MINISTERS MATTER

Are you a good or a great leader? - Frank Damazio

The key to building a great church is to be great leader. Great leaders are in the making, moving from a good leader to a great leader.

Good leaders know they must prepare themselves, better themselves, make changes, and keep growing. The leader’s desire for change will determine the level of leadership achieved.

Greatness, in the last analysis, is largely due to bravery and courage in escaping from old ideas, old standards, and a mere respectable way of doing things. Here are five facts about great leaders.

1. Great leaders are always growing and reaching to improve their leadership. Take responsibility for your own failures as well as successes. If you keep learning, you will improve, and your leadership will get better.

2. Great leaders are pushing the boundary lines to move beyond what is normal or usual. Leaders are pioneers. They venture into unexplored territory and guide to new and often unfamiliar destinations.

3. Great leaders are risk-takers. They reject the maintenance mentality and take risks from strength, preparing thoroughly, understanding what is at stake, and marching forward with confidence. It is never too late to be what you might have become!

4. Great leaders are resource finders and releasers. They have built a leadership pipeline that finds potential leaders, trains them, and releases them to greater levels of ministry.

5. Great leaders are future-focused and dedicated to do whatever it takes to get there. Their faith capacity has increased to believe that God will provide all that is necessary as the need arises. Their people capacity is increased so that getting along with and caring for people is at the leader’s heart.

The heart for people and faith in God’s ability gives the great leader strong confidence to focus on the vision and devote his resources to seeing that vision through to its completion.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, but it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. Take the challenge to move from being a good leader to a great one and expand your leadership capacity.

7 Critical Abilities Senior Leaders Must Have - Ron Edmonston

I love reading Ron Edmondson's blogs and the wonderful insights he brings to leading in the 21st century church. You can see all he has posted by going to: www.ronedmondson.com

Barry

I want to address some critical abilities that a senior leader must have to be effective. The intent of this post is not to appear arrogant as a senior leader, as if I have qualities others may not have, although I’m confidant some will take it that way. (Isn’t being misunderstood part of being a senior leader?  ) I’m not afraid to admit my weaknesses…of which I have many…but there are certain abilities senior leaders need to do their job well.

I remember how many people told me I wouldn’t understand parenting until I was a parent. They were right.

I remember how many people told me I should enjoy parenting at every stage of life while my boys were home. They were right.

I remember how many told me that I would adjust to being an empty-nester. They were right.
The point is that sometimes we can’t understand something until we experience it firsthand.

That’s the way it is with being the senior leader in an organization. All leadership is challenging, but the senior position is a pressure unlike any other. Show me a small business owner, a president, a senior pastor or CEO and I’ll show you someone who carries…in an organizational leadership sense…a heavy burden. I’ve learned from observation that some are qualified to lead from that position and some are not.

A limiting factor in one being qualified for a senior level position in an organization appears to me to be when they lack some of the abilities required of that position. It doesn’t mean all senior leaders excel in each of these…I certainly don’t…but to be effective they must be aware of the need to have these abilities and working towards them.

Here are 7 critical abilities every senior leader must have:

Ability to quickly and strategically think big picture – The senior leader doesn’t have a choice but to think big picture for the organization at all times. He or she must learn to “think strategically in the moment“, realizing that the future of the organization is always at stake.

Ability to remain steadfast during adversity – The senior leader must continue to stand strong when everyone else is running from the problems. In times of crisis or controversy, the organization and community around it look for leadership. A senior leader doesn’t have the choice of burying his or her head in the sand when troubles surround the organization. (I wrote about that HERE.)

Ability to unquestionably keep a confidence – The senior leader usually knows things that aren’t yet ready to be released or talked about publicly. He or she must be trusted to keep these confidences. A senior leader must learn how to answer questions and address issues of importance to people without divulging confidential information. (I wrote about that HERE.)

Ability to fully release control and delegate – The senior leader must wear many hats and oversee all areas of focus within an organization. He or she must be able to trust and take risks on others to free the organization to continue to grow. Delegation is important at all levels of leadership, but for the senior leader it is not an option. (I wrote about that HERE.)

Ability to see all sides to an issue – The senior leader can’t always side with his or her area of personal interest, but must balance all the needs within an organization. This is another part of thinking strategically in the moment. Since an organization is built with many separate but equally important parts, the senior leader must view every scenario as it relates to each individual part of the organization. (I wrote about that HERE)

Ability to make unpopular decisions – The senior leader must make the wisest decision possible for the organization, even when that means the decision will not be popular. This often produces a loneliness of leadership that keeps many from being able to handle the senior leader position. (I wrote about being unpopular as a leader HERE.)

Ability to embrace healthy conflict for the good of the organization – The senior leader can’t shy away from conflict that is critical to maintain the health of the organization. The senior leader recognizes the importance of allowing times of conflict to strengthen the organization. (I wrote about ways to address healthy conflict HERE and HERE.)

