourself out.
Leading Through Change
1. Pray and get clear direction from God.
2. Consider the needs of the people you are leading.
3. Find out what is best for the organization.
4. Get input and wisdom from your key leaders.
5. Make sure your key leaders are unified and understand why the change is occurring.
6. Get wisdom and counsel from mentors and friends.
7. Communicate the vision and direction clearly at all phases of the organization.
8. Be confident and positive about the new direction.
9. Lead strong. Don't be a wishy washy leader. LEAD WITH BOLDNESS AND HUMILITY, MY FRIEND!
Early Christmas Advice
1. Don't go into debt because of Christmas. When January rolls around, you will regret it.
2. Forgive family members of past hurts so that you can enjoy Christmas together.
3. Be generous to others. Click here right now to nominate a needy family for our $10,000
Holiday Giveaway.
4. Don't envy other people's blessings.
5. Be truly thankful for what you have.
6. Establish a budget of what you can afford to spend on Christmas gifts and don't go over it.
7. Have your kids give away some toys to kids who are less fortunate than them.
8. Remember the reason for the season; the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!
Be Generous Because
1. Your heavenly Father is generous
2. It's more blessed to give than receive
3. You could be the answer to somebody's prayer
4. God will bless you
5. It's the biblical thing to do
6. It advances the Kingdom of God
7. It provides for those who are less fortunate
8. It destroys greed and materialism
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Changing Lenses
A few years ago there was a true story about a man in New York City who was kidnaped. His kidnappers called his wife and asked for $100,000 ransom. She talked them down to $30,000.
The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But, don't you wonder what happened when the man got home and found that his wife got him back for a discount? Calvin Trillin was the writer of this story. He imagined out loud what the negotiations must have been like: "$100,000 for that old guy? You have got to be crazy. Just look at him! Look at that gut! You want $100,000 for that? You've got to be kidding. He’s balding and I don’t know how many good years he has left. Cut me a break here. $30,000 is my top offer."
I’m guessing that there are many of you who can identify with the wife in that story, but for some reason I find myself identifying with the husband. Yeah, I fit the “old, gut, balding scenario, but it goes beyond that. I'd like to think if I were in a similar situation, there would be people who would spare no expense to get me back. I’d like to think that they wouldn't haggle over the price....they wouldn't say, 'Well, let me think about it.' I like to think that they would say, 'We'll do anything for you.'"
Now, many of you who receive this e-mail are dear friends who would say just that. Others of you, I’ve never met. My point, however, is bigger than you and I being acquaintances. My point has to do with the value of a human being. I know we’re all worth about $5 in mineral value, but what are people worth in “people value”? Why do we sometimes treat others rudely or even with mean attitudes?
I recently sat at a football game, surrounded by families with small children. Up the aisle comes a man screaming profanities at the top of his lungs. I asked him to please watch his mouth. He replied, “You watch YOUR mouth, Maynard!” I didn’t reply. 30 seconds later he said, “You got a problem with my language?” I replied, “The children do.” He immediately apologized and left our area.
I don’t have to agree with someone’s opinion or action to be nice to them. I could have shot back a few choice verbal shots at this guy, but I chose not to. Why? Because somewhere along life’s way this guy has been hurt by someone and now he’s taking it out on everyone. What he needs isn’t another smart mouth shooting verbal bullets at him, he needs someone to show him that he has value.
After all, isn’t that what God does for us? Scripture says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. He could just condemn us, but instead He offers hope against all of the hurt in our lives.
I encourage you to look at people through different lenses this week. You know the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” What a crock! Broken bones heal, broken spirits need hope. You have the power to offer it to others........I encourage you to do so!
Have a great week.......
The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But, don't you wonder what happened when the man got home and found that his wife got him back for a discount? Calvin Trillin was the writer of this story. He imagined out loud what the negotiations must have been like: "$100,000 for that old guy? You have got to be crazy. Just look at him! Look at that gut! You want $100,000 for that? You've got to be kidding. He’s balding and I don’t know how many good years he has left. Cut me a break here. $30,000 is my top offer."
