My Apologies For Low Empathy

Acts 20:31  Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears."ESV

Empathy is: "the intellectual identification with vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another". Dictionary.com

Offering coaching myself led me to believe I should experience being coached myself, so some time ago I hired a professional coach. That is all he did and he was really good at it. After several sessions he complimented me about my own awareness of myself,  particularly my strengths and weaknesses. Evidently I should have been coached longer by this person since it may have exposed my lack of empathy for certain people a lot sooner.
 

At first glance, I see that I do have empathy for many people. When I heard on the news this morning that 16% of Americans are using and in need of food stamps, ... my heart grieved. When I hear the hurt of simple people who lack the ability to understand my heart grieves for them. When I go to Africa and see the hurt, the famine, the lack of what we have come to believe are needs, .. my heart cries out for them. So it is not like I was clueless and lacked a beating heart.

However, I have always known and understood that I lack a certain kind of grace for people I believe are smart, or through their education or experience, should know better.  As I type I could add a bit of satire and sarcasm by acknowledging that maybe the reason I lack empathy for smart people is because I am not that smart myself, therefore being unable to "intellectually identify" with them and their hurt. Ah, ... but that would just be an escape and excuse for my sin and put the onus on others for not having any empathy for me. Who knows, ... maybe there is nothing satiric about it.

For the most part what I lack can go unnoticed unless I say something unkind or if I challenge or admonish people I have categorized this way. Paul did not share my weakness or predicament. In one simple verse above he showed me what I need and what I find to be critical to my development and to any leader.

Friends and leaders, Paul cried for smart people that should have known better. He admonished and corrected godly people that he most likely had a part in choosing and ordaining in the church of Ephesus. Our scripture verse states he did this for years. He shed tears for the spiritually mature elders who were overseers, teachers, and most likely even the elders who pastoring the church. And ... he kept on shedding tears.

For eight years now I have had many opportunities to travel and teach leadership regionally, nationally and oversees. In those eight years I have challenged all kinds of leaders including some very prominent people, including James MacDonald. I thank the Lord I delivered that with a bit of empathy for him, since on his blog, he publicly acknowledge the noteworthiness of my point with him. But in my travels I am going to assume that I have not performed well with everyone, and I want to publicly apologize to anyone that still subscribes to this newsletter-blog that I have challenged with apparent lack of empathy. I ask for your forgiveness. 

Most teachers will tell you that God teaches the teacher before he can teach others. Today I only write what I have been taught first. It is my hope that through was God revealed to me, I can help other leaders just like me, who will never reach their full potential until they experience the delivery of empathy for everyone they lead, everyone they work along side of, and everyone that leads them.

In closing, may I ask if there is someone you have to shed a tear for today?  Is it a friend? Is it someone you don't agree with? ... a co-worker, a family member, a subordinate, your boss ... or your pastor?

How about committing to work with me today in developing an inner empathy, ... an empathy people will follow.

Success - A Chasing After the Wind?

Ecclesiastes 2:11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. NIV

I would suspect that we all talk to ourselves once and a while.

I enjoy debate, there are times when I want to debate with myself over certain ideas or subjects, taking both sides of an issue and finding out which one seems to be true and accurate. God prompted this characteristic of mine ever since He embedded His promise in Proverbs 2, when He promised wisdom to those who sought it with the intensity of a search for silver or hidden treasure. That serves me well most of the time, but it can lead some to think I am argumentative. I really don't want to be, but I sure do have to watch that I don't become that way, or portray myself that way..

Solomon's Debate

You would think that a guy like Solomon, who attained the greatest level of wisdom, would not have to debate with himself over anything. However, the book of Ecclesiastes is twelve chapters of just that--a lengthy debate over the meaningfulness of his life.

Come on! What was he thinking? And why? Here was a guy who began his reign with a solid demonstration of strength and power when he took care of a couple of his father David's nemeses, then out of humility appealed to God for wisdom because he felt his wisdom was the level of a "small child." He became more wise and wealthy than anyone in the world and had more women in his life than any man could imagine. Yet he had not found enough happiness to identify that his life, or anyone's life, contained meaningfulness.

In his debate he reflected on his material success, his own great wisdom, times when he slipped into folly, and the perceived success of handing over an inheritance to his descendants. Reflecting on it all, he declared it to be meaningless to him, a chasing after the wind. He does not actually define what the "wind" is. However, he does insert and repeat that "it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God" (Eccl 5:18 NIV).

