Mission answers the question, "What are we here to accomplish?" It is reported that during World War II, if a soldier was found wandering alone in the dark and was not a part of the batalion and was not able to state his mission, he was shot on the spot. Seems kind of harsh to you and me, but when your fight is life or death, drastic action needs to be taken. How much more important is the mission Christ has sent us into the world!?!
I often wonder if the same strategy was implemented today for believers. Would we be able to state our mission with clarity and confidence. Last night we met to help bring clarity in our mission. These three activities is what I hope Christ finds me doing when he returns to bring us home. Permit me to review them below:
1. CONNECTING: As the spiritual embodiment of Christ here on earth, we are to connect with God and with others. In fact, this whole concept of connection is what distinguishes us as Pentecostals. The rest of the Evangelical world is concerned only with getting people to heaven. As Pentecostals, we embrace this and take it a step further. We want to bring a bit of Heaven to Earth. This is exactly what happen on the day of Pentecost in the upper room, heaven touched earth. What our area needs more than anything is for heaven to fall upon our church and community.
2. COACHING: As Jesus walked the face of the earth in flesh, only 3 1/2 years of his life was actually spent preaching and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Therefore, he spent much time mentoring/discipling (coaching) 12 of His followers in His Words and His Ways. Cornerstone's leaders exist not to produce programs, but rather to coach people in their spiritual development. If our hands ever stop working with people, and only try to build programs... we are finished as an effective change agent in our world.
3. CALLING: There is so much in Scripture about "Calling" that it could be confusing. There is a "Call to Repentance," a "Call to Pray," a "Call to Serve," among many others. But perhaps I can clarify what we mean by Calling. As a church and individuals in it, we are "Calling People to their Destiny in Christ!" For the UnBeliever, this is first a Call to Salvation. No one can fulfill their divine destiny apart from the blood of Jesus. For the Believer, this is a Call to Good Works (service/ministry). We are not just called to wait for heaven, we are called to be about our Father's Business.
As we conclude 2008 and look to continue strong in 2009, may we evaluate our Hands as Leaders, to assure we are accomplishing His Mission through His Power at work within us.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
A Leader's Eyes
Hello Friends! I know it has been some time since you've gotten this blog but I did want to continue to share some lessons I've learned about serving the Lord and leading in His Church. What a great privilege and honor it is to partner with the God of the universe.
I wanted to write a few thought about what I believe are a leader's most precious commodity... THE LEADER'S EYES! A leader's eyes truly sets them apart in service to our master. Your eyes will either make or break you in your effectiveness and faithfulness. Below are a two brief comparisons where our eyes may focus. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine the eyes of your soul and ask him to adjust your vision where needed.
POSSIBILITIES vs OBSTACLES
A leader must always see and believe in the possibilities in God. After the PHILLIES won the championship, Jimmy Rollins made a profound observation about the attitude of our Philadelphia region. He called us the "overlooked" city, lost between New York and Washington DC. Where others see possibilities, often we are tempted to see obstacles. That's why phrases as "There's always next year," or "we'll find a way to ruin the season," are common place for Philadelphia fans.
This same attitude can creep into the church if we are not careful. We can see all the obstacles and struggles and just assume we are not destined to win. And for those that do win... well, they just got lucky, we conclude. May we be reminded... we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus, and He is building His church. With our eyes focused on the Lord, even the obstacles look like stepping stones to greater things in the Lord.
FUTURE vs. PAST
A leader's eyes are also future oriented. While it is appropriate to honor the past, spiritual leadership look toward what God is doing in the future. I love the apostle Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize."
Tour guides show you what happened in the past, Leaders lead toward the future... what has yet to be accomplished. A future-focused vision is vital, for without it even the most resilient leader fades away.
CONCLUSION:
With eyes improperly focused, we become impotent leaders. Remember what happened to Peter as he walked on water and his eyes moved off of Jesus... HE SANK!!! If you ever find yourself sinking, check your eyes. Make sure they are focused on the possibilities Christ has provided and the future He has assured. And remember, WE ARE ON THE WINNING SIDE!!!
I wanted to write a few thought about what I believe are a leader's most precious commodity... THE LEADER'S EYES! A leader's eyes truly sets them apart in service to our master. Your eyes will either make or break you in your effectiveness and faithfulness. Below are a two brief comparisons where our eyes may focus. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine the eyes of your soul and ask him to adjust your vision where needed.
