Sunday School? Small Groups? Passionate.
August 31, 2007
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with a colleague locally who is serving in a similar position as I do. He mentioned that his church is searching for ways to reach young adults, and they are planning a small group ministry to go after them, as well as continue a traditional Sunday School. We also talked about the hot topic of the day for many in the work of the church, worship style. Our conversation was flavored with the difficulty many churches seem to face, an identity crisis. For churches in identity crisis keep in mind these things.
1. Be careful to not assume changing methods is the answer in reaching people. Careful evaluation of ministy method and target mission group counts, but it is clearly trumped by passion. If I have the doldrums about the effectiveness of Sunday School, that’s what I’ll get. If I believe small groups are a hassle and not worth the effort, I’ll get a half-baked deal. If I assume no one comes to Sunday night worship services and discipleship classes any more, I’ll not have anyone come.
2. Steady your balance of who you are and have been as a church, and who you will be. As a leadership team, be careful about where you are headed. It is a delicate trip ahead recognizing the need to address the “we’ve never done it this way before” mindset and at the same time not lose the richness of who you are as a church family.
I like to say that where I serve, we are radically traditional. We are simply using age old tools that people in our context immediately respond to, and are fond of in connecting with God. Here’s the deal again though…we are passionate about people and how the Lord is allowing us to connect with them in familiar, yet fresh ways. People recognize and respond to that kind of passion. The church has responded well to new ways of reaching our community too.
Pray, and ask the Lord to give clear direction in how you should proceed in reaching your neighborhood/world for Him. Go for it!
Called to Serve
August 28, 2007
I recently had the opportunity to speak to a group of Sunday School leaders about one of the most powerful elements of who they are as leaders in the church…their call to service. For us as church leaders, the most critical marker for my service and ministry is my call. The Bible shows us God’s direction in peoples’ lives from Abraham, to Moses, the ups and downs of Saul, David, and the great call of Paul. Why is the call so critical?
1. It is why we do what we do. Really, what is it though? I have experienced two levels of call:
One, General Call, which is static, meaning that time in my life during the summer of 1990 when I clearly understood the Lord wanted my life for His use, whenever, wherever. I surrendered to Him. This call is the touch-stone where I go back to in my mind, kind of marking time and my life to this significant event. He continues to affirm this call on my life.
I have also experienced Specific Call, which has been wildly dynamic, and has offered oportunities for me to listen to Him and His direction in my life to serve in counseling, family work, singles, youth, and education. The most exciting part of this specific call is that He may keep me with my current orders, and then in a heartbeat, He could call to something completely different. I am content either way.
2. It gives direction and purpose to anyone, regardless of where their ministry is. If God calls someone to be a mechanic, or pilot, go, do it. Listen to Him.
3. It gives the ability to weather storms. If I know I am called to a place to serve that is hurting or struggling, or if I find myself in a low spot feeling like I am being pulled in a million different ways and I am ready to pull the parachute and walk away, I lean on the call.
What has He called you to do?
Leading or Managing
August 25, 2007
Not too long ago, I had the incredible experience of receiving personal leadership coaching. The kind where someone doesn’t simply download stuff my way, but this person literally sat in my office, examined what I do and how I do it, and then tweaked me as a leader. What a gift, no kidding!
One of the most powerful elements of that encounter was the direct encouragement for me to spend 10% of my time managing those I lead, and 90% of my time leading. What does that mean? I think of a book referred to me by my pastor, Tyranny of the Urgent, which gives the clear insight that we can be ruled by the events of the day, or set the pace with the Lord. In sheer management, one can be consumed. However, management is necessary; there are a myriad of things that must dealt with. Have you ever ended a day though feeling overwhelmed by events, versus knowing that you set the course? Or perhaps feel like you are consistently responding to issues versus gaining ground on them?
A leading mindset forces me to hop in the drivers seat of event/crisis mode. This way helps me deal with the present by clearly spending time thinking and planning for the future, and then executing things now that get us there. This is not la la land either. Leading is:
1. Future based-It is about where are we headed, and how do we get there today. I want to lead in such a way that I can see where we need to be, but have the ability to take the steps necessary today to get us there.
2. People based-I want everyone on our team, and me, doing the best job possible. Leading leaders versus managing them forces me to be thinking of stretching our team and how to do that, personally adressing strength and growth areas, and by providing things that fill up our leadership tanks (retreats and meaningful staff meetings). Our leaders, me included, desire things that press us to be better personally and professionally. Leading is about freeing people up to do best what God has called them to do.
Move out of reaction mode and into the drivers seat. Do not let busy-ness mask whether you are leading or not. Where do you want to go with your team? It will not happen if you do not lead.
