Train Church Leaders Practicum
Applying Biblical Truth about Church Leadership to Actual Leading
Because of the Gospel, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves in scope, time, and effect. That should motivate us, even when it comes to listening. . . . Continue reading The Gospel Gives Us a Reason to Listen
We know the power of God’s Word for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” so we “may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). That suggests all we do, even the use of job descriptions, should align with Scripture. Here’s the problem: The Bible doesn’t mention job descriptions. Maybe that’s a more worldly term, so what about “ministry descriptions”? Again, the answer would be no. That term isn’t used in Scripture either. Continue reading Biblical Support for Job Descriptions?
Have you ever noticed how conflict ensues over what color of carpet to get, the type of chairs, what can be hung on walls, etc.? Some of these disagreements can get so out of hand that a church divides. Often the original issues are long forgotten at that point. What happens? — People feel so strongly about their preferences that they get controlling. It’s no longer about making improvements to the building but who’s going to win. . . . Continue reading Weirdness Surrounding Church Buildings
While Jesus lived on earth and discipled His followers, He would send them out. Jesus knew that with the delegation of His work could come perils and persecution. He said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves” (Mk. 10:16). Yet, toward the end of His time on earth He was able to pray to the Father, “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.” . . . Continue reading Delegation Protected in the Name of the Lord
The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8) The word “everything” in that verse means being an example in all we do which includes how we go about making decisions. . . . Continue reading Setting an Example in Decision Making
One of the purposes of seeking to bring coordination to the Church is that we function in accordance with the oneness we have in Christ. We’re to mirror the oneness between the Godhead which will serve as a witness to the world around us (Jn. 17:20-21). Satan, God’s enemy, doesn’t want that to happen so he will do want he can to thwart God’s purposes. . . . Continue reading Coordinating with One Another, Not Outwitted by the Enemy
As leaders we can do a lot of good in our churches but poorly chosen and careless words can overtake and bring ruin to our ministry for “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Prov. 18:21). But, “those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity” (Prov. 21:23). The best way to guard our mouths is to . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication Guarded by Scripture
What a difference it makes in conflict when we view it from our position with Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we, who were dead in our sins, are raised to new life in Him. Spiritually we are right now seated with Him in the heavenly realms. That puts us above all the pettiness, self-centered ambitions, and worldly pride that leads to quarrelling and conflict. We can rise above conflict because of His resurrection power. It gives us perspective . . . Continue reading Perspective and Power to Rise Above Conflict
In Christ we who were “dead in our transgressions and sins” were made alive in Christ Jesus who died in our place and was raised from the dead. He “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions” all because of His great love (Eph. 6:1-5). While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8) so we could be reconciled . . . Imagine the difference it would make in church conflict if we had this same kind of motivation to reconcile with one another. . . . Continue reading Motivation to Rise Above Conflict
Usually churches only discipline members as a last resort in dealing with sin in their lives. While we should make every effort to disciple people before disciplining them, it’s not about giving up on people. We discipline with the hope of restoration (2 Cor. 2:5-11). . . . Continue reading It’s Not About Giving Up on People