LIFEsync

The Kaleo Project - MISSIONS PARTY DALLAS

 

  

P  R  E  S  E  N  T  S

Four False Ideas That Destroy Leaders

Perry Noble recently shared this on his blog and I wanted to share with you!  Check out his blog too!

 

 

#1 – “I Cannot…”

One of the things that seems to be appearing over and over again to me as I read the Scriptures is this thought…

At the end of the day…I am a servant of the Most High God!  AND…a servant can do EXACTLY what his master has commanded him to do because he is operating under the power and authority of the One who called, equipped and empowered him to serve in the first place.

You can do EXACTLY what God called you to do!!!  Don’t back down!

#2 – “I Am Not As Good As…”

Comparing yourself to other ministers and/or ministries is one of the quickest ways to go insane and completely lose your focus on who God is and what He has called you to do.

We should learn from “them” but focus on “HIM!”

There will always be someone who does something better than you!  Your call isn’t to imitate people but to focus on Christ!!!

#3 – “I Failed Before”

Of course you did!!!

All great leaders have failed at something significant!

However, what makes them great is that they do not allow their failures to define them.  They pick up the pieces and move forward.  They learn lessons from their failure…if there was a sin issue involved they repent and submit to Jesus and the leadership of others…and then they get on with life!!!

Peter failed!  Remember when he tried to cut off the servants ear and had to be rebuked by Jesus!!!  YET when it came to Acts 2 and the day of Pentecost he was the guy who Jesus anointed to preach the Gospel and see over 3k new believers!

#4 – “All Hope Is Gone”

Uh…the only problem with that thought is THE TOMB IS EMPTY…and as long as that is a reality then there is always hope…ALWAYS!

I know some reading this feel like you are just about at the end of your rope…but from my personal experience I’ve discovered when I do get to the end of my rope Jesus is always there saying, “what took you so long?”

Losing hope can bring about times of intense desperation…but quite often intense desperation leads to undeniable revelation!!!  When we lose hope and believe that things are just about over…well…that’s always a time for God to remind us of WHO HE IS and what He is capable of!

Leadership and Respect

I recently read this over at Perry Noble's blog and wanted to share it with you!  You can read more by checking out his blog. 

Brian Houston, Leadership and Respect September 21, 2010

I was reminded the other day that Brian Houston may be one of the most successful men/pastors/church leaders that I know.

For those who are not familiar with Pastor Brian…he is the pastor of Hillsong Church…and God has used him in incredible ways over the past 25 years.

But…please keep reading because I am not saying He is successful because he has an amazing church (although it IS one of the most amazing churches I have ever visited.)

I am not saying he is successful because their church seems to continue to produce some of the best worship music on the planet.

I am not saying that he is successful because his church puts on one of the best conferences in church world year after year.

I am saying he’s successful because his son, Joel, put this quote on twitter the other day…

@joelhouston luv that my dad is still the most passionate, wise, secure, humble authentic, trnsparent, motivated Godly man i know

When I read that I personally was FILLED with hope like never before in regards to my relationship with my wife and daughter.  Because…

Pastor Brian has been used by God in an incredible way.  God has used him to build an amazing church and create an environment where leaders are empowered and released to do amazing things for God’s Kingdom…

BUT…he did not do it at the expense of his marriage or his relationship with his children!

He did not sacrifice his calling to be a godly husband and dad for his calling to be a church leader…

He has done both…and done both well.

Church leaders…it is my prayer that we can learn from this and do the same…because if we build great ministries and everyone loves us except those who know us the best…WE HAVE FAILED!

Pastor Brian is proof that we do NOT have to sacrifice a tremendous legacy in order to have a tremendous ministry!

Pastor Brian…thanks for showing us this can be done…keep up the amazing work!

(ONE MORE THING…pastors…I know we can do just about everything right and still have children that go astray!  I say this to encourage you…don’t give up on them!  If you did all you can then you’ve GOT to trust Proverbs 22:6 and know that your child was HIS child…and He will bring them home!!!)

Protecting Your Pastor's Faith

I recently read this article and wanted to share it with you.  Steven Furtick, Lead Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. wrote this for his blog over at Steven Furtick Blog.  I am blessed with a church family at alcplano.tv and staff that protect my faith every week.  Wherever you attend church, please protect your Pastor's faith so he can effectively accomplish the mission of Jesus Christ in the Earth!

