Tag: Jesus

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For Pastors of Smaller Churches

Pastor, if your congregation is not as large as you wish, allow me a moment. I assume godly ambition on your part. You would like to see your congregation grow because you care about lost people and you want to reach as many as possible. Desiring a larger church to build your ego or to make yourself appear more “successful” is a serious mistake. But praying and working toward a growing church with the right motivation is vitally important. In fact, if you don’t want your church to increase in size and influence, you may want to revisit the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.    

If you wish your congregation was larger, just a few reminders. 

  • Honor and respect the people who are already there. Good shepherds do not overlook their current flock while trying to increase it. In fact, disrespecting your flock is the best way to see it reduce in size.  
  • Healthy churches grow. While there are no failproof methods for growing a church, building healthy disciples will result in more disciples. Disciples make disciples. So, focus on health rather than growth.
  • Avoid the comparison game. No 2 churches are alike. It is not fair to measure your flock alongside someone else’s flock. You be faithful where you are called to be, God will bring the increase.
  • Growth takes time. I caution against rapid increase. That which is built in a day can be destroyed in a day. Be patient. 
  • You can’t increase the size of your church until you increase your spiritual health. God will only entrust His people to a Pastor who can lead them well. Lead yourself well – you will lead the flock well – and God will send you more. 
  • A church without a loving pastor will never increase. Love the troublemakers. Love the high maintenance. Love the special needs folks. Love those who never contribute. If you are faithful in loving those who are hard to love, God will bring you those who are easy to love. 
  • Don’t be afraid of losing people. Some folks just don’t belong. Others jump ship every year or 2. And some are being called by God to do ministry in other places. While you can’t ignore the pain of people leaving, focusing on keeping them from leaving will cause more to leave. Focus on the spiritual development of those who stay. 
  • Don’t underestimate the impact of your ministry. The chairs may be half empty. Visitors may be rare. But you have no idea how deep your influence is. Only heaven will reveal this. 
  • Pastor your community, not just your church. If you wish to increase the size of your church, those outside the church must know you. Be sure to be out among the unchurched people. Your relationship with them is one of your most effective tools for growth.
  • Foster your godly ambition. It is so easy to get caught in the trap of the “same ole same ole.” Years of inertia creates stagnation. Never settle for less than life-changing, community impacting ministry. Too many Pastors give up on the dream before it is realized; don’t get caught in this trap.
  • Don’t fall for the “greener grass” syndrome. A larger church may not be the best thing for you. Moving to a new church may not satisfy you. Continually looking past your current place of ministry, dreaming about the next, is ministerial suicide. Staying at a church and leading it’s growth is incredibly rewarding!     
  • Finally, remember the source of growth. Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”  Your job is not to grow the church; in fact, you cannot grow the church. Your job is to lead the creation of a healthy spiritual environment so that people can grow spiritually. The Lord will build His church! 

Hang in there, Pastor. Keep dreaming big dreams. Develop your godly ambition. Stay faithful to His call regardless of delays and disruptions. But remember, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, you and I are merely under-shepherds. And what an honor that is, regardless of the number of folks we reach.   

Here is another article on a the same topic from a few years ago: https://rickwhitter.com/2024/07/03/pastors-of-smaller-churches/

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Flannelgraph Memories

I grew up in a church age when our Sunday School teachers utilized the most recent multimedia tools available. For the youngins among us, flannelgraph was a primitive teaching tool, with a piece of flannel material stretched over a frame, and a paper likeness of Biblical characters was attached on the board to help in telling the story.  I remember sweet Sister Gregory and Sister English passionately telling the Gospel stories using these rudimentary teaching tools. 

But I had some confusion back then. The background picture seldom, if ever, changed. One week the scene was the Garden of Gethsemane and the next Sunday it was Mount Sinai – but they looked exactly alike! One week, the guy in the blue robe was Peter, the next week, he was Paul. The bald guy may be Matthew one week and Isaiah the next (I assumed the bald guy should be Elisha!)  Our teachers explained that these people had died and were now in heaven. So, I deduced that, when one of our elderly saints in the church died, they would show up on the flannelgraph board next week. Sister Lane and Brother George never showed up on the board – which made me wonder if they made it to heaven! Then, one of the mean boys in class (not me!) drew a Hitler mustache on one of the characters, maybe Joseph or maybe John. I was mortified at the sacrilege! Finally, after years of use and some abuse, the flannel began to weaken, and the characters could no longer remain attached on the board – they would fall off at the most inopportune times. And the boys, me included, would laugh. 

