I will be dealing with things that affect and cause Church growth. Over the next several issues I will be highlighting growing Churchs and interviewing the leaders of "America's fastest growing Churches". Church leaders and planters (launchers), please shoot me comments of things that worked for you.
Jesus often said, "If you have seen me, you have seen the father.
Here is how it applies to us as Pastors and leaders:
Psalms 133 tells us that the anointing and vision flows down from the head, to the beard and then to the edge of the garment.
* Every ministry volunteer and leader should represent God by representing their leader. It is not possible for every person as your Church grows to know intimately the Senior Pastor but if they have seen you, they have seen the Pastor. If they hear you, they should hear the Pastor, if they see the parking lot attendants, they should hear the Pastor. We are to be speaking the same thing (examples of life transformation). True vision is always life transformation centered (Luke 4:1-6).
* Paul calls us ambassadors of Christ. If their is a crises in Europe, the ambassador who represents America goes and speaks the opinion of the govt he represents. He does not voice his own opinion. He has the backing of his govt (anointing and authority). In the same way no matter where you serve in your Church, you are a ambassador who represents your leadership, you do not voice your opinion publicly. If you have a opinion you voice it to your leader privately. It does not matter if you disagree, when you voice it publicly it is the seed of rebellion. I have learned I may not always agree with my leader but I will never voice that disagreement publicy, but instead I honor him before the people.
* When you receive a vision from your leader, as you share with those you lead, it may have your personality, D.N.A, hard wiring, and temperament embedded in it, but it is the same vision.
* Senior leaders are responsible to empower their leaders publicly (those who are faithful) through their voice. This stimulates a multiplication of the vision and a flowing down of the vision. It is not intended to stay at the head but to flow down to the edge of the garments (body life).
* Jesus said, my sheep know my voice, do your followers know your voice (voice of the vision)?Once it is embedded in them, they will not follow another vision.
* Do you provide a platform so that your leaders can amplify your voice (test them privately before release them publicly)?
Here is a great illustration I heard recently, the difference between Duplicating tapes and digitalizing Cd's.
* When you are duplicating tapes, the more tapes you make of the original copy, the worse the quality of that tape. The sound quality is compromised.
* With digital recording and duplication, it does not matter how many Cd's you copy, you still have the original quality.
We must find a way to digitize the vision by zeroing in on what needs to be said, how it needs to be said, and to whom it should be said, so that the same oil that flows at the top flows all the way to the edge of the garment. No matter who people encounter in your ministry, they are getting the same quality of the original.
When training your leaders and reproducing leaders, the emphasis should be on 25% detail and 75% vision. How do you do this? By sharing with them 1) How lives are changed and 2) How they are part of the transformation process.
As pastors we need to reinforce vision every week by celebrating on stage (publicly) the life transformation of you vision (stories of people who have been impacted). Then you celebrate the people who make it happen (those that clean the Church, greet people, plug speaker cables in...). This spreads excitement and builds momentum.
Rick Warren says the vision should be repeated every 23 days. I have observed the leaders of the exploding Churches doing it weekly, it is intertwined in every service. One leader told me recently that people do not give to need, they give to vision (putting lives that have been impacted on public display). It is not your mission statement or vision statement, it is stories of lives that have been impacted by your vision. Vision is contagious!
Blessings,
Craig Sloan
Wednesday
"Understanding the Seasons of Life"
My guest blogger today is Craig Groeshel.
Because a pastor’s schedule, role, and duties differ from other professions, the rhythms of life should differ as well.
*Your rhythms will vary based on several things including: The stage of development of your ministry. For example, starting a ministry or transitioning a ministry might take more effort than other seasons.
*The age of your kids.
*The focus of your ministry.
I’d suggest that you embrace the season that you are in. (Don’t act like it is summer if it is winter). Here are a few of the ways I’ve embraced the different seasons.
In the early years of the church, I worked almost non-stop. Some might think I’m exaggerating, but my wife would tell you I’m not. (She understood and embraced that season as best she could with the promise of a new season coming.) Once the church was off-the-ground, I intentionally slowed the pace and arranged my schedule to spend much more time at home with our growing family. Instead of multiple short breaks from ministry/church, I’m now taking fewer, but longer and more restful breaks. During the first ten years of the church, I didn’t write books or speak at conferences. My sole effort was on building the church.
In this season, I invest way more time in developing leaders than in the past. With six children at home, I limit my travel schedule to about one night out a month. Once the kids are older, I look forward to much more international travel. Are you doing anything that is inconsistent with your season of life and ministry? Please share any seasonal rhythms that work well for you.
Because a pastor’s schedule, role, and duties differ from other professions, the rhythms of life should differ as well.
