From 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 16, 18
May the Lord direct your hearts to God's love and Christ's endurance.
May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
For you and for me.
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
A Benediction
Often the final blessing in a service or meeting is called "the benediction." At times, this little proclamation seems out of place. In appropriate. Weird. However, this man likes them. There are times when I have been asked to "give the benediction" and I look to the Scriptures for my thoughts. In my daily devotion, just now, I came across a 2 verse benediction.
"May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17) HCSB
My prayer for us today
"May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17) HCSB
My prayer for us today
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Beginning to Administrate
This is a little off track, but not too far out there. I have been thinking about what happens when I "administrate" something. What happens, practically? Whether you are in a position that requires overall responsibility or just responsible for a small part, I think there are a couple of key things we need to do.
We need to think! Seems obvious. Not so. We need to take some time and think through all of the things that need to happen for a successful "event." Let's use a Sunday service as an example. You are the pastor (theoretically) so you have the overall responsibility for the service. You may delegate parts of it but they still have a strings attached to you. If you have been at this for awhile some of this may seem unimportant or unnecessary. OK for you, but perhaps, not for some one else.
There is no way I am suggesting that the pastor do all of this or even have his fingers in it other than as an overall leader (administrator).
Who does the bulletins? It's in good hands and I've given all of my announcements to the person.
Who handles worship? Ah, yes, the worship leader. Is he aware of any special things (music, drama) that I want to use because of my message that day? Do I communicate enough with the worship leader?
Do the ushers/greeters know their job? Do they have the handouts that they need? Are the baskets in the right place - if there is an offering? Is my message ready or being worked on faithfully? Did I get my PowerPoint to the sound people? And the list could go on.
Understand, again, most of these things are in other peoples hands as delegated responsibilities. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of them. If we are unaware of these things we cannot appreciate the work that others are doing and good communication breaks down. Nothing will disgruntle your workers more than lack of acknowledgement and encouragement and training.
So as you sit in your chair or stand at your desk (recommended these days) on the day you work on this - THINK. Think of what could go wrong or right. Pray and ask God to make you aware of needs for the Sunday service.
As you journey through your service, notice what is going on. Look at the congregation, workers and see what is working and what is not. I think a big part of administration is having eyes that see.
As always, throw in your comments. That's how we all learn.
We need to think! Seems obvious. Not so. We need to take some time and think through all of the things that need to happen for a successful "event." Let's use a Sunday service as an example. You are the pastor (theoretically) so you have the overall responsibility for the service. You may delegate parts of it but they still have a strings attached to you. If you have been at this for awhile some of this may seem unimportant or unnecessary. OK for you, but perhaps, not for some one else.
There is no way I am suggesting that the pastor do all of this or even have his fingers in it other than as an overall leader (administrator).
Who does the bulletins? It's in good hands and I've given all of my announcements to the person.
Who handles worship? Ah, yes, the worship leader. Is he aware of any special things (music, drama) that I want to use because of my message that day? Do I communicate enough with the worship leader?
Do the ushers/greeters know their job? Do they have the handouts that they need? Are the baskets in the right place - if there is an offering? Is my message ready or being worked on faithfully? Did I get my PowerPoint to the sound people? And the list could go on.
Understand, again, most of these things are in other peoples hands as delegated responsibilities. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of them. If we are unaware of these things we cannot appreciate the work that others are doing and good communication breaks down. Nothing will disgruntle your workers more than lack of acknowledgement and encouragement and training.
So as you sit in your chair or stand at your desk (recommended these days) on the day you work on this - THINK. Think of what could go wrong or right. Pray and ask God to make you aware of needs for the Sunday service.
As you journey through your service, notice what is going on. Look at the congregation, workers and see what is working and what is not. I think a big part of administration is having eyes that see.
As always, throw in your comments. That's how we all learn.
We will try again
I just looked at this blog and realize the last post was in 2012! Wow, so much has happened since then. I hope to begin again to more faithfully post here. Sometimes I think of blogging as keeping a public diary and it sounds a little dangerous. Other times, I think blogging is just putting your wild thoughts "out there." Finally, I think of blogging as someone who knows something and is trying to share it with those who are interested. Probably, I will touch on all three ideas.
This is Sunday. Sunday will, 99% of the time find me attending a service. Today I will be at Harvest Christian Church in Elyria, OH. Is that unusual you may ask. Sometimes it is because of the work God has me doing at this time of my life.
This is a beginning.
This is Sunday. Sunday will, 99% of the time find me attending a service. Today I will be at Harvest Christian Church in Elyria, OH. Is that unusual you may ask. Sometimes it is because of the work God has me doing at this time of my life.
This is a beginning.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
There is too much to do!!!
In either a Twitter post or a Facebook post someone commented with "Wow" after my last entry. Having just re-read that post I concur, WOW! That is a lot of stuff. Fortunately we don't usually think of all the things that need to be done at the same time. There are a few that get our attention and we focus on those, many times forgetting - or letting them "fall through the cracks" as the saying goes - the rest of the things we need to do. That makes it easier for us to deal with everything BUT, it also will get us in trouble when we forget to call ????? who has been waiting to hear from us. This explains the need for a CALENDAR and a LIST.
Your calendar should always be handy and you should NEVER make and appointment or a promise without looking at it first - from personal experience. (It is not good to double book appointments.) When you make appointments don't forget to factor in travel time. You can't finish and appointment at 1:00pm on one side of town and start the next at 1:00pm. on the other side. You need travel time. As long as you have your calendar out you ought to schedule two things right now. Schedule your teaching prep time (if you have these responsibilities) and your date night (if you are married).
Your LIST should be with you also. Anything that comes to mind that you need to do (hence the term TO DO LIST) should go on the list. Many of you may think your memory is sufficient - "I won't forget" you say. I have had many people schedule appointments with me only to find they aren't there for the appointment because, "I forgot." Get in the habit of writing it down. It will only serve you in the long run. Oh yeah, don't forget you have to look at both your calendar and your list.