POSSIBILITIES vs OBSTACLES
A leader must always see and believe in the possibilities in God. After the PHILLIES won the championship, Jimmy Rollins made a profound observation about the attitude of our Philadelphia region. He called us the "overlooked" city, lost between New York and Washington DC. Where others see possibilities, often we are tempted to see obstacles. That's why phrases as "There's always next year," or "we'll find a way to ruin the season," are common place for Philadelphia fans.
This same attitude can creep into the church if we are not careful. We can see all the obstacles and struggles and just assume we are not destined to win. And for those that do win... well, they just got lucky, we conclude. May we be reminded... we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus, and He is building His church. With our eyes focused on the Lord, even the obstacles look like stepping stones to greater things in the Lord.
FUTURE vs. PAST
A leader's eyes are also future oriented. While it is appropriate to honor the past, spiritual leadership look toward what God is doing in the future. I love the apostle Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize."
Tour guides show you what happened in the past, Leaders lead toward the future... what has yet to be accomplished. A future-focused vision is vital, for without it even the most resilient leader fades away.
CONCLUSION:
With eyes improperly focused, we become impotent leaders. Remember what happened to Peter as he walked on water and his eyes moved off of Jesus... HE SANK!!! If you ever find yourself sinking, check your eyes. Make sure they are focused on the possibilities Christ has provided and the future He has assured. And remember, WE ARE ON THE WINNING SIDE!!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The Leader's Ears
From the moment I walk into my house following a day at the office, immediately I hear those beautiful words, "DADDY!" Over the next hour I will have heard that name seemingly thousands of times. I eventually revert to the childhood comeback, "That's my name, don't wear it out."
Whether the voices are coming from work, home, family, within... there is much clammering for our attention. With all the noise, it is at times hard to hear the most important voice of all, the Lord's. Jesus said in John 10:4, "...his sheep follow him because they know his voice." It is impossible to "follow" the good shepherd if His voice is being drowned out.
This was the first lesson the great leader and prophet had to learn. 1 Samuel 3:7 records, "Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord. The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him." This is when Samuel matured and said/applied the 7 most important words spiritual leaders can utter, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (v. 9).
Whether in the monumental or mundane decisions in life, a leader needs to "receive direction, insight, and inspiration from God" Kevin Harney writes (p. 62). We need to be desperate to hear the voice of God. However, Harney doesn't stop here.
As important as hearing the voice of God is, the Lord also expects us to strategically hear other's voices as well. Giving others the access and permission to speak so we can hear and receive the truth is so necessary in our spiritual development. He suggests having ears open in all direction. This includes, peers/friends, those in authority/or mentors, as well as from those you lead.
Are your ears open, or are they clogged with noise and clutter. Hearing God's voice through His Spirit and through Godly friends keeps us humble and obedient to our Lord. Perhaps you may even want to say those words now, "SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING!"
Whether the voices are coming from work, home, family, within... there is much clammering for our attention. With all the noise, it is at times hard to hear the most important voice of all, the Lord's. Jesus said in John 10:4, "...his sheep follow him because they know his voice." It is impossible to "follow" the good shepherd if His voice is being drowned out.
This was the first lesson the great leader and prophet had to learn. 1 Samuel 3:7 records, "Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord. The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him." This is when Samuel matured and said/applied the 7 most important words spiritual leaders can utter, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (v. 9).
Whether in the monumental or mundane decisions in life, a leader needs to "receive direction, insight, and inspiration from God" Kevin Harney writes (p. 62). We need to be desperate to hear the voice of God. However, Harney doesn't stop here.
As important as hearing the voice of God is, the Lord also expects us to strategically hear other's voices as well. Giving others the access and permission to speak so we can hear and receive the truth is so necessary in our spiritual development. He suggests having ears open in all direction. This includes, peers/friends, those in authority/or mentors, as well as from those you lead.
Are your ears open, or are they clogged with noise and clutter. Hearing God's voice through His Spirit and through Godly friends keeps us humble and obedient to our Lord. Perhaps you may even want to say those words now, "SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING!"
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Leader's Mind
"...Think On Such Things!" are the apostle's words in Philippians 4. Few would argue with the fact that a leader's mind is a critical component to the success of their role. Whether it spurs on creativity, organizational structures, or the relational connection of the right people in the right place, it happens in the mind first. Paul focuses us once again in Colossians 3:2 where he writes, "set you mind on the things above..."
Is it okay to admit, though, that sometimes our Minds Get Flabby. To be a Spirit-led leader, means that our mind is led by the Spirit. His thoughts, His focus, His priorities, His passions direct every area of our lives. This is not a Sunday morning exercise but rather a WAY OF LIFE. There is no break! WHY? If we are not being led by the Spirit then we are being led by the flesh. For a brief summary of the flesh-led life revisit Gal. 5:19-21. Not a pretty picture.
