#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 FLIPPIN’ 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 large churches and also those who have smaller ones. 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
The “pastoral/Christian” image is played out…people are sick and tired of the man in the pulpit pretending that his poo doesn’t stink! (Expect for those obsessed with their own image!) 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!
#9 - Take About Real Issues
Most people attending our churches 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/life IS IN DANGER.
Taken from www.perynoble.com - Perry Noble is the Senior pastor of NewSpring Church
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Vintage Jesus
Roughly two thousand years ago, Jesus was born in a dumpy, rural, hick town, not unlike those today where guys change their own oil, think pro wrestling is real, find women who chew tobacco sexy, and eat a lot of Hot Pockets with their uncle-daddy. Jesus' mom was a poor, unwed teenage girl who was often mocked for claiming she conceived via the Holy Spirit. Most people thought she concocted the crazy story to cover the fact she was knocking boots with some guy in the backseat of a car at the prom. Jesus was adopted by a simple carpenter named Joseph and spent the first thirty years of his life in obscurity, swinging a hammer with his dad.
In Vintage Jesus, one of America's most influential young pastors teams up with a seasoned theologian to lead you on a hilarious theological journey chasing Jesus through Scripture and pop culture. The authors provide timeless answers to twelve timely questions about the most important man who has ever lived. Each chapter concludes with answers to common questions about each subject.
These questions are answered with insights from people such as Jesus himself, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Luther King Jr., Hugh Hefner, Jack Bauer, Fidel Castro, Oprah, Kanye West, Gandhi, Homer Simpson, Mike Tyson, Gil Grissom, and Madonna, along with some demons and a porn star. There have been seventeen thousand books written about Jesus, but none is like Vintage Jesus.
Pre-order now and get 35% off and a free PDF of Vintage Jesus around the end of the year.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Stop Acting Like A Christian... Just Be One!
Many of us make great efforts to ACT like a “Christian,” but how many of us actually realize what it means to BE one?
Too many times we see faith as an external behaviour modification program. If we just stop [fill in the blank], then we’ll be good Christians… Instead, we need to see faith and our witness to those around us stemming from an internal heart transformation, living from the inside out and not the outside in.
In a very thought provoking, conversational style, this book encourages us to stop doing church and to start being the Church. It shows how allowing God to change us from the core of our being gives us freedom to stop trying to ACT like a Christian and to just actively BE a Christian. Christine believes that this is the most important book she has ever written, as it is a real tool for both individuals as well as churches.
This unique book ends with a challenging 31-day devotional that will help you to practice the art of being an authentic Christian.
Learn how allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work in you gives you the power to BE a witness, not to do witnessing. This empowering book will make you laugh and challenge you about what truly BEING a Christian is all about.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
"How Good Is Good Enough?" by Andy Stanley
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Surely there's more than one way to get to heaven? Bestselling author Andy Stanley addresses this popular belief held even among Christians. But believing that all good people go to heaven raises major problems, Stanley reveals. Is goodness not rewarded, then? Is Christianity not fair? Maybe not, he says. Readers will find out why Jesus taught that goodness is not even a requirement to enter heaven - and why Christianity is beyond fair. Andy Stanley leads believers and skeptics alike to a grateful awareness of God's enormous grace and mercy.
Good People Go to Heaven...Don’t They?
Sure they do. It only makes sense.
Actually, it doesn’t really make any sense at all. Smart, educated, accomplished men and women everywhere are banking their eternities on a theory that doesn’t hold water. Chances are, you’ve never really thought it through. But you owe it to yourself to do so.
Find out now what’s wrong with the most popular theory about heaven—and what it really takes to get there.
Even Snoop was caught reading it.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Four Characteristics of Innovative Leaders
Limited Resources + Increasing Passion = Exponential Innovation
1. They heal the sick.
Not just physical healing. “In order to reach those that no one else is reaching, we will have to do things that no one else is doing.” We have to be driven to bring people to Jesus. We have to be passionate about that. “When is the last time you had a non-believer in your home?” We need to lead our people to love those that don’t know Christ. They need to be real people with names that people know. That type of ministry looks very different than the typical church ministry looks today. “Who is God calling you to reach that no around you is reaching?”
2. They break rules.
We don’t break away from the Truth of Jesus Christ. We need to do less “preaching” and more “listening.” Jesus healed people on the Sabbath. Martin Luther put the Bible in the hands of the common man. John Wesley preached outside the church walls. Bill Hybels combined the passion of parachurch with the power of the local church. “We have to care more about reaching people than following man’s rules.” Sometimes you have to stop watching what others are doing to hear from God. It’s your turn. Break some rules. “What is God calling you to try that hasn’t been done before?”
3. They offend Pharisees.
“When you do something new, the Pharisees will attack you like you never dreamed possible.” The things that are accepted today in the Church world, were hated ten years ago. When they do criticize, you must handle their criticism with grace. A lot of you are angry, and you have to get over your anger. Don’t shoot back. “What new thing is God calling you to create that will be hated today and embraced tomorrow?”
4. They redefine success.
John 3:30. Less of me and more of God. We have to do that…in everything we do. For example, a 2,000-person church in a metro area like Washington, D.C. is a “microchurch.” We can’t be impressed with ourselves. Success is going to be if my children know Jesus. Success is going to be when my wife gets the best of me and not the leftovers. Success is going to be spending time with God…just me and God. Success is getting people out of our building and out impacting the world. Instead of counting the number of people that are showing up, what if we started counting the number of people who we lost?
Taken from Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch.tv
1. They heal the sick.
Not just physical healing. “In order to reach those that no one else is reaching, we will have to do things that no one else is doing.” We have to be driven to bring people to Jesus. We have to be passionate about that. “When is the last time you had a non-believer in your home?” We need to lead our people to love those that don’t know Christ. They need to be real people with names that people know. That type of ministry looks very different than the typical church ministry looks today. “Who is God calling you to reach that no around you is reaching?”
2. They break rules.
We don’t break away from the Truth of Jesus Christ. We need to do less “preaching” and more “listening.” Jesus healed people on the Sabbath. Martin Luther put the Bible in the hands of the common man. John Wesley preached outside the church walls. Bill Hybels combined the passion of parachurch with the power of the local church. “We have to care more about reaching people than following man’s rules.” Sometimes you have to stop watching what others are doing to hear from God. It’s your turn. Break some rules. “What is God calling you to try that hasn’t been done before?”
3. They offend Pharisees.
“When you do something new, the Pharisees will attack you like you never dreamed possible.” The things that are accepted today in the Church world, were hated ten years ago. When they do criticize, you must handle their criticism with grace. A lot of you are angry, and you have to get over your anger. Don’t shoot back. “What new thing is God calling you to create that will be hated today and embraced tomorrow?”
4. They redefine success.
John 3:30. Less of me and more of God. We have to do that…in everything we do. For example, a 2,000-person church in a metro area like Washington, D.C. is a “microchurch.” We can’t be impressed with ourselves. Success is going to be if my children know Jesus. Success is going to be when my wife gets the best of me and not the leftovers. Success is going to be spending time with God…just me and God. Success is getting people out of our building and out impacting the world. Instead of counting the number of people that are showing up, what if we started counting the number of people who we lost?
