Why I don't drink alcohol

 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

Proverbs 20:1 (NASB)

Some have asked over the years, "why don't you drink alcohol?"  Well first of all I don't like the smell of it.  I am sure the taste won't be to my liking either.  But that is not a spiritual reason.  I know that Paul instructs Timothy to take a little wine for the stomach's sake.  I also know there is no clear instruction to abstain all together from drink.  I am aware for those on the other side of the issue that the Scripture also says, "don't be drunk"  But truly you can drink without being overwhelmed with being intoxicated.

However, I believe as a Pastor and as a follower of Christ that I want to be wise.  I feel that for me I desire to always be ready to give an answer for my faith and I don't want anything to stand in the way of being faithful to my call.

Fellow ministers, that is where I think wisdom to stay away from the drink all together is wise.  I don't need it, I don't want its influence and so I stay away from it altogether.  Sin, temptation and falling short is so easy for us to fall into.  I want to be above reproach and steer clear of anything that could bring a reproach to our Lord and Savior.  

Thank you for reading and I hope it will be food for thought for us as Minister of the Gospel. 

a hired hand

 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.

John 10.12-13 NLT

The question for us today, are we a hired hand or are you an under shepherd.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd but who are you?  We would like to think our intentions for getting into ministry are honorable.  However, sometimes we slip into selfish tendencies.  Paul David Tripp in his book dangerous calling warns:

The people in your congregation did not become active participants in your ministry so that collectively they could collectively make you feel better about yourself . . .  God didn't call you to your particular ministry position so you could cobble together an identity . . .  The leadership of the church didn't call you to be their pastor because they knew you needed a forum where you could find meaning and purpose.   (pg. 202)

These words may seem harsh but in reality we often find our motives are about us and not serving the Good Shepherd's sheep.  These are some thoughts we need to prayerfully look deep into our own hearts for self examination.

who are you?

 Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. “Why are you all coming out to fight?” he called. “I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me!

1 Samuel 17.8  NLT

Who are you?  We like the Israelites, are having an identity crisis.  So often we forget who we are and accept who others say we are.  Pastor/leader you are not a hired hand.  You are not an employee of such and such church.  You are the under-shepherd.  You are the man of God.  You are called of God to serve and lead His people.  You are not "servants of Saul."  You are the servant of the most high God.

Now I hope your confidence is raised a little.  But I must caution us to remember we are His servants.   We must be humble and not prideful.  We can not operate as the one who is in charge or has the last word.  That is reserved for the chief shepherd, Jesus.  Our orders come from King Jesus, always!

Preaching

 Someone is shouting:

“Clear a path in the desert!
    Make a straight road
    for the Lord our God.

Isaiah 40.3 CEV)

These verses of course refer to the ministry of John the Baptist.  But they can also apply to us each week as we step into the pulpit.  Just as John the  Baptist was to point others to Jesus, so we should be pointing others to Jesus when we step into the pulpit.  It is not a matter of us showing how smart, spiritual or special we are.  it should be all about making a straight path to discover Jesus.

Here are a few questions I think we should spend some time thinking about.

When you preach who is your audience?

Who are you trying to lead others to discover?

Are you interested in your audience discovering what you know or whom you know?

Who leads the ministry?

1 [a]Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.

ACTS 13:1-3 (NASB)

We see here a group of men who gathered for prayer.  They were prophets and teachers.  It tells us they were ministering to the Lord.  And upon fasting the Holy Spirit spoke to them and they set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul).  What are the principles we should see here for our own ministry?

• They were together for Prayer and fasting.  As pastors and leaders we need to set aside time for Prayer and fasting.  If we know and believe that the church, God's people belong to Him.  Then we better be spending time in prayer and fasting.  God will speak when we do this.

• God calls men to step forward for His purpose.  God will call men to step forward to lead.  It is exciting to hear the from the Lord.  "Set apart" so and so.  We need to trust that God is working in the hearts of future leaders.  He knows their strengths and weaknesses.  He is the one who needs to do the calling.

• God has a plan for ministry that we may not see or understand.  Antioch was a growing church and they had many things going on.  But God had his sights on Barnabas and Saul for another place.  Don't assume that you know what God is doing.  He may have a plan that we cannot see and we may not fully understand His methods.  Trust God with His ministry.

