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TRANSCRIPT
Robin F. Gibson (b 1932 – d 1998)
About the Author:
This leadership training course was written in 1996 by Robin Gibson a retired British Telecom Executive responsible for the Technical Training of BT Engineers in the UK. He was also a well-known preacher and Christian leader in the West Midlands area for over 40 years. He was married to Maureen and had 2 children. He was also the father of the founder/Owner of Everything for Christians.com
During 1996 and 1997 Robin personally taught the course in churches in the West Midlands. The course is also used by IMS (International Mission Support) to train pastors and leaders in Africa.
Copyright Information: Mr M. Gibson, Mrs S. Lyons and www.EverythingforChristians.com
There is NO charge to use the leadership course or notes. The course may be used freely by Churches, Ministries or Individuals as long as acknowledgment is given to Robin Gibson as the author and www.EverythingForChristians.com as the source.
An email must also be sent to us advising us of the courses use. Please send an email to: [email protected] with brief details as to how the course is being used.
Donation: If you have been blessed by this course and you would like to say ‘thank you in a practical way’ we would welcome a donation to our Charity, Christians in Need ( www.everythingforchristians.com/christians-in-need-charity.html )
Course Duration & Certification:
The course is designed to be run over 6 - 10 weeks (4 hour sessions) plus any additional topics chosen. This course is suitable for awarding certificates of attendance to those who have completed the course. No examination will be involved.
How to use the course:
The course is designed to be lead and taught by a Christian Leader with the attendees receiving hand-outs of the days topics discussed. We recommend that you give out all the course notes to the attendees on a weekly basis.
These notes also make good reading and are ideal for self-study by any aspiring Christian leader or any Christian who wants to know more about 'What it Takes to Be a Good Christian Leader'
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SYLLABUS:
Main Sessions –
Bible Leadership versus Employment Leadership
Prerequisites/Qualifications of Leadership
Practical Attainment of Necessary Prerequisites
Role of Women in the Church
Pressures/Pitfalls of Leadership
Provision for Others (Caring)
Vision/Goals of Leadership
Prize to be obtained
Responsibility of the Congregation to Leaders
Practical Sessions (optional)
Leading Worship
Leading Prayer Meetings
Leading Bible Studies
Additional Session (optional)
Youth Leadership.
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CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE by Robin Gibson
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the help I have received in the preparation of these notes from the following people and sources:-
1 Rev. M JonesInternational Mission Support
2 Rev. Dr. Niall CluleyRenewal Bible School
3 Rev. Clyde SandryAmblecote Christian Fellowship
4 The Spirit Filled Bible
Permission has been sought and gratefully received to use material from notes written by them, and the use of the book 'The Church in the New Testament' by Kevin Conner of K.J.C. Publications.
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THE WISDOM OF AN OLD MAN
Exodus 18: 13-26
In verses 13 to 18 a classic local Church problem is described, all the decision making is concentrated in the hands of one man. Through Jethro, God gives the solution for leadership which has not delegated either authority or tasks.
Moses' entire day was occupied with solving people's problems (verse 13). This situation was 'not good' (verse 17) because Moses will be worn out (verse 18) and so will the people - because they cannot have quick access to someone for counsel and decisions.
Jethro put forward the following solution:-
Select (choose) leaders with varying degrees of responsibility (verses 21 to 26). Their levels of responsibility (i.e. thousands, hundreds, fifties, tens) do not imply an individual's ultimate capacity but rather his ability at a given point.
The essence of delegation is that we can grow into new responsibilities and therefore authority.
The primary responsibility of the leadership was
- to pray and intercede (verse 19),
- to teach (verse 20),
- to demonstrate lifestyle and function (verse 20).
Note the qualifications of these leaders (verses 21 to 22):-
1 - capable (noun means strength),
2 - men who fear God,
3 - trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain.
Note also the parallel passage in Numbers 11:4-30.
The result of this would be - your load will be lighter because they will share it with you; you will be able to stand the strain and the people will go home satisfied (Exodus 18:22-23).
In considering the views of Jethro, Moses needed his mind to be changed, i.e. a renewing of the mind.
Read the story of the feeding of the 5,000 plus (Luke 9:12-17; John 6:1-13). Jesus said to the apostles give them something to eat (Luke 9:13), There were two reactions:-
1 - Philip's - 'that's impossible' (John 6:7), contradicting the clear command of Jesus,
2 - Andrew's - he brought to Jesus the boy with the five loaves and two fishes.
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Philip reckoned without Jesus; Andrew realized that Jesus could do something. If we allow God to renew our minds as leaders, i.e. change our thinking, God can use us.
A leader has been described as a person who sees more than others, who sees farther than others, and who sees before others.
A leader doesn't wait for things to happen; he helps make things happen. He's at the point of action. That's one reason why some people shy away from leadership responsibilities. They know that 'he who would lead the band must face the music'. A leader is a man of initiative, a man who originates action.
The Scriptures abound with examples of people who took the initiative in accomplishing God's purpose in their day.
Isaiah stepped out from the ranks to become a voice for God in his generation. 'Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go?" And I said "Lord, I'll go! Send me"' (Is 6:8).
Rebekah in the Old Testament became the wife of Isaac and the mother of millions because she took the initiative in serving Abraham's servant (Gen 24:14-21).
In the gospels we find a young boy who became the focal point of a great miracle because he stepped out and offered his lunch to help feed a hungry multitude (Jn 6:9-11).
To take the initiative is a God-like characteristic (Rom 5:8). And when God does something, it bears his hallmarks. These marks can help us focus our own expectations.
SECULAR LEADERS V CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Leaders in the secular world do not deal with, or necessarily demand, moral or spiritual qualifications - God does. It has often been said that a team will only be as good as its leader.
Therefore a Christian leader must lead by example:-
(1) Lead by principle - what you believe;
(2) Lead by precept - what you say;
(3) Lead by practice - what you do;
(4) Lead by personal example - what you are.
Differences between a Boss and a Leader:-
(1) A boss drives men - a leader coaches them;
(2) A boss depends on authority - a leader depends on goodwill;
(3) A boss inspires fear - a leader inspires enthusiasm;
(4) A boss assigns the task - a leader sets the pace;
(5) A boss gives orders - a leader makes suggestions;
(6) A boss fixes the blame for the breakdown - a leader fixes the breakdown;
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(7) A boss pushes people - a leader persuades people;
(8) A boss gets complaints - a leader gets co-operation;
(9) A boss says 'get going' - a leader says 'let's go';
(10) A boss builds machines - a leader builds men.
The world and the Church need LEADERS - not bosses.
ALWAYS LEAD, NEVER DRIVE.
THE LEADERSHIP LIFESTYLE OF CHRIST
Readings: 1 Peter 5: 2-3 and John 10: 1-6)
1. The Shepherd knows each of His sheep by name (John 10: 3)
Each person under our care is an individual. One of the keys to effective leadership is understanding that all people under our care are different.
Each person under our care has individual needs - according to (a) age, (b) physical, emotional, spiritual maturity, (c) background culture.
The individual touch is now recognized - even by the secular business and commercial institutions - as a must to motivating those under our leadership.
2. The Shepherd is always with His sheep ..... availability
(Luke 22:27) "... I am among you as one who serves".
We must be available. People are what we are about; you cannot be effective in leadership without involvement with people. Prioritising wrongly can easily lead us away from the people under our care ... we become 'peopled'. We must always remember that it is very unlikely that when we become overworked they are to blame. It is usually our fault for wrong prioritising.
Our availability must be subject to:- (a) Time with God; (b) Time with the family: (c) Time with those who we specifically have first responsibility for.
3. The Shepherd leads the flock
(John 10:4) " He goes ahead of them"
Leading not driving - there is a relaxed confidence about the shepherd style of leadership. By nature people follow this kind of leader. He goes ahead - The shepherd leader never expects his sheep to go where he has not already been. He promotes loyalty (John 10:5) "... they will never follow a stranger".NB The sheep have a responsibility to never treat him as a hired hand.
4. The Shepherd goes after those sheep who are lost
(Matt 18: 12-14) "... He leaves the ninety nine to go in search of the one lost".
A Pastoral Heart is a must for the shepherd leader. You may not feel that pastoral care is your primary calling, but all effective leadership concerns itself with the weak and lost sheep.
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The Risk Factor - "He leaves the ninety nine". All relationships are to some extent a risk, often we find ourselves hurt by 'lost sheep'; the temptation is to leave them and concentrate on the strong sheep, but this is not the heart of the shepherd.
5. The Shepherd protects the sheep
Thieves and robbers are bent on snatching them (John 10:10). Jesus is focusing on those who would seek to take the people of God away from the fold (family). We are to guard and protect them from this.
Another category of person mentioned is the 'hireling'. He is the paid leader who does not have a pastoral heart and who forsakes the sheep at a point of danger.
6. The Shepherd is prepared to die for the sheep
Jesus highlights the ultimate selfless act to clearly illustrate the heart and cost of being a shepherd leader.In Luke 14, Jesus highlights the cost of being a disciple, the areas we are expected to sacrifice, the things we are to die to:
(a) Self ambition - "Take up the cross",
(b) Relationships - ".. family .. etc.",
(c) Possessions - "Sell all he has..".
Jesus put His finger on these areas because He knew if we could really offer up these to Him we would truly be dying to self. Once again, when it comes to laying down our lives for the sheep, we need to look again at these particular areas of sacrifice.
HALLMARKS OF LEADERSHIP IN THE LIFE OF JESUS
1. The Mark of the Stable
Jesus was born in a stable. This is where God initiated his work. It was not the choice of Mary or Joseph that Jesus should be born in Bethlehem, and certainly not in a cow shed. It was God's choice. The work began in the place and in the way determined by God.
Does this prayer meeting or programme that you are involved with bring change in a person's life that bears the mark of God's initiative? Has God set this thing in motion, or are you running off, doing your own thing, piously hoping that God will tag along and bless it?
One of the greatest obstacles to a genuine move of God in the Church today is the multitude of activities that don't have the mark of 'the stable' upon them. They are good works, but they are not God-initiated works. Every morning when we wake up there are a thousand needs within walking distance of our front doorstep. We need to know which to become involved with, and precisely how we should become involved. What kind of help or action will be effective?
Expect God to reveal how, where and when he wants to get a work under way.
2. The Mark of the Carpenter's Shop
Jesus grew up working in the carpenter's shop of Joseph. We know almost nothing about those years except for a brief glimpse when he was twelve years old. Thirty
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years of quiet growth and development. Thirty years of ordinary, everyday life. Not dramatic, not spectacular, hardly worth writing about. Yet it was an indispensable part of the work God was doing through Jesus.
Look for the mark of the carpenter's shop. Does this work exhibit a quiet growth and stability in everyday life situations? Do these people know how to endure the ordinary? Have they learned to be faithful in the routine of little things? The key word here is ordinary! 'Behold I do all things new!' Not just big things. Not just spiritual things. All things. Ordinary things, everyday things, dull and boring things, even unpleasant things. One of the characteristics of people being renewed by God is that they experience the intervention of God in the most ordinary situations.
Expect God to intervene in the ordinary matters of everyday life!
3. The Mark of Jordan
At the river Jordan, the Holy Spirit descended and remained upon Jesus. He was anointed with power for this ministry. Look for the mark! Does this person, congregation or ministry have the anointing of the Holy Spirit for the ministry that is being performed? The key word is anointing.
There is much man-appointed, tradition-appointed and self-appointed ministry going on today. This is not the kind of ministry that makes all things new. Unless a ministry is appointed by God, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, it has no power.
Expect God to anoint you, and others, for a Spirit-endued ministry.
4. The Mark of the Wilderness
Immediately after Jesus was anointed for ministry, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. This was not an interruption in God's plan for making all things new through Jesus. The Spirit led him. It was a necessary encounter in Jesus' life.
Look for the mark of the wilderness. Have you faced up to temptation and testing? Have you been out there in the wilderness where God seems to have become silent, and the devil speaks louder? The devil demonstrated his basic tactic in the Garden of Eden, and he hasn't changed it since. He whispers to us:
'God's Word doesn't count here, you can set it aside'.' The call you thought God had put upon your life is no longer certain'.
