Bible Studies vs. Small Groups

I find myself frequently correcting people when they refer to small groups as "Home Bible Studies". Why? What is the difference?

I also use the term "Spiritual Formation" where many people traditionally refer to "discipleship." I believe "Spiritual Formation" is more attentive of the need to transform the whole person (mind, will, emotion, and behavior) where too many people consider themselves to have been "discipled" and all they mean is "I went through a study book with a person one-on-one."

First, let me say that there IS a place for group study! That is why we hold classes and seminars for Adults that we call CSI:Elkhorn (Character, Skills & Instruction).

The difference between a "class/study" and a "group" is a matter of emphasis. In a "class/Bible Study" the focus is on the CONTENT with a side element of COMMUNITY. In a "group" the focus is on the COMMUNITY with a side element of CONTENT.

My friend TJ does a great job of describing the transformation that happens in true community in this post on his blog.

More thoughts on Community

A couple of posts back I wrote about the value of community as an instrument of spiritual formation. Today I just found another post on a blog I follow that goes into a little more detail on the value of reciprocal living.

http://leadingfromthesandbox.blogspot.com/2010/06/powerful-transparency.html

Sincere Appreciation

With today's post I would like to sincerely extend a word of appreciation to those who are making disciples of others.

Human tendency is to hold expectations that are often exceeded or undermined by others. When expectations are met, we usually respond with politeness. When expectations are unmet we tend to react with public or hidden murmuring. When expectations are exceeded we feel the genuine nature of the expression.

Years ago our staff made a conscious decision to downplay the recognition of "Clergy Appreciation Month" in October. For many people it had become obligatory and carried about as much emotion as the 172 people who write "Happy Birthday" on your facebook wall simply because there is a box on the right side of the screen that says "wish....a happy birthday on...." We found that those who truly appreciate their clergy were finding ways throughout the year to say an encouraging word, or send a kind email detailing a specific blessing, or bringing a personal trinket when they saw something that reminded them of one of us. I don't doubt that people were genuine with the words that they said in October. But the unexpected deeds seemed to better communicate the heart of gratitude.

Monday was full of parades and programs with lack-luster attendance designed to express appreciation for American military personnel. My experience has been that a soldier would prefer receive 5 personal handshakes and a thank you given eye to eye, rather than 500 people sitting in a crowd waving an anonymous flag.

My purpose today is to give a personal shout out to each one of you who invests time, energy, emotion and resources in discipling others. I want you to know that you are valued; that what you do makes a difference for eternity; and that I trust God will reward you according to the selfless way you have put others above yourself!

From Theory to Experience

The 4th item on my list of Spiritual Formation ingredients that truly lead to transformation is Experience/competence. I believe putting our ideas to practice is essential in becoming like Christ. Just as the act of the Resurrection proved that Christ was who He claimed to be, the acts of obedience prove that our faith is more than fantasies. This is what James communicates with his teaching about faith and works.
One of the earliest heresies that was denounced by the early church was Gnosticism. The Hellenistic culture contributed to a worldview that attempted to separate belief from body or spiritual from physical. The gnostics found it preferable to cultivate ideas and concepts that were totally void of real world experiences. This was exactly opposite to the purpose of the incarnation. Christ pre-existed as spirit, but in order to be a manifestation of God among men He took on flesh. Even after the resurrection Jesus continued to demonstrate the visible expressions of what is real (Luke 24:39).
In Luke 10:27 Jesus is setting up the parable of the Good Samaritan. The expert in the law knew that it could be summarized with loving God completely and loving others. Notice that the love of God included the use of one's body and the love of neighbors was more than a theoretical concept.
In the physical we come to terms with and grasp spiritual realities. Jesus sent the 70 out to do ministry (Luke 10:1-12); Jesus sent the disciples to the other side of the lake in a boat because a real storm would prove their faith (Mt 14:22); Jesus told the disciples to feed the 5000 because their realization that they didn't have enough food would impress upon them His ability to meet their needs (MT 14:16); Lazarus was really dead (Jn 10:38); and Jesus cast the demons into a herd of pigs to show that they were real and not just the figment of somebody's imagination (Mark 5:1-20). These incidents plus all the miracles involving the physical world show that the spiritual is not opposed to the physical.
(Yes, our earthly tent is temporary and fading now (2 Cor 5:1), but it will be transformed and made eternal in the last resurrection (2 Cor 5:2-3).)
With Joseph and Daniel, when dreams were lived out in real life people's faith increased. When the children of Israel acted in obedience they possessed the Promised Land. When the disciples acted upon the teaching of Jesus their faith increased. On the Day of Pentecost the arrival of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by physical manifestations. The Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 list many whose experiences testified of their faith.
One author whom I met recently promotes that the church where he pastors is build upon a lecture/lab structure. Through preaching and teaching the concepts are delivered in a "lecture" and through the week they are put into practice in the "laboratory" of life. His premise is that that true learning doesn't happen if either the lecture or the lab is ignored. I think he may be on to something.
What about your small group or class? Do you only do lecture within community and expect the lab to be done by individuals or do you intentionally do the labs as a community also?

