Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 324

Seven Habits of Joyful Pastors

I have in front of me the names of twenty pastors I know well. It did not take me long to assemble the names by the specific trait I was seeking. Simply said, I wanted to find out what names I would write if I were looking for pastors who are joyful. The list was simple, easy, and fun. Just noting each of their names brought a smile to my face.

Yes, I understand that such an exercise is highly subjective. I would not put my evidence before the rigors of scientific research. But I still think the results are worthy of note.

Having gathered the names, I then asked these questions: Why do I think each of these pastors is joyful? More specifically, what traits do I see in them that illustrate the joy that they have? I noted seven such traits.

They read their Bible daily. Their time in the Word is above and beyond sermon preparation time or teaching preparation time. They make certain they read and study the Bible for their own edification and spiritual growth.
They have a daily prayer time. All of them have quiet times alone with God. Many of them include their spouses in additional prayer times. They feel they cannot be the servants that God has called them to be unless they are in regular conversations with the God they serve.
They put their family time on their calendars. I mean that literally. They make certain that their children and spouses have time with them. Most of them have regular dates with their spouses and specific plans for their children each week.
They have a long-term perspective. These pastors understand that the criticism of today will be a non-issue tomorrow. They don’t feel the need to make disruptive changes because they have the luxury of an incremental pace. And they tend to develop rich relationships with members in the church because they plan to be around awhile.
They love to work with and help other churches. They have no sense of competition with other churches in the community. Indeed, they willingly and gladly work alongside them. They have great relationships with fellow pastors who serve in the same ministry area.
They have a great sense of humor. I have spoken to each of the twenty pastors on my list on numerous occasions. It is rare for our conversations to end without some healthy laughter. These pastors take their ministries seriously, but they don’t take themselves too seriously. They are willing and eager to laugh at themselves.
They rarely blame others or their circumstances. These pastors never have a victim mentality. They take responsibility for their ministries and others. It is rare to hear them complain or engage in conversations about the inadequacies of others or the rotten situation they encountered.

The Apostle Paul wrote from a prison to the Philippian church: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!” (4:4, HCSB). His joy was not dependent on his circumstances. His joy was not measured by successes of human metrics. His joy was simply but profoundly in the Lord. So it is with these pastors.

They represent churches in fifteen states. They serve in churches as small as 75 in attendance and as large as multiple thousands. Some have been in very difficult situations, while others have not. Regardless of their lot, they have all found joy in the Lord. The seven traits above are both the result of their joy and the cause of it.

These pastors are my heroes. I need to learn so much more from them.

A Bible Reading Strategy for 2014

By Chuck Lawless

I struggled for years to find a Bible reading plan that works for me. A few years ago, though, I developed a plan that now works well for me. I share that strategy not because I think it’s a perfect one (it’s not), but because I hope it helps you think about reading through the Word in 2014. Here are the steps I follow:

I purchase a new study Bible each year. A good study Bible is not inexpensive, but it can help you understand the Word without requiring other devotional resources. Look for one with good introductions to the books of the Bible and strong study notes that accompany the text.  If you don’t have a copy, consider the HCSB Study Bible .
I choose a daily reading plan from an online source. My preference is to follow a plan that includes both Old Testament and New Testament readings each day. My goal is to read the entire Bible each year, but you may choose a different plan. Be sure to read daily, even if your plan does not take you through the whole Bible in a year.
Each year, I prayerfully choose a set of topics to study throughout the year. This step is the one that has been most important to me, as these topics guide my reading. In the past, some of these topics have been prayer, spiritual warfare, evangelism, and missions. I always remain open to studying other topics as I read through the Bible, but I especially watch for texts that speak to my selected themes for the year.
I purchase a new set of Bible highlighters for the year (preferably Zebrite highlighters that are less likely to bleed through Bible pages). I then assign one highlighter color to each of the chosen topics, and I note the colors/topics on the inside cover of my Bible. In 2014, my plan is to study the topics of holiness, leadership, and the Holy Spirit. Thus, the inside cover of my 2014 study Bible will show:

Highlights in green: holiness
Highlights in pink: leadership
Highlights in blue: Holy Spirit
Highlights in yellow: other topics or notes that just grab my attention during my reading (sometimes these topics become my studies in future years)

As I read each day, I watch for texts or notes related to the above topics. I highlight the text, pause to meditate on it, prayerfully consider how it might apply to my life, and perhaps write a few notes in the margin to help me reinforce the application.
With each highlighted text, I pray briefly in response to what God teaches me. Prayer ought to be our natural response when the Word of God becomes so real to us.
At the end of the year, I then have a study Bible with every text related to particular topics highlighted. Whenever I teach on those given topics, I simply pull that Bible off the shelf and use it as a resource. Remember, the notes on the inside cover quickly show me what topics are highlighted in that Bible.