In the wilderness God intervenes in a special way. Not usually through circumstances or miracles, nor through visions and revelations, but through a re-statement of his Word. When the devil pressures you in God's wilderness, re-affirm the Word of God already made known to you as the foundation of the call and ministry he has put upon your life.
Expect God's word to confirm and strengthen, giving victory in any wilderness of life or fellowship.
5. The Mark of the Cross
Every worthwhile accomplishment has a price tag in terms of hard work, patience and endurance. True leadership, even when it is practised by the most mature and emotionally stable person, always exacts a toll on the individual. In our world it seems to be axiomatic that the greater the achievement, the higher the price to be paid. The same is true of leadership. Jesus himself seemed to have this
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thought in mind when he said, 'If you want to find your life, you must lose it' (Lk 9:24).
The issue reduces itself to one basic question: How much are you really willing to pay in hard work and sweat, in patience, in faith and endurance to reach your goal? Excellence in leadership doesn't just happen; it comes about only through persistent effort and a laying down of one's life. It takes time, effort and energy to serve others.
Expect God to allow your efforts the experience of the cross. And ask yourself: How does my ministry exhibit a willingness to take up the cross and so follow Jesus?
6. The Mark of the Empty Grave
What do you do when the low moods come? And they surely will. The disciples had to face discouragement and the grave. The day comes when excitement, enthusiasm and energy seem to take a vacation. All the highs become lows. How then, do you keep your enthusiasm up? How do you avoid making irreversible and negative decisions in your low moments? How do you keep your thinking clear and clean, and how do you handle natural difficulties? You have to be prepared for such moments.
Remember the grave was not the end for Jesus. God raised him up from the dead to rule and reign. And God has raised us up with him in heavenly places. It is not circumstances or emotions that rule us now but resurrection life and power. 'He who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city' (Prov 16:32 RSV). Look for the mark of the empty grave. Does my work breathe the sadness of the grave or the triumph and proclamation, 'He is alive!'?
7. The Mark of the Ascension
'It is finished!' There came a moment for Jesus when he could sit down after a completed task. It was a rewarding moment. He had not buried his talent in a hole in the ground but, like the man in the parable, had been faithful in carrying out the work he had been given to do. And now was the time for him to be given 'authority over ten cities'. In fact the Father put 'all things in subjection under his feet'.
Look for the mark of the ascension. There will come a rewarding moment for you too. Involvement in God's work carries along with it a prospect of satisfaction and reward which is the greatest possible incentive to faithful service.
Your ambition, however, must be realistic. Some leaders set themselves impossible goals. By being over-zealous they drive themselves to complete exhaustion and consequent depression. But goals we must have. It is the man with a sense of destiny, who knows where he is going, who sets out his aims accordingly. Men in leadership can expect to find a sense of fulfilment as their goals are accomplished. That is the mark of the ascension.
Review your work, your ministry, your Church involvement. Does it bear the hallmarks of the Lord?
PREREQUISITES / QUALIFICATIONS OF LEADERSHIP
In considering the above we need to look at the word 'Bishop' (1 Tim 3:1) which comes from the Greek word Episkopos meaning an overseer or guardian. It speaks of a Christian officer, an overseer, a person charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly.
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It is therefore reasonable to assume that many of the qualifications (by degrees) must attain to leaders active in the Church of God. Indeed, Paul shows in his writings in the New Testament that leaders (i.e. deacons/elders/overseers) of any sort must be qualified before being accepted into public office. How much chaos and tragedy has ensued in the Church over its history because of having unqualified people in office.
No-one can expect the congregation to have confidence and respect for leaders in the Church unless they live out the qualities of their God-ordained calling.
Thank God that He does not expect us to pass a written examination to qualify for leadership: for His emphasis is more on character than charisma, though both are necessary. The qualifications that God expects are attainable as we reach towards maturity.
Throughout Scripture we read of what is expected of all God's people but, as we already have seen, leaders must lead by example - so they have a greater responsibility and thus accountability.
The qualifications that are expected of leaders are in the following order:-
1 Spiritual Qualifications - check on spiritual life,
2 Character Qualifications - check personal and secular life,
3 Domestic Qualifications - check home/married life, wife, children, neighbours,
4 Ministry Qualifications - check functional life in the Church.
Every leader must have a desire to serve.
Spiritual Qualifications
- Must be born again,- Must have the Holy Spirit active in his/her life (Acts 6:3).
Character Qualifications
The qualifications listed should be evident in all Christians as we grow in Christ, but for leaders evidence is necessary for qualification.
- Needs to be a lover of good,- Needs to be of good behaviour,- Needs to be of good report,- Needs to be faithful in all things,- Needs to have a servant's heart,- Must be an example to the flock.
Domestic Qualifications
- Must be able to rule his own household well,- Must love and respect the family,- Must be faithful in the home as well as the Church
Ministry Qualifications
- Must hold fast to the Word of God,- Prayer must play an important part in his/her life.
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These qualifications are necessary before leadership can be considered, but for the elder and deacon it is vital that they exhibit the qualifications laid down in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, although the Bible does teach that a period of probation can be given. (taken from 'The Church in the New Testament' by K J Conner)
Note:
1 It is interesting to note that the Bible always talks of elders in the plural, never singular, so we must assume that one elder in a Church is unscriptural.
2 There is no reference in the Bible to eldership being for a time only. It is a lifetime commitment unless for good reasons the elder has to resign.
3 The Church needs to recognize the God-given offices and ministries in their midst, but not held by titular authority. All ministries are brothers and sisters in the Church family, and ministers of God both in the Church and in the society.
THE FORMING OF CHARACTER IN THE LIFE OF A LEADER
Definition of 'character' is "Inner (God-like) moral quality producing (God-like) responses in every situation".
1. Gifting & Character
Gifting is what you think you are.
The Gifting Test:-(a) You will be happy with it,(b) You will have faith for it,(c) You will be fruitful in it.
Reputation is what others think we are.
In reality this is what we wrongly care about most of all, e.g. What will they think of me? Remember Jesus was willing to "lay aside His reputation" in order to fulfil the purpose of God. Joseph also illustrates that when we are totally unrecognized by anyone we care for, we can still display character.
Character is what God knows we are.
It is what we are under the all-seeing eye of God and what He cares about most. It is what we are alone with God. It is what we display of God when we are under pressure.
2. Fruitfulness & Character
To be fruitful is a good desire. "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy " (1 Cor 14:1). "Here is a trustworthy saying: if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task" (1 Tim 3:1).
Being fruitful is our calling. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
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Perseverance = character = hope which never disappoints (Rom 5:2-3).
But eternal fruit is born on the tree of character. "... his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward" (1 Cor 3:13-14).
Joseph not only was enormously fruitful in life, but he proved that what he did, he did purely out of love for God - his works would stand the test of eternity.
3. Adversity & Character
Adverse circumstances never create character, they simply prove it. We often think that all the circumstances of life are sent by God to cause character to be formed. NO! How we respond under pressure does not form character, it exposes whether or not character has or has not already been formed.
Adversity for some people leaves them bitter and unforgiving. " Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt 12:34).
4. Character & Our Personal Relationship with God
Character is forged in the secret place. Character is forged on our knees with the Bible open.
Character is determined by how much we know God and how much we know and trust His Word. Eternal fruit, born of the tree of character, cannot be born in us unless we are continually developing our devotional life before God.
5. Praying the Word of God is the foundation upon which all other activities are built
Foundation is not just the start of a thing. It is the thing that decides the limits of what you can build.
But if our lives are built on character, born of our personal relationship with God,
(a) we can build as far as our eternal destiny and calling,
(b) we can build as far as faith tried in the fire will allow.
Examples of the prayer base in the lives of men of God in the Old and New Testaments:-
The Example of Old Testament Believers -(1) Moses (Exodus 15:25)(2) David (1 Sam 30:8)(3) Isaiah (Isaiah 64:1, Isaiah 6.1)(4) Nehemiah (Neh 1:4-5)(5) Daniel (Dan 10:2)
The Example of New Testament Believers -(1) Christ to the Church (Matt 9:37-38)(2) Disciples at Pentecost and continual infilling (Acts 2:1-2, Acts 4:24)
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THE PROVING OF CHARACTER IN THE LIFE OF A LEADER
Joseph's three tests that proved his character
1. The Test of Obscurity
From the side of a loving father to the pit and slavery (stripped of his coat, he was not stripped of his character).
It was in the servant's role that God gave him success in all he did (Gen 39:3). Reputation is what men think you are, but character is what God knows you are. It is what the Father sees in secret that is rewarded openly. No matter what our gifting and responsibility in the church, much of what we do for God will be in secret and in obscurity.
Recognition came through being willing to be a servant. He was industrious, diligent, prompt, obedient, self-sacrificing. For Joseph, he was no longer in the eye of father, mother, brothers, friends, yet he passed the test of serving in secret.
(a) Serving without recognition,(b) Serving when you have been let down,(c) Serving without reward.
2. The Test of Opportunity
Blessing and reward comes to those who honour God (Gen 39:2-4) - although along the road God will allow us to face adversity in order to prove our faith (character). Ultimately right responses to God's Word will release God's provision to us (1 Pet 1:6-7).
With the blessing comes the test of opportunity. The thing that made Joseph's temptation great was that it was accompanied by opportunity (Gen 39:6-20).
Character is proven by how we respond to success. Most of us respond fairly well under a degree of pressure, but how do we respond when we are:-
(a) Prospering - do we give generously?(b) Promoted - do we humble ourselves?
3. The Test of Adversity
"Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined" (Gen 39:20)
Joseph was wrongly accused, misunderstood, wrongly judged.
It is biblical to expect offences to come. " See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another" (Isaiah 48:10-11).
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you " (1 Peter 4:12).
"These things have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:7).
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They are an opportunity to pass the test. "But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warder" (Gen 39:21).
"Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange - unusual and alien to you and your position - were befalling you. But in so far as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory (full of radiance and splendour) is revealed you may also rejoice with triumph - exultantly".
(1 Peter 4:12-13 Amplified Bible).
"For the time being no discipline brings joy but seems grievous and painful, but afterwards it yields peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it - a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness, (that is, in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God)" (Heb 12:11 Amplified Bible).
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation (God's) own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light". (1 Peter 2:9 Amplified Bible).
The reason for our choosing/calling is to display Christ's virtues and perfections.... (Character).
The character of God was displayed in the life of Joseph when he 'kissed the hands of those that bound him'.
"Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping (Gen 45:14).
PLANNING FOR GROWTH: CHOOSING MEN by Mike Stevens
"Now God caused the official to show favour to Daniel" (Dan 1:9).
We believe that there is to be continued extension of the government of God on this earth. Isaiah speaks of this in chapter 9. "Of the increase of his government there shall be no end". Making plans for growth is a challenge because we so often feel that we already have enough. We are 'full'. The diary is full, my time is full, my phone is fully in use, I cannot even anticipate growth because how could I possibly cope with it?
The answer is in delegation to other men. The growth of the church demands that men begin to take up the mantle of their authority and become men who can lead others. Responsibility develops leaders more quickly than anything else. However, it is important that we choose to delegate to the right kind of men. We want men on whom is the anointing and the favour of God. Here are some thoughts from Daniel to stir our hearts into planning for growth by the choosing of leaders from amongst the men in our church.
1. 'Aptitude for ... learning' (Dan 1:4)
A man with a teachable spirit is necessarily a humble person. The man who 'knows it all' or who is striving for a position of recognition, is not a man in whom we can invest our lives. Is he only interested in being the 'show piece' or having the 'up front' responsibility, or is he a man who is willing to commence with small things?
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2. 'Qualified to serve' (Dan 1:4)
A serving heart is essential for any 'minister' or 'servant' of the gospel. In the end, amidst all of our planning, organising and methodology, we are seeking to serve people who have real needs. Not 'textbook' cases for whom we can apply solution 'B'.
We must therefore ask ourselves when considering men for delegated responsibility, does he delight in serving others?
