the reluctant leader

Intentional Community

I’m about to break some unwritten blog law and post a long quote and call it a blog. It comes from “Breaking the Discipleship Code” by David Putman. I read these paragraphs several times this AM, underlined them, then decided to post here. Read slowly.

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At the risk of hyperbole, the need for belonging is what got me started on the journey I am on now. When my wife, Tami, was hit by a van, I began a serious assessment of our relationships. I soon discovered that while we had our families, they lived in other states, and no matter how close the relationships seemed, we were hindered by time and space. While Tami was in the hospital recovering, I was astounded by the number of people all over the country who were praying for us, e-mailing and calling, I loved those people for loving us so much, some of whom I didn’t know. Two of our pastors were there that night, yet something was missing. Even with hundreds of people pouring prayers and blessings on us, I knew that authentic, personal relationships were conspicuously absent. We had to admit that we weren’t belonging.

Not long after the accident, I was having coffee with my pastor when he asked me about the people at our church who had connected with and cared for us while Tami was recovering. I ran through the list of people who had responded: a couple of pastors, one of the wives, and another couple in the church. I immediately saw the disappointment on his face, but I stopped him and explained that we had no one to blame for this lack of belonging other than ourselves because we had not connected with people in our community or the church. I had traveled all over the country telling people how to create communities in their churches, but I had only attended out church on those occasional times when I was in town, and as a result, Tami and I were dying for belonging.

During that time, I decided to change gears and move my ministry to the local church. I kept having these thoughts that if I died no one would be around to care for my family. I was longing to belong in relationships with others at a more intimate and authentic level. I wanted to love and be loved by close friends and to be in significant, meaningful relationships with people who really knew me at more than a surface level. It was a tall order, though, and I knew it was going to require radical shifts in my life.
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Do you have that sense of belonging in your local church? If not, why not?

Too many disconnected people blame it on the pastor or the church and go on an endless journey trying to find a perfect church to connect with.

I think the answer to church disconnection is to look in the mirror, then make what David P calls “radical shifts” in how we do life. What do you think?

Creating & Killing Christian Community

Got the following Dietrich Bonhoeffer quote and comments from my philosophical friend, Russ Austin. Thought it was worth a blog entry.

THE BONHOEFFER QUOTE:
“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community - even if their intentions are ever so earnest - but the person who loves those around them will create community.”

THE AUSTIN COMMENT:
"This statement really spoke to me about how dangerous it is when “something replaces somebody.”  Is Spiritual Family a “thing” or a group of people God has put in my life – and keeps adding to – that I am called to love and serve?  The answer is obvious so I am not looking for the solution.  Just struck me how easy it can be to claim something without being it.  I can describe it but am I the thing described in my day-to-day function?  At least for this moment on Monday morning I am not in love with my dream of spiritual family. I do have a deep respect for each of you and I am praying for our love to grow for each other and the people we serve."

THE RELUCTANT LEADER COMMENT:
I agree with Dietrich, and with Russ.

FYI, that's Dietrich in pix above, not Russ.

NOTE: Urgent prayer request on my 'accidental missionary' blog.

Gossip

Steven Furtick’s recent blog about the ministry of gossip - “I Don’t Want To Hear It” – got me thinking about gossip…

The Bible says:

a gossip betrays a confidence - Prov 11:13

a gossip separates close friends  - Prov 16:28

Why is something so clearly condemned in the Bible so accepted in church?

My quick thoughts about gossip:

- Gossip is not unique to your culture, generation, gender, educational level, social status -- it strikes everywhere.

- Don’t believe everything you hear.

- If you are a gossip, don’t believe everything you say.

- Unfortunately most of us are experts at rationalizing our gossip. Some of my favs:

        “I only tell my closest friends.”

        “I only tell my prayer partners.”

        “I thought he/she already knew.”

        “I think he/she deserves to know.”

        “Don’t worry, he/she will not tell anyone.”

