Just Curious?

Every week several of us pastor's have committed to engaging in conversation that effects all of us not only as ministers of the PCG but more importantly as servants of His kingdom. However, I have noticed just the same few of us are commenting back and forth and engaging in any dialogue. I understand that not every topic discussed demands a response or simply is not something you are interested in discussing. However, I am curious how many are even reading.

As we continue this NPN blog, would you take a moment and let us who are posting topics on here know that you are atleast reading and may I encourage you to step out and let us know your thoughts occasionally as well.

Your participation is important and encouraged.

So take a moment if you would and just let us know you are reading this. We are curious who is out there!

Who's Will?

Few things in life are more powerful than the human will. One idea, coupled with the human will, made modern transportation possible. One idea, coupled with the human will, made it possible for any person on any continent of the earth to fly to another continent – anywhere in the world – the airplane was created. One idea, coupled with the human will, put the first man on the moon. The human will has made modern transportation and modern technology a reality. Few things in life are more powerful than the human will.

The Bible says that David was “…a man after God’s own heart…” King Saul & King David were so different in so many ways. King Saul did things his way. He did what was right in his eyes, and what was right in the eyes of others. His will came before the will of God. But, David’s will was submitted to the will of God. As I was reading (in my Daily Bible Reading) a few weeks ago, I read David’s words in Psalm 101. Eleven times, King David uses the words “I Will”.

“…I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. 2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. 3 I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. 4 I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. 5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. 6 I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. 7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. 8 My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip…” It was evident me, while reading this passage, that King David had learned to surrender his will to the will of God.

Jesus had to surrender His will at the age of twelve when His parents found him in the Temple. He had to surrender His will in the Garden of Gethsemane. Noah built an ark for more than one hundred years while being ridiculed. His will was in check. Nehemiah, the disciples, the Apostle Paul…well, the list doesn’t end – they surrendered their wills to God.

What about you today? Who’s will is most important to you: The will of the people, the will of self, or the will of God? How can you miss the will of God? What are common ways that we, as church leaders, ignore the will of God?

CAUTION: There's a Young Leader in the House!

David was somewhere between twelve and fifteen when he was anointed to become King of Israel. But David wasn’t appointed as King for more than a dozen years. There were things that had to happen between the anointing and the appointing. Many senior leaders fail to put the mark of a father on their spiritual sons and daughters, fearful that they’ll lose them. But young leaders must be taught, corrected, encouraged, rebuked, and trained.

Many up-and-coming leaders miss the vital lessons necessary for a successful future ministry when impatience, pride, or rebellion so often leads them away from their places of preparation.

What can David teach us? First, David learned to wait for God’s timing. When David was anointed to be King at a young age, he didn’t throw a party. He didn’t post it on Face-Book, MySpace, or his church web-site. What did he do? He went back to work. He was faithful to his current assignment. He waited on the Lord’s timing for promotion.

Secondly, David learned how to cooperatively and faithfully serve the current leader. Even when his leader attempted to kill him, David never lost his heart for the King. When given the opportunity to kill the King in self-defense, he refused to do it (he would not touch God’s anointed and appointed leader).

Next, David learned to win over the little things before tackling the big ones. Before David could take on a giant by the name of Goliath, he first was tested with the battle of a lion and a bear. Before he could be King, he would have to serve the King. Apprentice leaders must learn to win over small things before God can offer the challenging battles of the ministry Goliaths veteran leaders must face on a regular basis.

Finally, David learned to win over his private battles before entering the public arena. The Lion and the bear were private battles. Young leaders need to learn how to win the private battles before stepping into their places of maximum impacting ministries. So often, when they prematurely leave their place of preparation, they leave without victory over the private issues that will later hinder their success in public ministry.

How are you handling your young leaders? Do you recognize greatness when you see it? Does potential in others intimidate you? Do you feel threatened by strong leaders on your team? Are you afraid to offer correction to apprentice leaders? What could you add to my above observations concerning King David?

A New Season

Monday was graduation day for "The Season of Evangelism". Our Recovery Ministry hosted our annual B-B-Q. More than 300 were in attendance. Last night, there were eight new families at our Get Real Recovery service (between 100-200 people attend each week).

A couple of weeks ago our youth hosted it's season finale with the "Gym Jam". Hundreds of teens come for this outreach each month. There were more than 40 who gave their lives to Christ.

In a few weeks, we'll baptize between 50 and 75 people. It's the end of another great season of evangelism before heading into the new season.

It's a new season: "The Season of Fellowship". I'm getting ready!!! Are you???

Can you share your summer ideas? What do you do in the summer months to promote fellowship? Help my staff...we're always open to new ideas!

Do You Plan To Slow Down?

As a youth pastor in the early 90's, I dreaded those numbers-deflating summer months! It seemed we lost about two thirds of the group. I was a "numbers guy". When the numbers were up, I was up too; but when they were down, I spiraled into frustration and self-examination.

After a few years of agony, I finally decided to pray about my situation. Asking the Lord for purpose during those lonely months of ministry, He revealed a truth that has helped me beyond youth ministry.