Now you have a CALENDAR, a LIST, and if you did the suggested "assignment" from the last post, a list of what you have to do in your ministry. This is a great start. We will continue with the next post.
Don't forget to add your insights, thoughts, suggestions, and questions in the COMMENTS.
Your calendar should always be handy and you should NEVER make and appointment or a promise without looking at it first - from personal experience. (It is not good to double book appointments.) When you make appointments don't forget to factor in travel time. You can't finish and appointment at 1:00pm on one side of town and start the next at 1:00pm. on the other side. You need travel time. As long as you have your calendar out you ought to schedule two things right now. Schedule your teaching prep time (if you have these responsibilities) and your date night (if you are married).
Your LIST should be with you also. Anything that comes to mind that you need to do (hence the term TO DO LIST) should go on the list. Many of you may think your memory is sufficient - "I won't forget" you say. I have had many people schedule appointments with me only to find they aren't there for the appointment because, "I forgot." Get in the habit of writing it down. It will only serve you in the long run. Oh yeah, don't forget you have to look at both your calendar and your list.
Now you have a CALENDAR, a LIST, and if you did the suggested "assignment" from the last post, a list of what you have to do in your ministry. This is a great start. We will continue with the next post.
Don't forget to add your insights, thoughts, suggestions, and questions in the COMMENTS.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the primary issues we deal with has to do with our strengths and weakness. The “Peter Principle” states that “every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.” (The Peter Principle, Lawrence Peters, 1969) Phrasing it in my own words, we will continue to be promoted until we are unable to fulfill the needs of the last promotion. When this happens, we become frustrated, discouraged, angry, sometimes fired, and unproductive. What does this have to do with leadership in the church? Often times the same thing happens in the church. We see someone who is doing a marvelous job in a particular ministry, move them to another, perhaps more prestigious, ministry and they don’t experience the same success they had previously. Perhaps a common example is an associate pastor, youth leader or small group leader that has been very successful in their ministry and is tapped to be the Sr. Pastor. When the change takes place they do a poor job and constantly struggle with just maintaining the status quo. What happened? They stepped out of their area of giftedness and skill.
As leaders we are expected to be competent in three basic areas: dealing with people, proclamation, and production (The ability to get things done and make things happen whether numerical growth, greater financial contributions or a successful building program, for example.) Few of us, if any, are actually competent in all three areas. This lack of competency causes us to find various ways of coping with our lack: blame others, blame circumstances, avoid issues and people, keep things focused on another area so our weakness is not seen, or demonstrating a humility about our inability and doing nothing to change. This is a quick rode to major trouble in your life and in the life of those who follow you. How do we deal with this?
Recognize your call and your gifting. Yes, “you can do all things in Christ Jesus!” but it doesn’t mean you should or are able do it all. We need to know what we can do well. Where our gifting lies and what skills we have. Then we need to work within those parameters. It all comes from God. (II Cor. 3:4-5 “And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.”) Rightly discern you gifts and talents with the help of those you trust. Jack Miller states the following spiritual laws: Only God is God; you are not God. See the problem is we have these confused, many times. If we put these laws in the right order we will find we are much more fruitful.
Do a self-evaluation. Ask the hard questions. What can I do that nobody else can do? What are my strengths? What am I good at? Where have I seen results? What do I enjoy doing? After you have answered these questions let someone else answer them for you—being sure to have an open heart to what God might be saying. Face the weaknesses others might see in you. Some of these weaknesses you can improve on with study and work. Others are more a part of who you are and you will need to work with that limitation.
One of the keys to being a good leader is to find people who can fill-in your weaknesses and work together with them. My personal conviction is that we were never meant to work alone. Churches should be led by plural leadership where men can fill-in what others are missing. Then we build a team of real strength under the guidance of God.
Where you can find ways (study, reading, classes, etc.) to improve you skills and weakness, do so. Where you cannot, acknowledge you are in over your head, have the courage to back out and move on, becoming a better leader.
Would love to hear you comments on the following questions.
- How well do you know who you are? What have you done to find out the answer to the question?
- How would you define your strengths and weakness?
- What do you need to do to discover, more fully, who you are and what you are to do?
- Finally, what is one thing you will do this week to become more acquainted with you?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
INTEGRITY
"I will be there!"
The event comes and goes…and you never show. There may have been a good reason you could not keep your commitment and yet you never communicated that you would not be there. How important are the words we speak? They are much more important than we think. Are you someone who says you will do something and then forgets? Are you known for being late or not fulfilling your promises?
The question is what is deceitful speech? Is it only when we intentionally tell a lie? Does it include the light-hearted remarks we make and the automatic responses we toss at each other in our conversations? Technically, you are probably safe in some of those areas. Perhaps a better question is, "Am I honoring those I'm speaking to in what I say?" When we make a remark like "Let's have lunch sometime," we probably are not taking part in deceitful speech. If, however, we don't follow-up on it, am I honoring that person? My word, what I say and how I follow-up, establishes the kind of person I am.
How important are words? In Genesis God gives man the responsibility of naming his creation. What man called something was its name. When the father blessed the son it was a finished deal that could not be reversed. (Check out Isaac’s blessing of his sons in Gen. 27 .) The prophets caused it to rain by their words. And the greatest declaration, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (Jn. 1:1-3) THE WORD is the Son of God, Jesus. How significant that God uses “word.”
The parent who constantly refers to their child as stupid, dumb, worthless, a mistake, or an embarrassment are not just "spouting off." They are affecting the outcome of their child’s life. Word’s are not just sounds from our mouths.
Can people depend on us to do those things we say we are going to do? Are other people important enough for us to be concerned about what we say to them? Most often the only person we are thinking about when we are chit-chatting is ourselves. When we are with close friends we are extended much grace. They understand the type of person we are. They understand our sense of humor. They understand that our words may not be important to us. If we say that we will be there, they know we won't. (I'm not sure if this is grace or enablement.) It certainly is not how I want to be known.