May God help us tame our tongues so we will not betray a confidence or destroy a friendship.

My Aussie Adventure, So Far…

My OZ travel adventure, so far:

FRIDAY. Overnight flight. Manila to Singapore to Brisbane. Long night. Uncomfortable seat. Little sleep. I'm here primarily to minister at 2 state Christian Outreach Center (COC) leadership conferences. COC is a church planting movement that started in Brisbane 35v years ago.

SATURDAY.  Landed Brisbane 9AM. Met some of the great Christian Outreach Center  pastors. Beautiful city. Slept, finally.

SUNDAY. Preached 2 services at Citipointe COC Church. Amazing worship. All original songs. Can’t wait to get these CDs to Jose & Terri. Drove Brisbane to Sunshine Coast. Preached PM service @ Suncoast Church. Great worship again.

MONDAY. COC Queensland pastors’ conference. Finally met COC national director, David McDonald. Felt like I was listening to myself when David talked about church & ministry. He’s a “legend.”

TUESDAY. Preached about Discipleship Principles & Process.

WEDNESDAY.  Drove back to Brisbane to fly to New Castle to minister to the COC New South Wales pastors on Discipleship Philosophy.

THURSDAY. Taught Discipleship Principles and listened great messages from Phil Campbell (cousin of Wes) and Jack McD (son of David McD).

Will post rest of the story tomorrow…

Latest "accidental missionary" post: Late Update From Australia

What is an Every Nation Church?

"What is the key to empowering next generation leaders, and not seeing them eventually run off and do their own thing?"

I have been asked many versions of the above question countless times.

My answer is always something like this: before you empower leaders, you have to establish exactly what you are empowering them to do. In other words you have to be crystal clear about your mission, vision and values. If you are not clear about what you are building or where you are going - when you empower leaders, they will run full speed ahead in the wrong direction.

But, when you are clear about where you are going and what you are building, you can confidently empower next gen leaders, knowing they know what to do and where to go.

While having breakfast with my friend,  Mel Mullen, during the International Apostolic Summit last week, we had an interesting conversation about what kind of church we are trying to lead. We both expressed that we don’t always fit in the standard “Charismatic” box.

If we are not traditional Charismatic churches, then what are we?  In response to Mel's question about what kind of churches Every Nation is planting, here’s what I said:

"We want to plant churches (and campus ministries) in every nation that are Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered and socially responsible, and we want to do it in a way that is culturally relevant."

In my next few reluctant leader blogs, I want to explain what I mean by each of these ideas:

Christ-centered

Spirit-empowered

Socially Responsible

Culturally Relevant

The 2008 Charismatic Leadership Summit

While in Orlando visiting Filipino missionaries and Every Nation church planters, I participated in the Charismatic Leadership Summit, hosted by Steve Strang and Lee Grady of Charisma magazine.

Two things happened while I worshiped, prayed and talked with those 60 Charismatic leaders.

First - I felt kinda like an outsider. While I believe in the current reality of charismatic gifts, I don’t think I do life, church or ministry like traditional American Charismatics. Maybe I’ve lived overseas too long.

Second - I realized that while I may not do church and ministry in the same way, these men and women are sincerely and passionately seeking God wholeheartedly. The more I listened to them and prayed with them, the more I respected and appreciated them – most of them anyway.

I was particularly surprised by and/or impressed with:
- the practical wisdom and humor of Mike Bickle – didn’t expect the 24 hour prayer guy to be practical or funny
- the passionate fire of Wellington Boone – that guy hates compromise & isn’t afraid to name names
- the compassion of Rodney Howard-Brown – his love for people was contagious
- the quietness of Rick Joyner – he hardly spoke a word, but furiously took notes every time anyone spoke
- the quiet/strong leadership of Steve Strang – this guy gave all these preachers a 10 minute time limit, and no one violated it - a modern miracle!
- the fire in Lee Grady’s bones

Most of the discussions were about the health of the Charismatic movement. After hearing everyone’s opinions, I am convinced that the key to health is quite simple – honor God and make disciples.

