Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1

This picture shows an honored moment in my life. During our innovatechurch conference last week, Jonathan invited some of us to come up and pray over Rick Warren. Rick served us by teaching and encouragement, and we wanted to give some of the encouragement back. We prayed specifically for Rick as he was preparing to host the presidential forum this past weekend.

I’ve read plenty of blogs dedicated to analyzing and demonizing Rick’s ministry. But standing there with my hand on his shoulder Saturday night, I felt the privilege of prayer for a fellow pastor. What would happen if we humbly prayed for leaders we disagreed with instead of criticizing?

Also pictured:

• Tom Mullins, senior pastor, Christ Fellowship Church, Palm Beach Gardens FL
• Todd Mullins, executive pastor, Christ Fellowship Church, Palm Beach Gardens FL
• Vernon Brewer, president, WorldHelp
• Jonathan Falwell, senior pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church
• Doug Randlett, executive pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church
• Dave Randlett, associate pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church
• Matt Fry, pastor, C3 Church, Cleveland, NC

I’m reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and chapter 4, “Profile of the Lukewarm” really grabbed my attention. A great list of scripture to read down through.

LUKEWARM PEOPLE…

• Attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe “good Christians” do, so they go. [isaiah 29:13]

• Give money to charity and to the church… as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living. [1 chronicles 21:24, luke 21:1-4]

• Tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conlflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church. They care more about what people think of their actions than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. [luke 6:26, revelation 3:1]

• Don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. [john 10:10, romans 6:1-2]

• Are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ – yet they do not act. [james 1:22]

• Rarely share their faith with their neighbors. They do not want to be rejected… [matthew 10:32-33]

• Gauge their morality or “goodness” by comparing themselves to the secular world. [luke 18:11-12]

• Say they love Jesus, and he is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. [luke 9:57-62]

• Love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. [matthew 22:37-38]

• Love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. [matthew 5:43-47]

• Will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give. [luke 18:21-25]

• Think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. [philippians 3:18-20]

• Are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. [matthew 25:34, 40]

• Do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. [1 chronicles 29:14]

• Are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God. [1 timothy 6:17-18]

• Feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith, were baptized, come from a Christian home, vote Republican, or live in America. [matthew 7:21]

• Do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. [hebrews 11]

• Probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren’t very different from your typical unbeliever. [matthew 23:25-28]

I am not a church planter, but I was a church pioneer. I joined West Ridge staff 30 months into the church’s life. Over the next eight years I had the privilege of helping to pour the foundation, build the walls and raise the roof on an exciting church. Early on, we became committed to church planting efforts through partnering with other groups, sending out our own people, and training planters through our school.

Now, back in Lynchburg, I’m please to still be a part of church planting efforts. I enjoy coaching a team of guys who are planting 20 miles from here.

I will always cherish the time I spent in a young church. Beyond the excitement of the adventure, there are some characteristics of a young church that I want to maintain in my Christianity for the rest of my life…

Living close to the pages of the Book

Starting with a fresh page, no rules, only possibilities

Desperation of the staff and people for God

“Lifeboat” spirit among the staff and people – we MUST work together to survive

“Lighthouse” spirit - connection with and burden for the community

Speed of change that is possible

Commitment to excellence, no room for mediocrity

“Its all up to me” feeling – I have to show up for my volunteer job every week or church won’t happen

“No net” abandonment

Creativity unleashed

Need to rethink biblical positions – no room to hold to pat answers I thought I knew in college - “What does the Bible actually teach?”

Dependence on the Holy Spirit

Right-sizing my financial priorities

Doing life together

Courageous living by faith

Seeing the impossible happen

Experiencing grace in my life and the lives of broken, outcast people

Meeting a bigger God than I ever knew

Living like pilgrims on an adventure

Having my wife and children experience all of this with me.

Sunday night I was able to witness an amazing event. Last year we began dreaming about how to engage our church in our community in a catalytic way. Sunday was the capstone event.

This past weekend 3000 people from 8 churches worked in 225 projects to serve the people of Paulding County Georgia. Widows, single moms, under-resourced families, and schools were served a generous helping of the love of God. Not in the name of a church or denomination - they served in the name of Jesus.

The real statement to the community was made on Sunday. They didn’t go to church Sunday morning - they were the church in people’s lives. They worked instead of having services. And the eight churches - over 5000 people -gathered in a Sam’s parking lot in the middle of town to sing praises to God in the evening.

I celebrated this profound moment of God’s people “getting it”, understanding His agenda. Blessings on the church of Paulding County!

I’m sitting here waiting for the trucks to pull up and haul all my possessions away. Two thoughts:

1. It’s humbling to know that all my “stuff” can fit in three 16 foot PODs. A good reminder that I don’t need to hold tightly to the stuff of this world.

2. It’s also humbling to know that 99% of the people in the world will never have three PODs of stuff. I am very grateful to God for His generousity to my family. A good reminder for me to use what He gives me to serve others.