*Your rhythms will vary based on several things including: The stage of development of your ministry. For example, starting a ministry or transitioning a ministry might take more effort than other seasons.
*The age of your kids.
*The focus of your ministry.
I’d suggest that you embrace the season that you are in. (Don’t act like it is summer if it is winter). Here are a few of the ways I’ve embraced the different seasons.
In the early years of the church, I worked almost non-stop. Some might think I’m exaggerating, but my wife would tell you I’m not. (She understood and embraced that season as best she could with the promise of a new season coming.) Once the church was off-the-ground, I intentionally slowed the pace and arranged my schedule to spend much more time at home with our growing family. Instead of multiple short breaks from ministry/church, I’m now taking fewer, but longer and more restful breaks. During the first ten years of the church, I didn’t write books or speak at conferences. My sole effort was on building the church.
In this season, I invest way more time in developing leaders than in the past. With six children at home, I limit my travel schedule to about one night out a month. Once the kids are older, I look forward to much more international travel. Are you doing anything that is inconsistent with your season of life and ministry? Please share any seasonal rhythms that work well for you.
Tuesday
"Putting Power in Your Prayers"
I have been studying about "Honor" for several weeks. This week God showed me something, I would like to share with you.
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, likewise dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel.
Here are several thoughts, that I received out of this scripture.
* Weaker vessel doesn't mean your wife is below you, it only means she can't bench press 300 pounds. The amplified says physically weaker to all you chauvinistic men out there. She may be weaker (physically) than you are , but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life.
* We are equal partners, joint heirs... She receives the same grace, anointing, and potential as I do.
* Peter goes on to say that when we do not properly honor our wives, our prayer will not be answered (ouch!). If you honor your wife, you can have confidence in your prayers to God.
* Let me speak to some husbands, including me, do you treat your wife as valuable? D you listen to her words, or do you shun her? I have learned the hard way that most wives are far more discerning than we are, and more often than not, if we fail to listen to them, we will experience pain
* In the Kingdom of God there is neither male nor female... (Gal. 3:28). If you take the masculine and the feminine and put the two together and you'll find the complete reflection of God's image, Genesis tells us that He created him, male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27). God created him in His own image, but "him" is spelled out "male and female". It takes the male and female to give us the full representation of God. For that reason Paul states, "Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord" (1 Cor. 11:11).
* We honor our wives in two ways: first as the weaker vessel (means we treat them like ladies) by protecting them, opening doors for her, pulling out the chair in the restaurant, protecting her from rude people (always protect), it also means we should prefer our wives, for example if you only have enough money to buy one outfit for a special occasion, buy it for her instead of buying one for yourself.
To lead in the Kingdom is not dominating but serving, always prefer her desires to yours unless it is a major decision and you have clear direction from God.
Secondly, by honoring them as joints heirs. This means she has equal standing in the eyes of God. This is contrary to most denominational mindsets. Women are not inferior, you don't have an advantage over them because you are a man. God's favor is held from Churches that believe the women are inferior. In fact you will find oppression, heaviness, and bondage in these places.
We must ask ourselves some questions, in some Churches why are women not included in the leadership teams? Why are females not given the same privilege to minister as the men? Why are women not included on the pastoral teams of some Churches? Why do we hear the Fathers voice and not the mother's voice? The body of Christ has been crippled due to the dishonor shown to women.
* Joel prophesied of the full restoration of women in ministry in the final days of the Church (Acts 2:17-18).
Psalms 68:11 says in the amplified, "the Lord gives the word (of power); the women who bear and publish (the news) are a great host (company).
* The first evangelist was Mary Magdalene, Jesus himself commissioned her to go tell the disciples, He had risen (John 20:17-18), and in Luke's gospel she was the lead speaker in proclaiming the Lord's Resurrection (Luke 24:10). The first person to speak to others of the Messiahs arrival was Anna (Luke 2:38). Philip had four daughters who spoke the word of the Lord (Acts 21:9) (I have 5 young evangelist). How can we fulfill the great commission if over half of the body of Christ is not honored to fulfill their calling?
Here is what we get men if we honor our wives.
1) Fulfilled women who are free to give full expression to what God's called them to do. The opposite is they will be depressed, unfulfilled, and limited.
2) Double the fruitfulness and maximum potential. You can produce and accomplish more together than you can by yourself.
3) Fulfilled Love life. If we honor our wives, they will honor us (yea baby!) Some men are still wondering why they never get sex from their wives, it is because if you treat them like they are nothing, you will get nothing!
4) Your children will serve the Lord. It is much easier for your children to serve the Lord if they can see the fullness in God than if they see division in the home. Who wants to serve a God that treats women like that. Let's be real men at home and not just at Church.