Equip University
August 19, 2007
How do you give your church members opportunity to find enrichment in classes that focus on particular areas of the faith, or discipleship? I understand that essential discipling is a long-term, one on one, growth process with a number of mentors. But, broadly, how can you provide opportunities for members to be in groups that are closed and that study particular units of content, or perhaps even for those classes with covenants of confidentiality. Equip University has answered that for us in the past few years.
When: For some churches, this is simply the old Discipleship Training hour (training union: everything old is new again!) Some churches have cancelled evening worship in favor of having a night filled with these types of classes. In my current setting, we offer an EU hour during our children’s choirs program, and then a family worship service.
What: During our EU time, I try to have courses in a variety of areas such as theology, core discipleship (One on One with God), health, finances, personal growth (DivorceCare), women’s groups, men’s groups, and family/marriage enrichment. The content cycles, but these overall groupings remain fairly consistent.
Who: Who should teach? I have been delighted at many churches to find that varied church members will surprise me both with their willingness to teach/facilitate and also surprise me with the content they desire to teach. If I will trust the Lord to raise up leaders, He does so as I seek out those leaders that are being led by Him.
Classes that have been winners: Financial Peace University, Share Jesus Without Fear, The Five Love Languages, One on One with God, Beth Moore Studies, Serendipity House studies, DivorceCare, GriefShare, and Intimate Life Studies.
Key: Provide an active kids program the same time as your Discipling hour.
True Friend Feedback
August 17, 2007
One of the most powerful ways for me to improve what and how I am doing is through feedback. Real. Transparent. Whole-hearted. Let’s explore two elements of this feedback:
1. Who. The best feedback for me comes from a few true (meaning consistent) friends. My wife is my best friend, ally, and help-mate. What a gift our mates are to us! She is there, as the old saying goes, to double the joys and halve the sorrow. Other long-time friends continue to be connected to me for my best…but what do they provide…
2. What. My support network of friends give honest assessments and appraisals of how and what I am doing, solicited or not. I am grateful for the faithful wounds of a friend. While those on the surface might say “that was great” when it wasn’t, my friends feel the freedom to be bold and make me aware of blindspots, and even failures. While those on the surface might say “you are really failing, you should quit,” my friends have the power of encouragement to say ”press on, don’t give up!”
So what is the biggest issue? Prayerfully ask the Lord to send a mate and friends who will support, encourage, admonish, and edify you to do what He has asked you to do.
Genesis 2:23 “Then Man said,’Finally! Bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh!’”(MSG)
I Samuel 18:1 “Jonathan was deeply impressed with David-an immediate bond was formed between them. He became totally committed to David.”(MSG)
Reach and Teach
August 16, 2007
Reach and Teach
During August of each year, there are usually a number of Sunday School leadership training events that I am blessed to be part of, not to mention my own scheduled annual leader training for our SS leaders. For this year’s event, as every year, I reinforced our mission in Sunday School. Reach and Teach.
It seems interesting to me that it is quite possible to see the 5 purposes of the church through these two main tasks of Sunday School. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells us to Go and Make Disciples, Reaching and Teaching.
TEACH
Under Teaching, Discipleship as defined as knowledge based learning is necessary. Filling of the mind. Discipleship as it comes to knowledge of His Commands. Digging into God’s Word. Study. Memorization. Head Change for Heart Change. I believe this is easily seen in Sunday School with the teaching of the lesson. (Knowing)
Under Teaching as well though, this knowledge must be transferred to doing…action! Head Heart and Hands. So another learning, actively through Ministry, equips the disciple in growth. (Doing)
REACH
But, you can’t teach with no one present. We must go. One powerful and easy way to tell is to invite. Fellowship provides a natural setting for people to experience God’s supernatural family. For folks who may not come to a church, invite them to experience God’s love with Christian brothers and sisters. Many buzz about relationship evangelism, this is a great way. (Living)
But, we must tell, even in the face of opposition. Evangelism. The Truth. The Gospel. The Way. Your Sunday School class needs to know ways to simply and clearly share the Gospel and their testimony. Then, provide prospects and evangelism opportunities. (Telling)
With Reach and Teach, the cycle never ends. We are always in the process of discipling folks and reaching more. And through it all, our obedient lives are lifted up in Worship to the Living God!
Open and Closed Groups
August 4, 2007
One of the blessings we have experienced in our church is the ability to have open small groups on Sunday morning, and closed small groups on Sunday night. What do I mean by that?
Sunday mornings we have small groups (Sunday School classes) that are open, meaning the Bible study content is in a unit, but formatted in such a way that anyone one could jump in the class at any time. The study is also at a level that someone who is lost, to someone who has been a believer for many years, can feel right at home in the Bible study.