Spiritual Formation is more than a fad.

Continuing in our series of posts on Efficacy Matters, this week I would like you to think about the power of the God to change lives. Too many people and organizations have tried to reduce the Christian walk to a formula or a program. I've seen it from the most conservative of Fundamentalist and I observed it in the most liberal of denominations. It has been packaged as "10 easy steps to..." or "The Hidden Key to..." or "The Secret of...." or "If you just ____ then you will ___". I've received advertisements for "50 Days of..." and "40 Day to..." I've been invited to participate in "the only conference that will..." and "the only place you can get..."

Spiritual formation is more than reading a certain book, attendance at a certain workshop; or wearing a particular bracelet, T-shirt or ring; more than a button on your lapel or a sticker on your bumper.

In Acts 8:19 Simon wanted to buy God's power as if it were a commodity. In Matthew 12 the Pharisees tried to identify Jesus by being in a defined group. In Mark 9 the Disciples were dismayed to see Jesus do miracles that they couldn't do even though they were following all the prescribed steps. In Galatians 4:9-10 the Believers are scolded for being lured into set traditions.

In the modern church, it has been said that an entertaining preacher, a contemporary venue, and a gimmicky marketing campaign is all that is necessary to build a megachurch. But getting large numbers of people in the same place at the same time is not the end goal. Too many rely on gimmicks like those reported here and here.

Are people becoming like Christ in their thinking, motives and behavior?

No one will EVER move toward Christlikeness unless God enables him/her to do so. (Jn 6:44; Rom 6:4, 7:24-25, 8:11; Eph 3:20, Phil 2:13; Heb 13:21; James 4:15P

It is not the persuasiveness of men or the clever maginations of our minds that causes people to become like Christ. It is only God's power that makes for lasting change. True transformation ONLY happens in partnership with the living God.

When have you seen God's power at work to do what you could not do in yourself?

Community Matters

The 2nd item on my proposed list of elements that are efficacious in making more and better followers of Chris is COMMUNITY.

Community is more than being in close proximity to others or having a common namebadge. Biblical community is to have a "common unity" with one or more people. This unity is based upon common identity (who we are in Christ) and common purpose (being transformed into the person and purpose of Christ).

I believe Community is effective in making people better Christ followers because it is totally consistent (integral?) with the purposes of God for humanity. I believe this based upon 4 observations:

1. God has placed within each human being a need for others. (Gen 2:18). On each day of creation God created something then said "it is good" but on day 6 He created man then said "it is NOT good...." What was not good about this climax of creation? Man was isolated. Was the triune God fully available to Adam? Yes, but in that state of Adam and God alone it was NOT good. God himself said that man needs a helper. Those who claim today that they can worship God alone better than they can with others are contradicting what God himself said about Adam.

2. Community matters because we ALL have blindspots. Moses's father-in-law had to correct poor leadership practices (Exodus 18); Nathan confronted sin in David's life (2 Sam 12); Saul and Barnabas had conflicting perspectives on John Mark (Acts 15); And Jesus often commented that the disciples just weren't getting it (Mark 8:17).

3. God's design for New Testament believers models partnership. Jesus didn't call one disciple, He called 12 and they traveled and lived as a group. Jesus sent out the 70 by twos. The biblical analogy of a body (1 Cor 12) speaks of needing others. NObody has all the spiritual gifts. When the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost the disciples were gathered. The early church sent missionaries by twos. When Paul gave Timothy instruction to deacons and elders the words are plural.

4. Biblical authors often used a specific word that speak directly of this reality. New Testament Greek has a word that appears 94 times in the New Testament that is translated "one another", "each other" or "mutual." This is in addition to the words that are translated church, fellowhip, and unity. In Latin the phrase is Quid pro quo and in the Social Sciences it is referred to as an ethic of reciprocity. In Physics Newton's third law of motion is that each force has an equal and opposite reaction. The bottom line is that God has not placed you in the center of your own universe! He has placed you as part of the Human Race and intends for you to interact redemptively within that sphere. This is what is meant by 2 Cor 5:18 where we are told God has given us the ministry of reconcilation.