Be careful fellow leaders that we don't try to manage God and His Kingdom without His Spirit moving us.

Our confidence and competence

Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.  Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NASB)

One of the great dangers for leaders is thinking ourselves to be adequate and feeling the need to tell others about it.  First, we must realize that our confidence should never be in ourselves but in the God of Grace who has called us.  As Paul says it here in 2 Corinthians, are adequacy come from God.  I have been a pastor now for a long time and I have learned a lot about people, Human nature and what happens when people proudly figure they can do this.  However, our tendency as leaders is to say to others I know what I am doing or I know what we need, placing our competency in ourselves rather than in Him.

Second, we must remember that while God is the same today and forever, does not mean that He may decided to do things differently than what He has done before.  Be careful about thinking you know what to do because God it that way last time.  He also has said in His word that I am about to do a new thing that will amaze everyone.  Don't second guess God.

Third, remember to rely on the Holy Spirit to know what God is doing and what He will do in the future.  God is an awesome God who will do things through the Spirit.  I have been amazed and caught off guard because I moved ahead to quickly before God.  Just when I think I know what I am doing God comes in and reminds me this is His church and He has a plan for it that is beyond what I can think or imagine.

The Missing Link in most Church Strategies

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. 
Mark 1:35 (NASB)

The missing link for most of us in our strategies for growing healthy churches is prayer.  Yes we all state that prayer is important but seldom to we prioritize it or emphasis it in our strategies for growth.  For the most part, the church in America is weak.  Even in our biggest churches we are weak.  What would happen if a church of 100 or 2000 or even 50 were to be really committed to prayer and obeying God at all costs.  We would operate more like special ops rather than girl scouts.  (no knock on girl scouts intended!)  So what are some things we should consider as leaders and pastors, as we strategize for prayer?

1. Connect with the Boss.  Pastor we need to make it a priority to hear from God on a regular basis.  Don't assume that this is what is "normal" for church growth that it is what God is asking for you to do.  Sometimes God has a different plan for us than the status quo.  Spend time 'listening" regularly to God.  I would suggest a regular prayer retreat at least two times a year or even once a month to listen to what God want to say to us.  Jesus got away to hear from the Father and we should too.
2. Make corporate prayer a priority.  I know this is a challenge.  Every church I pastored feel short in this.  Pastor's and churches have given up on prayer meetings.  The problem with our prayer meetings is that we don't pray.  We do Bible study (which is good).  We share prayer requests (sometimes that is needed).  But we don't pray.  Don't give up on prayer but make it a priority.  If it is just you or just you and a few, get together and pray anyway!
3. Create a prayer team.  You need to have a prayer team.  We usually reserve this for a church plant or missionaries.  Pastor there is no difference biblically from you as a pastor or the church planter or missionary.  You need prayer support.  Maybe it will be a group from your church.  Maybe it will be a group from outside the church.  A prayer team needs to be made up of people who will pray, who have a concern or love for you and are committed to you and His church.  When creating a prayer team remember, "it is not the quantity of the team but the quality of the team."
4. Hold Special Prayer Emphasis.  Mission teams going out, VBS or other events are a great time to call together the body to pray specifically for the lost, your community and God's glory to be shown.  Sometimes you may feel the need to call the congregation to a time of prayer for Revival.

Prayer is vital if we are to see God move in our churches with power and purpose!

Bringing Change - Influencing Relationships

  nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials or the rest who did the work. 

Nehemiah 2:16 (NASB)

Our focus in this post is being the kind of leader who can bring needed change.  These three, "Bringing Change" posts have been about leading to bring change.  We talked about the need to lead, vision and the last one, today, influencing relationships.

Every leader must learn to influence others.  That happens through relationship.  People will only follow you so far because simply you are the leader.  It requires an intentional influence.  But it also requires relationships.  Relationship are the key to everything we do as a leader and when it comes to church life.  Without relationships you will accomplish little.  But let me remind you to be careful not to build relationships just to get the work done.  That is manipulation.  We are called to love!  build relationships just to be a part of another's life and through it you will be able to lead.

