MINISTERS MATTER

THE LIFE OF LYDIA

Lydia - A Woman of the Bible

This woman, first woman convert in Europe, lived around AD 50 and is mentioned in only two short passages, both in the book of Acts, but what is said tells us a lot about her.

A seller of purple cloth. Purple cloth was expensive and valuable as a sign of nobility or royalty so she was probably a wealthy businesswoman and merchant.

We see it mentioned in scripture.

Curtains in the Tabernacle - purple thread.
Represented the Kingdom of God.
The rich man and Lazarus, clothed in purple.
Jesus wore a purple robe symbolic of a king while being mocked.

From the city of Thyatira. This small city was known for its commerce, and high society in Asia Minor. It was in an area noted for its abundant crops and the manufacture of purple dye from shells of ocean molusks.

A worshiper of God. This term was used for Gentiles who believed in the Jewish God, Yahweh. Although they believed in God, they were not yet believers in Christ.

A woman whose heart God opened. Paul shared the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and through God’s divine work, she believed. She apparently was baptized right away along with the members of her household. Since her husband was not mentioned, we do not know her marital status. Lydia’s household probably included children and servants. Whether the entire household believed or not, they now lived in a Christian home.

”Men of Israel, and ‘you who fear God, listen: . . . . From this man’s seed [David], according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus. . . . And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead. . . . For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

A willing servant. She invited Paul and his companions to stay at her house. When God opened her heart, she believed wholeheartedly. She became a servant, tending to the needs of the missionaries. Later in Paul’s mission, he returned to Lydia’s home where he met with believers. Lydia had apparently become an active member of the local church.

As soon as Lydia believed, she went to work for Christ.

Each of us are called to work for Jesus.

She shared her faith with her family and servants. She opened her home to God’s people and continued being of service to the church.

After a lifetime of faithful service, she would be greeted with the words, “Well done good and faithful servant. Come and share My happiness” Matthew 25:21.

GOOD FRIDAY'S MESSAGE - Cornwall, Ontario

I had the joy of joining with the leaders and congregations of Cornwall, Ontario as they held their annual Good Friday gathering on the campus of St. Lawrence College. The Aultsville Theatre was filled with excited believers joined together under the banner of the cross. We had a wonderful time together with music, drama, choirs etc., all adding to the atmosphere of unity.

 Here is the message I spoke on Good Friday 2009.

 GOOD FRIDAY - CORNWALL

The Main Event - Max Lucado

History has only one main event,
Mankind’s timeline is dotted with important moments,
the first spark from the first flint,
the rolling of the first wheel, 
the treating of the first wound,
who dares minimize these events?
but who dares compare them with the cross?

History has only one main event!

Scripture has only one main event!
Others matter, but only one is essential.
The story of Jericho might stir you, but falling walls can’t redeem you.
Moses will give you direction for the wilderness, but no solution for your sin.
Davids’ defeat of Goliath might reduce your timidity,
But only the cross prepares you for eternity,
Scripture has only one main event.

Even in the life of Jesus, there is only one main event,
For if there is no cross of Christ, then there is no truth to Christ,
And when it comes to your life, the same is true,
To remove the cross, is to remove the hinge pin from the door of hope,
the door of your hope, for if there is no cross then there is no sacrifice for sin.

If there is no sacrifice for sin, how will you face a sinless God?
Will you cleanse your own sin?
And if there is no cross of Christ, then there is no resurrection of Christ.
And if there is no resurrection, how will you live again?
Will you push back your own grave?

Forgiveness of sin, deliverance from death,
These are the claims of the cross,
Let there be no mistake,
The cross is not an event in history,
it is THE event of history!

Today we gather on Good Friday to commemorate THE MAIN EVENT!

A day known around the world as the day Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, died and was buried.

This was a ‘Kolaeo’ moment - to this He was called.

A day so important to us that we gather in the millions to honour Him.

As Christians, we value what He said during His life on earth,
but do we also value what He said in His dying moments?

There are seven sayings recorded in the gospels that Jesus said as He died on the Cross.

The last words of a dying man are always important to listen to.

They remind us of what Jesus really meant when He told us to pick up our cross and die daily. To pick up your cross meant you were going to your death that day.

The call to follow Jesus means dying daily to self and surrendering to His call upon our lives.

Let us take time on this Good Friday to review our own commitment
to what it means to follow Jesus in light of His seven last statements.

