Friday, August 31, 2007
Thank God He Didn't Hide Behind ANONYMITY!
The presidential election is coming next year and the debates have started. I love a candidate who stands for what he/she believes in, and if you agree then check out this short video clip.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Corporate Church?
After reading an article regarding the impact that corporate America is having on the leadership style and structure of American churches I thought I would share a few of my thoughts. Let me attempt to address how the church should be similar and how the church should be different from the corporate world.
Successful corporations in America have a few things in common. One of the common denominators is an effective organizational structure. In these corporations there are clearly defined roles and responsibilities with a chain of command that must be followed. Corporations that cease to define job positions and hierarchy tend to implode from within.
The early church continued to grow because they organized deacons in Acts 6 to meet needs that were otherwise being neglected. This leadership decision by the Apostles proved to be an effective model of church organization. The principle from Scripture is simple. As a pastor I can't do everything so I must learn to delegate responsibility to other leaders within the church.
As a pastor I'm also commanded in Ephesians 4:11-13 to raise up leaders and equip them for service. If I'm not doing that then I'm neglecting a spiritual trust that God has given to me. Delegation is a must in spiritual leadership. This is one reason why churches need to have clearly defined leadership structures.
Can this go to far? I think so and here's why. First of all, leadership and organizational principles didn't originate with corporate America. God outlined these principles in the Bible. We endanger ourselves when we try to copy and recreate the corporate leadership mentality that succeeds in businesses within our churches.
Churches need structure and organization, but churches are not primarily businesses. Some aspects of ministry are better described as administry, which means that business administration is necessary to some extent. However, the church is a living organism as much as it is an organization. We can't compare and copy everything that works in business and expect it to translate and work in our churches.
To go a step further, what works in a business that also works in church did not originate with business. These principles originated with God. The life of Jesus should be the leadership we strive to emulate. The functionality of the early church should be the example for our modern day churches. The Book of Acts should serve as our guideline for effectiveness.
If we neglect these truths at the expense of copying the business world then we should expect the results that corporate America promises to us. Backstabbing, situational ethics, survival of the fittest, etc. Are these the kingdom results we desire? If not, then we need to stop trying to create corporate churches and start building kingdom churches!
Just my thoughts...
Successful corporations in America have a few things in common. One of the common denominators is an effective organizational structure. In these corporations there are clearly defined roles and responsibilities with a chain of command that must be followed. Corporations that cease to define job positions and hierarchy tend to implode from within.
The early church continued to grow because they organized deacons in Acts 6 to meet needs that were otherwise being neglected. This leadership decision by the Apostles proved to be an effective model of church organization. The principle from Scripture is simple. As a pastor I can't do everything so I must learn to delegate responsibility to other leaders within the church.
As a pastor I'm also commanded in Ephesians 4:11-13 to raise up leaders and equip them for service. If I'm not doing that then I'm neglecting a spiritual trust that God has given to me. Delegation is a must in spiritual leadership. This is one reason why churches need to have clearly defined leadership structures.
Can this go to far? I think so and here's why. First of all, leadership and organizational principles didn't originate with corporate America. God outlined these principles in the Bible. We endanger ourselves when we try to copy and recreate the corporate leadership mentality that succeeds in businesses within our churches.
Churches need structure and organization, but churches are not primarily businesses. Some aspects of ministry are better described as administry, which means that business administration is necessary to some extent. However, the church is a living organism as much as it is an organization. We can't compare and copy everything that works in business and expect it to translate and work in our churches.
To go a step further, what works in a business that also works in church did not originate with business. These principles originated with God. The life of Jesus should be the leadership we strive to emulate. The functionality of the early church should be the example for our modern day churches. The Book of Acts should serve as our guideline for effectiveness.
If we neglect these truths at the expense of copying the business world then we should expect the results that corporate America promises to us. Backstabbing, situational ethics, survival of the fittest, etc. Are these the kingdom results we desire? If not, then we need to stop trying to create corporate churches and start building kingdom churches!
Just my thoughts...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Stop It!
Below is a comment that I wrote on the FutureAG blog regarding the high number of anonymous comments throughout the blog.