We establish patterns in our lives that become automatic. When we meet new people our "automatic" ways can become very problematic. Suppose you meet someone for the first time, have a nice chat and say you will call for lunch sometime. Then totally forget about it. Friends understand—kind of. This new person however may have had many poor experiences with people in the church whose word is not important. They really thought you might be different. You were their last attempt to follow this Jesus. You never called. This person sees that Christians don't care.
Our culture is full of stories of people who spoke harshly to a parent, child, or friend only to find that they were the last words they would ever speak to that person. The person is dead but the one who spoke those harsh words must now live with their words. In some cases this leads to major psychological problems and years of suffering.
We need to understand that our words are important. People don't know what we are thinking. They only know what we say and do. Our impact as leaders will be greatly determined by our words. None of us is perfect! We will forget things, speak at the wrong times and say the wrong things. Our goal though needs to be “...excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us..." (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV ) When we fall short of this we need to learn to ask forgiveness quickly and sincerely.
FOR YOUR JOURNAL
- You already have a reputation among your friends and family. If someone were to ask them about your speech/word patterns, how would they answer?
- Explain how you think about commitments and promises made to people and how good you are at keeping them. What about small things like being on time, or getting things done?
- Remember we take small steps. What is one thing you are going to do to "excel in speach..." today or this week.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
DON’T QUIT
Having arrived at this page, I hope you have kept your journal. Go back to PERSONALITY frequently and continue to let God adjust your personality and to challenge and change you. One character trait that we are going to look at in this chapter is being a person who finishes what he starts.
How many people have started out on a project - one they thought God had called them to - only to quit before they finish? There are all kinds of excuses. It was too hard. I forgot. Nobody was helping me. Something else came up. I just didn't feel that God was in it. Please understand, these can be good reasons for not finishing a project. More often than not, though, they are not legitimate reasons to quit but just excuses. How do you know the difference?
First we need to be sure we chose a task for a good reason and with good motivation. Suppose God has called you[1] to the mission field (you believe he has). Now (use your imaginations) you are in the midst of college (which is not an unusual time to get that call). Many people think they should quit and get at it. Others will finish college and having a substantial student loan debt they will get involved in something interesting (to pay back the loans) and either forget the call or have excuses for not following through. We are not a people who like to wait - carrying a call for many years before we start. It may help to understand that God has carried you and your call since the beginning of time. He is patient. When God calls you to do something part of that call is the preparation for the call. That can mean school, training, short-term trips, other ministry, relationship development, and any number of different life experiences - maybe finishing this book. We often fail to understand that God is active in everything that is going on in our lives.
In 2003, after 23 years of pastoring a great church, God called Joanne (my wife) and I to full-time missions in Brazil
It is worth looking at some Biblical leaders. Pick out two (David, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, Paul, Saul and/or others of your choice) and do a study (use your journal) of their preparation time for ministry. How old were they when they began their ministry (remember ministry is what you do in response to God's call on your life). What took place in their lives that would prepare them for this time? Explain how their successes and failures were tutors on their way to leadership. As you study their lives, consider how you would have reacted? Would you have quit? Acted differently? Why? As they entered ministry their success and failures continued. How did they finish and what part did these successes and failures play in the finishing of their ministry? How did God test each before they walked fully in their call?
If we know that God has called us - and we have all been called - then it is important to commit to finishing. Sometimes I look back and wonder how many lives might have been different had I not given up on them. How would my life be different had I finished what I felt God call me to do in this place or that. Don't give up. Don't quit. Have you been distracted from what God has called you to do? Finish well what you are currently doing and get on with what God has called you to do. In closing, consider the following Scripture verses.
FOR YOUR JOURNAL
- How have you been struggling in figuring out what God wants you to do with your life?
- Think back and write about a couple of areas where you did not finish. Include why you started, what you experienced in the middle of it and why you quit before it was finished.
- What are you in the middle of right now? How can you finish well?
[1] Just a quick note about God's call: I am not speaking only of the pastorate or missions. I believe God calls us to all walks of life. Businessmen/women, doctors, lawyers, dentists, or any other profession or job (yes, even being a laborer) can be calls from God. Open you heart to his call. Some people have a very narrow definition of ministry. Don't believe it. Wherever God calls is ministry.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
LEARNING
One of the difficulties of using books for discipleship is that we move too fast. For growth to take place in our lives we have to process, in some form, the material we are considering over a period of time. I remember taking a course on how adults learn in graduate school. The statement was made that an adult had to encounter something 52 times before it became a part of them. That could be in writing, art, listening, reading or any combination of these. In addition it is said that it takes 4 to 6 weeks of consistent "doing" before an action becomes a habit.
Discipleship (learning, being a student) during the time of Jesus would have been the standard way of life. Beginning about 6 years of age, and continuing until they were ten, they new the Torah (first 5 books of our Bible) by heart. Their goal was not just to know the Torah but to live their lives according to it. If it was God’s word and “tasted like honey on the lips” it was something that should impact their whole life. Rob Bell, in Velvet Elvis, makes the point that it seems like everyone in Jesus’ time new the Scriptures. This is why. After the age of ten, if they were gifted, they would continue to work with the Rabbi of the village. They would memorize the other books of the Old Testament, study the traditions, consider other Rabbi’s teachings, and, interestingly, study how to ask questions. We cannot, nor should we, duplicate exactly the methods used 2000 years ago but we need to learn that discipleship takes time. You will need to take time. You will be pursuing the most important relationship you will ever have and you will need to take time.
The dilemma is that most readers will finish this book in less than 30 days, if it is any good (and if it is ever published). The needed changes that you will discover about yourself cannot take place in 30 days. In the FOR YOUR JOURNAL section of the last chapter I had you choose one thing to develop in your personality. If you are “normal” you will have discovered a long list of changes that need to be accomplished. How do we do this? How do we MOVE THE MOUNTAIN THAT WE ARE to become what God has for us?