“Father forgive them,
for they know not what they do.”
Luke 23:34

This is the heart of our faith.
Jesus' prayer extending forgiveness to those who were physically crucifying him and all others who were involved in planning and plotting his crucifixion.
Even to the mocking crowds gathered at the site.
Forgiveness always involves a price - Jesus paid the price for us to be forgiven.
We are called to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us.
He was as true to his word in death as he was in life.
Jesus' teaching of unqualified love and forgiveness even included those who were putting him to death.
Do you have people in your life that you have not forgiven? Do it now!

“Today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43

Jesus is crucified between two thieves.
Symbolic of the two positions people take regarding Jesus - For or Against?
One curses Him.
He has the freedom to do so even though he heard “father, forgive them.”
One reaches out to Him.
The one who reaches out to Jesus asks him to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus gives him assurance right there.
Both men had a choice to accept the claims of Jesus or to reject them.
Your freedom of choice is what secures your eternal future.
One died in his sins - separated from God forever.
The other died forgiven for his sins - enjoys God forever.
If we believe the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus secured our eternal redemption, what do we believe about rejecting His finished work on the cross?


“Behold your son: behold your mother.”
John 19:26-27

Jesus saw his own mother, and the disciple standing near whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son". Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother". And from that hour, he took his mother into his family.

Jesus entrusts his mother into the care of John.
Like Jesus, we leave only what we have invested in others.
This is a moment of transition where He gives over His only earthly attachment - His mother, an eternal being, to the care of another.
He dies yet His legacy lives on in the lives of those he has invested in.
The gospel is meant to be shared and invested in others.
Some live for dollars others for destiny. What about you?
Will you leave just money and possessions that will only last for a season?
Or, will you leave a legacy that will live on in your family, friends, co-workers, neighbours?

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.”
Matthew 27:46

Around the ninth hour, Jesus shouted in a loud voice,
saying "Eli Eli lama sabachthani?" which is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Of the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross, this one stands out.
The moment of aloneness Jesus experienced for you and me.
The utter separation between God and man because of sin.
This is the sinner’s worst nightmare - forsaken by God.
Forsaken by the One who loved you enough to pay the penalty of your sin.
Jesus is expressing the cry of the soul when God turns away.
Do you understand the absolute folly of living separate from God?
If that is your choice now, you too will one day cry out “why have you forsaken me?”
With the freedom of choice, we choose our eternal destination!
It cannot be any other way.
The gospel is an invitation to be accepted or rejected by human beings given the gift of free will.

“I thirst.”
John 19:28

He said, "I thirst".

This saying represents the total humanity of Jesus.
In his dying moments, he expresses the body’s need for water.
Just as our bodies need water to live, our soul needs living water to be fully alive.
Do you thirst for God today?

It is finished.
John 19:30

Jesus said, "It is finished".

Jesus announces that his work is completed.
The punishment for our sin was taken upon His body.
The debts we owed as sinners were cancelled.
The court of heaven could only now declare us not guilty before a holy God.
The great exchange the thief on the cross experienced was his sin laid upon Jesus and the righteous of Jesus given to him.
The son of God came to seek and to save that which was lost.
His finished work is finished forever.
‘It is finished’ was the moment of the ribbon cutting ceremony as the veil in the temple was about to be torn from top to bottom.

“Into your hands I commit my spirit.”
Luke 23:46

And speaking in a loud voice, Jesus said,
"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit".

Into your hands I entrust myself; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
Ps. 31:5

Jesus knows that His work is done and His trust is in God whether in life or now in death.
At death’s final moment, will you be able to say “Father, into your hands I commit, I entrust my eternal life to you?”

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You.
May the Lord Be Gracious Towards You.
May the Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon You, & Give You Peace.

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 8/9 Allelon

Allelon - αλληλων

It is the call to love one another;
pursue one another's good;
build up one another;
bear with one another in love;
shoulder one another's burdens;
be kind and compassionate to one another;
forgiving; we are to submit to one another;
consider one another better than ourselves;
be devoted to one another in love and
live in harmony with one another.

Believing faith is more than an individual matter.
Everything in the life of the congregation/church is done allelon for the sake of the world.

A congregation/church living out of allelon is a group of ordinary people who, because they are experiencing the immense grace of a compassionate God, are learning how to overcome hostility between people, forgive and trust one another, share what they have and encourage one another in wholesome and joyous relationships.

We are called to a life of one another-ing!