It was archaic and old fashioned. But it worked! Those stories came alive, not because of the flannelgraph, but because our faithful teachers were passionate about them, and because they loved the students.     

Thankfully our kids and teachers have more effective learning tools these days. But it’s not the tools that deserve the credit – it is the faithful servant leaders who minister each week to our children. Thank you; you are heroes of the faith!

I’ll never underestimate the importance of these foundational experiences in my faith formation! The visual elements were crude but they got the job done. Those teachers invested in me. I’m forever indebted to them and to the church for providing the best that they had.  

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Shepherd or Hireling?

Church leaders are one or the other. The Scriptures are clear, the sheep belong to the Good Shepherd, Jesus. Those who serve churches are simply undershepherds. As such, we will give account to the Lord as to how we served His flock. 

So, what is a hireling? “A labourer employed on hire for a limited time. His wages were paid as soon as his work was over.” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary) 

“In the New Testament the word “hireling” (misthotos) occurs only in John 10:12, where his neglect of the sheep is contrasted unfavorably with the care and courage of the shepherd who owns the sheep, who leads them to pasture and lays down his life for their protection from danger and death.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

I have witnessed the behaviors and characteristics of both shepherds and hirelings, and have developed this simple summary: 

Pastors love the flock; hirelings love attention.

Pastors serve the flock; hirelings use the flock for their own selfish gain.

Pastors pray for the flock; hirelings prey upon the flock.

Pastors promote the flock; hirelings promote themselves. 

Pastors sacrifice for the flock; hirelings steal from the flock. 

Pastors build up the flock; hirelings build their brand. 

Pastors invest themselves into the flock; hirelings use the flock for the own benefit.

Pastors defend the flock; hirelings demand of the flock. 

Pastors are thankful for their flock; hirelings take advantage of the flock.

Pastors protect the flock; hirelings manipulate the flock. 

John 10:11-12 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.

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What Dysfunction May Reveal

Sometimes, not always, a dysfunction or misbehavior can be an indication of previous trauma. For example, sexual promiscuity may be a result of sexual abuse. Harsh response to criticism could indicate insecurity from a lack of affirmation. An out of control temper may reveal a sense of feeling vulnerable or at risk of harm. Harsh judgmentalism can be a coverup for hidden sin. Cynicism and sarcasm may reveal unresolved hurt.

We don’t know what is going on inside other people. But rarely does one’s maladjusted behavior stand alone – something triggers it; there is usually a root cause.

Understand that what we may view as dysfunction may be another person’s normal function. This behavior may be all they know. Their excessive actions may be their safe place, this may be how they have learned to survive. This is not an excuse for irresponsible behavior but at least we should be aware that one’s history has significant influence on one’s current behavior.

Now, let’s turn this inward. What reactions or responses that you exhibit may indicate past trauma that has not been addressed?

Do you hold grudges? Do you like to fight? Are you narcissistic? Do you lack basic compassion? Are you dishonest? Do you bully others? Perhaps there is a root cause that must be addressed. “That’s just the way that I am” won’t cut it anymore.

It’s ok to do some introspection. It’s helpful to peel back layers of the sources of our past pain. It may seem scary but uncovering past trauma is the first step toward recovery.

Most of all, we must allow the grace of God to heal, to cover, to make right the wrongs that may be controlling us. We don’t have to let our past dictate our future any longer.

God wants us whole. He wants our relationships to be healthy. He wants us at peace with Him and others.

You can’t change the past, but God can change your future. Let’s get started.

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When People Don’t Want Solutions

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who had a problem, a worry or an offense? Of course you have. And have you offered potential solutions to that person, only to have them ignore or refuse to consider the proposed solution? Of course you have. And when that happens, you know you can’t help this person. In fact, you realize that this person is not interested in answers, they only want the problem. 