Perhaps I could suggest 3-Words we could consider that would direct our minds... therefore our activities.
1. CONNECT: with God & with Others
2. GROW: in a Small Group
3. INVEST: through Service & Giving to the Kingdom.
Our lives and our minds are naturally distracted from these activities. However, "Leader's who want to experience the continual process of mind expansion are wise to make time in their daily schedules to pull away from all distractions and sit at Jesus' feet" (Harvey, Leadership from the Inside Out, p. 47). When other's see our lives may they respond as they did to the early disciples... "these men have been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
In Christ's Service,
Pastor Jason T.
Is it okay to admit, though, that sometimes our Minds Get Flabby. To be a Spirit-led leader, means that our mind is led by the Spirit. His thoughts, His focus, His priorities, His passions direct every area of our lives. This is not a Sunday morning exercise but rather a WAY OF LIFE. There is no break! WHY? If we are not being led by the Spirit then we are being led by the flesh. For a brief summary of the flesh-led life revisit Gal. 5:19-21. Not a pretty picture.
Perhaps I could suggest 3-Words we could consider that would direct our minds... therefore our activities.
1. CONNECT: with God & with Others
2. GROW: in a Small Group
3. INVEST: through Service & Giving to the Kingdom.
Our lives and our minds are naturally distracted from these activities. However, "Leader's who want to experience the continual process of mind expansion are wise to make time in their daily schedules to pull away from all distractions and sit at Jesus' feet" (Harvey, Leadership from the Inside Out, p. 47). When other's see our lives may they respond as they did to the early disciples... "these men have been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
In Christ's Service,
Pastor Jason T.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Leader's Heart
If our heart stops beating, WE DIE! Sadly, too often leaders can mask the reality that their hearts are sick. We can pretend, go through the motions, continue to "do" ministry, lift our hands and worship among many other seeming productive activities, but still ignore and deny the condition of our hearts.
Let me ask you some personal questions, "How is your heart?" "Is it stong and healthy... or is it weak and faltering?" "Has it stopped beating altogether?" There is no shame in admitting the condition of our hearts. The shame comes when we are unwilling to deal with the reality of our condition. We can blame our spouse, kids, work, pastor, church, other leaders, but the truth is no one can guard the condition of your heart but YOU!
Taken from the book, Leadership from the Inside-Out, by Kevin Harney is a good Symptom Check list that may indicate your need to refocus your walk with God which is what stengthens your heart. Evaluate your life:
- I minister omre out of duty than out of love for God.
- I can go days or even weeks without sitting at the feet of Jesus, feeding on His Word, or speaking with him in prayer.
- When I lead in prayer or pray with others, the words sound right to the casual observer, but they feel hollow and empty to me.
- I see the work of God has simply something else on my plate and at times a distraction from the rest of life.
- I find myself structuring my life in a way that isolates me from people.
- I have become so busy doing church work that I leave no time to connect with spiritually lost people.
- I can't remember the last time I shed a tear for a lost person.
These are just the symptoms, not the problem themselves. Remember the words of the wisest king of Israel. He wrote, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life" (Prov. 4:23). Over the last three weeks I have witnessed the attack of the enemy that has come against the families of Cornerstone have a new intensity. Let there be no mistake, the serpent is still around to Steal, Kill & Destroy. But don't give way to fear or doom, Jesus is greater and is here to bring Life and Live More Abundantly.
God will only do THROUGH US, what we allow Him to do IN US. It is time to put on the Spiritual Stethescope and see how your heart is beating.
Finally, I've listed 4-steps to help you on your way to being, "HEART HEALTHY".
1. Be honest with yourself and with God
2. Spend time finding God through His Word
3. Allow time for God to find you through Prayer.
4. Connect with other people, with no agenda, just because.
Let me ask you some personal questions, "How is your heart?" "Is it stong and healthy... or is it weak and faltering?" "Has it stopped beating altogether?" There is no shame in admitting the condition of our hearts. The shame comes when we are unwilling to deal with the reality of our condition. We can blame our spouse, kids, work, pastor, church, other leaders, but the truth is no one can guard the condition of your heart but YOU!
Taken from the book, Leadership from the Inside-Out, by Kevin Harney is a good Symptom Check list that may indicate your need to refocus your walk with God which is what stengthens your heart. Evaluate your life:
- I minister omre out of duty than out of love for God.
- I can go days or even weeks without sitting at the feet of Jesus, feeding on His Word, or speaking with him in prayer.
- When I lead in prayer or pray with others, the words sound right to the casual observer, but they feel hollow and empty to me.