 

Leaders need to know the facts. We can’t hide from reality, nor should we. But I’m also convinced that too many leaders are confronted with too much bad news without solutions.

This is especially true of pastors. It seems like sometimes we can become the clearinghouse for all that is wrong in our church. And since solutions are rarely proposed, we spend the next few hours or the rest of the day trying to fix problems. Problems that usually dozens of other people could have generated solutions for without our help.

This isn’t just about increased stress and decreased mental energy on our part. Most people don’t realize it, but every problem they bring their pastor makes a demand on their faith to believe God. It’s the pastor’s responsibility to cast the vision God has given them for their church. But they have to be able to believe that the God-sized vision they are receiving is actually capable of being implemented.

If their people keep bringing them problems all the time, it weakens their faith and orients their mind towards wondering what is going to go wrong next. The pastor eventually doesn’t have the faith to believe God for big things because it doesn’t even seem like the small things are being taken care of.

One of the greatest things you can do for your pastor is protect their faith. You want to keep your leader in a place where he’s optimistic. Where he’s dreaming about where God is taking your church. Not on everything that is keeping it from getting there. And the best way you can do this is by limiting his awareness of problems that do not have viable solutions.

This doesn’t mean keeping your pastor completely in the dark. Yes, he should know there are problems. But more than that he should know that his team has them covered.

Commit yourself today to begin bringing solutions, not problems. It will protect your pastor’s faith. And make you irreplaceably valuable in your church.

Be a catalyst for God in your neighborhood!

Expand Your Expectations - Increase Your Capacity

A life group is not JUST a small group, Bible study, support group, social activist group, or a weekly meeting. It can involve these sorts of things, but it doesn't stop there. 

Our vision for life "together" in smaller groups is much broader and continues to expand!  Creating "community" is critical to gospel mission. We believe one of the catalysts God uses to bring people closer to him is other people.  Our Life Groups worship God, live in community, get trained for ministry, and make disciples together... over time. Being involved in community is critical to being the church rather than simply attending church.  In coming months, our vision for impacting our community through serving will beunveiled.  Pray about connecting or reconnecting to a Life Group now. 

Find a Group

Whether you consider yourself part of The ALC family – or maybe you are just checking out what it looks like to live as Jesus lived – we invite you to be an active part of a life group. We'll try and connect you immediately.  Contact us at LifeGroups@alcplano.org.

Start Your Own

If you've got a specific part of town or group of people in mind, and can't find an existing Life Group that applies, we'll help you start your own.  Our Life Groups Director, Josh Lewis, can instruct you on the next steps you would need to take to be a leader.  Email Josh at LifeGroups@alcplano.org.

Looking for More?

If you've got additional questions about life groups, please email us at LifeGroups@alcplano.org or browse the website.  www.alcplano.org

10 Reasons why churches stall

Here is an article I recently read that provoked my heart to repentance.  It is my prayer that the church community I am blessed to lead would "blow up every paradigm" of Gospel mission and harvest!  Please read with a prayerful heart.  

Here are the highlights...

1. The church forgets who we are and what we are for … When we forget that we are the community of disciples for declaring God’s greatness and making disciples, mission quickly becomes just one among many activities rather than the defining vision of who we are as a community.

2. The majority of believers are no longer thrilled with the Lord and what he is doing in their lives. When questions like ‘What is God doing with you at the moment?’ cease to be common currency, it is a sure sign of creeping spiritual mediocrity.

3. … In my view, the single biggest cause of stalled churches in the UK is the belief that material comfort can be normative for Christians. It is the opposite of radical commitment to Christ.

4. When [Christians]  see church as one among many leisure activities, usually low down the priority list. They are unlikely to see the Christian community as God’s great hope for the world and unlikely to put commitment above self-interest.

5. … Where people take no personal responsibility for their own spiritual growth a stalled church becomes more likely.

6. … When preaching, teaching and Bible study become ends in themselves rather than means to an end, something is badly wrong.

7. A church becomes afraid to ask radical questions … The danger is that people start to equate serving the church with living out the gospel. Few churches regularly evaluate every aspect of church life against their core vision.

8. Confusing Christian activities with discipleship …

9. Not understanding how to release and encourage everyone in the church to use their spiritual gifts for the building up of the church … There are two types of DNA in churches. One type of church says ‘we exist to have our personal spiritual needs met’, the other ‘we exist to impact our locality and the world with the gospel of the grace of God in Christ’. The first type is a stalled church.