Several weeks ago, a leader-friend of mine shared how one of our colleagues had hurt him. I asked if he had addressed the problem with our colleague – he had not. And he expressed no interest in doing so. This conversation has been repeated many times with many associates. It is a common event.

In many cases, especially if we’re dealing with a supposed “mature” individual, these hurting people prefer to hold on to their hurt. They don’t want answers, they want an excuse to be offended or to worry. If they actually solved the problem, their ability to complain would be hindered. If they solved the problem, they would then be expected to produce results. As it stands, they have a “reason” to be stuck. Their hurt becomes their license to be bitter.

Try to help people, all the people you can. But when you come across a person who refuses to be helped, it may be best to move on to someone else until that individual really wants help. But when they’re ready, then be willing to jump back in to offer the help you have!

Lesson: Be teachable. Stay coachable. Be solutions oriented rather than problem oriented.   

Related post: Pastor, You Can’t Fix Everybody: https://rickwhitter.com/2016/05/13/pastor-you-cant-fix-everybody/

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Leadership 101

Leaders must make the best decisions possible for the people and the organizations they serve. Sometimes, some people won’t like the decision, sometimes many people won’t like it, but leaders are tasked with assessing situations and making the calls that are necessary. This is not always easy. In fact, there are times that the last thing a leader wants to do is to make a tough decision in a contentious issue. But courageous leaders lead on, regardless.

Before reacting to a leader’s decision and before expressing disapproval, consider that the leader knows details that are not common knowledge, and an integrous leader cannot and will not share those details. Perhaps if we knew the details the leader knows, we would have a different opinion.

Remember, leaders will give an account to God for using discretion, discernment, and integrity regarding the organization and the people they are called to serve. And rest assured that in any respectable organization, the leader is also accountable to other leaders. Corrupt leaders will be judged, and honorable leaders will be rewarded – by the One who sees all and knows all.

So, pray for your leader.

Understand that they know details that you don’t.

Support your leader as much as you are able.

And know that, how you treat your leader is how you can expect to be treated by those you lead.

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5 Reasons to Go to Church

Folks can think of a million reasons NOT to go to church. I have 5 simple reasons why we should go.

1. There’s no place like church home. Watching services online or on television is a nice substitute, but they cannot replace the experience of being in the same room with fellow worshippers, encountering the presence of God together and responding corporately. God does things when the Church gathers that can happen in no other setting.

2. Your church needs you. According to Scripture, each of us are a part of the Body of Christ and each part is necessary. If we are not present to do our part, either our part will not get done or someone else will have to do it. You and I have specific spiritual gifts, talents, abilities and callings that are unique. No one else can fill your role in the church like you. Your church needs you there.

3. Future generations need an example to follow. If our generation abandons the church gathering, there may be no church gathering available for those who come behind us. Know that when you faithfully attend church services, you are setting an example for others to follow, and they most certainly will need church.

4. It’s a Biblical mandate. Regardless of what some may say, God expects us to gather with our church family. While missing church may not be a sin or a requirement to go to heaven, it most certainly is an expectation displayed in the Bible. Of course, we are wise if we follow the Biblical patterns.

5. You need your church. You need to hear your pastor preach. You need to sing along with other church members. You need to tithe and give in the offering. You need the fellowship of other Believers. You need to serve and exercise your gifts.

You may be able to survive without these things but, without questions, you will not thrive spiritually without these things.

Let’s go to church!

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Pastors of Smaller Churches

Small is relative. My idea of a small ice cream cone is 3 dips. No one knows for sure what constitutes a small church. Compared to churches in Indonesia and Latin America, the mega churches of the United States are small. But most of us are aware of when our churches are truly small. Remember, small isn’t bad and large isn’t necessarily good.

