The JOY of Pastoring

#20 June 28, 2010

Part 1

I am often asked about the Structure for a Healthy & Effective Church. This is a trick question. Why? Because most of the time the person or group making the inquiry really thinks that there is a "Magic Bullet" hidden away in my brief case. For a small fee (usually they are thinking very small) I will work some voodoo magic and they will be robust, thriving and healthy in about 90 days max! WRONG!

There are essentially three (3) ministry venues that MUST function with excellence for a church to achieve both numerical and spiritual growth. They are:

A. Worship - warm, vibrant lively rejoicing in the God who alone is God. All ages, ethnic groups and genders can join together in this expression of praise and devotion to the Sovereign of the Ages.

B. Fellowship & Instruction - fellowship that is transparent but not threatening. Instruction that systematically equips people in the TRUTH of God's Word. Not what someone thinks about God's Word but God's Word. Those being taught must participate in active learning.

C. Intimacy & Accountability - small groups must build trust. People must reach the point of trusting one another so that they share the deepest life issues. They not only permit but long for accountability that they know will enable them to overcome the selfishness of sin. All participants know and practice the one another commands of the NT. They voluntarily submit themselves to an on-going accountability structure that actually produces spiritual transformation. They love one another as Jesus described in John 13:34-35. **NOTE - Small Groups are not defined on where you meet, how the chairs are arranged, curriculum, etc. They are defined by Intimacy & Accountability. This takes time, Transparency & Vulnerability.

Part 2

Today we enjoyed all of this and more. We focused in our worship assembly on God's Word and the joyful privilege of distributing thousands of Bibles to the BILLIONS of people in China. We received an offering that will purchase 100+ Bibles for those people. When the service 'ended' there were people still loving one another and sharing for at leat 30 minutes. There was a new little man there (4 weeks old). He never made a peep in 90 minutes. What a champion.

This service was followed by our Sunday afternoon Small Group. We ate lunch together. 7 'guys' ate lunch together and talked about their earthly fathers. Talk about rare! It was a joy to me as a Pastor to be part of this level of disclosure and how our fathers shaped our lives. Topped this off with Breyers Ice Cream and Pecan Sandies. Talk about blessing!!

We then viewed session #7 of Paul Tripp's War of Words - a study on proper Christian Communnication. One of our Interns added some additional material that equipped God's people to both listen as well as speak. Good Stuff.

We closed with prayer for one another and for Pastor Greg Dowey who is in China this week distributing Bibles.

Then, I came home and THE TRIBE smacked the deads (Cinn. Reds) right square in the CHOPS! Please understand the reality of this Ministry Structure. It has taken 13 years, much spiritual energy and many many battles to reach this joyful condition. But, it is absolutely worth the struggle. I plead with Pastors reading this to invest themselves in a group of people and pursue this profile. Sola Deo!

Straining at Gnats

#19 June 21, 2010

Part 1

I pastor a Southern Baptist Church. The SBC just conducted their annual Convention held in Orlando FL. Like so many Denominations, there was much harumphing and pious pronouncements - -ad-infinitum, ad nauseum.

The faithful anticipated this assembly with high expectations. The focus of their (our) expectations was the initiative known as Toward a Resurgence in The Great Commission. After many years of corporate denial, finally someone found the courage to serve as 'the little boy at the parade'! They shouted to the world - the Emperor has no cloths. No, the Emperor is Butt Naked!! There were many promises made that real substantive issues would be addressed, corrected and implemented in our ministry future. This writer personally corresponded with personnel serving on the Task Force. I received assurance that this would indeed be the case.

The statistical decline has been a Documented Indisputable Fact for decades. But, the establishment continued to substitute genuine fulfillment of the GC with the number of reported baptisms (both Jesus and Paul found affirmation of ministry in NOT baptizing - they were focused on making disciples!). The lie on this point is that according to our own research on those reported baptisms, fewer than 10% of those baptized could even be located one (1) year after their baptism. If you cannot find them, it is quite evident that you are NOT engaged in intentional effective discipleship.

So, in light of this discovery there was instant repentance, a modification of our theology of evangelism and our methodology in qualifying people for entering the waters of baptism correct? WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Why?

