Chuck Lawless:
>Begin my ministry as a teacher and refuse to be a learner.
>Assume that the “honeymoon period”... is the time to make as many changes as possible.
>Expect to fix everything overnight.
>Teach a theological system more than the Bible.
>Study always and seldom “hang out” with people.
>Blame undiscipled members for acting like believers who have never been discipled.
>Pray reactively rather than proactively.
Read the whole thing for an explanation of each.
http://news.sbts.edu/2010/04/16/seven-sure-fire-ways-to-blow-up-a-church/
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/04/16/seven-sure-fire-ways-to-blow-up-a-church
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Is It Time You Pulled a Piper?
John Piper recently made an announcement that has produced more than a little buzz. His suspension of personal ministry for an extended sabbatical is framed by Christianity Today's "Building Church Leaders Newsletter" as a question that all ministers should ask themselves.
If the answer is affirmative, then great caution is advised in how to proceed. The article addresses the reality that most congregations are simply unfamiliar with the topic.
Hence, practical wisdom should be demonstrated by addressing three levels of attitude that must be changed before making such an announcement.
I have personally seen this counsel violated and watched as confusion leavened the flock and credibility forefeited. As is always the case, Wisdom really is "justified by her children".
[RGH ]
What about you? Is it time you "pulled a Piper?" To get a sabbatical, I needed to change attitudes on three levels.
The Board
These people weren't for or against sabbaticals. They didn't have an opinion. No pastor before had ever asked for one, nor had they ever thought to offer.
Changing their attitudes was more a matter of educating than convincing. Aided by a pamphlet supplied by my district, I simply informed my board about the nature of sabbaticals.
The pamphlet outlined the unique nature of a pastor's workload (six-day workweeks, no free weekends, weeknights away from family, few free holidays, etc.) and possible effects—such as burnout and stress on the pastor's family.
The pamphlet also listed the benefits: a grateful pastor with a renewed vision, a more grateful pastor's wife, happier pastor's children, a pastor with enhanced training, and a deepened awareness of the love of the congregation for the pastor.
I didn't have to do any selling. I just let them read it and then asked if they would approve two months in the coming year. Aside from concern over details of pulpit supply, there were no objections. My request was passed unanimously.
If the answer is affirmative, then great caution is advised in how to proceed. The article addresses the reality that most congregations are simply unfamiliar with the topic.
Hence, practical wisdom should be demonstrated by addressing three levels of attitude that must be changed before making such an announcement.
I have personally seen this counsel violated and watched as confusion leavened the flock and credibility forefeited. As is always the case, Wisdom really is "justified by her children".
[RGH ]
What about you? Is it time you "pulled a Piper?" To get a sabbatical, I needed to change attitudes on three levels.
The Board
These people weren't for or against sabbaticals. They didn't have an opinion. No pastor before had ever asked for one, nor had they ever thought to offer.
Changing their attitudes was more a matter of educating than convincing. Aided by a pamphlet supplied by my district, I simply informed my board about the nature of sabbaticals.
The pamphlet outlined the unique nature of a pastor's workload (six-day workweeks, no free weekends, weeknights away from family, few free holidays, etc.) and possible effects—such as burnout and stress on the pastor's family.
The pamphlet also listed the benefits: a grateful pastor with a renewed vision, a more grateful pastor's wife, happier pastor's children, a pastor with enhanced training, and a deepened awareness of the love of the congregation for the pastor.
I didn't have to do any selling. I just let them read it and then asked if they would approve two months in the coming year. Aside from concern over details of pulpit supply, there were no objections. My request was passed unanimously.
Two lessons I learned: (1) Get reinforcement from an outside source (such as the pamphlet, or a similar document from your denomination), and (2) make sure you give enough advance notice.
The Congregation
If the elder board knew little about sabbaticals, the congregation knew even less. I learned the hard way that redundancy in communication is as important as back-up systems on an airliner.
After letting the congregation know about the dates of my sabbatical, I paid the matter little attention. That was a mistake. Several months before I was to leave, a congregation member came to an elders' meeting.