3. Ready 'to be trained' (Dan 1:5)
The athlete can learn the technique of running from a book, but to be trained requires that he be dedicated, determined and diligent. 'Impart these things to faithful men' says Paul to Timothy. (2 Tim 2:2).
Is he a man faithful to be trained?
4. 'Resolved not to defile himself' (Dan 1:8)
Watching the lifestyle of a man shows where his heart is. Does he promise one thing but do another? Does he show 'stick ability'? Is he a man whose life is clear, transparent and open, or is there some secretiveness about him? Does he have a zeal for the kingdom of God or does he tolerate mediocrity and worldly attitudes? We want a man of resolve whose heart is separated in God.
5. A man of faith, not words (Dan 1:12)
'Test your servants for ten days ... and let us see'. How does 'our man' respond to God's dealings with him? When faced with difficulties does he have a 'God expectation' in his life? Is he willing to believe God, throw down the gauntlet and risk trusting God in his daily circumstances?
James says 'Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do' (James 2:18).
6. 'And God gave knowledge and understanding' (Dan 1:17)
Gift and character are essential to the man of God. I wonder at what point God gave or exposed the gift area of these men? I believe it was as they proved themselves to be loyal to the Lord that he developed and increased them in gift.
We should not choose men on their gift ability without reference to their character qualities. Nevertheless gift is a factor which indicates the potential of men. What is their gift? Where may it be developed? What hinders it? In what way may I be used of God to stir it up and give it direction?
7. Men of relationship (Dan 1:18)
'He found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah'. In the selection of men for leadership we need men who can relate with people.
These four men were together in the school of God. They were evidently friends and related well; they agreed together concerning the challenges from the king and no doubt strengthened and encouraged each other in their corporeity. Let us choose
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men who care about people, men who value friendship and relationship and who are not 'loners'.
Having tried to assess men on this basis we may be discouraged. According to these qualifications we may feel there is no-one. 'But God'. Above all we have to view men through the eye of faith and see what they can become, given the grace of God and obedient hearts. Thus Jesus prayed for a whole night seeking God's will and blessing concerning the men who he was about to choose. In some cases God chooses the most unlikely. Why Gideon, for example? Who would have selected Shamgar (literally meaning 'coward')? And what of Thomas? Or Saul the persecutor?
God grant us a discerning eye to see the men of God's favour. May the Lord give us such men, who will build and extend the kingdom at this time, men who are 'ten times better' than the men of the world (Dan 1:20).
CHARACTER GROWTH
There is no easy or quick way to obtain the character qualifications that God expects for leadership. It is a process of growing into maturity as we walk with the Lord.
It may mean that we have to re-assess our lives and order our priorities differently if we are ever to be successful for God.
But one thing is certain - that as we begin to exhibit the qualifications needed, God will pour out His blessing upon our lives and make us a blessing to others. This will bear fruit for His glory.
Ways to Achievement
1 Soak yourself in the word of God.
2 Become men/women of prayer.
3 Spend time with the family; do not neglect them for God's work (keep a balance).
4 Keep an everyday appointment with the family for prayer and reading of God's word.
5 Join with a Christian friend/relative often to pray and read God's word.
6 Cultivate a habit of grateful praise.
7 Seek daily the Holy Spirit's filling of your life, for power and direction.
8 Get involved in the local Church (don't worry about making mistakes - God doesn't).
9 Learn, with God's help, to love and support others.
10 Begin to enjoy the blessing of tithing (it opens a new dimension in the Christian life).
ACHIEVING GOALS & VISIONS IN LEADERSHIP
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Fifty two weeks a year, 168 hours per week, 1,440 minutes per day, we all have the same amount of time. Presidents and paper boys alike all have the time there is. The only difference is how they use it.
Jesus said "I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day, the night is coming when no-one can work".
What Christ did in less than 1,300 days still affects what you and I do after more than 1,900 years.
In leadership, Vision and Goals are the essential ingredients that bring Discipline, Direction, Fulfilment and Hope to the people we lead.
"Without a vision the people cast of restraint" (Prov 29:18).
1. Visions & goals must be conceived on our knees
In a secular, humanistic society it is easy to conceive goals and visions that are not the heart of God but the result of personal ambition. A development of personal devotional life is the key factor in presenting goals and visions that flow from the heart of God. Jesus said "My meat and my drink is to do the will of Him that has sent me". Goals and visions that are not conceived in the prayer closet can be the greatest hindrance to the will of God being achieved in our Fellowship.
2. Visions & goals must serve God's purpose for his Church, local and universal
A key factor in testing our motives is, what does Christ want for His Church? Once again, unless we continually keep our spiritual senses finely tuned to God and His purpose for the Church we can find ourselves working against the purposes of God rather than flowing with them.
For example, in one breath Peter is flowing with God "You are the Christ", in another breath he has become the mouthpiece of Satan "far be it from you, Lord". NB If Peter's goal and vision had come to fruition, history would have recorded him as the greatest hindrance to Christ's purpose for His Church ever.
3. Goals & visions & structure
In Church life, goals and visions should form in three distinct areas:-
(1) Personal Vision - to do with personal ministry: family, ambition, employment, etc.
(2) Ministry Vision - those who are directly in your care: home group, youth/children's ministry, etc.
(3) Corporate/City/Fellowship - the larger, overall city, world vision for our Fellowship, e.g. large city centre presence, Sunday night, congregations, home groups' objectives *(evangelism, care, fellowship), meetings' objectives, building's objectives.
Notes on Corporate Vision:1 It will generally be conceived by the oversight,2 It will be communicated to the leaders,3 It will be prayed through and discussed until we come to unity,4 It will be communicated, endorsed and imparted to the Fellowship,5 It will be birthed by the whole body of Christ.
* It is imperative that we understand and endorse this principle; Jesus said "A house divided against itself will not and cannot stand".
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PRACTICAL QUALITIES OF SERVANTHOOD
FAITHFULNESS
"It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Cor 4:2).
The quality of faithfulness is needed if we are going to maintain diligence (persistent effort or work) and perseverance in the work that we have been called to.
Being faithful means:
(a) Faithful to the Master Himself (in loyalty) - Rev 2:10; 20:4;
(b) Faithful to the task He has given us to do (in obedience) - Luke 19:17, and
(c) Faithful to the truth He entrusts to us (in faith) - 1 Cor 4:2.
EMPATHY
Empathy = "the power of projecting one's personality into (and so fully comprehending) the object of one's contemplation" (Concise Oxford Dictionary).
= seeing as through another's eyes and feeling as they feel.
We have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).
A good servant will understand how His Master's mind works and get into His ways of thinking.
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:16).
If we are in empathy with the mind of the Lord, our viewpoint, feelings and reactions will be as His, rather than those of the natural self.
For example:
(a) Compassion and help for the lost and needy: Matt 9:36
(b) Love and giving of self for sinners: John 3:16
(c) Hatred and rejection of sin: Heb 7:26
(d) Delight in, and obedience to, the Father's will: John 4:34; Phil 2:8
(e) Readiness for service: Phil 2:7
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Readings: Hebrews 13:7; 1 Cor 4: 16-17; Phil 3: 12-17
Each heading will lead to a pointed question.
* The spiritual temperature of any people will depend largely on the quality of its leaders.
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elders, deacons = Church; house group leaders = Fellowship; youth leaders = Youth Group; parents = children; government = Country.
1. What is a leader?
People will be following me. Appointment does not make a leader. Function does!
- Of Christ: "Follow me." ".... and they left all and followed him". "Great crowds followed him".
- Of Paul: Phil 3:17 "Join with the others following my lifestyle".
Question: Who is following me?
Remember: Function before appointment.
You do not have to be leaders of 100's - 10's, 20's, 50's, 100's, etc. - Jethro and Moses.
2. How does he/she lead?
1 Cor 11:1 "Be followers of me even as I am of Christ".Followers = Literally 'Imitators'.
It is scriptural that they should follow us - we find this hard to accept.
This is God's key method for growth and development in the Kingdom. "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations " = followers.
They must be your disciples. Ultimately we point them to Christ. Paul said "Of me ... even as I am of Christ". * Disciples of John, Cornelius, etc.
Question: Am I willing for others to imitate my lifestyle?
3. Some common problems, fears, etc.
The Fear of Cloning
What would the world be like if they were all like you? e.g. 'It seems so false ...'
(a) It does not matter in early days,
(b) When mature, they will develop their own style.
The Problem of our own Weakness
If people start looking at you closely they will see what you are really like, e.g. in the home, at play, with the kids.
(a) This is a great incentive to stay clean,
(b) This is a great opportunity to show you are human,
(c) They need to see your problems before they can see how you deal with them.
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4. In what areas are we called to be examples?
Notice: overseers, deacons - same standards apply.Hebrews 13 - verse 8 (likewise); verse 9 (keep hold of deep truths of the
faith).
Three Areas defined:
1 Home "He must manage family well"
2 Ministry "Teach and hold the truths of faith"
3 Character "Self-controlled, not quarrelsome"
Home
1 Do our children obey us out of love and respect? Bedtime, etc.
2 Are we the same in private in the home as we are in public? What do our kids say?
3 Do we display the qualities of a good husband/wife relationship ... love, romance, affection?
Ministry
1 How much of Word is in us? (Psalm 112, Psalm 128)
2 Do we take the lead in: prophecy, prayer, devotional life?
3 Do we monitor our own ministry development?
Character
1 Are we careless with words?
2 What about personal discipline?(a) time keeping (b) devotional life (c) rest time - family time. This
is an example.
3 Do we keep our word?
4 Are we submissive or argumentative?
Hebrews 6:12 Imitate those who have already entered into promises.
1 WHAT IS A SERVANT?
One who has undertaken to serve, carry out orders, support, attend, be in submission to, another person.
In the world servants are seen more as slaves, often paid in money or in kind, and are characterized by:-(a) It is not their chosen lifestyle,(b) It is a lifelong commitment,(c) They are under pressure to conform to the demands of others,(d) They are looked down upon,
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(e) They serve for long, tiring hours, and(f) They suffer harsh, cruel treatment.Examples:- Hebrews working for the Egyptians (Exodus 1); Centurion (Luke 7:1-10).
In Christ servants are servers, who subject themselves to Christ and others without any hint of obligation or reward. Their service is characterized by:-
(a) A willing commitment,(b) Loving obedience,(c) They are treated as equals, and(d) Loving relationships.See Col 3:22-25; remember that every Christian believer is a servant with a heavenly Master and so all our service should be unto him.
Examples:- Paul (Romans 1:1); Christ (Phil 2:7).
Christian servants are:-
(a) Disciple-makers Matt 28:18+19; Mark 16:15(b) Shepherds or leaders John 10(c) Spiritual watchmen 2 Sam 18:25; 2 Kings 9:17; Isaiah 21:5+11
A servant of Christ must:-(a) Live in holiness Col 3:1-17(b) Display love Col 3:14; 1 Cor 13:4-8; Prov 17:17(c) Be alert Luke 12:35-48; 21:34-36(d) Be above reproach1 Tim 3:2(e) Be temperate or vigilant 1 Tim 3:2(f) Be self-controlled 1 Tim 3:2(g) Be respectable 1 Tim 3:2(h) Be hospitable 1 Tim 3:2(i) Be able to teach 1 Tim 3:2(j) Be gentle 1 Tim 3:2(k) Be dignified 1 Tim 3:8(l) Be sincere 1 Tim 3:8(m) Have a clear conscience 1 Tim 3:9
A servant of Christ must not:-
(a) Be given to drunkenness 1 Tim 3:3(b) Be violent 1 Tim 3:3(c) Be quarrelsome 1 Tim 3:3(d) Be a lover of money 1 Tim 3:3
Matthew 5:1-12 teaches us much about being a servant of Christ; for example, it shows the need for:-
(a) Inward humility verse 3(b) Deep sensitivity verse 4(c) Joyful submissionverse 5(d) Spiritual appetite verse 6(e) Ready forgivenessverse 7(f) Righteousness verse 8(g) Right relationships verse 9(h) Total commitment verse 10
2 LEADING BY EXAMPLE: THE LIFE OF TIMOTHY
See 1 Timothy 4
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Timothy had:-(a) A Greek father Acts 16:1(b) A godly mother and grandmother 2 Tim 1:5(c) Been trained in the Scriptures from a young age 2 Tim 3:15(d) Become Paul's assistant Acts 16:3(e) Been given responsibility at a young age 1 Tim 4:12
His character displayed:-(a) Teachableness(b) Humility(c) Submissiveness(d) Loyalty(e) Obedience
His life demonstrated three principles:-(a) Faith 1 Tim 4:6(b) Love 2 Tim 1:13+14(c) Purity 1 Tim 4:12
1Timothy 4:12 shows us that he was an example in SPEECH and in CONDUCT (or life).