5) Answered prayer and open doors.
6) The Lord's blessing and favor on your finances, family, and faith. I believe one of the number one reasons marriages struggle with finances is because we don't honor our wives.
Let me finish by clarifying, I'm not a expert, I have not been perfected in this, but I can tell you I will strive to honor my wife in every way possible. From 1999 to 2004 I was on the road preaching. All I remember is getting on airplanes and getting off. Tara never complained, she was behind me and beside me 100%. I know someday, I will have the privilege and honor of carrying her bags and holding the fort as she travels all over the world preaching the gospel, I always tell people, she is a much better communicator than me, and I also know she will write many best selling books.
Here's to you babe, I will do my best to honor you for the rest of our lives. God, forgive me when I haven't.
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, likewise dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel.
Here are several thoughts, that I received out of this scripture.
* Weaker vessel doesn't mean your wife is below you, it only means she can't bench press 300 pounds. The amplified says physically weaker to all you chauvinistic men out there. She may be weaker (physically) than you are , but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life.
* We are equal partners, joint heirs... She receives the same grace, anointing, and potential as I do.
* Peter goes on to say that when we do not properly honor our wives, our prayer will not be answered (ouch!). If you honor your wife, you can have confidence in your prayers to God.
* Let me speak to some husbands, including me, do you treat your wife as valuable? D you listen to her words, or do you shun her? I have learned the hard way that most wives are far more discerning than we are, and more often than not, if we fail to listen to them, we will experience pain
* In the Kingdom of God there is neither male nor female... (Gal. 3:28). If you take the masculine and the feminine and put the two together and you'll find the complete reflection of God's image, Genesis tells us that He created him, male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27). God created him in His own image, but "him" is spelled out "male and female". It takes the male and female to give us the full representation of God. For that reason Paul states, "Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord" (1 Cor. 11:11).
* We honor our wives in two ways: first as the weaker vessel (means we treat them like ladies) by protecting them, opening doors for her, pulling out the chair in the restaurant, protecting her from rude people (always protect), it also means we should prefer our wives, for example if you only have enough money to buy one outfit for a special occasion, buy it for her instead of buying one for yourself.
To lead in the Kingdom is not dominating but serving, always prefer her desires to yours unless it is a major decision and you have clear direction from God.
Secondly, by honoring them as joints heirs. This means she has equal standing in the eyes of God. This is contrary to most denominational mindsets. Women are not inferior, you don't have an advantage over them because you are a man. God's favor is held from Churches that believe the women are inferior. In fact you will find oppression, heaviness, and bondage in these places.
We must ask ourselves some questions, in some Churches why are women not included in the leadership teams? Why are females not given the same privilege to minister as the men? Why are women not included on the pastoral teams of some Churches? Why do we hear the Fathers voice and not the mother's voice? The body of Christ has been crippled due to the dishonor shown to women.
* Joel prophesied of the full restoration of women in ministry in the final days of the Church (Acts 2:17-18).
Psalms 68:11 says in the amplified, "the Lord gives the word (of power); the women who bear and publish (the news) are a great host (company).
* The first evangelist was Mary Magdalene, Jesus himself commissioned her to go tell the disciples, He had risen (John 20:17-18), and in Luke's gospel she was the lead speaker in proclaiming the Lord's Resurrection (Luke 24:10). The first person to speak to others of the Messiahs arrival was Anna (Luke 2:38). Philip had four daughters who spoke the word of the Lord (Acts 21:9) (I have 5 young evangelist). How can we fulfill the great commission if over half of the body of Christ is not honored to fulfill their calling?
Here is what we get men if we honor our wives.
1) Fulfilled women who are free to give full expression to what God's called them to do. The opposite is they will be depressed, unfulfilled, and limited.
2) Double the fruitfulness and maximum potential. You can produce and accomplish more together than you can by yourself.
3) Fulfilled Love life. If we honor our wives, they will honor us (yea baby!) Some men are still wondering why they never get sex from their wives, it is because if you treat them like they are nothing, you will get nothing!
4) Your children will serve the Lord. It is much easier for your children to serve the Lord if they can see the fullness in God than if they see division in the home. Who wants to serve a God that treats women like that. Let's be real men at home and not just at Church.
5) Answered prayer and open doors.
6) The Lord's blessing and favor on your finances, family, and faith. I believe one of the number one reasons marriages struggle with finances is because we don't honor our wives.