In my last post I mentioned that TRUTH matters because many don't even realize the lies they believe. This week I propose that COMMUNITY matters because it is essential to God's purposes.

Truth Transforms

I was asked to unpack some of my suggestions as to what is efficacious in making disciples of Jesus Christ. My first suggestion is that TRUTH transforms people.

In Jn 8:32 Jesus challenges a group of people by saying "the truth will set you free". In the next verse they respond by saying that they were already free. Jesus then goes on to explain that they didn't even know how bad of a situation they were in.

Too many people today have been deceived and they don't even know it! In 2 Cor 10:5 Paul clearly states that we must demolish the arguments and pretensions that are enemies of God and take every thought captive to obedience of Christ. This is the "renewing of the mind" which Paul also describes in Romans 12:2

Wrong beliefs lead to wrong behaviors lead to wrong feelings. The key to changing one's emotions is to bring the underlying assumption into accord with truth.

Our classes and small groups must be places where we discover God's truth and where we are unafraid and unashamed to speak truth about one one another. If we are not grounded in truth our times together will be no more transformational than a TV talk show.

Truth matters because as Paul wrote to the Ephesians "speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." (Eph 4:15)

the Featured Soloist

Music has been an important part of my life. I learned to sing by listening to Sunday School songs while very young. I began piano lessons while only 7 years old, then took a couple years of organ lessons in my pre-teen years (betcha didn't know that!) I have been playing trumpet since I was 9 and I have dabbled in other instruments like clarinet, baritone & guitar. I have performed as one voice in a choir of hundreds and I have been frightened as a soloist with just me and my instrument in the center of a stage.

In the last week I have been challenged that at least 5 ideas need to be given prominence in the Christian life. Each person who challenged me thought their issue deserved the spotlight. The five issues happen to have been Sanctity of Life, Creationism, Foreign missions, Private Schools, and Stewardship. I am not opposed to any of these and have actually given sermons on each of these at one time or another.

To return to my music metaphor, each of these issues has a part to play in God's symphony of truth and each one deserves to by played with passion and excellence. I would even go so far as to say that each of these issues deserves a featured solo at some times, but wisdom dictates that too much of a good thing becomes annoying.

I enjoy some instruments that others consider irritating. I can even appreciate the bagpipes (in the right place and proportion) and I'm learning to tolerate the steel guitar.

Just please remember that your pet project is no more righteous than many others that God lays on the hearts of his people.

For an example of a little something done WAY overboard, click here

Does Efficacy matter?

I have a friends whose email tagline is "because efficacy matters." He works in an industry where there are plenty of Charlatans who are all trying to profit from their "snake oil." My friend's employer is committed to be known by selling products that actually produce the desired results.

Efficacy is "the capacity to produce an effect." There are many different ideas that clamor for our attention, but do we strategically focus on that which has the greatest capacity to produce the effect that we desire? Another way to put this is "activity does not equal effectiveness."

Life coaches ask people that they are mentoring to clearly define their life purpose, then they honestly look at their calendar and/or checkbook register to ask if they are doing the things that contribute toward their stated purpose.

Often when we are leading people, we get distracted from what is efficacious and settle for what is comfortable or what will make people like us. For example, great snacks and entertaining media may lead people to want to attend our class or group, but is that the effect we desire? Sometimes elements that CONTRIBUTE toward our desired effect get mistaken for the REASON we exist.

For the sake of discussion allow me to toss out a proposition - We exist to make MORE and BETTER followers of Jesus Christ. I have become convinced that there are some things that are generally efficacious toward that goal - truth, community (relationship), spiritual empowerment, and experience/competence.

I have found (and personally experienced) that people like to excuse a lack of results by saying "God doesn't call us to fruitfulness, He calls us to faithfulness." The problem is that they are often not faithful to be doing the things that are efficacious. Just showing up is not the same as faithfulness. Faithfulness is being and doing what God wants me to be and do at all times.

What do you think?
1. What have you found is efficacious toward making Christ-followers?
2. What have you found in your small group/class that distracts (even though it may be a good thing) from that goal?

setting a course

I heard of a new trend in education this morning that has bothered me all day -- unschooling. The concept is that kids learn best when they are totally free to discover whatever they want, however they want.