Here is why this approach works for me. First, it’s a plan; that is, I know each day what I will read. If I wait until that day to determine the reading, it’s too easy to get busy and neglect reading. Second, I enter the text excited about what God might show me that day. I don’t always find something related directly to the chosen topics, but I can always find something that teaches me (and would thus be highlighted in yellow). I love reading the Bible with the knowledge that God speaks through His Word.

Third, this approach gives me a resource for later use. The highlights allow me to do a quick topical review on a number of themes studied through the years. Fourth, it’s just nice to finish the year knowing I’ve reached the goal of strategically reading the Word. Imagine, for example, a Bible with every text about holiness—from Genesis to Revelation—highlighted in green. I can already imagine how my heart will be challenged in this next year!

What is your plan for reading the Word in 2014? What Bible reading strategies have worked for you?

Chuck Lawless currently serves as Professor of Evangelism and Missions and Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Seminary.

You can connect with Dr. Lawless on both Twitter and Facebook.

Seven of the Greatest Stressors on Pastors

Most pastors love their calling. Most pastors could not imagine doing anything else. Most pastors have joy in their ministries. I want to be clear that I don’t view pastors as a depressed, melancholy, and forlorn lot.  Most pastors would not come close to fitting that description.

But every pastor has points of stress. Indeed everyone has points of stress, including leaders of churches, organizations, and families. Pastors are not immune from stressors in life and ministry.

I hear from pastors almost every day. Indeed, I can’t remember a day since the advent of social media that I have not heard from a pastor. Some of these ministers gladly share their struggles with me. I am grateful. That means that these pastors trust me and view me as one who cares for them. They are right.

And though I did not do a formal tabulation of all the pieces of correspondence from pastors, I can share with you, with some level of confidence, seven of the greatest stressors on pastors. Indeed, I share them in the order of frequency I have heard them.

Giving their families deserved time. In reality, no pastor has a day off. It is a 24/7 call where the next phone call or email means a dramatic change in their priorities. Deaths, accidents, and emergencies know no clock or holidays or vacation. Pastors are often required to leave their families to meet those needs. And pastors worry about their families and their needs.
An unhappy spouse. No one can serve in a church or do any job with joy if their spouse is unhappy. The pastor is certainly not exempt from that stressor. Some of the unhappiness of pastors’ spouses is related to the first stressor noted. Some of it is related to the next stressor on the list. And still other times, spouses are expected to fill roles in the church because of who they married, not because they are equipped or desirous to do so.
The glass house. One pastor wrote me that he struggles greatly because several church members have clear expectations about what clothes his wife and children wear, how the kids behave, and even what school they should attend. Other pastors have less severe cases of the glass house, but any level of this syndrome is uncomfortable.
Lacking competencies in key areas. The ideal pastor is a great leader, psychologist, counselor, financial manager, orator, teacher, conflict manager, human resources professional, and strategist. No pastor is great in every area. Many pastors feel stress because they know more is expected of them in areas where they are not very strong.
Personal financial needs. Many pastors feel financial stress because they do not make sufficient income to meet their families’ needs. The pastor who worries about paying the bills is the pastor who cannot focus on the ministry and the people of the church.
Responding to criticisms. All leaders are and will be criticized. Pastors are no exception. The challenge that pastors and other leaders have is how to respond appropriately to criticism. Some critics should be heard. Some should be heeded. Others need to be ignored. It is often difficult to know which approach to take.
Lack of a confidant. Pastors need a pastor. Pastors need someone who can be their confidant. Pastors need someone who will not judge them when they let off steam or complain about unhealthy situations and people. Very few pastors have such a friend or confidant. All of them need one.

Everyone has stressors. Everyone has problems of some magnitude. The pastor is no exception. And during holiday seasons, stress is often magnified and multiplied. Consider this Christmas season praying a bit more for your pastor. Consider taking time to say a kind word or write an encouraging note to your pastor. Or consider doing something for your pastor’s family.

Stress will not go away. But maybe those of us who truly love and care for our pastors can do something this season to help make the stress less of a burden for these who have been called by God.

It may be the best Christmas gift you give this season.