That being said we also need to understand others.  In being intentional about building pastoral relationships, keep in mind there are about six different kinds of people you will need to influence.

1. Power People.  These are the people that are influential in the body.  They are the E. F. Hutons in the congregation.  When they speak everyone listens.  You will need to influence them and share the vision with them.
2. Gifted People.  Everyone who is a believer has a spiritual gift.  As a leader you must spend enough time with people to know their giftedness.  You want to be able to influence the right gifts to join in the vision at the right time.
3. Committed People.  If you are to lead you must know who is committed to the cause of Christ.  In every church there will be people present for a variety of reasons.  You need to know who is there because of a calling from Jesus.  They are the people you can count on.
4. Needy people.  Because of the nature of the church there will always be people with needs.  Frankly if the church is doing its job in ministry that is a good thing.  But the needy people that I am speaking about are the complainers, those with an agenda, and those who continually want your attention. It will benefit you to limit your time with these people, they will suck you dry of energy and time if you let them.
5. Flighty people.  These come in several varieties.  Some mean well but just won't catch what you are saying.  At times they will make you chuckle.  They mean well and are harmless but too can zap you of time.  A second type of flighty person is the one who is just waiting for you to say, do something they don't like and then they will take off.  They can be a little more troubling.  Watch out for them, they can give you a challenge in what others think about the ministry of the church.
6. Possible people.  Possible people are leaders in the making.  They have potential and you can see glimmers of great things God can do in their lives and ministry.  Possible people need you to influence them through mentoring and discipleship.

Prayerfully think about the people in the church and how much time and in what ways you need to influence them and build relationships.  A final caution, understand that building relationships with others always includes a risk.  But don't let the risk hinder you from relationships.  They will make all the difference as you lead and personally in your life.

Bringing Change - Share a Vision

"You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach."  I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, "Let us arise and build." 

Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NASB)

As we learned in the last post there are times when change is needed.  When it is, we must have the will to lead others to where they need to go.  But in order to do that we must share the vision.  Vision is not our idea it comes from God.  But it will be our responsibility as leaders to help those we lead to embrace the vision.

So how exactly do we do that?  There are at least five important steps in sharing God's vision with God's people.

1. Have the vision.  We must stop and listen and see the vision for ourselves.  If you don't have a vision from the Lord, you can not and should not be trying to lead others.  If you don't have a vision for your church takes some time go away in silence and solitude and ask God to give you His vision for His people!
2. Communicate the vision.  Now is the time to begin communicating the vision.  How do you do that?  In every way and as often as you can.  Preach it, talk about it, teach about it, dream with the people about it.  Keep it in front of them!
3. Organize to fulfill the vision.  This is preparation.  There will always be details to work and small changes to work through in order for the vision to be accomplished.
4. Empower to do the vision.  As the leader you are not to do the vision for the people but equip and lead them to do the vision with you.  Empower them!  Give it to them!  Stand with them to accomplish the good work.
5. Be persistent with the vision.  Stick with it!  Don't give up!  Don't water down when it seem difficult!  If it is from God be persistent regardless of opposition.  Every hill is not worthy of the leader dying on.  But if this vision is truly from the Lord it is worthy of it.    Be persistent!

Leaders must share the vision if change is to be embraced!

Bringing Change - Be a Leader

I did not tell anyone what my God was putting into my mind to do for Jerusalem

Nehemiah 2:12 (NASB) 

This is part 1 of 3 blog posts on bringing change.  If there is a dirty word used by good leaders in the church it would be the word CHANGE.  No one likes the word not even leaders.  But it is a needed word.  Most, OK, all churches need change.  Some don't know it.  Some know it but don't know how.  Some know it but are unwilling.  For the pastor who wants to be more than a chaplain, who marries and buries, we must be willing to bring change.  So here is the challenge:  Be a Leader and bring about change if and when it is needed.

Here are some really great statements of truth for us to chew on.  I don't know who originally said these things but I have found them to be true.

"Great leaders are not restricted by the way things have always been done."

"Leadership is searching for the best way, not the familiar way."

"The message should never change (Scripture) but the methods used will need too."