I’m guessing that there are many of you who can identify with the wife in that story, but for some reason I find myself identifying with the husband. Yeah, I fit the “old, gut, balding scenario, but it goes beyond that. I'd like to think if I were in a similar situation, there would be people who would spare no expense to get me back. I’d like to think that they wouldn't haggle over the price....they wouldn't say, 'Well, let me think about it.' I like to think that they would say, 'We'll do anything for you.'"
Now, many of you who receive this e-mail are dear friends who would say just that. Others of you, I’ve never met. My point, however, is bigger than you and I being acquaintances. My point has to do with the value of a human being. I know we’re all worth about $5 in mineral value, but what are people worth in “people value”? Why do we sometimes treat others rudely or even with mean attitudes?
I recently sat at a football game, surrounded by families with small children. Up the aisle comes a man screaming profanities at the top of his lungs. I asked him to please watch his mouth. He replied, “You watch YOUR mouth, Maynard!” I didn’t reply. 30 seconds later he said, “You got a problem with my language?” I replied, “The children do.” He immediately apologized and left our area.
I don’t have to agree with someone’s opinion or action to be nice to them. I could have shot back a few choice verbal shots at this guy, but I chose not to. Why? Because somewhere along life’s way this guy has been hurt by someone and now he’s taking it out on everyone. What he needs isn’t another smart mouth shooting verbal bullets at him, he needs someone to show him that he has value.
After all, isn’t that what God does for us? Scripture says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. He could just condemn us, but instead He offers hope against all of the hurt in our lives.
I encourage you to look at people through different lenses this week. You know the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” What a crock! Broken bones heal, broken spirits need hope. You have the power to offer it to others........I encourage you to do so!
Have a great week.......
Friday, November 2, 2007
Things to Remember About Vision
Things To Remember About Vision
1. Many people will forget the vision 1 hour after you share it, so share it again and again and again. Did I say share it again?
2. People are attracted and motivated by a God-size vision.
3. A God-size vision helps unify a church.
4. A God-size vision attracts God-size resources.
5. A God-size vision attracts strong leaders.
6. A God-size vision keeps volunteers fired up.
7. Sharing the God size-vision is one of the most important jobs of the pastor.
8. Listen and learn from other pastors who do a great job at casting vision.
9. People need to see the vision coming to pass.
10. You can't ever share the vision enough.
1. Many people will forget the vision 1 hour after you share it, so share it again and again and again. Did I say share it again?
2. People are attracted and motivated by a God-size vision.
3. A God-size vision helps unify a church.
4. A God-size vision attracts God-size resources.
5. A God-size vision attracts strong leaders.
6. A God-size vision keeps volunteers fired up.
7. Sharing the God size-vision is one of the most important jobs of the pastor.
8. Listen and learn from other pastors who do a great job at casting vision.
9. People need to see the vision coming to pass.
10. You can't ever share the vision enough.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Reinforcing The Vision
These suggestions come from Herbert Cooper......and are directed to pastors, but they truly apply to the entire leadership team as we encourage the teams we work with:
1. Reinforce the vision with your staff by doing regular teachings about the vision.
2. Reinforce the vision by publicly and privately rewarding those who are advancing the vision.
3. Reinforce the vision by quickly correcting and/or redirecting those who get off focus.
4. Reinforce the vision by having your entire staff gather together once a month (admin. included) to share testimonies of how they are advancing the vision.
5. Reinforce the vision by celebrating with your team when the organization makes huge strides in accomplishing the vision.
6. Reinforce the vision by dropping by a staff member’s office and just talk to them about life, vision and the direction of the organization.
7. Reinforce the vision by encouraging and equipping your top leaders to keep the rest of the team focused on the vision.
1. Reinforce the vision with your staff by doing regular teachings about the vision.
2. Reinforce the vision by publicly and privately rewarding those who are advancing the vision.
3. Reinforce the vision by quickly correcting and/or redirecting those who get off focus.
4. Reinforce the vision by having your entire staff gather together once a month (admin. included) to share testimonies of how they are advancing the vision.