If you don’t have these abilities, don’t quit leading, but recognize an area of improvement and seek ways to grow as a senior leader.

What is missing from my list? What would you add?

Make this post better: Share examples of ineffective senior level leaders you’ve known and which of these were lacking from his or her abilities.

Fall from Grace - Gayle Haggard

This is a recent article posted on Twitter by Rob Cizek from Catalystspace.

The phone rang at the respectable hour of 9:00 last Wednesday morning. My husband, Ted, answered and the voice on the other end was hesitant and immediately he detected fear.

"I need to talk to someone. I am really in trouble. I've followed your story and feel that maybe you're someone I can talk to, someone who might understand."

"Okay," my husband replied. "Tell me what's wrong."

The man on the other end proceeded to tell my husband his story. "I am a pastor. I really do love God. I really want to serve him. I can't believe I've messed up like this. I've hurt my wife, my congregation, everyone I truly love. I don't know what the future holds for me. I may have lost everything and everyone I care about. Please help me know what to do. Will I ever be okay again?"

Ted offers him hope and explains to him the process of repentance.

We get calls like this every week, from pastors, worship leaders, evangelists, youth leaders, all types of believers and even nonbelievers. All are looking for a safe place to pour out their hearts, their pain, their shame, and their fears. Most have a secret sin they are battling to overcome or that has been found out. Many have been trapped by a sin they never thought they would succumb to. They have become participants in the unthinkable and they are searching for a way out, a way to get back up again.

My husband understands. He walked through his own version of this scenario a few years ago. I understand. I walked with him and I learned a thing or two along the way.

After the revelation of my husband's entrapment by the sin that "so easily beset him," and his subsequent repentance, I watched a remarkable set of events unfold. Many in the body of Christ donned their "pseudo" righteous robes and picking up stones, began hurling them at my husband. We felt the sting of their stones when we read their blogs, posts and comments in Christian periodicals and caught wind of their whispers. I wondered if there were any who understood, any with wisdom to heal, to gently restore and reconcile. The longer I watched, the more I understood that the story that had unfolded in my husband's life was common to our faith. It was and continues to be a human story of God engaging a son whom He loves.

Recently while speaking at a Catalyst lab session, I asked the crowd to raise their hands if they had sinned since they believed on the Lord. Everyone raised their hands. I then asked any who had struggled with a sin stronghold since becoming a believer to stand up. No one remained seated. As I looked around the room of standing pastors, leaders, and other professing Christians, I asked them, "So what is the big deal about Ted Haggard?" They smiled back at me. They got it.

Now I am not so naïve to discount the "high profile" positions my husband held (the founding and senior pastor of New Life Church, with a congregation of 14,000, and president of the National Association of Evangelicals), and the inherent expectations placed on a leader. But I contend that my husband's sin did not invalidate the power of the gospel and thus embarrass Christians everywhere; it validated it. If we are smart Christians, we will understand this. He is as human as the next person and succumbed to the weakness inherent in his human condition just as the rest of us have. This in no way discounts the sincerity of his faith. In fact, by getting back up and pressing on in faith, Ted has proven to all of us that he believes and values the gospel.

Again, if we are smart, we will understand the power of this story. The gospel is not, nor has it ever been about our righteousness. It is and always has been about a righteousness that comes from God. For this, I am forever grateful.

I have thanked God many times for a front row seat as I've watched the tender mercies of our God at work in a son He loves. I want to be more like God. He is neither shocked nor ruffled by our human struggles and failings. He understands our human condition. This is the point of the gospel. He is the wise Father who gladly and gently reconciles, restores, and receives his sons and daughters who've stumbled or gone astray. He gives his grace courageously and freely.

In countless articles and diatribes my husband has been referred to as a "disgraced pastor" and described as having fallen from grace. I am reminded of Galatians 5:4 where the Apostle Paul clearly defines what it means to fall from grace. He emphatically states, "For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace."(New Living Translation) Here Paul appears to be saying it is not the one who stumbles who has fallen from grace, but the one who thinks himself righteous on his own account.

I understand when my husband says he didn't fall from grace; he fell into it.

May we all be so blessed.

Gayle Haggard is the wife of Ted Haggard. Together they founded New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO which grew to a congregation of 14,000 people. Currently they are founding St. James Church also in Colorado Springs. Gayle is the authof of Why I Stayed and A Life Embraced: A Hopeful Guide for the Pastor's Wife.

LEADERSHIP & DELEGATION - Michael Hyatt

http://michaelhyatt.com/about/twitter

How simple and practical Jethro’s advice was to Moses. It occurred to me that many leaders would do well to heed his sage advice.

First, some historical background.

Moses had just led the Israelites out of Egypt after 400 years of slavery. He was journeying toward Israel, their ancient homeland. In the midst of the Sinai desert he found himself laboring from early morning until late at night, attempting to resolve the myriad conflicts that arose (see Exodus 18:13–16). He had unintentionally become a workaholic.