3 FURTHER BIBLICAL LESSONS ABOUT SERVANTHOOD
1 God demands that we serve Him Deut 10:12; Psalm 2:11; Eph 6:7; Heb 12:28
2 Our spiritual service is necessary as an act of witness Mark 10:43+44; Matt 23:11-12; Luke 10:30-37; Prov 14:21; John 13:34; John 21:16; Gal 5:13;
Gal 6:2+10
3 Service must be performed in humility Matt 10:42; John 12:3; Acts 20:18+19, 32-35
4 Joy is the product of true service for God Psalm 40:8: Psalm 100; Psalm 126:5-6;
Luke 10:17; John 4:36
5 Good servants have right relationships Phil 2:5; James 1:19-27;For example:-- relationship with God Exodus 3; Phil 1:22; Gal 2:20- relationship to authority Exodus chaps 5 to 14; Exodus 3:1; Rom
13:1-5- relationships with the family Exodus 3:1; 4:18+20, 24-26; 18:1-27;
Eph 6:1-4; 1 Pet 3:7; Eph 5:22-28; Col 3:18-21- relationships with fellow workers Exodus 4:14-17; 4:27-31; 18:25+26;
Eph 2:19-22; 1 Cor 12:12-31- relationships with the people of God Exodus 4:30+31; 17:8-16; Eph
4:2-6;Rom 15:5-7; Col 3:12-17
- relationships with those outside the family of God Col 4:5+6; 1 Peter 3:15+16
4 SERVANTHOOD: A CONTINUAL PROCESS OF PREPARATION
1 Learn to become spiritually matureMatt 5:48; Phil 3:7-15; Eph 4:14-5:2
2 Learn to wait on God Psalm 27:14; 130:5; Isaiah 30:18; Titus 2:13
3 Learn to hear God's voice Heb 3:7, 12+13; Psalm 24:3-5
4 Learn to respond favourably to testings 1 Peter 4:12+13; James 1:2-15
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5 Learn to avoid pitfalls, such as- pride Heb 12:1; 1 John 2:15-17; Rev 3:19; 2 Cor 7:10- moral weakness Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:3-5; 1 Peter 2:1, 11+12; Prov
4:23-27- covetousness Luke 6:22-34; Col 3:2+5; Haggai 2:8; Malachi
3:6-12- selfishness Rom 15:1; 1 Cor 10:24; 2 Cor 5:15; Phil 2:4; James
2:8
6 Learn to live daily in the anointing of the Holy Spirit Eph 5:18; Heb 19:19-23; 1 Cor 3:16
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH
Material produced by the Rev. Dr. Niall Cluley of The Renewal Bible School for the seminar on – The role of women in the church.
IS LEADERSHIP MALE?
This is one of the most controversial topics currently being debated in the Christian Church: however, it is not new! Certainly EVERY leader will have to form his/her own opinion on this issue, because you are CERTAIN to be challenged on this point sooner or later, and so you MUST know where you stand.
The aim of this section is to review the Scriptures to see what God has to say, NOT to take up "arms" on behalf of one well known viewpoint. This review will be undertaken under six headings, namely:
(a) GOD'S ONLY FOUNDATION IS LOVE(b) THE CREATION OF MAN AND WOMAN(c) THE FALL OF MAN AND WOMAN(d) STATUS AND FUNCTION(e) SUBMISSION(f) WOMEN AND MINISTRY
(a) GOD'S ONLY FOUNDATION IS LOVE
God is love and so all that He does is based in love:-
1 John 4:16 ".... God is love....".
See also: 1 John 4:8; John 16:27; Deut 7:8; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Eph 2:4.
He also desires that our lives are based in love; this is His standard for our behaviour:-
Matt 22:37-39 "Jesus said to him, ' You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself'".
John 13:35 "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another".
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John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you".
See also: 1 Thess 3:12; John 15:9; 1 John 3:16; John 14:15; Eph 6:24; 1 Cor 13:13; Eph 5:2; Col 3:14; 1 John 4:16.
(b) THE CREATION OF MAN AND WOMAN
Gen 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...'".
Gen 1:27+28 "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them....".
Gen 1:31 "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good...".
Both male and female are made in the image of God and so both 'represent' God; He chose to display Himself in the male and female form, not just the male as so many imagine. Thus both male and female contain God's characteristics.
Gal 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Gen 2:18 "And the Lord God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him'".
The Hebrew here for a "helper comparable to him" means a 'help meet' - Hebrew = Ezer. This word is used 19 times in the O.T. and 15 of these refer to God Himself; in none of these references is there any suggestion of inferiority or subordination. Thus there is no evidence in the Creation story for the idea that woman is inferior in any way to man. God made them equal - yet different.
See Gen 2:18-23.
(c) THE FALL OF MAN AND WOMAN
Reference: Gen 3:1-19.
Particular points to note:-
1. verses 2+3 The implication is that Adam told Eve of God's instruction. Compare Gen 2:16+17.
2. verse 6 Was Adam stood next to her during the temptation? If so, consider James 4:17.
3. verse 13 Eve was deceived; Hebrew Nasha = 'to lead astray', i.e. mentally to delude or morally to seduce; thus, beguile or deceive, or lead into pernicious (= destructive, ruinous, fatal) error:-
2 Cor 11:3 "But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
1 Tim 2:14 "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression."
The Greek word used in 2 Cor 11:3 is exapatao = 'to deceive thoroughly or wholly'' the Greek word used twice in 1 Tim 2:14 is apatao = 'beguile, deceive'.
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Thus, Scripture emphasizes that Eve was deceived and so sinned, while Adam was not deceived but deliberately sinned, i.e. he knew what he was doing in taking the apple offered him by Eve.
4. verse 15 God announces enmity between
(i) the serpent (= Satan) and his seed (= evil spirits/demons) and
(ii) the woman (Hebrew is ishshah = 'womankind' or 'females') and her Seed (= Jesus).
5. verse 16 "Your desire shall be for your husband"; a statement which has caused considerable controversy over the years! The Hebrew word for 'desire' is teshuqah = 'stretching out after', 'a yearning, a longing'. This word is used only three times in the O.T.; in two of these it refers to the strong attraction between the sexes, namely (i) here, where it is used in the context of sin and judgement; and (ii) Song of Solomon 7:10 (".. and his desire is towards me") where it is in the context of love and joy; it is also used (iii) in Gen 4:7 "...and its desire is for you..") where sin is described by God as a crouching animal ready to pounce upon Cain.
NB Thus, there is no suggestion in this part of the verse that woman is now to be inferior to man, or that a wife is to be inferior to her husband.
6. verse 16 "And he shall rule over you". Another very controversial passage of Scripture! The Hebrew word for 'rule' is mashal which is used 37 times in the O.T.; it means 'to have dominion over', i.e. to have lordship, control, or sovereignty over. Thus, it means that from that time onward husbands were to have authority over their wives. This does not mean that women were now to be regarded as inferior to men; authority is a question of function not status; this will be dealt with in more detail shortly.
7. verse 17 Adam made two mistakes; (i) he disobeyed God, and (ii) he heeded the voice of his wife rather than that of God.
All sin involves disobeying God and so receives the penalty of sin (Rom 6:23) unless that sin is washed away by the blood of the Lord Jesus (Matt 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18+19; 1 John 1:7) which requires true heart repentance (Matt 3:2; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9).
However, in order to try and avoid a repetition of Adam's second mistake (paying more attention to his wife than to God), God put wives under the authority of their husbands. Thus, this was done as much for the benefit of the husband as for the wife; he would be less likely to listen to her rather than to God, and she would be less likely to be deceived.
(d) STATUS AND FUNCTION
Status = social position, rank, relation to others, relative importance.
Function = activity, action, fulfilling one's purpose, duty, calling, work, ministry.(or Role)
There is one God:
Deut 6:4 ".... The Lord our God, the Lord is one!"
Deut 32:39 "Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no other God besides Me..."
2 Sam 7:22 "Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You..."
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1 Cor 8:4 "Therefore ... we know ... that there is no other God but one."
1 Tim 2:5 "For there is one God...".
See also: Deut 4:35; 1 Chron 17:20; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 86:10; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:18; Mark 12:29; Eph 4:6; 1 John 5:7.
But this one God exists in three Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Matt 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
2 Cor 13:14 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all..."
1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear witness in heaven; the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one."
See also: 1 Peter 1:2; John 14:26; John 15:26.
These three Persons have equal status but different functions:
Mark 13:32 "But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
John 14:28 "... I am going to the Father, for My Father is greater than I."
John 14:31 ".. and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do..."
John 15:1 " I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser."
John 16:14 "He (the Holy Spirit) will glorify Me ..." (words in brackets added)
John 5:30 ".. because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me."
John 5:19 "... the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do..."
Acts 1:7 "... it is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority".
In concise terms:-
THE FATHER WILLS
THE SON WORKS
THE HOLY SPIRIT WITNESSES
So, each member of the Godhead has equal status and authority, but a different function or role. This contrast is repeated in the distinction between man and woman:-
When God created the world He established His own order:-
see (i) Gen 1:26-30,(ii) Psalm 8:4-8 - NB verse 4: "son of man"; Hebrew word for 'son' used
here is ben which is a reference to human children, although it clearly has a
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spiritual connotation, as shown by Hebrews 2:6 where it is quoted specifically of Christ.
Thus God's original order was:-
1 GOD2 ANGELS3 MANKIND/HUMANITY4 ANIMALS5 PLANTS
However, as we have already seen, men and women have equal status even though they are different:-
Deut 22:5 "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God".
Within this order God gives AUTHORITY = power or right to expect obedience; basically the higher up the order the greater the authority given:-
Matt 28:18 "Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth'".
All human authority is derived from God's authority (Romans 13:1+2) and it is exercised by His permission. It is drawn from His right and delegated by Him, and is entrusted to human society to be used in accordance with His will. God holds accountable all who exercise authority, and there will be judgement on how that authority was used. Authority in God's kingdom is of a totally different order from that authority exercised outside of Christ; see Mark 10:42-45. Outside of Christ, man's approach to authority is about control and imposition; in Christ, authority is given to serve people; see 2 Cor 13:10; 1 Peter 5:1-
4. When man first sinned he lost some of his authority, e.g. the animals were now not so friendly (!) and the plants now included weeds! See Gen 1:26+28-30; 2:19+20; 3:17-19.
This situation was brought about by:-
(i) the work of Satan (Gen 3:13) and(ii) man's choice (Gen 3:12).
God has chosen to give men free wills and so we will always have the right to choose; but God was not willing to allow Satan's rebellion to go unchecked:-
1 John 3:8 "... For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."
Heb 2:14 "... He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil."
The result of Christ's work at Calvary:-
Eph 1:20-22 "Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet...."
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Col 2:14+15 "... And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it".
Eph 2:6 "And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus".
1 Cor 6:2+3 "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels?..."
Thus, as a consequence of the Lord's work at Calvary, God's order has been revised:-
1 GOD2 BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS3 ANGELS4 UNBELIEVING MAN5 ANIMALS6 PLANTS
Within this order men and women are equal in status but they have been given different ROLES: (see Gen chapters 1 to 3).