His varied repetitions of this verse reveals what Solomon is learning in his debate with himself. He comes to realize that the times of joy in his life were the most meaningful to him, reflecting that the perceived success of his life, he had now set aside in his mind. He goes on to declare that the time we spend with him in "debating over this subject" could be a sign that joy has not been achieved. Verse 20 says, "He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."

Friends, life is all about the "joy" of "toil," not about the common worldview of success, the size of your business or church. In the pursuit of joy, Solomon adds his simple path to joy in chapter 12 when he declares, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man"( Eccl 12:13).

Sometimes We Get Our Eyes on the Wrong Ball

Friends let me leave you to think about one more way to understand the theology of meaningfulness. Shaping your leadership through the lens of success is like shaping your life around good deeds in pursuit of salvation.

Shaping your leadership through the lens of success is like shaping your life around good deeds in pursuit of salvation. 

Some times we get our eyes on the wrong ball. I believe Solomon is teaching us that our first measurement in our churches and businesses should be the "joy-o-meter." Discover the meaningfulness of joy, then we can go on to study other prudent measurements of church attenders, ministries, revenue and business profits. In the same way faith produces good deeds, joy produces God defined success. Solomon, the wisest and richest man in his time defines success as in the size of your JOY!

That, my friends is most meaningful. That we can chase.

Leadership & Reconciliation Encore Post

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

As leaders, we must be the initiators of reconciliation.

People who have been leaders for any length of time will eventually find that there are times where they fall out of fellowship with one or more of their followers. Although this can happen for a variety of reasons, a short list of some of the most common would include:

1. A simple misunderstanding 
2. Poor performance by the follower 
3. Poor management by the leader

The Importance of Being the Initiator 

Invariably, small issues fester within teams, only to be compounded when new conflict occurs. Trying to build a team with a variety of broken relationships will ultimately develop an aroma of disunity. And initiating reconciliation is one of the hardest parts of being a leader. Why? Because it is very hard to do.

A regenerate leader has to put off the "old self,” who wants others to take the first step. Forget for the moment when you just need to eat some humble pie and apologize for your actions. That is hard, but not as hard as initiating reconciliation when one of your followers has performed poorly, and through correction or discipline, falls out of fellowship with you. While some form of relational stress is expected, effective leaders watch diligently for the remnants of bitterness or anger. When these signs don't subside in a reasonable length of time, the leader needs to take action. In other words, the leader needs to become the “initiator.”

Four Responsibilities from Scripture

What are we called to do in today's scripture reference? Take a moment to read it again and see if you can spot at least the four responsibilities that I see.

1. Recognize God's call for us to do what we normally would not want to do. We are "new creations," putting off what we wanted to do in the past. Sometimes the old self wants to initiate pain, not reconciliation.
2. Acknowledge that God is not calling us to do something He has not modeled for us first. He gave us a ministry that is precious. We need to treat and treasure it like a gift. 
3. Learn also that the wrongs of your followers should not "count against" them so much that you as a leader fade from your role as the "initiator,” the one who initiates reconciliation.
4. Preach and teach reconciliation within your organization or ministry. If we model it, we can not only teach others to do it, but we can also require it within our own organizations and churches. Ban the soil in which Satan likes to farm! 

God was the first initiator. He took the initiative to reconcile himself with us through sending his Son. We were completely in the wrong and should have gone to him first, begging to be reconciled to Him. But man did not do that, nor could man accomplish on his own what Christ accomplished for us.

Because God took the initiative with us, we must take the initiative with those we lead. Would you agree with me that everyone reading this has some form of relationship that could be shored up? If you would try today to become an "Initiator,” trust me when I say that a blessing is waiting for you.

Do Leaders Need to Be Holy?

This is an encore TCL article by one of our TCL board members. Its message so important and timeless, I must post it again, though a year later.

By Pastor Chris Carr     (Executive Pastor of Ministries -  Bethel Church - Crown Point, Indiana

I have to admit from the get-go that writing this article was a little daunting. What do I have to add to the discussion on leadership? A simple search at Amazon.com shows almost 350,000 available resources on leadership. It would seem that perhaps everything there is to say about leadership has been said at some point.

"And yet I do find something missing from most discussions on leadership today – the necessity of personal holiness."

We must pray for God to help us achieve personal holiness.

And yet I do find something missing from most discussions on leadership today – the necessity of personal holiness. There are plenty of books and articles about rules or laws of leadership, keys to leading an effective team, how to be not simply good but great, and how to use your gifts to their maximum potential. But there appears to be few people discussing the vital issue of personal holiness in the life of a leader.

