Train Church Leaders Practicum
Applying Biblical Truth about Church Leadership to Actual Leading
God’s grace saves us and it helps us walk the walk (Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 2:6; Titus 2:11-12). We then become dispensers of His grace which empowers us to serve and communicate effectively (1 Pet. 4:10-11). As such, we demonstrate empowered communication seasoned with grace that touches the lives of those we serve. . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication Seasoned with Grace
Church boards, committees, or ministry teams have great potential when they come together because of the name of the Lord. Jesus prayed for His disciples, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one” (Jn. 17:11). Continue reading Coming Together Because of the Name of the Lord
God exhorts church leaders to lead by example, not coercion — “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3). That means we do what we’re asking them to do. If we want our churches to grow and be spiritually healthy, then we need to be an example of what it takes for growth and spiritual health. . . . Continue reading An Example of What It Takes for Growth and Spiritual Health
Nobody is perfect. We all fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Even as believers we sometimes give in to the old sin nature rather than live from our position in Christ Jesus (Col. 3:1-17). We sometimes conform to the ways of the world rather than yield to His transforming work in our lives (Rom. 12:1-2). As church leaders, shepherds of God’s flock under our care (1 Pet. 5:2), we have the responsibility of guiding erring believers to a place of victory, back into alignment with God. God provides the means to do that . . . Continue reading God’s Word Brings Correction
We cannot overemphasize the need to pray before, during, and after making changes. When God’s the One directing change, He’s also the One shouldering the outcome. Praying helps us align with God and His desires for our churches so let’s ask, seek, and knock when we sense the need to make changes. His ways are higher. His ways are always best. Continue reading Need to Make Changes? First Ask, Seek, Knock.
Some churches find themselves on the brink of financial collapse, very possibly meaning they’ll have to close their doors. Before caving into discouragement because of such a bleak outlook, step back and consider the power of our God who out of stones “can raise up children for Abraham” (Matt. 3:9) and who can bring very dry bones together, add tendons, flesh, and skin, and cause them to breath (Ezek. 37:1-14). When all hope is gone, remember God’s resurrection power. . . . Continue reading Before Closing Your Doors, Remember God’s Resurrection Power
The Gospel isn’t something we merely preach or proclaim. While we do find many Bible references of heralding the Good News, we also find many verses about living in accordance with the Gospel. It only makes sense, then, that we ask questions about our alignment with the Gospel in the assessment process.
Questions to Ask in the Assessment Process to Gauge Our Alignment with the Gospel . . . Continue reading Alignment with the Gospel in the Assessment Process
Vision and goals enveloped by grace not only helps us get and stay on track but also guards our hearts and relationships in the process. What better protection can we have to cover over the entire process of vision and goal setting than the power of God’s grace. It’s never in short supply. We keep receiving grace upon grace out of the fullness of our Lord Jesus – an unending source of grace (Jn. 1:16). . . . Continue reading Vision and Goals Enveloped by Grace
Many people struggle with time management which can hinder them from having spiritually productive schedules. An individual leader may find it difficult to address each person’s needs but when the Body functions through the use of their spiritual gifting, different issues get addressed as God’s power flows through us into the lives of others. A leader’s objective should be to steer the Church function toward God’s design for interdependence, not to try to do it all or to minister to everyone themselves. Consider how spiritual gifts help with time management and pull on people with the appropriate gifting to help you as a leader better manage your time, or assist others who are struggling with it. . . . Continue reading How Spiritual Gifts Help with Time Management
Every ministry team has a Team Member who always needs to be acknowledged and relied upon above all others — the Holy Spirit. We have power to function as a team because of the Holy Spirit. God sent the Spirit to be our Helper (Jn. 14:16-17, 26; 15:26) in all we do as individuals and as a Body. . . . Continue reading Power to Function as a Team Because of the Holy Spirit