God created Adam (the man) and then He told him why he had been created, i.e. He told him the plan for his life, which included looking after the Garden of Eden. Subsequently, God told Adam what he could not do, i.e. eat from one tree in the Garden. Only after all of this does God decide that Adam needed a helper, which led God, subsequently, to make Eve (the woman) and bring her to Adam as his helper. Thus, God gave Adam the task and brought Eve alongside him to help him in the task.
Satan deceived Eve so that she ate from the forbidden tree; when she offered this fruit to her husband, Adam knew that she was different and, therefore, that she had eaten of the forbidden fruit. Nevertheless, he chose to eat of the same fruit, thus sinning against God.
So, deception entered the world through Eve and sin through Adam: see also 1 Tim 2:14 and Rom 5:12-21.
As a consequence God changed His order:
(i) For the man, who was responsible for bringing sin into the world, God decreed that man would be the one to pass on sin to future generations. Thus, all have sinned because all are descended from Adam, the man; women do not pass on sin but receive it from their dads. As it was a man who sinned, God's 'solution' (i.e. Jesus) could not come into the world through a man, but through a woman, namely Mary. Thus, the 'dad' of the Lord Jesus Christ was not a man.
(ii) For the woman, who was responsible for bringing deception into the world, God decreed that woman would no longer have the same authority as man, even though they are equal in status. God gave women a different function or role from men, whereby women are to be under the authority of men. God did this as part of His 'fight' against deception (see 1 Cor 11;3, 8-12).
1 Cor 11:3 "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God."
NB 'Every man' = mankind.
This verse explains God's order of authority, not status:-
1 GOD
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2 JESUS CHRIST3 MAN4 WOMAN
If we suggest that woman is inferior to man on the basis of 1 Cor 11:3 we are actually saying that Jesus is inferior to God! This is clearly nonsense and totally unscriptural: in the same way woman is not inferior in status to man, but she is under man's authority.
(e) SUBMISSION
We must understand the concept of submission in the light of all that we have learnt so far, not least:-
1 The supremacy of love:
2 Deception entered the world through a woman and so God put women under the authority of men, i.e. women are to be in submission to men.
Eph 5:22 "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord."
1 Peter 3:1 "Likewise, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands..."
What of single women? The Bible teaches that all single people are the responsibility of their parents until they are married: it is the world's idea that children are no longer their parents' responsibility once they reach the age of 18 or 21; this is not Scriptural.
Gen 2:24 "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife..."
Prov 23:22 "Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old."
Exodus 20:12 "Honour your father and mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you."
Lev 19:3 "Every one of you shall revere is mother and his father..."
See also: Deut 27:16; Prov 30:17; Matt 15:4: Prov 1:8; Prov 6:20; Eph 6:1; Col 3:20; Prov 22:6; 2 Cor 12:14; Eph 6:4; 1 Peter 3:7; Romans 7:2;
What should be the attitude of a father to his daughter(s) or a husband to his wife?
Song 8:7 "Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it.."
Eph 5:28 "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself."
Col 3:19 "Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter towards them."
Eccles 9:9 "Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life..."
Eph 6:4 "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord."
What exactly is submission? LOVING acceptance of authority; yielding to the power of another; humility; willingness to be led; giving respect to one in higher authority.
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Thus God expects fathers and husbands to be the leaders of their homes - to set an example and to be the leading decision maker. But in all they do the men should seek the BEST for those they lead.
Some examples of common mistakes or misunderstandings about submission; it does not mean:
(i) Total obedience in all things,(ii) Women are to behave like 'doormats',(iii) Men are to behave like 'dictators',(iv) Women can commit sin in order to submit to their husbands' orders, and(v) Women should be seen and not heard in the company of men.
The way in which fathers and husbands should treat their daughters and wives is best summed up in 1 Cor 13:1-18, namely LOVE!
(f) WOMEN AND MINISTRY
As we have seen, after the Fall, God placed women under men's authority; thus women should not take authority over men. This clearly does happen in the world - but then, sadly, they are not following God's guidelines, and they usually do not know any better. However, this 'excuse' does not apply for the Church because the Bible is quite specific:-
See: Gen 3:16; 1 Cor 11:3: 1 Cor 14:34; 1 Tim 2:11+12; 1 Tim 3:1 (NB "if a man"); Titus 1:5+6 (NB " ...a man ...")
These, and other, Scriptures make it clear that women are not to take authority over a man; thus, they cannot take on a ministry role or function which will place them in authority over a man.
What then can women do in the Church?
(1) Eph 4:11 refers to the fivefold ministry, namely: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.
An Apostle is one who, amongst other things, founds Churches; this is an authority role and so cannot be undertaken by women if men are to be members of these Churches.
A Prophet does not usually have authority over people and so women may undertake this ministry - see Judges 4:4 and Luke 2:36.
An Evangelist (one who announces good tidings) does not usually have authority over people and so women may undertake this ministry. No women are specifically referred to as evangelists in the Bible, but equally there is no Scripture prohibiting them from this ministry.
A Pastor (shepherd or 'feeder') usually has authority over those in his/her care; if this includes men then a woman cannot be a pastor. However, if the responsibility does not include men then women may be pastors.
A Teacher (one who declares and/or explains God's Word) does not usually have authority over those he/she teaches, and so women may be teachers. The verse often quoted to prohibit women teaching is:
1 Tim 2:12 "And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man..."
However, this Scripture prohibits a woman with authority over a man from teaching; it does not prohibit a woman from teaching.
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(2) Various other ministries are mentioned in Scripture, e.g. administrators (see 1 Cor 12:28); in these cases the same principle applies; women may not minister where they will have authority over men.
Can women be priests?
Scripture declares that all born-again believers are priests; see Rev 1:6, 5:10, 20:6 and 1 Peter 2:5+9. Thus, women who are born again are already priests. If, however, the word is used to mean one who has authority over men (as indeed it often is in the Church) then women may not Scripturally minister in such a role.
Can women be leaders?
Following from what has gone before in these notes, the answer has to be YES - but with the proviso that they must not have authority over men. Clearly, therefore, women can lead other women and/or children; similarly they can share a leadership role with a man, e.g. their husband, which puts the couple in authority over men. Similarly they could lead activities which do not require or involve authority, e.g. this could involve (i) leading a prayer group, or (ii) having an administrative function, or (iii) being responsible for a sub-group within a department such as stewarding.
But can women lead men?
(i) Some Churches will argue that provided the senior person in that fellowship is male, then a woman can fill any leadership position, even including that of having authority over men, because all in the fellowship, including the female leaders, are under the authority of the senior person, who is a man.
(ii) Other Churches will argue that it is wrong for any situation to arise where a woman is given leadership over a man, and so will not permit the kind of possibility envisaged in (i) above. This understanding will clearly lead to a much greater restriction on the role and work of women.
In the end each of us has to make up his/her own mind as to the teaching of Scripture.
WHO CAN BE A LEADER?
Ideally those who are called by God to this function or ministry; in reality, we often call those we think should be leaders, irrespective of whether or not they are called by God. What we should be doing is asking God whom He has called and prepared for the task; very often such people will be obvious, i.e. their calling will be demonstrated by their life.
What do we mean by 'calling'?
One of the tasks of the Holy Spirit is to call godly leaders in the kingdom. All men and women are 'called' to God (Rom 8:28+30), yet only a few respond (Matt 7:13+14; Matt 22:14). Leaders, however, experience a different kind of call and are called in different ways.
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THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - A CARING COMMUNITY
In today's Church, many voices can be heard emphasizing the various aspects of its ministry. And each person has his or her own idea about where the biggest emphasis should be placed.
Some of these emphases are:-
Evangelism, Expository Preaching, Charismatic Worship, House Groups, Prayer & Fasting.
All these ministries are important but it must also be recognized that a central ministry of the Church is that of Caring.
Scripture speaks about this issue with great clarity - 1 Cor 12:25; Gal 5:14; Rom 12:13; Phil 2:1-2; Matt 25:40; Prov 17:5; Heb 3:13.
WHY IS 'CARING' SUCH AN IMPORTANT MINISTRY?
Many reasons could be advanced - consider just a few:
1 Because people are hurting more than we realize (Jer 6:14),
2 Because caring is an express command of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:12),
3 Because the more we care for each other the greater the impact on the world (Gal 6:10).
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IS UNIQUELY DESIGNED TO CARE
Those who have studied the growth and development of the human personality tell us that there are three vital ingredients for helping a person reach maturity. These three elements can be seen at their best in the Christian Church.
Caring functions at three important levels:-
1 Encouragement,
2 Exhortation,
3 Enlightenment.
Caring begins with ENCOURAGEMENT. We can never be fully effective at the other levels until we learn how to function at the first level. Encouragement is more precious than any gem or stone.
ENCOURAGEMENT - WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS
People often ask: what does it mean to encourage?
Throughout time there have been many definitions of this important ministry, but the one that will be used in this seminar is as follows:
ENCOURAGEMENT is the expression we use, either verbal or non-verbal, inhelping a person cope with or overcome a difficult time in their life and
experience.
It is important to realize that every Christian is called to be an ENCOURAGER.
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Scripture suggests three essentials which are required if meaningful encouragement is to occur:-
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day
approaching" (Heb 10:24-25, NIV).
The three elements necessary for effective encouragement are:-
1 We must have the opportunity to encourage: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing...";
2 We must consider the principles of encouraging others: "Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds";
3 We must continue in the ministry of encouragement in an increasing measure: "... and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
WHY PEOPLE GET DISCOURAGED
One of the questions we must ask ourselves if we are to develop the ministry of encouragement is:-Why do people have problems - what are people struggling against at the core of their beings? Understanding this enables us to 'scratch where people itch'.
How Human Problems Began (Gen 3)
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve enjoyed unclouded communion with God and experienced joyous acceptance.
Sin, however, brought chaos into their lives, and gave rise to a completely new emotion which they had not experienced before - anxiety and fear.
Adam explained this strange behaviour by saying "I was afraid .... because I was naked". This has reference, not just to physical nudity, but to the problem of exposure and rejection.
In an effort to avoid dealing with what he feared, Adam chose to hide, and by so doing employed the world's first layers of protection.
From that day to this, mankind has searched for ways to cover up their deep feelings of worthlessness, i.e. insecurity, inferiority and insignificance.
UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE
Galatians 5:14 "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbour as yourself'".
Galatians 6:10 "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers".
Ecclesiastes 4:10 "If one falls down, his friend can help him up, but pity the man who falls and has no-one to help him up".
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(James 2:15, 16; Philippians 2:4; Romans 12:15 ; 1 Thessalonians 5: 11; Colossians 1:28).
HOW CAN WE HELP PEOPLE?
Be a good listener
Hearing captures the words a person speaks while listening captures the meaning and feeling that lie beneath the words (Prov 15:23, 28; James 1:19; Prov 18:13). We must listen carefully and perceptively. There is nothing more frustrating than not being listened to: we must give someone our undivided attention before giving them advice. We need to develop perceptive listening because naturally we tune out the things we don't want to hear. There are several parts to perceptive listening:
(a) As someone else talks do not think about what you are going to say in reply because you may miss what they say. Focus on the other person so that you become more conscious of them than you are of yourself.
(b) Accept the other person's statements without making a judgment on what is being said: if issues must be evaluated then this can happen later. Making judgments now means we do not effectively hear what the other person is saying.
(c) Listen not only to the words but to the feelings which lie beneath the words. You will never properly be able to help someone without showing that you understand how they feel. Are they feeling anger, loneliness, despair, insecurity, sadness, rejection, emptiness, impatience, inferiority, etc.? Being listened to is therapeutic.
Be sensitive
Be sensitive with those who are downcast and disconsolate (Prov 25:20). Tune into peoples' hurts; empathise and then advise. Share the feelings of those who are hurting.
Communicate from the heart and not the head
Advice from the heart reaches the heart (Prov 27:9; 2 Cor 6:11). Do you really care about the needs of those who are hurting? Until you can answer 'yes' your answers are flowing from your head and not your heart. NB what comes from your head reaches only the head. Try to understand what is happening inside a hurting person; make an active effort to imagine what is happening within them.