One problem with many on this blog is that they are either anonymous or choosing to use an obvious alias. If you're anonymous or using an alias than it seems like you want your vote to count, but only if it's a silent vote.
The anonymous and alias crowd seem to enjoy giving their input as long as nobody knows who's giving the criticism. Can I share my humble opinion? If you're not willing to stand behind your opinions and criticisms then stop offering them.
The AG will never change if we are not willing to let our voices be heard and attach our names to our voices. Many on this blog are willing to say things anonymously, but they will not say the same things in person to the people that need to hear them. If that's the case then this blog will become a forum for gossips.
We all know that we want people in our churches to be open and honest with us. I don't mind criticism, but at least be man or woman enough to talk to me face to face. As leaders we not only want this in our churches, but we should be demonstrating this in our fellowship.
If you are a leader and desire to see change in the AG then don't hide behind anonymity. Stand up for what you believe and stop crouching behind an alias. Change will never take place if you are more interested in disguised discussions rather than unmasked honesty.
These are just some of my thoughts. What do you think?
One problem with many on this blog is that they are either anonymous or choosing to use an obvious alias. If you're anonymous or using an alias than it seems like you want your vote to count, but only if it's a silent vote.
The anonymous and alias crowd seem to enjoy giving their input as long as nobody knows who's giving the criticism. Can I share my humble opinion? If you're not willing to stand behind your opinions and criticisms then stop offering them.
The AG will never change if we are not willing to let our voices be heard and attach our names to our voices. Many on this blog are willing to say things anonymously, but they will not say the same things in person to the people that need to hear them. If that's the case then this blog will become a forum for gossips.
We all know that we want people in our churches to be open and honest with us. I don't mind criticism, but at least be man or woman enough to talk to me face to face. As leaders we not only want this in our churches, but we should be demonstrating this in our fellowship.
If you are a leader and desire to see change in the AG then don't hide behind anonymity. Stand up for what you believe and stop crouching behind an alias. Change will never take place if you are more interested in disguised discussions rather than unmasked honesty.
These are just some of my thoughts. What do you think?
Saturday, August 25, 2007
That's Synergy!
What is synergy? Synergy, simply put, is the ability to accomplish more by working together than by working alone. Isn't that the kingdom mindset? Doesn't the Bible say that two are better than one, a three stranded cord is not easily broken, and if one can put a thousand to flight then two can put ten thousand to flight? That's Synergy!
The Book of Acts is a Book of Synergy! The disciples partnered together and planted churches. Churches partnered together and multiplied exponentially. Most importantly, we receive power when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, we accomplish more by allowing the Holy Spirit to partner with us in fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission. That's Synergy!
This concept has dominated my mind and ministry thoughts for quite sometime now. I've asked myself what it looks like to have a leadership team with synergy. I've come to realize that team by definition includes synergy. You can't win a team sport by yourself. You win as a team and you lose as a team. That's Synergy!
What if more churches partnered together to reach specific communities or people groups? What if more individual churches partnered together to plant new churches in hurting communities. What if we viewed our ministries and missions programs differently? What if we stopped looking through a tunnel vision lens and started looking at the kingdom with synergistic eyes?
I think we would have less division and more unity, less territorialism and more kingdom building, less walls and more bridges, less individualism and more cooperation, less competition and more effective churches. It seems to me like the Book of Acts was a Book of Synergy, or should I say is a Book of Synergy. The story of the church didn't stop with the last chapter of Acts. That was just the beginning of kingdom expansion through synergy!
And if we're continuing the Book of Acts in our generation then we must commit to the principle of synergy. We can accomplish more by working together than by working alone. There's no place for the lone ranger anymore. We're in this kingdom building business together. Right? We both desire to reach people for the kingdom and fulfill Christ's mission. Right? We want to serve God and function as a part of His team. Right?
Then that will take SYNERGY!
The Book of Acts is a Book of Synergy! The disciples partnered together and planted churches. Churches partnered together and multiplied exponentially. Most importantly, we receive power when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, we accomplish more by allowing the Holy Spirit to partner with us in fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission. That's Synergy!