His father-in-law, Jethro, a priest of Midian (see Exodus 18:1), saw that Moses’ workload was not sustainable and he was headed for trouble. He wisely pulled Moses aside, celebrated what God had done through him (see Exodus 18:9–12), then gave him some invaluable counsel regarding the concept of delegation. He articulated five principles that are as relevant today as they were then.

Admit that working non-stop is unsustainable. Jethro didn’t pull any punches. He said matter-of-factly:
The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself” (vv. 18:17, 18)

Something would eventually break down. You can’t work twelve-hour days, six days a week, and survive. Something will eventually give: your health, your sanity, your family, your career, or your legacy. Worse, it even wears your people out. For your sake—and theirs—you need to admit the truth. Your strategy is not working.

Understand your unique calling. Jethro saw something very important. That while Moses could perhaps do many things well, he had a unique calling where he alone added significant value. He exhorted Moses, saying:
Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do” (vv. 18:9, 20)

Moses needed to offload those things that others could do, so he could focus on those things that only he could do. The same is true for you. Where is it that you add value—something that you are uniquely called and qualified to do? How can you delegate the rest?

Select qualified leaders to assist you. This is where Jethro gets practical. He gently rebuked Moses: “You’re not the only one who can do this job. You just need to find some leaders you can trust to help share the load. There’s no reason you should bear this alone.” He admonished,
Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, [and] hating covetousness” (v. 18:1a)

Notice that the focus is on character. Your people can gain knowledge and experience, they can learn skills and develop their gifts, but you must start with a foundation of godly character. When you have this, it is much easier to delegate.

Give these leaders responsibility and authority. Jethro was very practical. He understood that a leader’s span-of-control was about ten people. He established a simple organizational hierarchy with different levels of responsibility. He provided an outline:
… and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times” (vv. 18: 21b–22a).

This isn’t rocket science. Nor is it a bureaucracy. These various management levels were not designed to impede decision-making but to facilitate it. The key is in giving your people authority. Will they make mistakes? Absolutely. Get over it. This is part of the price you pay to develop leaders.

Only do those things which others cannot do. Jethro advocated that Moses manage by exception. He said,
Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you” (v. 18:22b)

Dawson Trotman, the founder of The Navigators once said “Never do anything of importance that others can do or will do when there is so much of importance to do that others cannot do or will not do.” This is invaluable advice for every leader. Where can you uniquely add value? This needs to be your focus. You need to let everything else go.

Jethro concluded his session with Moses by saying:

If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.”

Note that Jethro promises two benefits: Moses will endure (this strategy is sustainable), and the people will be at peace (there will be fewer conflicts).

I realize that this doesn’t answer every question about delegation (e.g., what you do if you don’t have anyone to delegate to), but I hope to address those issues in a future post. In the meantime, what can you learn from Jethro?

Question: If you are a leader, how would your people rate your ability to delegate? What is at stake in whether or not you delegate?

ARE YOU OVERWHELMED? - Brad Lomenick

You can read more from Brad at: http://bradlomenick.com

As leaders, many times we take on way more than we can handle. We intuitively know it’s not healthy or the best solution, but we feel like it’s “our duty.” Anyone with me on this??? We feel the responsibility, so therefore we are willing to roll up our sleeves and take on more. This ends up affecting our families, our own personal life, our team, and organizations.

Now don’t get me wrong…. there are seasons for carrying the weight and burning the midnight oil. But if this becomes the “norm,” then it’s not healthy. But many times we still don’t know how to manage and juggle all of the things on our plate, especially if we are leading a smaller organization, a start up, or several major projects/initiatives at one time.

This is not an exhaustive list, but here are a few thoughts from my perspective:

1. Hire a great assistant- I’ve found this one to be crucial. A great assistant can really make all the difference in the world. Not in the old school fashion of getting coffee and picking up your laundry. Please. But as a project manager, a taskmaster, and ultimately an extension of who you are.

2. Make progress daily- if you are trying to tackle a big project, or multiple projects at once, this is always my approach. Many times a project is so big it just overwhelms you. But if you can see progress being made, even if it’s small, it creates momentum and keeps things moving forward. Figure out what a win looks like on a daily basis, and then shoot for that.

3. Find interns/volunteers- Interns can be a great addition to your team. Not only can they relieve capacity issues you might have, but it’s a great way to “test” out new hires before making them official.

4. Delegate- this is the one most often we forget. And not just delegating things we don’t want to do. Or just handing over everything and wiping your hands clean, but then quickly jumping back in because it’s not going the way you envisioned. Strategic delegation is the key- look at your project list and determine what can divided up among your team in three areas- 1. total handoff and no involvement from me needed; 2. handoff of project but I’ll still be involved at certain points; 3. I’m leading the project but need help on certain tasks.