"Change for change sake is never a good thing."

With over 70% of churches in declined, plateauing or already dead, there are some things that need to change.  If we are ever going to impact our communities or the World for the Kingdom we must tackle bringing about change.

(Post 2 will be about Vision.  Post 3 will be about influencing people.)

Leadership Landmines

be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 

1 Peter 4:7 (NASB) 

Ministry can be a difficult "job".  It seems for many leaders there are always those gunning for you and hoping to see you fail.  There are many external challenges to blow up a pastor/leader.  Failure may come because of others but the saddest is when the failure comes because of the leader himself. Beware of the internal failures that you might detonate on yourself.  Remember, character really does matter.  So allow God to convict, change and move you to be all that He wants you to be.

I would like to suggest six leadership landmines that we must watch for in our own attitudes, actions and heart.

• Personal Failure.  We all have seen and heard those who have had a moral failing.  Keep yourself in check.  Confess your weaknesses.  Have fellow leaders who you have called upon as an accountability partner.
• Broken promises.  Don't be a promise breaker but a promise keeper.  If you say it - do it!  Sometimes it is an innocent mistake.  We have good intentions.  But intentions are not what people are looking for.  If you break a promise, quickly fix it and admit it to the one you have let down.
• Gossip.  We must be careful that we practice what we preach.  Check your words and thoughts and how you express yourself.  Make sure that what you say is appropriate and not falling into sin.
• Ignoring the Systems.  Don't try to get around the rules.  Sometimes rules (constitution, bylaws, Policies) can be helpful in ministry.  Sometimes it feels like they restrict a visionary leader from doing what he believes God is leading him to do.  If the systems in place are hindering the ministry then change them but don't just ignore them.
• Manipulation.  Pastors/leaders can sometimes manipulate.  We sometimes act more like a "used car salesman" trying to sell something people don't want.  Sometimes we try to "guilt" people into doing what we want them to do.  Yes there are times that people need to be moved to change and do something that is in line with God's agenda.  Rely on the Holy Spirit's work not your own manipulation.
• Hypocrisy.  Don't be fake!  Don't misuse your position.  Be real with people.  Don't try to be something your not.  Many people, especially millennials will see right through our fakeness.  

A good leader will always check his motives.  Be careful as you move forward into ministry.

Being the Leader They Need

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, 

Ephesians 4:12 (NASB) 

A truth we must all come to grips with is, "One size does not fit all."  I have learned this over the years.  I am a rather stout individual, and I hate when I find a shirt I like that says "One size fits all" because it never does.  So what does my clothing issue have to do with leadership?  Well it doesn't but it does give us a great leadership illustration.  If you are going to equip your church for ministry don't expect that you can equip or lead everyone the same way.

In equipping you will need to wear at least four different hats to help the church in doing the work of service.

1. Sometimes you will need to be an Instructor.  An instructor is more like a parent.  This is needed when the saints are unwilling and unable to do what needs to be done.  A Parent or instructor will have to show them the need, motivate and instruct them how to do what needs to be done.  This sometimes will include hand holding and personal correction.  But don't throw them away.  Take the time to instruct and pour some of yourself into them, just as you would your own child.
2. Sometimes we need to be a Coach.  A coach is needed when people are willing but unable to do the work.  They need someone who can show them the how.  They will not need you to show them why things should be done.  They will not need a lot of motivation.  But they will need you to teach them how to do the ministry.
3. Sometimes we need to be a cheerleader.  A cheerleader is someone who will support the person in the ministry they are doing.  Cheer leading is part of a mentoring process.  This individual is able to do the ministry but lacks the confidence to step out and do it.  Your role in this scenario is to encourage, mentor, cheer them on.  Help them to know that God has gifted, prepared and equipped them to accomplish His task for them.
4. Sometimes we need to be the Delegator.  This is when the people are willing and able to do the work.  For many of us, this is the most challenging aspect of leading.  Why?  Honest moment here:  because we are not in charge.  It is hard for us to hand off a ministry to someone else.  However, delegation can be the most rewarding and beneficial type of leadership to the Church.  Pastor, you don't have to have your hands in everything.  If they are ready.  Let them Go!

