Train Church Leaders Practicum
Applying Biblical Truth about Church Leadership to Actual Leading
Sometimes as leaders we don’t delegate when we should because of the hassle. Even with training, people may not complete the task according to our specifications. They may even neglect their responsibility or do it late. People can disappoint. They may not intend to fail but sometimes they do. We need to remember Jesus’ words in . . . Continue reading Realistically View Delegation
If we find ourselves too busy to pray, perhaps our starting point is to pray about our time management. Not sure how to pray? Scripture provides help. Continue reading Biblical Prayers about Time Usage
We’re exhorted, “Devote yourself to prayer” (Col. 4:2) and “Pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17). Some leaders may find these verses rather convicting because they get distracted with all they have to do. The day goes by and they’ve done little praying. Other leaders may rationalize that they’re too busy to pray. Yet, the more distractions we have and the busier we get, the more we need to pray. . . . Continue reading Too Busy to Pray?
Think about the importance of discernment for people in ministry. It enables us to make beneficial choices, say the right things, and do not only what is good but what is best. While we as leaders can guide people into being more discerning, we can only take them so far. God’s Word, however, is something they can hide in their hearts (Ps. 119:11) and pull on whenever, wherever, and in whatever situation they find themselves. It will be a lamp to their feet (Ps. 119:105). However, unless regularly feasting on God’s Word, don’t expect church staff to consistently serve with the discernment they need. . . . Continue reading Encourage Church Staff to Regularly Feast on God’s Word
We’ve noted from Colossians 3:1-11 that we can reach new heights in coordination as a Church when we live from our position with Christ in the heavenlies (Eph. 2:6). Having been raised with Christ, we set our hearts on things above. We put to death the self-driven nature that fights against true coordination (Col. 3:5-9), and “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Col. 3:10). Hence, the Resurrected Jesus is key to our ability to coordinate with one another both inwardly and outwardly. . . . Continue reading Jesus’ Resurrection Provides the Keys to Coordination
Jesus didn’t just die so our sin could be forgiven. He came back to life so we can walk in newness of life. — “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom. 6:4) — Thus, His resurrection holds the keys to our ability, as His Church, to function as a coordinated whole. Coordination is not only possible in a self-centered world if we live from our position in Christ, but . . . Continue reading Jesus’ Resurrection Takes Coordination to New Heights
Christ-like communication makes a difference. When we communicate with both grace and truth, we help people better understand God’s great love. He wants what’s best for us. He desires to build us up, not condemn us. So, we too must speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Without love, even the most eloquent or motivational communication is “only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol” (1 Cor. 13:1). Agape love, God’s love, must drive our communication. Here’s the hard part: Such love does not come naturally to us. Hence, we need empowered communication. That takes prayer wherein . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication Takes Prayer
Why would we need to put on spiritual armor or use spiritual weaponry when doing assessments? Aren’t we simply evaluating our ministry to see how well we’re doing? Yet, the assessment process can be wrought with trouble that may lead to a need for spiritual weaponry and not mere leadership skills. . . . Continue reading Use of Spiritual Weapons in the Assessment Process
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:17) — How far do we take that command? Does “whatever” even include scheduling people into ministry time slots and . . . Continue reading Scheduling in the Name of the Lord?
When we listen to God first, as in gaining instruction and correction from His Word, we’ll find ourselves getting more and more equipped to listen to others. God’s Word is able to thoroughly equip us. . . . Continue reading Scripture Equips Us to Listen