Sorting through the Denominational Maze.


One of biggest challenges that seminarians face is finding a church to serve once they have graduated.  Even when you have a denomination home the process of finding an open position that fits you is tough.  However there are many students who are not only looking to secure a call, but are also trying to determine where they belong theologically.  Trust me, this is no small task! 
It is extremely difficult to determine the number of denominations in the United States. A good guess is at least 200, and you can add to that a plethora of independent or nondenominational churches.  A 2010 study showed that by grouping nondenominational churches as one, they would be the second largest Protestant group in the country with over 35,000 independent or nondenominational churches representing more than 12,200,000 adherents. These nondenominational churches are present in every state and in 2,663 out of the total of 3,033 counties in the country, or 88% of the total.[i]
As the nondenominational movement grows, we continue to see significant decreases in membership and attendance in mainline denominations such as the United Methodist church, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church USA, the United Church of Christ and even the Southern Baptism Convention.  

When you mix a distrust of denominations, the growth and freedom of nondenominationalism, and the difficulty of finding a theological fit, it is easy to see why joining the nondenominational movement is so popular.  Interestingly, even though nondenominational churches continue to thrive, within the church planting community there is keen awareness for the need to affiliate with other like minded churches and church plants.   This partly because Ed Stetzer reports that, Every group surveyed indicated that having well-designed support systems for the planter have improved their survivability. Some groups report that their survival rate has doubled since implementing important systems such as assessment, training, and coaching. The study also found that the “Odds of survivability increase by 135% when the church planter meets with a group of church planting peers.[ii]
I have been a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) denomination for over two decades.  It is not a perfect match, and trust me we have our issues!  As I write this, we are debating the legitimacy of intinction (the practice of dipping the bread into the wine when celebrating the Lord’s Supper).  And for a guy who loves diversity and has committed himslef to raising up minority leaders, we still have those in our midst who embrace the confederacy and justify slavery.   And there is more! 

So why am I a member of the PCA?  Beyond the fact that I am convinced that Presbyterian form of church government is Biblical, the short answer is because we need each other. 
1.     Community – Most of my best friends are other pastors who serve in the PCA.  These are the guys who pray for me and with whom I seek advice.  They are guys who are really there for me and would be by my side if I needed them.  In turn, they call me when they have a ministry, Biblical or Theological question, and ask me to pray for them when they are facing a challenge.  We don’t see everything eye-to-eye, but they are my brothers!

2.     Accountability – My ordination is held at the presbytery level.  That is to say, I am answerable to my brothers in the Central Florida Presbytery.   These guys hold me accountable to be a faithful minister of the Gospel.  That means if I start teaching heresy, or get in moral trouble, they are the ones to whom I will answer.   Of course as an employee of Reformed Theological Seminary I would be fired first.  Nevertheless, when I served as a pastor, my congregation had the security of knowing they could go to presbytery if my message and my life did not glorify God. 
As you try to determine your denominational or affiliational home, here are some things to remember.
1.     Cover it in Prayer – I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to cover this in prayer asking for God’s leading and for wisdom. 

2.     Know Thyself – Because each denomination or affiliation has different styles of governance, be sure to consider how you fit in that context.  For some, too much theological latitude will not work for you.  Others, my find some denominations too restrictive.  

3.     Know Thy Theological Paradigms – You can eliminate many groups by simply comparing them to your basic theological convictions.  I am confessional and adhere to the Westminster Standards and therefore they serve as my paradigm. 

4.     Be Aware of the “in” factor - Be very careful that you don’t simply chase after the latest trend.  Just because a group is new and popular doesn’t mean it is where God wants you. 

5.     Realize there is no perfect fit – Just like there is no perfect spouse, or perfect church, there is no perfect denomination or affiliation.  That means you will not find a group that lines up perfectly with your convictions and values. 

6.     Determine what is non-negotiable – This is a matter of conscience.  If they hold to a Biblical or Theological view that is wrong to you, those are your non-negotiables.   

7.     How can you serve that group – Remember being part of a denomination or affiliation is not all about you!  An important thing to consider is how you can serve that group. 