If you are really serious about becoming all God has for you, find someone who will pastor /mentor /coach you through this process. This should be someone you respect and can submit your life to, fully. You should expect to pursue this relationship rather than depend on them to pursue you. Take the initiative. If there is no one older and more mature you could do this with a friend. It will probably be more difficult and slower and each of you would have to be committed to the process.
Do not try and do too many things at the same time. Your list of needed changes could be substantial. Work on one thing at a time or you will get discouraged. Work on it faithfully until you and the person you are working with see a change. Once this change has begun you can start on another item, remembering not to forget the previous. I read in one place where a writer wanted to add a number of good habits to her life. She decided to commit to doing one each month rather than start the year out trying to do all of them. One is possible, but 12 are overwhelming. In some cases a single change in our lives will impact many areas of our lives. Generally, though, I think you will see a process of exploring and learning what that single change means. When I became a Christian many things changed. One of the interesting things, for me, was that my language changed. My use of certain words, over time, disappeared without me intentionally trying to change. At the same time my circle of friends changed. Again, this was not intentional. No decision or change that we make is done in a vacuum. Be prepared.
Use your journal. Go back over your answers to the questions and re-read them on a regular basis. Add to your journal your successes and your failures. Don't get bogged down with the failures. They are learning experiences we need to embrace, to learn from and to move beyond.
Pray. Pray for God's help as you allow him to make you into the leader that He wants you to be. Remember it will not be like someone else. You are unique and God's plan for you is unique. Our goal is to help you find and succeed in that plan for your life.
Look for opportunities to apply what you are working on now. If you are trying to listen more, put yourself in situations where you are doing this. Be intentional. If you are going to a meeting where you, usually, do most of the talking, plan on doing more listening. If someone asks you why the change simply answer that you are trying to understand and do not focus on what you are trying to do in your life in your answer. If you are shy and withdrawn go to places where there are people and begin talking. It is almost always safe to ask about their lives. Obviously, the depth of questions has to do with the depth of the relationship. Want to be more of a servant--clean the bathroom. Again. Again. Do it until your heart is serving not just your hands.
This process is one only you can do. No one can do it for you. It will take time and work and patience. If you are faithful and persistent you will impact God's kingdom. In your corner of His world you will make a difference.
FOR YOUR JOURNAL
Discipleship (learning, being a student) during the time of Jesus would have been the standard way of life. Beginning about 6 years of age, and continuing until they were ten, they new the Torah (first 5 books of our Bible) by heart. Their goal was not just to know the Torah but to live their lives according to it. If it was God’s word and “tasted like honey on the lips” it was something that should impact their whole life. Rob Bell, in Velvet Elvis, makes the point that it seems like everyone in Jesus’ time new the Scriptures. This is why. After the age of ten, if they were gifted, they would continue to work with the Rabbi of the village. They would memorize the other books of the Old Testament, study the traditions, consider other Rabbi’s teachings, and, interestingly, study how to ask questions. We cannot, nor should we, duplicate exactly the methods used 2000 years ago but we need to learn that discipleship takes time. You will need to take time. You will be pursuing the most important relationship you will ever have and you will need to take time.
The dilemma is that most readers will finish this book in less than 30 days, if it is any good (and if it is ever published). The needed changes that you will discover about yourself cannot take place in 30 days. In the FOR YOUR JOURNAL section of the last chapter I had you choose one thing to develop in your personality. If you are “normal” you will have discovered a long list of changes that need to be accomplished. How do we do this? How do we MOVE THE MOUNTAIN THAT WE ARE to become what God has for us?
If you are really serious about becoming all God has for you, find someone who will pastor /mentor /coach you through this process. This should be someone you respect and can submit your life to, fully. You should expect to pursue this relationship rather than depend on them to pursue you. Take the initiative. If there is no one older and more mature you could do this with a friend. It will probably be more difficult and slower and each of you would have to be committed to the process.
Do not try and do too many things at the same time. Your list of needed changes could be substantial. Work on one thing at a time or you will get discouraged. Work on it faithfully until you and the person you are working with see a change. Once this change has begun you can start on another item, remembering not to forget the previous. I read in one place where a writer wanted to add a number of good habits to her life. She decided to commit to doing one each month rather than start the year out trying to do all of them. One is possible, but 12 are overwhelming. In some cases a single change in our lives will impact many areas of our lives. Generally, though, I think you will see a process of exploring and learning what that single change means. When I became a Christian many things changed. One of the interesting things, for me, was that my language changed. My use of certain words, over time, disappeared without me intentionally trying to change. At the same time my circle of friends changed. Again, this was not intentional. No decision or change that we make is done in a vacuum. Be prepared.
Use your journal. Go back over your answers to the questions and re-read them on a regular basis. Add to your journal your successes and your failures. Don't get bogged down with the failures. They are learning experiences we need to embrace, to learn from and to move beyond.
Pray. Pray for God's help as you allow him to make you into the leader that He wants you to be. Remember it will not be like someone else. You are unique and God's plan for you is unique. Our goal is to help you find and succeed in that plan for your life.
Look for opportunities to apply what you are working on now. If you are trying to listen more, put yourself in situations where you are doing this. Be intentional. If you are going to a meeting where you, usually, do most of the talking, plan on doing more listening. If someone asks you why the change simply answer that you are trying to understand and do not focus on what you are trying to do in your life in your answer. If you are shy and withdrawn go to places where there are people and begin talking. It is almost always safe to ask about their lives. Obviously, the depth of questions has to do with the depth of the relationship. Want to be more of a servant--clean the bathroom. Again. Again. Do it until your heart is serving not just your hands.
This process is one only you can do. No one can do it for you. It will take time and work and patience. If you are faithful and persistent you will impact God's kingdom. In your corner of His world you will make a difference.