"I work two jobs to support my family," he said, "and no one gives me two months paid leave. Pastor Archetype never took a sabbatical. Why should Pastor Jay? I question his work ethic."I'd have made it easier for myself if I'd communicated better to everyone.
My suggestion: distribute the same material to the congregation that you give to your board. Write about it in your church newsletter. Use informal opportunities to get the message across. Then accept the fact that you'll never have every one's approval.You
Boards and congregations can be won over. If they love their shepherd, they'll probably come to support the concept. The most difficult person to convince may be you.When a fellow pastor heard about my sabbatical, he said, "Either you are really self-confident or just a fool to leave your congregation for two months." He saw the sabbatical as a risk that they might prefer me gone.
As a safeguard for the congregation and me, we built a provision into our sabbatical policy. I agreed not to use the time to look for another church, and they would not look for another pastor. We also agreed to a minimum of two years ministry after my return.Another fear might be that the church will falter in your absence. We had just started a second service shortly before my original sabbatical dates. In order to insure some equilibrium, I postponed my trip for two months.
When I left it was with the conviction that God would take care of the church in my absence. He not only kept them well. The attendance figures were up when I returned. He proved to me that I'm not as important as I might think.A sabbatical may seem too good to be true. As pastors, we're used to struggles and weariness. Yet, with a slight change of attitude on these three levels, you can get that needed rest. You, your family, and maybe even the church will appreciate it."
JAY BEUOY
http://www.buildingchurchleaders.com/downloads/survivalguides/takingsabbatical/sg41-d.html
http://www.buildingchurchleaders.com/downloads/survivalguides/takingsabbatical/sg41-d.html
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Wrong Concept Of Forgiveness!
Dr. Dan Juster is considered to be one of the premier Messianic Theologians of our day. Peacemakers ministry has even posted several chapters from his book"Due Process." I am posting excepts from the introduction and his chapter on forgiveness. Like Peter of old, I am not ashamed to remind us all of what we have been taught. Princple is superior to pragmatism and Truth must rule supreme in every relationship.
[rgh]
"With regards to the American Church...the words of the prophet certainly hold true: "My people do not understand My ways" (Ps. 95:10; Heb. 3:10). Today, most people who claim to be followers of Jesus do not understand God's standards of righteousness and justice. It is not that we are striving toward that standard and falling short. Rather, we do not even know what our Father expects of us. Our shallow, media Christianity has taught aspects of the basic gospel, but most Christians and Messianic Jews are creatures of shallowness. They have not delved into the Scriptures to understand the ways of God. Popular conceptions of God's ways are at war with the teachings of the Bible. Although the believing community is called to be a city on a hill, a light shining in darkness and the salt of the earth, we are instead a laughingstock of fallen clergy and people full of slander, with children in rebellion...."
"A wrong understanding of forgiveness has been major cause of the destruction of justice in the Body the Messiah. Forgiveness basically means to release another from further indebtedness. When a person says, "I was wrong, will you forgive me?" the example of Jesus requires us to forgive. This forgiveness may require that restitution be made by the offending party to prove real repentance (the fruits of repentance). To say "I'm sorry" can be a cheap way for a person to continue in sin and be indulged by others. The manipulator will take full advantage of that. On the other hand, if the person is truly repentant and the issue is not one of a sin pattern, the offended party may release him from restitution. In either case, the motive of the offended party should be love."
"Some will be shocked to read this. It goes against what has recently become popular Christian teaching. The old humanistic indulgence returns under the guise of "You must forgive me." Some unbelievers, like con artists, have claimed to be believers in order to literally "rip off" the saints, secure in the fact that the saints must forgive and take no action. Is that really so? The saints can disfellowship the rogue and take him to court so that society is protected."
"Forgiveness does not mean that we give up our quest for a justice motivated by love and for the good of all."
http://www.peacemakers.net/unity/DueProcess.htm
[rgh]
"With regards to the American Church...the words of the prophet certainly hold true: "My people do not understand My ways" (Ps. 95:10; Heb. 3:10). Today, most people who claim to be followers of Jesus do not understand God's standards of righteousness and justice. It is not that we are striving toward that standard and falling short. Rather, we do not even know what our Father expects of us. Our shallow, media Christianity has taught aspects of the basic gospel, but most Christians and Messianic Jews are creatures of shallowness. They have not delved into the Scriptures to understand the ways of God. Popular conceptions of God's ways are at war with the teachings of the Bible. Although the believing community is called to be a city on a hill, a light shining in darkness and the salt of the earth, we are instead a laughingstock of fallen clergy and people full of slander, with children in rebellion...."