Pray for FBC Douglas

Location: Douglas, Arizona

Pastor: Mike Lingenfelter

Worship Time: 9:30 & 10:45 AM Mountain Time

Fast Facts: First Baptist Church of Douglas is one of the four churches on the only block in the world with a church on each corner. This church is over 100 years old and is located only blocks from the international border separating the United States and Mexico. Their desire is to see the local congregation and community grow spiritually and pursue God wholeheartedly. Please pray for the congregation and specifically the leadership of First Baptist Church as they transition their leadership structure.

Website: FBCDouglasAZ.org

“Pray for . . .” is the Sunday blog series at ThomRainer.com. We encourage you to pray for these churches noted every Sunday. Please feel free to comment that you are praying as well.

If you would like to have your church featured in the “Pray for…” series, download this information form and return it to the address on the form.

When a Pastor Receives an Anonymous Letter . . .

Note to readers: A dear friend of mine sent me a copy of this email he sent to his pastor this week. Anonymous letters and emails and attacks through the social media are hard to take. I love this layman’s perspective. And I can tell he truly loves his pastor. Rather than see his words as a theological treatise, view it from the perspective of his great love and concern for the pastor of his church.

Dear Pastor:

Earlier this morning, I had the best time talking with a Friend of yours while enjoying a cup of Earl Grey hot tea and reading my Bible. It turned out that He was not only your Advocate, but He is the Lamb of God who is the Lord of Hosts and the Shepherd of Souls.

I told Him that my beloved pastor has been unjustly attacked by someone from within His church using an unsigned inflammable letter, and that it brings disruption to a great preacher at the very time of the Christmas season when Jesus Christ is to be exalted. He said, “Don’t worry. Herod tried to stop Me a few thousand years ago and it didn’t work then either!” He made it clear that He is the Head of the Church and can be counted on as a Faithful and True Witness to our Heavenly Father, regardless of any false reports generated from the enemy through his minions hiding in the bushes as wolves and false teachers.

He reminded me that He is the Alpha and Omega that will keep things in order on a steady Rock that does not move. But when He does move, the demons know He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and His Word is far more powerful than any feeble roar coming from the Father of Lies. His whisper is louder than a thousand waterfalls.

He is said to be rooted in the True Vine because this time of year is one to celebrate the Messiah’s birth, He who came as a Mediator for all of humanity. He reminded me of the Truth of that great day when He was born. That is the reason for Christmas.

Shadows go away when the Light of the World is turned on. Demons beg for mercy as they shudder. Roaches run for darkness. And gutless people who write unsigned letters – well, they need to be very careful! The Good Shepherd will protect His flock and His called and anointed ones of God, and will be their Savior because He is the Author and Finisher of Our Faith. Lions and bears cannot hurt the flock because the Good Shepherd has a powerful rod and staff that He uses to protect them. Ain’t no valleys or shadows of death they have to worry about! Just ask David.

He reminded me that He has the authority and access to turn to our Everlasting Father who is the Almighty God and request help on your behalf as the Captain of Hosts, commanding a great army of very powerful angels. He made it clear that He was the Image of the Invisible God while He walked about on earth, but when He went back to sit at the right hand of power in Heaven, the Holy Spirit came as a paraclete to be the invisible God filling us with peace, joy, love, and a host of other great things, especially during this season of celebration.

In other words, He is the Anchor of our souls, and on mornings like this He is the Bright Morning Star. Even when the shadows from clouds bringing rain get in the way, He is still in charge. We can set our cups on the Chief Cornerstone and find them to run over from His blessings. They will spill over into the saucers.

Today as you serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, knowing that He is our Redeemer, you also know He will Anchor you and care for you and your wife and your family because He really is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! He is our God! That should put a Dayspring in your step and make your heart know that the Prince of Peace ordered this message to be sent to you simply because He loves you. His name is Jesus, and He is our Emmanuel. He was a Wonderful Counselor and made the morning brighten as the Son of Man encouraged me on the back porch. It was like talking to the very Son of God!

Just give Him a call if you need to hear the rest of the conversation. Simply ask for Jesus Christ and He will connect you directly with the Most High God. It is awesome!!!

And by the way, “Merry Christmas to you and all you love!”

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener – Rainer on Leadership #034

Podcast Episode #034

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It doesn’t matter where you work; there will always be challenges. Too often, we run from one challenge to a place where the grass looks greener only to discover another challenge. Many times, we would be better served to accept our current challenge instead of running from it because the next move never eradicates the issues automatically.

So what should you consider before leaving a job or accepting another offer? Before you make any career move, I recommend these six steps.