I have dear friends who serve diligently in congregations under 25, under 50. I often hear or read discussion about how the small churches are forgotten and their pastors are overlooked. Unfortunately, people, even Christian leaders tend to look at numbers when gauging value. This is wrong and the Lord is not pleased.  But let’s consider a few thoughts:

Not everyone looks down on small church pastors. Of course, it only takes a few times of being disrespected for us to become defensive. It doesn’t feel good to be looked down upon. Let’s try to remember that most good people respect us, not because of the size of our congregations, but because of God’s calling on our lives. Don’t let the few disrespectful people impact your attitude or self-worth.

Don’t be guilty of overreacting or becoming overly defensive. Webster defines the Napoleon Complex as: “a domineering or aggressive attitude perceived as a form of overcompensation for being physically small or short.” Let’s not give the impression that we feel less of ourselves because our ministry is not large. If God has called you to a church, hold your head up! He sees value and worth in that church, and they deserve your best. And how God must trust you to place such a lovely flock under your skilled care!

Don’t be guilty of disrespecting pastors of larger churches; they are not your enemy. It is just as wrong to be critical of a church because it is large as it is visa versa. 

God judges by faithfulness, not size. While He expects us to steward (and multiply) what He’s given us, God will not judge our success on numbers. He judges success on faithfulness; praise the Lord! 

Popularity in the eyes of people is not what matters. Small church pastors may not receive notoriety. They may be overlooked for opportunities, simply because of the visual created by a smaller church. What matters is – God sees. If we are overlooked, let it be by people, rather than God! Besides, promotion comes from the Lord, to seek advancements apart from the Lord’s favor is a painful mistake. 

I do believe that all churches should grow. Our passion for souls and the Mission of reaching the world for Christ requires that we add people to the church.  But we must never value a ministry because of its size alone.

Finally, don’t become bitter. Don’t give jealousy room in your spirit. Don’t allow your view of life to be clouded because of the opinions of others. Sarcasm and cynicism are tools of the enemy. Stay sweet in your spirit, regardless of the size of your ministry. 

Know who you are in Christ, know what He has called you to do, and, regardless of numbers, do this with all your might. That, my friends, is true success! 

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You Owe What You’ve Been Given

Most would agree, if we have any true success in ministry, it’s all the Lord’s, He receives the glory. But if He gives you success, does He expect more from you?

Yes, He does!

If the Lord helped you to build your church from 0 to 50 people, you have an obligation to teach others how to do so. If He enabled you to grow a church from 50 to 100, or 100-500, there are pastors just waiting for the information you possess. If God allowed you to be a successful evangelist, missionary, church planter or administrator, you owe it to the kingdom of God to teach others the ability that God has given you.

Some may say that they are too humble to tell others how they did it. They don’t want to be guilty of arrogance and hubris. It’s not arrogant to share the good news, it’s selfish to not share the good news.

Others may say they don’t know anyone who will listen to them. I say, find someone who is currently where you were before God allowed your progress – and offer to buy them coffee. Relationship will open the door for influence.

Still others are waiting for permission to share. They lack the pedigree or title or platform.

You don’t need permission to help others; your possession of knowledge requires you to help others!

This is the way God established it to work. He blesses us so we can bless others, He expects us to share. “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Luke 12:48 NLT) We need those who have been blessed by God to show others how to be blessed.

This is Biblical church growth, this is Kingdom growth. Think about it.

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A Theory on Generational Prayer

Allow me to run a little theory by you, see what you think. 

My brilliant daughter, Jessica and I were talking at a family funeral last week about her children and how they have multiple generations of prayer covering over them. We can trace back at least 4 generations, by name, grandparents who prayed for their progeny. Although they had no way of knowing the names and specifics of my grandchildren, these precious saints of God prayed for their “Children and their children’s children.” That includes Sophie and Judah! 

But here is where we landed. The Scripture indicates that, “golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints” are kept before the altar of God. As I understand it, these prayers that are prayed throughout the history of humankind remain before God, as an active agent. They are not prayed one time, heard by God and discarded. They remain in the ears of God throughout eternity; it is as though they are continuing to be prayed long after these Christians are in heaven. 

So, the idea is cumulative prayer. The prayers stack up. For each generation, the amount of prayers prayed for them just keeps increasing. Think of these prayers amassing, heaping up, multiplying, snowballing!