Let me finish by clarifying, I'm not a expert, I have not been perfected in this, but I can tell you I will strive to honor my wife in every way possible. From 1999 to 2004 I was on the road preaching. All I remember is getting on airplanes and getting off. Tara never complained, she was behind me and beside me 100%. I know someday, I will have the privilege and honor of carrying her bags and holding the fort as she travels all over the world preaching the gospel, I always tell people, she is a much better communicator than me, and I also know she will write many best selling books.
Here's to you babe, I will do my best to honor you for the rest of our lives. God, forgive me when I haven't.
Monday
"When to Pray for Your Pastor"
I have a guest blog today from Perry Noble who is shaking South Carolina for the Glory of God. I will be going to visit his campuses soon, to see how they do what they do. Keep up the great work Perry!
Perry Noble dot com
pastor, NewSpring Church
When To Pray For Your Pastor
I’ve had four conversations in the past several weeks where someone has said to me, “Perry, my family and I pray for you and your family everyday.”
Let me be very clear…there is almost NOTHING ELSE I would rather hear from a Springers (attender/member of NewSpring) mouth than that! It always blows me away that people would think enough of me, Lucretia and Charisse to talk to the Creator of the Universe on our behalf.
I know there are people from other churches who read this site and I would strongly encourage you to pray for your pastor…when are the three times he needs it the most?
#1 - Sunday Night/Monday Morning
If a pastor EVER feels like giving up–it’s either on Sunday night or Monday morning.
I would say that 99% of the worlds population doesn’t really have a clue as to what pastors endure emotionally, physically and spiritually.
If they are going to be under a heavy spiritual attack…it’s usually during this time.
If they are going to have a sleepless night, even though they are exhausted–it will be on Sunday night.
If they are going to battle discouragement…it will be on Sunday night.
Trust me on this folks…I am saying what most pastors won’t tell you (either because of insecurity or some sort of Messiah complex!)
When a pastor preaches a message he has SEVERAL adrenalin rushes–ever had one of those? Sure you have! Let’s say you are riding down the road in a car and another car runs a stop sigh and you manage to avoid a collision by mere inches.
BAM…you get an adrenalin rush that studies show it takes between four to six hours to recover from.
NOW–take under consideration that most pastors in today’s world preach more than one sermon per Sunday…and with the shots of adrenalin the body produces to keep the dude going…it completely kicks his butt–I promise. That is why it is so essential to lift him up during this time–he feels like a used washed cloth!
#2 - On Saturday Nights
If I am going to have a sleepless night, other than Sunday night–it’s Saturday.
Pastors have a hard time shutting their minds off on Saturday night–we think about the message, the music, who is and is not going to be there…and about one million other things. We can literally drive ourselves crazy.
ALSO…for me personally, if I am going to have any sort of nightmare–it’s usually on Saturday night. Oh yeah…PLEASE don’t just pray for him…but his entire family as well!!! There needs to be complete peace in and on the pastor’s house the night before church…and I believe that this comes through people passionately praying to God on his behalf.
#3 - Anytime The Holy Spirit Brings Him To Mind
If you are riding down the road and your pastors name pops into your mind…pray for him. It really is that simple.
If you are in your living room and watching television and his name pops in your mind…pray for him.
If you are riding down the road and you see a dead squirrel splatted all over the place and your pastors name pops in your mind…PRAY FOR YOURSELF, you have issues!!! :-)
The Holy Spirit knows when people need prayer…and I can’t tell you the number of times He’s brought someone’s name to my mind, I’ve prayed for them and then later found out that at the exact time I prayed for them was at a time when God was doing some serious work in their lives.
Perry Noble dot com
pastor, NewSpring Church
When To Pray For Your Pastor
I’ve had four conversations in the past several weeks where someone has said to me, “Perry, my family and I pray for you and your family everyday.”
Let me be very clear…there is almost NOTHING ELSE I would rather hear from a Springers (attender/member of NewSpring) mouth than that! It always blows me away that people would think enough of me, Lucretia and Charisse to talk to the Creator of the Universe on our behalf.
I know there are people from other churches who read this site and I would strongly encourage you to pray for your pastor…when are the three times he needs it the most?
#1 - Sunday Night/Monday Morning
If a pastor EVER feels like giving up–it’s either on Sunday night or Monday morning.
I would say that 99% of the worlds population doesn’t really have a clue as to what pastors endure emotionally, physically and spiritually.
If they are going to be under a heavy spiritual attack…it’s usually during this time.
If they are going to have a sleepless night, even though they are exhausted–it will be on Sunday night.
If they are going to battle discouragement…it will be on Sunday night.
Trust me on this folks…I am saying what most pastors won’t tell you (either because of insecurity or some sort of Messiah complex!)