5. Reinforce the vision by celebrating with your team when the organization makes huge strides in accomplishing the vision.
6. Reinforce the vision by dropping by a staff member’s office and just talk to them about life, vision and the direction of the organization.
7. Reinforce the vision by encouraging and equipping your top leaders to keep the rest of the team focused on the vision.
7 Things Running Taught Me
7 Things Running Taught Me About Ministry
by Kent Shaffer
The Apostle Paul begins Second Timothy 2 by telling Timothy that he should be like a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. I have never been a soldier or a farmer, but I have been an athlete. I used to run hurdles in track and field, and I have always enjoyed Paul’s comparison of ministry to running a race.
So what can we learn from a runner? How can the principles of running a race help us create more effective ministries?
Here are 7 things that running taught me about ministry:
#1 :: Get a Good Coach
Find quality mentors. Finding the right coach was the best thing that ever happened to me in track and field. Look for people who can tell you the right things to do and how to do them well.
Proverbs 11:14 (NLT)Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
#2 :: Train Hard, Train Constantly
Runners constantly train hard to improve their strength and technique. Effective ministry requires that you consistently invest into training your spiritual life. You also need to regularly work on improving your ministry methods and techniques.
1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
#3 :: Eat Right, Drink Plenty
The wrong diet will make a runner vomit. Guard your heart like a runner guards his stomach. Keep your actions pure and be careful what you give your attention to. A poor diet sits heavy like a weight in a runner’s stomach, but a good diet brings strength to a runner.
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Runners also need to stay hydrated. You need personal time with God like a runner needs water. It keeps you refreshed and is essential if you plan to run your race well.
Psalm 23:3 (The Message)You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
#4 :: Go Fast!
The most obvious part about running a race is that you must go as fast as you can. Being fast is more sophisticated than simply running as hard as you can. You must know your race and be able to pace yourself to maximize your efforts without burning out. Successfully sprinting a 100 meter race requires a different distribution of energy than running a marathon.
Philippians 3:14 (NLT)I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
The word press is derived from the Greek word dioko, which means to run swiftly and to run after. I feel an urgency to spread the gospel and fulfill my calling. Every moment matters when people’s eternity is on the line.
Unfortunately, the ability to be quick, agile, and nimble is difficult for some ministries. Perhaps it is needless policies bogging them down. Perhaps a lack of organization holds them back. Whatever it is, some ministries seem to be running their spiritual race in slow motion.
Are you doing everything you can to make the biggest impact? Are you moving as fast as you can?
#5 :: Keep It Light
When running, the ounces you carry multiply with every step. Serious runners wear the lightest shoes possible. Likewise, prune your ministry. Make it lightweight and nimble by cutting away unnecessary and unfruitful tasks, programs, and anything else slowing you down. Everything you do should have a purpose and bring you one step closer to finishing your race.
1 Corinthians 9:26 (NLT)So I run with purpose in every step.
#6 :: Stay in Your Lane
If you don’t stay in your lane, you will be disqualified from the race. Likewise, if you do not follow God’s guidance, you will suffer consequences.
2 Timothy 2:5 (NLT)And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
#7 :: Finish Your Race
It does not matter if you are slow. It does not matter if you fall down. You must finish your race.
Acts 20:24 (CEV)But I don’t care what happens to me, as long as I finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do. And that work is to tell the good news about God’s great kindness.
The word work is translated race in the NIV and NKJV translations and translated course in the KJV translation. It is derived from the Greek word dromos, which means a race, a career, or a course of life. It is the same word that Paul uses when he says:
2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Staying focused on and dedicated to finishing the calling that God has given you is the most important thing you can do in your ministry. Run your race well so that in the end, you too can be like Paul in Philippians 2:16 (KJV) and say, “I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
by Kent Shaffer
The Apostle Paul begins Second Timothy 2 by telling Timothy that he should be like a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. I have never been a soldier or a farmer, but I have been an athlete. I used to run hurdles in track and field, and I have always enjoyed Paul’s comparison of ministry to running a race.