"A wrong understanding of forgiveness has been major cause of the destruction of justice in the Body the Messiah. Forgiveness basically means to release another from further indebtedness. When a person says, "I was wrong, will you forgive me?" the example of Jesus requires us to forgive. This forgiveness may require that restitution be made by the offending party to prove real repentance (the fruits of repentance). To say "I'm sorry" can be a cheap way for a person to continue in sin and be indulged by others. The manipulator will take full advantage of that. On the other hand, if the person is truly repentant and the issue is not one of a sin pattern, the offended party may release him from restitution. In either case, the motive of the offended party should be love."
"Some will be shocked to read this. It goes against what has recently become popular Christian teaching. The old humanistic indulgence returns under the guise of "You must forgive me." Some unbelievers, like con artists, have claimed to be believers in order to literally "rip off" the saints, secure in the fact that the saints must forgive and take no action. Is that really so? The saints can disfellowship the rogue and take him to court so that society is protected."
"Forgiveness does not mean that we give up our quest for a justice motivated by love and for the good of all."
http://www.peacemakers.net/unity/DueProcess.htm
Monday, March 29, 2010
John Piper Takes 8 Month Leave
It has been announced that John Piper will be stepping back from ministry for a prolonged period in order to refocus his priorities. The integrity Piper demonstrates is a model worthy of emulation.
We've all watched ministers hide their issues only to see the dire consequences.
I am absolutley convinced that whatever a minister is willing to compromise for gain, he will eventually lose.
At RMS, we should hold men like Piper in high esteem. May I suggest everyone click on Adrian Warnocks post below and watch the entire video.
[rgh]
"I asked the elders to consider this leave because of a growing sense that my soul, my marriage, my family, and my ministry-pattern need a reality check from the Holy Spirit. On the one hand, I love my Lord, my wife, my five children and their families first and foremost; and I love my work of preaching and writing and leading Bethlehem. I hope the Lord gives me at least five more years as the pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem.
But on the other hand, I see several species of pride in my soul that, while they may not rise to the level of disqualifying me for ministry, grieve me, and have taken a toll on my relationship with Noël and others who are dear to me. How do I apologize to you, not for a specific deed, but for ongoing character flaws, and their effects on everybody? I’ll say it now, and no doubt will say it again, I’m sorry. Since I don’t have just one deed to point to, I simply ask for a spirit of forgiveness; and I give you as much assurance as I can that I am not making peace, but war, with my own sins."
http://adrianwarnock.com/2010/03/john-piper-taking-eight-month-break-from-ministry/
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/03/28/john-pipers-leave-of-absence/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+between2worlds+%28Between+Two+Worlds%29
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2010/4555
We've all watched ministers hide their issues only to see the dire consequences.
I am absolutley convinced that whatever a minister is willing to compromise for gain, he will eventually lose.
At RMS, we should hold men like Piper in high esteem. May I suggest everyone click on Adrian Warnocks post below and watch the entire video.
[rgh]
"I asked the elders to consider this leave because of a growing sense that my soul, my marriage, my family, and my ministry-pattern need a reality check from the Holy Spirit. On the one hand, I love my Lord, my wife, my five children and their families first and foremost; and I love my work of preaching and writing and leading Bethlehem. I hope the Lord gives me at least five more years as the pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem.
But on the other hand, I see several species of pride in my soul that, while they may not rise to the level of disqualifying me for ministry, grieve me, and have taken a toll on my relationship with Noël and others who are dear to me. How do I apologize to you, not for a specific deed, but for ongoing character flaws, and their effects on everybody? I’ll say it now, and no doubt will say it again, I’m sorry. Since I don’t have just one deed to point to, I simply ask for a spirit of forgiveness; and I give you as much assurance as I can that I am not making peace, but war, with my own sins."
http://adrianwarnock.com/2010/03/john-piper-taking-eight-month-break-from-ministry/
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/03/28/john-pipers-leave-of-absence/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+between2worlds+%28Between+Two+Worlds%29
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2010/4555
Sunday, March 21, 2010
What Are The Essentials?