 

 



[i] The Hartford Institute for Religion Research (http://hirr.hartsem.edu/research/fastfacts/fast_facts.html#denom)
 
[ii] http://www.leadnet.org/churchplanting

The Reading Life of a Pastor


Few can argue that the life of an average pastor is far more complex than it was fifty years ago.  I recall sitting in a class only twenty years ago when Dr. Richard Pratt warned us that in our life time our parishioners would be able to check up on what we were preaching as they sat in the congregation.  The amount of information that is instantaneously available is both astounding and terrifying. 

 One of the outcomes of a recent Lilly Endowment study on sustaining pastoral ministry was the significance of lifelong learning.  Becoming a lifelong learner will serve to keep you sharp in your ministry skills and from the many temptations that result from idleness.  A lifelong learner needs to do more than simply attend an annual conference; they need to develop a pattern of regular study. Many recent studies show that reading is an exercise that helps you keep a healthy brain… you need to learn to love to read! 

If you serve in a church it is important that they understand the value of the pastor being a lifelong learner and provide you with the time and resources.  I would recommend that at minimum a church provide you with two weeks devoted entirely for study.  In addition a book allowance is a must!  I recommend at least $500 a year.

Beyond the time that you may have for study leave, you need to build time into your life to read outside what is directly covered in your sermon preparation.  If you are not already an avid reader, I suggest that you make a goal of one book per month.  I encourage you to go beyond that; however that is a great start.  Also, be sure to plan time in your day to read.  Find a time that works best for you and stick to it.  I make it a habit to carry a book with me, so when I find myself waiting for someone for an appointment I read it, rather than play a game on my phone.

Now on to some suggestions as to what to read.  First, let me say that “surfing the web” aimlessly should not be classified as study or reading time.  Nevertheless, the web has become an invaluable resource of information.  Just use it wisely.  Below are some broad areas that I would encourage you to cover in your reading.  They should come from a variety of sources both on line, digital or old school – books.

  I.          Scripture – It is important we are committed to being lifelong students of Scripture.
A.    Scripture: Develop a pattern to read through the entire Bible on a regular basis.  I would recommend that you aim for once a year.  There are many methods available to use, try rotating through several.  Remember this is your personal time in God’s word, and not part of your sermon preparation.
B.    The Gospel: Read anything that strengthens you in the Gospel.  There is some great stuff out there.
C.    Read books about the Scriptures:  Find books or small commentaries, both old and new that either deal with specific sections of the Bible or are on a broader theme. 
 
II.          The Church – There is plethora of information on the church, but I would recommend you start with these areas.
A.    Preaching:   Never quit being a student of preaching.  Read from various sources and differing perspectives.
B.    Worship:   This is an important part of the life of the church and many pastors have little knowledge of music or liturgy.  Keeping up with the trends helps you better educate your people.
C.    Organization/Leadership:  Pastors are leaders of organizations that primarily utilize volunteers.  Learning to lead them as well as paid staff is essential.  Don’t just stick with books on Church Leadership, read broadly.
D.    Practical:  This is the category that includes all areas in the life of the church, from Christian education to Missions. 

III.          Culture – This needs to be a high priority in your quest as a lifelong learner because culture is complex and ever-changing.  Be careful that you don’t only focus on “pop culture,” but also study the deeper cultural values that effect the people you minister to.
A.    Your community:  Know what is going on in your community.  Read the local paper and look for not only key events, but use it as way to learn more about the uniqueness of the people who live around you.  Remember most newspapers are available online and it doesn’t take that much time to skim the headlines.  A seasoned newspaperman once showed me how most newspaper stories are summed up in the first two paragraphs. 
B.    Your Country:  This is a vast area of literature that includes books, magazines, journals and newspapers.  Be careful to not just read what Christians are writing, but pay close attention to what other writers are saying.  Beyond the books, I suggest the New York Times.
C.    Globally:  Remember the world is bigger than North America, so keep up with what is going on in the rest of the world.  Read with an eye to understanding what God is doing on a global perspective.  Look for authors who are not simply writing from a western perspective.  As far as an easy free online source, I suggest BBC.  

IV.          Biographies – Many of my best mentors are dead, and I have been mentored not by their physical presence but by their lives. 
A.    Pastors and Theologians: Show us the challenges of life and ministry of those who have gone before us.  
B.    Missionaries: I love missionary biographies!  That is my heritage.  There commitment and sacrificial lives are inspiring.
C.    Leaders and Famous People: Whether it is a biography of a president, a corporate executive or other famous person, biographies teach us about history, depravity and idolatry.   