On the other hand, most educators believe that proper education involves very specific strategies that will propel the student in a preferred direction. Here are some analogies:
Have you ever seen a tree that was not staked early? Our neighbors have 2 very tall trees that lean awkwardly because they were never directed when they were young. Environmental influence attracted one tree to the South and the other toward the Southwest so that neither one is capable of growing straight.

When a bone is broken, doctors set the bone and place it in a splint or cast for several weeks then when the cast is removed, the bone will remain straight as it continues to harden.

When a bullet is shot out of a handgun, the barrel has only about 4 inches to determine the trajectory of the ammunition that will continue on for hundreds of yards.

As small group leaders and Christian Education teachers, we are not the landscaper, the physician or the marksman. That role is reserved for God Himself who directs the hearts of individuals. But that does not mean we are to become totally passive and allow the student to determine his own course.

We have the privilege of being the soft bands that keeps the sapling close to the stake while the trunk becomes strong. We get to be the cast material that supports and caresses the limb while restoration takes place. We are the rifling inside the barrel that assists the bullet in moving consistently in the direction the barrel is pointed.

What other analogies are helpful to you as you consider that God has specific plans for your students? They aren't your plans, they aren't the plans of the student, but we cooperate with God to accomplish His intention in the lives of those we have been called to lead.

Clarifying God’s work in us, God’s work through us, and our work for Him.

In my last post I asked if people view faith as integral to their lives or as tasks that should be completed. A couple of people rightfully called me to task on my vague definition of faith. The point I inadequately was trying to make is that some people (Christian leaders included) tend to substitute “faith-based” behaviors (as evidenced by the White House’s Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives) for genuine faith.

One blogger that I follow recently addressed the same issue with much more clarity than I. Read his thoughts and let us know what you think.

One of the temptations for ministry leaders…is to substitute work for God (our ministry) for the work of God in our hearts and lives. Not only does this substitution hurt the individual involved as they do not become all that God designed them to be but it hurts those that they influence as their model is one of doing rather than one of becoming. This has led to countless Christ followers who have spent their lives focusing on either doing or modifying behaviors to meet the standards of their church or leader without significant transformation of the deepest core of their lives.
It is a matter of priority. If my priority is that of seeing authentic spiritual transformation take place in my life, I will bring all of life under His lordship and will engage in His business and will modify my life in many areas to bring it into alignment with His. But if I focus instead on doing things for Him and modifying my behaviors rather than that of spiritual transformation I will end up frustrated and with a substitute transformation that is more about me than about Him. Too many Christ followers have settled for the latter rather than committing to the former. The first brings real life change while the latter is often little more than legalism.

What have you found helpful to ensure that God’s work in you is not being neglected because of your work for Him?

Leading From the Sandbox: Who does God want us to be?

Task vs. Integration

There are some things that I do because they are a task on my "Things to do" list (prepare to teach a class). There are other things that I do because they are a routine and I don't have to be reminded (brush my teeth). The first I call a "task" the second is a routine that has been integrated into my lifestyle.

I am often reminded by members of my family that I need to update my Facebook status (task); last night lightening struck close to our home and shook the house causing all three of my teens to grab their phones and text their friends to share the experience (routine).

When it comes to Spiritual Formation activities, many people view them as "tasks" to be checked off rather than routines to be integrated. For example - when stress comes into your life do you have wait for your "quiet time" to pray about it (task) or do you spontaneously give it over to the Lord (routine)? What about you and the other spiritual disciplines? Is Bible reading a task to be checked off or has listening to God been integrated into your flow of life? Is silence a regular part of your day or do you have to carve out time to be still and hear from God? What about service, scripture memory, repentance, etc.

A couple years ago my kids did not own cell phones, so the reaction of "I've got to text my friends about this" was not part of their routine. Last night it was automatic.

This morning the internet was not working in our offices and all the staff was uneasy because we realized how much online information has been integrated into our lives. None of us used email or google when we started ministry (except our Youth Pastor, because he is young) but it is now so integrated into our lives that it seems awkward when it is not there.

I have found that biblical community works that way in my life. Getting together with my small group used to be a task, but now if it doesn't happen then the rest of my week seems awkward. I first experienced this with regard to worship services. I had so integrated Sunday evening services into the flow of my life that when I served at a church that discontinued them, I felt guilty to be at home on Sunday evenings. Two days ago was Easter and I'm sure there are many people who were there because going to church on Easter was viewed as a task to be checked off before going to grandma's for brunch. For me, worshiping in community is the normal flow of the week. Thankfully, it has been integrated into the fabric of my life where it does not seem to be a chore or a dutiful obligation.