I thought it might be of interest to share what we discussed at "The Gathering" Sunday morning. For a "thought experiment", we asked what components of the contemporary church could be deleted in order to emphasize the essentials of authentic N.T. body life.
Here are the answers: buildings, audio-video , bulletins, worship bands, 501 [c] [3] status, high profile-platform centered ministers, segregated children and youth ministries. Yet, all of these things are given pride of place today as identity makers for what a genuine church is. When in actuality, they are "xtra biblical traditions" that are in fact "non essentials" for corporate life.
My point for this experiment wasn't to extol a "primitive paradigm" advocated by some nor to promote the "regulative principle" advanced by others. Rather, we unpacked Acts 2:42-46 to demonstrate that the specified practices of the early church were intentionally produced by the Holy Spirit in order to solidify and sustain the sacramental life of Christ within the covenant community.
Dr. Luke records four essential components: Doctrine, Fellowship, Eucharist and Prayers. These Spirit induced practices are divinely designed to be foundational priorities for the corporate identity of all God's Covenant People. The early church gave them such pride of place, that all the Christ followers pursued them together with zealous devotion.
Queing off the meaning of the word "fellowship",we looked at expressions that flowed from their intentional "sharing of life" that should be re-prioritized by the modern church.
>Sharing their heart affection for one another through their relational greetings. 1 Peter 5:14
>Sharing their material goods in order to meet one anothers needs. Acts 2:45-47
>Sharing a common meal together called a "love feast". Jude 12
>Sharing table fellowship together with Christ through the Eucharist. Acts 2: 42-47
These expressions are the core essentials that the early church devoted themselves to with zealous constancy. Each "koinonia" practice is wrapped in the language of caring, sharing and belonging. Now that is genuine relational covenant my friends. Whatever extra's we do,we should never be guilty of deleting any of these.
RGH
Here are the answers: buildings, audio-video , bulletins, worship bands, 501 [c] [3] status, high profile-platform centered ministers, segregated children and youth ministries. Yet, all of these things are given pride of place today as identity makers for what a genuine church is. When in actuality, they are "xtra biblical traditions" that are in fact "non essentials" for corporate life.
My point for this experiment wasn't to extol a "primitive paradigm" advocated by some nor to promote the "regulative principle" advanced by others. Rather, we unpacked Acts 2:42-46 to demonstrate that the specified practices of the early church were intentionally produced by the Holy Spirit in order to solidify and sustain the sacramental life of Christ within the covenant community.
Dr. Luke records four essential components: Doctrine, Fellowship, Eucharist and Prayers. These Spirit induced practices are divinely designed to be foundational priorities for the corporate identity of all God's Covenant People. The early church gave them such pride of place, that all the Christ followers pursued them together with zealous devotion.
Queing off the meaning of the word "fellowship",we looked at expressions that flowed from their intentional "sharing of life" that should be re-prioritized by the modern church.
>Sharing their heart affection for one another through their relational greetings. 1 Peter 5:14
>Sharing their material goods in order to meet one anothers needs. Acts 2:45-47
>Sharing a common meal together called a "love feast". Jude 12
>Sharing table fellowship together with Christ through the Eucharist. Acts 2: 42-47
These expressions are the core essentials that the early church devoted themselves to with zealous constancy. Each "koinonia" practice is wrapped in the language of caring, sharing and belonging. Now that is genuine relational covenant my friends. Whatever extra's we do,we should never be guilty of deleting any of these.
RGH
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Preach The Word With Gravity,Light and Air!
Leadership weekly newsletter has a fantastic article explaining why ministers who focus upon being dynamic and photogenic, deliver sermons that do not make an impact. Mark Labberton says there are three intangible qualities that give life when we minister: Gravity,light and air. Their absence in a sermon will be felt.
Here are some brief extracts for your reading pleasure. I found his comments to be worthy of contemplation. Hope you brothers do as well.