So what can we learn from a runner? How can the principles of running a race help us create more effective ministries?
Here are 7 things that running taught me about ministry:
#1 :: Get a Good Coach
Find quality mentors. Finding the right coach was the best thing that ever happened to me in track and field. Look for people who can tell you the right things to do and how to do them well.
Proverbs 11:14 (NLT)Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
#2 :: Train Hard, Train Constantly
Runners constantly train hard to improve their strength and technique. Effective ministry requires that you consistently invest into training your spiritual life. You also need to regularly work on improving your ministry methods and techniques.
1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
#3 :: Eat Right, Drink Plenty
The wrong diet will make a runner vomit. Guard your heart like a runner guards his stomach. Keep your actions pure and be careful what you give your attention to. A poor diet sits heavy like a weight in a runner’s stomach, but a good diet brings strength to a runner.
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Runners also need to stay hydrated. You need personal time with God like a runner needs water. It keeps you refreshed and is essential if you plan to run your race well.
Psalm 23:3 (The Message)You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
#4 :: Go Fast!
The most obvious part about running a race is that you must go as fast as you can. Being fast is more sophisticated than simply running as hard as you can. You must know your race and be able to pace yourself to maximize your efforts without burning out. Successfully sprinting a 100 meter race requires a different distribution of energy than running a marathon.
Philippians 3:14 (NLT)I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
The word press is derived from the Greek word dioko, which means to run swiftly and to run after. I feel an urgency to spread the gospel and fulfill my calling. Every moment matters when people’s eternity is on the line.
Unfortunately, the ability to be quick, agile, and nimble is difficult for some ministries. Perhaps it is needless policies bogging them down. Perhaps a lack of organization holds them back. Whatever it is, some ministries seem to be running their spiritual race in slow motion.
Are you doing everything you can to make the biggest impact? Are you moving as fast as you can?
#5 :: Keep It Light
When running, the ounces you carry multiply with every step. Serious runners wear the lightest shoes possible. Likewise, prune your ministry. Make it lightweight and nimble by cutting away unnecessary and unfruitful tasks, programs, and anything else slowing you down. Everything you do should have a purpose and bring you one step closer to finishing your race.
1 Corinthians 9:26 (NLT)So I run with purpose in every step.
#6 :: Stay in Your Lane
If you don’t stay in your lane, you will be disqualified from the race. Likewise, if you do not follow God’s guidance, you will suffer consequences.
2 Timothy 2:5 (NLT)And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
#7 :: Finish Your Race
It does not matter if you are slow. It does not matter if you fall down. You must finish your race.
Acts 20:24 (CEV)But I don’t care what happens to me, as long as I finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do. And that work is to tell the good news about God’s great kindness.
The word work is translated race in the NIV and NKJV translations and translated course in the KJV translation. It is derived from the Greek word dromos, which means a race, a career, or a course of life. It is the same word that Paul uses when he says:
2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Staying focused on and dedicated to finishing the calling that God has given you is the most important thing you can do in your ministry. Run your race well so that in the end, you too can be like Paul in Philippians 2:16 (KJV) and say, “I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Why Churches Don't Grow
In a province of northern Mexico, the peasants lived in poverty. Corn was their main crop, but between the ravages of disease that attacked the corn and the depleted soil, the average yield was only 10 bushels an acre. Then American experts decided to see what they could do to help the situation. They analyzed the soil to determine what was lacking. They developed a strain of disease-resisting corn particularly suited to that area. As a result the corn harvest increased 11 times — to 110 bushels per acre.
Perhaps a church that finds itself in a low production cycle should engage in an analysis of the soil to see how the situation might be improved. Here are some areas of difficulty that deserve watching:
A church fails to grow when its leaders become victims of defeatism.