If we are to be the leaders that God wants us to be, what are the activities that we should integrate so deeply into the fabric of our lives that they no longer become a task (as when the Dr says "take a deep breath") but become as natural as breathing (routine).

I think this is a difference between "discipleship" and "spiritual formation." Many view "being discipled" as a task, program or method; But "spiritual formation" is about becoming what God wants us to become in a holistic way. I.e. faith is not something I merely value or practice, it is a defining characteristic of who I am.

Setting captives free

Are you helping the people around you to be set free from the hurts, habits and hang-ups of their past?
Last week I heard the same message from 3 different sources that are totally unaware of the other two.
1. I reconnected over Facebook with a former classmate. She shared with me a testimony about a godly man whose personal perspective caused her to lose the joy that God intends. She learned through that process that for her own benefit she needed to intentionally forgive him in order to get beyond it.
2. Another friend posted a little story about the "little red wagon" that we all carry behind us where we store all the emotional baggage of what people do to us.
3. I watched a movie on Lifetime Movie Network (I usually avoid this channel which I have nicknamed "the man bashing channel") about the incomprehensible grace that the Amish community in Pennsylvania showed toward the family of the man who invaded their school and shot several of their children.

All of these reminded me that FORGIVENESS affects the person choosing to forgive as much (more?) than the person receiving forgiveness.

In small groups and classes that you lead, are you helping your participants to experience that blessing or do you subtly allow them to hold on to their victim status?

If Jesus was able to choose to forgive those who crucified him (including you and me whose sins put him on that cross), isn't it reasonable to expect us to let go of the hurtful things people have done to us?

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34.)

Is your small group/class a place where you spray air freshner to cover-up the stench of negativity or is it a place where the attitudes that cause the stench are dealt with and removed?

Expectations and Assumptions

What do you expect from those you lead?

I have been in some groups where it is evident that the leader does not expect much from the group. Many support groups fit this context when the leader views the participants as VICTIMS who need to be comforted and be assured that their experiences are "normal"

I have been in other groups that are truly inspiring when the leader believes that the current situation does not doom the future outcomes.

"The Ron Clark Story," "The Great Debaters," "October Sky," and "Freedom Writers" (language warning!) are just a few secular movies that I could recommend that will instill hope and motivation to what you do as a teacher/leader. If these students could accomplish human goals, HOW MUCH MORE are your students capable of great spiritual depth with the limitless power of God working in them?

lessons from other learners

Last week I participated in a class as a student. The subject material was new to the whole class and it very easily could have been overwhelming. As the students were standing around during a break toward the end of the class I overheard a common theme in the comments--"the teacher never makes us appear stupid".

Early in the week the professor intentionally created an environment where students were encouraged to participate and it was safe to give the wrong answer. Wrong answers were not acceptable as a final conclusion, but were viewed as an opportunity to go back and think through the process that led to a wrong conclusion. Mistakes were considered learning opportunities, not failures!

Each of us were more competent at the end of the class than we were at the beginning. Largely because we all admitted we were learners and did NOT presume to have more knowledge than we actually had acquired.

This made me consider my teaching. Do I give the impression to my students that I only want to hear right answers? Do I so value the right answer that students are unwilling to speak up if they are still in the learning cycle for fear of humiliation? Are wrong answers treated as failures or learning opportunities?

How about you? Who is the best example you know of somebody who created an environment where it was safe to be wrong as an opportunity to become right?

Winter is coming to an end!

Just as the scene in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the long winter here in Wisconsin appears to be coming to an end. While every square foot (except where we shoveled) of the property where our home stands is still snow-covered, the Daffodils are beginning to pop up THROUGH THE SNOW!

I mentioned this fact to a stranger in a medical office yesterday and told him I had never seen this before. He said it is a common occurrence on one side of his home where the sun reflects off the white siding and warms the ground.

This made me think of your role as a teacher or small group leader. While we cannot cause a bulb to bloom or a disciple to imitate Christ, we can "warm the soil" so that growth is likely to happen. In Jesus' parable of the Sower, there is equally good seed that goes onto the 4 soils but growth to maturity was dependent upon good soil. While I pastored in Oklahoma I learned that the months between harvest and sowing were filled with much work to prepare the soil for the next year's crop. Besides quality seed and God's provision of helpful weather, soil preparation was the greatest determinant of a good harvest.