[rgh]
>....gravity... is not limited to a mood or personality or form. Gravity is the central pull on the preacher's life. What does the preacher's life demonstrate to be his true center as he dares to stand and speak in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
>...light... does not serve itself but what it illumines. It's light that helps people see what matters, and to receive and engage with all that is available.
The preacher should shine the light of truth, understanding, empathy, wisdom, justice, compassion, and hope into the ordinary world and lives of the congregation. It is light to see by and to see with. It's not blinding or violating. It's the kind of light that reveals God to the people and the people to God.
This kind of preaching is in contrast to the much murkier light of mere cleverness or charisma. It's not the dazzling light of manipulation by which the congregation is captured by the aura of the preacher more than by the gospel itself. Instead, the preacher gets out of the way in order to let "the light of the knowledge of God's glory shine in the face of Jesus the Christ."
>... air ...is like breathing grace. It is rejuvenating, motivating, strengthening. Alternatively, polluted air or a shortage of air makes life much harder. When I am listening to or preaching a sermon, I am hoping for some good spiritual oxygen with as little pollution as possible.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/preachingworship/preaching/elementalpreaching.html?start=1
Here are some brief extracts for your reading pleasure. I found his comments to be worthy of contemplation. Hope you brothers do as well.
[rgh]
>....gravity... is not limited to a mood or personality or form. Gravity is the central pull on the preacher's life. What does the preacher's life demonstrate to be his true center as he dares to stand and speak in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
>...light... does not serve itself but what it illumines. It's light that helps people see what matters, and to receive and engage with all that is available.
The preacher should shine the light of truth, understanding, empathy, wisdom, justice, compassion, and hope into the ordinary world and lives of the congregation. It is light to see by and to see with. It's not blinding or violating. It's the kind of light that reveals God to the people and the people to God.
This kind of preaching is in contrast to the much murkier light of mere cleverness or charisma. It's not the dazzling light of manipulation by which the congregation is captured by the aura of the preacher more than by the gospel itself. Instead, the preacher gets out of the way in order to let "the light of the knowledge of God's glory shine in the face of Jesus the Christ."
>... air ...is like breathing grace. It is rejuvenating, motivating, strengthening. Alternatively, polluted air or a shortage of air makes life much harder. When I am listening to or preaching a sermon, I am hoping for some good spiritual oxygen with as little pollution as possible.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/preachingworship/preaching/elementalpreaching.html?start=1
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Jackasses,Stallions and Mules
"Take your vitaminz" blog really summarizes the intentional"feminization of the church" and it's castration of Kingdom Manhood. Rise up men of God! rgh
"The problem I am seeing is that we are so desperate for good men that we are not sending them into the field. We take men designed to be warriors and we make them into ecclesiastical pacifists. All men start out as a jackass, are designed to be stallions but the church tries to make them mules: sturdy, less volatile, sterile.
I think the church has a dysfunctional codependent relationship with its men. Some pastors need affirmation from other men generally because their own absentee father never did. Conversely, the men need the pastor to do the work of the ministry so they don’t have to. As a result, the pastor works slavishly, often at the expense of his family, for affirmation and the men pay tithes and compliments to avoid the work of mission so their lives aren’t distracted away from their own goals—often financial gain or recreation. It’s a convenient relationship, but it’s not Biblical."
http://takeyourvitaminz.blogspot.com/2010/03/jackasses-stallions-and-mules.html
"The problem I am seeing is that we are so desperate for good men that we are not sending them into the field. We take men designed to be warriors and we make them into ecclesiastical pacifists. All men start out as a jackass, are designed to be stallions but the church tries to make them mules: sturdy, less volatile, sterile.
I think the church has a dysfunctional codependent relationship with its men. Some pastors need affirmation from other men generally because their own absentee father never did. Conversely, the men need the pastor to do the work of the ministry so they don’t have to. As a result, the pastor works slavishly, often at the expense of his family, for affirmation and the men pay tithes and compliments to avoid the work of mission so their lives aren’t distracted away from their own goals—often financial gain or recreation. It’s a convenient relationship, but it’s not Biblical."
http://takeyourvitaminz.blogspot.com/2010/03/jackasses-stallions-and-mules.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)