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

DEVELOPING SUPPORTIVE MINISTRIES Part 3

Every team has slackers. Think of what hockey teams do with players who are slackers, who are not playing up to their potential, you trade em, cut them, or make them free agents. Coaches who do not address the slackers, will eventually lose the respect of their best team members. Morale will be a problem. You will lose momentum.

Great players are allowed to improvise, to make things up as they go. They get to play by their own rules. It is what keeps them great. In the end, it is about results. What has been accomplished?

Great team members produce results wherever they serve.

If someone is serving in a supportive ministry and they’re results are poor, they will continue to play by my rules. If I have someone who produces more than is expected, consistently, I will let them play by their own rules. Why? Results!

If we want to build great supportive ministries, great teams, then let’s affirm that individuals need to be recognized for their efforts especially when there is a common goal.

The Stanley Cup - each year one hockey team wins it.

There are stars in every game even though everyone played. Lesser players get their name on the cup because of these outstanding players. Everyone wins when everyone plays to the best of their ability!

We do more together than we do alone if we are inspiring one another to arise and shine for God, and for the goals set by the leader. Think of this in the context of your local church or ministry.

Who wants to share hard earned success with team members who didn’t contribute? Listen to Joe Christian, “Well Pastor Barry, it doesn’t matter who gets the credit as long as the work gets done.” He says that with a smile. Everyone around him nods in approval. Sounds positive doesn’t it? That is a team buster moment.

That is the message of the slacker. That person has never received credit for anything. If they did, then credit would matter because of the effort put in.

Ever played a team sport and won? That feeling of accomplishment is so wonderful. It spurs you on to greater things.

Let’s make a decision today, that in developing supportive ministries, we are looking for servants not slackers. Let us raise the standard for supportive ministry.

Example: People come late for service that starts at 10AM. We wait until there is a better crowd in the sanctuary. What are we doing? We are punishing those who came early and rewarding those who come late. How dumb is that?

The church is in the state it’s in because we are tolerating slackers, rewarding them instead of replacing them with true servants of God.

The following comments are a reverse on The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.

What does a healthy supportive ministry look like?

Trust is present. You cannot build a supportive ministry without the foundation of trust. Everyone must be willing to be honest, admit their mistakes, and ask for help - especially when they know they have been lazy. Team members need to be comfortable enough with one another to talk openly and honestly.

No fear of conflict. With trust, we can resolve issues openly. We will not be afraid to confront one another when expectations are missed. Our greatest concern would be gossip, backbiting and team members not willing to help the team be better.

Commitment. Trust and conflict give us the ability to talk through what needs to be done. We go away clear on our decision. That way we know we are committed to the vision and to make it happen. We see ourselves as owners of the vision.

Accountability. Committing to a clear vision means accountability. Clarity in what we are doing enables us to measure our goals, our performance and our results. Slackers are held accountable. Everyone has the same standard to work toward.

Results. Accountability means we are looking for results. Strong teams keep training one another to perform well. We honour one another and become each others best cheer leader.

Let us stop wasting the Lord’s resources and be good stewards of the time, gifts and calling He has given us.
It is time to put away being a slacker in God’s Kingdom. It is time to rise up to the high calling of being a servant of God developing truly supportive ministries and creating highly effective teams.

TOGETHER WE STAND - WE STAND TOGETHER

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

DEVELOPING SUPPORTIVE MINISTRIES Part 2

How many have every heard the expression, “There is no ‘I’ in teamwork?” Or, “ Teamwork makes the dreamwork.” Slackers like that expression because they can hide amongst the team when it gets credit for a job well done.

Only the other team members know the effort needed to pull it off when the slackers slacked off.

Scripture is filled with the exploits of individuals. Men and women who understood their calling and what they needed to do in their generation. They were servants of God first. Individuals unashamed of being God’s man/woman. They were answerable to Him for their fruitfulness or barrenness.

God wants to profile our calling, gifting, and the results or fruit of our ministry. He doesn’t want us hiding behind false humility - Canadians are good at this.

Ephesians 4:11 - 16 This is God’s idea of Together We Stand!

It looks like teamwork but it isn’t. It is identifiable individuals serving as they have been equipped with others who complement them. It is call to respect, to honour and to value diversity as we learn to appreciate the differences in giftings, callings and results.

Verse 16 says, “When each part is working properly.” Note: Each part! Would you agree, as the Church in Canada, we are not working properly yet?

