Theological Metrics for Minnistry

Yesterday (05/27/11) we produced a Video containing instruction for the application of the 14 Effectiveness Criteria developed by IgniteUS. This is even more joy-filled because it is being done collaboratively with the Columbia Metro Association. Our prayer is that this will guide pastors and leaders to take the first step in 'Measuring ministry by Transformation and not mere activity'.

I saw a great quote posted on the 9 Marks web site that speaks to this issue. As you read these few words Pastor, ask yourself with level 1 honesty - - "How am I doing in ministry when measured by this standard? God's best as you press toward this excellence.

by Jonathan Leeman

Great post from Michael Oh over at Desiring God on the Danger of "Fruitfulness" in the minister's life without his own purity. Here's an excerpt:

The second “cardinal sin” of leadership is mistaking “fruitfulness” for holiness. We can often become easily enamored with the shininess and abundance of “fruit.” “Successful” ministry is not measured by numeric indicators. When Christ addresses the seven churches in Revelation, does he commend the larger churches and rebuke the smaller? Does he compare growth rates and highlight numbers? No. Instead, he hits at the heart of character, faith, endurance, compromise, idolatry, and immorality.

Refreshing Humility

This past week I enjoyed an exchange with a friend and Seminary Professor. Our perspectives were quite different on an issue. There were 3 or 4 back & forth exchanges. The paragraph below was his final post. How absolutely refreshing to find a truly learned man display such grace and humility.

I agree completely with the spirit of your penultimate paragraph, though I cannot help but think we are closer to each other than it seems on this issue. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m guessing that one of us (probably me) isn’t communicating as clearly as preferred. But maybe we are in disagreement, and if so, I await the day that all will be clear. Since we weren’t raptured today, I’m guessing that day will be in the future.

Blatant Insult to God

Blatant insult to God
Letters to the Editor
By Tom Fillinger, Columbia
Published May 12, 2011


Pastor BRYANT Wright is quoted as saying, “Jesus Christ loves all mankind. He loves homosexuals who are engaging in homosexual activity ...” (“At USC, gay students protest SBC president’s honorary degree,” April 28).

Psalm 5:5 and Psalm 11:5 are without ambiguity or confusion. Literally, Psalm 5:5 says, “God hates all the ones working (present tense) iniquity” (Barnes on the OT, Psalms Vol. 1, p.42).

The Scripture makes clear that homosexual activity is iniquity/sin, and those practicing such conduct are excluded from heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

In the interest of the authority of Scripture, which we in the Southern Baptist Convention claim to embrace, and the honor due the God we serve, I appeal for a correction to be posted on this assertion. It is false, incorrect and a blatant insult to God and his Word.

Editor’s note: In the interest of clarity, here are Southern Baptist Convention president Bryant Wright’s full remarks as presented in the April 28 Courier article:

“It’s really a false charge that when you simply teach what the Bible says about sin, that you’re a hateful person. Jesus Christ loves all mankind. He loves homosexuals who are engaging in homosexual activity. He loves heterosexuals who are engaging in immoral heterosexual activity.

“But he does call on us — because he has paid the penalty for our sins on the cross — to be willing to repent of sinful behavior. We’re just teaching what God’s standard is for sexual purity. The gospel is a wonderful message of good news, but it is a message of truth, and sometimes people are not always open or perceptive to God’s truth.”

World Population Growth & Missions Startegy

May 9, 2011

One of the significant improvements in the ministry of the Local Church in the past two decades has been the issues of Strategy & Focus. We have been more intentional. That is good.

The link that follows provides graphic evidence for the growth of populations around the Globe. We should be shaping our endeavors to take the gospel to the areas that project the greatest growth. We should invest the greatest resources in areas that provide the greatest challenge and potential kingdom results.

What say you?

http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/05/world_population_forecasts?fsrc=rss