When a fatalistic attitude of unbelief prevails, faith for revival and growth dies, and in discouragement pastor and people say, “It can’t be done!” Some find support for this attitude in their interpretation of Scripture : “There shall be a falling away”; “The love of many shall wax cold.” To them church growth is impossible because the times are against it.
Some say America has had her chance and now can only expect judgment. But what about the whole new generation of young Americans, many of whom have never seen revival? They need a chance.
While some prophecies foretell the great apostasy, others proclaim a last-day outpouring of Gods Spirit. Both events are going to take place. Perhaps they will occur side-by-side. While we are in the earth, God is glorified in our producing much fruit. A positive stand of faith is essential for church growth.
Some churches fail to grow because they have lost their mobility and have become prisoners of their buildings.
These churches have reduced their activities to those things they do within the four walls of the sanctuary. Many churches have withdrawn from areas where they can have contact with the unchurched; they no longer have any kind of outreach ministries and have become isolated from the world they should be reaching. In some instances the only effort to reach the outside world is in the evangelistic campaign with a guest speaker. If the people come, fine. But if not, what more can they do?
The Early Church carried on without any particular emphasis on church buildings. The early disciples preached in the temple, on the streets, in the houses, in schools, and wherever opportunity afforded. This was also the scene in the early days of the Pentecostal outpouring. Services were held in homes, in storefront buildings, in vacant church buildings, in schools — anywhere an opening could be obtained. We have sometimes allowed our church buildings to seal us off from the world we must reach! For the church to grow, it must regain its mobility.
A third situation that hinders church growth might be called a family-clan mentality.
This was illustrated in one Central American church made up entirely of Indian people. The society in that area was built around the family-clan principle. The church grew rapidly for a while, then growth leveled off and there were no new converts. All the converts were members of one family clan.
When membership reached the limits of the clan, growth stopped. In fact, it is possible that the members would not have welcomed additions from other families because it would have disturbed the security of those in control. The same thing has happened to a lesser degree in other places where the church membership is made up of three or four families. These families may become sealed off from the rest of the community. Then there are no more “bridges of God,” as Dr. Donald McGavran says.
A church needs new material. Revival, like a fire, burns low if it has no new material to feed on. God expects us to find ways to move out of our isolation and into contact with the world. We are the salt of the earth. God is not calling US to isolation but to contagion. We must expose the world to the gospel.
A fourth hindrance to church growth is the pastor-do-it-all mentality.
Pastors sometimes make the common mistake of thinking the all important aspect of the ministry is the sermon. But one of the pastor’s most important tasks is to put his church to work. Ephesians 4: 11,12 bears this out. We are told God has placed in the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Some have mistakenly believed this referred to three parallel purposes. But this verse should be read without commas. There is only one thing in focus: the edifying of the body of Christ. To this end pastors, evangelists, and teachers are to prepare the saints for the work of their ministry — for this is not just a pastor’s ministry but the ministry of the entire body of Christ. As the pastor understands that an important part of his ministry is to help the members fulfill their own divine calling as members of the body of Christ, he will surely have a growing church.
The church fails to grow when it is self-centered.
A certain tension has always existed between evangelism, which is reaching the world for Christ, and the perfecting of the saints in Christian graces. Spiritually inclined people face a very real temptation to withdraw from the rugged task of winning the world and retreat into the enjoyment of spiritual gifts and graces for their own sakes. Some are so concerned about deepening their own spiritual lives and enjoying the exercise of spiritual gifts that they have lost their practical usefulness to the kingdom of God.
God wants the two poles of evangelism and Christian perfection to be kept in proper tension. We must never lose sight of the fact the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not only in us, but also through us, as witnesses to a lost world.
Some churches fail to grow because of a weak spiritual incentive
The spiritual dynamics of prayer, intercession, and waiting on God have been lost. The tendency then is to substitute the natural for the spiritual and to carry on the work of God on a natural plane. Some engage in a round of activities throughout the year with one program after another until there is no time left, and perhaps no real desire, to seek God for a move of His Holy Spirit. We cannot have true church growth if we settle for second best.