5. Ultimately, less is more. If you are overwhelmed, it might be time to cut some projects or new ideas from the list. Better to be great at a few things than to be average at several.

30 YEARS 30 LEADERSHIP LESSONS - Joseph Mattera

For all the 'older' leaders in the Body of Christ, this is a great blog outlining some of the lessons learned along the way. What about you? What would you add to this list?

Barry

As I look back and reflect upon our thirty years of ministry--including numerous evangelistic events that saw thousands give their lives to Christ, founding a growing and very influential local church, founding a children’s charity that serves thousands of at-risk children, starting a coalition for apostolic leaders and pastors, starting a large network of pastors overseas, and speaking at hundreds of leadership conferences in many different nations--I have attempted to write down the top thirty lessons I have learned so I can pass them on to other leaders.

1. Spend time with God before meeting man (Acts 6:1-4, Exodus 18:19-23).

Some pastors become hyphenated pastor-deacons because they spend more time in administration than in the word and prayer.

Up until thirty years ago, most pastors worked out of a study because they spent much of their time reading and praying. Now pastors (including me) work out of our offices because our primary work is administration and strategy. A lot of this cannot be helped in smaller churches and/or because the world we live in today is very complicated. But we still need to strike a balance and at least spend our mornings studying and seeking God before we go to our offices.

The early church and Moses of the Old Covenant were powerful because their first line of business was to be “Godward” so they could adequately enunciate God’s word to their congregations.

2. Prioritize time with my wife and children before ministry opportunities.

I fill my calendar first with vacation time with my family before I plan anything else. This guarantees my time with them is protected.

Nothing stresses me out more than when my relationships with my wife and children are out of whack. Truly, Satan gets the biggest foothold into the lives of leaders by destroying their families. When we neglect our wives because of overworking in the church, our ministry becomes our mistress! When we neglect our children for the work of the Lord then our children become resentful towards God and church, and fall away from their kingdom purpose!

3. Prioritize my time in the local church nurturing those with leadership potential.

My ministry focus has always centered around 2 Timothy 2:2 in which Paul instructs Timothy to prioritize spending time discipling those who would be able to teach others and are faithful.

This is more important than counseling, hospital visits, or running around putting out fires.

I find that I cannot pastor effectively unless I have leaders that will bear the load.

4. Develop a strong administrative team.

Anointing to preach and lead inspires and gathers people but only the creation of systems grows and stabilizes a church.

Many great leaders have small churches because they haven’t created systems for shepherding, finances, small groups, and discipleship programs.

5. Reach out and network with key pastors in your city.

There is only one church but many congregations in every city and community. Hence, it behooves us to get to know and partner with key pastors and churches in our communities. If we don’t do this we become islands and will not properly discern the Body of Christ in our city. (First Corinthians 11:27-30 shows that often there is a lack of apostolic power in our churches because of all the divisions in the church.)

6. Get involved in the civic leadership of your local community.

My influence for the gospel greatly multiplied when I showed care for the practical needs of my community by joining the local community board, aiding the NYPD, and giving counsel to key political and community leaders.

Also, these leaders turned out to be incredible blessings to our church, helping us with zoning and other important issues related to the logistics of operating a large ministry in a complicated city like New York.

7. Obtain influence by serving others.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that “he who serves leads.” When we try to push our own agenda on people they will back away and become suspicious of us. But when we are concerned with the agenda of others and are willing to serve them we gain influence. Jesus said the greatest in the kingdom is the one who serves (Mark 10:43).

8. Have a holistic approach to ministry and enhance the quality of life in your community instead of offering mere words.

The church is called to glorify God the Father by our good works (Matthew 5:16).

When a church meets a felt material or social need in their community and contributes to enhancing the quality of life for the population it gains great influence and respect. When most people in a community don’t know a local church exists or don’t think the church is relevant then it has not been functioning as the salt of the earth and light of the world.

The main reason why community boards are now blocking churches from obtaining the best real estate and fighting their tax-exempt statuses is because the main reason for tax exemption is that churches were deemed benefits to the quality of life for their communities because they enhance the general quality of life. When churches only offer good preaching they are not deemed relevant and are at risk in our post-Christian America of being stripped of their most favored tax status.

9. Develop a personal mission statement that will aid you in choosing which events to participate in.

I get so many offers to attend meetings and speak at conferences that I must have a strong base of core values and priorities based on my mission that serve as a grid which narrows the ministry opportunities I will take.

10. Develop close mentoring friendships with specific people representing church, business, law, health, and politics.

As a pastor I could have a narrow view of the world if all I did is socialize with other Christians and/or pastors. In order to be effective I need to have a strong inner circle of people who are experts in various realms of life.

11. Engage in life-giving activities outside of ministry for mental and emotional renewal.

When you are involved with the same thing (even ministry) over and over again it drains you emotionally and mentally.  I have to renew myself with activities outside of church ministry by doing things I love like playing my guitar, exercising, and having fun with friends.

