the reluctant leader

Q&A: Does Church Membership Make One a Disciple?

Got the following questions from someone I do not know who is writing a paper for a class about whether discipleship “has value in today’s context.”
 
Here are my quick answers to his questions:
 
Q: What is a disciple?
A: A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, “fishes” for people and does this in fellowship with other disciples, while carrying a cross.
(Discipleship is not complicated. Difficult, yes. Complicated, no. It is so simple that a carpenter described it to uneducated fishermen 2000 years ago in one sentence - Matthew 4:19.)
 
Q: Do you have to be saved to be a disciple?
A: Yes. But since evangelism is the starting point of making disciples, the discipleship process starts long before one is saved.
 
Q: Are all Christians disciples? If not, what are the differences?
A: All should be, but unfortunately not all are following Jesus, fishing for people or fellowshipping with others. And not all are carrying a cross.
 
Q: Does church membership make one a disciple?
A: No. Most churches spend a lot of time and energy developing a membership process, but no time developing a discipleship process. Therefore they are good at making members, but weak when it comes to making disciples.  
 
Q: What does a disciple’s life look like?
A: Following Jesus (devotion). Fishing for people (evangelism). Fellowship with other believers (community). Carrying a cross (self-denial).
 
Q: Is being a disciple important in today’s culture or to one’s life?
A: If the Bible is important, then discipleship is important. Of course, if the Bible is no longer valid, then discipleship is an outdated concept and a waste of time - so we might as well do whatever it takes to build a crowd and call it a church.
 
Q: Who is responsible for making disciples?
A: Every person who is a follower of Jesus - no matter how old, no matter how long they have been saved, no matter where they work. Every believer should be a disciple and every believer should make disciples - EVERY believer.

Those are my quick, knee-jerk answers. If I had time to edit, I might change some of these answers, but I'm out of time and gotta go pack for my Manila-HK-Paris-Innsbruck flight to participate in the Every Nation Europe Cross Culture Conference. Let me know what you think and how you would answer my friend's questions.

Inside Steve's Brain - Celebrities, Questions & Quotes

Here are some random thoughts, questions and quotes bouncing around my brain...

1. I don't get our culture's obsession with celebrities. Why do people want a picture with someone they don't really know? And why do we care about the personal details of people we will never meet? Why not build a real friendship instead?

2. Why do so preachers and many worship leaders feel compelled to shout and yell at us? Someone needs to explain to them that the mic, amp and speakers actually make the voice louder, so they don't have to yell and scream. A normal talking voice will do just fine, no matter how large the crowd. 

3. Whatever happened to eternal judgment and hell? No one seems to talk, write or preach about it anymore, but last time I checked, it's still in the Bible.

4. QUOTE: "The Bible considers our relationships more important than our accomplishments." -- Ted Engstrom

5. QUOTE: "I don't like fishing, but I love catching fish." -- Wayne Alcorn

6. QUOTE: "They only put you out front so they have a better shot at you." -- Bishop to newly ordained pastor

7. I love to travel almost as much as I hate to pack. But the empty suitcase is calling me. We fly to Innsbruck, Austria tomorrow for a leadership gathering with our Every Nation Europe pastors and missionaries. Then we get to visit William in Bernay, France.

Coaching 101

Every Nation’s Yoda of church planting, Kevin York, is conducting a three-day “Coaching 101” seminar at our Asian Pastors Equipping Conference (APEC’09) in Singapore with 160 Asian leaders from 26 nations.
 
Here are some quick coaching quotes from Kevin:

1- Stats show that church-planters with a coach, build churches double the size of those without a coach in the first four years.

2- There are smart people everywhere who have all the answers, but the great need is for wisdom.

3- Smart people are known by their answers. Wise people are known by their questions.

4- Coaching is not about giving the right answers, but about asking the right questions.

5- Asking good questions forces people to think and come up with their own solutions, and it forces them to own those solutions.

6- People with all the answers are often frozen, indecisive and do nothing.