A church may be in bondage to traditions and religious habits.
Somewhere along the line we may lose our sense of expectancy that God will break in upon us in a fresh way and reveal himself to us. We begin to follow a routine of spiritual exercises. Our worship and spiritual activity lose their freshness. Where is the old-fashioned burden for the lost? Where is the weeping and wrestling with God in fervent prayer? Does the desire for God’s work to prosper take priority over our own interests and comfort?
God can break through in any church again. Faith can be revived and the church loosed from its indifference and formality. God intends for the church to grow. Ask Him to renew your faith so you can approach your task with courage.
Perhaps a church that finds itself in a low production cycle should engage in an analysis of the soil to see how the situation might be improved. Here are some areas of difficulty that deserve watching:
A church fails to grow when its leaders become victims of defeatism.
When a fatalistic attitude of unbelief prevails, faith for revival and growth dies, and in discouragement pastor and people say, “It can’t be done!” Some find support for this attitude in their interpretation of Scripture : “There shall be a falling away”; “The love of many shall wax cold.” To them church growth is impossible because the times are against it.
Some say America has had her chance and now can only expect judgment. But what about the whole new generation of young Americans, many of whom have never seen revival? They need a chance.
While some prophecies foretell the great apostasy, others proclaim a last-day outpouring of Gods Spirit. Both events are going to take place. Perhaps they will occur side-by-side. While we are in the earth, God is glorified in our producing much fruit. A positive stand of faith is essential for church growth.
Some churches fail to grow because they have lost their mobility and have become prisoners of their buildings.
These churches have reduced their activities to those things they do within the four walls of the sanctuary. Many churches have withdrawn from areas where they can have contact with the unchurched; they no longer have any kind of outreach ministries and have become isolated from the world they should be reaching. In some instances the only effort to reach the outside world is in the evangelistic campaign with a guest speaker. If the people come, fine. But if not, what more can they do?
The Early Church carried on without any particular emphasis on church buildings. The early disciples preached in the temple, on the streets, in the houses, in schools, and wherever opportunity afforded. This was also the scene in the early days of the Pentecostal outpouring. Services were held in homes, in storefront buildings, in vacant church buildings, in schools — anywhere an opening could be obtained. We have sometimes allowed our church buildings to seal us off from the world we must reach! For the church to grow, it must regain its mobility.
A third situation that hinders church growth might be called a family-clan mentality.
This was illustrated in one Central American church made up entirely of Indian people. The society in that area was built around the family-clan principle. The church grew rapidly for a while, then growth leveled off and there were no new converts. All the converts were members of one family clan.
When membership reached the limits of the clan, growth stopped. In fact, it is possible that the members would not have welcomed additions from other families because it would have disturbed the security of those in control. The same thing has happened to a lesser degree in other places where the church membership is made up of three or four families. These families may become sealed off from the rest of the community. Then there are no more “bridges of God,” as Dr. Donald McGavran says.
A church needs new material. Revival, like a fire, burns low if it has no new material to feed on. God expects us to find ways to move out of our isolation and into contact with the world. We are the salt of the earth. God is not calling US to isolation but to contagion. We must expose the world to the gospel.
A fourth hindrance to church growth is the pastor-do-it-all mentality.
Pastors sometimes make the common mistake of thinking the all important aspect of the ministry is the sermon. But one of the pastor’s most important tasks is to put his church to work. Ephesians 4: 11,12 bears this out. We are told God has placed in the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Some have mistakenly believed this referred to three parallel purposes. But this verse should be read without commas. There is only one thing in focus: the edifying of the body of Christ. To this end pastors, evangelists, and teachers are to prepare the saints for the work of their ministry — for this is not just a pastor’s ministry but the ministry of the entire body of Christ. As the pastor understands that an important part of his ministry is to help the members fulfill their own divine calling as members of the body of Christ, he will surely have a growing church.