Here is what Jess and I concluded: The closer we get to the end of days, the more sin is compounded and the more spiritual pressure our children will experience. My grandchildren face things unimaginable in my childhood. I must confess, I worry for them. BUT! The Word of God teaches that, “where sin abound, the grace of God abounds all the more.” (Romans 5:20). God knew that our children would be faced with spiritual opposition like no generation before them. So, He planned for an ever-increasing system of prayer support for them. My grandkids have more prayer covering that I did, because they need it. For every person who prayed for my early Christian foreparents, they are also praying for my grandchildren and their children and their children’s children – until the end of time. How powerful is that!?

We worry about the future for our families. But God has supplied a cumulative prayer structure that dates back to the time of Christ. Thousands, perhaps millions of prayers! 

Satan may fight our kids, but God has an army of prayer warriors that have gone ahead with the weapon of prayer to keep the enemy at bay. God will win!

I have a new sense of assurance and excitement for my grandchildren and their children!

And this also reminds us of how crucially important it is that you and I pray for our progeny.            

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10 Observations about Pastors

  • Pastors want to be respected. Regardless of the size of the church or the budget, each man and woman desires to be treated with dignity. And they deserve it.
  • Pastors want to know that they are making a difference. In the Movement, in the community and in the local church, they want to be assured that their work matters and is efficacious.
  • Pastors want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They are not small thinking or selfish; they enjoy investing outside of themselves and their local churches.
  • Pastors really do care about their flocks and they want to be the best shepherds they can possibly be. They are compassionate, servant leaders. 
  • Pastors are eager to secure new resources and gain new insights. Self-improvement and life-long learning is widely accepted and practiced.
  • The vast majority of pastors want their churches to grow; they want to see more people won to the Lord and they want to make more disciples. 
  • Most pastors are very concerned about the future of the ministry and they want to prepare the next generation of Pastors and leaders. Some are concerned because this is not happening on a large enough scale.
  • Most pastors have similar needs and desires: more committed people, additional resources (funds, time, volunteers), and more ministry progress.
  • The vast majority of Pastors work hard to give their very best to the Lord and His Church, and take joy in doing so. 
  • Most (but not enough) Pastors prioritize their families as their first ministry. 

I am basing my observations on this: 

Over the last nearly 12 years, I have preached around 450 messages in around 400 churches. I’ve ministered primarily in 3 states but have also preached in around 12 others. I have preached mostly in Church of God churches but also in a few outside of our movement. I have met many Pastors, spent time in fellowship with them and their families, have visited in many homes and have developed close friendships with many. I humbly believe that I am in touch with the local Church and can speak to the state of many Pastors. I am grateful to serve as a Pastor to Pastors. 

These local church Pastors are the unsung heroes of the Church.

Though the challenges of ministry are significant, and although there is immense pressure on today’s church leaders, they don’t want or need sympathy; they desire prayer support.

God sees and will reward faithfulness on the part of Pastors.

We love you, Pastor! 

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What Motivates One to Lead?

The desire and ambition to be a leader is a very good thing. Leaders make good things happen for others. But the whybehind the desire to lead is crucial to understand.  If we have a leader who is motivated by the wrong thing, the Church is in for trouble. 

The need to be needed, the desire to be the focus of attention (selfishness), and wanting to be “in charge” will drive some folks into leadership, and will drive those around them to flee. Ulterior motives such as bringing down an enemy, making lots of money, manipulating others to serve and gaining notoriety are poison that will quickly kill an organization. 

On the other hand, sacrificing for the good of the movement, serving others, uniting and building up the Church, and moving the Church toward the Lord’s will are all pure and godly motives for leading.  

I Thessalonians 5:13 teaches us: “And we beseech you, brethren, that you come to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” “Know those” really means to acknowledge our leaders, but there is much to be said for knowing, understanding motives and discerning the intents and desires of an aspiring leader in the Church.

Let’s check our motives and remain pure in our desires. Let’s not be influenced or fooled by someone who is, with impure motives, chomping at the bit to take the reins. Let’s seek the Lord for discernment, let’s fast and pray for motives to be revealed, and let’s anticipate the Spirit’s direction in who will lead.     