7- There were five frogs on a log. Four decided to jump off. How many were left? Five, because deciding and doing are two different things.

8- Coaching provides the accountability that helps put good decisions into action. Coaching gets the frog off the log.

9- Silence is NOT the same as listening.

10- Some silent people are not listening, but quietly plotting their response, ready to win the argument as soon as their opponent shuts up.

Q&A: Discipleship, Family & Priorities

Haven’t been blogging much lately. I’ll blame it on too much travel and too much twitter.
 
Now 42,000 feet above the ocean - flying from Sydney to Singapore with time to kill, so here come the blogs…
 
Got the following email questions after 3 days training 800 Australia Christian Church (the movement formerly known as AOG) on “discipleship-based church growth.”
 
QUESTION 1:
Hi mate, just finished the ACC conference with you yesterday. Loved it. You mentioned 24/7 discipleship, after the small group was conducted. At the risk of asking a stupid question, what is that?
 
ANSWER 1: What I think I was trying to say is that the small group meets once a week for 60 minutes, but discipleship is 24/7. Meaning that the 60 minute small group meeting is merely the catalyst or the starting point for the discipleship process. While much can be accomplished in that 60 minutes, real discipleship takes place in real life situations as we do life together.

 

QUESTION 2:
Also, the HARDEST thing I face is family in ministry. You said that the church was at best 5th on your priority list. Possibly another stupid question but what strategies have been successful in your life to make your family a priority. You would have to be busy so how do you do it?
 

ANSWER 2: I probably meant to say that church is 4th on my priority list. Here’s the list:

1. My relationship with God

2. My relationship with my wife

3. My relationship with my 3 sons

4. My church/ministry relationships

You are correct to say that maintaining priorities is difficult. But if priorities are not well thought-out and clearly written, then they are impossible to keep. So, I say the best way to keep proper priorities is to write them, then tell everyone. There is a build it accountability system when we go public with our priorities, especially when we prioritize family.

As always, I totally enjoyed my time with my Aussie mates. Can’t wait to return.

More Q & A coming later...

The Blame Game

It has been one week since Typhoon Ondoy baptized Manila in chaos - destroying homes and displacing 2 million people.

While thousands of ordinary people were generously giving and sacrificially serving those in need, others were busy playing the blame game. According to the blame-fixers, those responsible for the floods include: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the mayors, the senate, the congress, all sinners, God, the devil, global warming, Al Gore (the inventor of global warming), Osama bin Laden, Abu Sayyaf, Ahmajinedad, Gaddafi, Kanye West and former US president Bush (poor guy gets blamed for everything).

On my Nashville to Manila flight a couple of days ago - in order to gain some insights about suffering - I read the whole book of Job, the story of a man who lost it all, then some.

Here are my random Job notes from 30,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean.

1. Bad things happen to seemingly good and innocent people. Four times Job is described as "blameless and upright" yet he experienced horrible suffering.

2. The devil is real and he comes to "steal, kill and destroy." Chapter 1 makes it clear that all Job's pain and loss was an act of the devil, not an act of God.

3. People experiencing bad times need good friends. When you have friends who are suffering, try doing what Job's friends did in Job 2:13 "Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was."

4. Good friends often give bad counsel. Unfortunately, after that week of silence, Job's friends opened their mouths and stuck both feet in, nasty shoes and all.

5. Some things can't be explained and some "why?" questions can't be answered. The book of Job never answers the "why?" question. But is does paint a good picture of "how" - how to find God in our pain and how to respond to calamity.

6. We can find God in our pain and loss, if we do what Job did when he realized the extent of his loss - "then he fell to the ground in worship..." Do we only worship God in the good times?

7. In the end, the blessing of God caught up with and overtook Job. Most people don't press through and read the whole book of Job. But if you endure til the end, you will find that "the Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the former." Job 42:12 And if we endure past our pain, we will find God in the end.