FOR YOUR JOURNAL
- Write about some changes you tried to accomplish in the past but did not and why you think you failed.
- Why are you reading this book?
- Assuming you want to become the person God wants you to be, what steps are you going to take to allow this to happen? (Hint: It will not happen through osmosis!)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Personality
That which makes you different from everyone else is your personality. (Identical twins may look exactly alike but their personalities will differ.) Peter, Paul, and the apostles, are worth considering briefly. They were men who would greatly influence the course of history and had very different personalities.
If you remember, Peter was a fisherman who walked away from the family business to follow Jesus. For three years he learned from the Master. Probably not educated, he still had a great understanding of the Scriptures. (Check his Pentecost message in Acts 2.) He was quick to proclaim Jesus as the "Christ, son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) He spoke when he probably should have kept quiet on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-6). People have said he was impetuous. Then, at the crucifixion he denies he knows Jesus — three times. And yet, he seeks, and receives forgiveness and becomes a primary leader of the new social network boldly proclaiming the Gospel on Pentecost. He travels the empire proclaiming the message eventually residing in Rome where he is finally executed with his wife and others.
Paul, if you recall, was a well educated man. He studied with the Pharisee, Gameliel. He was passionate about his Jewish faith. He wasn't satisfied just to see the Christians in Jerusalem persecuted and eradicated (Acts 8:3). He asked for letters that gave him permission to pursue the Christians into the Diaspora (those areas outside of Israel where Jews lived) (Acts 9:1, 2). He watched and guarded the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen, the first martyr of the church. He was persistent, passionate and committed. He would destroy this new sect. With his heart made up and with full authority he headed for Damascus. A lightning bolt, a voice, and he was changed. The things that made him a good Pharisee became the things that made him a great apostle. His persistence became 3 missionary journeys. His passion focused on "the way, the truth, and the life." The world needed to know this good news and he would see that they did. Painfully hard at times (1 Cor.) he was yet compassionate and pastoral when we consider his letters to Timothy.
You are not Peter and you are not Paul. And you should not be. You are unique. No one in the world is quite like you both in appearance and in personality. You were created by God in a certain way for a certain purpose. We are all made in the image of God and yet each of us is different. Personality is just one of the ways in which we differ from one another. A short search on the web brings all kinds of definitions and tests. While you can’t trust everything you read, I recommend you try a test or two. They may indicate something about your personality type you hadn't seen before. These are imperfect methods and not definitive but tools that can be useful when well used.
Though personality tends to be consistent throughout our lives, we can modify, I believe, some of the traits. If considered an introvert it is possible to learn how to be more social and effective in social settings. If I am a “glass half-empty” type person I can begin to see the “half-full” glass. If I am the strong, silent type I can learn to become more sensitive and talkative. You may remain more comfortable in your original “package” but to serve God’s people better it may be necessary to adjust and reshape some “natural” tendencies.
If you are an introvert and want to work on becoming more outgoing, you can do so. You can interact and meet new people bringing them into our relationships. While some people may look at you and think you are really outgoing, you will probably have times when it is necessary to get alone and just be by yourself. Personal time becomes very important. You need that time to keep a sense of balance in your life. For the extravert just the opposite happens. You may love being with people and can’t think of anywhere else you would want to be. An extravert is great at attracting people and getting people to know one another. It is important, though, for you to work harder at getting time alone with God and being quiet in front of the Creator. Begin to practice listening to people and being quiet and still. Even if this is mastered you will still need to be among people sometimes just because it is innate to your personality and is where you find strength.
For your journal
• What are some of your personality traits? If you took one or more of the tests include the results. Ask some close friends what they think your traits are and include them in your list.
• Explain which and why certain traits you may or may not have helped you as you walk into your leadership.
• Write out (and ask someone to hold you accountable) one thing you are going to do to try and modify a trait that needs to be changed.
If you remember, Peter was a fisherman who walked away from the family business to follow Jesus. For three years he learned from the Master. Probably not educated, he still had a great understanding of the Scriptures. (Check his Pentecost message in Acts 2.) He was quick to proclaim Jesus as the "Christ, son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) He spoke when he probably should have kept quiet on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-6). People have said he was impetuous. Then, at the crucifixion he denies he knows Jesus — three times. And yet, he seeks, and receives forgiveness and becomes a primary leader of the new social network boldly proclaiming the Gospel on Pentecost. He travels the empire proclaiming the message eventually residing in Rome where he is finally executed with his wife and others.
Paul, if you recall, was a well educated man. He studied with the Pharisee, Gameliel. He was passionate about his Jewish faith. He wasn't satisfied just to see the Christians in Jerusalem persecuted and eradicated (Acts 8:3). He asked for letters that gave him permission to pursue the Christians into the Diaspora (those areas outside of Israel where Jews lived) (Acts 9:1, 2). He watched and guarded the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen, the first martyr of the church. He was persistent, passionate and committed. He would destroy this new sect. With his heart made up and with full authority he headed for Damascus. A lightning bolt, a voice, and he was changed. The things that made him a good Pharisee became the things that made him a great apostle. His persistence became 3 missionary journeys. His passion focused on "the way, the truth, and the life." The world needed to know this good news and he would see that they did. Painfully hard at times (1 Cor.) he was yet compassionate and pastoral when we consider his letters to Timothy.
You are not Peter and you are not Paul. And you should not be. You are unique. No one in the world is quite like you both in appearance and in personality. You were created by God in a certain way for a certain purpose. We are all made in the image of God and yet each of us is different. Personality is just one of the ways in which we differ from one another. A short search on the web brings all kinds of definitions and tests. While you can’t trust everything you read, I recommend you try a test or two. They may indicate something about your personality type you hadn't seen before. These are imperfect methods and not definitive but tools that can be useful when well used.