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A Beautiful Thing About the Church

The Church is the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, the Flock of God. We, collectively, are a thing of beauty in the eyes of the Lord. But we are also to be beautiful to the participants of the church – to one another. 

Think about it:

We are different. No two church members or churches are the same. God likes variety; that’s beautiful.

We are multifaceted. We possess various abilities, gifts and talents. God makes sure that every gift the church needs is present; that’s beautiful.

We are diverse. The Church is comprised of all types of people. In fact, heaven is described as being made up of every tongue, tribe and nation; that’s beautiful.

And,

We differ. None of us agree on everything (or sometimes anything), yet we are united! That’s beautiful.

We respect and honor others above ourselves. So, when another member of the Body displays characteristics different from ours, we differ to them. That’s beautiful.

We embrace distinctions. Sisters and Brothers from different cultures are loved. Those who prefer various worship styles and methods are valued. We don’t have to have everything our way in order to love and fully engage in the Church. That’s beautiful.

A beautiful thing about the Church is, God has included us, all Bible believing followers of Christ, regardless of our earthly quirks and idiosyncrasies. This includes you and me.   

How beautiful is that!? 

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Guardrails

Lots of people are deconstructing their faith right now, questioning their beliefs and convictions. While this can be a beneficial exercise, it can also be very dangerous. Because our faith impacts eternity, we can’t just shift what we believe based upon what is popular. There are many “pop theologians” that are full of opinions but devoid of Biblical wisdom.

It’s true, some of us were taught in error. But most of us who were taught correctly find our faith under attack. There is a major push to influence us to change. Some are now accepting new ideas that are contrary to what they’ve always believed.

To help us navigate this experience, I’m offering 12 guardrails to help keep us safe spiritually. When wondering about or questioning aspects of your beliefs and the resulting behaviors:

1. If your spiritual “parents” would disapprove, I suggest you hold on to what they taught you. God placed them in your life for a reason – to help guide you.

2. If it goes against what you’ve been taught in Scripture, think and pray long and hard before you even consider it.

3. If it’s new theology (unproven, untested and revolutionary), be very slow to accept.

4. If it creates spiritual “liberty” from well-accepted guidelines and convictions, stay away. What may appear to be freedom can actually be bondage.

5. If you must dig deep to find one Bible verse to “proof text” support for it, stay away.

6. If it goes against what you’ve learned from long-term trusted sources, don’t believe it.

7. If it goes against your conscience, don’t accept it.

8. If you must spend a lot of time justifying it, it’s best avoided.

9. If it could cause a less mature Christian to stumble, don’t do it.

10. It is causes you to withdraw from your proven spiritual support system, I suggest leaving it alone.

11. If your praying grandmother would scold you for doing it, don’t.

12. If you don’t want to be doing it when the Lord returns, don’t do it at all.And so on.

Of course, some things that some of us have been taught may be eventually proven wrong. But too many are abandoning the true Gospel for a new Gospel. And Scripture clearly warns us against this tendency. What you believe determines what you do. Believe the right things, do the right things.

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Compassion is a Christian Virtue

design-62Throughout the Bible and throughout church history, the people of God, when encountering hurting people, are filled with compassion. When people are victimized or suffer the pain of a tragedy, Believers are touched with feelings of “sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others”: (dictionary.com) We feel empathy, mercy, sorrow, sympathy and tenderness. What we are not supposed to feel is: animosity, cruelty, mercilessness, harshness, hatred, indifference (a few antonyms of compassion.)

The Holy Spirit residing in us compels us to be sensitive to the needs of others. We are enabled to love and care about the conditions of the world and the people we meet. The unconditional love of God that has changed us, now operates within and through us. We love, not only in words, we love in deeds. This love produces compassion when we encounter suffering and pain in humankind.

Compassion doesn’t gloat in justice served. While we understand the laws of reaping and sowing, we don’t rejoice when punishment is served; we are sad that people have made the choices that lead to their punishment. Neither can compassion turn a blind eye when innocent people suffer. Regardless of the circumstances, when people are hurting, compassionate Christians are moved.