The Charismatic movement in America has not done either very well lately. 

Coming in a future blog: summary of Emanuele Cannistraci’s annual “International Apostolic Leadership Summit”

Wake Up America!

The week before Christmas, Rice Broocks dragged me to one of those citywide pastors meetings that I rarely attend, because most are a waste of time.

Not this one. Glad I went.

This was a gathering of Pentecostals, Charismatics and Baptists at the Life Way building in downtown Nashville. (Life Way is like a Southern Baptist Vatican, complete with a massive statue of Billy Graham in front.)   

When I arrived, I realized this was not just a city-wide thing, but a nation-wide call for the church in America to WAKE UP.

The meeting was led by Billy Wilson, former head of the Church of God of Prophecy denomination and the driving force behind the Azuza Street Centennial. Billy now runs the Center for Spiritual Renewal, which is calling for America to wake up. 

I was shocked when Billy said that:
- only 9% of America goes to a Bible-based Pentecostal, Charismatic or Evangelical church on the average Sunday
- only 17% of America goes to any type of church on the average Sunday 
- church attendance as a percentage of population is in decline in EVERY county in EVERY state in America (except for a few counties in Hawaii - go Norman!)

Billy and his friends are trying to get America’s spiritual leaders to wake up. Here are some who have joined Billy’s Awakening America Alliance:

General Council of the Assemblies of God
Aglow International – Jane Hansen
Bethany World Prayer Center – Larry Stockstill
Charisma Magazine – Lee Grady
Christ for the Nations
CBN
Church of God of Prophecy
Eagle’s Wings – Robert Stearns
Every Home for Christ – Dick Eastman
The Foursquare Church – Jack Hayford
Global Advance – David Shibley
Harvest Evangelism – Ed Silvoso
Moody Broadcasting
Open Bible Churches
Teen Mania – Ron Luce
The Call – Lou Engle
Tommy Barnett Ministries
U.S. Prayer Center
Wellington Boone Ministries
Youth with a Mission – John Dawson

I added Every Nation to the list because I want to stay awake, and I want to help America’s spiritual leaders stay awake.

5 Foundational Priorities of a Spirit-Formed Church

Been traveling too much to blog lately. Fly to Singapore in a couple of hours, but thought I better throw something up here so both my readers would not think I died or got kidnapped. Don't want Nancy Grace flashing my mug shot and asking the world to help find the missing missionary...

A couple of weeks ago about 50 Every Nation pastors and leaders met with Pastor Jack Hayford for two days of food, fellowship, teaching and training. On my other blog I wrote about the time with Pastor Jack and the EN pastors.

Here are some notes Pastor Jack gave us, but never actually talked about. Ran out of time, I guess. Jack's notes are bold italics. My comments follow his points.

5 Foundational Priorities of a Spirit-Formed Church

1. A Vibrant Prayer Meeting – It does not matter what percentage of the church is present, as long as the prayer time is passionate and focused.
My comment: It also does not matter how loud or how long the prayer meeting is. Volume and length are Pharisaical measuring tools. God is more concerned that our prayers are biblical, sincere and faith-filled.

2. A Commitment to Prioritizing Worship – It’s not about the talent and giftedness of the music team, but the “heart-quest” for God.
My comment: It is also not about the music style. God does not prefer the latest Hillsongs to ancient hymns. He is not attracted to a certain music style. Heart - it's about having a heart after God.

3. A Central Focus on the Scriptures – Both studying and responding to the Word of God that leads to transformation.
My comment: Does not matter if you are pentecostal or conversational in your delivery, as long as the Word is communicated. God anoints His word, not my style.

4. Evangelistic Action: Shining as a Beacon in the Darkness – Through a consistent presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, declaring the whole message of the whole Gospel to mankind.
My comment: For us, this means engaging our community and culture through long-term relationships, not random acts of ambush evangelism on misc strangers.