Rep. Ruffy Biazon: "I Try to Focus on the Positive, But There Are Heartaches Too"

 

 I landed in Manila around midnight last night. Glad to be back, but sad to see the devastation. Way too much to do before my flight to Australia tomorrow.

Here's what Congressman Ruffy Biazon posted about the flood on facefbook yesterday. Ruffy is a longtime Victory member. Please pray for him and others in authority as they wrestle with huge needs and limited resources.

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A few days ago I wrote about how uplifted I was at the outpouring generosity of people who extended helping hands to the victims of typhoon Ondoy. I wrote about the heroism of those who gave even their own lives for others. My eyes moisten when I tell and re-tell the stories of generosity, bravery and sacrifice rising above the misery brought about by the floodwaters of Ondoy.

But it seems that even optimism sometimes gets defeated and discouragement prevails. My eyes still get moist but it’s not because of stories of victory over adversity but because of situations and incidents that drain away all positive energy in me.

Earlier, I wrote about how the best in people are brought out in times like these. I did not mention it before but I’m saying it now, situations like this also bring out the worst in people.

Like our enterprising countrymen who saw the opportunity to earn during this crisis by ferrying people aboard bancas and other improvised floating devices and charging a fee. My constituents tell me that they are charged Fifty Pesos (P 50 ) per head for that ferry service traveling a distance that they used to pay Fifteen Pesos (P 15) for. It’s sad that in this time of need, there are those who take advantage of the situation.

Another instance where the dark side of people come out is seen during the distribution of relief goods. There are those who get more than their share, often resorting to lying, stealing or bullying. People who line up more than once, or in instances where pre-distributed stubs are given out, insist that they just lost their stub and demand to be given relief or swipe the goods straight from the delivery trucks.

An incident happened in one of the evacuation centers here involving a well-known NGO. As the group of the NGO arrived to hand out relief goods, they were met by an eager throng of people all wanting to get the packs of relief goods. The staff of the NGO tried to impose order and told the people to line up to receive the goods. But the people refused to fall in line, and started pushing towards the NGO staff and the relief packs.

The crowd grew more impatient and rowdy and the situation became tense. The NGO staff decided to leave without distributing the goods.

In another incident, two evacuees got into an argument about the relief goods. Tempers grew hot and eventually they had a fight. After a couple of minutes, one walked away and the other had to be carried away straight to the hospital. He was stabbed. Over relief goods.

One would think that such behavior is due to the depressing situation the people are in in the evacuation centers. But even on the other side of the fence—those who give the relief—there are people who show their dark streaks. Workers who, instead of distributing stubs fairly, either choose only those close to them or worse, hoard it for themselves; or pilferages of donated goods by those entrusted with them…these are things that just leave you wondering how people can be so numb to the plight of others while unjustly helping themselves to the goods which were not meant for them.

But as one who has the official and moral responsibility to look after welfare of my constituents, my heartache is most deep when I go home at the end of day, eat a hot meal, take a shower and drop myself on my comfortable bed and then think of the hardship that thousands of my constituents are suffering that moment.

I try to console myself thinking that I was able to make their lives a little bearable, but any consolation immediately crumbles as I remember many more who have yet to receive any assistance.

My constituents are more than just statistics of evacuees to me. Neither are they just votes to go after come election time. Having spent almost nine years as their representative in Congress, I know many of them by name or recognize their faces. I have developed a relationship with my constituents through constant and regular interaction with them through my projects and dialogues. Many of them had me as their wedding sponsor, godfather to their child’s baptism, invited me to their birthday parties and family reunions.

Nowadays my cellphone beeps every few minutes as I receive messages pleading for the delivery of relief goods to my hungry, thirsty and tired constituents. My email and Facebook accounts are no different, with messages calling, crying for help.

It really is a depressing situation. I have tried to put up a brave front and try to focus on the positive. But one can only do so much to avoid giving in. The feeling is not far removed from a situation that we sometimes experience as parents. Imagine this—you have four children all of whom are hungry. But you can only afford to buy food for three. The agony of such a dilemma is the same as the agony now.