This concept has dominated my mind and ministry thoughts for quite sometime now. I've asked myself what it looks like to have a leadership team with synergy. I've come to realize that team by definition includes synergy. You can't win a team sport by yourself. You win as a team and you lose as a team. That's Synergy!
What if more churches partnered together to reach specific communities or people groups? What if more individual churches partnered together to plant new churches in hurting communities. What if we viewed our ministries and missions programs differently? What if we stopped looking through a tunnel vision lens and started looking at the kingdom with synergistic eyes?
I think we would have less division and more unity, less territorialism and more kingdom building, less walls and more bridges, less individualism and more cooperation, less competition and more effective churches. It seems to me like the Book of Acts was a Book of Synergy, or should I say is a Book of Synergy. The story of the church didn't stop with the last chapter of Acts. That was just the beginning of kingdom expansion through synergy!
And if we're continuing the Book of Acts in our generation then we must commit to the principle of synergy. We can accomplish more by working together than by working alone. There's no place for the lone ranger anymore. We're in this kingdom building business together. Right? We both desire to reach people for the kingdom and fulfill Christ's mission. Right? We want to serve God and function as a part of His team. Right?
Then that will take SYNERGY!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
News Flash
News Flash...are you ready?
Vanessa and I have decided to adopt!
Yes, I said adopt! We will hopefully start the adoption process within the next year. After we begin the process it can take up to two years before we bring home our little girl.
Yes, I said little girl! We are planning on adopting a little girl and we've already picked out her name. Hannah Nicole Hawk will be joining our family all the way from El Salvador.
Yes, I said El Salvador! We've found an adoption agency that we love and El Salvador is our country of choice. Please pray with us as we begin this wonderful and exciting journey!
Vanessa and I have decided to adopt!
Yes, I said adopt! We will hopefully start the adoption process within the next year. After we begin the process it can take up to two years before we bring home our little girl.
Yes, I said little girl! We are planning on adopting a little girl and we've already picked out her name. Hannah Nicole Hawk will be joining our family all the way from El Salvador.
Yes, I said El Salvador! We've found an adoption agency that we love and El Salvador is our country of choice. Please pray with us as we begin this wonderful and exciting journey!
If...Then... Principle
There's a principle in the Bible that I like to call the "If...Then... principle." You know what I mean. If _____, then ______. Trust me, this really works. However, this principle only works if God is on the right side of the equation (literally). Here's what I mean.
Take money for an example. I've heard people say, "If God blesses me financially, then I'll start to tithe." But that doesn't work. Why? Because God is on the wrong side of the equation. The correct principle from God's Word is more like this: "If I obey God with my tithe, then He will bless me financially."
God's covenant of salvation and blessing are conditional to our obedience. If we obey then all of His promises are Yes and Amen! In other words, the if is up to us because God has already guaranteed the then. God always blesses obedience!
If I were you I'd try this principle out, then you can let everyone know how God has blessed your obedience...just remember to put God on the right side of the equation (If you...then God...)!
Take money for an example. I've heard people say, "If God blesses me financially, then I'll start to tithe." But that doesn't work. Why? Because God is on the wrong side of the equation. The correct principle from God's Word is more like this: "If I obey God with my tithe, then He will bless me financially."
God's covenant of salvation and blessing are conditional to our obedience. If we obey then all of His promises are Yes and Amen! In other words, the if is up to us because God has already guaranteed the then. God always blesses obedience!
If I were you I'd try this principle out, then you can let everyone know how God has blessed your obedience...just remember to put God on the right side of the equation (If you...then God...)!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Finally!
As I mentioned in my previous post, change comes slowly in the Assemblies of God. But thank God for one new and overdue change. Zollie Smith was elected as the new Director of U.S. Missions on Friday afternoon during the business session of the A/G General Council. This is historical for the Assemblies of God, which happens to be a ninety three year old fellowship.
Zollie is the first African-American to be elected to one of the six executive team positions in the A/G. He's a gifted communicator and leader with a passion to bring diversity into our movement. His acceptance speech alone was powerful as he communicated his commitment to reach America.