How important is personal holiness in the life of a leader? Before I answer that with my thoughts on the matter, answer it for yourself – how important do you view your own holiness to your success as a leader?

The Importance of Personal Holiness

My answer to this question is that personal holiness is the most important issue to leadership success. I realize that this is a fairly bold statement, so let me take a moment to back it up. My belief in the importance of personal holiness comes from the foundational truth that, as believers, our ultimate goal in life is to bring glory to Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 10:31, Col. 1:18). Flowing from that, our goal as leaders should be to lead in such a way that our followers are influenced to pursue Christ’s glory as well. Our ability to glorify Christ is in direct proportion to how holy we are becoming (2 Cor. 3:18).

"Our ability to glorify Christ is in direct proportion to how holy we are becoming."

Robert Murray M’Cheyne, a Scottish pastor in the mid-19th century once stated, “what my people need most is my personal holiness.” I couldn’t agree more. Without personal holiness, a Christian leader has no foundation from which to lead.

"If your integrity or morality is in question (which they likely will be if you aren’t pursuing holiness), you cannot be an effective leader."

You might not consider personal holiness to be a vital issue if you aren’t a pastor or a ministry leader. I would challenge you to reconsider. If you are a business owner and your employees (or customers) know you are a believer, you will be unable to lead them effectively if you aren’t living out what you claim to believe. If your integrity or morality is in question (which they likely will be if you aren’t pursuing holiness), you cannot be an effective leader.

How to Pursue Holiness

So, how do we pursue holiness? First and foremost, we begin by focusing on Christ. Second Corinthians 3:18 tells us that as we look at Christ, the Holy Spirit transforms us into His image, with ever-increasing glory. Something about simply focusing on Christ makes us more like him (1 John 3:2).

Second, we must be faithful in our study of the Word. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them by truth, thy word is truth.” We become holy as we get into the Word and the Word in turn gets into us.

Finally, we become more holy through prayer. As we pray and seek the Father’s face, He pours out the Spirit and draws us closer to him (Acts 4:31, Jude 20).

As God is holy, let’s continue to strive to be holy in all we do (1 Peter 1:15), setting an example for our people to follow.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Should There Be a Pastor of Leadership?

Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently (NIV)... 1 Cor 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues (ESV).

Titles, titles, titles. We have the senior pastor, the senior teaching pastor, the associate pastor, pastor of administration, the pastor of worship, the director of worship, the director of small groups, the pastor of small groups, the director of adult education, the pastor of .... On and on it goes. Where is the pastor of leadership? Not sure we should go there? Well this is now a blog, so don't feel like you have a muzzle on. To go there, though, we need a bit of review.

Today, the word leadership is used in so many ways that it can get confusing. To clarify this concept of leadership, let us review how and why we use the word and what we think of when we hear it. We talk about our “country’s leadership,” our “business’s leadership,” and our “church’s leadership.” In almost every case, the word is used to describe the authority of a certain entity. In the examples above, the word “leadership” simply communicates the plural form of an occupational or volunteer position—it means a group of “more than one leader.”

A Leader is a Person, Not a Position

However, the Bible’s definition of leadership is quite different. In Romans 12:8, when the Bible declares leadership a spiritual gift, it would seem clear to most that Paul is not referring to the gift of “more than one leader”! Within the context of this scripture it appears that when he writes, “If it is leadership, then let him govern diligently” (NIV), it would naturally refer to the relationship between two groups of people: those who govern and those who are being governed. The first word of this sentence, “if,” is not asking whether or not a person has a position of leadership. It seems to be asking whether or not a person actually has leadership ability and the spiritual gift of leadership.

Thus, if leadership is a gift found in the relationship between the leader and the one who follows then it would also follow that the gift looks just like this definition by Dr. James Bultman: “Leadership is the art and science of inspiring others to reach their full potential in the pursuit of a common vision.” Since I believe in the accuracy of this definition, I have shaped this definition to the mission of TCL, and the results are posted on the home page of my web site. I have shaped it a bit more by narrowing the vision to a kingdom vision.

"Spiritual leading and governing is the ability to inspire others to reach their full potential in the pursuit of a Kingdom vision."