10. … No church was stalled at the point that it was founded. At the beginning all churches were adventures in faith and daring risk for God. No one actively decided for comfort over risk, but at some point the mindset shifted from uncomfortable faith and daring passion for the Lord to comfortable mediocrity … The mantra of the maintenance mindset is ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’. But just like buying shoes for growing children, if structures don’t take account of future growth then fellowships end up stunted and deformed.

Marcus leads Living Leadership and the author Finding Joy   and Meltdown  .

Seven Leadership Questions Teams Should Be Asking

I encourage every ALC Ministry Team and Leader to ask the hard questions!  Let's impact the world in 2010!  

#1 – What do we need to stop doing?

Leadership teams are often obsessed with new things they need to do…but what about things that need to STOP being done?

• Is there ANYTHING in your church that you are having to manufacture energy for?
• Is there anything that you attend ONLY because you are on staff…and not because you are genuinely excited about it?
• Why do you do the things you do…because you’ve always done them, or because you know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus has commanded you to do them?

#2 – What bothers us about our church?

Look at your own church.  (Unfortunately people are REALLY awesome and saying what bothers them about other churches…only because looking at their own church would force them to handle their own dysfunctional leadership issues!)

What bothers you?  Seriously…what about your own church drives you up the wall?  THAT is where changing the world begins…if we can’t handle business at home then how in the world would we ever believe that God would trust us with greater things?

(By the way…if the thing that bothers you about your church is, “these people just don’t get it” and you’ve been there for over three years…then that problem isn’t THEIR problem…it’s YOURS because they are following YOUR leadership!)

#3 – What bothers us about our community?

What is the biggest need in the community where your church is?  Where can the biggest difference than can be made?  What bothers/burdens you about your city?  God didn’t place us where we are so we can just pray about it…He has called us to take action.

#4 – What bothers us about the world?

God has called us to reach the world for Him…so, as a church…what BOTHERS you the most about what is happening in the world?  Is it human trafficking?  Is it AIDS?  Is it poverty?  Is it a lack of food and clothes in other nations?  Is it people needing access to clean water?  Is it kids with no parents?  What is it that BURDENS you…find out as a church and the DIVE IN to meeting a need that absolutely STIRS your SOUL to action.

#5 – How can we do things better?

One of the biggest pitfalls of a church is when they believe they have discovered the best way of doing something…thus causing them to switch into cruise control.

#6 – Who do we need to be talking to?

Churches should learn from one another.  I’ve said it before…our job should be to complete one another, not compete with one another.  Saying that…who are the churches you need to learn from?  (I didn’t say imitate…I said learn from!)  By the way…learning from other churches doens’t happen by chance/accident…it must be an intentional effort.

#7 – What’s next?

When a church becomes content with the way things are…it’s over!!!  Leaders should NEVER apologize for getting in a room and asking “what if” questions in regards to vision.

-adapted from Perry Noble's Leadership Lesson

Colossal Spiritual Climate Shift @ ALC!

Today, I have been reflecting about the recent amazing ALC Worship Experiences.  Our inspirational DREAM statement concludes with our vision to experience the "manifest presence of God" at every gathering.  It has been apparent that the Spirit of God has been available to His people in an authentic way.

This past weekend, we were blessed with record attendance and powerful baptism experiences.  I will never forget the beautiful public confession that one of our baptismal candidates had written to precede her baptism.  In fact, we are thinking about asking every future candidate to write a short public confession to be read preceding baptism.  That would be absolutely powerful...don't you think? 

This past Sunday was truly historic!  From the opening worship song to the closing prayer, we experienced God in fresh ways.  Pastor Anthony Mangun challenged us to consecrate our homes.  I have received heart-warming reports about the special time of communion that our ALC Lifer's have had with their families this week.  I strongly encourage each of you to connect your home to what God is doing in the church by leading your family in a time of consecration and communion.  (You can pick up communion supplies at the Information Center at ALC)  I believe we are experiencing a colossal shift in the spiritual climate of our church family.  I am confident that this weekend's events will lead us even closer to our divine destiny!  I'd love to see you and your family at our Prayer Gathering on Saturday (@noon) and on Sunday for Worship.  Bishop T.F. Tenney will be our guest speaker.

I'm living and loving His DREAM!

The Weight On My Shoulders

Erma Bombeck wrote:  "Then God molded long legs and broad shoulders. The angel nearby said "Do You realize You just made a father without a lap? How will he pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?" God smiled, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."  