Our closed groups are driven by Bible study content that is a bit more intense in nature, possibly requiring completion of home study and workbook time during the week. Something that 4 weeks into it, a new person would be behind and know it. Also, closed groups can be closed because of a commitment at the beginning of the class to a confidentiality covenant between members, creating trust, transparency, and openess that may not be as prevalent in open groups.
Find ways to benefit from both of these groups where you serve!
One on One
August 4, 2007
Making Disciples. The command of our Lord is clear, go and make disciples, reach and teach. With many evangelistic training tools and methods out there, it has been a bit more difficult for me to find a discipleship method that will simply help get new believers (and “mature”) on track in their daily walk.
Until almost two years ago. That’s when a friend took me and four other guys through a study called One on One with God. To sum it up, the best quote from members are, “I have been a Christian for xx years, and I have never done anything like this, and I should have.”
One on One teaches basic elements of the Christian life while getting believers to practice simple elements like Bible study, prayer, memorization, witnessing, and note taking.
Plus, the added bonus of helping members immediately have in their hands the way to, 3 weeks in to it, begin discipling someone else. Passability. No DVD. No special training to be a leader. Grab and go. Equipped personally and for others.
Funerals: Help for the New Minister
August 3, 2007
As a new minister, or as a staff member who seldom leads in times of death and bereavement, the thought of leading a funeral can be daunting. However, this time can be one of the most powerful times of ministry you can experience.
In my first church after seminary, serving as a youth minister, I asked the pastor for his coaching in funerals. His advice…”grab a notepad and pen, and I’ll call you on the next death call.” I did and he did. I rode, watched, and took notes. I still follow his simple format for meaningful, heartfelt ministry:
1. When the call comes, and if you are not already there, get to the hospital or home as soon as you can. This first touch is critical. Don’t worry about what to say, be quiet, and be there. Listen. Pray.
2. If the family gives you the honor of asking you to lead the service, let them know you will look forward to getting with them as soon after they visit with the funeral director as possible.
3. Alert your funeral ministry team/secretary at your church to secure the building, sound crew, musicians, and meal team.
4. Meet/phone after they have worked out details at the funeral home so as to be sure of times of services, and viewings, and set up a time to meet with the family in their home or at the office to plan the details of the service music and message.
5. At this family meeting, know that this is a very important time of remembering, cherishing, and comforting one another. Grab the notepad, gather everyone about, and ask things like: ”tell me about the one word that comes to mind when you think of…tell me about one of your favorite times shared with…what was a favorite verse or passage of…” and other open ended questions. You are listening for items that will help you preach a unique message for this person, but more importantly, you are helping in the grieving process. Ask if anyone will want to share thoughts, poems, prayer, a song…and make sure that it is appropriate for your worship center.
6. Pray and prep your message. Each time I prepare, generally the Lord has already been stirring in my heart a special word that is unique from what the family has shared. I try to tie in to the message as many anecdotes that are appropriate to the message as possible. I always share the Way to Jesus Christ.
7. I follow a simple format. Keep it short. Generally…Entrance of family…prayer…greeting…song…reading of obituary…word from family…song…message…song…prayer…conclusion.
8. As you conclude, walk to the head of the casket and stand ready to comfort and console as families exit. As the family is seated after all have exited, read an appropriate passage and pray. Walk out in front of the casket, and make sure it is loaded delicately.
9. At the graveside, stand at the rear of the coach and watch as the casket is unloaded, then walk toward the graveside. Gather in family, particularly the elderly to be seated. Pray. Read a passage like Revelation 21, or Psalm 23, perhaps share a word, and pray. Immediately comfort the family as they are seated by walking down the front isle consoling folks by name. Stay visible afterwards just in case you are needed. One pastor honored the deceased and family by staying until the casket was lowered in the ground. Upon return to the family, he would acknowlege that everything was fine at the graveside.
My first service was for a still-born, so within this process, there will always be uniqueness. Funerals are a powerful time of ministry. Be ready when your phone rings.
Spiritual Gifts
August 3, 2007
In a continuing effort to help our church members learn more about who they are in the body of Christ and how they can serve, I came across a unique instrument to use. It is through the Church Growth group and it is an online spiritual gifts inventory identical to a hardcopy version I had used for some time.
The wonder of the online version though is impressive. It will automatically email me when someone takes the assessment with their results, and email them with a response from me for next steps. And, it will track all who take the assessment in our church so that I can access the information for general information, or specific tracking in a spreadsheet. Too cool.
There is a nominal set up fee, and annual fee, but the blessing is great. I use it on our website, and lead people to it in our new members class. Check it out at www.churchgrowth.org.