When a pastor preaches a message he has SEVERAL adrenalin rushes–ever had one of those? Sure you have! Let’s say you are riding down the road in a car and another car runs a stop sigh and you manage to avoid a collision by mere inches.
BAM…you get an adrenalin rush that studies show it takes between four to six hours to recover from.
NOW–take under consideration that most pastors in today’s world preach more than one sermon per Sunday…and with the shots of adrenalin the body produces to keep the dude going…it completely kicks his butt–I promise. That is why it is so essential to lift him up during this time–he feels like a used washed cloth!
#2 - On Saturday Nights
If I am going to have a sleepless night, other than Sunday night–it’s Saturday.
Pastors have a hard time shutting their minds off on Saturday night–we think about the message, the music, who is and is not going to be there…and about one million other things. We can literally drive ourselves crazy.
ALSO…for me personally, if I am going to have any sort of nightmare–it’s usually on Saturday night. Oh yeah…PLEASE don’t just pray for him…but his entire family as well!!! There needs to be complete peace in and on the pastor’s house the night before church…and I believe that this comes through people passionately praying to God on his behalf.
#3 - Anytime The Holy Spirit Brings Him To Mind
If you are riding down the road and your pastors name pops into your mind…pray for him. It really is that simple.
If you are in your living room and watching television and his name pops in your mind…pray for him.
If you are riding down the road and you see a dead squirrel splatted all over the place and your pastors name pops in your mind…PRAY FOR YOURSELF, you have issues!!! :-)
The Holy Spirit knows when people need prayer…and I can’t tell you the number of times He’s brought someone’s name to my mind, I’ve prayed for them and then later found out that at the exact time I prayed for them was at a time when God was doing some serious work in their lives.
Thursday
"Who is Over You?"
Someone recently asked me, how do you know the men (or women) that God has placed over you in your life (Galatians 4:1-3)?
Paul tells us that though we are heirs to everything, as long as we are children, we will live like slaves. As long as you remain immature, you will live your life falling short of your destiny. It will always be within your reach, but you can't quite grab it. He also tells us that we are put under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the Father.
He is telling us that the Father has prepared everything we need to fulfill our destiny but it is locked up in those that God
places over us. One pastor recently told me that his life did not really progress into fruitfulness and success until he discovered those that God had placed over him, I call them the voices of wisdom. They hold the keys to your future. The can speak one word and it unlocks...
Here is how I qualify them:
1) Will always speak to your strengths not your weaknesses.
* If you are under people that always point out your weaknesses but never speak to your strengths, you will stay frustrated and limited.
* They will see potential in you others don't see, and they call those things that are not as though they were.
* God has always called people by their prophetic potential not their present reality (Gideon,
Abraham, Peter...).
2) They will celebrate your insignificant successes.
*They will affirm you and build you up. They will not be insecure of your successes. Saul was intimidated by David's success. When did he begin to hate David? When the people began to say, Paul has slain his thousands but David has slain his tens of thousands.
* What you celebrate will grow, what you ignore will diminish.
* People are built to be reward oriented. When you reward them and celebrate their victories, it will empower them to go to the next level and they will be loyal to you.
* Jesus didn't perform one miracle until His father affirmed him (This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased). Here the father is affirming his son even though Jesus had not accomplished anything in his minstry yet.
3) They will resource you for success.
* They will not give you handouts because then you will be dependant upon them. Rather, they will teach you how to get what they got. For example if you are always having to get someone to loan you money (cycle), you will always need someone to bail you out, but if you can learn how they got it, you can get it and keep it. (The power of asking the right questions)
* Great leaders will resource you by either buying great books or suggesting books that you need to read. They are willing to share the secrets of their success.
4) You will enjoy being around them.
* Every time you are in their presence, you will feel refreshed, encouraged, and sharpened.
* The primary role of leaders is to encourage (To put courage in) and empower (To tap into resident power or potential) those who they are leading. Everything you need is already in you, you just need the right voice to uncover it.
For example, on the day of creation God spoke to the waters and it gave up the fish, spoke to the earth and it gave up the cattle, spoke to heavens and commanded the starts to come forth. Notice everything that He created was in the source He spoke to. When He got ready to create man, He spoke to himself (Let us bring forth...). It is already there, it just needs the right voice to unearth it.
* Our focus as leaders is not to put something in you, but to pull out what is already there. we are not trying to make you, God has already made you. Our job is to introduce you to the real you!
Pray that God will reveal who is your guardians and stewards. I will deal more with this later.
Blessings,
Craig
Paul tells us that though we are heirs to everything, as long as we are children, we will live like slaves. As long as you remain immature, you will live your life falling short of your destiny. It will always be within your reach, but you can't quite grab it. He also tells us that we are put under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the Father.