Taken from Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch.tv
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
10 Tips to Prevent Scandal
1. Live a humble, transparent life.
2. Stay open to correction.
3. Audit your actions regularly.
4. Stay in touch with the real world.
Ministry is about loving people. But you will never develop compassion unless
you are close enough to the grass roots to smell the poverty, lay hands on the
sickness and cry with those who are in pain.
5. Don’t allow people to make you a celebrity.
6. Make family a priority.
7. Live modestly and give extravagantly.
8. Don’t build your own kingdom.
9. Develop keen discernment.
10. Maintain your spiritual passion.
People who experience moral failure almost always
lose their spiritual passion first.
Taken from an article by J. Lee Grady
2. Stay open to correction.
3. Audit your actions regularly.
4. Stay in touch with the real world.
Ministry is about loving people. But you will never develop compassion unless
you are close enough to the grass roots to smell the poverty, lay hands on the
sickness and cry with those who are in pain.
5. Don’t allow people to make you a celebrity.
6. Make family a priority.
7. Live modestly and give extravagantly.
8. Don’t build your own kingdom.
9. Develop keen discernment.
10. Maintain your spiritual passion.
People who experience moral failure almost always
lose their spiritual passion first.
Taken from an article by J. Lee Grady
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Jim & Casper Go to Church
There's a great book out called Jim & Casper Go to Church by Jim Henderson and Matt Casper. It features two guys touring and rating churches across the Unites States. What makes it especially interesting is that one of them is a former pastor (Jim) and the other one is an atheist (Casper).
It is a great read for making you think. It is a reminder that how you perceive your ministry may not be the same as how those you minister to perceive it. It makes you consider why you do what you do and question if there is a better way to do your ministry. In the foreword, George Barna opens the book saying,
Few religious leaders or churches have any idea what it’s like for an outsider to try to break into the holy huddle. Most churched people have been so immersed in the church world that they have completely lost touch with what it is like to come through the church door and try to fit into a place that has very distinct habits, language, goals, events, titles, architecture, traditions, expectations, and measurements.
I was particularly intrigued by Matt Casper’s perspective (that of a musician and an atheist). Here are a few highlights from his insight:
On slick worship music -
[Jim: “On a scale of 1 to 5, how do you rate the music?”]
Two stars. That’s all I can do for you here.
For presentation and professionalism, they get a 4 or a 5, but the music is too contrived, too slick, too professional, really.
[Jim: “But that’s a good thing, no? That should attract people, right?”]
Maybe people who like American Idol. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I see the entertainment value, but when it comes to music, I like it pure. Too much polish and you lose the heartfelt power, you lose the soul of the music, and you’re not going to move anyone.
On fancy staging -
These guys are actually helping people, and the diversity of the attendees seems to be representative of the urban area where they are located.
I can relate to this part of the church, but I don’t understand why they need to do the big show. Why don’t they just help people and call it good? Why the fog machine, camera crane, multiple screens, PowerPoint, and the lights, lights, lights?
I think the light show and all that, for me anyway, does less to attract and connect me than to disconnect me.
On song lyrics -
[What bothered me is] the massive disconnect between the words on the PowerPoint projection and the stuff I saw in the church.
On good deeds -
To someone like me who doesn’t believe there is a literal God that we’re going to meet someday up in the sky, a God that can’t be proven otherwise… well, to me, proof of good deeds.. count more than anything. That’s evidence that you are following what anybody can read in the Bible.
Even though I don’t believe in God, I see evidence of the idea of God being a good thing…
On the modern church -
What does the way Christianity is practiced today have anything to do with the handful of words and deeds uttered by a man who walked the earth two thousand years ago?
These are just a few of the many thoughts Casper transparently shares throughout the book as he and Jim visit churches like Saddleback Church, Mosaic Church, Willow Creek Community Church, Mars Hill Church, Lakewood Church, and The Potter’s House. So what’s the point of the book? Jim Henderson concludes with this:
Unless we’re willing to remove the handles from the front doors of our churches and publicly say to outsiders, “We don’t care what you think,” the church must become more reflective and repentant about how outsiders perceive us.
Become self-aware.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
True Teachers, Friends and Heros
True Teachers, Friends and Heroes
by Jason Pogue
volunteer in the junior high ministry at Saddleback Church
can you name the five wealthiest people in the world?
can you name the last five Super Bowl MVP's?
can you name five people who have won the Nobel Peace Prize?
can you name the last five Academy Award winners for Best Actor/Actress?
can you name the last five Grammy Award winners for Best New Artist?
Pretty tough huh? I don't think I can get any of these right and these are "important" people who are at the top of their game! how about these?
name your favorite teachers who aided your journey through school.
name two or three friends who helped get you through a tough time.
name several"heroes" who have stories that inspired you.
My junior high group starts up again tonight, and while preparing last night I started to think about how every year I set out to be the best small group leader ever. I set out to make true and authentic disciples out of these 7th and 8th grade guys; ther're gonna memorize books of the bible, know their "swords" forwards and backwards, have quiet times everyday, pray for hours on end, etc. but then reality sets in, I get busy, (they get even busier) life gets going, and things end up getting lost in the normal everyday crazy routine each of us calls life.
And then I thought about Kurt Johnston and his youth ministry setting. that maybe my approach has been wrong/skewed. Kurt's been teaching me for years that "a caring adult + a jr. high student = good stuff." Am I too focused on these guys becoming giant disciples of Christ instead of just focusing on showing up in their life? How often am I attending their sporting events, band competitions, skating at the skate park with them, taking them out for dinner, dirt biking with them, etc.
Now don't get me wrong here, I still want to teach my guys what an authentic follower of Christ looks like, and i want to teach them good habits for developing spiritual disciplines, but maybe - just maybe, my focus should be more about loving them and caring for them instead of just trying to get through a 30 minute lesson each week that will lead to life altering times with God later?
So, to Dominick, Drew, Ben, Nick, Daniel, Max, Sean, Matt, Chad, and Josh - you guys are studs. I’m sorry for being a crappy small group leader last year and I’m sorry my focus was more about ME changing you, instead of God showing up through me in even the smallest of ways. I hope I can be a teacher who aids your journey, a friend to help get you through a tough time, or a hero who inspires you someday!
by Jason Pogue
volunteer in the junior high ministry at Saddleback Church
can you name the five wealthiest people in the world?
can you name the last five Super Bowl MVP's?
can you name five people who have won the Nobel Peace Prize?
can you name the last five Academy Award winners for Best Actor/Actress?
can you name the last five Grammy Award winners for Best New Artist?
Pretty tough huh? I don't think I can get any of these right and these are "important" people who are at the top of their game! how about these?
name your favorite teachers who aided your journey through school.
name two or three friends who helped get you through a tough time.
name several"heroes" who have stories that inspired you.