The "soil" of your students/participants lives can be warmed by your reflection of the love and grace of God. Are you allowing God's light to reflect off (or shine through is more accurate) you?

The bulbs on the North side of our home have not started to bloom because the soil has not been properly warmed, but the same variety of plants are beginning to show signs of growth on the South side where light and warmth are more prevalent.

In the last 2 days on Facebook I have found that 2 of my male friends are expressing frustration over the circumstances of their lives. (You know it is bad when a GUY talks about his feelings without being asked!!) I am going to make an attempt to reflect a little of God's warmth onto their lives so that seeds of God's truth can produce good fruit. Would you join with me in making a new commitment to reflect warmth to those around you? Let's Hasten the THAW!

Influencing the Next Generation

I realize that not all who read this blog are on Facebook so I am posting a link to a note I recently posted on my FB account.

Pitchers and Catchers begin today

I have heard that God is a big baseball fan because he starts the Bible with "In the Big Inning". Now that the poor attempt at corny humor is out of the way...
Today is the day that Pitchers and Catchers begin their official team workouts in the 2010 Spring Training. The news has been loaded with discussions about changes to the Milwaukee Brewers pitching rotation for this year.
As I thought about the term "pitching rotation" I was reminded that it is VERY rare for a MLB Pitcher to pitch the whole game. In the NFL, NBA or NHL the starting line-up is pretty consistent from game to game, but in Baseball this key position is done by rotation.
Yesterday in our service, our Senior Pastor showed a lot of determination to preach even though he was under the weather. At the end of the first service he was hit with a coughing spell and asked me to come out of the bull pen and finish the game. Fortunately he had "pitched" (actually he spoke) brilliantly and it was down "to the last out of the last inning". I was honored to be asked and am privileged to be part of a TEAM that can share the responsibilities required of our pastors.
This made me think of the valuable role you play as a Small Group Leader or Christian Education Teacher. Have you developed the talent around you so that there are people you can call up at a moments notice to take the mound? Are there others who could have meaningful contributions to your meeting time?
In other sports athletes compete for that starting role, but in baseball the GM has to develop a solid rotation of capable players if he wants a successful season.

Principles of longevity.

I was recently asked to advise a person who is relatively new in full-time ministry about my perspective on leadership. Specifically "What have you seen that has ensured that a person in ministry has a good foundation in their own life to minister for the long term?"

While most who read this blog are lay leaders and very few do vocational ministry, the answers may be helpful to make you a more productive leader.

In no particular order, these were my initial thoughts.
- Long term ministry is more likely if the person doing ministry shares leadership/seeks a multitude of counsel. I have been isolated, I have participated with others in cooperative ways, and I have been part of teams. (For a good discussion on the difference between "cooperation" and "teams" I recommend the book, The Five Dysfunctions of Teams) The longer I am in ministry, the more convinced I become that partnership and teams is more productive.

- maintain a growing personal spiritual life apart from public ministry. Over the years there have been times when I justified in my own mind that "studying the Word in order to teach it to others" was just as good as "soaking in God's Word for personal benefit." As I look back at the most productive times in ministry, it was when my personal walk with God was not directly connected with the subjects I was preaching or teaching.

- knows a sense of divine calling to the ministry he/she is doing. Without exception, each person that I know who used to be paid to do ministry, but is no longer being compensated to do ministry had trouble articulating a clear call to ministry. I don't doubt their sincere desire to be used by God! but long-term ministry effectiveness is more than human desire or a burden to see something happen, it requires a sense of divine call.

- views long-term results more than short-term fads. I've been a Christ follower for nearly 40 years. I've seen ministry approaches come and go. Each was effective for a season. I've seen city-wide media campaigns (e.g. "I found it"), large concert events with elaborate light shows, stadium evangelistic events, 40 Days of...., many large conferences are now giving way to webinars/multi-venue video seminars, Christian illusionists are now hard to find, week-long nightly revival crusades are all but extinct, etc. But professors, pastors and teachers who faithfully participate in a long-term pursuit of becoming like Christ in thought, attitude and behavior continue to see fruit to their ministries.

If you have been doing a particular ministry for longer than 10 years, what advice would you give you an emerging leader who wants long-term fruitfulness?

Is Marriage Politically Correct?

Many tell us today that marriage is no longer politically correct. Society wants us to believe that marriage is an outdated institution and that co-habitating, common law marriage, and domestic partnerships are just as beneficial to our society.