5. Community Sensitive: Serving Social Needs – Glorifying the Father includes the Church demonstrating deeds, which reveal God’s heart of compassion through corporate action.
My comment: The early apostles told Paul to "remember the poor" (Gal2:10) as he planted churches among the Gentiles. We should do the same. No matter what place or people we are called to, we must remember the poor as we do life and ministry.

    

Learning from the Best, Part II

Sat in a room all day yesterday with friends and colleagues, asking church consulting guru, Dr. Ed Stetzer questions about church planting. This was round 2 with Ed. Click HERE for my summary of round 1.

Learned a lot, again. Here are some quick random notes from our discussion.

What is Every Nation?
We are a movement of churches that do church planting, campus ministry and world missions together.

Elitism.
Question: How do we embrace and communicate our unique vision and values, and not sound elitist? Answer: Organizational and individual humility.

Focus.
Over time, typical organizational pressure is to add to the mission and vision. Originally, Every Nation’s vision was church planting, campus ministry and world missions. According to Ed, the more we wave these banners, the higher the commitment level. But, the more we add stuff, the more we become like everyone else, and commitment wanes. The same applies to local churches. Forget trying every church growth flavor-of-the-month get-big-quick scheme. Figure out who you are supposed to be, and stay focused.

Local vs. Global.
Question: How do we balance the needs of the local church with the needs of the worldwide vision? Answer: After much discussion, we are still trying to figure that one out. 

What is "Apostolic Team" Leadership?
-A chorus not a voice.
-A group that makes decisions together not a group of individual decision-makers.
-A team that speaks apostolically not a group of apostles who speak independently.

***New post on my accidental missionary site: “Jesus Christ and the Superstars”

***HERE's the direct link to the Philippine Star article.

Pastors are Supposed to Know Stuff

Since I'm always trying to improve my diplomatic skills, I was listening to Jim Rome’s radio show yesterday, while driving my truck to meet my wife for lunch at Blue Coast (best burritos in Nashville).

I have no idea what it was, but something Bro Romy said prompted me to grab a pen & a scrap of paper and write the following list:

“The Pastor’s Job Description”

1. Know Stuff.
Pastors are supposed to know stuff – Bible, theology, history, leadership, management, etc. Therefore, we have to constantly learn. Best way I know to learn is to read. Pastors who don’t read end up either repeating things over and over or making stuff up.

2. Live Right.
People may or may not listen to our sermons, but they definitely watch how we live. That’s why, in the long run, being a good Christian is way more important than being a good preacher.

3. Preach the Bible.
Seems redundant to say, “Preach the Bible.” What else would a preacher preach? You’d be surprised. I was. I’ve heard “sermons” that hardly mention Jesus or the Bible. Too many sermons have slick power-points but little power and no point. If your pastor does not study and preach the Bible, find another church. And Pastor, if you don’t want to study and preach the Bible, find another job.

4. Be Spiritual.
Pastors do not have to be cool larger-than-life “really really good looking” type A personalities with toothpaste commercial smiles, but they do have to be spiritual. Not weird, scary, spooky, religious, mystical – spiritual. By spiritual I mean things like loving God, forgiving people, reading and applying the Bible, being a witness to neighbors and baristas.

5. Lead.
Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, volume levels, ages, ethnicities and accents. If God has called you to be a pastor, then He has also gifted you to lead. If you are not comfortable leading, find a mentor and learn.

Of course, that’s not all a pastor does – throw in some weddings, funerals, baptisms and county fair appearances - but that’s a good start.

Gotta go read another book, so I will know more stuff, so I can be a better preacher and leader.

***Not sure if this is an apology or an announcement, but... new short blog on my accidental missionary site called "Pastor on the Dance Floor" with rare vid footage of Ferdie C and Nuel N doing their thing during a training event for small group leaders. Scary.