Either definition emphasizes the fact that that leadership is all about the follower. In a leadership relationship, the followers are the primary recipients of what flows from the leader, not the other way around! “Inspiration” flows into the followers; “full potential” is achieved by the followers! The vision, however, that must be the equalizer—the “common factor.” Show me a leader good at leadership, and I will show you a leader who either has great vision that embraced by his/her followers, or one who pursues with delight the vision of others.

The Differences Between Leadership & Administration

To me I believe there is often a misunderstanding within the realm of administration. In Ist Corinthians 12:28 administration is also identified in the Bible as a distinct spiritual gift. Just like in the "body of the church" the two roles are equally important. It would seem to me the best way to help distinguish the difference between leadership and administration is in the function. In the simplest terms, administration is task-oriented and leadership is people-oriented. There are occasions where a single person has both leadership and administrative gifts, but more often this is not the case.

In the simplest terms, administration is task-oriented and leadership is people-oriented.

How does one organize the structure of authority while keeping in mind the "governing" implications are reserved, as instructed in our passage above, for those with leadership gifts? And how does one reconcile this with the fact that God seems to be implying that he appointed the apostolic teachers of the church first and instructed us later in that same passage to "desire the greater gifts"?


I believe a strong case could be made that the "greater" gifts have more to do with what gift would impact a person's salvation than they have to do with apostolic governing or pastoral leadership in and over all things. I know I would trade leadership authority for a stronger teaching gift any day. Since the eternal impact of teaching is far more important, this is what I believe is being emphasized by the instruction to "desire the greater gifts". I have been told that I have both leadership and teaching gifts. However, for me there is just no comparison between the blessings. Teaching is far more rewarding. I think others would agree.

Administration is task-oriented, while leadership is
people-oriented

In addition, desiring a greater gift because it contains more authority would seem to be contradictory alongside other teachings concerning acquiring a servant's heart. That would also strengthen my case that greater gifts are not speaking of "governing authority".

Staying Faithful to the Text

So it would seem to me that to be faithful to both of the texts, the church organizational structure could be divided into two decision making flow charts. The first could be limited to spiritual teaching and support systems. In this model the lead pastor, who of course is the leader of teaching, would take the lead regarding the doctrine of the church, the hiring of teachers, and all aspects of shepherding.

Might I suggest that a second person of equal authority be a person with a leadership gift (Lead Leader), who could take the lead in the day to day decisions implementing the vision and direction of the church, and all business functions of the church. This would stay faithful to the text of the governing aspect over "people things." Both the lead pastor and lead leader would be subject to the ruling body of the church. Church administrators would then be servants to the lead pastor and lead leader, ready to shine in performing the tasks that need to be accomplished for each leader.

I believe that this model could have more potential for the spiritual growth of the congregation and the spread of the gospel. It could accomplish this simply because the pastors would focus on what God has called them to do, and that is preaching, teaching, shepherding, and spreading the gospel. Let the vision also grow the church by a leader whose job it is to inspire the troops, treating and governing over them fairly on a daily basis.


I could see where those that know me might sense that I am interpreting scripture toward my own gifts. I cannot stop people from saying or thinking that. However, let me assure you it is not the case. Every time I have asked pastors to identify the percentage of pastors who have a leadership gift, they ALL say less than 10%. I have asked this question dozens of times and I always get close to the same answer. Does it not seem strange that as they say this most of them also claim that leadership development is their number one problem?

Those that claim that leadership is their number one problem also have difficulty allowing those that can lead well, actually lead. In most cases is not because they don't want the help. Many times it is simply because trained pastors do not think that others who could lead are "spiritual enough". While I would be the first to admit that spiritual maturity is required to govern in the church, many of those spiritually qualified will never pass the pastor's "spiritual" tests. These "test" are not only spiritual, they also can be "educational".

All this to say that I think it is worth considering a new form of decision making authority within the church. I would suggest that if implemented, it might not be long that leadership would no longer be the number one problem. Would or could this be the right vision for the bride of Christ ? Would pastors spending more time on their messages and helping people spiritually grow be just what we need to speed up the spread of the gospel?

I think it might be worth the risk of discussion.

Assurance in Times of Economic Uncertainties

“After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1 (NIV)

By Guest Writer Harold Biswas

Harold Biswas

Harold is the  Marketing Manager, Strategy & Business Intelligence Leader at Wanted Technologies, Quebec, Canada. Wanted Technologies is a publicly traded company in the Canadian Stock Exchange.

As the media keeps rolling out the news of credit downgrading of the U.S. sovereign debt and implications for the nation, I wonder what lies ahead of us. With about 15 million people still unemployed, where is the bottom?

