Hinderance # 1 - Leadership

#7 February 15, 2010

For many years, Max DuPree was considered the 'Dean' of Leadership wisdom in evangelical circles. His statement on Leadership was:

"The first task or responsibility of a Leader is to accurately define reality."

Part 1

It is obvious to even the casual observer that those with the title and responsibility for leadership in the Evangelical Church in America are NOT fulfilling that role. The church in America, Main-line denominations and Evangelicals alike, is in a state of precipitous decline. David Olson (www.theamericanchurch.org) documents the fact that the church is not growing in a single state in the contiguous states of the USA.

Further, we are not even coming close to planting enough new churches just to keep pace with population growth. Several years ago World Magazine had a feature article titled Locked From The Inside. The article provided a heart-wrenching saga of buildings that seat hundreds occupied by a dwindling dozen or two geriatric congregants shuffling in and out with their walkers, soon to close the doors permanently.

Denominations and even many Seminaries are highly resistant to accepting this fact and most certainly to adopting any changes in their programs with sufficient modification to stem the tide. Territory and Tradition have a higher priority than Truth and Effectiveness. They seek programmatic 'quick fixes' which simply are a mirage, a delusion. Ed Stetzer (LifeWay) said, "We love our traditions more than we love lost people." Sad but true.

Part 2

Impotent and incompetent leadership is always marked by lack of focus and purpose. Organizations led by such people (I refuse to label them Leaders) suffer the consequences of their deficiencies. Study the US Presidents. Several immediately come to mind because of their pathetic indolence and sheer confusion while they occupy the office of leader.

Leadership is not titles. It is not degrees. It is not power. It is not mere longevity in service. Leadership is the capacity to influence people to do what they otherwise would not attempt and to do it with joy. Management is about answers. Leadership is about questions. Management is about status quo. Leadership is about change. Zenger & Folkman summarize this distinction well:

The highest expression of leadership involves change, and the highest order of change is guiding an organization through a new strategic direction, changing its culture, or changing the fundamental business (ministry) model. Thus, change is an importnat and ultimate criterion by which to measure leadership effectiveness (Zenger & Folkman, The Extraordianry Leader, p.18).

Hinderances to Effectiveness in the Evangelical Church

#6 February 8, 2010



Part 1


Many Pastors are diligent. They pray for and love the people they shepherd. They do accurate and careful exegesis of the text. They prepare and deliver solid messages. They have Vision and Goals. They engage the community in which they serve. They are faithful.


The church they lead does not grow numerically or spiritually. People are not Transformed. The Pastor ask himself - - WHY???


The exegesis that is missing is of the culture. I refer to the ministry culture that frames or shapes the church. Every church exists in a culture. The factors that comprise that culture have a profound but often unrecognized impact on effectiveness. When these factors are not identified, analyzed and addressed, stagnation and decline are the inevitable result.


Part 2


What are these factors? Over the next seven weeks I will list and speak to each of these factors. It is profoundly futile to invest effort into Spiritual Formation when there are multiple elements that mitigate against that reality. Coming to terms with this issue, eradicating these elements and then anticipating progress is reality. Ignoring these factors will produce only frustration, stagnation and ultimately perhaps resignation.


Be encouraged. There is hope. Visit this BLOG every week for the next eight (8) weeks and learn what needs to be removed. Then, you will have the prospect of finding joy in seeing God transform His people into the fullness of Christ. That is will worth pursuing!


Next Week - Issue # 1 - LEADERSHIP

Pseudo Repentance

#5 February 1, 2010

Part 1

What do all of the following individuals have in common?

A. Pete Rose

B. John Edwards

C. Mark McGuire

D. Mark Sanford

E. Bill Clinton

The answer? Pseudo-Repentance.

Pete Rose suddenly, after years of denial, confessed to betting on Baseball.

John Edwards, suddenly after a year or more of denial, suddenly confessed to being the father of a little girl born to one of his Campaign Staff.

Mark McGuire, after years of denial, confessed to using Steroids while hitting 70 Home Runs in one season.

Mark Sanford, after vigorous denial and a ruse about 'hiking the Appalachian Trail', confessed to an adulterous affair with his Argentine 'soul mate'.

