Train Church Leaders Practicum
Applying Biblical Truth about Church Leadership to Actual Leading
With servanthood as a goal, job descriptions must be developed and used in such a way that they take people beyond some of the issues that can so easily beset us in our ministries. Control, competition, conceit, chaos, comparisons, and complaining have no place in God’s service. . . . Continue reading Job Descriptions with Servanthood as a Goal
First impressions matter. But, is it necessary to have spectacular facilities to attract people? The early New Testament church didn’t have the kind of facilities often used today. Yet, they were “praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Their lives communicated life in Christ. So today, the building is simply where we meet. We, His people who have new life because of the Resurrected Lord, are the true Church. But, that doesn’t mean we ignore the place we meet. How much better when a consistency exists in all we do as His Church. Even the building can reflect the newness of the resurrection to a degree. . . . Continue reading Building Reflect the Newness of the Resurrection?
We know that “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). But, how often do we think of the power and influence of grace in ministry or in all we do as leaders. Even delegation should be influenced by grace. . . . Continue reading Delegation Influenced by Grace
As leaders we constantly make decisions about what to say or do. While we might not consciously think about it this way, we are choosing to say or do that which will either be self-promoting or glorify the Lord. We will be deciding what to say or do based on human wisdom or that which comes from Him. We will be determining our course of action or our words for their short term consequences or for eternal good. Obviously decisions worthy of bearing the name of the Lord Jesus are those that . . . Continue reading Decisions Worthy of Bearing His Name
Think about the diversity in the Church. People come from different backgrounds with varying spiritual gifts, natural talents, personalities, passions, preferences, and opinions. We find families, couples, never-married singles, divorcees, and widows or widowers. Multiple ages levels from . . . Amidst all this diversity, we’re called to be One Body — a monumental feat yet not impossible when we view the Holy Spirit essential to coordination. Continue reading Holy Spirit Essential to Coordination
We live in a divisive world of stress and high anxiety over a variety of issues which tends to produce agitated, defensive, and angry people who lash out at others. Unfortunately, it has also crept into too many churches. Such hostility produces conflict that dims our light and keeps us from being a people who can make a real difference in this self-centered, self-promoting, and self-gratifying world. To rise above conflict and restore our testimony, we need to . . . Continue reading To Rise Above Conflict, Go Back to the Gospel
Our style of communicating may stem from our personalities, background, or training. It can also be a result of spiritual gifting. Whatever the influence, to effectively communicate in the wide variety of situations leaders encounter, we need to get beyond a self-generated communication style to God-empowered communication. Since spiritual gifts are one of God’s means of imparting His power, it’s important to consider the effect of giftedness on the way we communicate. . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication as a Result of Spiritual Gifting
Do you want effective church boards, committees, and ministry teams that advance the work of God? Do you long for them to not only get things done but do so in unified and God-honoring ways? When we understand and rely on the grace of God, Christ-like boards and committees are possible because they’re a result of grace and not human striving. They’re a result of grace and not worldly wisdom. God’s grace enables us to properly relate with one another on our boards and committees, not . . . Continue reading Christ-like Boards & Committees a Result of Grace
When it comes to churches growing, it only makes sense for God’s Word to be our How-To Book for Church Growth. Yes, we might consult specialists but nothing should ever replace input from God’s Word. We should always run our own ideas or any help we receive from church growth consultants through the grid of Scripture. Continue reading Our How-To Book for Church Growth
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “correction” as “bringing into conformity with a standard” which leads to the need for identification of the standard to which we’re to conform. As believers, certainly our Holy God would be the standard for when Christians need correction, not ourselves or the way of the world (Rom. 12:1-2). . . . Continue reading When Christians Need Correction