We must be careful as leaders.  We need to make sure that we are using the right kind of leadership with the right people at the right time.  This will require a gut check on our part.  It will also require a prayerful evaluation of the people we are leading.

Building a Team

"what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, 

commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

 2 Timothy 2:2 (HCSB) 

Paul challenges Pastor Timothy as he does Titus and other leaders in the church to not serve alone but find others who will serve with you.  Whether it was Timothy, Barnabas or John Mark, Paul was looking for others to serve with him.  Building a team is critical to effective ministry.

For the first time in my 25 years of ministry I am serving a church with a plurality of Elders.  It is a joy to serve alongside other men for the mission of Christ and His vision for our church.  But it can also be a challenge for us to know how we build a good team.  I will make the assumption at this point that in building a team we will make prayer a priority, seeking the men that God has set aside for the task.  Also assumed is that the men we will bring alongside us will be mature in the faith and will meet the qualifications that we find in Scripture (1 Timothy, Titus etc . . .).  But what can we do to bring together a team for effective ministry?

Let me suggest to you four ways to build and solidify a team for ministry.

1. Share History.  I think it is critical that we share history.  But what does that mean exactly.  For the team to be solidified they need to share some history.  The team should spend time sharing personal history.  Where they have been, mistakes, joys, heartbreaks and victories.  A team also needs to share together the history of the church.
2. Affirm Gifts.  The Scripture is clear that we all have gifts.  We have different gifts.  If your team has all the same gifts you will have difficulties.  A team benefits from a variety of gifts, personalities and experiences.  So affirm the gifts that each person brings to the team.
3. Set Goals.  As the pastor or lead elder it is my responsibility to at least begin the discovery of God's vision for the Church.  But for a team to be solidified set goals together.  Hold each other accountable for praying about and accomplishing the goals around the vision God has set for your church.  Flexibility is important.  But don't be so flexible that nothing ever is done.
4. Celebrate Unity.  Unity in and of it's self is not a worthy goal.  We can be unified around the wrong things.  Unity in the Spirit however is a different story.  Celebrate and cling to the unity that you have together as a team in the Spirit.  As the leader make sure that your team knows its not about you and that you will not throw them to the wolves.  You watch their back and if they are worth their salt they will watch yours.

In most churches we will ask our members to serve together as a team.  Make sure you demonstrate to the body how that is done and what it will look like.

Being a Visionary Leader

In pastoral ministry there are really three biblical words that describe a pastor.  One is that of overseer.  One who guards over or watches over the congregation.  Second is that of Shepherd.  It is where we get the term pastor.  He Shepherds primary role is to feed and nurture the congregation.  The third word is Elder.  Elder describes the role of visionary leader.  The Scripture says that without vision or revelation the people will perish (Prov. 29.18).  So what does that aspect of pastoring look like.  What are the characteristics of a Visionary Leader?

1. He is a Coach.  Being Pastor does not mean, that it needs to be, "my way or the high way." but it does mean that as God imparts His vision/revelation for the congregation I need to coach them in doing what He is calling us to do.  A Coach will mentor, teach techniques and encourage his team to accomplish things bigger than themselves.
2. He is an agent of Change.  I know there it is that dirty word, CHANGE.  Very few people in the world really enjoy change.  Even as pastors we don't really like to change.  But if we are listening to the master we are aware that He is calling us and the people we shepherd to change. We must embrace it and be the one willing to take the first steps toward change and faithfully challenge others to do the same.
3. He is to set Direction.  In most modern church growth guides we are instructed to form a team or have the entire congregation come together and determine direction.  While that sounds really good, I really don't believe that is biblical.  I don't recall in the Scripture an admonition to form a vision team.  The closest we get to that is in the book of Acts when the elders of the church prayed through and set aside Paul and Barnabas in direction of the Holy Spirit.  As leaders we must listen to the Holy Spirit and give direction as He leads.
4. He is a spokesperson or the mouth piece of God.  As a pastor God has given you the privilege to be His mouth piece.  Don't take it lightly.  Don't let it go to your head.  Remember God also spoke through a Donkey!  And certainly bring others around you to affirm that you heard correctly.  But you are going to have to speak His vision to the congregation He has entrusted you to lead.  So, cautiously, respectfully, and humbly speak.