As an inner-city church planter leading a multi-cultural church I could not be more excited to have Zollie in this role. Now if we can continue to progress and elect a General Superintendent that continues to pastor a leading church in our fellowship then our best days will lie ahead of us instead of behind us (for more on that subject please read my previous post).
But for now I celebrate this historical moment and Zollie you have my prayers and full support!
Zollie is the first African-American to be elected to one of the six executive team positions in the A/G. He's a gifted communicator and leader with a passion to bring diversity into our movement. His acceptance speech alone was powerful as he communicated his commitment to reach America.
As an inner-city church planter leading a multi-cultural church I could not be more excited to have Zollie in this role. Now if we can continue to progress and elect a General Superintendent that continues to pastor a leading church in our fellowship then our best days will lie ahead of us instead of behind us (for more on that subject please read my previous post).
But for now I celebrate this historical moment and Zollie you have my prayers and full support!
Back from Indy
General Council was interesting to say the least. A lot of time was spent accomplishing a little. That's actually the most frustrating part of belonging to such a large denomination. It takes a long time, even a generation many times to bring radical and relevant change. The concern I have is if my generation of leaders will stick around long enough to see these changes take place. The good news, however, is the conversation has started.
During the opening business session the topic came up regarding the General Superintendent serving simultaneously in the Senior Pastorate. This concept is not a new concept since it is being effectively done among the Southern Baptists, the Assemblies of God in Australia and most A/G fellowships around the world. But for the U.S. Assemblies of God this has now become a public conversation on the floor of the General Council Business session.
Props to Tommy Barnett for getting the ball rolling and all of those who have been willing to speak up and champion this cause. John Lindell is also an advocate for this change along with many leaders from across our fellowship. Finally, my friend Dave Crosby has many great thoughts that I agree with regarding this issue on his blog.
Let's keep the conversation going and see change...slowly but surely.
During the opening business session the topic came up regarding the General Superintendent serving simultaneously in the Senior Pastorate. This concept is not a new concept since it is being effectively done among the Southern Baptists, the Assemblies of God in Australia and most A/G fellowships around the world. But for the U.S. Assemblies of God this has now become a public conversation on the floor of the General Council Business session.
Props to Tommy Barnett for getting the ball rolling and all of those who have been willing to speak up and champion this cause. John Lindell is also an advocate for this change along with many leaders from across our fellowship. Finally, my friend Dave Crosby has many great thoughts that I agree with regarding this issue on his blog.
Let's keep the conversation going and see change...slowly but surely.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Off to the Big Dance
Today I'm wrapping things up in the office so tomorrow I can head to the big dance in Indy....the big A/G dance that is. General Council is a bi-annual meeting of ministers from the U.S. Assemblies of God. In my opinion, the upcoming council is the most important council within the last few decades.
This General Council is highly important in the sense that a number of resolutions will be voted on that have the potential to impact the future of this movement. In addition, a number of national leadership positions are up for election as well. The combination of decisions regarding national positions and policy has evoked a huge response and the expected voter turnout seems to be overwhelming.
Of course, it is imperative that we seek God's direction and allow His plans to become our plans when it comes to voting on these individuals and issues. One thing I've learned in the past few years of ministry is to seek God's plans and follow His direction rather than making my plans and then asking God to bless them.
Then again, whether it is an Assemblies of God General Council or a routine daily decision we should seek God's will and direction. The bigger ticket items and larger agendas usually bring this to the forefront of our attention. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to seek God in all our ways and allow Him to direct our paths.
So Lord I pray that you will have your will and your way in my life, my family, my church, and my denomination. May my decisions come from my intimacy with you and may your ways be my ways. Please help me to tune into the radio frequency of heaven and hear your voice loud and clear. Then give me the strength and wisdom to follow through with your plans. Thank you Lord!
This General Council is highly important in the sense that a number of resolutions will be voted on that have the potential to impact the future of this movement. In addition, a number of national leadership positions are up for election as well. The combination of decisions regarding national positions and policy has evoked a huge response and the expected voter turnout seems to be overwhelming.
