Random Arrows & Leadership Selection

Like an archer who wounds everyone,

is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard (Prov. 26:10).

Sin in haste and repent at leisure. That simple statement applies to scores of churches. They call Pastors and Staff with little or no wisdom applied in the screening and selection process. Then, in short order, there is much weeping and wailing because the recently transacted "marriage" was not made in heaven.

In selecting Leaders, whether they function as a Teaching/Preaching Pastor or in the various responsibilities of an Elder, the Scripture provides specific and essential guidelines.

The first and primary consideration is Character. The most frequently applied criteria in selecting a Pastor is verbal skill. While this is certainly important, because a man is a credible speaker is no assurance that he also possesses a godly character.

This is the final post in this BLOG for 2011. I appeal to those who shoulder the responsibility of selecting Leaders to be "wise archers". Avoid random and careless 'shooting'. Do the research. Check multiple reference levels. Speak to a 360 circle of people who know the man. The most accurate indicator of what a man will do in the future is what he has done in the past. Know his history. Honor the facts. Pray much.

Then, celebrate the archery lessons that God has given as you serve with a man that is well suited to lead in the position you have placed him.

God's best in 2012.

Evangelism - Discipleship

This is a challenge to my readers. Find the word evangelism in the Bible. When you locate the number of times and places in which it is used, please send me an e-mail noting the references in which that word was found.

The church for the past two centuries has invested immense human and financial resources pursuing what is known as evangelism. The text of Scripture speaks of making disciples.

I challenge my readers to do a similar search on the concept of disciple making. When both word studies have been completed, compare the references to evangelism and disciple making. Why have I offered this challenge?

My observation as to the reasons for this are as follows:

1. It is much easier to make converts than it is to make disciples.

2. The metric required for evangelism is simply “numbers”.

3. The metric required for disciple making is genuine transformation into the image of Christ.

4. The cost of disciple making. Compared to evangelism is dramatically different. Disciple making requires a costly investment of building relationships with the one being discipled.

5. The culture in the Western world has affirmed evangelism rather than disciple making.

The theological foundation of this in the Western world goes back to Charles Grandeson Finney. This phenomenon was perpetuated the in 20th century by the emergence and operation of the Billy Graham evangelistic Association. This philosophy of “church” has accelerated with the emergence of the mega-church and the emergent church per se.

Each of these entities proclaims a gospel that is man centered and synergistic rather than God centered and monergistic. The metric in this system is numbers pure and simple rather than transformation. More is always better. Larger is superior to smaller. Methods matter more than sound theological postulates.

Please notice that the emergence and operation of this phenomenon covered several centuries. Correcting this anomaly will not be quick, easy or painless.

I offer this challenge in closing. Will the current and future pastors in the United States of America embrace sound theology and disciple making with a gracious but unrelenting pursuit of integrity in the church in America?

You can be one of these shepherd leaders. The question-will you?

Wounded Chaldeans & a Loaf of Bread

I read a chapter in the Book of Jeremiah each morning when I come to my Study. This morning, Chapter 37. This is the account of Jeremiah telling King Zedekiah that the Chaldeans would “burn this city with fire”, Jerusalem.

The King is less than pleased with this report as is always the case when those rebelling against Truth hear it proclaimed with penetrating unflinching audacity and clarity. In the vernacular this is an “in your face” delivery from an incredibly faithfulProphet.

Egypt believed the Prophet – they retreated back south to their own territory. My point – there was not only the word of the Prophet to validate the veracity of his message but the retreat of a dominant power in that region. Rather convincing to anyone except a rebellious presumptuous King.

Jeremiah tells the King that even if the entire army of the Chaldeans were defeated and only wounded men remained, they would “rise up and burn the city (Jerusalem) with fire.” (Jer.37:10) His reward is incarceration and a loaf of bread daily (until “the bread of the city was gone.”) Jer. 37:21).

The Evangelical Church in America is in need of an army of Jeremiahs willing to tell the TRUTH and be content with a loaf of bread and prison as their reward. Want to join this “School of The Prophets”?

Give me a call. We are seeking godly courageous capable and humble Pastors to engage the church in just such a challenge. I personally like Asiago Cheese!!