The credit downgrades is likely to be followed by high cost of borrowing for businesses and consumers which is adding salt to the wounds in hard times such as this. How a Christian should find an assurance?  Where they should seek? The IRA and 401(k) funds are experiencing the same fate. Job security is fragile. I heard from a former colleague the other day that “everyone is walking on an egg-shell” at his office. It was just last week that I was spared too, from a massive cut in my company in Canada.

Psalms 107 in v.23 talks about the merchants who went out on the sea in ships on the mighty waters. A storm came, and the sea waves were lifted high. Verse 26 in the same chapter says “they mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away”. Such is the time now, where current situations are akin to the tempest in the ocean. The people are on their wits’ end, staggering and reeling like drunken men (v.27) with job insecurities, depleting household wealth, low savings, high debts, unpaid bills, mortgage delinquencies, etc.

As fathers, husbands or women who are bread-winners for our families how are we to respond to this crisis? Are we acting alone the same way as the World behaves? Frantically trying to find a solution, or losing our mind and blaming each other in the family?

Psalm 107: v 28-30 “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven.” All of us are looking for a safe haven now. As Christian leaders we are to guide and shepherd our people to seek the Lord fervently. It is going to be Him only, only He who can bring us to our safe haven and helps us reaches the shore that we see now from far.

What is our primary reward in this World? Is it our wealth, regular income, home equities, retirement savings? When God was making a covenant with Abraham, he received as benefits silver, gold, wealth, livestock, etc. (Gen 13:2). The Lord in Genesis 15:7 also explicitly expressed that Abraham was brought out of his homeland to give this vast land to take possession of it. Sure, these are the rewards from God, but they are all secondary in life.

God wants us to dwell on the thoughts of our primary reward that is not the wealth or possessions.  Gen: 15, v.1 “the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."  While promising lands, possessions and other benefits of covenantal promises, God wanted Abraham not to forget what his primary reward going to be ultimately. The practical assurance in this life comes from the primary reward, it is the primary reward that gives the security, safe haven, it is the primary reward that quiets down the stormy seas, that guides us in this turmoil, it is GOD Himself as our very great reward!

Never lose the sight of the fact in good times that it is He, He only is our very great reward, and everything else is secondary to that. He is our shield, who protects us. In Him, as Christian leaders our trust should abide and in whom we should always seek refuge. This statement has never been truer when I realized just last week in my own work-place that many will return homes that evening jobless.

As Christian leaders, are we sufficiently anchoring our safety into our primary reward, our very great reward?  

Harold Biswas
Quebec, Canada

Leaders, Let Your Light Shine

Romans 7: 21-26 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!

There is an old song that children learn in Sunday School. It goes like this: 

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine.

And on and on it goes. We teach our children to do what, in so many ways, we do not do. While we are told to be salt and light to the world, there are many times when we miss the mark, and frankly many times we are just total failures. 

My study Bible--with the cover worn off.

From time to time, I admit that I am a total failure in this department. While I was not a total failure this past week, there have been many days that I can connect with the Apostle Paul when he lamented, "what a wretched man I am."

At a local church last week, I had the chance to give public testimony of the most defining segment of my life. It was the story of the beginning of my regular study of scripture that began in 1994 and how this intense journey had worn and deteriorated the cover and binding of the Bible I studied with at that time. My expedition with this Bible lasted for years, with numerous journeys through most of the books of the New Testament and many of the Old Testament. As I held this worn out Bible in front of the congregation, I
could sense a bit of pride in its ragged condition. I guess if I were to boast, this is what is boasting in the Lord should look like.


Letting Your Light Shine Through Public Bible Reading

The problem is that I am more embarrassed of myself than proud. In the same way I have pleased the Lord with my private reading, I cannot seem to shake my own embarrassment and awkward feelings when I carry that same Bible into a restaurant or even to church. I don't fail all the time, for there have been many months when I have let my Bible shine like I should. However, I have not totally won that battle of my own weakness, and I am fearful of
the final day when the Lord will speak to me about it.

"I do know that as a leader we MUST hold ourselves to a higher standard."

With Bible Apps, it's easy to hide your Bible Reading.

I do know that, as leaders, we MUST hold ourselves to a higher standard. I cannot help but temper the accolades of my "inspirational" presentation with the reality of my weakness. It is far more important to share what a leader must go through in self examination if he or she truly wants to lead others than it is to simply try to present an inspirational message. The apostle Paul evidently felt emotionally sick over something when he lamented his wretchedness. What I have shared with you herein makes me feel sick and wretched too.