Though personality tends to be consistent throughout our lives, we can modify, I believe, some of the traits. If considered an introvert it is possible to learn how to be more social and effective in social settings. If I am a “glass half-empty” type person I can begin to see the “half-full” glass. If I am the strong, silent type I can learn to become more sensitive and talkative. You may remain more comfortable in your original “package” but to serve God’s people better it may be necessary to adjust and reshape some “natural” tendencies.
If you are an introvert and want to work on becoming more outgoing, you can do so. You can interact and meet new people bringing them into our relationships. While some people may look at you and think you are really outgoing, you will probably have times when it is necessary to get alone and just be by yourself. Personal time becomes very important. You need that time to keep a sense of balance in your life. For the extravert just the opposite happens. You may love being with people and can’t think of anywhere else you would want to be. An extravert is great at attracting people and getting people to know one another. It is important, though, for you to work harder at getting time alone with God and being quiet in front of the Creator. Begin to practice listening to people and being quiet and still. Even if this is mastered you will still need to be among people sometimes just because it is innate to your personality and is where you find strength.
For your journal
• What are some of your personality traits? If you took one or more of the tests include the results. Ask some close friends what they think your traits are and include them in your list.
• Explain which and why certain traits you may or may not have helped you as you walk into your leadership.
• Write out (and ask someone to hold you accountable) one thing you are going to do to try and modify a trait that needs to be changed.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
LEADERSHIP DEFINED
You have picked up this book thinking that maybe you are a leader. Or you want to be a leader and need to learn how. The first thing we should probably do is define our term—leader.
We say a leader is one who leads. This simple definition implies a capacity to lead, that someone is following, and that there is some direction of purpose (not necessarily good or bad) the leader has in mind. Good leadership is a great blessing to the nation, the family, the business, or the church.
Does secular leadership and Christian leadership differ? Certainly if we look at 1 Timothy 3:1-7 we see that one of the keys of Christian leadership is good character.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 ( ESV )
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
A Christian leader ought to reflect God’s character since he is the one that is served. The incarnate Christ has come to earth and inhabited his people. This, because of our very nature, makes us different from leaders in the secular world.
The Christian leader is first a follower then a leader. By definition a Christian is one who follows Christ (the root of the word is “little Christ”). It is only after following the one we call Jesus that we are able to lead anyone else.
Christian leaders are agents of change. We do not just want to see things happen we want to see peoples lives changed. We want to see lightness brought into a dark kingdom. We want to see the very nature of society changed. We focus on serving rather than demanding. We want to see babies become young men who become older men able to continue the teaching process.
The Christian leader is more concerned about equipping the people they lead than in building themselves a kingdom.
We say a leader is one who leads. This simple definition implies a capacity to lead, that someone is following, and that there is some direction of purpose (not necessarily good or bad) the leader has in mind. Good leadership is a great blessing to the nation, the family, the business, or the church.
Does secular leadership and Christian leadership differ? Certainly if we look at 1 Timothy 3:1-7 we see that one of the keys of Christian leadership is good character.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 ( ESV )
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
A Christian leader ought to reflect God’s character since he is the one that is served. The incarnate Christ has come to earth and inhabited his people. This, because of our very nature, makes us different from leaders in the secular world.
The Christian leader is first a follower then a leader. By definition a Christian is one who follows Christ (the root of the word is “little Christ”). It is only after following the one we call Jesus that we are able to lead anyone else.
Christian leaders are agents of change. We do not just want to see things happen we want to see peoples lives changed. We want to see lightness brought into a dark kingdom. We want to see the very nature of society changed. We focus on serving rather than demanding. We want to see babies become young men who become older men able to continue the teaching process.
The Christian leader is more concerned about equipping the people they lead than in building themselves a kingdom.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
THE FOUNDATION
Before we look at becoming leaders we ought to do some study on what a leader is and does. The world — business, political, church, and society — has many different types of leaders. Because we are focused on the Christian church we need to be looking at only one leader to find the foundation for what we are about. His name was Jesus. The Bible contains many references to him and we want to look at these before we begin looking at ourselves. As you work through this book some of these “pictures” will be repeated.
In Psalm 23 we find a description of a shepherd from the Old Testament. As we look at this Psalm we find that the Chief Shepherd has some responsibilities.
Psalms 23:1-6 ( NIV )
1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,£
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
The shepherd here gives the sheep security, provision, rest/restoration, leadership, and protection. The shepherd provides an environment that is safe but not challenging. In all of his care for the sheep, the sheep still go through the “valley of the shadow of death,” they still experience discipline (“your rod and your staff comfort me”). They are found “in the presence of their enemies.”
The key for us is the love that the shepherd has for his sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are his sheep. The pastoral scene of the shepherd and his sheep is reflected in many places in the New Testament (Mt 25:32; Mk 14:27; Jn 10:11)
In Peter 5:1-5 the shepherd motif continues.
1 Peter 5:1-5 ( ESV )
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,£ not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;£ not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Peter is addressing the “elders” in the church. These are the primary leaders of the local congregation. (We will speak of them later.) Peter uses the image of the shepherd to pass on instruction to the elders of the church. Function as a shepherd. Do this willingly and watch out for them, which means not to focus on them but to keep your eyes moving around them to protect them from the enemy. This is done by example and not forcefully.
Now he gives instructions to younger “shepherds” and tells them to be humble toward one another. We, as youngers, are to submit to the shepherds over us. (not blind obedience as we will see later.) It is interesting here that we are both the sheep and the shepherd, depending on our relationship with another person.
Again in John 10: 11-18 we find more information about what it means to be a shepherd in the church (a leader by any other name).
John 10:11-18 ( ESV )
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
This passage of God’s Word starts out pretty extreme. Yes, it is referring to Jesus but there is a model that is found here for leaders in general. The sheep are most important. He knows them by name and he cares for them. Leadership (shepherding) is not something that can be done from some ivory tower. We need to know our sheep—those we are responsible for and for whom we care.