There was always great purpose in the Fall season of ministry. Kids were back from the summer break. They were thinking of school, learning, discipline, structure, schedules, sports, and more. It was a great opportunity for a youth pastor to capatalize on the season - and I did! I called it "The Season of Discipleship". My messages and calendaring complimented the season. I preached about "Lordship", "Commitment", "Servanthood", and the like.

There was also great purpose in the Winter/Spring Season of youth ministry. Those were the months of great growth, and I called it "The Season of Evangelism". I learned that from January to May, I could motivate the youth to bring friends to youth. I preached messages about salvation and the need for evangelism. We did major outreach events like the "Gym Jam", where it was not uncommon for 30-50 teens to receive Christ each month. Teens were saved by the dozens every year (I think it is safe to say that they were saved into the hundreds).

I just couldn't find purpose for those dreadful summer months until the year I finally prayed about them. God revealed to me that the summer months had purpose. He gave those months definition for me. I would see them differently from that moment on. I actually looked forward to the summer months the very next year. I called it (rather, the Lord defined it as) "The Season of Fellowship". Who cared that I only had 35-40 kids in those summer months - they were still important kids to God! I decided to give those kids the summer of their lives. We went to water parks, theme parks, camp-outs, bowling days, golf days, swim days, and so much more. We had water-wars, B-B-Q's, game days (Oakland A's and SF Giants baseball), and they enjoyed every moment of their summer. I built relationships in those summer seasons that continue to this very day. A leader can let his/her hair down at a fellowship event. Followers get to see their leader on a lighter note; and it was often in that season when a teenager and his/her parents gave me permission to lead them.

During "The Season of Fellowship", my messages were about family, friends, and relationships (always leading them to their relationship with God). They grew together as a group; and in many cases, leaders in the youth group emerged during those months.

Today, I'm looking forward to the next season. I'll prepare for the Fall. I'll prepare for the Winter. I can't wait for "The Season of Discipleship" and "The Season of Evangelism". Each year for the past three years, we've baptized more than 150 people. We're very intentional about each season. My team is already gearing up for the seasons. But, we're ready for this new season: "The Season of Fellowship". Retreats, campouts, game days - they're already planned! While people are resting, we rest! While people are playing, we play! While people are hanging out with one another, so are we! When they're slowing down, we don't feel guilty if we slow the pace either. Let me ask you today: What are your plans to enjoy this new season? Do you feel guilty when you rest? Do you get frustrated when your people are camping out, on a bike ride, visiting family, or vacationing? What are you planning to do with them this summer?

Team Ministry

Team ministry recognizes the WORTH of all ministries. Trying to do ministry alone is as useless as a "screen door on a submarine." (I think I remember that line from a song in the 80's - concerning faith without works. lol)

We all need someone!

• Batman had Robin
• The Lone Ranger had Tonto
• Laverne had Shirley
• Laurel had Hardy
• etc.

Nehemiah was a leader that relied on others to assist in his dream. "... I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man and feared God above many." - Nehemiah 7:2

Two qualifications: Faithfulness and the Fear of God.

• We can accomplish MORE when we are surrounded by people who know they will give an account to God for everything with which they've been entrusted.
• Nehemiah's team held off the enemy as well as restored God's people at Jerusalem.

With today's world slipping further away from Godly principles - we need teams of FAITHFUL men to lead us!

• Where no council is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. - Proverbs 11:14

Solomon considered it an extreme importance to have a MULTITUDE OF COUNSELORS surrounding him.

• Pastor - as you lead your team - who's leading you?
• Do you have a multitude of counselors (i.e., counseling team, spiritual fathers, etc.) in place?

If we are to be effective Pastors - we must have the THREE FOLD CORD in our life. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) The teams we lead are definitely watching our life as we are leading them. They are watching to see if we are being "led" just as we are "leading".

Last week, Beverly and I celebrated 10 years of pastoral ministry at Bethel Family Worship Center. We were so blessed to have all five of our spiritual fathers in attendance at the same time. As I look at this group of men, I see diversity, seasons & wisdom wrapped up in their collective. They are a gift from God. (Ephesians 4:11)

• Teaching Father - Rev. Ray Hylton
• Pastoral Father - Rev. Leeroy Hill
• Evangelistic Father - Bishop Tom Branham
• Prophetic Father - Bishop Wayman Ming Jr.
• Apostolic Father - Rev. Rick Clendenen

I'm truly thankful for the team that is leading me. Diversity - they are definitely that. Each of them have had a part (and continue to) in my life at specific seasons. Their wisdom collectively is the biggest safety net I've ever had.

What a team!

What would your team say about you?

How is your relationship with your team? You may view it one way, but your team may have an entirely different opinion.

The relationship between the lead pastor and the rest of the team pastors is vital to the health and ministry of the church.

If you ask your team about how they view their relationship with you, what do you think they would say?

Another question. What do you feel your staff would say matters most to them as it pertains to maintaining a professional or even a personal relationship with you?