The coming generation will not fight the battle that this baby boomer has. The age of the Ipad, Kindle and other technological devices will now protect people like me from the awkwardness of showing "this little light of mine." Apart from my battle with being seen with my Bible in public, I have also used the Bible application on my I-phone many times. Last night, I attended a high tech church of thousands and did not see one person carrying a Bible. (They must have all been using their Ipads?) I actually felt strange carrying mine. Oh, there I go again ...



The Power of Sharing Weaknesses

In it all, I am so grateful for the Lords grace to me. Throughout scripture, he has shown his grace to His own as we read of the "wretchedness" of almost every one of his chosen leaders. I do not write this because I want to. When we leaders write like this, there is a fear that we will become less in your eyes, therefore hindering our leadership. However, in some small way, I am hoping my transparency will inspire you to let your leadership light shine, especially through your public reading of the Bible. You and I still have time to show this precious book before it finds it permanent place in a hand-held device.

There is still time to experience the blessing of reading the cover off "The Book."

Congregational Government & Satan, Part 2

Psalm 18:27 "You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty."

Accusations and Anger can give the devil a foothold.

This article is a continuation of an earlier post in which I replied to James MacDonald's declaration that congregational government was from Satan. If you haven't yet, it might be helpful to read Part I.

Recently, James MacDonald replied to my comment on his blog, in which he declared that congregational government was from Satan. The comment is as follows:

“Congregational government was developed to protect a church from bad elders, but in reality there is no protection from that. …... creating an unbiblical system to guard against that may comfort the fears of the laity but it grieves the heart of God. Scripture provides no antidote for the blessing of God upon prideful selfish shepherds."

The more and more we look at scripture as a whole, the closer we come to real wisdom and truth. I will do my best with this short article. Let us begin today with McDonald's last sentence, which states that there is no antidote for the blessings of God upon a prideful, selfish shepherd. If that shepherd is a preaching pastor, then a passage from Philippians would seem to support his statement.

It is found in Philippians 1:15-18

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.  The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” NIV

While Brother James might have be accurate if he had declared that there is no “organizational biblical system” to deal with prideful shepherds, there is a God-designed system. A friend of mine recently reminded me of that God-designed “relational system,” which is for all people, including pastors and elders. It is found in  Matthew 7: 3-5.

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye." ESV

When members of the body of Christ think that their pastor's prideful selfishness has become damaging to the church, they are to first examine themselves, and then challenge their pastor and/or other leaders. Since the pastor is an elder, they are to affirm their accusation by bringing 2 or 3 witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). Pastors and elders that are challenged in this way need to listen and respond accordingly. This includes submitting, not to a human leadership hierarchy, but to scripture and Christ.

Matthew 7 provides a peaceful system for working out problems.

I do believe that, after some reflection, Brother James would agree that this is the system designed by God for prideful, selfish leaders. Unfortunately, we both know that most people will talk behind the backs of their selfish pastors instead of challenging the preacher of the Word, partly because of the Philippians passage. However, I do not believe the passage in Philippians overshadows Matthew 7. It only means that it must be done very carefully and not at the expense of the gospel. Pastors should not be rendered useless from being challenged during the process.

 Challenges to the Matthew 7 System

The problem becomes more and more difficult as the church grows because some pastors have a strong preaching gift. As the pastor becomes prominent in his home region, then even famous regionally and nationally, the Philippians passage begins to overcome the instruction in Matthew.  What member in their right mind would want to emotionally damage a famous pastor? Who wants to live with that “stain”?

Ahh, but can we now use a congregational form of government to hold back the prideful, selfish pastor and elders, so no one individual will have to “take the blame”? (Sarcasm included).  I have been in congregational meetings where bands of people have shouted names at the pastor in front of everyone. Hearing of those kinds of meetings probably has brought James to declare “the format” as of the devil himself.

Snares of the Devil

In reality, the devil is fanning the flames of everyone’s sinful nature. He is working on of us all. He is working on selfish pastors who think God only speaks to them and who refuse to repent of their pride. He is working on members and elders who are afraid of following Matthew 7. He finds the most success in unregenerate minds, who, through the absence of Christ in their lives, want a moment of self gratification when they publicly lash out against their pastors in congregational meetings.