Know when to speak and when to remain silent
(Prov 10:19; Eccles 3:7), Be sensitive as to when to be silent so as not to cause embarrassment. When people find it difficult to express themselves, silence can help them. Sometimes people talk to cover up the anxiety within them - they cover their insecurity.
Sometimes we need to confront people openly
Sometimes we need to confront people openly with the reality of how they are behaving (Prov 28:23; Prov 27:5; 1 Thess 5:14). How do we warn someone about something they are doing wrong? With great love and understanding; never confront out of anger. Speak the truth in love. You only earn the right to confront someone when you love them. When you express judgment do not express disapproval of the person.
Keep confidences
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Keep confidences unless given permission to share them by the person who told you them (Prov 11:13; Prov 20:19).
Accept people as they are
Judgmental thoughts affect the tone of voice and facial expression. Listen in an accepting and non-judgmental atmosphere, and this will help to develop a relationship between helper and person in need.
Be careful what you say and how you say it
Avoid meaningless cliches. Reflect a genuine interest and concern - show concern for the person and not the problem (Prov 27:9). Reflect back a summary of the problem as you see it. Avoid giving advice - help the other person think the issues through, so that you work yourself out of a job.
Use words that are
(a) prompted by love (Prov 15:23)
(b) chosen with care (Prov 25:11)
(c) spoken with tenderness (Eph 4:29)
Make a wise use of questions
Don't ask too many; ask open-ended questions; avoid either/or questions; ask indirect questions; avoid a series of questions - this is too threatening; ask 'why?' sparingly.
Don't be drawn in out of your depth
No-one can help everybody.
1 Be sensitive to hurts and feelings
2 Listen effectively
3 Provide a safe and accepting atmosphere
4 Reflect back
5 Develop a simple strategy
6 Build a good rapport
7 Focus on how to open up a person
8 Use words to build up
9 Open doors
10 Lovingly confront
UNDERSTANDING & ACCEPTANCE -
A Key Issue in Developing the Ministry of Encouragement
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It is important to understand that acceptance does not mean approval. It involves differentiating between a person and his/her behaviour. Consider the following Scriptures and ask yourself: how did Jesus relate and act toward the person, and what was His attitude to the person's behaviour?
John 8: 1-11 Sinful Woman
John 5: 1-14 Infirm Man
Mark 10:17-31 Rich Young Ruler
'Acceptance' has been defined as dealing with a person as they are, not as you would like them to be. If you have difficulty in doing this, then focus on the following:
1 The person's potential,
2 Worthwhile behaviour (look at the positive),
3 Intrinsic worth (image of God).
Remember:-
The essence of encouragement is to understand - not necessarily to resolve the problem. Pray for them and with them.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A CHURCH -
- WHEN THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT IS NOT ACTIVE
It results in:-
1 A minimum impact of truth,
2 Pressure and intimidation,
3 Complacency.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A CHURCH -
- WHEN THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT IS ACTIVE
It results in:-
1 Spiritual growth,
2 Openness of heart,
3 Rebellion.
Pulpit and Pew need to Develop Together
A local Church which takes the time and trouble to teach its people the importance of encouragement will add greatly to the effectiveness of its other ministries. Growth and maturity are more easily reached in the context of good relationships.
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PRESSURES / PITFALLS OF LEADERSHIP
COPING WITH THE PRESSURES AND DANGERS
Pressure = "exertion of continuous force, force so exerted, upon or against a body by another in contact with it; affliction, oppression, trouble, embarrassment" (Concise Oxford Dictionary)
Whenever you are engaged in public ministry/leadership you can expect pressure of one sort or another to be brought to bear upon you: the more you minister, and the more that the Lord uses your ministry, the greater is the likelihood, and the intensity, of this pressure.
This pressure, or opposition, is often verbal, but can be physical and, of course, has a spiritual root. Its purpose, or intent, is to disrupt your ministry and to reduce its effectiveness: thus, for example, if you give in to this pressure and compromise your ministry, or even worse, give up your ministry, then the enemy has achieved his intent - he has won.
It is imperative, therefore, to stand firm and to continue your ministry. However, this is NOT a reason, or excuse, to avoid re-assessing your ministry from time to time, in order to ensure that it is the ministry the Lord wants.
HOW DOES THIS PRESSURE ARISE? Six examples:-
(1) Criticism - especially of motives, reputation and content;
(2) Crises - either personal, family or within the Body of Christ - for example: marriage, health, relationships, tragedy, financial, etc.;
(3) Isolation and/or loneliness;
(4) Restrictions imposed upon the way you can minister which prevent/hinder you from ministering as the Lord is leading;
(5) Being misunderstood, especially your motives, intentions and aims;
(6) Encouragement to compromise or 'water down' your ministry, often because it is seen to be too challenging.
HOW CAN WE DEAL WITH THIS PRESSURE?
Some useful Scriptures to ponder:-
1 Cor 14:33 "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace ..."
1 Thess 5:22 "Abstain from (= hold oneself from) every form of evil" (words in brackets added).
1 Thess 5:21 "Test all things; hold fast what is good".
Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful".
1 Thess 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you".
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose".
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Five Suggestions:
(1) Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to carefully evaluate/sift all criticism, so that you can distinguish between that which has some validity and that which is entirely unfounded. Let the Holy Spirit show you, through the criticism, the areas in your ministry and/or life which need to be changed - and then proceed with His help to change.
(2) Share the situation with a respected, more mature Christian who can help you to assess what to do and can pray with, and for, you.
(3) Address any issues, especially crises, which are hindering, or threatening to hinder, your ministry; do not 'push items under the bed' - instead, face and overcome them, possibly one at a time.
(4) Tell the Lord about all of your feelings and emotions, especially any that are negative, critical, etc., and seek His help to turn these into positive, good, encouraging feelings and emotions.
(5) Check your attitude and motive very carefully and ensure that you are ministering in humility and for the Lord's glory; as long as this is so, and you are operating within the boundaries established by your Church leadership, boldly continue with your ministry. If God wants you to stop, temporarily or permanently, He will tell you - and He will not use negative, critical people to do this!
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?
The ways in which the enemy will seek to attack those who are in the front line of ministry - and this is especially true of those engaged in public ministry and, in particular, of those whose main ministry is of this kind. We must be aware that the enemy will attack us: how? In a host of ways - below are ten examples:-
(1) Anger - placing us in situations which, in the natural, will make us angry, so that there is the possibility we will lose our temper and so severely harm our witness.
(2) Need to be recognized - if we are ministering, at least in part, because we 'need' the attention it brings, then we are potentially very vulnerable to the enemy's flattery - it may cause us to begin to look less and less to God and to concentrate more and more upon ourselves. In this way our ministry will quickly 'go off the rails'.
(3) Using our ministry to manipulate others - enjoying the 'power' and 'status' that our ministry gives us, and then abusing and/or misusing this power, to the disadvantage of others.
(4) Seeking power - which can distract us from the purpose of our ministry and also cause us to concentrate on a narrow ministry rather than that which the Lord has given.
(5) Pride - allowing praise and/or flattery to 'go to our heads' so that we lose our humility and servanthood and begin to think that we are somebody special.
(6) Deception - following error rather than truth, so that we are not only led astray ourselves, but through our ministry we may lead others astray as well.
(7) Party spirit - causing division and strife. Often caused by following a person rather than Christ.
(8) Breaking, or misuse, of confidentiality - so that people can no longer trust us or our ministry.
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(9) Discouragement and despair - when our ministry does not work out as we would like or is less 'successful' than we hoped, and on occasion, when it seems as though the Lord is not fulfilling the promises He has made to us with regard to our ministry.
(10) Doubt and/or unbelief - especially prevalent when our ministry goes through a 'sticky period', or when it is not appreciated by others, especially the leadership of the Church.
HOW CAN WE DEAL WITH THESE DANGERS?
In many respects the advice above with regard to pressure is also applicable, to some extent, when facing the dangers of ministry. Some other help can be gained from the Scriptures, including:-
Psalm 37:8 "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret - it only causes harm".
Gal 5:19+20 "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: ... contentions, ... outbursts of wrath".
2 Cor 10:18 "For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends".
2 Tim 2:15 "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed ...".
Romans 14:19 "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another".
1 Cor 8:1 "... Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies".
2 Cor 12:19 "... But we do all things, beloved, for your edification".
John 8:32 " And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free".
2 Peter 3:17 "... beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked".
1 Cor 1:10 "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment".
Proverbs 11:13 "A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter".
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand".
Hebrews 3:12 "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God".
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THE DANGER OF BURN-OUT IN LEADERSHIP
1. The signs
The initial signs are:- tenseness, irritability, depression, appearance of being in another world, constant fatigue, forgetfulness, low tolerance of frustration, lack of patience, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, frequent headaches, sudden crying over minor things, allergic reactions, constipation, muscular aches, skin ailments.
More serious signs include:- high blood pressure, hypertension, colitis, ulcers, glandular problems, immune system breakdown, heart disease, cancer.
2. Stress - what is it?
The response of your mind, emotions and body to the demands that are made upon you.
3. The physical causes of burn-out
Environment - living in the city, noise, pollution, people in home, work and Church, over-stretching yourself, trying to be what you are not, etc.
Restlessness - no break from responsibility, no day off, late nights and early mornings, etc.
Poor diet - foods that are extremely stress-producing, e.g. white sugar, coffee, tea, white flour, salt, highly processed foods with chemical additives, to name a few.
Mental strain and no physical exercise - 'It is now a medical fact that physical exercise minimizes whatever stress you have; we now know that lack of exercise will cause even small amounts of stress to seem monumental' Dr D J Kophe.
4. The spiritual causes of burn-out
Lack of personal discipline
(a) Faith is not intended to be an emergency procedure, but a way of life. Heb 2:4 "... but the righteous shall live by faith" (ref Rom 10:17).
(b) The danger of complacency when fighting a battle that is already won. Eph 6:11 "... put on the whole armour of God so that you may be able to stand" (2 Tim 3-7).
An unbiblical expectation concerning the nature of our calling
2 Cor 6:10 "... sorrowful, yet rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, yet possessing everything" (Ref 2 Cor 6;1-10; Phil 4:11-13).
The danger of uncommanded work
John 4:34 "My meat and drink ('food' - NIV) is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish His work". Heb 4:10 "He who enters his rest has ceased from his own work".
Results of uncommanded work:-(a) no faith in what we are doing,(b) no peace in what we are doing,(c) no fruit out of what we are doing.
Conclusion
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What do I do if I am suffering the effects of burn-out? Two choices:-1 Change your situation, both physical and spiritual.2 Strengthen yourself in God to be victorious in your situation now:-
(a) Get advice, help, counsel, etc.(b) Put into operation the disciplines previously spoken about.
RESPONSIBILITY OF CONGREGATION TO CHURCH LEADERS / ELDERS / DEACONS
Although leaders are not perfect, yet they are God's established workers in the Church.
They have a responsibility to the people and the people have their responsibility to them. People can make or break them according to their attitude and reception of them in their God-appointed offices.
1 The congregation should know and should have proved them (Rev 2:2).
2 The congregation should appreciate them highly in the Lord (1 Thess 5:12+13).
3 The congregation should honour and reward them; if possible, they should be supported by tithes and offerings.
(In the Old Testament the Levites were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people
Numbers 18:21-24.)
Elders
(a) Do not accept accusations against an elder without witnesses (1 Tim 5:19).
(b) Obey them and submit to them in the Lord (Heb 13:17).
(c) Call for them when sick (James 5:14-15).
(d) Continue steadfastly in the doctrine they teach (Acts 2:42).
(e) Pray for them (Eph 6:18-20).
(f) Do not criticize them. Remember Miriam (Numbers 12) and Korah (Numbers 16).
God will be the Judge of any elder who does not do his job in the 'God-appointed way'. Ezekiel 34 gives a terrible warning of what God thinks of these men.
Leaders/elders/deacons desperately need the support of the congregation so that the mind and will of the Lord can be seen.
Remember
If the Glory of God is to be seen in the Church it is because we will have brought it there.
THE PRAISE & WORSHIP PATHWAY
Man was created to live and breathe in an atmosphere of praise-filled worship to his Creator.
