| — | Warren Wiersbe commenting on Philippians 3:12-14 (http://esv.to/Pp3.12-14) in On Being a Servant of God. You need your own copy of this book! |
Summary
Seven Practices of Effective Ministry targets leaders serving in church ministry. Andy Stanley is named as an author, but the primary contributors are Lane Jones (pastor of Browns Bridge Community Church) and Reggie Joiner (founder and CEO of reThink Group and executive director of family ministries at North Point Community Church). The book is written in the form of a leadership fable, (think Patrick Lencioni - The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Death by Meeting). It is comprised of two parts - the first half is a story, and the second half details and explains the principles discussed in the story.
Evaluation
The first half is engaging, but most leaders reading this for insight will probably take quick notes on the fable and spend more time in the application portion. Church leaders will do well to heed the warning presented that adding to any system, instead of upgrading the system, produces fragmentation and conflict. The second half of the book details out the seven principles the team at North Point has compiled and use in their ministry. The steps provided give any competent leader the tools needed to evaluate their work.
Application
This book is practical and deserves a place on any church leader’s bookshelf. It should also be required reading for interns and new hires in ministry. Some books are read and placed on a shelf or sold, never to be read again. Seven Practices of Effective Ministry will not be one of those books.
| — | J. Robert Clinton |
My three-year old son just entered my office and declared, “Emma hit my head, just like this - bang, bang bang,” as he demonstrated with his hand what she did. She informed us (from the next room) that in reality, he was the one who had hit her (with his latest favorite utensil - a spatula, which he alternatively calls a spatula, statue and statula).
Why do I share this story?
Because it reminds me of the many times I have sat in a meeting, or been part of a discussion where accusations were made. The person begins leveling their accusation and they declare exactly what it is the other person has done to offend them. Most of the time, the other person (who is sometimes me) looks in disbelief as they are accused of doing what this person has been guilty of themselves.
Everyone is guilty of this. When asked we were speeding, we point out the person who passed us and ask why they aren’t getting a ticket, etc. The problem is, we don’t want to acknowledge our own offense, so we deflect. This is what Adam did in the garden, so why are we surprised? (look at Genesis 3)
So, when someone comes to me and says, “this person has been doing thus-and-so,” I often think they are probably guilty of that very thing themselves.
Why does this matter?
Because Christians are called to a higher standard. Jesus was accused of subversion, tax evasion and treason (Luke 23:2). Paul refused to argue with his accusers (Acts 24:12). We are not to accuse falsely, even when we are falsely accused (1 Peter 2:12). In the end, the accuser of the brethren (Satan) will be cast down (Rev. 12:10).
Don’t accuse people. And don’t be surprised when you are accused falsely. Remember your position in Christ and count it worthy to share in his suffering (1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Pet. 3:14-17).
Lessons from the Last Supper as the disciples were prepared for Acts 2. Do you want to see Acts 2 happen in your ministry? Then you need an upper room where you learn to leave behind the baggage that will hinder your ministry. Here are six items you need to lose as a leader:
Which of these is a bags you have brought into your leadership? Get rid of it. Spend some time with Jesus learning his ways!
(Taken from a Matt Wilmington lesson on leadership)