The SBC reports a membership of 16.3 Million. However on our best Sunday we may get 6.7 million in attendance. We must continue this charade at all costs. Never mind that it is not just the little boy at the parade that knows this is a BIG FAT D_ _N LIE! The whole bloody world knows this pathetic Truth and they scoff by the millions. We express a pseudo concern for the lost when we perpetuate such shameful accounting. This kind of duplicitous and shameful accounting destroys the integrity of the Gospel in the eyes of lost and redeemed people alike. But, when you insist on doing ministry with a corrupt theology and a corrupt metric, you are satisfied with the husks of the pig pen. We could go back home and find the Father rejoicing to forgive us and receive us but PRIDE prevents this wise and prudent action.

There was pontification on the evils of the oil spill corrupting the environment and of divorce corrupting the family. Resolutions were adopted on these issues - - only to get stuck in some dusty file drawer never to be seen again. But, there was no action taken on the issues that are corrupting the message of the Gospel; a seriously flawed Doctrine of Soteriology (the majority practice a synergistic rather than a monergistic approach to salvation). To bolster the sagging numbers (those numbers to be worshiped and preserved above all else) the trend is to baptize children at younger and younger ages. One report indicated that 38% of the reported baptisms were children five (5) or under. Ed Stetzer had an article titled Toward Paedo-Baptism written in alarm at this trend.

Part 2

The issues that flash like neon lights in the night that should have been addressed in deep humble repentance and contrition are:

1. The loss of church discipline. Not punishment at the end of the line but Life in Community and people holding one another accountable at the first hint of sin and departure from the narrow way; cf. Life Together by Bonhoeffer.

2. The corruption of the gospel in permitting the 'sinner's prayer' as a substitute for genuine Holy Spirit generated repentance and confession. Pseudo conversions have filled the pews of our churches with unregenerate people who are at ease in Zion. Evidence of this is we need entire departments in our State Conventions titled "Conflict Resolution". If the Holy Spirit does not dwell in the members, no Department from the Baptist Building is going to calm the troubled waters!

3. The use of one a dimensional metric - numbers as the sole dynamic by which we measure ministry effectiveness. More is better - - Buildings, Budgets, Baptism and Butts; or, the ABC's Attendance, Baptism and Cash. God is interested in the Transformation of His people into the fullness of the Image of Christ not mere numbers.

4. Classifying Sin. We will bust you in a minute for drinking an ounce of alcohol but you can be a glutton and weigh 450 pounds and all is well. What would happen to the pulpits across the SBC if we applied some sort of wellness standard to our Pastors that included a BMI index?

5. A Corrupt Polity. The church is not a democracy. No wonder there is chaos. People who have not attended for 5-6 years return to reap havoc via the practice of so called Congregational Polity. Ludicrous.

6. Unqualified Leadership. What would happen if all those who wear the mantle of "Leader" were to be examined by the text of Scripture as to qualification for service in the Body of Christ as a Leader? I work with hundreds of churches each year, many SBC and this is an undisputed fact.

7. The Absence of the Authority of Scripture. There is precious little exegesis to support ministry practices. When there is a credible attempt to apply the principles and precepts of the clear and unambiguous expressions of Scripture, those promoting such are shouted down or perhaps summarily dismissed.

Seven is the perfect number so I will cease. Not because there is not more to say, but enough is enough. I remain an SBC Pastor. But, I will no longer serve in silence. I intend to appeal to those in positions of Leadership to act. I will do so with Grace. I will do so with Passion. I will do so with Tenacity. Those who have served with me know full well what "Tenacity" means.

I invite any who read this post and find affinity with what I have written to join me. I plead with my brother Pastors to be found as Joshua and Caleb. The other ten were miserable cowards and their carcasses rotted in the wilderness. Rightly so.

My prayer is that God will not do less than bring the full splendor of His Holiness and Mercy to bear on our pilgrimage. When He does, we will be TRANSFORMED for His Glory! Amen.

Listening FOR the Word of God

#18 June 7, 2010

Part 1

This article is in many ways a study in the use of prepositions. A preposition is:

A preposition is a word which shows relationships among other words in the sentence. The relationships include direction, place, time, cause, manner and amount. In the sentence She went to the store, to is a preposition which shows direction. In the sentence He came by bus, by is a preposition which shows manner. In the sentence They will be here at three o'clock, at is a preposition which shows time and in the sentence It is under the table, under is a preposition which shows place.