When people express pain, compassionate Christians don’t try to minimize the pain or change the focus of attention to another matter. Christians are supposed to listen, care, pray and act. If we do not, how will the hurting find hope?

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:35-36)

Or course, there are Gospel stories where Jesus appeared to be harsh to people. He openly rebuked some, even calling them names. The folks He rebuked were not the hurting, the victims of the suffering. Those Jesus rebuked were religious leaders who thought they were better than others, they considered themselves to be superior. They were the ones who twisted the Scriptures to support their uncompassionate way of life. But Jesus was compassionate to innocent hurting people – and even to the sinners who had made bad choices.

Whether it is a person of a different political persuasion, a different religion or a different ideology, compassion is a Christian virtue and it is vitally necessary that we express it. “Black Lives Matter!” – compassion. “Covid-19 is a conspiracy!” – compassion. CNN, Fox News, Democrat, Republican, black, white, rich, poor…the world needs Christian compassion. Without compassion the world is hopeless; the lost will remain lost.

Prayer: God, by the name of Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit, makes our hearts tender, create in us a new compassion for hurting people. Let the sensitivity and love of Christ be at work in the world through your Church and through me, a Believer. May we represent you well in these trying times. May the world see hope in us, in You.

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A Digital Diaspora

design-59In the book of Acts, chapter 8, verses 1-4, a great oppression came against the church and the Christians were threatened and tortured. The Bible says that all the Believers except the Apostles went out from Jerusalem, across the known world, and they preached about Jesus everywhere they went. This was the Lord’s strategy to make sure that others heard the Gospel.

“Diaspora” means to be scattered or sown (like seed). Tomorrow, unlike any of day in our history, the Gospel of Jesus will be sown, in a scattered fashion. It will not be contained in buildings. Sanctuaries won’t hold in the Word of God tomorrow! With the use of technology, the Church will employ a “digital diaspora”, a sending out of the Good News of Jesus Christ! More homes in our nation (and perhaps world) than ever before will become houses of worship.

While we mourn the loss of life and pray for a stop to the Corona virus, let’s thank God for how He is redeeming a terrible situation. While we cannot wait to gather again in our church facilities, let’s pray for a worldwide revival as a result of this “diaspora!”

What the enemy intended for our harm, God is turning into good.

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Why Some Churches Die

design-15I’m Palm Sunday sermon prepping. Of course, included in the Biblical texts of Passion Week is the little understood phenomenon of Jesus cursing the fig tree. If you are not a Bible scholar, this “cursing” has nothing to do with inappropriate language. Jesus cursed the tree, in essence, killed it with His words, because the tree was not producing fruit.

Here is the Biblical account as provided by Mark:

“The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. (Mark 11:12-14) “In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” (Mark 11:20-21)

There is an obvious application to the religious leaders of Jesus’ time. Though perhaps not as obvious, there is a possible connection with this obscure event and today’s church.

Jesus expected that this fig tree should produce fruit. The purpose of the tree was to produce fruit. While it may serve other purposes (shade, nice to look at), without figs hanging on its branches, the tree was a failure. It was good for firewood.

Fast forward 2000 years. Many churches produce no fruit. The fruit of churches is Christ followers; disciples. Churches are supposed to produce more churches. While a church may serve other purposes, bringing people into the Lord’s Kingdom is its primary purpose. Jesus expects us to produce!

Could it be that Jesus has cursed some churches as He cursed the fig tree? There is no indication in the Bible that the fig tree represents today’s church. But there are indicators that if we don’t produce, we will be cut down. See: Matthew 7:19.

Of dying churches, Thom Rainer says, “Between 6,000 and 10,000 churches in the U.S. are dying each year. That means around 100-200 churches will close this week. The pace will accelerate unless our congregations make some dramatic changes.”

I contend that churches that decide to stop producing new Christians are dead already, regardless if they are still having services. But maybe the final death knell is the Lord drying the church up until it withers away – closes its doors. Maybe it’s a “chicken or egg” proposition: do churches die first and then stop producing new fruit or do churches stop producing new fruit and then die?