In his book The First 90 Days, Michael Watkins offers good advice on working with a new boss:

Don’t trash the past – don’t  criticize past employees’ performance or work

Don’t stay away – don’t avoid the boss, even if they don’t at first reach out to you

Don’t surprise your boss – inform them early on about problem areas you identify

Don’t approach your boss with only problems – you need to always bring a solution also

Don’t run down your checklist – don’t give them information overload

Don’t try to change your boss

Take 100% responsibility for making the relationship work

Clarify mutual expectations of your boss, early and often

Negotiate timelines for diagnosis and action planning

Aim for early wins in areas important to your boss

He also talks about five conversations you need to have with your new boss in the first 90 days:

1. Situational diagnosis – talk to them about their perception and evaluation of the organization
2. Expectations – how do they define success for you? What do they want from you? How will you be evaluated?
3. Style – what’s the best way to communicate and relate with them? How do they want you to report to them?
4. Resources – what do you need from the boss to successfully perform your job? What materials, budget, equipment, systems, or personnel?
5. Personal development – what is your plan to grow in this job? What are the areas you will need improvement in or training for?

Ergun Caner made a statement about “brokenness” in Sunday’s message that struck me.

Brokenness is a part of the cycle of life…

Christ broke the bread on the night before His breaking. We take communion to remember His brokenness over our sin…

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

We have broken God’s creation through sin, and it took His brokenness to fix it. As a part of progressive sanctification, He now breaks us further to bring healing and strength to our lives:

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” John 23-28

This is encouraging, as I am going through another period of breaking. In our move to the next chapter, my family is going through a time of breaking in our emotions, will, finances, etc. Its painful, but good. We know God is continuing to rebuild and strengthen. And we have His promise that if we follow Him we will be with Him.

That’s worth the brokenness. I want to have broken Christianity.

Leadership Platforms

When you are becoming a spiritual leader, where do you practice your skill and calling? Sadly, many people read books and go to seminars on leadership, they hone their skills and discipline their lives, all for investing their leadership in a career. As important as that may be, there are greater fields on which to play the game, greater arenas to fight the battle, greater stages on which to act out our leadership.

A spiritual leader will lead first in his or her family.

Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 5 and 6 talk about how you should lead and live in your family.

A spiritual leader will lead in his or her church.

1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 talk about using your gifting and personality to lead the ministries of the church.

A spiritual leader will lead in his or her community.

A spiritual leader will lead in his or her workplace.

Let’s end by tackling the 2nd question from the beginning of our conversation. Are you a leader?

There’s a constant debate in the study of leadership: are leaders born or bred? Is leadership natural or nurtured? Do you just have to be born with the personality and talent of a leader, or can you learn the knowledge and sharpen the skills of being a leader?

In my observation, the answer is “both.” I can think of examples of people, who are natural leaders, and those who have grown into leadership, but the bottom line is, no matter what amount of leadership you possess, you can always learn and grow into the leader God wants you to be.

You may not feel like a leader due to your picture or definition. You may only think of the dynamic, onstage leader who is inspiring 1000s. But leadership comes in different makes and models. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us there are different giftings and callings in the Body of Christ. My leadership style will look different from yours.

Are you a leader? Watch out for the Moses-syndrome. In Exodus 3-4 Moses, a simple, blue collar sheep herder was approached by Almighty God in a burning bush to tackle one of the greatest leadership challenges of all times – lead 2 million Jews out of Egyptian slavery into their new homeland. What would you have done if it were your burning bush? How would you have answered God? Moses answered with excuses, protests, “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t, I can’t”. But God overrode his defense. God said “I’m calling you to this mission, I’ll equip and resource you for this mission, and I’ll be with you for this mission!” End of job interview, pick up your staff and get moving!

God has called you to serve Him, to help lead people toward Him. He’ll equip and resource you, and he WILL be with you. Don’t be afraid; move forward with passion on this great adventure!

To be continued… as you lead!

What does “spiritual leadership” look like with people? Two thoughts from the Bible.

Spiritual leaders are servants and shepherds.

Servants serve God and people. They are humble, submitted to their authority, do not seek their own gain or interests, and they work to accomplish the mission of their Master. Jesus Christ is the greatest example of a servant leader…

Mark 10:32-45 [41] When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. [42] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [43] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 13 [12] When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. [13] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Shepherds lead and feed God’s people. They use their skills to provide spiritual nourishment, protection and guidance for people. For thousands of years God communicated His idea of leadership in the picture of a shepherd. God called himself a shepherd, Jesus was the greatest example of a shepherd, and he calls us to be shepherds…

Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Ezekiel 34:11 ” ‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

1 Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Psalms 23, John 10:1-21

[To be continued…]

God-leadership

To lead I must first learn to follow God. Followship precedes leadership. God must be the CEO, controller, supervisor, manager, director, boss, lord, king of my life.

1 Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

Philippians 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Self-leadership

Next, I must lead myself. This may seem strange but it is actually critical to good leadership. How can I lead others where I am not going myself? How can I direct others if my own life is out of control?

Jim Whitaker, who was the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, said “you never conquer a mountain - mountains can’t be conquered; you conquer yourself - your hopes, your fears”

Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Timothy 3 talks about the 12 job qualifications of a church leader, and all of them involve the pastor/elder/deacon’s self-leadership of their emotions, passions, relationships and reputation.

People-leadership

Ultimately, when God is leading me and I am leading myself, I can lead other people. After all, as the old saying goes, if no one is following me, then I’m not leading; I’m merely going for a walk alone!

And it is PEOPLE you lead, not systems or resources. “You manage things; you lead people” - Admiral Grace Murray Hopper. There is debate on whether management is leadership, but the truth is you motivate and guide people, and you organize and administrate systems and resources.

[To be continued…]