- I see the work of God has simply something else on my plate and at times a distraction from the rest of life.
- I find myself structuring my life in a way that isolates me from people.
- I have become so busy doing church work that I leave no time to connect with spiritually lost people.
- I can't remember the last time I shed a tear for a lost person.
These are just the symptoms, not the problem themselves. Remember the words of the wisest king of Israel. He wrote, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life" (Prov. 4:23). Over the last three weeks I have witnessed the attack of the enemy that has come against the families of Cornerstone have a new intensity. Let there be no mistake, the serpent is still around to Steal, Kill & Destroy. But don't give way to fear or doom, Jesus is greater and is here to bring Life and Live More Abundantly.
God will only do THROUGH US, what we allow Him to do IN US. It is time to put on the Spiritual Stethescope and see how your heart is beating.
Finally, I've listed 4-steps to help you on your way to being, "HEART HEALTHY".
1. Be honest with yourself and with God
2. Spend time finding God through His Word
3. Allow time for God to find you through Prayer.
4. Connect with other people, with no agenda, just because.
Monday, April 28, 2008
The Power of an Examined Life
The names have changed, but the scenarios are all too familiar. An individual accepts Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, they get connected in a church family, eventually get involved in ministry. At times these followers of Christ step into leadership, some respond to the call of God in vocational ministry.
Then it happens. A hidden area of their life causes a complete break down in character and integrity. I've seen friends and acquaintences fall out of anointed ministry due to sexual affairs, drug addiction, among other life-controlling issues that are too embarassing to list here. You probably have similar stories.
The question we each need to ask ourselves is "WHY?" Why when everything seemed to be going well on the outside to everyone else watching, something inside is drastically missing. Kevin Harney in his book, Leadership from the Inside Out, suggests that those, "who withstand the pressures of ministry surround themselves with people who will speak the truth in love" (p. 17). The power of an examined life comes when we allow the Spirit of God as well as a trusted friend or two examine our lives.
Harvey makes the statement, "Your personal choices are never just personal; your choices and the condition of your inner life impact others" (p. 16). So... who in your life knows you well enough to speak the truth in love? Remeber two items: 1) you have to invite them into your inner core; 2) you have to be willing to be transparent enough so they know what's happening.
NOTE: It is not a matter of if we struggle in our inner life, but what we are willing to do about it. If we keep those areas of our lives hidden in darkness, they continue to have power over us. Let's experience the power and the freedom of an examined life. Let's find that person & be that person.
Growing Together,
Pastor Jason T.
Then it happens. A hidden area of their life causes a complete break down in character and integrity. I've seen friends and acquaintences fall out of anointed ministry due to sexual affairs, drug addiction, among other life-controlling issues that are too embarassing to list here. You probably have similar stories.
The question we each need to ask ourselves is "WHY?" Why when everything seemed to be going well on the outside to everyone else watching, something inside is drastically missing. Kevin Harney in his book, Leadership from the Inside Out, suggests that those, "who withstand the pressures of ministry surround themselves with people who will speak the truth in love" (p. 17). The power of an examined life comes when we allow the Spirit of God as well as a trusted friend or two examine our lives.
Harvey makes the statement, "Your personal choices are never just personal; your choices and the condition of your inner life impact others" (p. 16). So... who in your life knows you well enough to speak the truth in love? Remeber two items: 1) you have to invite them into your inner core; 2) you have to be willing to be transparent enough so they know what's happening.
NOTE: It is not a matter of if we struggle in our inner life, but what we are willing to do about it. If we keep those areas of our lives hidden in darkness, they continue to have power over us. Let's experience the power and the freedom of an examined life. Let's find that person & be that person.
Growing Together,
Pastor Jason T.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Hard Work of Spiritual Leaders
A discussion arose recently in a group I regularly attend which brought up the question, "What is the hardest part of leading?" As you ponder that question, a few responses may come to mind such as: "dealing with people, communication, unity, recruitment, etc...." All these and more are certaily legitimate concerns of leaders.
However, I would like to suggest that the Hard Work of Spiritual Leaders is the leadership of self. If you're anything like me, there are times when experience the overcoming power of Christ within, and other times you accept that in faith. The Apostle Paul expressed the same thought in a double-talk-discourse in Romans 7. He summarizes in verse 21, "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me."
The Hard Work of Spiritual Leaders is the leadership of self. WHY? Because when it comes to spiritual leadership, we lead by who we are, not just what we do.