The early church used the term sheepdogs to refer to church pastors. This did honor to the Lord as shepherd and the “sheepdogs” as his servants. We certainly need to understand that we are not the CHIEF Shepherd or the Lord or God. Our task though is not quite the same as a sheepdogs. We are undershepherds. Leaders who take our authority and service from the Chief Shepherd. We must always remember that each person we care for only has one God and he is not us. The thing that using “sheepdog” does is keep us humble. It helps us to keep our eyes on the true shepherd and to point our “sheep” to the true shepherd.
As we finish this chapter we need to understand that some of us are called to be pastors in a more formal or traditional way according to our gifting. That does not mean that the rest of us don’t have a responsibility to care for each other. As we read through the New Testament we find over and over the term “one another.” Regardless of your position God has called you and me to care for each other.
In Psalm 23 we find a description of a shepherd from the Old Testament. As we look at this Psalm we find that the Chief Shepherd has some responsibilities.
Psalms 23:1-6 ( NIV )
1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,£
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
The shepherd here gives the sheep security, provision, rest/restoration, leadership, and protection. The shepherd provides an environment that is safe but not challenging. In all of his care for the sheep, the sheep still go through the “valley of the shadow of death,” they still experience discipline (“your rod and your staff comfort me”). They are found “in the presence of their enemies.”
The key for us is the love that the shepherd has for his sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are his sheep. The pastoral scene of the shepherd and his sheep is reflected in many places in the New Testament (Mt 25:32; Mk 14:27; Jn 10:11)
In Peter 5:1-5 the shepherd motif continues.
1 Peter 5:1-5 ( ESV )
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,£ not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;£ not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Peter is addressing the “elders” in the church. These are the primary leaders of the local congregation. (We will speak of them later.) Peter uses the image of the shepherd to pass on instruction to the elders of the church. Function as a shepherd. Do this willingly and watch out for them, which means not to focus on them but to keep your eyes moving around them to protect them from the enemy. This is done by example and not forcefully.
Now he gives instructions to younger “shepherds” and tells them to be humble toward one another. We, as youngers, are to submit to the shepherds over us. (not blind obedience as we will see later.) It is interesting here that we are both the sheep and the shepherd, depending on our relationship with another person.
Again in John 10: 11-18 we find more information about what it means to be a shepherd in the church (a leader by any other name).
John 10:11-18 ( ESV )
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
This passage of God’s Word starts out pretty extreme. Yes, it is referring to Jesus but there is a model that is found here for leaders in general. The sheep are most important. He knows them by name and he cares for them. Leadership (shepherding) is not something that can be done from some ivory tower. We need to know our sheep—those we are responsible for and for whom we care.
The early church used the term sheepdogs to refer to church pastors. This did honor to the Lord as shepherd and the “sheepdogs” as his servants. We certainly need to understand that we are not the CHIEF Shepherd or the Lord or God. Our task though is not quite the same as a sheepdogs. We are undershepherds. Leaders who take our authority and service from the Chief Shepherd. We must always remember that each person we care for only has one God and he is not us. The thing that using “sheepdog” does is keep us humble. It helps us to keep our eyes on the true shepherd and to point our “sheep” to the true shepherd.
As we finish this chapter we need to understand that some of us are called to be pastors in a more formal or traditional way according to our gifting. That does not mean that the rest of us don’t have a responsibility to care for each other. As we read through the New Testament we find over and over the term “one another.” Regardless of your position God has called you and me to care for each other.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
BEGINNING
When considering the subject of leadership, several truths come to mind. First, we can never get far from our personality . Furthermore, a leader needs to have character—not simply be a character, though the two are not mutually exclusive. One who leads needs a certain amount of skill in working with people and communication. Also, since the leadership we are considering is primarily leadership in the context of the Christian church, a leader needs a growing understanding of the Scriptures.
When we speak of character we speak of “the inherent complex of attributes that determines a person’s moral and ethical actions and reactions.” Or, to put it more simply, as John Warfin says in the film Buckaroo Bonsai, “Character is what you are in the dark.” When no one can see you, applaud you, correct you, or encourage you, your character determines what you do. Ask yourself, "If there were no one there to punish me or correct me, or award me, what would I do?" Developing good character is a crucial step in the development of good leaders. Thankfully, character can be built.
Ability to work with people and skills in communication are also invaluable in the social network we call “church.” How we talk, the tone we use, the questions we ask, and the way we listen are all part of these skills. These skills can be learned if one is willing to put in the effort required.
Understanding Scripture is a life-long pursuit. If one is to become a leader in the Christian church, this has to be a primary pursuit. Formal education is not required; however, some type of structured, intentional, and accountable learning process is necessary. We run into many problems when we fail to learn from the great saints of old – and not so old. We believe that the Scriptures are plain and understandable in matters of salvation and yet, the personal interpretation of portions of the Scriptures have sometimes allowed too many leaders to fail personally, and worse, to lead astray many of those under their leadership and teaching.
Along with continual study of the Scriptures, familiarizing yourself with some of the available Christian theology books will be helpful. Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem is a challenging tome that brings in various theological views. I enjoyed
H. Orton Wiley’s Christian Theology while I was in seminary. There are others.
For your Journal
• Explain the difference between PERSONALITY and CHARACTER.
• What traits make up your personality?
• What PEOPLE SKILLS or COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS have you found compelling in other leaders that you know?
• What skills are you already aware of that need work?
When we speak of character we speak of “the inherent complex of attributes that determines a person’s moral and ethical actions and reactions.” Or, to put it more simply, as John Warfin says in the film Buckaroo Bonsai, “Character is what you are in the dark.” When no one can see you, applaud you, correct you, or encourage you, your character determines what you do. Ask yourself, "If there were no one there to punish me or correct me, or award me, what would I do?" Developing good character is a crucial step in the development of good leaders. Thankfully, character can be built.