He is telling us that the Father has prepared everything we need to fulfill our destiny but it is locked up in those that God
places over us. One pastor recently told me that his life did not really progress into fruitfulness and success until he discovered those that God had placed over him, I call them the voices of wisdom. They hold the keys to your future. The can speak one word and it unlocks...Here is how I qualify them:
1) Will always speak to your strengths not your weaknesses.
* If you are under people that always point out your weaknesses but never speak to your strengths, you will stay frustrated and limited.
* They will see potential in you others don't see, and they call those things that are not as though they were.
* God has always called people by their prophetic potential not their present reality (Gideon,
Abraham, Peter...).
2) They will celebrate your insignificant successes.
*They will affirm you and build you up. They will not be insecure of your successes. Saul was intimidated by David's success. When did he begin to hate David? When the people began to say, Paul has slain his thousands but David has slain his tens of thousands.
* What you celebrate will grow, what you ignore will diminish.
* People are built to be reward oriented. When you reward them and celebrate their victories, it will empower them to go to the next level and they will be loyal to you.
* Jesus didn't perform one miracle until His father affirmed him (This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased). Here the father is affirming his son even though Jesus had not accomplished anything in his minstry yet.
3) They will resource you for success.
* They will not give you handouts because then you will be dependant upon them. Rather, they will teach you how to get what they got. For example if you are always having to get someone to loan you money (cycle), you will always need someone to bail you out, but if you can learn how they got it, you can get it and keep it. (The power of asking the right questions)
* Great leaders will resource you by either buying great books or suggesting books that you need to read. They are willing to share the secrets of their success.
4) You will enjoy being around them.
* Every time you are in their presence, you will feel refreshed, encouraged, and sharpened.
* The primary role of leaders is to encourage (To put courage in) and empower (To tap into resident power or potential) those who they are leading. Everything you need is already in you, you just need the right voice to uncover it.
For example, on the day of creation God spoke to the waters and it gave up the fish, spoke to the earth and it gave up the cattle, spoke to heavens and commanded the starts to come forth. Notice everything that He created was in the source He spoke to. When He got ready to create man, He spoke to himself (Let us bring forth...). It is already there, it just needs the right voice to unearth it.
* Our focus as leaders is not to put something in you, but to pull out what is already there. we are not trying to make you, God has already made you. Our job is to introduce you to the real you!
Pray that God will reveal who is your guardians and stewards. I will deal more with this later.
Blessings,
Craig
Wednesday
"Worthy of Honor"
I was thinking of all the great leaders who have impacted my life. I believe it is important that we honor those who have held the keys that have unlocked our destiny. I want to dedicate this blog to them. Here is what they taught me.
Bishop Tony Miller
* Dream Big! The sky is the limit! God has a great Destiny for me! They were my first Pastors with a worldwide vision. I am in ministry today because of them. One of the greatest preachers on the planet!
Dr. David Rosier
* One of the greatest men of character I have ever known, genuinely cares about me as a person. He taught me that your name is more important than money, fame or power. He always sees the best in people. No matter how imperfect I am, He still sees me as a man of God.
Pastor Kathy Miller
* When I first started preaching, she saw something in me others couldn't see. She was my first real fan, cheering me on.
Pastor Ben and Elma Williams
* When I was a confused teenager, they opened their home to me, they modeled a Christ Centered Life. They helped guide me during my high school years.
Pastor Tony and Rosa River
* These are my adopted parents, they taught me that God can not only save and impact you, but He is the God who saves the entire household. Pastor Tony taught me that no matter what sell out for Christ. They modeled the sacrificial life.
Apostle Ron Carpenter
* You will always have critics in life, doubters and skeptics, but if you will maintain resolve, you will succeed and success silences the critics.
Pastor Johnnie Denson
* Be you, God made you unique and you are the best you we've got! He gave me my first ministry assignment and was the father to my awesome wife!
To all of you, I want to say thanks for believing in me, the best times of my life were spent learning from you. I can't wait for the day when I Pastor a city impacting Church and I am able to honor you every year. I dream of having a yearly celebration service where I can give you the honor you deserve. Thanks for guiding me, seeing potential in me, and no matter what sticking with me. Most of all, thank you for praying for me.
Lastly, I want to honor my best friend, an awesome preacher, teacher, administrator, Pastor's wife, writer and so much more. Thanks for enduring with me. The best is yet to come!
Blessings,
Craig
Bishop Tony Miller
* Dream Big! The sky is the limit! God has a great Destiny for me! They were my first Pastors with a worldwide vision. I am in ministry today because of them. One of the greatest preachers on the planet!
