Do you preach clearly?
July 9, 2008
One resource that I am reading through is Andy Stanley’s Communicating for a Change. This quick narrative read clearly gives insight to simple steps to help in sermon/lesson preparation and delivery.
A critical issue here is, do you really think about your message? I know that sounds simple, but do you think about your message/lesson and how it is coming across? Is it understandable? Applicable? While not the only book on speaking, and not the only way of speaking/preaching, a read like this at least helps me pull out of some deep groves I may be stuck in.
Reading through the Bible
January 8, 2008
One of my favorite ways to explore the Bible each year is with a chronological Bible. This blessing lays out the text in daily readings while placing the Bible’s content in close order to its chronological timing.
Check out this Bible.
Meet with the Lord daily.
Revealing
November 10, 2007
Recently, a colleague directed me to a most interesting site. Willow Creek Church in Chicago recently spent considerable time and effort to really take a hard look at the growth of the people they lead. It has helped me in a number of ways, like, am I currently thinking about where people are in their maturity with Jesus Christ? Do I have a way to really describe them? Am I actively aware of and facilitating growth for folks at these different levels of maturity?
But, you’ll also be confronted with some issues that I sensed were present in ministry, but I had difficulty describing, and therefore, improving.
Take just a few minutes, and watch this video.
Bible Knowledge Tool
October 26, 2007
In an effort to help your folks know the Bible more clearly, consider this learning tool, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible in 15 Minutes a Day. This is ideal for the new believer, but would certainly be a great refresher for anyone!
While not exhaustive, or overtly complex, this straightforward plan gives a brief way to broadly help folks grasp the scope of the Bible. There is a format for a teaching setting, and there are also great bonuses like a guide for telling the story of the Bible in 1000 words.
This resource has been a blessing during our Equip University classes.
Calvinism: Theological Hot Button?
September 11, 2007
One very hot issue in ministry/church circles today is the issue of election, predestination, and foreknowledge. Here are some resources that have been a blessing to me in personally and in ministering with others:
1. Christian Theology by Millard Erickson, and his discussion of the differing views of predestination in chapter 44.
2. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, by J.I. Packer brings to light the important issues, and how you could hold them in view.
3. A powerful sermon. Listen to this good word from Dr. Hance Dilbeck, pastor of Quail Springs Baptist Church, on Romans 8.
To make a short simple statement though, I believe the Bible.
Men’s Integrity
September 10, 2007
After serving on an anti-pornography team with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, it did not take long to find the statistics supporting the rampant and devestating effects of the distortion of human sexuality. As ministers, we must be vigilant in providing direction in how to safeguard one’s home and family, and also provide a place of safety and correction when a brother/family needs help.
Here are a few resources that I have found particularly helpful especially in dealing with men and healthy sexuality:
1. Every Man’s Battle/Every Young Man’s Battle by Steven Arterburn gives great insight and direction for men and young men to stay pure.
2. Every Man’s Battle Workshop designed to help in intense situations, and this website has great links.
3. Web filters to help like Integrity Online and Be Safe.
4. False Intimacy by Harry Schaumburg with a stark description of this problem.
5. In a positive way, provide opportunities to strengthen couple relationships, help with parenting skills, build up your men in ministry, and train your men in core discipleship. Be proactive in leading and training in all areas of men’s lives. It will shore them up when trials come, and create an open door if help is needed.
Address this issue with your men. Don’t simply wait for the times of crisis to come to your door.
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.
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)
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.