My junior high group starts up again tonight, and while preparing last night I started to think about how every year I set out to be the best small group leader ever. I set out to make true and authentic disciples out of these 7th and 8th grade guys; ther're gonna memorize books of the bible, know their "swords" forwards and backwards, have quiet times everyday, pray for hours on end, etc. but then reality sets in, I get busy, (they get even busier) life gets going, and things end up getting lost in the normal everyday crazy routine each of us calls life.
And then I thought about Kurt Johnston and his youth ministry setting. that maybe my approach has been wrong/skewed. Kurt's been teaching me for years that "a caring adult + a jr. high student = good stuff." Am I too focused on these guys becoming giant disciples of Christ instead of just focusing on showing up in their life? How often am I attending their sporting events, band competitions, skating at the skate park with them, taking them out for dinner, dirt biking with them, etc.
Now don't get me wrong here, I still want to teach my guys what an authentic follower of Christ looks like, and i want to teach them good habits for developing spiritual disciplines, but maybe - just maybe, my focus should be more about loving them and caring for them instead of just trying to get through a 30 minute lesson each week that will lead to life altering times with God later?
So, to Dominick, Drew, Ben, Nick, Daniel, Max, Sean, Matt, Chad, and Josh - you guys are studs. I’m sorry for being a crappy small group leader last year and I’m sorry my focus was more about ME changing you, instead of God showing up through me in even the smallest of ways. I hope I can be a teacher who aids your journey, a friend to help get you through a tough time, or a hero who inspires you someday!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Seven Questions A Staff Member Must Ask About Themselves
I found this Perry Noble's (Senior Pastor of NewSpring) blog:
Seven Questions A Staff Member Must Ask About Themselves
#1 - Am I Living Above Reproach?
According to II Timothy 2:20-21, PURITY MATTERS!
I am sick and tired of pastors and church leaders making seriously bad immoral decisions and shipwrecking the faith of so many people…we are called to live above reproach.
One of the questions I often ask people in a one on one setting is, “Is there anything going on in your private life that, if it became public, would disqualify you from ministry?”
#2 - Is This Job My Passion Or My Paycheck?
God created us all for a purpose in life…and it wasn’t to just draw a paycheck. Ministry needs to be a passion…an obsession…NOT just a way to make a living.
#3 - Am I In Line With Where We Are Going As A Church?
A staff that is united and focused is a powerful force in this world–but a staff that is divided has never produced good fruit.
#4 - Do I Feel Like I Deserve More?
Ministry is one of the most under appreciated jobs in the world! (The other two are mothers and teachers!!!) BUT…if a staff member is always going around complaining about how hard they are working OR comparing themselves to other staff and saying, “They don’t work as hard as me” then there is a problem!
#5 - Am I Reflecting On How Things Used To Be Or Passionate About How Things Are Going To Be?
Things change–PERIOD! And in church world staff need to be able to change as well. That means systems AND relationships are going to be different this time next year if the church continues to reach people…and a staff member who is stuck in the past will weigh the rest of the staff down!
#6 - Do I Feel Like I Have To “Kill Time” Because There Is “Nothing To Do?”
This one is HUGE…there have been a very few instances where a staff member has said, “Yeah, I don’t really have anything to do.” My response has always been, “With thousands of people coming to our church–you have plenty to do!” I then encourage them to send a card, make a phone call…do something to communicate a thank you!
Let me be VERY clear…I haven’t heard this comment from someone on our staff in over a year and a half–we have a staff that busts their rear-ends!!!
#7 - “Do I Fully Trust The Leadership?”
It is good to do a gut check from time to time for any staff member…to look at their supervisor and say, “Do I REALLY trust that guy or girl?” AND to look at the senior pastor and ask, “Do I trust that dude?” Because if trust isn’t there then problems WILL surface because a person who doesn’t trust the leadership will always become divisive or lazy!
One more thing–when I shared this with our staff they got PUMPED UP!!! It is so awesome to serve with a team of people who love Jesus, love one another and are committed to the vision that God has given us here at NewSpring! I love what God has called me to do–and I love who He has called me to serve with!!! What an amazing team of people!!!
Seven Questions A Staff Member Must Ask About Themselves
#1 - Am I Living Above Reproach?
According to II Timothy 2:20-21, PURITY MATTERS!
I am sick and tired of pastors and church leaders making seriously bad immoral decisions and shipwrecking the faith of so many people…we are called to live above reproach.
One of the questions I often ask people in a one on one setting is, “Is there anything going on in your private life that, if it became public, would disqualify you from ministry?”
#2 - Is This Job My Passion Or My Paycheck?
God created us all for a purpose in life…and it wasn’t to just draw a paycheck. Ministry needs to be a passion…an obsession…NOT just a way to make a living.
#3 - Am I In Line With Where We Are Going As A Church?
A staff that is united and focused is a powerful force in this world–but a staff that is divided has never produced good fruit.
#4 - Do I Feel Like I Deserve More?
Ministry is one of the most under appreciated jobs in the world! (The other two are mothers and teachers!!!) BUT…if a staff member is always going around complaining about how hard they are working OR comparing themselves to other staff and saying, “They don’t work as hard as me” then there is a problem!
#5 - Am I Reflecting On How Things Used To Be Or Passionate About How Things Are Going To Be?
Things change–PERIOD! And in church world staff need to be able to change as well. That means systems AND relationships are going to be different this time next year if the church continues to reach people…and a staff member who is stuck in the past will weigh the rest of the staff down!
#6 - Do I Feel Like I Have To “Kill Time” Because There Is “Nothing To Do?”
This one is HUGE…there have been a very few instances where a staff member has said, “Yeah, I don’t really have anything to do.” My response has always been, “With thousands of people coming to our church–you have plenty to do!” I then encourage them to send a card, make a phone call…do something to communicate a thank you!
Let me be VERY clear…I haven’t heard this comment from someone on our staff in over a year and a half–we have a staff that busts their rear-ends!!!
#7 - “Do I Fully Trust The Leadership?”
It is good to do a gut check from time to time for any staff member…to look at their supervisor and say, “Do I REALLY trust that guy or girl?” AND to look at the senior pastor and ask, “Do I trust that dude?” Because if trust isn’t there then problems WILL surface because a person who doesn’t trust the leadership will always become divisive or lazy!
One more thing–when I shared this with our staff they got PUMPED UP!!! It is so awesome to serve with a team of people who love Jesus, love one another and are committed to the vision that God has given us here at NewSpring! I love what God has called me to do–and I love who He has called me to serve with!!! What an amazing team of people!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Poverty of Love
what brings 30,000 people a weekend to a spiritual center in india?
Mata Amritanandamayi is known as the “hugging guru.” Some days, she will sit for up to 20 hours straight as tens of thousands of devotees line up to feel her embrace and hear her whisper motherly advice.
Mata Amritanandamayi, aka the “hugging guru,” embraces everyone she meets in an effort to spread love and healing.
Followers come from all over the world to Amma’s ashram, or spiritual center, in Kerala, South India, to get a hug; many choose to stay.