Dr. David Rosier
* One of the greatest men of character I have ever known, genuinely cares about me as a person. He taught me that your name is more important than money, fame or power. He always sees the best in people. No matter how imperfect I am, He still sees me as a man of God.
Pastor Ray Berryhill
* In the short time I have known him I have observed and admired his passion for souls and a stick-to-it-tive-ness.
Dr. Vernette Rosier
* Mom Rosier has opened my eyes to the prophetic in a new way. She is one of those people with a stirring passion for the things of God. I have always operated prophetically however there were those times when I would play it safe. It was at one of those instances that Mom Rosier looked at me square in the eye and said, “What else did God show you?” She did this about three times before I finally gave it all up and poured out what God had revealed to me.
She and Dad Rosier have been instrumental in the lives of Tara and I and we are forever grateful to God for bringing them into our lives.
Pastor Kathy Miller
* When I first started preaching, she saw something in me others couldn't see. She was my first real fan, cheering me on.
Pastor Ben and Elma Williams
* When I was a confused teenager, they opened their home to me, they modeled a Christ Centered Life. They helped guide me during my high school years.
Pastor Tony and Rosa River
* These are my adopted parents, they taught me that God can not only save and impact you, but He is the God who saves the entire household. Pastor Tony taught me that no matter what sell out for Christ. They modeled the sacrificial life.
Apostle Ron Carpenter
* You will always have critics in life, doubters and skeptics, but if you will maintain resolve, you will succeed and success silences the critics.
Pastor Johnnie Denson
* Be you, God made you unique and you are the best you we've got! He gave me my first ministry assignment and was the father to my awesome wife!
To all of you, I want to say thanks for believing in me, the best times of my life were spent learning from you. I can't wait for the day when I Pastor a city impacting Church and I am able to honor you every year. I dream of having a yearly celebration service where I can give you the honor you deserve. Thanks for guiding me, seeing potential in me, and no matter what sticking with me. Most of all, thank you for praying for me.
Lastly, I want to honor my best friend, an awesome preacher, teacher, administrator, Pastor's wife, writer and so much more. Thanks for enduring with me. The best is yet to come!
Blessings,
Craig
Tuesday
"What I Wish Somebody Would Have Told Me"
Here is my priority list:
1) God
2) Family
3) Occupation (ministry)
4) Church
I want to share a awesome blog from Perry Noble that explains this very well. Let me know what you think.
What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me (Part Ten)
#10 - Senior Pastor/Church Leader–You MUST Take Responsibility For Setting Your Schedule.
When I first became a senior pastor I thought every time opportunity knocked that it meant that God was knocking and so I had to say yes…and it caused me to set a pace that no human being could EVER sustain.
When people would call and ask me to go to lunch, I would go. When people would ask Lucretia and I over to supper–we went. When organizations would call and ask me to speak for them–I obliged. At one time I did ALL of the weddings, the funerals, the follow up…and just about anything else you can think of–AND, as I mentioned above…I NEARLY FRIED MYSELF.
Something all senior pastors must battle through is the guilt associated with saying no. Why? Because the previous generation of pastors did it all for the flock, never really asking for help and not allowing others to discover their potential in Christ…THUS today we have hundreds and thousands of impotent churches who were built on the ministry of one man–and thus died when he left.
One of the statements I make all of the time around NewSpring Church is, “The church IS NOT effective when the pastor ministers to the people, but rather when the body ministers to the body!” One of the most liberating things I’ve ever seen in Scripture is the story of Acts 6:1-7 where the apostles actually said that it would not be right to wait on tables…BUT they raised up leaders who made sure the job was done. (Thus freeing up their schedule so that more people could be reached for the kingdom–see Acts 6:7)
Pastors, hear my heart…you cannot base effective ministry on whether or not you are meeting the expectations of everyone in your church. If THAT is the definition of success then Jesus pretty much missed the mark, didn’t He? BUT…even a casual glance at Scripture clearly points out that Jesus refused to allow the expectations of others to dictate the direction of His ministry. He FAITHFULLY followed the Father.
I took responsibility for my schedule two years ago…and it has set me free. I say NO to an overwhelming number of the “opportunities” that come my way so that I can say YES to the greatest opportunities that God has given me - Lucretia, Charisse and NewSpring. (In that order!)
Pastors, one more thing…and I am just being honest. You can work your butt off for the church, completely fry yourself emotionally, spiritually and physically, begin making bad decisions (maybe even some REALLY bad ones) AND…the church you’ve slaved for, when you begin to “fall off” in your performance, will DROP YOU like a bad habit! I’ve seen it–you have to!