We need vision to be all that Go wants us to be.  Don't miss His great purpose for us as His shepherds to lead people to His vision!

Why Membership

In today's church culture it is a trend to not expect anyone to "join" the church.  In other words we should not expect people to become members.  Attending church is enough.  Is this correct?  Why would we expect membership?  Is it Biblical?

We should take a moment to acknowledge that in the early church there was not a question of church membership.  It was not even mentioned.  Why is that?  Because in the early church making a commitment meant that you were part of the Body.  Period.  The idea that you might need to join was a non-issue.

What has changed?   Well the church has changed.  The church has become an institution.  The invitation has also changed, not to mention the terminology.  We have begun to invite people to get saved instead of inviting others to become followers of Christ.  That is something to chew on and discuss more in depth at another time.

So are there good reasons for encouraging people who come to Christ or believers who begin to attend the Church to join in membership?  Yes I think there are.  Milfred Minatrea in his book Shaped by God's Heart (pg. 32)  shares four reasons NorthWood Church gives for people to join their church.  We would do well to think on these reasons and perhaps share them with the people who are attending the Churches we serve.

1. A biblical reason: Christ is committed to the church.  In Ephesians 5.25 Paul writes, "Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her."  This reminds us that Christ gave all for His church and we should love the Church because He loves the Church and commit to it. 
2. A cultural reason: It is an antidote to our society.  Especially, in the American Church we find consumerism running rampant.  It seems a novel idea to some that we would join a church to serve rather than be served.  The statement, "what have you done for me lately." seems the common call of many church attenders.
3. A practical reason: It defines who can be counted on.  As NorthWood points out every team has a roster, every school has an enrollment, every business has a payroll and even the army has an enlistment.  We, the shepherds of the church need to know who is with us and to what level they can be counted on.
4. A personal reason: It produces spiritual growth. The New Testament is clear that we really cannot be all that God intends for us to be on our own, fellowship is required.  We need the accountability and encouragement that we get through long term relationship with other believers.

Membership really does matter.  Leading on purpose means we might have to engage our congregations to make membership a priority,

Ungodly Leadership

Acts 15:24 (NASB)
 "Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls, 


In just about every church I have ever served there has been at least one that was in the body or started to come into the body who was exhibiting ungodly leadership.  They push in and usurp authority, claiming to be a teacher, preacher and leader that should be listened too.  They were argumentative and troubling and unsettled the congregation.

What are we to do with someone like this?  I think we can learn a few steps we should take from the early church leaders in Acts. 

• They confronted the problem.  To often we are afraid to confront the problem.  It might upset someone.  It might create a problem.  The truth is an ungodly, self promoted leader will eventually destroy the work of God.  The fall out will be greater later than now.
• They made it clear they were not speaking for the them.  Make it very understood that they are not speaking for you.  There are always some who will follow a strong voice, even if it has error.  Others will assume that if you don't speak up you are in agreement.  Neither of those is good for the body.
• They encouraged the troubled and unsettled.  Those who are troubled and unsettled will be looking to you as the pastor/leader for guidance.  Be an encourager to those who need a sound voice of truth.
• They gave godly instruction.  Give clear, Biblical direction and advice.

Dealing with a person who usurps authority can be difficult, especially if you don't like conflict.  But it will be better for the Kingdom and the church to deal with it head on with compassion, love and firm resolve.

A shared Responsibility

Ephesians 4:12 (HCSB)
for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 

So who is responsible for growing the church you are a part of?  That question could be answered in a number of ways.

First, we must be reminded that God is responsible for the growth of the church.  We are dependent on Him through the Spirit to impart His conviction and grace in the lives of people.

Second, Pastors are responsible for the growth of the church.  If we don't lead, teach, equip and disciple, we will not see growth.

But, third, it is the people in the pews responsibility for the church's growth.  If the people do not obey and do what God says we will not see growth.