“There are two types of poverty in the world, financial poverty and the poverty of love; the second is more important,” says Amritanandamayi, who goes by Amma, which means “mother.”
read more here at cnn.com…
we read so much about what’s being done in the world; how much money is being given here — or there — and that is not a bad thing.
but there is a poverty of love that is world-wide in its spread. even in our iPod loving, “TiVo LOST for me, I have to meet my coworkers for $12 martini-nite, but email me what happens-i’ll get it on my blackberry” kind of society…we are so emotionally and spiritually impoverished.
how can you show love this week? how can you serve?
more importantly,
will you?
Mata Amritanandamayi is known as the “hugging guru.” Some days, she will sit for up to 20 hours straight as tens of thousands of devotees line up to feel her embrace and hear her whisper motherly advice.
Mata Amritanandamayi, aka the “hugging guru,” embraces everyone she meets in an effort to spread love and healing.
Followers come from all over the world to Amma’s ashram, or spiritual center, in Kerala, South India, to get a hug; many choose to stay.
“There are two types of poverty in the world, financial poverty and the poverty of love; the second is more important,” says Amritanandamayi, who goes by Amma, which means “mother.”
read more here at cnn.com…
we read so much about what’s being done in the world; how much money is being given here — or there — and that is not a bad thing.
but there is a poverty of love that is world-wide in its spread. even in our iPod loving, “TiVo LOST for me, I have to meet my coworkers for $12 martini-nite, but email me what happens-i’ll get it on my blackberry” kind of society…we are so emotionally and spiritually impoverished.
how can you show love this week? how can you serve?
more importantly,
will you?
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Question of Perspective
over the summer, i skimmed 2 great books - the starbucks experience: 5 principles for turning ordinary into extraordinary and you don’t need a title to be a leader: how anyone, anywhere, can make a positive difference.
in the leader book, one of the phrases that has stuck with me is “obligation or opportunity.” so many things in our routine, day-to-day tasks we often deem as obligation: returning emails, answering the phone, responding to messages, interruptions by colleagues…the list could go on forever. one of the ways we can lead (to positively influence) in our lives is by changing our perspective on those mundane things.
instead of looking at them as obligations, try viewing them as opportunities to positively influence someone. next time your phone rings when you’re in the middle of something, think about going above and beyond what that person is going to ask of you. blow them away with your kindness.
obligation? or opportunity. you can decide, regardless of your title or position in your career or your life.
in the leader book, one of the phrases that has stuck with me is “obligation or opportunity.” so many things in our routine, day-to-day tasks we often deem as obligation: returning emails, answering the phone, responding to messages, interruptions by colleagues…the list could go on forever. one of the ways we can lead (to positively influence) in our lives is by changing our perspective on those mundane things.
instead of looking at them as obligations, try viewing them as opportunities to positively influence someone. next time your phone rings when you’re in the middle of something, think about going above and beyond what that person is going to ask of you. blow them away with your kindness.
obligation? or opportunity. you can decide, regardless of your title or position in your career or your life.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Kamakazie Promotion
We wanted to promote our youth Service in a new way. Here is what we came up with...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Peppermint-Filled Piñatas
Eric Michael Bryant of Mosaic Church (Los Angeles, CA) recently wrote a book called Peppermint-Filled Piñatas that discusses what it takes to be a church that offers sincere love. Highlights from the book include:
For far too long, the world has been made aware of what we as Christians hate rather than whom we love.
We tend to judge people who do not know Christ by the same standards we have for ourselves. We should not be surprised when people who have not surrendered their lives to Christ live differently.
Some of our churches have so consistently become a refuge for Christians from the world that we fail to become communities that go out into the world, or even communities where seekers feel free to come and explore the possibility of a God who loves them.
Our isolation from the world fails to communicate God’s concern for those around us but instead communicates that we do not want others in our lives who do not know Christ.
Rather than simply looking for ways to develop new strategies and programs, we must hone the skill of developing relationships.
Developing friendships takes longer and requires more effort, but the impact is greater and longer lasting.
Genuine love requires genuine sacrifice.
Our character and actions should be what set us apart - not our zip code.
Our love for others proves that God is real.
Stereotypes exist because we do not form friendships with others who differ from us.
Tolerance allows us to survive; love allows us to thrive.
Peppermint-Filled Piñatas offers insight into how to minister with love and reach people who are economically, ethnically, religiously, politically, or morally different than you. It is about breaking through tolerance and embracing love, and I found it to be both challenging and refreshing.
For far too long, the world has been made aware of what we as Christians hate rather than whom we love.
We tend to judge people who do not know Christ by the same standards we have for ourselves. We should not be surprised when people who have not surrendered their lives to Christ live differently.
Some of our churches have so consistently become a refuge for Christians from the world that we fail to become communities that go out into the world, or even communities where seekers feel free to come and explore the possibility of a God who loves them.
Our isolation from the world fails to communicate God’s concern for those around us but instead communicates that we do not want others in our lives who do not know Christ.
Rather than simply looking for ways to develop new strategies and programs, we must hone the skill of developing relationships.
Developing friendships takes longer and requires more effort, but the impact is greater and longer lasting.
Genuine love requires genuine sacrifice.
Our character and actions should be what set us apart - not our zip code.
Our love for others proves that God is real.
Stereotypes exist because we do not form friendships with others who differ from us.
Tolerance allows us to survive; love allows us to thrive.
Peppermint-Filled Piñatas offers insight into how to minister with love and reach people who are economically, ethnically, religiously, politically, or morally different than you. It is about breaking through tolerance and embracing love, and I found it to be both challenging and refreshing.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Mad Church Disease
Taken from the ChurchMarketingSucks.com blog:
The good thing about Church Marketing Sucks is that we're people. People have friends. Thus, we have friends. Anne Jackson comes out of this simple logic. She's written for us before, and she likes to hang around and help church marketing not suck. We're pretty proud to know her.
She's got a new project she's working on called Mad Church Disease. It's about the epidemic of burnout among church staff and volunteers. Church marketing and communication sucks when it burns out your staff, so this is an important issue to consider. I sat down (virtually, via e-mail) with Anne to get the proper diagnosis.
For starters, the site name is Mad Church Disease--it sounds scary, what is it?
Pretty much everyone has heard of the term "Mad Cow Disease." I had recently been inspired to write a book on ministry burnout after several of my close friends (who also happened to be pastors) began dropping from ministry like flies from affairs, illness, and family issues. These things, my own story of burning out a couple of years ago, and my dad's experiences as a pastor made me realize how much of an unhealthy epidemic there is going on within ministries and churches.
Mad Cow Disease and Mad Church Disease have so many things in common... it can lay dormant and unnoticed for a time, it's contagious, it affects multiple systems in the body (emotional, physical, etc.) and tragically enough, ultimately leads to death. Although I don't think anyone has literally passed away physically from ministry burnout, figuratively speaking, how many marriages, dreams and passions have died?
What is the mission of the site? I hope you want to help fight this scary disease, but how?
Right now, as the book is being developed and written, the site is being used for three main reasons:
We want to take the temperature of the culture of the church. There are three surveys: one for church staff, one for their families, and one for volunteers. They are all confidential, in-depth, and extremely personal. We want to expose this disease. By bringing issues to the light, that's the only way to help heal this problem.