Bill Clinton, after shaking his finger at America and vigorously denying any sexual activity with a White House Intern by saying, 'I did not have sex with that woman, Monica Lewinski', was forced to come clean. The Blue Dress!! It had NOT been cleaned.

Part 2

Pete - came clean because he thought this confession would suddenly propel him into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

John - came clean because he read the galley copy of a soon to be published book that documented his being the father of that little girl.

Mark - came clean because he wanted a position with the St. Louis Cardinals organization as a batting instructor.

Mark - came clean because a diligent reporter confronted him in the Atlanta airport with a stack of very explicit emails exchanged with his Argentine paramour.

Bill - came clean because the DNA on the now infamous 'Blue Dress' gave him no other recourse. That dress has NOT been cleaned!

Genuine Repentance is motivated by a pure and simple desire to be clean before God. It matters not who knows what. It matters not what evidence may exist or not exist concerning the matter at hand. Jerry Bridges, in his wonderful title The Pursuit of Holiness, gives an account of 'coming clean' on an issue that virtually no one knew about except God Himself. That my dear reader is genuine repentance. Coming clean just for the sole purpose of being clean before a Holy God.

Hall of Fame - Being President - Professional Baseball Coach - Governor of SC - 2 Term President; those things matter nothing without holiness.

It should not surprise us that we sin. We are sinners. The crucial dynamic is, as the editorialist said to Tiger Woods, it is what you do next that matters most. Be motivated by pure and simple honesty. Tell the Truth and let the chips fall where they may. Clean hands and a Pure Heart. Now that is the way to live!!

Euphemizing Truth

# 4 January 25, 2010

Part 1

SC is "First in the Nation" in a number of categories, most not admirable and some utterly shameful. Unless you have been marooned on a island or engaged in a boycott of the media (I would not hold that against you) you are probably aware that one of our more recent 'egg on our face' trophies was claimed by our Governor, Mark Sanford.

He claimed to be hiking the Appalachian Trail. In fact, he was in Argentina seeking to convince his 'soul mate' (his description) that she should continue their adulterous affair. He was recently censored by the Legislature for this sinful and irresponsible behavior.

This is not the first time such behavior has been exhibited by a public figure and sad to say, it will not be the last. Having stated this, it should not surprise us because people, including the writer, are flat out sinners. Sinners sin. This is my point.

Part 2

When initially confronted in the Atlanta airport, he vigorously denied the facts. That is, until the reporter showed him a folder full of emails detailing in graphic terms what had been going on in the land of Evita! There was a very descriptive photo posted shortly after Tiger Woods was expsoed for his violation of the covenant of marriage. The photo showed Tiger standing by a rocky ledge and his ball lay precariously close to the edge. The caption said simply "IT IS WHAT YOU DO NEXT THAT MATTERS!"

What the Governor did in his final State of the State address was to offer his 'final apology'. Rather than coming to terms with his behavior, he chose to engage what I have come to label "The Nixon Syndrome". This makes clear that it is not the offense that brings you down, it is the cover up or attempt at same.

In his 'apology' (the issue is confession and repentance, not apology), he dismissed his conduct by saying:

1. He was human.

2. He messed up.

It is not our humanity that causes our departure from Truth and fidelity, it is our sin. Not just our acts of sin, but our sin nature which came to all at the fall. Sin is defined by the text of Scripture and we can engage in honest and accurate exegesis to discover exactly what this action is and what must be done to bring correction, forgiveness and cleansing. The NT norm is confession, repentance and restitution.

Euphemizing Truth produces an additional blight on the family of mankind. As Christians we should hold the line on such sloppy speech and imprecise verbiage.

So, the next time you sin, DO NOT apply "The Nixon Syndrome". What you do next really is important. Confess, Repent, Restore and be cleansed by a merciful loving God. He created language. He gave us the text. He honors our fidelity to His Word and His person.

Worldview

# 3 January 18, 2010

Part 1

Presuppositions are crucial. Where you go in is where you come out. Weltanschauung.

This week I read a BLOG Post concerning Leadership Development and coaching for those in the twenty-something post-modern generation. The following is a brief description of the individual under the microscope and his world-view.