I am NOT trying to cause doubt and division…but I do want to warn you of the church that will work you to death and scream your praises while you do so…I once heard a wise man say, “Those that deify will also crucify–they screamed “Hosanna” on one day…and in less than a week were yelling “crucify Him.”
I say this because I am sick and tired of seeing pastors work their tail off for lazy church members and then, when their lives fall apart OR marriages go bad OR children begin to rebel…those SAME church members who once sang their praises often turn on them and begin to want to “vote them out” so that they can obtain some more fresh meat to tear into…all in the name of Christ. (For some reason…I am thinking He is not happy about that pattern!)
Pastors…our job is to seek Jesus with every ounce of energy and passion we have…and to train the people to do the work of the ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-16 is VERY clear on this!) THAT WAY…everyone gets to participate in advancing God’s Kingdom and seeing God build His church.
SO…go ahead and set realistic expectations from the beginning. Raise people up to DO the work of the ministry instead of trying to do it all. Love your wife, your children and then your church…and don’t let the expectations of others trump the expectations and calling of God on your life.
One more note on this–YES, tragedy’s take place…things come up…audibles MUST be called from time to time…but those should be the exception, NOT the rule.
1) God
2) Family
3) Occupation (ministry)
4) Church
I want to share a awesome blog from Perry Noble that explains this very well. Let me know what you think.
What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me (Part Ten)
#10 - Senior Pastor/Church Leader–You MUST Take Responsibility For Setting Your Schedule.
When I first became a senior pastor I thought every time opportunity knocked that it meant that God was knocking and so I had to say yes…and it caused me to set a pace that no human being could EVER sustain.
When people would call and ask me to go to lunch, I would go. When people would ask Lucretia and I over to supper–we went. When organizations would call and ask me to speak for them–I obliged. At one time I did ALL of the weddings, the funerals, the follow up…and just about anything else you can think of–AND, as I mentioned above…I NEARLY FRIED MYSELF.
Something all senior pastors must battle through is the guilt associated with saying no. Why? Because the previous generation of pastors did it all for the flock, never really asking for help and not allowing others to discover their potential in Christ…THUS today we have hundreds and thousands of impotent churches who were built on the ministry of one man–and thus died when he left.
One of the statements I make all of the time around NewSpring Church is, “The church IS NOT effective when the pastor ministers to the people, but rather when the body ministers to the body!” One of the most liberating things I’ve ever seen in Scripture is the story of Acts 6:1-7 where the apostles actually said that it would not be right to wait on tables…BUT they raised up leaders who made sure the job was done. (Thus freeing up their schedule so that more people could be reached for the kingdom–see Acts 6:7)
Pastors, hear my heart…you cannot base effective ministry on whether or not you are meeting the expectations of everyone in your church. If THAT is the definition of success then Jesus pretty much missed the mark, didn’t He? BUT…even a casual glance at Scripture clearly points out that Jesus refused to allow the expectations of others to dictate the direction of His ministry. He FAITHFULLY followed the Father.
I took responsibility for my schedule two years ago…and it has set me free. I say NO to an overwhelming number of the “opportunities” that come my way so that I can say YES to the greatest opportunities that God has given me - Lucretia, Charisse and NewSpring. (In that order!)
Pastors, one more thing…and I am just being honest. You can work your butt off for the church, completely fry yourself emotionally, spiritually and physically, begin making bad decisions (maybe even some REALLY bad ones) AND…the church you’ve slaved for, when you begin to “fall off” in your performance, will DROP YOU like a bad habit! I’ve seen it–you have to!
I am NOT trying to cause doubt and division…but I do want to warn you of the church that will work you to death and scream your praises while you do so…I once heard a wise man say, “Those that deify will also crucify–they screamed “Hosanna” on one day…and in less than a week were yelling “crucify Him.”
I say this because I am sick and tired of seeing pastors work their tail off for lazy church members and then, when their lives fall apart OR marriages go bad OR children begin to rebel…those SAME church members who once sang their praises often turn on them and begin to want to “vote them out” so that they can obtain some more fresh meat to tear into…all in the name of Christ. (For some reason…I am thinking He is not happy about that pattern!)
Pastors…our job is to seek Jesus with every ounce of energy and passion we have…and to train the people to do the work of the ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-16 is VERY clear on this!) THAT WAY…everyone gets to participate in advancing God’s Kingdom and seeing God build His church.
SO…go ahead and set realistic expectations from the beginning. Raise people up to DO the work of the ministry instead of trying to do it all. Love your wife, your children and then your church…and don’t let the expectations of others trump the expectations and calling of God on your life.
One more note on this–YES, tragedy’s take place…things come up…audibles MUST be called from time to time…but those should be the exception, NOT the rule.
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