12. Prioritize eating a healthy diet with regular exercise.

Eating healthy and staying in top physical shape enables a leader to have great amounts of mental, spiritual, and physical energy to fulfill vision. Those who are continually getting sick and are run down and tired because of their diets and poor heath are poor stewards of the life God has given them.

13. Get enough sleep and take regular time off for prayer, study, and reflection.

I have found that I can’t think clearly unless I get away regularly for several days at a time to pray and hear God’s voice for my life. When I don’t do this I easily get lost emotionally because I don’t give my body enough time to process challenging events in my life which results in me getting off-center.

14. Take your leadership and key people away on retreats on a regular basis to pour into them and develop community.

I have found that a one-day seminar involving fellowship and reflection does more to bring unity and vision than many meetings over the course of several months.

15. Develop leadership communities built around friendship, covenant, and kingdom purpose instead of only having meetings centered on teaching and agendas.

When we have meetings that minister to the personal needs of those who serve in leadership we will actually get more work done than if we just meet to discuss problems and go over our ministry agendas.  Eventually people get worn out attending meetings but when they are renewed and refreshed in a meeting they can’t wait to come back for more!

16. Love and appreciate every person irrespective of whether or not they are serving and benefiting your local church or ministry.

17. Attempt to keep a good relationship with every person who leaves your local church or ministry.

Unfortunately, many pastors take it personally and even blackball those who have left their churches, possibly for fear they will influence others to leave. I have found the best thing to do in the sight of God is to continue to love and reach out to those who have left, even if they have no plans of ever coming back! This keeps love flowing in the Body of Christ, and it is Christ-honoring when we put His kingdom first!

18. Have a top finance manager and CPA managing the tithes and offerings.

Since most pastors are not equipped to properly oversee the accounting of a church or organization, the highest priority should be given to hire a competent CPA and then a skilled and trustworthy finance manager. When the finances are not managed well it opens up a satanic door for scandals and can dry up the tithes and offerings faster than any other accusation!

19. Make a distinction and have elders who focus on only the spiritual aspects of the vision and other elders who focus on only the finances meeting regularly in separate committees to get more work done.

20. Purchase your own church property as soon as possible.

I have found that our local church didn’t really have its greatest influence in our community until we were able to purchase our own property. Having our own property enables us to greatly establish and expand our ministry and gives our church a greater sense of stability and respect in our community.  Renting limited our ministry capacity because we couldn’t set our own hours and could only meet a few days per week.

21. Save at least 10% of all monies that are collected in case of financial emergencies.

Our church donates 10% of the congregational tithes to other ministries and also saves another 10% in a reserve account in case of emergencies. Functioning on 80% of our weekly offerings allows us to be wise in how we spend our money and has proven to be one of the smartest things we have ever done!

22. The senior pastor should start preparing the next generation of leaders and also prepare their potential successors when they reach 45 years-old.

Numbers 8:23-26 teaches that priests are to serve between the ages of 25-50 years-old. Then, at age 50 priests should retire and only assist (and mentor) the younger priests. This forces a continual flow of generational continuity and demands that young folks start getting trained to serve, probably in their early teenage years.

It is a shame and unbiblical when we see older pastors (60 and over) serving with no plan for succession.

23. Have a strong presbytery of apostolic leaders you submit to for counsel and in case of an emergency.

I tell independent evangelical pastors they need to submit to an overseer and belong to an organization for mutual support, accountability, input, and for fire insurance in case a scandal breaks out and they need someone to come in and mediate between them and their congregations.

24. Plan seasonal campaigns to keep a continuum of momentum in the ministry.

For starters, you can take advantage of the already established Christian calendar that has served the Body of Christ well for over 2,000 years (Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost Sunday, etc.).

Often we will have a momentum-creating event (like Easter Sunday or an anniversary) but nothing to follow up the event and we lose any momentum that was created. This is like a plane using half of its energy to gain altitude to 30,000 feet and then running out of fuel and diving back to the ground!

25. Never make important decisions regarding a relationship or the ministry while you are angry, tired, depressed, or frustrated.

Many relationships have ended because of an email sent out in haste or in anger.

26. Understand that all crises and challenges are God’s way of speaking to us.

Every problem is an opportunity to grow and develop leaders, and expands personal or corporate leadership capacity (read Acts 6:1-9).

27. Minister out of weakness like Paul the Apostle (2 Corinthians 12:1-7).

When leaders minister out of brokenness and transparency they gain the respect and trust of their followers and enable others to see the grace of God at work. When leaders brag about their spirituality or abilities, or preach condemning messages to their congregations, they discourage those struggling with their faith and walk.

28. Have a community-centric--not a church-centric--approach to ministry.

Most churches plan on how to bring people in the community into their church instead of planning how to send people from their church into their community!

I have found the most successful discipleship is that which prepares people for life in the world, not just church life.

