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. 

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.)

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!

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.

Shatter the Snake!

 He broke into pieces the bronze snake that Moses made, for the Israelites burned incense to it up to that time.

 2 Kings 18:4 (HCSB) 

As a pastor or leader ask yourself this question.  Is there a snake that has slithered into my church?  I know a lot of jokes come to mind as you read that question.  Now don't jump to any quick conclusions about what it may be.

In 2 Kings we find an interesting scenario.  We could read right past it and not blink if we are not paying attention.  Hezekiah begins to make some serious spiritual reforms for Judah.  He gets rid of the idolatry.  He destroys the High place and the False religions that have crept in and set up shop with God's people.  But there is one interesting thing he destroyed.  The bronze snake built by Moses and used by God to bring healing to a bitten people. (Numbers 21.4-9)

The bronze snake began with a godly purpose.  Instituted by God and used by his leader Moses.  But after a while it's purpose was no longer needed and it took on a new purpose, an ungodly purpose.  It became an idol, a stumbling block to the spiritual life of God's people.  We have some snakes in the church today.  They are traditions and programs, that in its day were useful and led many to grow and thrive spiritually.  Now they have become an idol that is dragging us down.  Most Churches have one of these serpents, that we see no fruit from and merely distract us from other methods that could be useful in fulfilling our mission.  They are difficult to get rid of but it just might be necessary for you to be a Hezekiah and tear it down.

Are you a Leader?

 The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, “What is this thing you’re doing for the people? Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?” 15 Moses replied to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I make a decision between one man and another. I teach [them] God’s statutes and laws.” 17 “What you’re doing is not good,” Moses’ father-in-law said to him. 18 “You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone. 19 Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and God be with you. You be the one to represent the people before God and bring their cases to Him. 20 Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do. 21 But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. Place [them] over the people as officials of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 22 They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear [it] with you. 23 If you do this, and God [so] directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 So Moses chose able men from all Israel and made them leaders over the people [as] officials of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 26 They judged the people at all times; the hard cases they would bring to Moses, but every minor case they would judge themselves. 27 Then Moses said goodbye to his father-in-law, and he journeyed to his own land.
Ex 18:13-27 (HCSB)

Have you ever asked yourself what makes a leader a leader?  For some we believe leadership means that I am responsible so I will do it.  Sometimes we like to feel needed.  But if we are to be useful as a leader in His Kingdom we need to understand that we may need to change.  Moses in the passage above had to make 7 major steps or changes.

1. Listen to wise counsel.
2. Do what you were primarily called to do.  For a pastor that is to preach/teach, pray and lead.
3. Select competent people who can help to lead.
4. Empower leadership to lead.
5. Organize for maximum impact.
6. Let them go!
7. Be available as a resource and a helper.

Church Leadership in the 21st Century

What characteristics are needed for the leader or pastor in the 21st century.  Depending on who you ask you may find a variety of answers.  Some would say the leader for the future will be technologically savvy.  Maybe some may say he needs to be relevant with the times.  Some have suggested, at least to reach the younger crowd, he must dress down.  Wear blue jeans and lose the tie.  The answers to that question are all over the map.  Call me crazy but I think that the answer to that question actually lies within the Bible.  Go figure?

I was recently at a training that we offered and heard a great presentation from Rev. Barry Whitworth, Team Leader for Church Planting for the Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania and South Jersey.  He said that they look for a church planter to be AED.  As he described AED I realized that the characteristics they are looking for in a church planter are the same characteristics needed in pastors and leaders if they are going to lead their church into Kingdom work in the 21st Century.

Let me describe AED:
A is Apostolic.  Now what does that mean.  It means to have a mindset and life style of a Missionary.  (see Acts 17)  Pastors have viewed themselves as administrators, CEO's, and professionals to name a few titles.  We call ourselves senior pastors, lead pastors, teaching pastors etc . . .  While that is all OK.  What we really need to call ourselves is missionaries.  The Apostle Paul was always going where the people were and exposing them with the realities of the gospel.

E is Evangelistic.  (2 Timothy 4.1-8)  Why do we think our people will share their faith if we are not doing it?  We have a great excuse, "I don't know any lost people.  I am always dealing with church people."  The truth is we are too busy doing church stuff in our sanctuaries and offices that we haven't developed relationship with lost people.  We rarely have or take the opportunities to meet lost people.  (let me refer you back to A)

D is Discipleship.  Call it what you will, mentoring, discipleship, equipping.  Just do it!  I firmly believe the reason that 70-80 % of established evangelical churches are in decline or death is because we have not been discipling.  But what method do we use to do that?  Not the way we have been doing it!  Go back to the Scriptures.  Look at the example of Jesus, Paul, Barnabas and see Paul's instruction to Timothy (2 Timothy 2.2).  That will be a great place to start.

This is a great challenge to us but if we are to see revival, Pastor it will have to begin with us!

God's role for Pastoral Leaders

Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?

Heb 13:17 (MSG)

One of the challenges of ministry is that we often can have too many who think they should set the agenda for what we do.  I am not an employee of my church I am their Shepherd.  My boss, the person who sets my agenda and give my job description is God.
While that may seem arrogant it is not intended to be so.  God has great expectations for His under shepherds.  The Message paraphrase of Hebrews 13.17 I think is a great place to begin to be reminded of what God's role is for us.  Here is our job description from God (based on Hebrews 13.17).

1. Be a leader.
2. Counsel others in life, ministry, family, and Spiritual growth.
3. Pay attention to and understand the conditions in the lives of God's people
4. Obey God.
5. Serve with joy in everything.
6. Don't get bogged down in stuff that will make ministry a drudgery.

Enjoy Serving Him!