Of course, it is imperative that we seek God's direction and allow His plans to become our plans when it comes to voting on these individuals and issues. One thing I've learned in the past few years of ministry is to seek God's plans and follow His direction rather than making my plans and then asking God to bless them.
Then again, whether it is an Assemblies of God General Council or a routine daily decision we should seek God's will and direction. The bigger ticket items and larger agendas usually bring this to the forefront of our attention. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to seek God in all our ways and allow Him to direct our paths.
So Lord I pray that you will have your will and your way in my life, my family, my church, and my denomination. May my decisions come from my intimacy with you and may your ways be my ways. Please help me to tune into the radio frequency of heaven and hear your voice loud and clear. Then give me the strength and wisdom to follow through with your plans. Thank you Lord!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Gifts & Passions
I'm a firm believer in connecting people to ministries where they have both a gift and a passion. I see too many people serving in primary areas of ministry where they are gifted but not passionate. This leads to burnout and apathy. Others commit themselves to areas of ministry where they have extreme passion without being gifted in those areas. This creates frustration and mediocrity in ministry.
Let me give you a couple of examples. First of all, I think I have the gift of administration. I'm very organized and structured with an ability to administrate when necessary. Serving as a Lead Pastor this gift comes in handy since administration is part of my job. However, administration is not a passion for me. If I were to choose to serve as a Business Administrator for a church I would be miserable. I might be operating in my gift, but not my passion.
Now here's an example of being passionate while lacking the necessary gifts for ministry. I love to sing. I can picture myself leading worship, but it's an ugly picture at best. Though I'm passionate about singing people are not quite as passionate about hearing me sing. Singing is not my gift. If I choose to serve as a Worship Leader then I operate with passion and without talent. In that case I'll stick to preaching (and all the people at my church said...AMEN!).
For me preaching is both a God-given passion and a God-given gift. I love preaching and God has gifted me in public communication. I've often said, God knew the only thing I'm good at is talking so He decided to let me do it for a living. In all honesty, preaching charges my spiritual battery. Of course, it can be physically draining, but I love it. I love it because it is both a gift and a passion in my life.
I feel like the kingdom is best served and we are most fulfilled when we operate out of passion for a ministry accompanied with the appropriate ministry gift. This has become my team building philosophy at PFWC. I want the right people in the right places where they will not only be good at what they do, but they will also enjoy it. I want people in primary places of ministry where they have both the gift and the passion.
In my experience people are fulfilled and the kingdom is advanced when this happens. Now I realize at times we all serve in areas where we may not have both, but in the long-term and in the primary areas of ministry I think we should strive to operate out of both gifts and passions.
Just my thoughts...
Let me give you a couple of examples. First of all, I think I have the gift of administration. I'm very organized and structured with an ability to administrate when necessary. Serving as a Lead Pastor this gift comes in handy since administration is part of my job. However, administration is not a passion for me. If I were to choose to serve as a Business Administrator for a church I would be miserable. I might be operating in my gift, but not my passion.
Now here's an example of being passionate while lacking the necessary gifts for ministry. I love to sing. I can picture myself leading worship, but it's an ugly picture at best. Though I'm passionate about singing people are not quite as passionate about hearing me sing. Singing is not my gift. If I choose to serve as a Worship Leader then I operate with passion and without talent. In that case I'll stick to preaching (and all the people at my church said...AMEN!).
For me preaching is both a God-given passion and a God-given gift. I love preaching and God has gifted me in public communication. I've often said, God knew the only thing I'm good at is talking so He decided to let me do it for a living. In all honesty, preaching charges my spiritual battery. Of course, it can be physically draining, but I love it. I love it because it is both a gift and a passion in my life.
I feel like the kingdom is best served and we are most fulfilled when we operate out of passion for a ministry accompanied with the appropriate ministry gift. This has become my team building philosophy at PFWC. I want the right people in the right places where they will not only be good at what they do, but they will also enjoy it. I want people in primary places of ministry where they have both the gift and the passion.
In my experience people are fulfilled and the kingdom is advanced when this happens. Now I realize at times we all serve in areas where we may not have both, but in the long-term and in the primary areas of ministry I think we should strive to operate out of both gifts and passions.
Just my thoughts...
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