V.          Personal – This is the area that is fun and a “no brainer.”  It has no direct connection to ministry and is way to get your mind off the stresses of life and ministry.   This includes reading on your hobbies to fiction. 

Realistic Sermon Preparation


We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.  To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me”  -  Colossians 1:28-29

 1.      Pray!!  Never Ever Ever start any sermon preparation without saturating it with prayer!
a.      Pray that God will draw your heart to Himself.
b.     Pray that God will pull away your distractions.
c.      Pray that God will open your eyes to what He wants you to see.
d.     Pray for the people you will be preaching too.

2.     Confess!
a.      Confess your Pride.
b.     Confess your Fears.
c.      Confess you the idols of your heart.
ü  Comfort – Approval – Security
ü  Money – Sex – Power

3.     Rejoice!  Be careful not to hang out too long in confession without rejoicing in Gospel! 
 
4.     Never Listen to someone else’s sermon – yet!  I don’t recommend listening to other people’s sermons before you have worked on your sermon.  When we listen to our preacher hero’s we have a hard time being aware of what the Holy Spirit may have us to preach.  In addition, it often causes us to cut the hard work of getting into the passages ourselves.   If you feel obligated to listen, wait until you have completed your exegetical work.  

5.     Read Not Exegete:  Before you get to the exegesis take time to simple read the passage over slowly and reflectively.   Unless you are highly proficient in Greek and Hebrew, do this is your favorite translation.  I would encourage you to do this several times.

6.     Listen: Take some time to reflect and pray about the passage.  Let it sink in devotionally.  Pray and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  How is He speaking to your personally through this passage? 

7.     Exegete the Scriptures carefully and prayerfully: This is the fun part!  Enjoy the exegesis.  Be thorough and don’t skimp on this.  As you draw conclusions in regard to the passage be sure to keep in balance three areas:  1) what have theologians from the past written on this passage, 2) what does your present community (for me this is the Presbyterian Church in America) believe concerning the passage, 3) and what are your personal conclusions.   Be careful you don’t get pulled to far in any one of the three directions.                                              
                                                                            Tradition
   
                                                    Present Community                            Personal Study  

8.     Context:  This is an area many preachers often neglect to the harm of the people they are preaching too.  Always be aware of your audience.   When you know your context well, the truths of Scripture will be both taught and applied in a way that they “get it”.  Using a triangle once again, be sure to keep these three areas in mind when considering context.   1)  Do thorough study and understand the context to which the passage of Scripture was written.  I would recommend using new resources as many older commentaries, did not have information now available.  2)  Next be sure you are preaching the sermon to the people sitting in front of you.  Know their academic level, their value system, as well as the struggles they may be facing.  Remember you need to be answering the questions they are asking, not the ones you want you want to answer. Don’t preach to your internet audience!  3) Know thyself!  Be aware of both the similarities and the differences between you, the original audience and the congregation.         

                                                                Original Audience

                                       Congregation                                     Self

9.     The Main Thing:  Identify a single main idea (proposition) and be able to state it in terms of a universal truth and its application to life.  Make sure it is derived from the text and developed in the exposition.  In other words, if there is one thing they get out of the sermon, this is what I want it to be.
 
10.  Outline: Construct a clear outline that develops the main idea and is clearly rooted in the text.  There are many ways to outline a sermon, so use one that you are comfortable with.   Be sure that it flows and is easy to follow.  

11.  Introduction:  Begin the sermon with an introduction that captures the listener’s attention and leads them into the text.  There are many ways to do this.  If you use a story be careful to not use one that is so powerful it overshadows what you will be preaching on.  In addition, if you get a story from another sermon or on line, be sure you don’t claim it as your own.  Not only is not honest, but with the so many sermons so readily available it will ruin your credibility.  

12.  Conclude!  End the sermon with a conclusion that ties the sermon together and presses home the application to life and that adores Jesus.  Be sure to think this through.  If you are new to preaching, I would advise you to always write this out.  It is important, so don’t neglect it.  

13.  Review.  Continually evaluate your sermons for speech (“ah,” “you know”) and body mannerisms that are distracting.  Never ever, quit working on your preaching - there will always be room to grow!  In addition, ask yourself and those around you these questions:  
a.      Am I truly expounding the text and not misusing it to make a point? 
b.     Do your applications fit the context?
c.      Is the Gospel clear?
ü  The Bad News.
ü  The Great News
d.     Does it point to Jesus?