Community: Although there isn't a true form of social networking on the site (except the blog), there is a page called "What Others are Saying" where anyone can submit content. Basically, these are little blurbs written by pastors, church staff, volunteers--anyone--which will hopefully allow others to see that what they are feeling and experiencing is not uncommon and that they are not alone.
Marketing: I won't lie and pretend there's not a "buzz" aspect about this. Part of the site is used for marketing. In order for people to take the surveys or to read about how they aren't alone, they have to first hear about it.
Also, there aren't very many books that deal with this topic so I hope by having people take the surveys and contribute their stories, those in the publishing industry will see the need for a book which will help address and heal this problem.
This is kind of strange. Usually one writes a book, and then communicates based on what they wrote. Why are you communicating an idea and then writing the book?
Well, I like doing things the hard way. :) Seriously though, most of the book will study the ministry environments in which we serve--hearing the stories of hurt and pain, but also focusing on the tales of redemption and health.
Frankly, to make this happen, I need people's stories. I need their honesty. I can't write a book based off of my own opinions of burnout in the church and have it be accurate. The Church is hurting in a big way, and we owe it to her to confess what's really going on, address it, and pray for healing.
So what do you want people to do?
I'd love it if people would take one of the surveys at MadChurchDisease.com. Within the survey, there is an area where you can share your story. Again, I'm not just looking to throw a pity-party for all the bad that's happened, we need to share the good as well...what God has redeemed and shown people about his plan of not burning out.
Most importantly, I need honesty. It's hard to admit you struggle in ministry. We often feel as if we need to be "professional" in our walks with Christ. But really, we need to show that we are just people, saved by an amazing and healing grace.
In marketing this campaign, what would you say was the most difficult aspect?
Not burning out myself! Fortunately, my husband is my rock and helps bring me back down to earth. And to confess something personal, another thing I've struggled with is thinking there are these groups of people... "A" list people... ones with huge audiences who can really help me promote this. Because "it's about who you know," right?
Last weekend during some downtime, I realized that ultimately this project is in God's hands and it doesn't matter how many "well known" people support or contribute to this project--God's sovereign, and I need to stop making such a big deal out of who gets behind it. It’s not a popularity contest. And I confess, it was easy for that to sneak in.
Have you had to rely pretty heavy on more viral marketing, or has most of it come straight down from you? What have you found to be successful in generating buzz?
We'll see. The site launched on July 2, I hope that the need will create the buzz and that I can effectively equip people to spread the word. I did have a small group of people sign up to be "Disease Fighting Trailblazers" who help by committing to email their contacts, post content on their blogs, or interview for the book. This is kind of the base of what I hope will continue to be a good kind of contagious in marketing this effort.
Will this sickness have any adverse affect on church potlucks, Wednesday dinners, or those who consume food that is produced at church?
Gosh, I hope not. I work at a church and I rely on those leftovers for the days I forget my lunch...
Click on the link below to take the survey.
The good thing about Church Marketing Sucks is that we're people. People have friends. Thus, we have friends. Anne Jackson comes out of this simple logic. She's written for us before, and she likes to hang around and help church marketing not suck. We're pretty proud to know her.
She's got a new project she's working on called Mad Church Disease. It's about the epidemic of burnout among church staff and volunteers. Church marketing and communication sucks when it burns out your staff, so this is an important issue to consider. I sat down (virtually, via e-mail) with Anne to get the proper diagnosis.
For starters, the site name is Mad Church Disease--it sounds scary, what is it?
Pretty much everyone has heard of the term "Mad Cow Disease." I had recently been inspired to write a book on ministry burnout after several of my close friends (who also happened to be pastors) began dropping from ministry like flies from affairs, illness, and family issues. These things, my own story of burning out a couple of years ago, and my dad's experiences as a pastor made me realize how much of an unhealthy epidemic there is going on within ministries and churches.
Mad Cow Disease and Mad Church Disease have so many things in common... it can lay dormant and unnoticed for a time, it's contagious, it affects multiple systems in the body (emotional, physical, etc.) and tragically enough, ultimately leads to death. Although I don't think anyone has literally passed away physically from ministry burnout, figuratively speaking, how many marriages, dreams and passions have died?
What is the mission of the site? I hope you want to help fight this scary disease, but how?
Right now, as the book is being developed and written, the site is being used for three main reasons:
We want to take the temperature of the culture of the church. There are three surveys: one for church staff, one for their families, and one for volunteers. They are all confidential, in-depth, and extremely personal. We want to expose this disease. By bringing issues to the light, that's the only way to help heal this problem.
Community: Although there isn't a true form of social networking on the site (except the blog), there is a page called "What Others are Saying" where anyone can submit content. Basically, these are little blurbs written by pastors, church staff, volunteers--anyone--which will hopefully allow others to see that what they are feeling and experiencing is not uncommon and that they are not alone.
Marketing: I won't lie and pretend there's not a "buzz" aspect about this. Part of the site is used for marketing. In order for people to take the surveys or to read about how they aren't alone, they have to first hear about it.
Also, there aren't very many books that deal with this topic so I hope by having people take the surveys and contribute their stories, those in the publishing industry will see the need for a book which will help address and heal this problem.
This is kind of strange. Usually one writes a book, and then communicates based on what they wrote. Why are you communicating an idea and then writing the book?
Well, I like doing things the hard way. :) Seriously though, most of the book will study the ministry environments in which we serve--hearing the stories of hurt and pain, but also focusing on the tales of redemption and health.
Frankly, to make this happen, I need people's stories. I need their honesty. I can't write a book based off of my own opinions of burnout in the church and have it be accurate. The Church is hurting in a big way, and we owe it to her to confess what's really going on, address it, and pray for healing.
So what do you want people to do?
I'd love it if people would take one of the surveys at MadChurchDisease.com. Within the survey, there is an area where you can share your story. Again, I'm not just looking to throw a pity-party for all the bad that's happened, we need to share the good as well...what God has redeemed and shown people about his plan of not burning out.
Most importantly, I need honesty. It's hard to admit you struggle in ministry. We often feel as if we need to be "professional" in our walks with Christ. But really, we need to show that we are just people, saved by an amazing and healing grace.
In marketing this campaign, what would you say was the most difficult aspect?
Not burning out myself! Fortunately, my husband is my rock and helps bring me back down to earth. And to confess something personal, another thing I've struggled with is thinking there are these groups of people... "A" list people... ones with huge audiences who can really help me promote this. Because "it's about who you know," right?
Last weekend during some downtime, I realized that ultimately this project is in God's hands and it doesn't matter how many "well known" people support or contribute to this project--God's sovereign, and I need to stop making such a big deal out of who gets behind it. It’s not a popularity contest. And I confess, it was easy for that to sneak in.
Have you had to rely pretty heavy on more viral marketing, or has most of it come straight down from you? What have you found to be successful in generating buzz?