Pray about it.
Talk to your family.
Talk to a close personal friend.
Measure the opportunity.
Measure your giftedness.
Look at the opportunity God has presented to you and make a decision.

 

Episode Sponsor

This week’s podcast is brought to you by Ministry Grid, a leadership training platform which just launched on 11/12/13. Ministry Grid features more than 1,500 videos, including 200 free videos, and is fully customizable to the needs of your church with the option for you to add content, create tracks for different ministries, and track the progress of participants. Ministry Grid offers training for all areas of ministry from the parking lot to the pulpit. It’s training made simple. For more information and to check out dozens of free videos or to visit the blog, go to ministrygrid.com.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free autographed copy of I Am a Church Member.

Friday Is for Freebies: A Gift for You and a Friend

This week’s giveaway includes a pair of black and tan simulated leather HCSB Study Bibles. You get one for yourself and one to give to a friend for Christmas.

This comprehensive, easy to read, and easy to use Bible, contains features and formats specifically designed to enhance your Bible study experience. You can also go to MyStudyBible.com and dive right in for a complete digital experience.

This Bible has a retail price of $69.99 and features 15,000 study notes, 290 Hebrew and Greek word studies, 66 highly detailed book introductions, 62 maps, 27 topical articles, 20 charts, and 18 illustrations, all focusing on the most important topics and questions in Bible study.

Enter this week’s Friday Is for Freebies giveaway

To enter this week’s giveaway, fill out the form below. Entries will be closed at midnight Saturday night. We will contact the winner via email on Monday morning. Names and addresses are deleted each week and are just used to select a winner.

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After submitting your entry, you will be directed back to the ThomRainer.com homepage. By entering, you acknowledge and accept the terms of the promotion.

Notable Voices – December 12, 2013

An Interview with Selma Wilson, President of B&H Publishing — Ed Stetzer

Selma Wilson is one of the key people on our leadership team here at LifeWay. We are so blessed to have her running our book and Bible publishing division. Ed has a great interview with her on her journey, leadership, and being a woman leader in an industry predominantly run by men.

 

Two Transitions Every Growing Church Must Face — Tony Morgan

If a church is growing, there will undoubtedly be growing pains along the way. Tony points out two leadership decisions that every growing church will face.

 

7 Ways Social Media Makes Pastoring More Difficult — Mike Leake

On my podcast I’ve discussed several ways social media can make the job of a pastor easier. Sometimes that is not always the case though. Mike lists seven ways social media can actually make pastoring harder.

 

5 Habits That Reveal You’re a Prideful Leader (And 5 Keys to Humility) — Carey Nieuwhof

Self-examination should be done by everyone—not just leaders. We would all do well to examine ourselves for these five signs that reveal you’ve become a prideful leader.

 

Wanted: The Perfect Pastor — David Murray

I think we all know there is no such thing as the perfect pastor. If you don’t, you’re going to end up quite disappointed. But if there was such a thing as the perfect pastor, David shares what that might look like.

 

Letting Pastors Be Real — Christianity Today

In this interview with Christianity Today, Dale Pyne, president of Peacemakers Ministries, shares some of the pressures which tempt pastors and what it takes to finish well.

Six Ways Millennials Are Shaping the Church

Every new generation influences society in profound ways. Every new generation also affects churches in America. The Millennial generation is no different.

Those adults and youth born between 1980 and 2000 are large in number, nearly 80 million. They are the largest generation in America, and they will continue to shape much of what takes place in our nation. They are also setting the tone for American churches today.

I have written about Millennials extensively, so I thought it might be helpful for me to share some key ways this generation is already shaping the church. Here are six of the most profound shifts.

There are fewer of them in church than previous generations. By our estimates, only 15 percent of the Millennials are Christians. No more than 20 percent of them are attending church once a month or more. While there are many Millennials in total, only one of five is in church today.
The Millennials’ desires for relationships are affecting the churches they choose to attend. They will only go to churches where they can easily connect with others. Unlike the Boomers, they refuse to be worship-only attendees. They desire to be in more relational settings. Churches with healthy groups will be very attractive to Millennials.
This generation is doctrinally serious. At least the Christians among the Millennials care deeply about doctrine. More and more Millennial Christians will be in churches that are deeper in doctrine both from the preaching and within the groups of the church.
The Millennials are intensely community focused. They are more likely to be in a church where the leadership and the congregation care about and are involved in the community they serve. They are refusing to be a part of a church that acts largely in isolation.
This generation is already affecting the size of the worship gathering. As I noted in my earlier post, worship centers will be smaller. The Millennials are at the forefront of this facility revolution. They will eschew large worship services for more informal and smaller gatherings.
The Millennials will check the facts of church life. When the preacher states a historical fact, many Millennials will check its historical accuracy on their smartphone within seconds. They will look at church budgets with an eye for missional impact. This generation is somewhat of a doubting generation, and they have the resources to check anything said or offered by churches.