Wouldn’t you agree that Jesus’ plan for your city is better than your plan for your city? His plan includes all of us, all our churches and ministries working individually yet together to fulfill the Great Commission.

Together We Stand - is about individuals working relationally.

Gregory House, MD from the Fox TV series House is quoted as saying, “There is no I in TEAM, but if you jumble it all up, there is a ME.” The WE in ministry is only as effective as the ME in ministry. The chain is only as strong as the weakest individual link.

Should we honour equally one who serves with excellence and one who slacks off? We need to think differently as we develop our supportive ministries. We need to affirm the servants and hold the slackers accountable.

If you want to undermine your existing teams, don’t hold the slackers to account.

Ministry is about individual men and women, acknowledging before God that He has called, equipped and gifted them to function uniquely yet they can’t do it without the help of others who function as well in their calling.

We are not competing with each other in our ministries or communities but rather completing each other. Each member needs to shines brightly so we all benefit together. Each team member needs to be celebrated not tolerated because of their success. Each wants to have their efforts recognized and appreciated and rightly so.

At the end of the day, we want to put our head on the pillow and know we have given our best to God, His church and those we have served alongside of. We are called to be servants of God not slackers. Sons who delight to serve out of love not legalism.

If everyone gets recognized for giving their best, then we are developing healthy supportive ministries. As leaders, we need to be encouraging everyone but especially our key team players. Remember, great team players get bored easily. They are creative, innovative and will make your ministry better if you give them the recognition they deserve.

“One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel.” While that is true, we need to remember that we must never sacrifice the barrel of apples in favour of the one bad apple.

Tomorrow Part 3: Five strengths of healthy supportive ministries.

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

DEVELOPING SUPPORTIVE MINISTRIES Part 1

In Matthew 14:22-34 we read the story of Jesus pointing His disciples in a direction He wanted them to go. There were challenges to get to the other side but get to the other side they would. Why?

Imagine if we could get all the people in our ministry to row in the same direction, we would win our cities for Christ against any and all competition, seen or unseen.

Who would I be looking for to play a part on my dream team? My supportive ministry? I’d be looking for a human being. Someone who is fallible, imperfect and potentially dysfunctional. That is what everyone, gathering team players, has to work with.

There is a certain quality I would be looking for after pastoring for 30 years especially when you know from experience that...Teamwork doesn’t work!

Amazon.com has over 46,000 books with the words Team or Teamwork in the title. We have a fatal attraction to teamwork, hoping we can find the ingredients that will make it work because we know, from personal experience, that it doesn’t and we ask why?

We are being called to work together, to develop supportive ministries, but what is happening behind the scenes that makes this process so challenging?

Teamwork doesn’t work just because you have a team like The Parking Attendants Team. The Greeters Team. The Hospitality Team. Ushers. Media. Music Ministry. Prayer. Nursery. Children’s Workers. Youth. Small Groups etc. Teamwork doesn’t work but something that looks like teamwork does.

It works when every player on the team works to his/her full potential. It works when you know why you are doing what you are doing and you can measure the results/fruit and improve.

Teamwork as we understand it today doesn’t work because there are players on every team who won’t work. Every ministry team is a mix of servants and slackers. It doesn’t take a prophet to identify the servants from the slackers either.

Too often, as a team, when you are depending on others the most, they drop the ball. The dream of working together is shattered as someone on the team has to pick up the slack. How do they feel? What if it has happened too many times before? What do you feel like when someone on your team is a slacker?

Most ministries can be run by just a few good men/women. This is a sad reality but not what God intended. He has a whole body He wants to work through.

Next Sunday morning, across Canada, team members won’t show up or they will at best call, or at worst send an e-mail, at the last minute, before you can replace them, to say they won’t be coming in today?

This happens all the time in the programs of the church and because we are often short on volunteers, we don’t say anything or call them to accountability. It never happens when I ask someone to speak or sing in main auditorium? They never call with an excuse. I wonder why?

Tomorrow Part 2: Ephesians 4 reveals the need for teamwork.

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

EACH PART WORKING PROPERLY

I loved watching Riverdance one night with my late mother because she was from Ireland. As we viewed the performance and waited for the furnace repair man to show up, I thought about the church and how important it is for us to know our place and to function properly.

Ephesians 4:16 says, "from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Watch this performance of Riverdance and see each part working together to make a stunning finale. The local church is the hope of the world. When it functions the way God intended it to, it will make a stunning impact in the community it serves.