But sin came in and severed this bond of blessing through obedience, and introduced self-centredness and self-pity and complaint.
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But now has come salvation through Christ, and upon receiving him as Saviour we are called to a daily living of prayer and the word, for fellowship and wisdom in living.
But our daily approach to God in communion is to be paved with praise.
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4).
"With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Phil 4:6).
Such a walk of praise-filled openness to him will cultivate deep devotion, faithful obedience, and constant joy, as well as giving a life-delivering power to each believer.
Remember:-
(1) Praise is the pathway to God's presence Psalm 22:3+4
(2) Praise brings victory to our lives 2 Chron 20:15-22
(3) Praise in unity brings power 2 Chron 5:13+14
(4) Praise springs open prison doors Acts 16:25+26
The individual or church that lives in an atmosphere of praise and worship sees God at work in a new dynamic way.
It is necessary for us all to realize that to lead communal worship or to take part in worship we ourselves must be living a life of praise.
Real worship is not just singing choruses on a Sunday at church to God.
It goes far beyond that ......
REAL WORSHIP
'God is trying to call us back to that for which He has created us, to worship Him and to enjoy Him forever' (A W Tozer).
'Let us beware of the danger of attempting to renew our forms of worship when our daily lives are evidence that our bodies are not offered up on the altar as a living sacrifice' (Graham Kendrick).
The words 'real worship' implicitly suggest that there is such a thing as unreal worship. For most of us they evoke a series of impressions drawn from our personal experiences of individual and corporate worship, from our own private devotions to large charismatic celebrations. Chris Bowater lists four points which encapsulate the dangers inherent in the church's current renewal of forms of worship.
Four Dangers in Charismatic Worship
1. Worship that is merely a response to atmosphere:
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'Worship that depends on the externals for existence is not real worship at all; true worship is what you have left when the externals are taken away' (Graham Kendrick).
2. 'Play Church Mentality': an attitude of programme filling where there is plenty of form but little power.
3. Worshipping Worship: into the latest songs, but not taken up with God.
4. Unreality: a failure to take off the masks and be real. Worship involves the burning up of pretence.
Vital and creative music and singing has become a defining feature of charismatic worship. Yet beneath the new stream of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, beneath the fads and fashions, there is a scriptural foundation for worship that transcends superficiality, habit and mere external form.
'Singing slow songs is not worship, although some song-leaders seem to feel that the difference between praise and worship is the tempo used in singing .... Failure to recognize this leads congregations into confusion. If we say that music is worship, we will devastate those who are not 'musical'; we will rule out the great portions of our congregations who have little musical skill and will direct them to seek to worship by identification with those who can exhibit musical abilities. But worship by identification is an impossibility. Worship demands participation. Sitting in the pew listening to the music is not a worship experience. Worship requires an involvement of persons with their God'. (Judson Cornwall)
WORSHIP IS FOR GOD God has a desire to meet and talk with us. Worship satisfies His heart - this is part of the mystery of God.
(a) It is His WORTH Rev 4:11
(b) It is His DESIRE Psalm 45:10-11; Eph 3:11-12
(c) It is His PLAN 2 Kings 17:35-36; Psalm 8:2
The Universe Worships
The whole world is filled with things that glorify God.
Angels worship Him in heaven (Rev 5:11-12).
All creation worships Him (Psalm 19:1).
Man Worships
God seeks our worship today, just as He called out for Adam and Eve's fellowship.
Psalm 8 reminds us of what we are, and what God has made us. He has crowned us with glory and honour.
So, we need to worship God. We were made for that purpose and are happiest when we respond to that need.
Definition
Worship - WORTH - SHIP (Old English word origin).
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WORSHIP IS FOR US
'As the deer pants for the waterSo my soul longs after you;You alone are my heart's desireAnd I long to worship you'.
The Psalmist uses the image of thirst to describe the human need and desire to fellowship with God. Jesus spoke to the woman in John 4 of His 'living water' which would fully satisfy. Both illustrate that without Him the basic needs of man's heart cannot be met.
Let us see what guidelines scripture gives concerning the heart of worship -
'Worship starts with ownership of the body' (Graham Kendrick).
The definition of real worship:
"offer your bodies"
"a living sacrifice"
"holy and pleasing to God".
Passages such as these and the following passage from John suggest that there is a cost involved in worship.
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit and His worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth". (John 4:23-24)
In response to the Samaritan woman's disputation as to the place and style of 'true' worship, Jesus sets the Father's standard -
"worship the Father"
Firstly, true worshippers have a real, personal relationship with God as Father. They are sons and respond to His love accordingly.
'Worship will be great or feeble according to our view of God' (Jo King)
"in spirit"
The real dynamic of our personal life and our corporate meetings is to be the Holy Spirit. His presence is to direct our gathering together. We are to flow in the spirit, not run on empty.
1 Cor 6:19 Body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Under the new covenant, we are to be a place of worship.
The dynamic between the believer's own spirit (which can praise, proclaim and edify) and the Holy Spirit (which overwhelms and lifts us up). Hence Paul and Silas could praise and sing in prison (Acts 16:25).
"in truth"
Dependent on the truths of relationship - not changing, fluctuating feelings, circumstances or external components.
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Worship also in the light of revealed truth - what God is saying to us.
Reality v Ritual
'I sincerely believe that the transforming experience Paul wrote about (in Romans 12 and 2 Cor 3:18) is the result of the right kind of personal and corporate worship. We have tried everything else. Now is the time that we returned to God's way and tried worship'. (Warren Wiersbe)
To worship in the light of truth we must recognize:-
(1) The truth about God(a) His nature - Creator, Father, Provider, King, Deliverer(b) Become 'God-conscious' not self-conscious (c) Beware a God that is 'too small'
(2) The truth about myself(a) I have access (Romans 5)(b) I am accepted(c) I am delightful to God
(3) The truth about God's purposes(a) God acts(b) God has plans and advances them
In coming to church we gather together for:-(a) encouragement and edification(b) celebration(c) witness and testimony(d) communion(e) to hear the Word - teaching and preaching(f) givingThe more we come together, prepared to fulfil our biblical purpose in corporate worship, the more God will infuse our congregational worship with His presence and power.
LEADING WORSHIP
THE LEADER
'As a leader, you can take the people only where you have already been. Your ability to 'lead worship' will be proportionate to the reality of your own worship life. If you find it impossible to 'press in' on God, really to draw close to Him, how can you expect to encourage those who are looking to you for leadership?' (Chris Bowater)
In many ways, the concept of a worship leader is a contemporary one. The term has gained much prominence within churches associated with the Charismatic Renewal. Prominent and able musicians, raised by God into positions of national and international leadership, have redirected our attention to biblical principles concerning worship and church life.
One of these leaders, himself now a pastor, describes leading worship as follows:-
'The first thing I had to learn about leading worship was that the worship leader is not there to perform and draw attention to himself, but like a good conductor he will seek to give a lead as unobtrusively as possible. The ministry of the worship leader is not mentioned in any of the lists of ministries in the New Testament, but it is possible that Paul had this ministry in mind, among others, when he says in Romans 12:8 that he who leads should do so with diligence. The
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Greek word for 'leads' here is pro-istamenos which means 'to stand before'. The role of the worship leader is to stand before the meeting to help and guide the worship'. (Dave Fellingham - Worship Restored)
The suggestion here is that the worship leader has a distinctive role. He or she is not just accidentally, by default or habit, the one leading singing or the whole meeting, but one appointed to 'point people God-ward'; with the people to enter into the presence of God.
THE QUALITIES OF A WORSHIP LEADER
'The most effective way to lead worship is to be a worshipper' (Dave Fellingham)
'When God speaks through someone it is because He is working in them' (Jo King)
Be a Worshipper (Romans 12:1)
PREPARATION FOR A WORSHIP/PRAISE MEETING
We often waste so much time using the opening of a meeting/gathering to 'get right with God', to 'tune in'. Worshippers should come ready to worship, prepared. Full not empty.
Come with clean hands and a pure heart. In repentance. (Psalm 24:4)
Subject the heart, mind and will - concentrate on Him (Matt 22:37-40)
UNITY
'Worship isn't just a Spectator Sport'.
We come together to share in worship. To celebrate 'a new social order' (Graham Kendrick) and to affirm and celebrate communality (Col 3:11-17).
To build each other up (1 Cor 14:26).
Come prepared to give and to contribute (1 Cor 14).
PRAYER (Eph 6:18)
Seek direction from God first.
Pray together with musicians, singers, other leaders.
Pray 'on all occasions' - during the meeting 'keep the lines open'.
PLANNING
Consult with pastor/elder/preacher to learn the theme of the sermon and/or general themes God has laid on their hearts.
Be responsive to the plans other leaders have for the meeting.
Develop a programme/list of songs for yourself and other participants.
Prepare scripture readings which can complement the songs.
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Provide necessary equipment: OHP, acetates, copies of music, words for singers and musicians.
Remember poor preparation results from too little practice and too little prayer.
PRACTICE
Determine an appropriate amount of practice for your group.
Meet regularly.
Set clear goals for each practice (e.g. one new song, all songs for Sunday).
Stress commitment and shared responsibility.
Practise ways of playing/leading/singing relevant to the actual form and content of the meetings. You will need to practise such things as:
(a) Introductions
(b) Tempos
(c) Keys and key changes
(d) Order and variety of instruments playing (who plays when)
(e) Improvisation and spontaneity
(f) Use of amplification - electronic instruments, microphones for leader and singers
(g) Using multiple/various songbooks
It is important to practise in ways which most clearly reproduce what actually happens in the meetings.
IN THE MEETING
Having prepared both spiritually and practically, the worship leader begins the meeting, setting sail on the course to which God has directed him. However, it is essential that he remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid to abandon your planned route, your next song, reading or exhortation as the Holy Spirit directs and flows in fresh and unexpected ways.
There must be a willing surrender of your plans to the spontaneous working of the Holy Spirit. This is not abandoning responsibility, but allowing the Holy Spirit to confirm and direct you in accordance with the particular needs of the situation.
At this stage, the Holy Spirit multiplies and shapes what has been prayerfully prepared.
It helps here if the worship leader keeps in mind the following aims:-
1 To minister to God
2 To motivate the people to praise
3 To help the people hear from God
4 To allow time for people to share what God is doing/saying
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5 To help the people respond to what God is saying
6 To minister to each other
7 To instruct and correct
8 To prepare people for the preaching
Dave Fellingham writes:
'There can be no doubt that the early church was a singing, praising, worshipping church. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, those early gatherings would have been in a truly charismatic dimension. Psalms of praise, hymns, spiritual songs, both composed and spontaneous, singing in tongues - all were means of expressing the new song that God had put in the hearts of the new Christians.
Prophetic utterances, tongues and interpretations, words of wisdom and knowledge, healings, exhortations, discerning of spirits, miracles, acts of faith, giving money, as well as the exposition and teaching of Scripture, were some of the ways in which individuals could contribute to the meetings. It would be hard to imagine that the singing of Psalms would have been formal and lifeless.
The Psalms express a whole variety of ways in which praise and worship can be brought to God: 'Bless the Lord', 'Give thanks', 'Praise the Lord', 'Magnify His Name', 'Sing to the Lord', 'Shout to God', 'Shout joyfully with psalms', 'Clap your hands', 'Lift up your hands', 'Dance', 'Bow down', 'Kneel', 'Worship', 'Praise the Lord with instruments'.
It would appear from the writings of Paul that the infant church was charismatic in its variety of ministries and creative in its worship. We do not know what the worship sounded like, but we can assume that the life and joy of spirit-filled lives gave full vent to that joy in the kind of expressions of worship and praise contained in the Psalms. We may dare to conjecture that among the exercise of the ministries which are more clearly described, there would have been corporate singing, hand-clapping, dancing, shouting, hand-raising, kneeling and bowing, all deriving from the original directives in the Psalms."