I am currently reading a book by Kevin Harney titled, "Leadership from the Inside Out." Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing a mixure of his throughts from this book along with my own. He uses the physical body (i.e., heart, eyes, mouth, hands) as an analogy for the inner life of the leader
The work we are all called to do begins with the Kingdom being established within. Let's not forget to do the "Hard Work" of the inner life, and the remaining work of leading others will be much more effective and productive.
Loving You Much,
Pastor Jason
However, I would like to suggest that the Hard Work of Spiritual Leaders is the leadership of self. If you're anything like me, there are times when experience the overcoming power of Christ within, and other times you accept that in faith. The Apostle Paul expressed the same thought in a double-talk-discourse in Romans 7. He summarizes in verse 21, "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me."
The Hard Work of Spiritual Leaders is the leadership of self. WHY? Because when it comes to spiritual leadership, we lead by who we are, not just what we do.
I am currently reading a book by Kevin Harney titled, "Leadership from the Inside Out." Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing a mixure of his throughts from this book along with my own. He uses the physical body (i.e., heart, eyes, mouth, hands) as an analogy for the inner life of the leader
The work we are all called to do begins with the Kingdom being established within. Let's not forget to do the "Hard Work" of the inner life, and the remaining work of leading others will be much more effective and productive.
Loving You Much,
Pastor Jason
Monday, April 14, 2008
Eating from the Master's Hand
This Wednesday, April 16, I will be sharing at St. Anne's Episcopal church at 7:30pm. I will be sharing from Luke 24 and the road to Emmaus. The disciples were walking and talking with Jesus for some time as Jesus explained the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. However, it wasn't until the end of this journey when they sat down together and Jesus "broke bread and gave it to them."
We can hear the words of God, but once we eat directly from the hands of the Master that revelation become REAL and PERSONAL. More than anything take some time to Eat from the Master's Hand this week. Afterall, He is the Bread of Life and He is waiting at the table for you and me. Let's see what is at the table.
Rene and I love and appreciate each of you so much. This journey we are on with the Lord is so exciting. May we continue to be found faithful on our Emmaus road journey!
If you would like to join me at St. Anne's, it would be great to see some familiar faces as well as some prayer support as I minister to another flock.
BLESSINGS!!!
We can hear the words of God, but once we eat directly from the hands of the Master that revelation become REAL and PERSONAL. More than anything take some time to Eat from the Master's Hand this week. Afterall, He is the Bread of Life and He is waiting at the table for you and me. Let's see what is at the table.
Rene and I love and appreciate each of you so much. This journey we are on with the Lord is so exciting. May we continue to be found faithful on our Emmaus road journey!
If you would like to join me at St. Anne's, it would be great to see some familiar faces as well as some prayer support as I minister to another flock.
BLESSINGS!!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Leaders & Prayer
Acts 6:1-7 speaks to the importance of the ministry of prayer. It begins by telling us that "the number of disciples was increasing," and this section ends in vs. 7, "The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly..." The families and individuals of our region need to see a powerful and authentic presentation of this Gospel. A faith they can follow.
As leaders in the Lord's church it is never a mistake to expect growth and people coming to faith. I want to see Cornerstone continue to grow, lost souls delivered form sin, families restored by the Gospel and God's powerful touch of the miraculous occur at every level. However, with increased technology and a focus on most church leadership culture on technique, not much is REALLY taken from scripture about the reason for revival in their world.
PRAYER always has been and always will be the catalyst for true spiritual growth and revival.
E.M. Bounds in "The Weapon of Prayer" wrote, "Prayer cannot be retired as a secondary force in this world. To do so is to retire God from the movement. It is to make God secondary... Prayer is an absolute necessity to the proper carring on of God's work" (p. 12, 1931).
May we not neglect the ministry of prayer, and so handicap God and ourselves from accomplishing His purpose. If shortcuts must be taken, may they not be in the prayer of God's leadership.
As leaders in the Lord's church it is never a mistake to expect growth and people coming to faith. I want to see Cornerstone continue to grow, lost souls delivered form sin, families restored by the Gospel and God's powerful touch of the miraculous occur at every level. However, with increased technology and a focus on most church leadership culture on technique, not much is REALLY taken from scripture about the reason for revival in their world.
PRAYER always has been and always will be the catalyst for true spiritual growth and revival.
E.M. Bounds in "The Weapon of Prayer" wrote, "Prayer cannot be retired as a secondary force in this world. To do so is to retire God from the movement. It is to make God secondary... Prayer is an absolute necessity to the proper carring on of God's work" (p. 12, 1931).
May we not neglect the ministry of prayer, and so handicap God and ourselves from accomplishing His purpose. If shortcuts must be taken, may they not be in the prayer of God's leadership.
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