Age 23. College graduate. Works in a coffee shop, lives with his parents because that is more economically feasible. He has no particular direction in life. No goals. Utterly no sense of Purpose or direction. He lives day to day and draws a paycheck. In short, this is a kayak adrift on the oceans of life. He has no concerns about arrival destination or time. He isn't going anywhere so any road he takes will get him there. He has no aspirations that will benefit himself much less those around him. If his boat gets hit by a storm I assume Mom & Dad will serve as The Red Cross. It gets worse.

The individual writing the BLOG article tells the reader that we must understand this world-view. If we are to coach this young man, we must accommodate his perspective. Rather than compare his preferences and life style to the postulates of of Scripture, we apparently should rub our chin, occasionally offer an audible grunt and keep listening. This will lead us to an understanding of where he is. And that accomplishes exactly what?

Part 2

Where to begin. Lets begin with Purpose. The text says - Obey all that Jesus Commanded (Matt. 28:18-20). This includes understanding God's revelation of Himself, integrating this revelation into a personal world-view and applying this to life. Paul's Epistle to the Romans turns the corner from orthodoxy to orthopraxy in Romans 12:1-2. The command is to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This young man has apparently embraced the "whatever" philosophy of post-modernism. His life has no purpose, no focus and no direction. Will he still be living with Mom & Dad when he is 43?

In Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians he sounds a crystal clear blast on the trumpet of reality - - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15). He prefaced these words with a wake up call.

As a Coach and CEO of a Leadership Development Ministry, I hold and articulate a very different world-view. Life is shaped by Purpose. God created His people to serve and honor Him by fulfilling His purpose through them. That is not even remotely possible with a "whatever" approach to life. Working in a coffee shop may well be a very honorable way to serve the LORD (I appreciate STARBUCKS). To do so with no idea of why you are here, where you are going or what you will do to honor the King of Kings strikes me as irresponsible, derelict and just plain nonsense.

Which Coach would you rather listen to?

The Authority of Scripture

#2 January 11, 2010

Several years ago (2003) I wrote an article in which I stated that the "Big Enchilada", the primary foundational challenge for the evangelical church in America is the Nature and Character of Scripture, Special Revelation. My conviction on that topic has only solidified.

Moses said to the people of Israel - - Did any people ever hear the voice of god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? (Deut. 4:33). Jesus said - - The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day (Jn. 12:48). Paul wrote - - for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized (1 Cor. 11:19).

I have never encountered anyone who claims to be an evangelical and simply denies the authenticity and authority of Scripture as a principle of doctrine (orthodoxy). However, I encounter almost daily people and circumstances in which the application of Scripture as the infallible guide for faith and practice (orthopraxy) is disregarded with impunity. Integrated or Applied Theology is the test of orthodoxy. Jesus said - Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt. 7:24).

A. Areas of Challenge in the evangelical church regarding the Authority of Scripture
1. Sufficiency - many who profess an evangelical faith insist on extra-biblical revelation. They treat 'private revelations' as the equivalent of recorded Scripture.

2. Divorce and Remarriage - These two very distinct issues are lumped together. If you get a divorce it is assumed you may remarry.

3. Gossip - If it is sex related or includes the consumption of alcohol, we will bust em. Failure to observe the protocol regarding communication and speech is ignored with impunity.

4. Gluttony - You better not even smell a can of beer but you may be 100 pounds over-weight and still be a "pastor in good standing".

5. Justification - Have we been 'wrong' since the Reformation or is Wright right?

B. Focus on historic orthodoxy.
1. David Wells The evangelical world, in fact, is now coming apart because its central truths, what once held it all together, no longer have the binding power that they once had and, in some cases are rejected outright with no following outcry.

2. Although Scripture alone was the Reformer's position in the sixteenth century, today critical methods (aka Bart Erhman-tcf) are placed above Scripture by some Protestant scholars like the Magisterium is placed above Scripture in Catholicism (Ministry Magazine, Jan. 2010, p. 20).

C. Application

I recently attended a meeting at which the Scripture was read. The speaker ask everyone to stand in honor of God's Word. Like the Scribes & Pharisees, this has become mere ritual without substance or power. Those standing will depart to ignore the content of Scripture in areas as referenced above.