My father has always had strong shoulders.  Recently I was visiting my hometown, the "Ground Zero" of his battle with cancer.  When I pulled into the driveway, I was greeted by my Queen Mother and led into the war zone where my father was engaged in the fight.  As I turned the corner, my attention was drawn to the man in the corner of the ring.  For just a moment, I could almost hear the bell ring and hear the announcer say..."And now in this corner, David Hennigan, ready...fight!" Upon reaching his side, I knelt down and gave my Dad, a hug.  

I wasn't prepared for that moment in my heart.  It wasn't something I had ever considered in the realm of possibility.  What is going on?  My Dad's shoulders are not supposed to change!  An enormous tide of emotions overwhelmed me.  That moment only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity.  My hero, my strength, my mentor, my friend, my Dad's shoulders were noticeably weakened by the heavy burden he has carried for years.  During this battle against cancer, I am often asked about my Dad.  When asked how my father is doing, my immediate response now is..."weaker frame, stronger heart!"  

For years, my father's broad shoulders have carried me, Mom, Miquell, Eva, Gibson, a great church, and anything else he could get his big hands around.  There is a "legacy" on his shoulders and in that moment...I sensed it's weight.  I felt my shoulders grow.  Something happened in my spirit that is beyond explanation.  

I don't know too many people who could give cancer the fight that my parents are giving. The discipline, valor, and courage that my parents are displaying is truly inspiring. Every hour of the day seems filled with another treatment, organic meal, IV session, or nutraceutical concoction.  It is a mind-numbing regimen.  I have watched my mother and father handle it all with confidence and class.  I give honor to my Parents!  

Today, I took a moment to look out the rear and side-view mirrors of my life. Where have I come from?  Where am I going?  How am I doing on the journey? There are a few facts... I am a 36 year old, husband, father, son, and Pastor.  I often feel the "weight" that each role adds to my shoulders.  Many days I wonder if I can carry the load.  Miquell, Eva, and Gib must find strength and resolve in my spirit.  My wife needs a shoulder to lean on and my kids need a shoulder to hold tight when other things seem fleeting.  

The church I Pastor is filled with amazing people.  God has blown our minds the last few years.  There is a paradox of being a "Pastor" that is often overwhelming. The moment you find yourself thinking..."were on track", "everything is coming together", "that family is rock-solid", "God just sent us help"... and then life happens, the people that you worked tirelessly to show the love of Christ to just walks away from the church (Yes, I know its not personal, but it still feels personal!), and within weeks you can experience an array of emotions that can leave even the most prayerful Pastor discouraged.  There are just times when the "weight" seems overwhelming.  However, I am feeling my shoulders getting stronger.  

Dad - I'm certain there is no one any stronger in the world than you.  We can win this fight!

Mom - You're strength is a showcase for the God you faithfully serve.

Miquell - I think I have my Dad's shoulders.  You can lean on me!

Eva - I'll carry you on one side.

Gib - I'll carry you on the other.

ALC - God put us all together to reach this city.  Let's stand shoulder to shoulder!

Scott Wesley Brown wrote a song many years ago that has been on my mind lately.  I hope you hear these lyrics speak to weight you are carrying also…

There is no problem too big

God cannot solve

There is no mountain too tall

He cannot move

There is no storm too dark

God cannot calm

There is no sorrow too deep 

He cannot soothe

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my brother that He will carry you

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my sister that He will carry you

God is molding strong shoulders on me.  The weight is often heavy but we trust God through it all. My earthly Father is strongest man I have ever known.  If my Dad's shoulders are that strong, I can only imagine how strong my Heavenly Father's shoulders must be.  I pray that you feel the weight that is on your shoulders being shifted from you to your Father.  I must confess...the shoulders seem stronger and the burden seems lighter.  

Choosing to cheat changed my life!

We are giving away copies of this book to every man who walks through our doors on Sunday.  It is our "investment" into the lives of the men who have trusted us to adventure with them on this great adventure with God.  

I read this book several years ago and it impacted everything in my life as a young husband and father.   I have a vision to see the men who call ALC "home" become great fathers, husbands, and leaders.  

If you are planning to be in a Worship Experience on Sunday at ALC, please get your copy!  Let's have a great Father's Day!  I look forward to the message I am preparing to speak!  

Gonna get my preach on.

Jeff