What makes it worse and more painful is that not all people know and understand the situation I and others like me are in. What most people only know is that we have the responsibility to respond and any shortcoming is unconscionable. Suspicions about politicians doing relief operations only for votes, accusations of government officials holding back on resources or being choosy on who to give relief to add to the heartache. But it’s part of the job, so all one can do is swallow and continue the work.

Focus on the good. That’s what I keep telling myself. Just focus on the good and do your job well. But once in a while, I think I’m entitled loosen the pressure valve. This job has its fulfilling moments. But it also has heartaches. It is an emotional rollercoaster ride, but thank God, it always ends with hope. Because I end the day with a prayer.

Imagine Losting Everything You Own: Sad But True Manila Flood Stories

Imagine LOSING EVERYTHING YOU OWN - clothes, furniture, photos, electronics... EVERYTHING. That's what happened to thousands of Filipinos this weekend, including some of my friends and some of our Victory pastors.

Rather than trying to write my own thoughts, I'm re-posting Marie Bonifacio's account of the flood. I fly to Manila tomorrow. Will post my own thoughts after I get there and see for my self.

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Sometimes, some sadness is so sad it has to be shared. So I hope you don't mind if I give you an update of what's been happening. We've gone through coups, trials both national and personal but this typhoon so far, takes the cake.I guess it's also the spread of the damage and the number of people we personally know that's been affected...

1) Nelle Nguyen:  we had no contact since Saturday but a team with Joseph B., Chrysso and others were able to reach her home this afternoon Sept 28 Mon.  Hugh is in the US as well as Timmy so it was Nelle here and the younger ones with the helper/s.  Floodwaters had entered the house. Waters have receded so she's in the process of cleaning her belongings. Team came just in time to bring her some food packs. Will find out tomorrow what else can be done (ex. help with house cleaning, cell phone etc.)

2) Victory-Fort Pastors  Jeff Eliscupidez and Junjin Gepilano families:
Both Pastor were at the Fort Saturday when rains came. They were unable to reach their families til the ff day( Sun am). The Gepilanos live in Moonwalk.  Wendy (Junjin's wife) said the waters INSIDE the house reached waist level.  It rose so suddenly, so her dilemma was how to get her 3 kids out (2 young girls and 1 young son who's a special child).  By the time they got out the gate, the muddy waters had reached chest level (adult!). She and 2 helpers grabbed one child each and inched their way grasping from one gate to the side of the walls. Wendy was holding on to her son.  Unfortunately, because of his condition, he thought the flood was one big swimming pool and broke free and dove! He sank down and was carried by the current. (Believe it or not flood waters are strong!)  Thank God, a Barangay tanod guy grabbed him downstream!  Junjin said when he heard his son almost drowned, his heart turned.  Never mind if he lost everything, house appliances, car, clothes, furniture, pics, etc...he was just so grateful to have his family all safe.  All they had were the wet clothes on their back.  The flood water was so strong, it actually detached the cabinets that were built in to the walls!
Right now they are camping out in a sister's house (Junjin's sister). Up to now, Wendy cannot bear to even visit her home despite offers to help clean it.  Junjin still goes to the Fort as he still helps to deploy people out.

Jeff's family also had water fill their home.  His wife called to say they had waded out to a school that had been used as an evacuation center.  It was so difficult for him to hear all this via cellphone while he was stuck at the fort helpless because SLEX road was IMPASSABLE that Saturday.  People actually whose cars were on top of the SLEX even ahd to climb up out of the cars since the waters were so high. Some were plucked out by trucks that were also stuck in traffic. It became more frustrating when his wife cell phone died and hence no more communication from evening til morning.  As of today, Monday, we're still waiting to hear word from him and his family of how they are.

There are also stories from Cleve & Joan de la Calzada, Jun & Maru Besana, (Victory-Pasig church, water went past stage level),  etc. etc.  We are also still trying to find out how Arnie & Janet are.  To think these are just the pastors.