So what do we need to remember.  It is God ultimately who will grow His church.  But His plan for that growth will be when the pastors equip the saints (people) to do the work of ministry.  We can find ourselves making three dreadful mistakes.  One is to say it is God's church and He will grow it I just have to maintain.  It is as equally dangerous to say, "I am the Pastor.  I will make it happen!"  It is also misguided to say, "the people have to do it."  Reality is that we share the responsibility.  God will empower His church to reach people and grow as disciples.  But He will use the Pastor and the people to accomplish the task.

Pastor you can not grow the church on your own.  To think that you can is arrogant and misguided. We cannot blame the people if the church does not grow because we have to equip them to do the work of ministry.  But for both the pastor and the people we must obey God and join Him in the work He has planned for us to do.

Know Why You Serve

Sometimes in ministry we can forget why we serve.  We may even forget who we are or where we came from.  We have the tendency to think that the church is our church, this ministry is our ministry.  Or even this church won't survive without me.  But remember what we learn in Ephesians 4.

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 

Ephesians 4:11 (NASB) 

God is the one who called you and He is the one who enables you to serve.  He gets to choose where and how your ministry will be.  Humility is a needed quality in ministry.

We serve at His pleasure, with His grace enabling us to know or do anything worthwhile.  You have been given to His church to complete His task.  Brothers we must remember why we serve?

What have we done to fellowship?

What have we done to fellowship?  I think that is a fair question.  In most churches when we say we are going to have some fellowship it means, cake, cookies or some kind of meal.  While those goodies may be administered during fellowship it is not fellowship!

So what is fellowship?  It is relationships that we develop within the body for spiritual accountability, caring and support.  The church is the place that we build and maintain significant relationships.  How should we do that?  How did the early church do that?  We find out in Acts 2:41-46.

⁴²  And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. 
⁴³  Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.
⁴⁴  Now all the believers were together and held all things in common.
⁴⁵  They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need.
⁴⁶  Every day they devoted themselves ⌊to meeting⌋ together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude,  

Acts 2:42-46 (HCSB)

So what does that look like in our churches?  What do we need to encourage and foster?

1. Committed to Unity. (Vs 44)  All believers together.  This means proximity to one another but it also means unity.  But it must be unity to the right thing, purpose of the church and Christ.  Salvation, The Body and Discipleship.
2. Committed to meeting one another's needs. (Vs. 44-45)  They were committed to one another with love that was unconditional, and sacrificial.  
3. Committed to interaction. (Vs. 46)  They met in the Temple complex and in their homes.  There was social interaction, but so much more.  There was spiritual and emotional interaction.  They spent time together.

How much stronger and effective would our churches be if we could really get fellowship!

Do We Really Know How to Make Disciples?

Many of us talk about making Disciples (Matthew 28.19-20) but do we really know how to do that?  How did Jesus do it?  I believe the first mistake we make is best picked up on in the language we use in the Church.  How often have we invited people to, "enroll in the next discipleship class"?  As Randy Millwood point out in his book To Love And To Cherish From This Day Forward, we really need to employ disciples rather than enroll disciples.

Millwood suggests that there were three primary reasons Jesus called His disciples.  Just three things He expected them to do.

1. First, they were called to be WITH Him.  The primary reason to be His disciple is to develop a relationship with Him.  But beyond that, as Millwood points out, Jesus knew that the important factors of discipleship are caught not taught.  In developing a relationship with His followers Jesus demonstrated faith and the life of being His follower in a day to day relationship.  The implication for us is that those we are trying to lead into discipleship through classes may get the head knowledge but it may not lead them to ever practice following Christ.
2. Second, Jesus SENT out His disciples.  Millwood writes, "To affect others as a servant also meant serving by appointment - as appointed.  That is what servants do . . . what they are told to do."  Disciples must recognize that God has a plan and our role in that plan is simply to serve.  We are on His Mission.   The implication for us is to teach by example the radical call to obedience.
3. Third, disciples serve at HIS PLEASURE.  The reality of Discipleship is that we are "appointed" to serve.  We represent Him.  Therefore we serve at His pleasure, with His boldness and the confidence of His authority.  It is truly all about Him.  The implication: we are not serving merely to move ahead and take on a "position" in the organization.  We serve where He has placed us.  We only move if He places us somewhere else.