A preposition always goes with a noun or pronoun which is called the object of the preposition. The preposition is almost always before the noun or pronoun and that is why it is called a preposition. The preposition and the object of the preposition together are called a prepositional phrase. The following chart shows the prepositions, objects of the preposition, and prepositional phrases of the sentences above. (quoted from the Interlink Language Center).

There was a time when Christian people gathered together to hear a Sermon could listen TO the Word of God. In the present culture you now must listen FOR the Word of God. What passes for preaching is very often an eclectic collection of alliterated outlines, poetry that has utterly no basis in sound theology and illustrations and stories, very often of an apocryphal nature; no credible citations of source or the identification of people and places . The purpose of such methodology is to produce an emotional buzz. The speaker then gives what is commonly known as an invitation. They plead with pseudo earnestness for the listener to 'respond'. To what? An objective analysis of 50 sermons chosen at random will prove this thesis in spades. There is precious little careful exegesis evident in what passes for 'preaching'. Follow the links for validation of my thesis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBwBG3brj1I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKN4EgMPY_g&feature=fvsr

Part 2

The following simple principles will serve as a guide for those who want to hear, apply and obey what the Special Revelation of God, The Scriptures say to mankind.

1. Does the speaker actually read, explain and apply what the text says?

2. Does the speaker do so "in context". Does the interpretation fit the text when examining what appears immediately before and following the pasage being proclaimed?

3. Would the original hearers understand this passage as the speaker is explaining it?

4. Has orthodox Christianity understood this passage as the speaker is applying it?

5. Does the speaker's explanation lead the listener to a common sense meaning of the text?

I close with the words of one of my favorite OT Prophets, Amos.

"Behold, the days are coming", declares the Lord God, "when I will send a famine on the land -- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. (Amos 8:11)
We are there and it is devastating. Listen with discernment. As John instructed us, test the spirits (1 John 4:1).

Attribution on Everything

#17 May 31, 2010

Part 1

The current culture is driven by internet expressed in a variety of forms; email, twitter, face-book, my space, etc. The results of that is the probability of total vetting or review by a host of people. This makes integrity openly transparent and subject to intense scrutiny.

People with a world view that is based in Christian Theism celebrate such examination. People who claim to be Christian Theist but do not honor this principle get exposed for their duplicity. There are a multitude of exhibits that validate this premise.

Part 2

The principle is simple and not complicated. When you write something original there is no need to attribute or credit any other author. When you cite another author's work, whether a quote or in essence of the content you MUST give credit to the author that produced the work.

There is a term for this practice - PLAGIARISM. The stable of journalism are replete with this sin; The New York Times , The Boston Globe, etc.

When you write, if there is any doubt whatsoever, footnote, end note, give credit to the source from which you drew the data. Better to offer overmuch documentation than to discredit your good name by the theft of a few words or phrases. There is no joy or satisfaction in unwarranted hyperbole or outright theft. Do the work. Take the credit. But, DO NOT engage in theft and call it authorship.

"No Spin" - "Mis-Speaking" & Flat Out Lies!

#16 May 24, 2010

Part 1

The following copy provides the public statements of two figures recently in the news; Campbell Brown of CNN and Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General of Connecticut. The first is a refreshing splash of "No Spin" straight up truth telling that is rare in our land today. The second is from a NY Times article published May 17, 2010. The reader is fully capable of assessing the integrity or lack of same in both statements.

I have . . . always marveled whenever a television anchor says that he or she pays no attention to ratings. I’m pretty sure the last time any anchor could honestly ignore ratings was well before I was born. Of course I pay attention to ratings. And simply put, the ratings for my program are not where I would like them to be. It is largely for this reason that I am stepping down as anchor of CNN's Campbell Brown. To be clear: this is my decision, and one that I have been thinking about for some time. As for why, I could have said that I am stepping down to spend more time with my children (which I truly want to do). Or that I am leaving to pursue other opportunities (which I also truly want to do). But I have never had much tolerance for others’ spin, so I can’t imagine trying to stomach my own. The simple fact is that not enough people want to watch my program, and I owe it to myself and to CNN to get out of the way so that CNN can try something else. (Campbell Brown speaking to the issue of her leaving CNN, May, 2010).

