Apr 10th, 09
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The importance of imperfection.
Continuing with many lessons I’ve learned in church planting, I’d like to share one that is rather important to me – the importance of imperfection. Now, I doubt that many of us would follow a leader anywhere who just came right out and said “I just don’t have a clue what I’m doing.” Even the worst of presidents will sell you lines over and over if it will help your confidence in them. In leadership circles, there is a phrase that’s common to hear: “fake it ’til you make it”. In other words, if you don’t know what’s coming next, then you act like you do until something happens!
So, what I mean by the importance of imperfection is not that we place ourselves in a position to others in expressing we have no clue (even if that is the case sometimes!) but rather, it is sharing that we don’t always have all of the answers. One of the most difficult responses for a leader in ministry is to simply say, “I don’t know”. There are some theological issues that are just impossible to turn into a black-and-white situation – and too many guys go too far and fake it. But a beautiful thing in life is to realize that though we may be called to vocational ministry – God has called every believer to be a minister. We are not that different.
Sometimes when I meet someone for the first time I will hold back what I do for a living as long as I can. People tend to change when you tell them you’re a pastor. Almost as if they need to have better posture or more correct grammar. What helps bridge the gap is when they realize that you are just as flawed and imperfect as they are. The difference isn’t that we are perfect, but that we are forgiven.
I read recently that most critics are a lot like how Jesus describes the poor. Most of them are needy and hurt, and often rather immature. There are a few times in my life I wish I had heard and understood that principle. The point is that we are all flawed and none of us are perfect. We’re not perfect husbands, fathers, pastors, leaders — but we can strive to be more like Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith. The importance of our own imperfection is to point to the grace of God.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Admit when you are wrong. Ask forgiveness when needed, and offer it freely – even if the other person doesn’t feel they need it. Sharing the Gospel is not about telling others how perfect we have become, but how forgiven we are.
Up next… the role of your spouse in ministry.
Mar 15th, 09
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It was just a few years ago when in order to listen to another sermon, you had to purchase it. I was a part of a few “tape-of-the-month” clubs from some popular speakers. That wasn’t that long ago, but it sounds so ancient! In the past few years there has been an amazing trend — and it’s free!
This is another reason I love my mac. There are a ton of programs available to make life so much easier, and they are all Open Source – in other words, free.
Just a few years ago, in order to use someone else’s sermon series graphics, outlines, etc. – you would have to pay (often big bucks) to use them. Of course there are still a few guys that are still charging. 
These days, with so many other free resources available, a series or material would have to be ridiculously good in order to purchase it.
I love this trend that many churches and ministries have adopted. I don’t think it will be long before you see more and more authors posting free e-books like John Piper and Mark Driscoll have both done recently. Not unlike the emerging independent music industry, I think the market will explode with new and young authors who aren’t interested in trying to milk readers for every penny – but instead wish to partner with and inspire other leaders.
Don’t get me wrong, I think people will still buy books (even if they are in a subscription form or digital, Kindle-like format) and music – but I do think that we will see more and more emerging artists and leaders offer their resources for free in order to expand their brand and influence. But who knows, it could be just wishful thinking.
Mar 13th, 09
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This book (Leading on Empty) challenges pastors to take a sabbatical. A Sabbatical is time off from the normal day-to-day stresses of ministry. Many people don’t realize the pressure that church ministry can bring – and not only to a pastor, but his family too. Regarding sermons, Wayne mentions one person who told him giving sermons was like ‘giving birth each Sunday morning only to find out you are pregnant again on Monday’! Years of this take their toll.
I’ve heard of pastors who want to take a month or two each year as a Sabbatical, and this could be a little on the extreme side. But at least every couple of years (to more, depending on the person and the church) you need to just get away alone to recharge and renew.
So, take a sabbatical for your own mental, spiritual, and emotional health.
Mar 12th, 09
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In classic insomniac fashion, I have been looking for a way to wind down tonight. Of course listening to Lee McDerment is probably getting me a little jacked up more than calmed down – so I grabbed my new book out of my man purse computer bag. The book is Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro. While I would have loved a free copy for an endorsement like this, let me just say that everyone needs to grab this book.
It’s even ok if you’re not a pastor or leader, you still ought to pick this up. At the very least it may help you understand just a little more what your pastors are going through. I have seen burnout first hand. I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the coin, and its not fun. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who is leading (even if you are nowhere near ‘empty’ at the time) a church or ministry.
I’ll probably write more thoughts as I read through it… but I’m still behind on my promise to review Crazy Love by Francis Chan – so we’ll see how long it takes to get one up for this book when I’m done! Just go read it instead of waiting on the review.