29. Honor older spiritual leaders who have impacted your life and/or region.

In 1999 our coalition honored twelve apostolic fathers in our city who paved the way for younger ministries and churches. This was one of the highlights of my life. It broke open the heavens and imparted an incredible spirit of unity and cooperation in the New York City region!

30. Establish a strong intercessory ministry in your church for your family.

Satan tries to destroy the weekly prayer meeting more than any other meeting in a church!

Our weekly prayer meeting has become the spiritual epicenter of our church and the power behind getting our congregation and leadership behind our vision because they are exposed to God’s heart for evangelism, discipleship, and city reaching

Years ago we also established a prayer shield that includes armor-bearers who focus on praying for me and my family’s needs. This has been a lifesaver. I encourage all those in senior pastoral leadership to have personal armor-bearers they can call upon in emergencies and that they can give monthly prayer requests to.

Remember:

Raise up sons and daughters, not just church members.

Don’t allow yourself to be in competition with other pastors and leaders in your region.

Don’t try to copy another pastor’s leadership gifts and church methodology.

There is only one “you”. Also, each church has its own unique fingerprint that will leave an imprint on this world! Although we can learn much from other leaders and churches we can never completely replicate anyone else because we all have different gifts, abilities, and callings.

Learn to enjoy life.

Cherish your key relationships, enjoy nature, and walk in the joy of the Lord!  Those who always keep their foot on the gas quickly burn out their engines!

LEADERS WHO LAST - Dave Kraft

I am reading Dave's book and really enjoying his insights into those who last in ministry. Currently, only 30% of leaders finish their ministries well. Will you be one of the 30%?

Enjoy this clip as Dave is interviewed by Pastor Mark Driscoll. You can also check out Dave's blog at: http://davekraft.squarespace.com/

FOUR SIGNS YOU'RE WORKING WITH A LEADER - Perry Noble

#1 – They come to you with problems…AND the solutions as to how to solve them.

Any fool can see a problem…but it takes a leader to examine WHY the problem is there and then WHAT to do about it.  One of the greatest things about the team of people I serve with is most of the time when someone presents a problem they already know how to solve it.  (AND…when they do not then they admit it instead of trying to fake their way through it!)

I’ve said this on this site before…but one of the best questions a leader can ask to the people he serves with when presented a problem is, “what do you think should be done about it?”

#2 – They are more upset about a mess up than you are.

When someone on staff here at NewSpring Church drops the ball I rarely have to get upset because they OWN what they do…and so they are as bothered about the mess up than I am on most cases.

Passion for what a person does is essential if they are going to be an excellent leader.  AND…you can’t PAY someone to be passionate…either they are or they’re not!

#3 – Being around them actually fires you up.

People are contagious…attitudes and all.

One of the things I love about the team I serve with is that being around them and discussing church, ministry and life in general STIRS my passion for what I do.

People WILL contribute to the fire inside of you…they either throw water or gasoline on it…and one of the most common traits about leaders is that they are always throwing gas on other people’s fire.

I know some people think they always need to be “the devil’s advocate” in a meeting…which basically presents two problems…

First…the devil doesn’t need a freakin’ advocate…he’s doing pretty well all by himself.
And second…we aren’t exactly supposed to be working for him!

Now…the truth SHOULD be told when a bad idea is brought up…which leads to the next one…

#4 – They don’t retreat inside their shell when conflict arises but rather embrace the tension in the room and will speak the truth in love until a resolution is reached.

One of the BIGGEST problems in church would today is UNRESOLVED CONFLICT among staff!  A disagreement will take place…and because a person would rather just “make nice” rather than work towards a solution they will lie and say that things are fine and agree to an idea or philosophy that they do not completely buy into.

But…a leader will speak their mind…even if they know it is not going to be popular…and even if they know that in the end they will probably lose the argument…they would MUCH rather than have a clear conscience than be a coward.

When conflict arises in a room then I believe a GREAT solution is right around the corner.  All people need to do is realize they are on the same team, working for the same goals and be willing to speak truthfully in respectful ways so that the best idea can be presented and be adopted.

10 SIGNS A LEADER IS LOSING IT - by Perry Noble

I’ve been reading through the OT lately and have been challenged by the downward leadership spiral that Saul went on…here are TEN signs from his life that point to a leader “losing it.”

#1 – The ministry he leads moves from being about the name of God to the name of the leader.  (Compare I Samuel 14:35 with I Samuel 15:12!)

#2 – He gets impatient with the process that God is taking him through and thereby tries to “make something happen” rather than waiting on God’s timing.  (I Samuel 15:5-10)

#3 – He makes self centered leadership decisions that slow down the people he works with rather than empowering them.  (I Samuel 15:24–notice the references to himself in this verse.)