RECOMMENDED READING
Chris Bowater Creative Worship (Marshal Pickering)
Judson Cornwall Elements of Worship (Logos)
David Fellingham Worship Restored (Kingsway)
Jack Hayford Worship His Majesty (Word)
Graham Kendrick Worship (Kingsway)
Jo King Leading Worship (Kingsway)& accompanying tape
Warren Wiersbe Real Worship (Kingsway)
Tom Inglis The Psalmist
John Leach Liturgy & Liberty
M. Coleman & E. Lindquist Come and Worship
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LEADING WORSHIP - PRACTICAL STEPS
DO .....
1 Remember that your role is to point people to Jesus, as John the Baptist:"Look, the Lamb of God..." (John 1:29),"He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30).
2 Prepare well:(a) Personally, spiritually, prayerfully;(b) Appropriately for the type of meeting;(c) Appropriately for the people (consider special needs);(d) Your appearance;(e) In the details of the programme:
- allow for participation/open worship (see later),- choose songs for a reason,- offering,- prayers,- children's items,- readings,- involve others (give notice, don't forget names!),- liaise with musicians,- linking, direction, vision,- prepare a clear outline for yourself and others taking part.
(f) OHP;(g) Venue - seating, etc.
3 Relax! Be welcoming and friendly, with a pleasant and natural manner. This will put people at ease. Eye contact helps people to feel that you are interested in them. Be yourself, rather than copy someone else's style.
4 Use the microphone properly (if appropriate).
5 Give clear instructions, e.g. 'stand', 'sit', etc. Repeat song numbers.
6 Think ahead; keep on top of the programme; be flexible.
7 Allow participation - let God minister through others present.
8 'Keep in step with the Spirit' - discern the mind of the Spirit in people's prayers, choice of songs, etc. and act to strengthen, highlight and confirm what seems to be most clearly inspired.
9 Deal with unhelpful contributions. 'On the spiritual level we need to develop a sensitivity as to when something jars against the Spirit within us and disturbs our peace, and on the mental level we need to weigh what we hear against Scripture. Situations should be dealt with lovingly, sensitively and firmly'. (See G Kendrick's 'Worship' pages 164 to 166).
10 Worship!
DON'T .....
1 Make excuses - ill health, nerves, etc. It is a false humility because it only draws attention to you. Remember "His strength is made perfect in weakness".
2 Distract people with irritating habits, e.g. flicking your hair, fiddling with the microphone stand, etc.
3 Hog the limelight and use your position to boost your ego. It's God's show!
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4 Leave preparation until the last minute.
5 Get so carried away that you miss out the offering!
6 Bully people,
but rather encourage and enable them to worship. There should be freedom in worship. Leave the response to the Holy Spirit.
7 Preach a sermon;
however, there is a place for a certain amount of teaching in worship. For instance, it is good to remind people of God's unchanging qualities and of what He's done, of how we should approach Him and of what worship really is.
8 Seek praise from people afterwards.
9 Be afraid.
10 Consider yourself indispensable (or make yourself indispensable).
PRACTICAL STEPS TO LEADING A BIBLE STUDY
A Before the meeting
1 Pray much that God will give you wisdom, understanding and liberty for the study.
2 Choose your Bible passage, well before the meeting in order to be familiar with it.
3 Do not select too large a portion of Scripture for the time at your disposal.
B During the meeting
4 'Lay your stall out well'; make sure that you can be seen and heard, and that all study notes, etc. (if applicable) are given out (have spares available).
5 Tread with caution when expecting people to read aloud - it can cause embarrassment and, at worst, may prevent people coming.
6 Use every opportunity to get 'student' participation.
7 Ask questions, but do not embarrass people with expecting answers from them.
8 Keep it informal; if possible encourage an up-to-date testimony to support the study.
9 Briefly recall the material covered to reinforce it.
10 If possible, open and close the meeting with prayer and possibly a song.
Conditions for Study
Preparing the environment in which we study is very important indeed.
Try to aim for a room temperature of 65 degrees F (18C)
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Have it well ventilated; drowsiness due to heat and poor ventilation is a frequent obstacle to study.
Make time for a natural break, after approx. 45 minutes of study.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO LEADING A SUCCESSFUL PRAYER MEETING
Pray }Plan } well before the meeting.Prepare }
During the meeting:-
All prayer should start with thanksgiving (Phil 4:6); therefore commence the meeting with a time of worship, ensuring that an atmosphere of praise pervades the first part.
Remember:-
(1) Prayer is agreeing with God's will (1 John 5:14-15). Immature faith tries to manipulate God. Mature faith seeks to move under the banner of God's will; so give time and opportunity to find out what God's will is (James 1:5).
(2) Prayer, not debate or argument, is the proving ground of our faith (Acts 4:1-37) so give space for faith to rise positively.
Times of quietness can be very effective for this.
Consider:-(a) Confession,(b) Intercession,(c) Praying in the Spirit,(d) Prayer/fasting.
Avoid:-(a) A shopping list of prayers,(b) Prayers that really tell everyone else what you have been doing,(c) Prayers that generally go around the world (verbally) but have no real meaning.
Be:-- prepared for God to work,- expectant of it,- flexible when He does,- available for it to happen.
If the prayer meeting is to be successful the leader needs to realize that he/she, during the meeting, stands between God and the people and thus needs to recognize their responsibility.
Environment:-
Aim for a room temperature of 65F (18C), well ventilated.
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YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Material produced by Rev Mike Jones of International Mission Support for the seminar on -
GOD'S CALL TO YOUTH LEADERSHIP
1. THE PERSON OF THE CALL
Young (old) mature, single person.
Often no choice - Irish labourer.
Not popular - one who loves.
The leader will stamp his character on the group. The youth group will reflect the character of the leader. The leader will reflect the character of the Church.
(a) Life
Matthew 16:24 and Romans 12:1 is his/her life.
(b) Maturity
Handle kids and Church. Bridge (tomorrow) house.
(c) Communication
Meet and mix at their level (guide around house).
Not mutton dressed as lamb.
(d) Life Experience
Youth problems, relationships, sex, etc.
20 years old still learning. Girls relate to father.
(e) Call of God
Not on an ego trip. Hardest job in the Church. Being people must have a call, a conviction - direct word.
2. COMMITMENT OF CALL
(a) If you are not the person.
(b) You don't have the call. You will not survive - kids fail.
To God you must give 100%.
To the body and to the kids.
You can't give 2 hours on a Friday, it is a 52 week/365 day a year job.
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Put your hand to the plough.
I know it's lonely and others won't understand, the kids want you at the wrong time and they don't always thank you.
It is more demanding than any other job.
If married, the partners must be at least sympathetic. The family must know - priority time - don't drop out with young family.
3. AIM OF CALL
Must have a target - unity of leaders.
Fail - fall between outreach programme and growth.
Not:-
1 Exclusive club,2 Church isolated,3 Activity time with a bit of spiritual,4 Entertainment time.
Bible instruction for Church. Acts 2:41-47 teaching, fellowship and prayer.
(a) Teaching - encourage growth and faith.
(b) Encourage involvement in the local body (worship, teaching not Junior Church).
(c) Reaching others for Jesus, training those we have in evangelism (mature leader and kids).
4. PRIORITY OF THE CALL
(a) High Calling
One of the most important people. 100% of those open to Jesus.
Church does not see your calling - so does not support.
Leadership 45 and over, people forget youth life, don't have kids, not bothered with them, they're miles apart; your area is most problematic.
God's view.
Matthew 18:10 - lost sheep - bring them. You are called to be sheep finders. What more do they want?
(b) Urgent Calling
71% of people not Christians at 20 years of age will be lost.
If Jesus came back in 3 years for those that are lost.
1. Humanism2. Alcohol
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3. Sex/violence4. Peer group
(c) Demanding and Difficult
1 Corinthians 16:9 - wide door/adversaries. Deal with attack - who - leader - defeat him.
(d) Life Call
Don't get out at 25/30 - father/mother.
Kids need mature. Proverbs 1:4 - knowledge/direction - 20 year olds can't do this.
Don't get out because of your kids, don't get out until God says so.
Best work at 32, you know you can't do it.
Disciple other leaders.
YOUTH LEADERS - ARE THEY A MINISTRY GIFT?
Youth Leadership, like any other skill can be learned, the secular youth work being ample proof of this. If there is the least leadership ability in a person, then by training and development, leadership qualities can be drawn out and developed.
The person may not be a Number One Leader but a back up to one who is, and quite adequately work in a team situation, but this does not qualify them for a Number One position, if they are not gifted for this. Just as there are many trained Pastors, who go through Bible College, come out with qualifications, take a Church, achieve nothing, so the same can happen in Youth Work. Probably even more so, as the average Church Leadership seems to believe anyone who is young, and prepared to help, can lead a Youth Group.
There is a big difference between a baby-sitter and a kindergarten leader, there is a big difference between a Pastor out of Seminary and a Ministry Gift, there is a big difference between someone who has a leaning towards youth and a real leader.
The Seminary Pastor does not always impart Spirit, merely knowledge, and where that happens the Church suffers; the Ministry Gift, even at times looking inadequate, imparts Spirit, inspires and motivates others.
Any Youth Work, to be successful, requires a Ministry Gift to lead it, however under-developed that gift is.
The answer to the question 'is this person capable of leading a youth work and bringing results?' is simply 'are they a ministry gift? if yes, work with them. If not, the Church will just be providing a baby-minding service and a true youth work will never develop'.
'How do you spot a young ministry gift?' is often the question asked; how can we know whether, with training and input, they can be a successful Youth Leader, producing a youth work that leads many young people to Jesus, disciples them, releases the gifts within them and reproduces other gifts?
The following guidelines are a list of questions to ask about possible leaders who are being considered; although one is not suggesting that it is a complete list,
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but to be used as a guide to those who would have to answer the question 'Could this person run a youth group?'
Do they have love for young people?Have they been involved in Church work before?Have they sought for opportunities for service?Do they relate to young people?Are they a confident person?Can they approach people?Do they have the courage of their convictions? Do they respect leadership?Do leadership trust them with 'people' tasks?Will they take the position if there is no money involved?Will they take the position if there is not a full time job on the horizon?Are they not making it in the world?Do they relate to youth?Do youth automatically go to them?Are they outgoing people?Are they self-starters?Are they creative?Are they prepared to give all their time to the youth?Are they prepared to be available any time?Are they prepared to have their home open?Have they been tested in this world anywhere?Are they a Ministry Gift?Are they operating that gift?Are they already a sociable 'people' person?Can they talk to unsaved?Will they talk to unsaved?Are they interested in unsaved?Do they see this as a stepping stone to another ministry?Do they have the respect of their present Church pastors? Do they believe they have the ability themselves?Do they have vision for youth work?Do they have a direction to take the youth work?Is this something that our Lord is birthing in them?Has it been on their heart for many months?Will youth follow them?Do they have youth round them where they are now?!Do they have a philosophy for youth work?Do they think it is their life calling by our Lord?
I would expect any prospective leaders one was considering for leadership to come up positively on at least 2/3 of the total list of questions. This would at least give an indication of ministry gifting, for what I consider is the most important role in the Church - that of Youth Leader.
Material produced by Rev Mike Jones of International Mission Support for the seminar on -
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
DISCIPLING PRINCIPLES
Characteristics of True Discipling (Greek - Lerner)As Jesus at work on earth.
Companionship(He called 12 to Him - Matthew 10:32. Spent time with them)Build friendship.
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Commitment(Luke 5:1-11 - helped them catch fish - then)Help without return
- Taught to drive,- Repair engine,- Decorate room,- Canoe,- Mountain walking.
Equipping
Jesus' method - demonstrator - involve others.
Four stages of doing:
- You watch,- You help,- I help you,- I watch.
Reproduction
Go and do what I have done.Work at reproducing.Get them to lead others.
Be clear:-
1 No right to move outside realm of scripture.2 Be clear on why you are discipling.3 You and your ideas have a right to be challenged.4 Open and on-going relationships are vital for fruit to be produced in and through each other.5 Welcome adversity - opportunity for advancement.6 Disciples regularly fail - deal with it generously.7 Trust God, trust them, let them loose.
We Enable Christians to be More Successful, More Fulfilled and Do Better Business With Each Other.
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