Hallmark, FTD and the Jewelry stores want you to believe that this Sunday the only acceptable way to express love is by giving gifts. Other elements of our society want you to think that this Sunday is all about passion for another person.

I ran across some trivia today that said the founding of St. Valentine's day is actually the remembrance of the day (February 14, 240 AD) that a Priest was beheaded for performing weddings when the Emperor had outlawed marriage (because soldiers were claiming brides in an attempt to avoid battle).

How could you use this Sunday's holiday to remind your students/small group participants of the importance and value of Biblical marriage?

Let's not take our cues from advertisers, society or government, but remember that marriage is a holy institution established by God himself.

Your Ministry Toolbox

I have found that most people like to accumulate tools. Men tend to like tools that are found at the Sporting Goods store or the Hardware store, while women like tools that are found at the Kitchen Gadget store or home parties held by Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Stampin' Up, etc.

Some have extravagant organizational systems like thousand dollar Snap-On rolling toolchests or hardwood custom cabinetry with marble counter-tops, while others use an empty 5-gallon bucket or plastic bins to move their tools from job to job.

Have you considered your ministry toolbox? I was adding tools to my ministry toolbox by attending a training workshop last Saturday and in a sidebar conversation somebody said "Just because you are a hammer doesn't mean everybody is a nail."

In my past years I have driven a nail with a hammer, the handle of a screwdriver, and the side of a wrench. but I have never set a screw with a wrench or turned a nut with a hammer. I have heard that women can use a kitchen knife to do just about any task (but they may ruin the screwhead so that it will never come out and may ruin the edge on the knife so that it won't even cut soft butter).

When teaching and leading others, it helps to have a variety of tools. Telling, questioning, assigning tasks, silence, doing activities, artistic representations (pictures, skits & videos), discussion in triads then reporting to the rest of the group, study guides, PowerPoint, Flip-charts are just a few tools that you can use.

Just as buying an expensive stand-mixer won't make a person a good cook, or having a quality table saw in the garage won't make you a good carpenter, collecting books or learning communication skills won't instantly guarantee that people are learning.

Each of these tool must be used at the right time, in the right way to increase the probability of a desired outcome.

What ministry tool do you need to add to your toolbox? Which of the tools that you already have do you need to learn to use more skillfully?

Appreciative Inquiry

A couple years ago in a Graduate School class I was introduced to the idea of “appreciative inquiry.” The idea is that instead of focusing on what is bad and needs to be changed, we should inquire as to what positive resources are at play in any situation and harness what is positive to address what is lacking.

Last week I had a discussion with a friend about the stage that his toddlers are currently at. Even though their participation toward family goals is quite limited, he has chosen to live in the moment and enjoy the uniqueness of each stage as it comes.

Frustration is normal for leaders and it is easy to wish that things were different, but we should never allow our desire for a different outcome to make us grumpy, negative or bitter about our current  reality.

Can we find the positive in our current challenges? One blog author writes these observations.

Some observations I’ve made about those with a positive attitude:

1. They have a Positive Presence. They non-verbally communicate positivity.  They have energy, look excited, and their posture says, “I’m glad to be here.”
2. They take a Positive Approach. They think first of how we can before why we can’t. Their world view is can do.  Even when facing the impossible, those with a positive attitude believe in the possibilities.
3. They give a Positive Response. They’re teachable.  They own the results without making excuses.  Their first response is, “thanks for the feedback.”

Guest: Scott Rodgers - LifeChurch.tv : swerve

Let’s all sing together…”a little bit of sugar helps the medicine go down…”

How Do You Handle Criticism?

One of the blogs I follow is from a pastor of a large church in another state. Today’s post addresses an issue that ALL leaders will face sooner or later, and EVERY leader I know has had to deal with it on more than one occasion—Criticism.

Since we are all flawed, sinful people still in the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, you and I will make mistakes and bad choices and others will often hold you accountable for those decisions.

This is what my friend Craig writes…

In the early years, I reacted negatively to all criticism. I spent my energy defending rather than learning. Over time, rather than dismissing all critics, I opened my heart to learn from them. God has used several constructive and a few not-so-constructive critics to help me grow and improve as a spiritual shepherd and leader.

How Do You Handle Criticism? - LifeChurch.tv : swerve

This weekend I learned that somebody in our body is holding a grudge against me for something I said or did a long time ago. I don’t know who the person is or what I did but I know it is serious enough that this person told another person she would never participate in a class that I teach. The second person told the offended party to approach me and give me a chance to make it right, but this has not happened, YET.