Ability to work with people and skills in communication are also invaluable in the social network we call “church.” How we talk, the tone we use, the questions we ask, and the way we listen are all part of these skills. These skills can be learned if one is willing to put in the effort required.
Understanding Scripture is a life-long pursuit. If one is to become a leader in the Christian church, this has to be a primary pursuit. Formal education is not required; however, some type of structured, intentional, and accountable learning process is necessary. We run into many problems when we fail to learn from the great saints of old – and not so old. We believe that the Scriptures are plain and understandable in matters of salvation and yet, the personal interpretation of portions of the Scriptures have sometimes allowed too many leaders to fail personally, and worse, to lead astray many of those under their leadership and teaching.
Along with continual study of the Scriptures, familiarizing yourself with some of the available Christian theology books will be helpful. Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem is a challenging tome that brings in various theological views. I enjoyed
H. Orton Wiley’s Christian Theology while I was in seminary. There are others.
For your Journal
• Explain the difference between PERSONALITY and CHARACTER.
• What traits make up your personality?
• What PEOPLE SKILLS or COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS have you found compelling in other leaders that you know?
• What skills are you already aware of that need work?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Preparing Leaders is like Moving Mountains
Moving Mountains: Preparing Leaders
Discipling for Leadership
Introduction
Ever since high school I have been in some type of leadership role. I never thought much about it or even consciously pursued it. However, through high school, and then college, I was involved in various leadership positions. From being team leader in a high school retreat program (where I met my wife), to beginning a program of our own, leading a home Bible study, working with youth in our church, and finally planting our own church, leadership has always been a part of my life.
Always surrounded by men who modeled leadership, I learned early in life that growth in leadership was more a continuum than an end. Along with the many men who shared their experience of leadership with me, I also enjoyed and learned much from reading many books on the subject. Hours were also spent in conferences learning some of the skills of leadership. Now, after more than 40 years of ministry, I feel I might have something to say to you, the younger generation. Even in taking this step, however, I confess that I don’t believe that I have arrived at the position of leader...only that I am on THE NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP.
For me, the life of a leader is a continuous process of growth and maturation. We never really arrive at the destination, but rather we travel the way. At the same time, there are some skills, gifts, and talents which can be developed to help us better serve the body of Christ in the area of leadership— THE NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP.
Leadership, then, is made up of many different aspects. In leadership, your personality, character, gifts, talents and skills all come together to give the church a model of godly leadership. The purpose of this book is to help you become the leader God has called you to be. You are unique; like no other man or woman alive. God has called you. The church needs you. Step by step we will consider various aspects of leadership. As you work through this NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP it is my prayer that you will see your life changed.
Please do not just read through this book. Rather, take time to read and consider each topic and how it might impact or change your life. Find a partner, or two, to work through the book alongside you. If you find yourself with questions, write them down and seek answers before you move on to the next chapter. Perhaps the most important step of preparation in this process is your willful openness to the Holy Spirit and His direction in your life. In addition, find an older person of some spiritual maturity who can be a resource/mentor for you as you navigate THE NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP.
Many people impacted my life and assisted God in bringing me to this time of my life. To the many people who have touched, changed, challenged and supported me over the years I owe a debt of thanks. Some of the relationships were filled with laughter, some filled with pain. Years ago I realized that the many experiences, positive and negative, are brought together by our gracious Lord to make me who I am today. Thank you God.
I would encourage you to keep a journal of the answers to the questions that are posed at the end of most pages Taking time to think and write will help you incorporate the changes you desire into your life.
Enjoy THE NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP.
Last modified at 9/28/2007 6:11 PM by Rick Widener
Discipling for Leadership
Introduction
Ever since high school I have been in some type of leadership role. I never thought much about it or even consciously pursued it. However, through high school, and then college, I was involved in various leadership positions. From being team leader in a high school retreat program (where I met my wife), to beginning a program of our own, leading a home Bible study, working with youth in our church, and finally planting our own church, leadership has always been a part of my life.
Always surrounded by men who modeled leadership, I learned early in life that growth in leadership was more a continuum than an end. Along with the many men who shared their experience of leadership with me, I also enjoyed and learned much from reading many books on the subject. Hours were also spent in conferences learning some of the skills of leadership. Now, after more than 40 years of ministry, I feel I might have something to say to you, the younger generation. Even in taking this step, however, I confess that I don’t believe that I have arrived at the position of leader...only that I am on THE NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP.
For me, the life of a leader is a continuous process of growth and maturation. We never really arrive at the destination, but rather we travel the way. At the same time, there are some skills, gifts, and talents which can be developed to help us better serve the body of Christ in the area of leadership— THE NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP.
Leadership, then, is made up of many different aspects. In leadership, your personality, character, gifts, talents and skills all come together to give the church a model of godly leadership. The purpose of this book is to help you become the leader God has called you to be. You are unique; like no other man or woman alive. God has called you. The church needs you. Step by step we will consider various aspects of leadership. As you work through this NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP it is my prayer that you will see your life changed.
Please do not just read through this book. Rather, take time to read and consider each topic and how it might impact or change your life. Find a partner, or two, to work through the book alongside you. If you find yourself with questions, write them down and seek answers before you move on to the next chapter. Perhaps the most important step of preparation in this process is your willful openness to the Holy Spirit and His direction in your life. In addition, find an older person of some spiritual maturity who can be a resource/mentor for you as you navigate THE NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP.
Many people impacted my life and assisted God in bringing me to this time of my life. To the many people who have touched, changed, challenged and supported me over the years I owe a debt of thanks. Some of the relationships were filled with laughter, some filled with pain. Years ago I realized that the many experiences, positive and negative, are brought together by our gracious Lord to make me who I am today. Thank you God.
I would encourage you to keep a journal of the answers to the questions that are posed at the end of most pages Taking time to think and write will help you incorporate the changes you desire into your life.
Enjoy THE NEVERENDING WALK TO LEADERSHIP.
Last modified at 9/28/2007 6:11 PM by Rick Widener
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