At a ceremony honoring veterans and senior citizens who sent presents to soldiers overseas, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut rose and spoke of an earlier time in his life.

“We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam,” Mr. Blumenthal said to the group gathered in Norwalk in March 2008. “And you exemplify it. Whatever we think about the war, whatever we call it — Afghanistan or Iraq — we owe our military men and women unconditional support.”

There was one problem: Mr. Blumenthal, a Democrat now running for the United States Senate, never served in Vietnam. He obtained at least five military deferments from 1965 to 1970 and took repeated steps that enabled him to avoid going to war, according to records.

The deferments allowed Mr. Blumenthal to complete his studies at Harvard; pursue a graduate fellowship in England; serve as a special assistant to The Washington Post’s publisher, Katharine Graham; and ultimately take a job in the Nixon White House.

In 1970, with his last deferment in jeopardy, he landed a coveted spot in the Marine Reserve, which virtually guaranteed that he would not be sent to Vietnam. He joined a unit in Washington that conducted drills and other exercises and focused on local projects, like fixing a campground and organizing a Toys for Tots drive.

Many politicians have faced questions over their decisions during the Vietnam War, and Mr. Blumenthal, who is seeking the seat being vacated by Senator Christopher J. Dodd, is not alone in staying out of the war.

But what is striking about Mr. Blumenthal’s record is the contrast between the many steps he took that allowed him to avoid Vietnam, and the misleading way he often speaks about that period of his life now, especially when he is speaking at veterans’ ceremonies or other patriotic events.

Sometimes his remarks have been plainly untrue, as in his speech to the group in Norwalk. At other times, he has used more ambiguous language, but the impression left on audiences can be similar.

In an interview on Monday, the attorney general said that he had misspoken about his service during the Norwalk event and might have misspoken on other occasions. “My intention has always been to be completely clear and accurate and straightforward, out of respect to the veterans who served in Vietnam,” he said.

(Update - Blumenthal received the nomination for the Democrats regardless of his lies. This says much about Democrats in CT and also about Blumenthal. TRAGIC! 05/22/10).

Part 2

The Evangelical Community is currently in the throes of a disgraceful display of double talk and duplicity in the case of Prof. Ergun Caner at Liberty Seminary in Lynchburg VA. Prof. Caner apparently, to use his language, has 'mis-spoken' in a multitude of areas on his CV & his resume. Rather than stepping up and providing clarity to these issues by answering the questions being posed , now by a whole host of entities, he has taken the posture of silence.

What exacerbates this fiasco is the tepid and tragic response of Elmer Towns and the University's leadership (sic??). I need not repeat that message here, it is available all over the pages of newspapers and magazines world wide. They first said there was no error or sin in Prof. Caner's conduct. Then, when the pressure came to bear, they suddenly decide they ought to conduct an inquiry.

The Muslim community is involved. The local Lynchburg paper did a front-page spread on this matter. No matter how this matter ends, damage of irreparable magnitude has been done.

In August of 1974 Richard Nixon taught this nation a principle. We are all sinners and we sin - - not 'mis-speak', but flat out lie. He did. If he would have stepped up and humbly asked the nation to forgive him I believe he would have been granted that most necessary grace from the American people.

However, that window remains open for a brief time. When it closes, no light shines through those portals ever again. Such is the case in Lynchburg. Sad. Kudo's to Campbell Brown. May her tribe increase!

Program Not Doctrine

#15 May 17, 2010

Part 1

Cecil Sherman died on April 17, 2010. He had led the so-called "moderate" element of Baptist Life now known as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Dr. Al Mohler wrote a piece on the legacy of Sherman. The following quote is from that article.

Speaking of the adoption of the denomination's first confession of faith, The Baptist Faith & Message, in 1925, he asserted that "no one paid attention to it." He was largely right. The denominational culture that produced the generation of Cecil Sherman was a culture of program, not doctrine.