Even though I don’t know the particulars of this offense, I am trying to learn from it. What have I communicated by word or deed that leaves this offended person with the impression that I am unapproachable or that confronting me would be a negative or futile experience.

So What have YOU learned from criticism?

The Power of Momentum

Several years ago I learned the relative power of obstacles in regards to momentum. Here is the word picture.

Imagine that your car is at a dead stop and somebody places a 4 inch stone in front of one of the wheels then asks you to push your car over that stone. It is very unlikely to happen. Now imagine that your car is rolling down a hill and there is a 4" stone in the middle of the path. You may feel a bump, but your car is most likely going to roll right over that stone without loosing an ounce of energy.

A similar thing happens in your small group or class. If your group is just starting and you encounter an obstacle (a key participant is sick, somebody has issues and tries to dominate the group, somebody forgets to bring the snack, etc.) then that obstacle becomes a Greater Threat to where God wants your group/class to be going. However, if you have already established an expectation of what a healthy group is (good servant/leadership, respectful cooperation from all participants, shared vision and purpose, etc.) then if one of those same obstacles happen during a particular meeting; everyone can acknowledge the situation, deal with it and get on with what God has called your group to be and do.

Some businesses have been totally derailed by the current economy because they had not accumulated reserves. Other stronger businesses have had to make adjustments, but will survive the season and come out fine.

My experience has been that many teachers/small group leaders encounter obstacles early in the life of their group and get discouraged and quit. My encouragement is to keep going in the direction God has called you (you may have to ask others to help you 'get the car rolling') and as your group becomes healthier/experiences success/gains momentum. You will find that the obstacles that once threatened to totally halt momentum, will become pathway 'bumps in the road' that will be more easily overcome.

Guard Your Heart

I have long heard the suggestion that a good way to build a habit of daily Bible reading is to read one chapter of Proverbs according to the day of the month. That would mean that today (January 4, 2010) people are reading Proverbs chapter 4.

One blogger who is taking the “31 Day Challenge” makes the following comment on Proverbs 4:23

I believe it was Socrates who said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” So maybe the most important thing we could do at the beginning of this new decade is to examine the “wellspring” of life.

Is the seductive, deceptive lure of some sin such as anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, and sexual immorality, creeping into your heart?

Is there anyone you’ve been withholding forgiveness from?

Do you secretly celebrate the failures of people around you?

Have any secrets that you’re working hard to keep from some of your closest friends?

I’m praying God will teach you and me both to guard our hearts because the desire of Jesus is to transform our hearts, not just edit our behavior.

(To see this quote in its original context click the link at the end of this post)

I received a tweet from twitter that said “That one step of footprints is where Jesus carried me and my 60-inch plasma TV.” OUCH! I wonder what other idols we are holding onto? How often do we take refuge in the arms of Jesus, while keeping a tight grasp on things that allure our hearts away from Him.

Guarding our hearts is a matter of what psychologists call self-speak. What are the messages that role around in your head? If you focus on positive things you will absorb a positive perspective. If you listen to negativity, you will reflect that view.

A couple of years ago I asked a person I respect if he thought “dark” music contributed to clinical depression in teens. He answered, “no, dark music just reflects the moods of those who are already depressed.” I respectfully disagree with my friend. I think that media choices are not just a symptom, but also a contributing factor to moods. They contribute to the spiral that feeds itself.

If the music I listen to, books I read, movies I watch, people I associate with are reinforcing certain thoughts, then those thoughts become my new norm. Whether positive or negative.

Philippians 4:8-specifically tells us to make a choice to “think on” thoughts that edify.

Colossians 3:2 instructs us to “set our minds” in a particular direction

1 Peter 1:13 guides us to “prepare our minds” for action

2 Corinthians 10:5 challenges us to “take every thought captive”

and Col 2:8 warns that others’ ideas can captivate our attention and affections.

Nearly 30 years ago I took my first computer programming class. In that class we were introduced to the acronym GIGO – Garbage in, Garbage out. GIGO was the concept that bad data or bad programming going into the computer would force the computer to yield bad output. I understand that humans are not mere cognitive machines because we have a will that can override raw data. But the more data that is in our thoughts will influence the impulses that we experience.

So, on this 4th day of the month, I encourage you to heed the words of Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart!

 

Guard Your Heart | WithoutWax.tv by Pete Wilson