#4 – He refuses to completely obey God because it places him in uncomfortable situation.  (I Samuel 15:1-9)

#5 – He allows fear of man to trump his fear of God.  (I Samuel 15:24)

#6 – He refuses to take action and deal with the obvious issue in front of him…and if anyone attempts to do so he is quick to tell them they cannot!  (I Samuel 17:32-33)

#7 – He cannot celebrate the success of others.  (I Samuel 18:8-9)

#8 – He tries to discredit/destroy anyone or anything that looks like it is successful apart from him–Saul actually became more obsessed with destroying David than he did leading the kingdom!   (I Samuel 18:10-11)

#9 – He resorts to trying to see the spectacular apart from the presence of God.  (I Samuel 28)

#10 – He refuses to deal with the fact that his jealousy, insecurity, disobedience and self reliance is not only going to cost him…but cost others as well!  (I Samuel 31:1-3)

NECF NATIONAL PASTORS CONFERENCE - Intentional Mission

The following talk was given at the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, National Pastors Conference which was held in Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia on August 26 -27, 2009. I used the lives of Nehemiah, Jesus and Joseph to highlight four important lessons - transformational prayer, authentic relationship, intentional mission and developing a culture of honour as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

INTENTIONAL MISSION

Video Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvr_GSiEn0M

The Spirit of God is among the people of God.  What this means is that all the answers to the questions of how to be God’s people in a particular time and place are among the ordinary people in our local churches.  This means mission-shaped leaders need to develop the skills to call forth what the Spirit is up to among the ordinary people and in the neighbourhoods where they live, work or attend school.

‘Intentional Mission’ gives leaders the focused ability to motivate people to achieve a common goal.

Intentional means on purpose, deliberate, specific and premeditated.

It comes out of hearing God.

Twice, Nehemiah said "God put it in my heart."

First, it was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Second, it was to gather the nobles, rulers and all the heads of families to verify their genealogy.

If Nehemiah had only prayed, and not listened to God, Jerusalem's fate might have been vastly different.

Nehemiah demonstrates what it is like to be a godly and decisive leader.

God IS always speaking. Are we listening?

He wants to do so much through us. The God of heaven is intentional!

Nehemiah was an intentional leader.

Effective communication with others, which can mean adapting your style of communication as appropriate for the individual results in understanding and action,

Confidence, both as self-confidence and projecting a sense that you have confidence in the ability of God to call others to carry out assigned tasks.

If you’ve ever felt the mission of the church was overwhelming or you’ve felt inadequate to meet a challenge, you’ll be able to identify with Nehemiah.

He struggled with the same issues that are still with us today: motivation, apathy, fatigue, criticism and opposition.

But the story of Nehemiah offers inspiration and vision.

Without neglecting the practical, Nehemiah shows us how to tackle God’s difficult assignments and survive both the opposition that comes our way and the apathy in some of those we lead.

Out of prayer Nehemiah prepared for the mission ahead of him with holy passion.

He not only shared the vision of a restored Jerusalem with the King but also with the leaders and people of Jerusalem.

He was able to lead them by example and thereby influence others to work alongside of him.

He understood the nature of opposition and was trained as a diplomat to handle conflict correctly.

Nehemiah is purposeful, deliberate, specific and highly organized because he knows, as a leader, the importance of rallying entire families to ‘work and to war’ all at the same time along the entire length of the wall.

Imagine the sense of joy in their hearts, as a people, rebuilding the walls and gates that were so special to them.

The by product of this action was the rebuilding of their identify as the people of God.

Every gate was significant to restoring their dignity as God’s people once again.

He sets in motion his ‘intentional mission’ of rebuilding the wall and restoring the 10 different gates that give entrance to the Temple and its grounds.

Ten is the number of completion of God’s “divine order.”

We are definitely part of the ten since it is the number of completion based on God’s order AND human responsibility.

The number ten is built into our very anatomy. For instance, we have ten fingers to do God’s work and ten toes to walk upright before God.

As we see Nehemiah’s ‘Intentional Mission’ unfolding, see if there is a parallel to today’s church.

He starts where we need to start and finish - at the Sheep Gate.

The Sheep Gate (Neh. 3:1-2) ...is the gate through which sheep were brought into the city to be sacrificed at the altar. Restoring this gate restored their ability to worship God prophetically. It signified the Lamb of God and the starting point, for all of us, at the cross. This is where we die to self-effort and learn to live for Him and through Him.  Nehemiah 3:1 - "Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors.”

The Fish Gate (3:3-5) ...is where the fish market was situated. Restoring this gate restored their ability to earn a living. In the ministry of Jesus His primary purpose was to seek and to save that which is lost. We are called to imitate Him and be fishers of men.       Is this wall up or down in your life as a leader? Nehemiah 3:3 - "The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate."

     vs 5 the nobles of the Tekoa would not stoop to serve the Lord!

The Old Gate (3:6-8) ...refers to Truth that has been established a long time ago - the Word of the Living God that has endured for centuries. Jeremiah the prophet said, "Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" Isaiah prophesied of great ones who would build again the old waste places and restore the old paths. The old way was a good way. All God's original works should speak to us continually. Never dismiss the lessons of your forefathers. Nehemiah 3:6 - "Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate."