Validation of this fact is not difficult. So called leaders are all looking for a quick fix, a painless path to numerical and spiritual growth. None exists. Give these impotent charlatans the option of the latest greatest 'program' and a clear path to true biblical transformation and they will snap up the program formula every time. I met with denominational leaders (sic) whose responsibility was church renewal. I began by stating there is no such thing as a 'quick fix'. Less than 10 minutes into my presentation one of them said, 'Tom, we are hemorrhaging, we need a quick fix!'

What don't you understand about the statement 'There is no "quick fix"? The addiction to programs is lethal and deeply etched on the soul of SBC life (and other denominations as well).

Part 2

Consider this statement from the work of James Davidson Hunter To Change The World.

Change in political systems and economic conditions can occur relatively quickly but the most profound changes in culture typically take place over the course of multiple generations. p. 45

Hunter also makes clear that the ideal access to effective change is through those he labels 'gatekeepers'. Most of these folks are also addicted to programs. They are prone to status quo verses change because change brings tension, strife and sometimes outright raw conflict.

What is the solution to the horns of this dilemma? I suspect it is the same as it was for the OT Prophets. Pray. Weep. Persevere. But, DO NOT COMPROMISE THE TRUTH! New Methods, sociological pablum devoid of Theological Substance will produce change and do so rather quickly. Another new program. But, the epitaph of this pathway will be yet another failed and abortive disaster, seeking to substitute program for substance.

The need of the hour is for Leaders who lead with Courage, Compassion and an unflinching dedication to the Truth of Scripture as determined by Holy Spirit directed fidelity to the text, Applied Theology with loving zeal for Christ and His Church. Now that's a novel idea!!

Pray for and with IgniteUS for legions of such Leaders. Our PURPOSE is to build leadership competence to transform Americ'as churches into healthy, intentional disciple-makers.

Follow this link and learn of 'unbelieving pastors'. This is truly a "fox watching the hen-house" issue! http://www.baptistpress.com/bpnews.asp?id=32843

Hindrance #7 Defective Metric

#14 May 10, 2010

Part 1

Metric = a unit of measure, a standard by which evaluation is conducted.

The Scriptures are referred to as the 'canon'. A canon was a measuring rod. Therefore, today we measure orthodoxy, fidelity to the Truth and all of life by the text of Scripture. That is our standard for faith and practice.

The church in America has adopted a metric that is seriously flawed. The church measures what I refer to as transactional dimensions of ministry. How many, how much, how often. Attendance, Offerings, Baptisms. While these aspects of ministry have value and therefore should be accounted for in the overall evaluation of ministry, they are one dimensional.

What does the Scripture require that we measure? Transformation! Consider Heb. 13:17 and Col. 1:28. Read carefully Rom. 12:2. Clearly the issue is Transformation. So, what is the problem?

You cannot measure what you have not defined. What is a Disciple? What are the character indicators, the daily practices of a person who is being transformed into the fullness of the image of Christ. Each assembly needs to draft such a definition but it is guaranteed failure if a church claims to make disciples but cannot tell the disciple or the watching world what a disciple is. This is nothing more or less than Sanctification (progressive). Consider Heb. 12:14!

Part 2

The following are steps that any local church may take to get on the right path concerning this vital aspect of ministry.

1. Repent - admit that you are simply going through the motions, wearing people out with activity that does not produce holiness.

2. Define - draft a definition of a disciple that fits the text of Scripture and your ministry setting and culture. Consider the education level of your people and their overall comprehension of God's truth.

3. Instruct - teach your people what is required. Educate them on the absolute necessity of being conformed to the image of Christ.

4. Enlist - get your people into Phase specific Small Groups. They should progress with others who are at a similar phase of spiritual maturity so that they find affinity and fellowship that encourages and motivates them to press on.

5. Evaluate - develop a metric system that equips people with the capacity to asses their progress. Give each person two (2) accountability partners who will encourage and enable them to stay on course.

6. Celebrate - recognize with principled affirmation those people who achieve specific growth as measured objectively and exhibited with consistency in their behavior.

You can do this Pastor. We provide detailed assistance for this process. Call us at 803 776 5282 or send us a message at info@igniteus.net .

Read the article provide by this link - the work of Jim Collins.


http://www.outofur.com/archives/2006/06/beyond_bodies_b.html