Home Grown Cucumbers



A number of years ago we were given some beautiful home grown vegetables.  Included in the gift were cucumbers.  Since cucumbers generally go well in a toss salad we included a healthy proportion of our new "home grown" cucumbers in our evening mix.  The salad looked great and was quickly served up.  My son was only three at the time and was the first to identify a problem.  This was expressed when he simply opened wide his mouth and let the salad fall to his lap.  How could this boy of mine not like one of my tossed salads?  About that time, I also took a bite of the salad and my reaction was much like my son's – with the exception of the falling out of my mouth part!  The salad was terrible tasting!  Those beautiful homegrown cucumbers were very bitter! 

It was then that I remembered that it was generally a good idea to try the cucumbers to see if they were bitter before putting them in a salad.  I later found out that when cucumber plants do not get rain at the correct time they may look great, but taste bitter.  In other words, poor farming methods result in terrible tasting, but good looking fruit.

Just as a cucumber can look good, yet be bitter, a church can also look like a church, yet not be a healthy church.  In order to be a church that is rooted in the Gospel and authentically glorifies God, it is important to pause and consider just how well you are doing.  How is your farming method?  How does the fruit of your church or life taste?

Over a decade ago Richard L Gorsuch and C. Peter Wagner surveyed hundreds of pastors and compiled a list of measurable quality factors in the life of a church ranking in order.  The twelve factors are:   

1)     Bible Knowledge.  Church members are increasing in their grasp of the teachings of the Bible.  They can integrate this with a theological system that enables them to apply the Bible's teaching to their life situation.

2)     Personal Devotions.  Members spend time daily in prayer and Bible reading.

3)     Worship.  Members regularly participate in the worship services scheduled by the church.

4)     Witnessing.  Members regularly attempt to share their faith in Jesus Christ with unbelievers.

5)     Lay Ministry.  The lay people of the church are engaged in such ministries as teaching and discipling.  In some case this happens through consciously discovering, developing and using their spiritual gifts.

6)     Missions.  The church actively supports missions, organizing and sustaining a strong program for recruiting, sending, and financing home and foreign missionaries.

7)     Giving.  Members give an appropriate portion of their income to the local church and/or to other Christian organizations.

8)     Fellowship.  Members are growing in their personal relationship with each other through regular participation in fellowship groups of one kind or another.

9)      Distinctive life-style.  Members generally manifest their faith in Christ by living a life-style clearly and noticeably distinct from that of non-Christians in the same community.

10)  Attitude toward religion.  Church members regard their involvement in the church primarily as a service to God rather than a means to fulfill personal needs.

11) Social Service.  Members are serving others outside the congregation.  This includes direct personal involvement with the poor and needy, or in programs designed to help the needy.

12)  Social Justice.  Either through the congregation as a whole or through specialized Christian agencies, members are striving to make changes in sociopolitical structures that contribute to a more just society.

So how is your church or church plant doing in those twelve areas?  Even more importantly, how are you doing personally in those areas?   You may disagree with these, howeveer, I encourage you to set some time aside and evaluate your spiritual health, asking yourself the question of whether your life clearly exhibits a passion for God, a love for those around you and active drive to reach those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  In other words, how is your fruit?  Is it bitter or sweetened by the Gospel?

Please, please please... remember you absolutely cannot do any of this on your own!  It is only as God graciously pulls you to Himself that you are able to do what He has called you to do.  Will you make it your goal to rest in His grace, confess the idols of your heart and strive to live out your purpose in life?

“Developing a Philosophy of Ministry You Will Actually Use”


 
I.     Why we need a Philosophy of Ministry (POM)
Most of us do ministry like Barney Fife... you have a one bullet POM. Barney Fife was the deputy from the Andy Griffith show who only carried one bullet... in his shirt pocket.  What is your bullet?
ü  The bullet of “Wait till they here me preach!”
ü  The bullet of “Look what we can do!
ü  The bullet of ……..
 “The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and will to carry on.” ~ Walter J. Lippmann
“People are more easily led than driven.”
 ~ David Harold Fink
 
“A competent leader can get efficient service from poor troops,
while on the contrary an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops.”
~ General of the Armies John J. Pershing
 