We'll see. The site launched on July 2, I hope that the need will create the buzz and that I can effectively equip people to spread the word. I did have a small group of people sign up to be "Disease Fighting Trailblazers" who help by committing to email their contacts, post content on their blogs, or interview for the book. This is kind of the base of what I hope will continue to be a good kind of contagious in marketing this effort.
Will this sickness have any adverse affect on church potlucks, Wednesday dinners, or those who consume food that is produced at church?
Gosh, I hope not. I work at a church and I rely on those leftovers for the days I forget my lunch...
Click on the link below to take the survey.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Power of Simple Ideas
Sometimes the biggest innovations are from the simplest ideas.
Cape Times recently published a story about Vignella, Italy, a quaint town with a unique problem:
Each year, on November 11, the sun would disappear behind a 1 600-metre high mountain
to the south, leaving it in near-total darkness for 84 days in a row.
But that problem was solved with the simplest idea when Pierfranco Midali decided to use mirrors to redirect sunlight back to his village. Using an 8 meters wide by five meters tall mirror powered by a “altazimuth” computer to move it, Midali’s simple idea is now able to provide eight hours of sunlight to Vignella’s town square each day.
Ministry is full of problems to solve. You don’t have to wait for a technological breakthrough to provide a solution. Often God has already provided you with the resources to fix it, and you just need to realize the simple solution.
Cape Times recently published a story about Vignella, Italy, a quaint town with a unique problem:
Each year, on November 11, the sun would disappear behind a 1 600-metre high mountain
to the south, leaving it in near-total darkness for 84 days in a row.
But that problem was solved with the simplest idea when Pierfranco Midali decided to use mirrors to redirect sunlight back to his village. Using an 8 meters wide by five meters tall mirror powered by a “altazimuth” computer to move it, Midali’s simple idea is now able to provide eight hours of sunlight to Vignella’s town square each day.
Ministry is full of problems to solve. You don’t have to wait for a technological breakthrough to provide a solution. Often God has already provided you with the resources to fix it, and you just need to realize the simple solution.
Monday, June 4, 2007
How to maintain moral integrity in the ministry
by Rick Warren
Integrity is the foundation of leadership. You only lead people if they trust you. If you lose people's trust, you've lost it all. That's why the right to lead is earned, and it's earned by being trustworthy. I think the most damaging sin a leader can commit is to betray the trust of his people.
Because Satan is on the attack, I want to share some biblical strategies for maintaining moral integrity in the ministry. In 2 Corinthians 1:12 (NIV), Paul says, "This is our boast. Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God." What I like about this verse is that Paul is really saying, "I have ministered with a clear conscience. Nobody can point a finger at me. Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves with integrity." This is a mark of a leader.
Titus 2:6 tells us that a leader must be blameless. That verse is talking about integrity, which is the very first qualification of a leader. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) warns us, "But among you there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality or any impurity or greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. I am jealous for the integrity of God."
How can you maintain moral integrity as a minister? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Never consider yourself above temptation.
Don't kid yourself. People say, "It couldn't happen to me." That's a bunch of baloney. We need to be aware how vulnerable all of us are. The first defense is an attitude of humility that says, "I'm a human being." We need to watch out. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (LB) says, "So be careful if you are thinking, 'Oh, I'd never behave like that.' Let this be a warning to you, for you too may fall into sin." None of us are invulnerable. None of us are immune. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) says, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." The morning I say, "I've conquered that problem," that's the morning I'm open for temptation.
It's like the person who believes he's never going to be robbed, so he never locks his doors, never bolts down his windows, and leaves his money lying all around. Who's going to get robbed? The guy who thinks he's never going to get robbed. Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV) says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" That means every person has his or her price. My heart is deceitful. That's what God says about my heart – and your heart. Given the right circumstances and set of events, you can't tell what you'd do. Me neither. We should have a holy fear of ever thinking we're beyond temptation.
2. Keep a close watch on your spiritual temperature.
Be aware of your own level of commitment on a daily basis. It's very important that we watch our manners. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says, "Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life." Maintaining that daily walk with the Lord is absolutely imperative. I find that in temptation of any kind, I need to continually remind myself of God's omniscience and omnipresence. God sees everything in my life, and he is always with me. The Devil says, "No one will ever know." That's true in any kind of temptation. If God is always with me and he sees everything, then that is a motivation for me to practice his presence. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NLT) says, "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." That verse strikes fear into me: that I would preach to others, then I myself would be disqualified. The integrity of leadership is the bottom line.
3. If you're married, maintain your own marriage.
The greatest insurance for moral integrity is a happy home life. It's important that if we're married, we make sure our marriage is growing and developing. Like the old saying, "The grass is not greener on that side of the fence and the grass is not greener on this side of the fence. The grass is greener where you water it." It's very important that we maintain our own marriages.
Song of Solomon 1:6 (NAS) says, "They made me caretaker of the vineyards, but I have not taken care of my own vineyard." That's an important point. There's a danger in ministry of spending time repairing everybody else's marriage but neglecting your own. I work at this very hard in my family. Kay and I read books together, listen to tapes together. We go to seminars together. If you're married and in the ministry, it's important that you have the same lives together – not separate lives.
4. Develop healthy outlets for emotional and sexual energy.
Satan loves to play on pent-up emotions. I've talked with people who don't have healthy ways to express their emotions and release that energy. Many times, immorality is rampant among them, because they're burning out. Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." That's just the principle of replacement. You've got to have outlets for balance in your life.
5. Guard your mind.
The Bible is very specific about this. The battle for sin always begins in the mind. Always. If you lose the battle in your mind – your thoughts – you've lost the battle. James 1:14-15 (NIV) says, "... but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Here are number of verses that deal with guarding your mind:
"Keep your head in all situations." (2 Tim. 4:5 NIV)
"Prepare your minds for action, be self controlled." (1 Peter 1:13 NIV)
"We take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor. 10:5 NIV)
"Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Rom. 13:14 NIV) What he's saying there is "No fantasizing." You sow a thought, and you reap an action.
In Matthew 5:28 (NIV), Jesus said, "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Science has found that whether you think a thought or you experience the thought in action, it makes no difference to your brain. It has the same mental impact. Neurologically there's absolutely no difference.
Paul tells us to "take the helmet of salvation." (Eph. 6:17) Why? That's what protects the mind. He's saying you've got to guard what you think about – and look at. Job declares, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully on a girl" (Job 31:1 NIV). David writes, "I will set before my eyes no vile thing." (Ps. 101:3 NIV)
Romans 16:19 (NIV), "I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil." That's a key verse. Have you ever heard people say, "We need to know what the other side thinks like?" Baloney! That's just not true. It's like the way the U.S. Treasury Department teaches people how to spot counterfeiters. They don't give them counterfeit money. They give them real dollars to handle and examine. Then when something phony comes along, they immediately know it's phony.
6. Remind yourself regularly of the damaging consequences of moral failure.
Sit down and watch the confession of Jimmy Swaggart. It's high drama, probably the most dramatic church service you'll see. You see how sin destroyed a congregation.