Honoring God's word as measured by Jesus is to obey ALL He has commanded and do what he said.

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matt. 7:24).

BLOG Polity & Practice

#1 - January 4, 2010

Happy New Year

This is the first of what I have planned as 52 posts at this site. To get us off to a good start I am posting this material with the intent that it serve as credible guidelines for our deliberations. It is my thesis that there is far too much polemic discussion and not enough exegesis. For example, what is a credible and accurate resolution for these two passages of Scripture:

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25) ESV.

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him (Luke 17:3-4) ESV.

These two passages APPEAR to say that forgiveness is unconditional (Mark 11:25) and conditional (Luke 17:3-4). Which is it? The way we resolves such issues is a powerful commentary about our spiritual maturity and faith. I propose the following as one profile for resolution. This is the kind of exegetical protocol I believe we MUST bring to the table if we are to be credible, honorable, effective theologians and servants of the LORD Christ. I pray that we will apply this method through the course of our deliberation here in 2010. There are a multitude of ratty and thorny issues we need to address. Should be challenging, beneficial and just plain fun. Engage the Truth - honor Christ. For additional challenges in this realm follow this link http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11536806/

Anyone who engages theological discourse in any Public Forum has been excoriated, abused or just plain trashed. Who perpetrates this abuse? The minions of Satan? The atheist that abound? The 'lunatic fringe'? None of the above.

Tragically it is often other professed believers who would also wish to be considered capable Christian Scholars. How sad. I address this topic with the motive and purpose of launching a MOVEMENT.

What will this require? Nothing more or less than 'Life in Community'.

Accountability is - - each one helping the other keep the commitments they have made to GOD on the basis of loving relationships.

Believers have a commitment to the NEW COVENANT. That covenant contains a very explicit communication protocol. When I write something that violates this covenant, you, ALL of you, bring that to my attention with precision and a call to repentance. You cite the error (sin) that I am guilty of and call me to confess and repent. It is a violation of our union with Christ to merely shrug and say - - "Oh, that is just Tom". Not acceptable. People who engage in ad-hominem attacks, shoddy scholarship and just plain ineptitude do so because the 'body' remains silent. This kind of abusive communication is the "Funny Uncle" in our living room. No more! Expose him and shine the light of Truth on his abominable abusive behavior.

Here are some characteristics I propose. These are the bare minimum that must shape acceptable communication that honors Christ and promotes open and honest consideration of the text of Scripture and the application of that text to life - Applied Theology.

1. Logical non-contradiction. (God is not schizophrenic and neither is His revelation of Himself).

2. Empirical Adequacy (exegetical substance/accuracy that supports the thesis I am promoting).

3. Existential Viability (what we are deliberating really matters in the real world).

4. Humility (if it is demonstrated that I am in error, I submit graciously to the Truth and modify my position to harmonize with Truth).

5. Civility (if we cannot agree on a position that is clearly preferable to others, we accept the impass and do not engage in immature and unkind exchanges).

6. Contact with the Principal (I address the issue with the primary participants, not through a circuitous collection of others to whom I disparage the other Principal in that exchange).

7. Collaborative Consultation (Both parties are receptive to the larger Christian Community and are willing to consider their contribution to the issue being deliberated).

8. Historic Orthodoxy (I acknowledge the historic perspective embraced through the centuries of church and draw effectively on the fruit of that history).

9. Exegesis not Polemics (Most exchanges are heavy on polemics and light on exegetical substance. The issue is 'what does the text say?').

I am praying earnestly that this profile becomes an operative and beneficial addition to understanding and applying Truth to life - - A MOVEMENT. Join this effort. Hold one another accountable. Remember Joshua & Caleb (Num. 14:36-38). They were true Leaders. The other ten were impostors. Together we can do this. God is honored by this endeavor and He will bring it to pass!

I close this post with the exhortation of Paul to Timothy. These words capture the heart of this process. If applied, Truth will reign supreme, God will be honored and we as His servants will benefit.

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Tim. 2:23-26; ESV).

Resources:

Exegetical Fallacies, D. A. Carson

Integrative Theology, Gordon R. Lewis & Bruce A. Demarest