Life2gether

Alan Nelson on how to identify and develop leaders before the age of 14:

After half a century of attending church and half of that leading, I’ve concluded that the most important and overlooked ministry is the identification and development of leaders before the age of 14. God has strategically placed people who work with children and middle schoolers as catalysts for changing history. The problem is that we’re consumed with broader tasks and have little vision or training for this specific opportunity. A major reason for this is that our culture perceives leading as an adult activity. We thereby miss a critical window for leadership training.

Read the rest.

When you lose sight of God, it changes everything – just as it did for Saul in 1 Sam. 18:6-29.  While David’s eyes were on God and his kingdom, Saul’s eyes were on himself and his kingdom leaving him angry (1 Sam. 18:8) and afraid (18:12).

I encourage you to listen to Tony Rose’s sermon on what happens in our lives when we lose sight of God.  Listen | Watch | Download | Subscribe

These were his helpful application questions:

• Your perspective on other people
  • Do you expect praise for yourself?
  • Do you envy the praise others receive?
  • Do the successes of others make you angry, jealous, or glad?
• Purpose in your actions
  • Our reocurring thoughts determine how we act.
  • Do you think most about what God wants or what you want?
• What brings pleasure to your heart
  • David was pleased anytime God’s kingdom grew.
  • Saul was please anytime his kingdom grew.
  • Is your soul’s happiness being enlarged by thinking of God’s kingdom or shrunk by thinking of yours?

Here’s a video endorsement for the book, The Trellis and the Vine.  Mark Dever calls it, “the best book I’ve read on the nature of church ministry.”  Kevin DeYoung says, “what makes this book so helpful is (1) the focus on discipleship as opposed to talking about generic ministry, and (2) the practical strategies for doing discipleship effectively. For example, on page 56 there’s a chart with good ideas on how to minister the word one to one, in small groups, and in large groups in the home, in the congregation, and in the community.”

Matthias Media is running a special offer from 8am Tuesday December 8 until 3pm Thursday December 10 (Eastern time) for 50% off this excellent hardback book (only $9.99).  Could be a great book to read with your pastoral team or a group of guys in ministry this coming year.

Most pastors won’t have a far-reaching public ministry like the Apostle Paul or the modern-day John Piper.  But we can be like Tychicus.  Who?  Tychicus.  He’s only mentioned in a couple verses at the end of Ephesians, but look at how he is described:

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.  ~ Eph. 6:21-22

Tychicus was sent to the church at Ephesus to tell them how Paul was doing.  He stands in the shadow of Paul.  But I love how Paul describes him.  Tychicus is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a humble encourager.  Wouldn’t you love to be described that way?

• Beloved Brother — A brother in the Lord known by your love
• Faithful Minister — A faithful, consistent servant to your people
• Humble Encourager — A man who builds up others, not yourself

Not all can be Paul (or even Piper), but more  of us can be like Tychicus–a beloved brother, faithful minister, and humble encourager.

Jonathan Dodson writes about the 3 leadership differences between David and Saul.

I’ve been challenged by Francis Chan’s book, Forgotten God.  Take this quote for example:

The Spirit is not a passive power that we can wield as we choose.  The Spirit is God, a Being who requires that we submit ourselves to be led by Him.  Do you really want to be led?  Even people who are natural leaders don’t get to lead the Spirit.  Everyone is called to be led by Him.

I honestly believe most of us–while we say we want to be led by the Spirit–are actually scared of this reality.  I know I am.  What would it mean?  What if He asks you to give up something you’re not ready to give up?  What if He leads you where you don’t want to go?  What if He tells you to change jobs?  To move? Are you willing to surrender to Him, no matter where He wants to take you?

What does a great leader do?  I haven’t found a more clear and compelling answer than the one Markus Buckingham gives in his book, The One Thing You Need to Know:

Great leaders rally people to a better future.

The two key words in this definition are “better future.” What defines a leader is his preoccupation with the future. In his head he carries a vivid image of what the future could be, and this image drives him on. This image, rather than, say, goals of outperforming competitors, or being individually productive, or helping others achieve success, is what motivates the leader.

Don’t misunderstand. An effective leader might also be competitive, achievement oriented, and a good coach. But these are not the characteristics that make him a leader. He is a leader if, and only if, he is able to rally others to the better future he sees (The One Thing You Need to Know, pp 59-60.).

(HT: Matt Perman)

What does it take to become a disciple-making church?  Dr. Thom Rainer’s research shows these common traits:

• The church has an entry point class that all new members attend
• Members are expected to attend an open group Bible study
• Members are expected to be involved in one or more deeper studies throughout the year
• Members are expected to attend a corporate worship service each week
• Members are expected to be involved in at least one ministry or mission activity a year
• Members are expected to read and study the Bible daily

Rainer says,

It is not unusual to hear objections when we present this research.“If I led my church to have these high expectations of members,” the argument goes, “we would have a mass exodus.” But our research shows just the opposite. Higher expectations get more positive behavioral patterns. People want to be a part of something that makes a difference.

Mark Driscoll writes a very helpful article that every pastor should read to avoid burnout and exhaustion in ministry.  He unpacks the difference between concerns and responsibilities and loads vs. burdens.  I especially like this quote below.

I’m really looking forward to our Promoting the Gospel Conference coming up in October.  Paul Tripp is one of my favorite authors, and every time I hear him speak he challenges me greatly.  His sessions will zero in on the Gospel and Growing Church Leadership.  

I’m also excited about Justin Taylor being with us.  Justin and I went to college together and I’m so grateful for his gospel-promoting work through his blog, Between Two Worlds, as well as his editing work on the ESV Study Bible.  Justin will speak to us on the Gospel and the Internet as well as Defining and Defending the Gospel. 

Finally, my pastor, Tony Rose, will encourage pastors as he shares about how we can rest in the gospel that we preach.  I encourage you to come to this unique conference!  Register here.