Then there are the countless church members and staff...
Edwin Navarro's mom (same story, Edwin picked her up today but had to walk to her house as road was too muddy). He relocate them to Novaliches.  Edwin was so grateful for the clean clothes and packs he was able to bring cause everything his mom and sister owned was so muddy even the lavandera they got to help surrendered!  All coated with mud even underwear.

There's also Culbert * Geraldine (house and office affected), Carol & Vince ( waters entered house, van, factory). I'm even trying to find some of my Poveda friends still incommunicado til today.

On a personal note, do also pray for our safety. David's been able to finnagle a Fire Truck so they've been going out distributing food packs day & night.  Last nite someone threw a rock in their window.  Joseph too has been out on the field. Joshua's been helping Joey with his website and Josh will be heading out tomorrow.  Oh pray for my hubby.

But when morning comes and we see the volunteers and their cheery faces, oh how our burdens lift!!! (Even tho at times having so many people asking what to do is (as someone described it) like your kids asking Mom can I help you cook dinner?  You love it but it sure takes a lot of supervision too) ; >

I know God has a reason for doing this.  Maybe He soaked and ruined every shabu or drug den that's been hiding.  Maybe He's putting the fear of the Lord on the wealthy who do not seek Him (one story of a car dealer, lost MILLIONs cause all his luxury cars for sale all underwater in Balintawak avenue Quezon City.  (Cars not covered in insurance policies unless specified). I just know He has a reason.  Its just the day to day living where we need his grace.
Well, thanks for reading this far.  I hope I never have to write you another note like this again.

Much much thanks,
Marie
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vids & pix of the devastation & our relief work here.

If You Could Shrink our World to 100...

Got the following from my friend, Mark Conner:

If we could shrink the earth’s population to a village of exactly 100 people it would look like this:

- 1 of the villagers would have a college/university education

- 1 of the villagers would own a computer

- 70 villagers would be unable to read

- 20 of the villagers would earn more than 12,000 AUD a year

- 80 villagers would live in sub-standard housing

- 9 of the villagers would possess 50 percent of the wealth

- 50 of the villagers would suffer from malnutrition

- 60 villagers would live where torture & ill-treatment by the authorities is common

- 30 of the villagers would be Christian

- 28 of the villagers would not have a Christian friend

What are you doing about it?

What Does It Mean to Be Apostolic?

Had a good discussion with a room full of leaders in Nashville last week, talking about what it means to be an “apostolic” church movement.

 

Here are some of our thoughts:

 

1. Unfortunately apostolic is usually defined in governmental terms of “who is in charge” rather than in missional terms of what are we called to do.

 

2. The starting point of any apostolic discussion should be the mission, not the authority structure.

 

3. Authority structures exist to serve and protect mission. The mission dies not exist to prop up the authority structure.

 

 

Biblical apostolic teams should:

 

1. Provide visionary leadership for health, growth and expansion

 

2. Equip people to be more effective in ministry

 

3. Provide governmental leadership in times of crisis and emergency

3 Big Parenting Decisions

Parenting is a tough job, with lots of tough decisions. Here are 3 big decisions that will affect our kids for the rest of their lives – for better or for worse.

1. Names & nicknames. Remember that kid with the weird name, that everyone laughed at when the teacher called roll? Do you want that to be your kid? If not, then you better name your children for them, not for you. It may sound cute now, but what about 15 or 30 years from now? (And, please don't give a boy a girl's name. There's already enough gender confusion out there.)

2. Church. Attend a church your children will love, even if you don’t like the music, or the pastor. Too many parents drag their kids to churches they like, but their kids hate. Bad move.    

3. Education. Forget the “educating kids God’s way” seminar; there is not just one “Christian” choice. Public, private or home school - I have seen all three succeed and fail – depends on the child and the parents and the school district. You have to figure out what is best for your family. Make this choice prayerfully. Failure here is huge.

What are some other big parenting decisions?