II.     What is a Philosophy of Ministry?
A Philosophy of Ministry is the distinct mix of personality, aspirations, vision, ministry values, styles, and strategies embraced and used to accomplish the church’s mission/purpose in its unique cultural context. (Tim Keller, Aubrey Malphers, Steve Childers, Bob Orner)
 
 
 
 A.  Scripture - Bedrock
ü  "God has spoken in the Bible and He has not stuttered" (J.I. Packer).
ü  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

B.  Mission – Foundation
1)     Your Foundational Purpose, What we are called to do.
2)     A mission statement is:
ü  A broad, brief, biblical statement of why your church exists – it’s purpose.
ü  It is the primary goal of why the church exists in the community.
2)     The Mission Statement is how you will communicate the vision.  
3)     It speaks to Head and brings clarity.
4)     It answers three fundamental questions:
ü  Who are we here to serve?
ü  What are their greatest needs?
ü  How is our church going to meet those needs

 C.  Priorities: Foundation
1)     The Ministry of Worship & Prayer
2)     The Ministry of Learning & Edification
3)     The Ministry of Fellowship & Community
4)     The Ministry of Outreach & Evangelism
5)     The Ministry of Mercy & Social Concern 
Tim Keller -Evangelism: Equipping Believers in Mission and Outreach, Version 2, 1998
 
D.  Vision – Roof
Vision is the dream of what the future looks like if God does His thing through us.
    1)     It asks:
ü  “What are we seeking to do?”
ü  “What are our aspirations?”
2)     It looks to the Horizon.
3)     It is more heart than head.

“If we are to think strategically and not incrementally,
it is imperative that we manage backward from the future,
not forward from our past." ~ Aubrey Malphurs
 
“Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
 ~ Muriel Strode

 To get a Solid Vision we must:
     1)     Have a realistic understanding of yourself.
       2)     Be a student of the Context.
       3)     Include your Leaders.

“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself,
or to get all the credit for doing it”. ~ Andrew Carnegie
 The difference between vision
 and hallucination is action” ~ Allen Patmarajah.

E.  Core Values –Base of the Wall.
Core values are the unique underlying motivations and convictions that drive behavior and ministry activity.
1)     Values are our guiding or governing principles, our ground rules or boundaries.
2)     Values are important because:
ü  Determine organizational distinctives
ü  Communicate what is important
ü  Create right decisions
ü  Influences behavior
ü  Inspires action
ü  Enhances leadership credibility
ü  Influence mission and vision
2)     Core values must be linked to the purposes 
ü  Worship & Prayer
ü  Learning & Edification
ü  Fellowship & Community
ü  Outreach & Evangelism
ü  Mercy & Social Service
3)     Core values are unique for each ministry context
 
F.   Culture/Context – Wall
     Though I am only offering a brief overview of context, this one of the most neglected and misunderstood aspects of a a philosophy of ministry.  As you can see from this blog, this is very important to me.  Here three broad areas to keep in mind contest and culture.
1)     Context of target area
ü  Demographics
ü  Cultural Values 
ü  Reached/Unreached
2)     Planter/Pastor
     3)     Leaders in the Church
 
G. Style - Wall
Style asks the question “How does THIS church do gospel ministry in its unique cultural context?”
1)     Worship Styles
ü  Liturgical
ü  Modern (alternative, blues)
ü  Traditional
ü  Contemporary (80’s)
ü  Ancient/Modern
ü  Other
2)     Learning & Communication Styles
ü  Analytical/Cognitive
ü  Concrete/Relational
ü  Intuitive/Experiential
3)     Leadership Style
ü  Consensus/Democratic
ü  Elder led
ü  Pastor led
ü  Intense or laid back
4)     Internal Organizational Style
ü  Small home groups
ü  Under-shepherd communities
ü  Multiple worship services
ü  Multiple congregations
5)     Outreach/Acts of Mercy (Front Door, Side Door?)
 

H. Strategies - Door
1)     Strategy lies on top of everything else.
2)     Both inside and outside realities are taken into factor
3)     Some required areas of Strategy are:
ü  Networking
ü  Prayer
ü  Evangelism
ü  Discipleship
ü  Worship/Preaching
ü  Personal/Spiritual life
ü  Fundraising
ü  Team Development 

“The task of the leader is to get his people
from where they are to where they have not been.” ~ Henry Kissinger
 
“The first responsibility of a leader is
to define reality.” ~ Max DePree, The Art of Leadership