What do you do? Minimize the pleasure of sin and maximize the consequences. Hebrews 11:25 (paraphrase) says, "There is pleasure in sin for a season." There is no doubt about it. Sin is fun. Nobody would do it if it were not fun. There wouldn't be any temptation if there wasn't some kind of pleasure in it. Even God says there is pleasure in sin, but it's just for a season. You have your kicks, then you have your kickbacks.
What are the kickbacks? James 1:15 (KJV) says, "Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
I think a good idea is to make a list of consequences and read it to yourself often. From Leadership magazine, a guy named Randy Alcorn lists consequences of a moral tumble. He says, "Whenever I feel particularly vulnerable to sexual temptation, I find it helpful to review what effects my action could have: grieving the Lord who redeemed me; dragging his sacred name through the mud; one day having to look at Jesus, the righteous judge in the face, and give an account of my actions; following the footsteps of people whose immorality forfeited their ministries and caused me to shudder; losing my wife's respect and trust; hurting my daughters; destroying my example and credibility with my children; causing shame to my family; losing self-respect; forming memories and flashbacks that could plague future intimacy with my wife; wasting years of ministry training; undermining the faithful example and hard work of other Christians in our community; and on and on."
7. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
As damaging as this issue can be, we need to go the second mile in protecting ourselves. Ephesians says there should not even be a hint of sexual immorality. In Matthew 26:41 (NIV) Jesus says, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak." It's interesting to me that he doesn't say, "Watch and pray so you will not fall into sin." He says, "Watch and pray that you don't even fall into temptation." He's saying, don't even put yourself in a situation where you can be tempted. It's not an issue of are you going to give in or not, but rather, if you don't want to get stung, stay away from the bees.
Don't put yourselves in situations where you'll ever be tempted. 1 Peter 5:8 (LB) says, "Be careful, watch out for the attacks from Satan your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion looking for some victim to tear apart." We've got to take precautions.
Because of that, let me warn you that most sexual temptation in the ministry will come from people whom you genuinely care about. People whom you love and who mean a lot to you. It's not going to be from some city slicker prostitute, but from people you really care about.
The bottom line is James 1:12 (NAB): "Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him."
When I get to heaven, I want one of those crowns. I want to be able to look the Lord in the eye and say, "Lord, you know that I was pure through all my years of ministry and that there was never even a hint of impurity in my life."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Learn Church Marketing, Management, & Leadership with Free Online Courses
Suite101 has created an exceptional list of free online courses that your church staff can use to learn about marketing, management, leadership, and more. Courses that might interest churches include:
Leadership
- Building and Leading Effective Teams (MIT)
- Cross-Cultural Leadership (MIT)
- Lousy Listeners: How to Avoid Being One (News University)
- Practical Leadership (MIT)
Management
Marketing
- Building Your Brand (U.S. Small Business Association)
- Email Marketing (U.S. Small Business Association)
- Identify Your Target Market (U.S. Small Business Association)
- Marketing Management (MIT)
- Principles of Modern Marketing (Free-Ed.net)
Writing
- Cleaning Your Copy (News University)
- Get Me Rewrite: The Craft of Revision (News University)
- Culture Shock! Writing, Editing, and Publishing in Cyberspace (MIT)
Enjoy!
35 Ministry Skills You'll Need in the 21st Century
35 ministry skills you’ll need in the 21st century
by Sam Simmons (taken from pastors.com)
Ministry requires skill. Every ministry position, whether vocational or volunteer, carries with it the expectation of proficiency, often beyond the specific ministry functions related to the position.
For instance, Bible study teachers would need the skill of interpreting the biblical text and applying its truth to life situations, but might also be expected to have the skills of helping to resolve conflict, listening to class members who are hurting, providing pastoral care to someone who is sick, and helping someone become a follower of Christ.
A church family expects a pastor to communicate spiritual truth in a way that is life-transforming, but might also expect their pastor to have the skills of assessing the needs of the surrounding community, building an effective ministry team, and leading the church in conducting cross-cultural missions.
Many professions, like medicine, law, and teaching, recognize the importance of skills by requiring updates through an annual certification process. According to Reggie McNeal, ministry skills are not immune to becoming outdated and ineffective over time:
Many men and women who entered the ministry with a clear sense of call to make a difference feel overwhelmed, bewildered, defeated, and generally underprepared for the challenges they face. Having packed their bags for the journey of the church age, they now have no idea what should be in their leadership backpack for the current excursion. The portfolio of skills that once gave them standing in the community of faith no longer distinguishes them, ensures their effectiveness, or guarantees their continued leadership position. (The Present Future, pp. 7-8)
Do your ministry skills need updating? Are your ministry skills out of balance? Does your calling require you to focus your development in certain areas? Below is a list of skills helpful for ministry in the 21st century. You can use the list as a personal assessment tool or as a development guide for those you mentor.
Worship skills
Leads and/or works with other people in planning and facilitating worship.
Performs baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other ordinances of the church in an appropriate manner. Designs creative worship experiences that involve music, media, and the arts.
Educates the congregation in personal, family, and corporate worship. Communicates Scripture in a way that leads an intended audience to worship and to experience life transformation. Leads a congregation in prayer and a prayer ministry. Practices and leads the church in practicing worship through stewardship of life and resources.
Fellowship skills
Builds and maintains healthy relationships with others.
Sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.
Develops relationships within and external to the ministry organization for accountability and personal support. Functions effectively with professional staff and church members and works with others in resolving conflict in the Body of Christ. Listens and responds in ways that let people know they have been heard. Develops small groups and leads them to birth new groups. Leads the church in developing a process for connecting new members into the life and purposes of the church.
Discipleship skills
Interprets the biblical text and applies its truth to life situations.
Effectively employs Bible study tools and basic biblical language skills for personal Bible study and Bible teaching. Evaluates current ministry programs and issues in light of church history and theology. Leads the church in planning, conducting, and evaluating a comprehensive program of discipleship and Christian maturity. Demonstrates a vibrant spiritual life through the implementation of spiritual disciplines including prayer, Bible study, holiness of life, and communion with God. Models the role of an effective teacher and communicator. Leads in developing, evaluating, and administering curriculum plans; functions as resource person in discipleship curriculum.
Ministry skills
Exercises the administrative skills of strategic planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating the work of ministry that leads to achievement of defined goals and the mission of the New Testament church. Provides spiritual guidance in helping others analyze how God has shaped them for ministry through spiritual gifts, heart for ministry, abilities, personality, and experiences. Recruits, trains, and supervises individuals to fulfill the purposes of the church.
Assesses the needs of the ministry community, designs appropriate actions to meet those needs, and effectively markets the church’s ministry in the community. Develops and administers budgets for ministry programs and organizations; reads and prepares financial reports. Provides pastoral care and counseling for the sick, hurting, and grieving, and makes appropriate referrals to other sources of professional help. Demonstrates godly humility and sacrificial love for those in the church.
Evangelism skills
Communicates biblical truth through preaching, personal witness, teaching, speaking, writing, music, and other ways as may be appropriate to fulfill the Great Commission.
Leads the church in an effective program of evangelism; plans and conducts a program of community witness. Leads the church in planning and conducting cross-cultural missions.