Friends, here is the bottom line. What we need are mature pastors and leaders, who through their study of the life of Christ, become “volunteers to servanthood"; they are not pushed into servanthood by a congregational system, but of their own decision to submit to the needs and visions of those they lead. When the lead pastor submits to the needs of his elders, then the elders will submit to the needs of the congregation. When this becomes a reality and not just a principle, then no one will worry about the congregational meeting.

Finally, exhort the people to act on Matthew 7, not just to know it. Show them how through experience.

Now what we need is a famous pastor to do it and preach it.

Are You Happy at Your Work?

 By Harold Biswas

You will be happier at your work if you truly work for the Lord.

For most people, one of the most dreaded questions about work is, “Are you satisfied with your job?” In this deep and long recession, even Americans who are fortunate to have jobs are becoming unhappy with them. In fact, only 45 percent of American workers were satisfied with their jobs in 2009, down from 61 percent in 1987. This statistic was the lowest ever recorded by the Conference Board Research Group in more than 22 years of studying the issue, according to a recent Associated Press news release.

As per our scripture reference, happiness at work is a gift of God. Absent that gift, the work turns into a “job,” something that most Americans don’t look forward to each day. Whether it is stress or pressure, deadlines, or meeting goals, many professional men and women grow weary and tired at work. Although they strive to do everything in their power, they manage to do nothing more than simply get by every day.

Looking at the Biblical philosophies of work, every Christian worker should ask these two vital questions: 

1. What is the source of my talent and expertise, 
2. Do I do what I do, ultimately, for the Lord.

What is the Source of Your Talents?
James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights....” In this day and age, where there is no lack of management or leadership training offered by the employer, it is very easy to develop a self-sufficient attitude or independent mind-set. All the “how-to” books are even a bonus for that attitude.

"However, it should be a fundamental belief for Christian workers that the source of any strength, skills, expertise and talent is God Himself."

However, it should be a fundamental belief for Christian workers that the source of any strength, skills, expertise and talent is God Himself. Nothing pleases the Lord more than when His children acknowledge that source and work passionately to please the Giver of their gifts. Forget the source, and you are inviting unhappiness at your work because, on your own strength, you will not be able to stand the everyday pressure of work.

Are You Working for the Lord?

Secondly, ask yourself, whatever you are doing, are you doing it for the Lord? The Bible, in Colossians 3: 23-25, tells us, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Yes, in most cases, my boss asks for my work, and yes, the department head will assess my performance, but do I have that recognition as a Christian believer that I am serving my Lord Christ through my work? When the recognition is missing, it gives rise to unhappiness, because you fail to find the real meaning of work. 

"Yes, in most cases, my boss asks for my work, and yes, the department head will assess my performance, but do I have that recognition as a Christian believer that I am serving my Lord Christ through my work?"

A “job” turns into “work” for someone who understands and practices this personal leadership principle, which is to acknowledge God as the source of everything and to serve Him ultimately at work. Work is a greater call to fulfill; it is being able to see how God sees things, being able to introduce everybody around you to your Heavenly Father in a subtle way, something that a mere “job” is not able to provide.

Can you say today: “I am excited today because I am going to work. I know who is the giver of my gift at work, and I know who am I doing it for.”

Integrity: Don't Leave Home Without It

 By Dr. John Strubhar

Integrity is an issue of the heart. King David demonstrated it in his leadership of the people of Israel. In Psalm 78:72, NIV, we read, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”

In our world, integrity is the missing gem in many corporate, political and even religious settings. Indeed, it has been the undoing of many who have adopted the leadership mantra of “lead, follow or get out of my way!” 

"In our world, integrity is the missing gem in many corporate, political and even religious settings."

A good leader does what is right even when no one is looking.

As I have mused on the above Scripture passages, I’ve come to the conclusion that integrity is that “indispensable ingredient,” that “unqualified extra” that sets a leader apart, puts the leader on the cutting edge of spiritually. Take away integrity, and we are left with the numbing reality of our own hypocrisy.

What is Integrity and Why is it Important?

Warren Wiersbe sums it up succinctly in his book, The Integrity Crisis: “Integrity is to personal or corporate character what health is to the body or 20/20 vision is to the eyes. A person of integrity is not divided (that’s duplicity) or merely pretending (that’s hypocrisy). He or she is ‘whole’: life is ‘put together,’ and things are working together harmoniously. People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Their lives are open books” (21).

Integrity is not born in a crisis, it emerges firm in a crisis. A leader of integrity does not have to convince others of his work ethic or lifestyle. It is self-evident. Even under closest scrutiny, the leader of integrity delivers. He does not betray his trust. Our Lord is a great leadership model in this regard. 