I have said on more than one occasion the Millennial Christians, although relatively small in number, will be great in influence in American congregations. We are already seeing that reality. And from my perspective, many of the changes they are bringing to churches are healthy and exciting.

What do you think about these six shaping influences? How are Millennials impacting your church?

12 Characteristics of Effective Team Members

By Chuck Lawless

I love the way God puts His church together. In an amazing way, He gives us brothers and sisters who serve alongside us, model obedience, pray for us, and challenge us to lead them faithfully. God allows us to be a team that is corporately much stronger than any of us is individually.

In more than three decades of ministry, I’ve been privileged to serve with some of God’s finest people. Some have been lay leaders, and others have been clergy; all who come to mind have been servants of Christ. When I think of them, I am reminded of the traits that most characterized them.

It is these characteristics that I would want in any leadership team. Meet my friends here, and think about the traits you want in your leadership team.

Humility.  Rich is a Bible study teacher who annually led his group to grow and then plant new groups. He is a great teacher who is himself teachable. He has no personal “turf” to protect, as he knows the work of the kingdom is not about him.
Word-saturated. Matt is quiet – an introvert who thinks deeply. Ask him about the Word, though, and he lights up. He has for years memorized the Word, and his life models what is in his heart. I still use Matt’s method for my own memorization.
Brokenness. He was a tough, rugged man prior to his conversion, but Glenn changed completely when the Lord grabbed his heart. Brokenness over his sin brought him to nothing . . . where he learned that God would use him in his weakness.
Prayerfulness. I anticipated a great meal with this couple. After all, Ruby was a country cook, and Jim a truck driver who surely enjoyed a strong breakfast. What they gave me, though, was a quick bowl of cereal – and an hour of prayer. For months, we followed this pattern each week.
Dependability.  John was just a quiet man who offered to do whatever our congregation needed. Indeed, few people knew how much he did behind the scenes. As his pastor, I knew I could depend on him to do anything we asked (and do it well).
Holiness. I wish you could meet David and Laura. They’re one of the godliest young couples I’ve ever met. They simply model obedience in word and deed. As their leader, I knew God would bless their efforts because they so trust Him.
Risk-taking. Sometimes God gives us someone who thinks outside the lines while staying within biblical parameters. Brian was such a team member for me. He stretched my thinking, but that’s exactly what I needed.
Integrity. Leaders often learn the hard way that not everyone can be trusted. But, God sends us team members who show us that godly integrity still exists. Randy did that for me. He speaks the truth, but he does so in love. I’ve never questioned the veracity of his words, nor have I doubted his heart.
Teachability. Sonney and Christie were loyal members of the first church I led. They freely admitted their need to learn more, to continue to grow in their knowledge and faithfulness. They made pastoring enjoyable when their eyes lit up with increased gospel understanding.
Knowledgeable. None of these traits precludes our responsibility to know and understand in our faith journey. I think of Tim, who is a brilliant theologian, an experienced practitioner, and an effective leader. He can defend his faith with the most capable critic, but he can also share the gospel with the smallest child.
Fun. Ministry is hard and serious, but we should experience the joy of God in our work. My colleague, Jamie, and I laugh often – sometimes “just because,” it seems. I also think of Tina, a team member who carried out her heavy responsibilities with a unique sense of enjoyment and fun.
Reproducibility. The best team members I’ve worked with are those who raise up leaders to follow them. Shirley has always been an excellent teacher, but she has focused on training others who can then train more. She understands that her work continues only if she is willing to think beyond herself.

Look again at these traits: humility, Word-saturated, brokenness, prayerfulness, dependability, holiness, risk-taking, integrity, teachability, knowledgeable, fun, reproducibility. God graciously gives us people who model these traits. These brothers and sisters challenge us to be strong leaders – leaders who walk with God in gratitude and dependence even as we grow in our own leadership capacity.

Are there other traits you would want in your leadership team? Any traits you would remove from this list?

Chuck Lawless currently serves as Professor of Evangelism and Missions and Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Seminary.

You can connect with Dr. Lawless on both Twitter and Facebook.