Feb 23rd, 09
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Skill is one thing, but ultimately above a pastors ability to communicate or lead – it comes down to an issue of integrity.
The textbook definition of Integrity is adhering to moral principles; but let me go out on a limb and say that integrity as a leader is putting the needs and well-being of those entrusted under you above your own. We don’t have the right as leaders to take advantage of the people that we lead. It’s unfortunate, but we see leaders do this every day. As pastors, we represent Christ and the Gospel to those under our charge – and the last thing I want to do is hinder the work of God in someone’s life because of my selfishness.
Feb 12th, 09
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Mark Driscoll has to be one of my favorite author/preacher/leaders. I love his passion for Christ and His love for Scripture. Then I read this article from the Baptist Press obviously from someone who doesn’t get it. It’s unfortunate, ignorant, hackingly written articles like this one that are pushing young leaders out of our convention. They would rather embrace good theology and Scripture truth than denominational stupidity.
Feb 8th, 09
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A problem with many organizational leadership is that oftentimes that leadership doesn’t dream big. I think they would think (hope) they are big dreamers, but in reality many of them destroy ideas with pessimism.
I have learned a ton the past 8 years in ministry, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned and tried to live it’s “There is no such thing as a bad idea”. I relate it to inviting people to an event. When a few guys get together to hang out and one guy constantly says he is unable to make it, eventually you just stop inviting him because you anticipate his response. Whether it is right or wrong it is how we are conditioned, and unfortunately the time he might be able to make it he may not receive an invite.
When we constantly reject ideas because we find nothing but problems, we in turn shut out the better ideas that may be down the road. Don’t look for problems in an idea, look for solutions. Or if I can invent a word… be a solutioneer. If you really want to dream big, you have to get out of your comfort zone.
Nov 22nd, 08
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…or go home. If something isn’t a challenge, then it’s time to step it up a notch. Our tendency is to hang out in the area of familiarity and comfort – not to run to things that stretch us and force us out of our cave. If it seems too easy, you shouldn’t be doing it. Or you should be doing it, but on a whole other level. Either love the challenge, or go home. Whether it is your spiritual life, job, or relationships – push the limits and stretch yourself. You’ll be smarter and wiser in the long run.
Nov 19th, 08
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As I said in my last post, there is a need for honor for our leaders (yes that includes the president elect) that is not prevalent among us today. We are too quick to critique or worship. But I believe this honor thing goes both ways. I never set out to be a lead guy, in fact I don’t think I have ever said once it was something I desired. However, God has placed me in this position (and I love it by the way), but I’ve always studied and prepared for the staff side of things.
In seminary I got into a little trouble in a practical ministry class because I wrote a paper on how a senior pastor relates to his staff. I used
1 Peter 5 to explain that no matter what role you have (youth pastor, children’s pastor, worship pastor, lead pastor, etc.), we are all
fellow elders and shepherds of God’s flock. In other words, some of us may have different responsibilities – but we are all on the same team. Ultimately we may have an earthly boss, be it a senior pastor or whomever, but we all are on the same team with the same rank in God’s eyes.
As pastors, we will all be held accountable for our decisions.So, let me encourage any lead pastors (or future lead pastors) to honor their staff. They are partnering with you in shepherding God’s flock (note: not our flock or your flock) and seeing His kingdom grow. Our culture tends to reward the lead pastor… after all, he is the face most people see and in many ways is God’s mouthpiece in our certain expressions of fellowship. But lead guy, you don’t always need to take the free weekend beach house… maybe you should ask that person if they would be alright with letting the staff guy stay there. Pass a little love along to the guys who often don’t get recognized or rewarded. Honor your staff as they honor you.
Nov 19th, 08
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Just finished listening to the latest installment of the Catalyst podcast. I’m not a regular listener, but I am super interested in Steven Furtick. He’s a guy my age who has planted a church in Charlotte that is now bigger than most churches in the state of NC.
One thing he spent a good deal of time on is the issue of honor. He served under a guy who didn’t deserve a ton of respect – and through whatever choices and situations, made it difficult to be a person to be followed or respected. But in the midst of that, he decided to still honor him by backing him up however needed.
I’m not sure I can articulate anything as good as Steven, so take a few minutes and check him out – but I agree that there is a difference between honor and respect. We have lost the sense of honor within our culture. We tend to worship or critique, and that’s it. There are guys that I definitely don’t agree with that I want to honor. Ultimately, my honor goes to God, and His work in someone… but I agree Steven, we need to see a better attitude from our generation in honoring one another and lifting each other up. Good stuff.