"A leader of integrity does not have to convince others of his work ethic or lifestyle. It is self-evident."

In the heat of heavy confrontation, his greatest critics had to acknowledge the “integrity factor” in Christ’s life: “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth...” (Mark 2:14, NIV)

The Key to Integrity

The key to integrity is self-discipline. It is birthed within us only as we are totally transparent and honest with God, ourselves and our peers. It passes us by when we are more focused on the actions of others rather than being consistent in our own lives. 

"Integrity misses us completely when we are consumed with role playing spiritually, rather than being spiritual leaders."

Obediance or Expedience

The higher we move up the corporate ladder, the more responsibilities we have.

By Jim Killgore

I was driving from Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC with my father-in-law, and although I was ot relishing time in a closed confine with my in-laws, this three hour trip with Ben proved to be a great leadership lesson.  

I had just moved back from overseas to become the leader of a struggling non-profit.  Ben was a leader of some repute in his field (having served in the Reagan administration).  Feeling proud to be the “Pres” in my new position, and feeling for once on equal footing with my father-in-law, I asked a peer level question, “Ben, what would you say is the key to effective leadership?”  I was not prepared for his godly wisdom.

"I found that the higher I went the more responsible and accountable I became.  Today, I have more ‘bosses’ than I did on the lower rungs.” 

“Jim, leadership is not as great as people think,” He said. “I couldn’t wait to ‘climb the ladder’ and finally be in a place where I could create lasting change without interference.  Instead I found that the higher I went the more responsible and accountable I became.  Today, I have more ‘bosses’ than I did on the lower rungs.”

The  Higher our Position, the Greater our Responsibility

Over the years, I’ve played the video of that scene in my mind many times.  Ben was right; the higher we go in leadership, the more responsible to others we become.  David faced this issue in I Chr. 13.  He had just become king.  His heart for God was passionate as he worked out a plan to return the Ark of the Covenant after Saul had allowed it to be captured by the Philistines (I Sam 5-7). The new king followed a great leadership principle.  He consulted with his leaders and the people to get their buy-in for bringing the Ark to Jerusalem.  Everyone agreed this would be a great way to show their passion for God.  They had a great spiritual encounter as they transported the Ark; they worshiped the Lord with all their might (I Chr 13:6).
 
Then the unthinkable happened. One of the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, causing the Ark to shift.  Uzzah was walking alongside of the cart.  Out of instinct, he reached out to steady the tipping Ark, bringing about a scene reminiscent of Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark- the Ark “blazed,” and Uzzah died.

What was supposed to be a celebration turned tragic. David’s joy in the Lord turned into anger directed at God (vs. 11).  He must have thought, “God, I was doing this for You!  What were You doing?” David’s heart was right, but his methods weren’t.  In his exuberance to bring back the Ark he failed to follow the details.  As a result, a man under his care died.  Those details had been clearly given by Moses in Ex. 25 and Num 4.  God said that the Ark was to be moved by poles (not an ox cart).  It was to be carried not by any Levitical tribe, but by the Kohathite clan.  David should have known this.

"Motives and methods are both imperative to God.  Yet, many leaders choose expedience over obedience."

Method is Important Too

Many times I’ve said, “It must be OK, I’m doing this for God.”  Earnestness is important, but so is method.  It’s not just “that” something is done – it’s also “how.”  Motives and methods are both imperative to God.  Yet, many leaders choose expedience over obedience.  It’s easier to “just do it.”  At some point in time, expedience becomes a higher value.  

Leaders should be asking “Lord, show me what to do and show me how to do it.” God is a God of details.  They matter to Him – that is why we have a book full of worship details called “Leviticus” and a book given over to particulars called “Numbers.”  If it matters to God, it should matter to His leaders. 

God is a God of details.  They matter to Him – that is why we have a book full of worship details called “Leviticus” and a book given over to particulars called “Numbers.” 

David learned a hard lesson – leaders are more accountable, more responsible.  People’s lives depend upon us.  

Later (I Chr 15), David decided to bring the Ark back again.  This time he tells the Levites to follow the details, “because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it in the proper way. . . then the Levites carried the Ark of God on their shoulders with its carrying poles, just as the Lord had instructed Moses” (vss. 13-15 NLT).  

Ben was right, the higher we go in leadership, the more responsible to others we become. Let’s be careful to choose obedience not expedience.