We may never know. But let’s learn the lesson provided. Let’s remain productive and fruitful. Let’s be purposeful and intentional about bringing people to faith in Christ through our churches.

p.s. Let’s not avoid the little statement in Mark 11:13 “it was not the season for figs.” Adam Clarke says, “It has been asked, ‘How could our Lord expect to find ripe figs in the end of March?’ Answer, Because figs were ripe in Judea as early as the Passover. Besides, the fig tree puts forth its fruit first, and afterwards its leaves. Indeed, this tree, in the climate which is proper for it, has fruit on it all the year round, as I have often seen. (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

So there you go.

 

https://factsandtrends.net/2018/01/16/hope-for-dying-churches/

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It’s Time for Christians to Lead

designThis is the time for Christians to lead.

Our culture is suffering the effects of deficient leadership. The bar of expected decorum and etiquette has been lowered to the ground. Integrity and common decency are passé. There is deep division racially, politically and economically. Ideological rhetoric is drowning out reason. Few are naïve enough to trust authority, and skepticism about religion is at an all time high. Many are too jaded to even hope for hope. The world needs help, now.

This is the time for Christians to lead. We say we have the solution; His name is Jesus.

Step up.

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Does Servant Leadership Create Entitlement?

Does Servant Leadership Create Entitlement carterNo one can argue with the insistence that leaders be servants. Jesus modeled it and Greenleaf made a million writing about it. But there may be an issue.

Is there a connection between the rampant entitlement mentality that we see in our culture and leaders who humble themselves to serve others? I think maybe so.

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. It is unthinkable that the Creator of all things stops to wash the crusty smelly feet of 1st Century fishermen. Unless you fast-forward a few days and observe Jesus hanging by nails on a cross. He did all of this for the purpose of serving the people He loved. They needed a Savior and He volunteered. Notice, He did not volunteer to do something they didn’t need. It would have been pointless for Jesus to offer to stay on earth to keep walking on the water or turning water into wine. They didn’t need that. But they sure needed a Savior.

We may have some indicators of the issue we are facing.

  • I believe that some servant leaders are serving in ways that are not really needed. Leaders who show themselves to be willing to do anything for the people they love are an inspiration. People are impressed when leaders sacrifice their own good for the good of those they lead. But if this sacrifice makes no difference, what’s the point? Example: The pastor of a church may refuse to be paid a salary in the interest of the financial constraints of the church. I have seen this happen. It may be a good thing. But it may result in people who renege on their financial responsibilities. By serving in a way that is not needed, the servant leader may be doing more damage than good.
  • I believe that some servant leaders are serving themselves. It’s tough to admit but some of us like the attention we get when we “serve.” People are beholden to a leader who is in the trenches, on the frontline. Independent people who can carry the load alone are heroes to many. But there are two problems here: the focus is on the leader and the people are taught to become dependent – they aren’t needed in the process. Healthy organizations involve multiple people. A servant-leadership approach that has ulterior motives is damaging to everyone involved. True servant leaders serve with pure motives.
  • I believe that some servant leaders are doing more harm than good. Mono-personality leadership is unscriptural. Lone leaders who do all of the work choke out the operation of Spiritual Gifts. Leaders who spend all of their time waiting on people while never moving them forward do God’s people a disservice. It is possible that a wrong perspective of servant leadership can severely damage an organization.
  • Some “servant leadership” is a veil for a leader’s weaknesses. Because of my introversion, I sometimes find it easier to mop the floors after an event than to speak face to face with people. Real servant leadership is sometimes just to be with people.

The goal of servant leadership must be to create more servant leaders. The goal is not for people to feel sorry for us or for people to talk about how noble we are. Leaders serve like Jesus because people need it.

Now, back to the original question: Is entitlement connected to servant leadership? Possibly. Many people feel they deserve something for nothing. The world owes them. We’ve got to combat this ideology. The best way to do so is to serve like Jesus served. Wash their feet; but teach them to wash the feet of one another. Otherwise, they think your job is to keep their feet from stinking. While someone needs to do that, it’s not on the leader.