The church fails to grow when it is self-centered.
A certain tension has always existed between evangelism, which is reaching the world for Christ, and the perfecting of the saints in Christian graces. Spiritually inclined people face a very real temptation to withdraw from the rugged task of winning the world and retreat into the enjoyment of spiritual gifts and graces for their own sakes. Some are so concerned about deepening their own spiritual lives and enjoying the exercise of spiritual gifts that they have lost their practical usefulness to the kingdom of God.
God wants the two poles of evangelism and Christian perfection to be kept in proper tension. We must never lose sight of the fact the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not only in us, but also through us, as witnesses to a lost world.
Some churches fail to grow because of a weak spiritual incentive
The spiritual dynamics of prayer, intercession, and waiting on God have been lost. The tendency then is to substitute the natural for the spiritual and to carry on the work of God on a natural plane. Some engage in a round of activities throughout the year with one program after another until there is no time left, and perhaps no real desire, to seek God for a move of His Holy Spirit. We cannot have true church growth if we settle for second best.
A church may be in bondage to traditions and religious habits.
Somewhere along the line we may lose our sense of expectancy that God will break in upon us in a fresh way and reveal himself to us. We begin to follow a routine of spiritual exercises. Our worship and spiritual activity lose their freshness. Where is the old-fashioned burden for the lost? Where is the weeping and wrestling with God in fervent prayer? Does the desire for God’s work to prosper take priority over our own interests and comfort?
God can break through in any church again. Faith can be revived and the church loosed from its indifference and formality. God intends for the church to grow. Ask Him to renew your faith so you can approach your task with courage.
Core Values
Mark Batterson from NCC (Author of "In a Pit.....") shares some thoughts on the core values of NCC:
Honestly, we didn't have core values when we were getting started. The driving motivation was simple: try to create a church where unchurched people can find Christ. I know church planters are taught to identify their core values before launching and there is nothing wrong with that. It's a good exercise. But let me say something that might sound heretical at first earshot: I think your values should change! It's counter-intuitive so let me explain.
Its one thing to write down values and hang them on the wall. It's another thing to discover your values in the trenches of ministry! It is discovery by doing! You won't really know what you value until you do what you're doing for a while! So I have always viewed our core values as a rough draft. They are amendable. Our basic DNA or churchprint won't change dramatically, but I would like to think that we'll discover new values in five or ten years as we mature as a church.
Here are a dozen core values that guide us at NCC:
1. Expect the unexpected
2. Irrelevance is irreverence
3. Love people when they least expect it and least deserve it
4. Playing it safe is risky
5. Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you
6. Everyone is invaluable and irreplaceable
7. Everything is an experiment
8. You cannot out give God
9. Maturity does not equal conformity
10. Go the extra mile
11. It's never too late to be who you might have been
12. Do it right and do it big
QUESTION: What do you see as the core values of OAG?
Honestly, we didn't have core values when we were getting started. The driving motivation was simple: try to create a church where unchurched people can find Christ. I know church planters are taught to identify their core values before launching and there is nothing wrong with that. It's a good exercise. But let me say something that might sound heretical at first earshot: I think your values should change! It's counter-intuitive so let me explain.
Its one thing to write down values and hang them on the wall. It's another thing to discover your values in the trenches of ministry! It is discovery by doing! You won't really know what you value until you do what you're doing for a while! So I have always viewed our core values as a rough draft. They are amendable. Our basic DNA or churchprint won't change dramatically, but I would like to think that we'll discover new values in five or ten years as we mature as a church.
Here are a dozen core values that guide us at NCC:
1. Expect the unexpected
2. Irrelevance is irreverence
3. Love people when they least expect it and least deserve it
4. Playing it safe is risky
5. Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you
6. Everyone is invaluable and irreplaceable
7. Everything is an experiment
8. You cannot out give God
9. Maturity does not equal conformity
10. Go the extra mile
11. It's never too late to be who you might have been
12. Do it right and do it big
QUESTION: What do you see as the core values of OAG?
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