Builds relationships with unbelievers that lead to opportunities to share the Gospel. Interprets the culture and plans appropriate strategies for sharing the Gospel in that culture.
Respects persons of different cultural, social, and religious backgrounds. Articulates the Christian message and contrasts that message with other worldviews and major world religions.
To assess your development in these skills, download this Word document and follow the directions on it.
by Sam Simmons (taken from pastors.com)
Ministry requires skill. Every ministry position, whether vocational or volunteer, carries with it the expectation of proficiency, often beyond the specific ministry functions related to the position.
For instance, Bible study teachers would need the skill of interpreting the biblical text and applying its truth to life situations, but might also be expected to have the skills of helping to resolve conflict, listening to class members who are hurting, providing pastoral care to someone who is sick, and helping someone become a follower of Christ.
A church family expects a pastor to communicate spiritual truth in a way that is life-transforming, but might also expect their pastor to have the skills of assessing the needs of the surrounding community, building an effective ministry team, and leading the church in conducting cross-cultural missions.
Many professions, like medicine, law, and teaching, recognize the importance of skills by requiring updates through an annual certification process. According to Reggie McNeal, ministry skills are not immune to becoming outdated and ineffective over time:
Many men and women who entered the ministry with a clear sense of call to make a difference feel overwhelmed, bewildered, defeated, and generally underprepared for the challenges they face. Having packed their bags for the journey of the church age, they now have no idea what should be in their leadership backpack for the current excursion. The portfolio of skills that once gave them standing in the community of faith no longer distinguishes them, ensures their effectiveness, or guarantees their continued leadership position. (The Present Future, pp. 7-8)
Do your ministry skills need updating? Are your ministry skills out of balance? Does your calling require you to focus your development in certain areas? Below is a list of skills helpful for ministry in the 21st century. You can use the list as a personal assessment tool or as a development guide for those you mentor.
Worship skills
Leads and/or works with other people in planning and facilitating worship.
Performs baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other ordinances of the church in an appropriate manner. Designs creative worship experiences that involve music, media, and the arts.
Educates the congregation in personal, family, and corporate worship. Communicates Scripture in a way that leads an intended audience to worship and to experience life transformation. Leads a congregation in prayer and a prayer ministry. Practices and leads the church in practicing worship through stewardship of life and resources.
Fellowship skills
Builds and maintains healthy relationships with others.
Sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.
Develops relationships within and external to the ministry organization for accountability and personal support. Functions effectively with professional staff and church members and works with others in resolving conflict in the Body of Christ. Listens and responds in ways that let people know they have been heard. Develops small groups and leads them to birth new groups. Leads the church in developing a process for connecting new members into the life and purposes of the church.
Discipleship skills
Interprets the biblical text and applies its truth to life situations.
Effectively employs Bible study tools and basic biblical language skills for personal Bible study and Bible teaching. Evaluates current ministry programs and issues in light of church history and theology. Leads the church in planning, conducting, and evaluating a comprehensive program of discipleship and Christian maturity. Demonstrates a vibrant spiritual life through the implementation of spiritual disciplines including prayer, Bible study, holiness of life, and communion with God. Models the role of an effective teacher and communicator. Leads in developing, evaluating, and administering curriculum plans; functions as resource person in discipleship curriculum.
Ministry skills
Exercises the administrative skills of strategic planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating the work of ministry that leads to achievement of defined goals and the mission of the New Testament church. Provides spiritual guidance in helping others analyze how God has shaped them for ministry through spiritual gifts, heart for ministry, abilities, personality, and experiences. Recruits, trains, and supervises individuals to fulfill the purposes of the church.
Assesses the needs of the ministry community, designs appropriate actions to meet those needs, and effectively markets the church’s ministry in the community. Develops and administers budgets for ministry programs and organizations; reads and prepares financial reports. Provides pastoral care and counseling for the sick, hurting, and grieving, and makes appropriate referrals to other sources of professional help. Demonstrates godly humility and sacrificial love for those in the church.
Evangelism skills
Communicates biblical truth through preaching, personal witness, teaching, speaking, writing, music, and other ways as may be appropriate to fulfill the Great Commission.
Leads the church in an effective program of evangelism; plans and conducts a program of community witness. Leads the church in planning and conducting cross-cultural missions.
Builds relationships with unbelievers that lead to opportunities to share the Gospel. Interprets the culture and plans appropriate strategies for sharing the Gospel in that culture.
Respects persons of different cultural, social, and religious backgrounds. Articulates the Christian message and contrasts that message with other worldviews and major world religions.
To assess your development in these skills, download this Word document and follow the directions on it.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Love God. Love people.
"It is not a human right to stare not fight, while broken nations dream,
Open up our eyes, so blind, that we might find the Mercy for the need.
Fill our hearts with your compassion, as we hold to our confession.
It is not too far a cry, to much to try, to help the least of these,
Politics will not decide if we should rise and be your hands and feet.
Higher than a circumstance, our promise stands, your love for all to see,
Higher than our protest lines and dollar signs, your love is all we need.
Only you can mend the broken heart, and cause the blind to see,
Erase complete the sinners past, and set the captives free,
Only you can take the widows cry, and cause her heart to sing,
Be a father to the fatherless, our Savior and our King.
We will be your hands , we will be your feet,
We will run this race for the least of these,
In the darkest place, we will be your light,
We will be your light."
This exerpt from the "Solution" (a new Hillsong United song), says it well. It challenges us to be actively helping people. What are we doing to be fathers to the fatherless, aide the widows, feed the hungry, clothe the naked? The Bible is very clear in regards to loving God and loving people. You can not say you love God, without actively loving people.
So I challenge you. Look for opportunities to love people. Feed a homeless person today. Clean up a ederly person's yard. Spend some time with someone you know who normally gets rejected by others. Encourage someone (you never run out of encouragement, so don't be afraid to give it out).
In doing this, you validate your love for God.
Open up our eyes, so blind, that we might find the Mercy for the need.
Fill our hearts with your compassion, as we hold to our confession.
It is not too far a cry, to much to try, to help the least of these,
Politics will not decide if we should rise and be your hands and feet.
Higher than a circumstance, our promise stands, your love for all to see,
Higher than our protest lines and dollar signs, your love is all we need.
Only you can mend the broken heart, and cause the blind to see,
Erase complete the sinners past, and set the captives free,
Only you can take the widows cry, and cause her heart to sing,
Be a father to the fatherless, our Savior and our King.
We will be your hands , we will be your feet,
We will run this race for the least of these,
In the darkest place, we will be your light,
We will be your light."
This exerpt from the "Solution" (a new Hillsong United song), says it well. It challenges us to be actively helping people. What are we doing to be fathers to the fatherless, aide the widows, feed the hungry, clothe the naked? The Bible is very clear in regards to loving God and loving people. You can not say you love God, without actively loving people.
So I challenge you. Look for opportunities to love people. Feed a homeless person today. Clean up a ederly person's yard. Spend some time with someone you know who normally gets rejected by others. Encourage someone (you never run out of encouragement, so don't be afraid to give it out).
In doing this, you validate your love for God.
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