The Valley Gate (3:13) ...refers to our trials and tribulations as valleys. But David said, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me." Valleys humble us. Nehemiah understood that unless the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Nehemiah 3:13 - "Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate."

The Refuse Gate (3:13) ...each gate that Nehemiah repaired seemed to have a symbolic message for us. Such is true about the dung gate. The people of Jerusalem carried their trash, refuse, and dung out to the Valley where there was a garbage dump. In every one of our lives, there are things that must be disposed. This is the message of repentance. Repentance not only renounces sin, it puts it away. "Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  Nehemiah 3:14 - "Malchijah repaired the Dung Gate."

The Fountain Gate (3:15) ...Nehemiah repaired the fountain gate near the pool of Siloam. A fountain is a spring. Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive." The baptism of the Holy Spirit is to the NT what the fountain gate represented in the OT.  Nehemiah 3:15 - "Shallum, ruler of the district of Mizpah repaired the Fountain Gate.”

The Water Gate (3:26) ...the water gate required no repairs. That is keen typology for the Word of God. "All the people gathered themselves together ...before the water gate; ...And Ezra the priest ...brought the law before the congregation ...And he read therein ...before the water gate from the morning until midday." Paul said that Jesus Christ sanctifies the church, in part, by the washing of water by the word. The Word of God NEVER needs repair. It is forever settled in heaven. Not one jot or tittle of it will fail. Nehemiah 3:26 - "Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate.”

The Horse Gate (3:28) ...Jeremiah prophesies a day when this gate will be holy unto the LORD and will never be thrown down again. That could only occur in the millennial kingdom of Jesus Christ. Anciently, horses represented warfare. Prophetically, four evil horses patrol the earth in the end-time until Jesus returns on His white horse to conquer all armies at Armageddon. The horse gate presupposes a church militant. Child of God, fight on! Nehemiah 3:28 - "From above the horse gate repaired the priests."

The East Gate (3:29)... The east gate, at the temple entrance, welcomes Jesus Christ to return. As Israel went into captivity, Ezekiel saw cherubims carry the throne of God from the temple across the east gate. He prophesied that the eastern gate would later be shut until the Prince returns and enters it. (It has been shut since 1541 AD.) "His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, ...before Jerusalem on the east," (Zechariah 14:4). The Shekinah glory of the LORD will return to Jerusalem through the east gate as Jesus enters, following Armageddon.

Nehemiah 3:29 - "...the east gate."

The Muster Gate (3:31-32)... "Miphkad" is variously translated "muster, gather, assign, appoint." Merchants gathered in the nearby markets. Workmen aggregated there when David prepared materials for the new temple. Most significantly, crowds of Roman soldiers carried out harsh judgments on Jesus there. The greatest "muster-gathering-appointment" of all is our final judgment. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." What have you profited, if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?

Nehemiah 3:31 - "...the gate Miphkad."

Any attempt for us as followers of Jesus to live a whole, satisfying and coherent life, that is full of ‘intentional mission’, must be centered in the truth that all of life is sacred.

He completes his assignment, celebrates before God and man, and remembers that it is God at work in him and through him.

Our lives are to be lived to the glory of God in all we do.

As pastors, we can easily fall into the trap that our work is sacred but the labourers, businessmen, and professionals in the church are just doing secular work.

All labour that is done by the believer is as unto the Lord and is holy!

Just think of the work being done by the people of God in rebuilding the walls and gates. By it’s very nature, it is holy unto the Lord.

Nehemiah is a government official, a cup bearer in the employ of a foreign king. Then he becomes a project manager and building contractor.

He is appointed and anointed by God to do all of these jobs for the glory of God and the restoration of Israel.

Even though he worked with stones and mortar, his call was to vocational holiness.

Ezra worked as a scholar, a scribe and a teacher of the Scriptures yet it took both of them to restore Jerusalem. Neither job was more or less important or holier than the other.

Nehemiah needed Ezra and Ezra needed Nehemiah.

We need everyone at their station on the wall doing all that they can to rebuild and restore all that is in God’s heart for His church today.

It starts with intentional mission. Living as leaders who are led with purpose, are deliberate in what they do, are specific in their accomplishments and strategic in their thinking to advance the Kingdom of God on earth today!

FOUR QUESTIONS

What do I want you to know?

That ‘intentional mission’ is the expression of God’s heart for every family and part of our community.

Why do I want you to know that?

Because Jesus’ life and ministry was to seek and to save that which was lost. People are eternally lost outside of Jesus Christ.

What do I want you to do?

Compare your model of ministry to the Master. Are you intentionally making disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples?

Why do I want you to do it?

Because the church alone is the hope of Malaysia!

ONE THING: Intentional Mission means living your life fully committed to the high calling of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.